Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
His eyes open wide, his surprise evident. I understand. I’m not sure what possessed me to include him in my tiny circle, but my gut tells me it’s true. He gave me a place to stay, allows me to help at the bar he manages, lets me paint in his house, and most importantly, he kept Preston away. Not to mention, he threatened him on my behalf.
Yes, I can trust Maddox James.
I also want him. Want him to kiss me without reservation this time. Want to see his muscled, sexy body naked and aroused for me, and to feel his warmth on my skin.
I want him to take my virginity.
There is so much he can show me, teach me, and make me feel. Though I know, even if I convince Maddox to let himself go, this thing between us can only be temporary. He’s already listed his reasons he isn’t right for me.
Even if I know he’s wrong.
Despite the obstacles, I won’t be deterred. I meet his hooded gaze and see the desire in his eyes. He’s feeling the same need.
“Maddox? Are you going to push me away again?” I ask in a whisper.
A long moment passes, and I wait, anxious and nervous. I can’t handle another rejection, but I’ll never regret putting myself out there. I sense he’ll be worth it.
A low growl sounds from inside him, and he finally caves, lowering his head, his mouth inches from mine.
“I want you, Gabby.”
My heart explodes with happiness, and with the feeling of déjà vu inside me, I rise onto my toes and press my lips against his, sliding my tongue inside his mouth. The hands on my shoulders moved to my hips and then he’s lifting me without breaking the kiss. I wrap my legs around his waist, and somehow, he walks us through the house and toward his bedroom, stopping only to lay me down on the bed.
He leans over me and braces his arms on either side of my head. “And you’re right. You can trust me.”
I glance up at him and know I have to be honest. “Then you should know something before we go any further.”
He presses his lips to mine, ignoring my words for a long kiss, one that almost has me forgetting what I need to say.
“What is it?” he asks as he rises and lifts the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head, revealing the gorgeous, tanned chest I’ve dreamed about touching.
I hope my next words don’t put an end to my daydreams.
“I’m a virgin.”
* * *
Maddox
Gabby’s words echo in my ears. “You’re…what?” I shake my head. “Never mind. Stupid question. I heard you.” I just can’t believe it. I noticed her innocence in some things, but don’t most women have sex in college?
“Surprise! I was waiting for the right man.” Her cheeks flush pink in embarrassment, and she rolls to her side in an attempt to scramble off the bed.
I stop her, flipping her onto her back again. “Hold up. You didn’t give me a chance to respond.”
“Maybe I don’t want to hear you tell me, you’re sorry but it’s too much responsibility.”
I blow out a rough breath. A smarter man would let her go. A man who wasn’t feeling so protective of her would do the same. But I can’t. Despite how fast it’s happened, she’s gotten under my skin. If anyone is going to be her first, it will be me. My age, experience, and our socio-economic differences be damned.
“You aren’t too much responsibility. You’re exactly the woman I want.”
She blinks, her pretty green eyes and her expression holding a mix of surprise and pleasure. “That’s quite a change from the man who said, this kiss was a mistake.”
“Because it wasn’t.” And I can’t contain my grin because the other thing I enjoy is her mix of sweetness and sass.
“Good to know—” she starts to say.
I cut her off with a kiss. I slide my tongue between her lips and position myself on top of her once more, taking my time to devour her and learn every sweet inch of her mouth. With a moan, she slides her fingers through my hair and holds me in place, the kiss going on longer than I ever spent just making out. And not just because I want to make tonight good for her, which I do, but this moment means something to me, too.
Taking my time, I move away from her mouth and press slow kisses down her neck, along her collarbone, her body trembling with desire.
“I didn’t know,” she murmurs, her fingers still threading through my hair.
“What?”
She kisses my jaw, and my cock grows harder. “That my body had so many erogenous zones.”
“It does. And I bet I can find more.” Sliding my hands up her sides, I caress her soft skin, then grab the hem of the flimsy camisole, lift it over her head, and toss the garment onto the floor.