He seated himself, the beginnings of a smile on his face. Reaching out, he brushed her hair from her temple and caressed her cheek. “You’re gorgeous, Dallas. I don’t think you realize how beautiful you are.”
She licked her lips. Warmth swirled through her belly as Ethan rubbed his thumb across her hand, the simple caress incredibly sensual. “Thank you. I have good genes. I’ve seen pictures of my mom when she was young, and I look a lot like her.”
He picked up the snack tray and his wine. “Let’s make a move.” Walking further into the suite, he placed the food on the coffee table.
A trickle of anticipation slipped through her veins as she followed Ethan’s trim backside. “What time do we need to leave in the morning?”
Holding his hand out to her, they settled on the couch. After pulling her in close, he answered, “Let’s have breakfast here in the room and leave around eight-thirty. Does that sound all right with you?”
“Sure. I can’t wait to get there.” At Ethan’s smile, she tilted her head to his shoulder.
Ethan set his wine on the table then did the same with hers.
Her pulse thrumming, she felt the first brush of his lips like a bolt of electricity, revving her up like a racing engine. She pulled back. She had to get a grip.
He raised his brows. “You okay?”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “Yes, sorry. This is all a little overwhelming.”
Ethan smiled. “I’m still me. You’re still you. We just hopped a thousand miles in the air.” With a gentle smile, he squeezed her hand.
Expelling a gusty sigh, she knew he was right. “I’m being silly.” She smiled. “Where were we?”
He grinned and reached for her. “Let me see if I can remember.”
Dallas leaned into his kiss, in control and ready to savor his touch.
Slipping his hand into her curls, he explored every inch of her mouth with his soft kisses. Breasts tingling, she caressed his chest and kissed him back, wanting to be closer, to feel his body against hers. He eased her down on the cushions and nibbled her neck, drawing a hissing breath from her. Running her hands up his back, she searched for his mouth.
Ethan commanded, “Kiss me.”
Her heart pounded in response, and she complied.
He interlocked his fingers in hers and raised both arms above her head. “Harder, Dallas!”
Yearning for his lips, her pulse throbbing in her ears, she kissed him hard, biting his lower lip.
Brushing his mouth across hers, he smiled and pulled back. “Good.”
She gazed into his blue eyes and wondered what had just happened and why it had affected her so.
Ethan raised a brow. “You okay with that?”
“Um, I’m not quite sure what that is.”
“Does it scare you? It needn’t. We’re meant to enjoy it.”
“It was unusual, but ... nice, I think. Different. More ... ravenous?” She giggled.
He laughed. “A good choice of adjectives. I feel ravenous too.”
Dallas sat up. “I need some sleep. I’ll be getting up early if I’m to have any breakfast before we leave.”
He stopped her when she turned to go to her room. “A kiss goodnight?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. The pressure of his chest hardened her breasts, bringing them intensely alive. As Ethan caressed her tongue with his, heat swept over her skin like a fever. She sucked his lip and nipped playfully before pulling away.
He moaned and slipped his hand into her hair, giving her a bruising kiss, melding her body against him in a tight embrace.
She kissed him back hard and pushed away, breathing like she’d run the dash. “Wow.”
He grinned and cradled her chin, his eyes laughing into hers. “Goodnight, Dallas.”
Grinning, she said, “Ravenous? Goodnight, Ethan.”
RETURNING HOME, THE plane dipped below the cloud layer as it descended. The vast lights of Dallas/Ft. Worth spread over the horizon in every direction. Ethan’s hand comforted her in the noise and vibration caused by rapid deceleration. The runway swung across her view and disappeared. Everything had gone perfectly on the trip. The only worrying thing had been a text from Cash earlier in the day. He said he was thinking about her and wondered what she was doing. She texted that she was in Oxnard watching the Cowboys practice and would be back tonight, then asked if she could call him tomorrow evening when she got home from work. Two hours later, he responded with sure. Her stomach twisted. She cared about him. Was attracted to him. Didn’t want to hurt him. It was all so very confusing.
In the limo back to Wichita Falls, she turned to Ethan. “I’m sad this day is over. Meeting the players and watching them practice was so much fun. How can I ever thank you for this?”
He squeezed her fingers. “I’m so glad you were able to come with me. I had a wonderful time, too. It was too short, though. I want to plan something soon where we don’t have to rush. Okay?”
Smiling, she said, “Let me see how Piper did. I tried not to worry about her while I was gone, but now that I’m almost home, I’m anxious to see her and find out how she managed without me.”
Later, as Ethan walked her to her door, she eagerly accepted his embrace and hungry kiss before saying goodnight. Once inside, she leaned against the closed door, smiling, all thoughts of Cash chased from her head. Surely this would be the man she’d fall in love with.
Chapter Seven
Cash goosed the truck again, traveling too fast down the pasture road. He hardly slept the night before. Guessing Dallas was in California with the other guy had been almost more than he could bear. He didn’t think she was sleeping with him, though. But the whole thing brought back the feelings he had during his marriage to Misty, and he never wanted to go through
