This time when he reached for her, she didn't jerk away. He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and tugged her toward him. “Your skin is fine and smooth.” He touched her face gently, rubbing his thumb over her cheek. “I love your lips. The bottom one is fuller than the top, just begging a man to kiss it.” Leaning down, he nipped at her lower lip. She moaned and her tongue came out to touch his mouth.

He had to fight his instinct to deepen the kiss. What he had to say to Cyndi was more important at the moment. They'd get to the kissing and the rest of it soon enough. “You have the most expressive, blue eyes.” He traced her eyebrows with his fingers as the blue of her eyes deepened with desire. “I can read everything you're thinking in your eyes."

"You can?” She seemed surprised and pleased.

"Yeah. I can.” He threaded his fingers through her hair. “I love the way your hair isn't fussy. It suits you."

Cyndi laughed. “It's easier to take care of."

"Low maintenance.” He nodded solemnly, wanting her to know he was referring to more than her hair.

She shrugged, but he ignored it and continued. “And your body.” He stopped and allowed his hands to slowly glide down her neck and shoulders. “Your body is ripe and womanly. You have curves that a man can sink his hands into.” His hands skimmed her torso, brushing the sides of her breasts before continuing downward. He followed the indentation of her waist and the flare of her hips. “You, Cyndi Marks, are one sexy lady, and I'm glad that you're letting a rough guy like me into your life."

"Oh, Shamus.” She practically threw herself into his arms and he caught her close. “If you're sure."

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

He felt her arms tighten around his waist before they loosened and she stepped away. Her hands went to the buttons of her blouse and as he watched, she unfastened them one by one, exposing more and more of her creamy skin. When she was done, she slid the garment from her body, leaving her upper body clad only in a pale pink bra.

He reached out and traced the lacy edge with his fingers. His skin was rougher and darker than hers, the contrast arousing his protective instincts as well as his lust. He, who was usually laidback and mellow, now felt the overwhelming need to claim this woman, to mark her somehow as his, even as he protected her from the world. If she had any idea of the primitive thoughts flooding his brain, she'd boot his ass to the door.

She made a small sound of need deep in her throat as she worked on the fastenings of her jeans. She kicked off her sneakers and shimmied the fabric down over her hips. As she bent down to take them off, she pulled off her socks as well.

Her panties matched her bra. The scrap of lace covering her mound made his mouth water. She looked like some pretty confection and he wanted to eat her up.

"Shamus.” His head jerked up and he saw the humor in her eyes, reminding him that this was no girl, but a real woman. “You're still dressed."

"Not for long.” Grabbing his shirt, he yanked it over his head, not even bothering to unbutton it. Thankfully, he'd turned the cuffs back when he'd dressed after his shower, not bothering to button them. Still, several buttons went flying as he ripped the shirt from his body. He bent over and got his boots and socks off before he shucked his jeans. Clad only in cotton boxer briefs, he faced her.

Cyndi's eyes were glued to the erection straining against the soft fabric. Reaching out, she covered him with her hand, her fingers curling around him. He sucked in a breath as his cock jerked in her hand. “Damn, that feels good."

"Hmm,” she agreed as she continued to explore him.

Shamus reached out and cupped her breasts in his hands, loving the way they filled his palms. His thumbs traced her hard nipples, which were pressing against the silky fabric of her bra.

Lucky for him, the hook was in the front. It took a quick twist of his fingers and the bra parted. He brushed aside the fabric, capturing her in his hands. Oh, yeah. This is what he'd been dreaming about all afternoon.

He groaned as Cyndi reached lower, cupping his balls in her hand, and squeezing gently. Much more of that and he'd go off like a rocket. Reaching down, he encircled her wrist and carefully tugged her hand away. “This will be over before it starts if you keep that up."

Her startled gaze flew to his. Understanding and finally pleasure lit her face. “Oh, really?"

"Yes, really.” Stripping the bra down her arms, he tossed it aside before scooping her into his arms and lowering her to the bed. She raised her arms over her head and bent one knee slightly. The pose was provocative and made all the blood rush from his head to his groin. He felt almost lightheaded.

He snagged his pants off the floor and reached into the back pocket. He took out the condoms he'd put there earlier and dumped them on the bedside table. Her eyes widened when she noticed how many packets he'd put there. He'd brought three just to be on the safe side. He'd thought about bringing more but hadn't wanted to scare her off their first night together.

His underwear felt confining, so he stripped it away before climbing onto the bed beside her. Propping himself on one arm, he stared down at her. “Hey, beautiful."

"Hey, yourself.” She reached out and lay her hand on his chest over his heart.

Shamus was gorgeous. She'd known it in her mind, but actually seeing it was another thing altogether. His shoulders were wide, his chest and abs sculpted with heavy bands of muscle. There wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere on the man. And his cock...well, that was as impressive as the rest of him. He was certainly larger than her ex-husband had been.

At first, she'd felt incredibly self-conscious, which didn't make much sense. But this felt different from what had happened between them at lunch. That was spontaneous. This was premeditated. She'd had far too much time to think about things. After all, she wasn't as slender as she'd been in her twenties. Nor did she want to be. She was content with her looks most days. But most days she wasn't climbing naked into bed with a sexy, gorgeous, younger man.

But her doubts had disappeared as Shamus talked about her appearance. It wasn't what he'd said, so much as the way he'd looked at her while he'd said it. His body's reaction spoke for itself. The man wanted her. That was enough for her. For now, a voice echoed in the back of her mind.

Pushing all thoughts aside, she turned her concentration to the man lying next to her. His body was large and firm, radiating enough heat to keep her warm even though they were lying on top of the covers. She glanced over at the bedside table and counted again. Three. He'd brought three condoms. She hoped they used all of them.

Shamus leaned down and kissed her then. It was a soft brush of his mouth against hers. She moaned and parted her lips and he delved inside. His tongue twined with hers, tasting and retreating, coaxing her to follow. And she did. His mouth was warm and inviting. Taking her time, she explored, running her tongue over his teeth, feeling the sharp edges. He growled and plunged his tongue back into her mouth, practically devouring her with his kiss.

Her hands clung to his shoulders. Her head began to spin. The muscles beneath her palms jumped as he shifted until he was leaning partly over her.

One large hand cupped her breast, his thumb tracing the distended nipple. Even that simple touch had her gasping for breath. It was if her entire body was tuned to his, wanting what he wanted, needing what he needed.

Shamus pulled his lips from hers and left a trail of hot kisses across her cheek and down her neck. The slight scratch of his five o'clock shadow just heightened the sensation as the stubble brushed over her skin.

His tongue traced her collarbone before dipping lower. He nuzzled her cleavage before sliding to one side to lap at her nipple. The bud tightened even more, causing her womb to contract. She could feel the dampness between her thighs, her body preparing to accept him. An ache started deep in her core and grew with each passing second.

She could feel the throb of his erection pressed tight against her outer thigh. Desire flared to a fevered pitch inside her. “Shamus,” she groaned, clutching at his back and shoulders. He plucked at one of her nipples with his fingers and laved the other one with his tongue. Her nails dug into his skin.

She arched her hips upward, needing him to touch her. Never had she felt this empty before. Cyndi almost cried out with relief when his hand slid from her breast and traveled down her stomach, over her belly, and lower.

His hand slid beneath her panties, sifting through her pubic hair. The thin material was pushed lower, his fingers slid over her slick folds. A low keening sound broke from her lips as he pressed two fingers into her core, not stopping until they were deep inside her.

Cyndi panted hard, breathing almost impossible at this point. Every muscle in her body was coiled tight. Shamus shifted his fingers to the edge of her opening and plunged forward again. She tilted her head back as her hips thrust upward to meet him. Her body exploded.

She cried out, spasms of pleasure rocking her, losing herself in the overwhelming sensation as Shamus continued to pump his fingers in and out of her core. Just when she thought she couldn't take any more, Shamus slowed his motions. He withdrew his fingers and leaned back to stare down at her. His lips were moist, his eyes dark with lust.

"Mmm.” She'd meant to say something intelligent, but couldn't get any words out. She stretched, her toes curling into the mattress. She felt good. Better than good. She felt amazing.

A strand of hair was plastered across her forehead and Shamus tenderly brushed it away. “Feel good?"

"Mmm,” she said again.

He smiled, a slightly wicked and sexy smile. “We're just getting started."

She gasped as he kissed her stomach and shifted lower on the bed. He nipped at her hipbones, continuing his downward journey. A moment ago, she'd felt totally sated. Now, desire flared to life again.

He hooked his thumbs in the waistband of her panties and tugged them down over her legs and off. She couldn't suppress a moan when he sat on his haunches between her legs, staring down at her. “Part your legs. I want to see you. I'll bet you're all soft and wet and pink."

She shivered, his earthy words heightened her growing desire. Widening her legs, she dug her feet into the mattress and undulated her hips. She felt wild and wanton and every inch a desirable woman. Shamus had given her this precious gift, and she wanted him to know how much she appreciated it.

"Oh, yeah.” He hooked his arms beneath her thighs and lifted her. She could feel his breath on her sensitive skin and her eyes fluttered closed in anticipation. “No. Open them.” She forced her eyes open. “I want you to watch me eat you up.” Holding her gaze with his, he lowered his head.

As Cyndi watched, he licked up one side and down the other before burying his face in her mound. She tried to move, but he held her tight. His tongue traced around her swollen clitoris, but never touching the bundle of nerves. She moaned again, feeling another orgasm building inside her.

Shamus shifted his attention lower, tracing the outline of her opening with his tongue. Cyndi could feel beads of sweat trickling down her temple, her entire body heated to the point of combustion.

Reaching down, she buried her fingers in his long hair, tugging him back to where she needed him most. He laughed, and then lapped at her clit. Cyndi cried out. She was so close. So very close. One more lick.

Shamus stopped and pulled back.

Cyndi tried to keep him there, tugging on his hair, but it was no use. She thumped her feet on the mattress. She was so close to coming. Her skin felt too tight for her body. Even the roots of her hair ached.

Reaching out, Shamus snagged one of the condoms from the table. He ripped open the packet and had the condom smoothed over his erection within seconds. He stared down at her, lust blazing from his eyes. “Turn over on your hands and knees."

Her stomach did a little flip. She'd never made love like this before. The position left a woman vulnerable. But this was Shamus and she trusted him. Rolling to the side, she came up on her hands and knees in front of him.

He moved into position behind her, his heavier, hairier legs, pressing hers open. She felt the head of his cock pressing into her opening, stretching the muscles as he surged forward. Catching the nape of her neck with his teeth, he nipped. Her body jerked, and he laved the small sting with his tongue.