Page 51 of The Tycoon

She nodded.

He opened his arms and pulled her in.Then his mouth was on hers, and they kissed, deeper than she thought possible.He loved her with his mouth and she returned that love.

Her arms went around his waist.She felt fevered and like she wanted to just eat him up, become one with him.

Their tongues met in silent need, almost a frenzy as they tasted each other, played, dueled, fought, loved.All of it was there, in that kiss.

Cole cupped her face, holding her close but gently, so she could break free, if she wanted.

But she didn’t want to be free of this man…ever.If he could just love her like she loved him.

She leaned back but kept her arms around his waist.“Cole.”

He grinned.“Regan.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?I can’t?—”

He kissed her quick, just a peck to silence her.“Regan, sweetheart.I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you.I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you.”He rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks and a light, easy motion.

She tightened her arms around his waist.“I’ve never felt this way either.Not even with Danny.That was a schoolgirl infatuation, not love.I—” Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d said.

His eyes lit up, and he smiled.“I love you, too.I didn’t know what these feelings meant, because I’ve never had them before, but just saying it out loud…I love you…feels so right.”

She nodded.“I love you, too.I think I’ve known since the night at my apartment when we slept together the first time.You didn’t try anything, were the perfect gentleman.Then the second time, on the platform, I was wondering what was wrong that you didn’t try to put the moves on me.”

He chuckled.“I wanted to, believe me.It was only through willpower I didn’t know I had, and…” he looked at her with one eyebrow cocked.“The fact that you could hurt me kept me from making you mine that night.I’m sure the people on the platform have us engaged and getting married any day.”

She laughed.It felt like the first genuine laugh she’d had in a long time.She felt giddy.Was she allowed to be this happy?She didn’t know if she deserved it, but she was grabbing on with both hands and she was never letting go, regardless of what the future held.