Page 49 of Twice as Tempting

“I take it that doesn’t sound very appealing to you, what with the lack of beaches and all.”

“Well, I haven’t really done it before.”

“What? You’re kidding.”

“No, unless easy strolls down a sandy beach count?”

Damian threw back his head and laughed. “No. That’s not the kind of hiking I’m talking about.”

“So, you’re talking about the full-on, backpack-and-hiking-boots kind of hiking.”

“Yep. Nothing like it.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to try it sometime.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, announcing their pizza delivery.

“I’ve got this,” Damian said, and he rushed to the door before Kelly could open her purse.

She should have known that Damian wouldn’t let her pay. He never had when they were dating the first time either. She liked that he looked like a tough alpha-male, but inside, he was a real gentleman. Not that he would want anyone to know it!

They ate pepperoni pizza and drank beer in her living room, and it felt just like old times. Only, in those days, dinner would have been followed by…

“So, whose turn is it to ask a question?” Damian said after they had cleaned up.

Since they were on the topic of traveling, Kelly decided to take a risk. “I think it’s my turn.”

“Hit me.”

“I was wondering…uh, I was going to ask you…”

“Out with it, Kell.”

“Ok. Would you consider going with me to Florida for Thanksgiving?” Her palms were sweaty, and her heart pounded rapidly, while she waited for his response. He looked at her intently, but when he didn’t answer, Kelly felt compelled to fill the silence. “I mean, it’s no big deal either way, so don’t feel obligated. In fact, you can take some time to think about it. I don’t need an answer right now. It’s just that…”

“Yes. I’ll go with you,” he said with a serious expression on his face.

Kelly didn’t think first; she simply launched herself off her end of the couch and into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, gave him a loud smacker on the lips, and then leaned back and said, “Thank you!”

Damian didn’t speak, but the look in his gold-flecked eyes said it all. She was still in his lap, and his arms were around her waist, and everything felt so wonderful that Kelly leaned in for another kiss.

This one was different though. This one had substance, and they melted into each other’s arms like they had never been apart. While their tongues tangled, Damian scooted them down so they were lying on the couch with Kelly on top of him. His hands began to roam, and they were warm and slightly rough, but she welcomed his touch, basked in it. His body felt so hard and strong beneath her, and she held on to it, used it as an anchor to keep herself from floating away.

He smelled like pizza and beer, and the intoxicating scent of Damian. When his hands moved up the back of her skirt and cupped her bare bottom, he groaned. When Kelly had put the thong on earlier, it had been to avoid panty lines, but now it served another purpose, and she was glad she had chosen it.

Suddenly Damian pulled his lips away and gazed up at her with fire blazing in his eyes. “What are we doing, Kell? What do you want?”

“I want you, Damian,” she admitted. “So, so much…but…”

He rolled them onto their sides so that she was trapped between the couch and his body. “But you still want to wait,” he finished.

Kelly laid her hands on his chest and felt the rapid beat of his heart. “Are you mad?”

Damian shook his head. “Not mad, but maybe a little frustrated,” he said, glancing down at the straining bulge in his jeans.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a tease.”

“It’s ok. I’m handling it, if you get my meaning.” He broke out with a huge grin.