face, like an angel fallen to earth. Lashes that most of the female population would kill for were splayed against his angled cheekbones. Waves of hair shone brown and gold and nutmeg against her pale green pillowcases. Perfect sculpted lips and a chiseled jawline. He was a breathtaking combination of pure beauty and pure masculinity.
Of course, his body was nothing but masculine magnificence. Tall with lean muscles, he had the body of a swimmer, with broad shoulders and tapered hips. His skin was golden and smooth, although fine golden hair covered his forearms and legs. Slightly darker hair whorled around his belly button, then into a line that disappeared under the corner of her duvet, the only bit of blanket that covered him in his sleep. And she didn’t think that had to do with modesty. Killian didn’t strike her as the type to be worried about his nudity.
Using that as her justification, she reached for the edge of the blanket. Carefully she lifted it, peeking underneath at the part of his anatomy that had been inside her, but she’d had yet to really see.
Even soft and nestled amid curling, tidy pubic hair, his penis was large. But then she’d been aware of that fact last night too, as he’d filled her so fully that she’d been sure she would burst. In fact, as she stretched out her legs now, a pleasant soreness reminded her of just how well endowed he was.
She smiled to herself, realizing it was that secret kind of smile where only she knew what had occurred to bring it to her face. She flopped back against the pillows, curling on her side to watch Killian sleep.
He really was amazingly attractive. By far the handsomest man she’d ever seen. How had she gotten so lucky? She didn’t know, but she wasn’t going to question it. After all, this was supposed to be fun. Not too much analyzing allowed.
So she didn’t question herself when she brushed a fingertip over his mouth, tracing the almost pouty curve of his lips. Then she snuggled against him. Even in his sleep, he curled an arm around her, tucking her close to his side. She smiled that secret smile again and let her eyes drift closed.
This was a nice way to wake up and a nice way to fall asleep too.
She moaned in her sleep as a large hand stroked over her skin, fingers plucking gently at her nipples, warm lips trailing kisses along her shoulder and neck.
Poppy opened her eyes, realizing this time she wasn’t just dreaming. She looked down at herself, watching Killian’s hand skimming over her body. Caressing her breasts, then down over her belly and between her thighs. She arched as he swirled a finger over her clitoris, and a broken gasp escaped her.
“Are you sore?” he murmured, his mouth right beside her ear.
“No.”
He continued to tease her clitoris with light, sweeping brushes of his finger, gently bringing her to full arousal. When she was squirming for more, her breaths coming in short, whimpering bursts, he raised her leg and angled her so he could slide his huge erection between her thighs. He rubbed against her, spreading her open, then with low moans of his own, he entered her. Slowly, steadily filling her.
She gasped, arching her back, loving the feeling of him stretching her. Rocking her toward her release with long, unhurried thrusts.
“You feel so good,” he whispered against her ear. “I fit like I was made for you.”
She couldn’t argue that, even if words would come. He did feel like he belonged there, deep inside her, sliding in and out, in and out.
Then his fingertips were back, stroking her. Rubbing that tiny sensitive spot that had the ability to make her scream. To suddenly make her moves frantic, desperate.
“There’s no rush, baby.” He kissed the side of her neck, then reached around to hold her chin, tilting her head to kiss her. His kiss was as thorough and leisurely as his lovemaking.
One hand returned between her thighs, while the other played with her breast, teasing her nipple. And still he kissed her.
The combination was too much, all those delicious sensations, catapulting her toward her climax. She tensed, waves of ecstasy flooding over her, so it was hard to catch her breath.
And still he didn’t stop, touching her until yet another orgasm shook her. Then another.
Finally, holding her tight against him, his arm wrapped around her middle, her back to his chest, his hips slanted between hers, he began to drive into her deeper, harder. His speed picked up until she could feel his own release wrack his body.
He cried out, clutching her tightly to him.
Gradually, his hold loosened, but he didn’t let her go. He again pressed kisses to her shoulder, and once he’d relaxed, she rolled over to face him.
“Good morning,” he said, pressing a sweet, lingering kiss to her mouth.
“Good morning.” She smiled back, then lifted her head to check the clock on her nightstand. “Yep, we just made morning still. Eleven fifty-six.”
He glanced over his shoulder at the clock too. “Well, no wonder I’m starving.”
“Oh,” Poppy said, sitting up, bringing the sheet with her. “I can make you something to eat.”
As she was about to stand, Killian snagged the sheet, causing her to topple back against him. Then he rolled her under him, so she was pinned between his weight and the mattress.
They both dissolved into laughter at the silliness of his behavior.
“So does this mean you don’t want me to make something?”
He shook his head, grinning down at her, his face so handsome, his smile so naughty.
“Not if it means you have to get out of this bed.”
“Ah, so you’re keeping me here all day?”
He raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider the idea. “And maybe all night too.”
He kissed her, even though she was giggling. Or maybe because she was.
“Well, not all night,” she said once they parted. She was still grinning at him, loving how carefree and silly they could be with each other.
“Really? You need a break, huh?” His look was smug as if to say he knew she couldn’t handle that much time in bed with him.
She giggled again. “I don’t need a break. But tonight is the night we make my ex realize exactly what he’s been missing.”
Killian’s smile withered like a cut flower left out of water. Then he recovered, although this smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“That’s right. Tonight is Project Adam. I don’t know how I forgot.”
Poppy studied him, trying to understand his response. He seemed disappointed, and maybe even a little irritated, which made no sense since this had been his idea all along.
He rolled off her, flopping onto his back. She remained beside him for a few moments, hoping some of the easy happiness between them would return. But he just remained still, staring up at the ceiling.
Her gut reaction was to feel awful. To feel his guardedness was her fault, but she caught herself. She couldn’t understand what he was thinking unless she asked. And hadn’t he said they needed to be open with each other? Keep things clear and honest.
She sat up, hesitating when she saw his distant expression.
“Killian, are you upset about something?”
Confusion clouded his eyes as if he was coming back from some faraway place, but then he recovered, shaking his head and offering a smile. Again that smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“No. Not at all.”
She must have not looked as if she believed him, because he broadened his smile. “I’m fine.”
She debated questioning him further, but before she could decide, he touched her cheek.
She met his eyes and held his gaze for several moments. Then he smiled again. It was still not like the smiles of earlier, but better, less strained.
He tugged her down beside him, kissing the top of her head as she snuggled close to his side.
They stayed that way, quietly enjoying each other.
“Do you really believe in all the paranormal phenomena you study?” Poppy asked suddenly. For some reason her thoughts had gone back to the experience she’d had at the Japanese restaurant.
Killian’s hand, which had been idly brushing over her back, stilled. He didn’t answer for a moment, and then she felt him nod.
“I do believe in some of it, yes.”
