“It’s only nine thirty. I hate to take you home so early.”

Avery hesitated. “Is Trip home?”

Grey turned toward her, wearing a smirk. “It’s Saturday night, Bambi. Have you met Trip?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I guess I’d thought his womanizing was largely an act.”

“Nope.” Grey shook his head. “I doubt he’ll be home before sunrise.”

“I can’t believe he hasn’t burned through the female population by now.” Avery chuckled in wonderment. “I mean, it’s a darn small town.”

“Maybe he keeps some kind of rotating schedule.” Grey shrugged. He reached for her hand, his eyes focused completely, and heatedly, on her. “I don’t really want to discuss Trip right now, do you?”

“I suppose not.” She couldn’t take him to her house, a major source of conflict between them. Worse, Andy might be home. Most importantly, home was her sanctuary, and she wouldn’t let him in there prematurely. Still, she noted the anticipation in his expression. “Can we go to your place for a while?”

Grey’s eyes flashed with excitement and relief. “There’s nothing I’d like more.”

Chapter Sixteen

Avery fidgeted with the ties of her wrap dress while waiting for Grey to return from a quick trip outside with Shaman. Spending so much time near him today made her hot and restless, just like she’d felt the first time she’d seen him.

Now, despite the fact that she’d never slept with any guy on a first date, she was standing in Grey’s living room considering it. More than considering, actually—fantasizing.

Then again, nothing about the day or evening had seemed like a first date. Working with Grey this spring had already established a rhythm of conversation and a level of trust. Today he’d listened without judgment and still wanted her.

Playing it safe had never kept her from getting hurt. Tonight Avery wanted to act on unbridled desire without fear of consequence.

Resolved, she marched into Grey’s bedroom and sat on the edge of his bed—his very neatly made bed. She scooted back and tested its firmness before leaning down to seek his scent among his pillows. Sadly, his bedding smelled like fabric softener instead of his unique mix of testosterone and grape candy. She then noticed a new pillar candle sitting on top of his nightstand, and a book of matches at the ready.

Fresh sheets. Candlelight. Had he been planning a seduction? Rather than feeling indignant, she decided to push past her comfort zone and take the reins.

Her heart fluttered a bit as she lit the candle. Within a minute, she heard Grey and Shaman reenter the apartment. Ten seconds later, Grey called out, “Where are you hiding, Bambi?”

“Back here.” She stood, gulping a breath.

What she would’ve given for a camera to capture Grey’s shocked expression when he walked through the doorway, lollipop stick hanging from parted lips. “What are you doing?”

The wild abandon felt surprisingly good. And sexy. She toyed with the ties of her dress. “Breaking my rules.”

Grey crossed the room in three quick strides, tossed the chewed-up stick on the nightstand, and crushed her against his body. She felt him shudder, his chest rumbling, when he kissed her. His words emerged in a husky tone. “Are you sure?”

“Let go and I’ll prove it.”

He cupped her face and delivered another passionate kiss before looking her directly in the eyes, his own blazing. “I’ve imagined this a thousand times. Each time, I undressed you while kissing every inch of your body.” His silver eyes flashed with hunger and determination. “So you let go.”

On his command, she released the ties of her dress and wrapped her arms around his neck. She needed to anchor herself to his strength before the promise of his words buckled her knees.

He backed her up to the edge of the bed, kissing her while cupping her butt and pressing his hips against her pelvis. Like a tease, he then eased away and slowly untied her dress, removing the garment as he rained kisses on her neck, shoulders, and down to her breasts. His gaze caressed her body from head to toe, leaving her exposed, nervous, and strung tight with anticipation.

She raked her fingers through his wavy locks and kissed him, then tried to tug him onto the bed, seeking his body’s heat.

His firm grip stopped them from falling. “I’m not done.” His fingers grazed her collarbone, making her shiver, before sliding underneath her bra strap.

“No fair.” She grabbed his shirt. “You’re still wearing all your clothes.”

He grinned and raised his arms over his head, waiting for her to remove his top. Never one to take orders, she bypassed the shirt and went straight for the button of his jeans, surprising him. Before he could react, she’d unzipped his pants and pushed them partway down his hips. When her hand stroked the length of his impressive hard-on, he growled.

He shrugged out of his shirt, kicked off his pants, and unfastened her bra in a few fluid movements. His mouth began a hot assault on her neck and shoulders as he cast her bra aside. Then he turned her facing away from him, nudged her onto the mattress, and grabbed her panties. The minute his lips made contact with the small of her back, she groaned and lost all thought.

Yes, yes, yes! Grey couldn’t get enough of Avery. His hands roamed her back, waist, and legs. It was better than any of his daydreams. She’d shocked the shit out of him when he’d found her in his room, offering him everything he’d been dreaming of for months. His body had responded immediately with an insistent throbbing. The long, long wait was over. Thank you, God.

His tongue trailed down her spine, over her tight little ass, and down to the inside of her thigh. Her body bucked and arched in response until she twisted underneath him so he came face to face with . . . heaven.

But as much as she wanted him, he hadn’t yet finished his exploration. Grey wasn’t about to let her shortchange him any foreplay. He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her. Grey liked kissing a lot. Always had. Kissing Avery felt so damned right. His tongue sank deep into her mouth, possessive and penetrating.

“Mmm,” she purred.

He opened his eyes so she could see the crazy effect she had on him, then whispered against her neck, “I’m on fire.”

“Me too.”

He then kissed her lips, her eyelids, her cheeks, her jaw, the notch at the base of her neck. She twisted her body to meet his mouth, filling him with a crazy sense of victory.

The candlelight flickering in the room gave him a sexy view of the slopes and curves of her naked body. His fingertips traced the indent along the center of her stomach as he kissed her again.

Slowly and purposefully, his mouth began to work its way from hers, down her neck and to her perfect, perfect breasts. He cupped one, which filled his hand, and brushed his thumb across one tight, pale-pink nipple, which was begging for his mouth.

She arched her back in invitation just before he tongued her then sucked hard.