Chapter Three

       Sophie

      Colton’s gaze skims over my features, like he’s checking to be sure I’m okay before settling on my eyes again. Nothing about this is okay, but I’m powerless to stop it. I’m scared of feeling too much for him, and I’m scared of letting him go, so I do the only thing I can – I turn myself over to the visceral pleasure coursing through me, begging for a sweet release. My body is practically vibrating with need, but I need a moment to process what’s happening, so I take a step back.

      ‘Don’t run away from this,’ he purrs.

      Stalking closer, Colt anchors his hands to my waist, his long fingers biting into my hips as he lifts me up. My legs close around his waist, my core seeking friction against the hard ridge in the front of his pants.

      I gasp at the crazy mix of emotions and raw sensation overtaking my system. I know I should stop him, push him away, I just don’t want to. I miss this side of him. Suddenly I want to be on my knees before him with his hot, heavy cock in my mouth. Memories of our weeks spent together flood my senses, making it impossible to turn away.

      ‘Colt…’ I whisper. I have no idea what I’m asking for and his soft eyes plead with mine.

      He supports my weight effortlessly with both hands resting under my butt. I want his fingers again…I was so close. And now I’m keyed up and confused.

      ‘I’m tangled up in you. I can’t let you go,’ he says, placing one more kiss against my mouth. He stares back at me for a moment. I can’t take the broken quality to his voice, the way his warm palm slides against my exposed hip bone. Even though I shouldn’t, I crave his touch. I’ve missed him. I’ve missed this. This growing connection between us. It takes every ounce of strength I have not to give in to him.

      Before everything went to hell the afternoon his wife showed up, I felt like we were building toward something real – if not love, then something close. I wasn’t experienced, but given the chance, I knew I could fall in love with Colton Drake. Which meant letting him into my hotel room, letting him kiss me and gaze into my eyes and break down all my walls was a dangerous move. My heart was on the line. But he’d tracked me down and chased me halfway around the world. That has to mean something, right?

      ‘Sweetness,’ he murmurs in the husky tone that I’ve come to recognize means he’s aroused.

      My voice disappears as any words of protest die in my throat. I have to tell him no. I need to make him leave. He’s done something that can’t be undone. He led me to believe he was unattached and concealed the truth from me for weeks. I now wonder if he would have ever told me if Stella hadn’t shown up. Despite my suspicions, I’d ignored my womanly instincts and turned myself over to him completely. I’d been ready to give him my virginity.

      His fingertips edging under my skirt pull me from my thoughts. My core heats with the knowledge that his skilled fingers are just inches from where I want them. Yes, yes yes. My panties are soaking wet and I rock against him, but my raspy voice breaks the silence and contradicts everything my body is screaming for. ‘No…I can’t…’ I untangle my legs from his waist and drop to the floor.

      ‘You want this just as badly as I do,’ he says, his voice deep and sure.

      My eyes lift to his and apparently they tell him everything he needs to know. My desire for him is written all over my face. My thoughts betray me. And Colton takes full advantage, leaning in to kiss me again.

      ‘Tell me there’s still a chance,’ he whispers against my lips.

      I swallow, but am unable to respond. I don’t trust myself to say the right thing. I debate with myself, wondering if I could ever trust him again, if I could even fit into his lifestyle…

      A bubble of feminine laughter and the sound of the door clicking open snap me back to my senses.

      Becca and Pace waltz into the room carrying a half dozen shopping bags between them.

      My sanity returns and I force a serious tone as I turn toward Colton. ‘It’s time for you guys to go.’

      Goodbyes are exchanged between Pace and Becca while I avoid meeting Colton’s dark eyes. I know if I do, I’ll lose my resolve completely. I’m still reeling from that kiss, my body overheated and blood pumping wildly.

      He pins me with a heated stare, leaning close enough that I can smell his cologne. The effect is dizzying. ‘This isn’t over. Have your fun with Becca and we’ll talk when you get home.’

      I wish I could tell him he’s wrong, that we are over, but I find myself unable to respond. He’s giving me the space I need right now, but I have no idea what comes next.

      Once they’re gone, I grab a bottle of water from the stocked minibar and take a long swig, needing to cool myself down before turning to Becca. She doesn’t say anything about the change in hotel room, but I see her eyes wandering around the space. ‘So what happened with Pace? I didn’t think you guys would be back so quickly. In fact, I wondered if I’d see you again this entire trip. I figured you’d take one look at those dimples and you’d steal him away into a private hotel room.’ I grin at her in an attempt to lighten the tense mood.

      ‘Trust me, it was tempting. He’s gorgeous. And his tight little butt?’ She fans herself dramatically. ‘Seriously, those two are a lethal combination on the libido.’

      ‘There’s a third one too. Their older brother Collins