Page 105 of The Perfect Distraction

“Is that a fancy way of saying I was a jerk?”

“No! I just didn’t think you were overly friendly.”

“I acted like that on purpose. I could tell you were one of those stalker types, and if I pretended to be indifferent, I figured you’d leave me alone.”

She giggled, and when he started tickling her sides, her laughter morphed into all-out hysterics. Untangling herself from his grasp, she scooted to the opposite end of the couch, her shirt riding up in the process.

Colton’s eyes raked over her body, pausing to admire her bared skin and then pinning her in place with his intense gaze.

Like a lion stalking its prey, he crawled toward her on all fours, his intention clear. But unlike a lion’s prey, she had no interest in escaping. She simply lay back and happily awaited the attack.

Leaning over her, he surprised her when he started talking instead.

“The truth is, I didn’t want to fall in love with you or anyone else. After what happened with Gretchen, I started associating love with pain.”

She reached up and cupped his face in her hands. “I hope you don’t feel like that anymore.”

He shook his head vehemently. “Not anymore. Not with you.”

Then he lowered his head to claim her lips in a long, luxurious kiss. There was nothing hurried about their lovemaking that time as he lavished her with kisses, caresses, and tender words. When he pushed up her T-shirt and bent his head to her breasts, she sighed and cradled him to her chest.

But when his hand started to dip lower, she stopped him.

Popping his head up, he said, “What’s wrong?”

“Not a thing except I want you inside me this time.”

When he started to heave himself off the couch, she said, “Where are you going?”

“To get a condom.”

“Wait.”

Sitting back on his haunches, his erection tenting his shorts, he questioned her with his eyes.

“You don’t have to. I’m on the pill,” she said in a rush. I never got off it after…”

He held up his hands. “I don’t need to hear the rest.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, but are you sure?”

“How do you feel about it?”

“Seriously? Like I just won the lottery, and I can’t wait to spend my cash!”

She laughed and then pointed to his shorts. “Off, please.”

He stood up to remove his shorts, and while he did, he said, “I’m not on the pill, but I have a yearly physical, and I’m clean as a whistle.”

Smiling up at him, she crooked her index finger and said, “No further explanation needed. Now, come here.”

He came back over her, bracing himself on his forearms so as not to crush her. This time she took control, stroking him softly at first and then with more vigor as he thrust into her hand.

“Beth…”

“I love touching you.”

“Keep touching…”

“I love how long and thick you are.”

“Oh God…”

“I want you all the time.”

“Same.”

With that, she guided him to her slick entrance and cheered him on as he slid home.