Page 36 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

Yeah, a closer one… preferably naked. Her heart thumped wildly, desperate to tear away his dark jeans and his confident persona to uncover what he was really made of. She set down her St. Clements beside his raspberry drink and joined him, the outside chill creeping through the windows, raising goose bumps on her skin.

“I’ll never grow tired of London.” Tarquin soaked up the multi-million-dollar view, his fingers restless, curling under the hem of his sweater.

Hmm. But I’ll definitely grow tired of waiting. He hasn’t even tried to kiss me since the rink. Leia furrowed her brow and looked out at a cluster of skyscrapers she didn’t recognize across the river, twinkling like priceless jewels in the drizzly night. If he plays the field like his friends say, why’s he acting like he’s sat on the sidelines? Round and round, she spun the delicate rose gold chain around her left wrist. Is he waiting for me to make a move? Or having second thoughts? Why even bring me here if… She let go of her bracelet and pursed her lips. Well, if he’s not willing, I’ll find someone else. I don’t have time to dance around whatever this is. There are LOTS of hot guys in London.

Staring ahead, Tarquin sighed. “Leia, I have to be honest about something.”

Oh! Here we go—‘I’m still in love with Alex.’ Yep, got it. Jutting out her chin, she braced for his excuses to fly. No harm, no foul. If I leave soon, I can grab late dinner with Saz. She tugged the hair tie on her wrist and focused on the Tower of London glowering across the Thames.

Tarquin shook his head. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

But… Leia’s hair tie snapped against her skin.

He briefly closed his eyes then swung around, his gaze unguarded, breaths ragged. “You’re smart and inspiring…and I fancy the pants off you something rotten.”

The weight of his stare blazed heat through her core. So, he does want me. She swallowed heavily and brushed the skirt of her dress, unsure what to do with her hands. All the playful banter, the flirting, the near-kisses—it wasn’t a time-wasting game at all—unless a but was still coming.

She angled closer, mesmerized by his soft lips gently parting, begging to be teased and explored. Tarquin, I’ll kiss you so hard you won’t remember your own name. Watching him slide his silver ring up and down his left thumb, a primal need ached between her thighs. No feelings, just hot, uninhibited sex.

Leia was ready to shake off her old life—her old self—with Tarquin’s help.

“But I’m not sure if…” He swallowed thickly. “I don’t know if I should kiss you.”

Leia captured his wrist and gently drew him in, rising up on her toes to meet him. “You’re not sure?” She smiled into the whisper, her lips brushing his. “If you’re asking for my consent…here…” Cupping his face in her hands, she passed over his mouth again and kissed him softly, the tip of her tongue flirting with the seam of his lips. When he didn’t welcome her in, she pulled back. Seriously? Confusion soured in her stomach “Or maybe this is a bad idea.”

Tarquin let out a shuddering breath. “It’s not. Look, normally, I wouldn’t hesitate…” His stare wouldn’t leave her lips.

Oh, Tarquin, what’s holding you back? She stroked his cheek then slid her palms down to his chest, his taut muscles rousing her smile. His heart is hammering away, raring to go, but his head is overthinking this. Is he worried I’ll get attached, start texting him day and night? Nothing makes playboys run for the hills faster. But with me, he’s got nothing to worry about. Desire buzzed through Leia’s body, untethering her words. “Tarquin, I don’t have time for games. I’m here because I fancy you and would like to have sex with you.”

A small huff left his lips, parted in surprise. “Wow. You don’t pull punches.”

“I would’ve happily skipped skating and come back here with you hours ago. We’re both adults”—she curled her arms around his neck—“and I don’t think you would’ve brought me here if you—”

Tarquin tugged her closer, answering back with deep kisses and confident strokes of his tongue, leaving Leia with no doubt about his intentions. Lost in reverence for her mouth, his kisses felt urgent and teasing but without demand.

Leia had only known one other lover who kissed like this. He was a one-off the previous year, a mistake really, but she never forgot how he made her feel respected and adored, not a plaything for his pleasure only. For months, she’d thought she would never sleep with someone like him again, a nice guy who was also fun and gorgeous, who could unravel her with a first kiss—until now.

My whole body is crying out for more. I could kiss him for hours. He’s sooo good! Sliding both hands into Tarquin’s hair, she kissed him harder, deeper, feeling his fingers digging into her waist as tiny gasps escaped his mouth. She smiled against his lips. He tastes like raspberry! Sexy and sweet.

Pressing closer, she let her hands wander, down his firm shoulders and arms until they trespassed beneath his sweater, meeting the defined curves of his chest, wide and ripped with the perfect amount of hair. He’s not crazy furry! He’s toned but not bulky. Love. It. Leia was used to athletic guys, their bodies honed to perfection in the gym and on the ice, and Tarquin didn’t disappoint.

But unfortunately, her body was anything but perfect, the twinges in her right knee an uninvited nuisance. Ugh, that wobbly Salchow was a big mistake. She refocused, surrendering herself to his taste and tender touch, his delicious scent and eager moans, but each persistent throb deep in her leg pierced her bliss. I’m making it worse, stretching like this. She reluctantly broke away, her tights-covered heels settling back on the floor.

Tarquin smiled. “My lips are actually tingling.”

Leia grinned back. “I like kissing you—a lot!” Her hands skimmed his belt and lingered in his happy trail.

Tarquin’s dimples teased as his tongue flicked his bottom lip. “I can’t skate for toffee, but kissing—that I can do.” The thumb on his left hand stroked back and forth over her waist, his ring glinting in the dim light. “It’s a shame it’s not an Olympic event. I reckon I’d bag a bunch of gold medals for Britain.”

Confident, much? Leia smirked and fought back a laugh, enjoying the relaxed path their tryst was taking. He’s fun—makes a refreshing change. She dipped two of her fingers under the waistband of his boxer briefs. “But is that the best you got?” She leaned in, eager to explore more. “You don’t get a medal just for showing up.”

“You call that showing up?” He chuckled, scratching his temple. “Well, Judge Ginger, I plan to finish on top—so to speak.”

“Are we still talking medals…or missionary? I always thought guys were more into doggie style.”

“Oh, I love that, too! But sometimes nothing’s better than old faithful, you know?” His weighted gaze darted to her hand edging into his underwear. “Especially the first time. It’s more intimate.”

Intimate? Er, should I be worried about that? Her hand stilled. “You sound like a lovesick teenager!”