He stroked the side of her jaw, then tilted her chin up, his gaze straying to her lips. She waited in awed wonder as he lowered his mouth to meet hers. It was a slow glide against her lips, barely touching. Back and forth, he teased, he tantalized.
What is he doing?
Then as if her body had a life of its own, she started to follow his lips, asking for more of his taste, more pressure… just more. She felt him smile against her mouth. His lips parted against hers, then his tongue slid against her closed lips and she moaned. He took immediate advantage, slipping inside, seducing a startled reaction from her as he stroked her tongue with a slow caress.
Her hands moved to the luxuriant curls of his hair that she would have killed for growing up. They felt so silky to her touch. Her fingers dug into his scalp and he growled against her lips. The sexy sound had her nipples hardening against the lace of her bra, making them ache.
Samantha felt like she was in the eye of a hurricane, the wind whipping around her, buffeting her from all sides, trying to suck her in, and Ezio was her only anchor so she had to hold tight. His hand in the middle of her back pressed her tighter, and she arched her needy breasts against his chest as she reveled in the strength of his kiss.
When Sam felt his other hand began to trail lower, then hesitate at the top of her butt she gasped, waiting to see what he would do next. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes.
“It’s too soon isn’t it?” he asked with a regretful smile.
She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on his chest. He’d read her right. It was too soon.
She sighed with pleasure as his hand stroked through the strands of her unbound hair. Safe, he made her feel safe. And wanted. Raising her head, she smiled up at him.
“Too soon,” she agreed.
“Go out with me again?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s get you into your apartment. Let me just do a quick check.”
“Huh?”
He pushed opened the door and had her stand in the small foyer while he checked the rooms and the windows, ensuring everything was locked. She’d be confused if she hadn’t seen Asher do the same darn thing every darn time at his house. Eden said it was a SEAL thing.
“Isn’t this kind of overboard?” She asked when he came back to her.
“Nope. Your lock is stock, and you don’t have a security system. Trust me, this is necessary. Did you know you had your bedroom window open?”
“Sure, I like the breeze. But I had the side lock on.”
Ezio snorted. “Honey, that thing won’t stop anyone and you’re on the first floor. That’s okay, we can get you set up.”
She frowned. “Set up with what?”
“A security system.”
She shook her head. “You’re sounding exactly like Asher. I told him I don’t need one, and now I’m telling you, it’s not necessary.”
“I hear you.” He pulled her into his arms.
“Yeah, but are you listening?”
He pushed hair off of her temples. God, his touch felt so good. What had she been saying? He touched his lips to her jaw. “I’ll always listen to what you have to say,” he promised.
Samantha felt herself melting against him. It was still too soon, but something told her she might be getting a security system.
He walked her back to the door. “Don’t forget to lock up behind me. And don’t leave your bedroom window open tonight, okay?”
Sam rolled her eyes.
“I’m serious, Samantha.”
“Okay,” she promised. She’d have to get a ceiling fan.
He gave her one more long lingering kiss, then he was gone. She locked the door and leaned against it.
Holy hotness.
7
Cutting out pictures from magazines was one thing but trying on beautiful and sexy dresses was another thing. Samantha would normally never go into a boutique like this, but it screamed money, and that’s what she needed for this sting operation.
When she stood in the middle of the store and just let her eyes peruse over the garments, she was drawn to the jewel tones. Pastels didn’t work well with her light skin and hair.
“Can I help you?” a young girl asked.
“I’m looking for a cocktail dress that will make a bold impression.”
She looked Sam over, and then went and pulled out a white, pale pink, and silver dress.
So much for bold.
“Thank you, but I really don’t think those will go with my coloring.”
“Oh yes they will,” the clerk insisted. “The white especially. Let me set you up a room.”
It was a What-Would-Eden-Do? moment.
“You can get a room for me, but don’t bother with those three dresses, I’ll select some.”
“I really think you should give these a shot,” the girl tried again.
“Ivy?” an older woman stepped up towards her, clearly the manager. “Why don’t you go fold the sweaters on that table back there, and I’ll help this customer.”
Ivy gave a long-suffering sigh. “All right.” She handed the three dresses to her boss as she sashayed away.
“Did I hear you say bold?” the older woman asked.
Sam nodded.
“How do you feel about jewel tones?”
Sam sighed with relief that somebody was listening to her. “I love them. I’m also looking for something a little fitted, but not so that I feel on display, does that make sense?”
“Bold, sexy, yet demure. I think I’ve got a handle on this. Let’s get you set up in a dressing room. Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Pardon?”
“This might take a little bit of time because we might want to do alterations in here in the store. So,
