Book 1 - Page 26 (1/2)

”Eva.” He came toward me, his stride graceful and strong. He caught up my hand and lifted it to his mouth. His gaze was intense - intensely hot, intensely focused.

The feel of his lips against my skin sent goose b.u.mps racing up my arm and stirred memories of that sinful mouth on other parts of my body. I was instantly aroused. ”Hi.”

Amus.e.m.e.nt warmed his eyes. ”Hi, yourself. You look amazing. I can't wait to show you off.”

I breathed through the delight I felt at the compliment. ”Let's hope I can do you justice.”

A slight frown knit the s.p.a.ce between his brows. ”Do you have everything you need?”

Cary appeared beside me, carrying my black velvet shawl and opera length gloves. ”Here you go. I tucked your gloss into your clutch.”

”You're the best, Cary.”

He winked at me - which told me he'd seen the condoms I had tucked into the small interior pocket. ”I'll head down with you two.”

Gideon took the shawl from Cary and draped it over my shoulders. He pulled my hair out from underneath it and the feel of his hands at my neck so distracted me, I barely paid attention when Cary pushed my gloves into my hands.

The elevator ride to the lobby was an exercise in surviving acute s.e.xual tension. Not that Cary seemed to notice. He was on my left with both hands in his pockets, whistling. Gideon, on the other hand, was a tremendous force on the other side of me. Although he didn't move or make a sound, I could feel the edgy energy radiating from him. My skin tingled from the magnetic pull between us, and my breath came short and fast. I was relieved when the doors opened and freed us from the enclosed s.p.a.ce.

Two women stood waiting to get on. Their jaws dropped when they saw Gideon and Cary, and that lightened my mood and made me smile.

”Ladies,” Cary greeted them, with a smile that really wasn't fair. I could almost see their brain cells misfiring.

In contrast, Gideon gave a curt nod and led me out with a hand at the small of my back, skin to skin. The contact was electric, sending heat pouring through me.

I squeezed Cary's hand. ”Save a dance for me.”

”Always. See you in a bit.”

A limousine was waiting at the curb, and the driver opened the door when Gideon and I stepped outside. I slid across the bench seat to the opposite side and adjusted my gown. When Gideon settled beside me and the door shut, I became highly conscious of how good he smelled. I breathed him in, telling myself to relax and enjoy his company. He took my hand and ran his fingertips over the palm, the simple touch sparking a fierce l.u.s.t. I shrugged off my shawl, feeling too hot to wear it.

”Eva.” He hit a b.u.t.ton and the privacy gla.s.s behind the driver began to slide up. The next moment I was tugged across his lap and his mouth was on mine, kissing me fiercely.

I did what I'd wanted to do since I saw him in my living room: I shoved my hands in his hair and kissed him back. I loved the way he kissed me, as if he had to, as if he'd go crazy if he didn't and had nearly waited too long. I sucked on his tongue, having learned how much he liked it, having learned how much I liked it, how much it made me want to suck him elsewhere with the same eagerness.