Private Tasting (4 page)
He arched an eyebrow.
“God! Lucio, I’ve known you too long
not
to know what would happen today.”
His face went slack as he let go of her arm and stepped back. “Oh.”
“You think I’m an idiot?”
“No—!”
“Then let’s not do this.” Her tone was tight, and the control she exerted to keep from wailing made her skin feel like leather.
“You don’t want to talk.”
She snorted. “There’s nothing to talk about. I’ve heard it before.”
“But not from me,” he said slowly, measuring each word.
“I
really
don’t want to hear it from you.”
Lucio flinched. “I don’t understand—I thought you’d be pleased. After our talk about bravery and—”
Tempted to reach for him, to kiss away the pain on his face, she tucked her hands behind her. “Bravery?”
“Yes.” Impatience mixed with hurt. “I thought you’d—” He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Forget it. I’m only repeating myself.” He gave her a sad smile. “I thought this would go better.”
This time she couldn’t resist reaching for him.
He moved from her touch.
The physical rejection hurt as much as the emotional one. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I should—this isn’t the way I wanted our time to end. I should go.”
Lucio sighed. “Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t have pushed you last night.”
“It was my choice and I don’t—”
“I knew you were hurting over Michael. This is my fault.”
“It’s no one’s fault.” She licked her lips. “No one can force emotions they don’t feel.”
He looked sadly at her. “I know and I would never force you to return the feelings I have for you.”
She blinked, then blinked again. Her brain churned the words. “Wait. What?”
“My feelings for you,” he said. “It’s fine. I’ll be fine.” He took her by the elbow and propelled her to the door.
“What kind of feelings?” Her heels skidded on the tiled floor.
He stopped and twisted her to face him. “You said you knew why I wanted to talk to you.”
“To end this thing between us.”
Lucio’s eyes widened. “Why would I end this?”
“Because it’s what you do with every woman. Because you said it was only for one night.”
“Beth,” he said quietly. “You’re not every woman.”
Her heart contracted “You’ve always had a short attention span with women. No one holds your interest.”
“One did,” he said. “But ever since I’ve known you, you’ve had a man.” He shrugged. “It’s always been you, Beth. I may have tried to find pleasure elsewhere, but you’re the only one who ever brought me happiness.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “I only dated because you always had a woman.”
“I had women because you had men.”
She pressed her hand against her forehead. “I don’t—why didn’t you say anything last night?”
He laughed self-consciously. “I was afraid. I didn’t want to ruin the moment if you didn’t care for me the way I care for you.” His voice softened. “And I do care for you. Deeply. When you came to me the other night, I thought you were drunk.” He trailed his finger along her jaw. “It took all my will to turn you away.”
She stepped close, inhaled the scent and warmth of him.
“I couldn’t do it. I could never hurt you, Beth.” Conviction throbbed in his voice. “But last night—
Gesù
, when I realized you were serious…” His eyes went wide. “When I realized you wanted me…” He gave a shaky laugh. “I’ve needed you for so long, Beth. You are so beautiful to me. Inside. Outside. I want only you. For as long as you want me, I’ll take it.”
She curled her fingers in his waistband, pulled herself closer. “You, too. However long, Lucio, I’m yours.” She kissed the corner of his mouth. “In fact, I’m willing to prove it.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. He took her by the hand and led her towards the stairs.
About the Author
A multi-genre author, Nina always has a great time slipping into the sexy world of writing erotica. When not at her desk, she enjoys reading and spending time with the ones that she loves.
Visit Nina at
http://ninajaynes.blogspot.ca
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Also Available
When The Lights Go Out
by
Nina Jaynes
Darby Abbots. Polite. Professional. In control. Until the night comes and fantasies of her younger co-worker, Kaidan Shawnessy take over. Then she's sexy, wild, and doing things with him she wouldn't dare in the light of day. But when a blackout traps them together in her office and Kaidan makes a move, will Darby let go of her inhibitions and allow the hot computer tech to fulfill her deepest desires?
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Friendly Temptation by Elaine Radley
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