Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“Do you want me to?”
“I’ve missed waking up with you wrapped around me.”
“Me too.” I trace the edge of her jaw with my finger. “I’m a huge fan of all-night snuggles.”
“Same,” she agrees.
The elevator dings, signaling our arrival at her floor. Essie exits, and I follow her down the hall. The tension between us has been growing all evening. I don’t want to make assumptions about where this will go—apart from all-night snuggles—but I get my answer as soon as we’re inside her apartment.
“Thank you for taking care of your heart so we can be good at taking care of each other’s.” Essie drags my mouth to hers.
We both groan as our tongues brush.
“Wait.” I pull back, and Essie frowns.
I cup her face in my hands. “I have to ask you something before this goes any further.”
“Okay.” Essie gazes up at me with uncertain, but hopeful eyes.
“I know we just had our first date, but will you be my girlfriend? Officially.”
“Yes. Absolutely. Nothing would make me happier.” She tips her head. “Well, that and getting you into my bedroom.”
“I can make that happen.” I lift her off the floor and carry her down the hall.
When we cross the threshold I set her down and break the kiss. “Wow.”
Essie looks nervous. “I warned you. It’s very princessy.”
The walls aren’t quite white but tinged with a hint of pink. A four-poster bed takes up one wall. The nightstands bracketing her bed are white, and gauzy curtains are pulled back to reveal the exceptional number of throw pillows, all in various shades of pink. Catalina, ratty and well loved, is perched on her nightstand. “It’s perfectly you.”
“You don’t hate it?” She wrings her hands.
I take them in mine. “No. Not at all.” Would this be a choice I would make for myself? No. But it’s a reflection of the woman I’m in love with, and therefore, I also love this room. “I feel like the forbidden prince who’s come to steal you away.”
An impish smile curves Essie’s pretty lips. “You definitely could be.”
I arch a brow.
She slips my tie around her hand, and her voice drops to a sultry whisper. “Would you like to be my forbidden prince, Nate?”
I nod slowly. “Yeah, I think I would. Do you want to be the sweet princess I plan to steal from the castle and keep for my own?”
Excitement flashes in her eyes. “So, so much.” She pushes on my chest.
I frown.
“Give me a minute. I need to get ready for my prince.”
I still don’t move.
“Unless you’re opposed to naughty princess lingerie?”
It takes a moment for that to click. “Not even remotely opposed.” I step out and head for the living room. “I’ll be out here, waiting.”
Essie closes the door. I’ve never engaged in role play before, but based on what’s happening in my pants, I’m here for it. I loosen my tie and open the first few buttons on my shirt. I also run to the bathroom to swish with mouthwash and mess up my hair, going for the roguish, rumpled, forbidden-prince look, before I return to my place outside her door.
“Oh my prince, where are you?” she calls.
I take it as a sign that she’s ready and crack the bedroom door. The only illumination comes from the lamp beside her bed. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust. Movement comes from behind the gauzy curtain. “Oh my prince, my forbidden love, when will you save me from this wretched existence?” Essie murmurs.
I smile and close the door with a quiet snick. I cross to the bed, carefully pulling the curtain back and hooking it on the post. My breath leaves me on a whoosh.
The pillows have been swept to the floor, the covers pulled back. Essie lies on the pale pink sheets, hair fanned across the pillow, eyes closed. One hand lies palm up on the mattress, the other rests low on her stomach. Her sheer pink negligee, trimmed in lace, dips low in the front and barely skims the top of her thighs. The heart shields decorating her nipples glint enticingly.
She is the most stunning woman in the world, and she’s agreed to be mine. I reach out and skim her cheek, channeling my inner forbidden prince—but I don’t have much experience there. I do have experience lusting after this woman and wanting to find a way to hold her perfect, soft heart.
She sighs and chases the touch, my fingers dancing over her cheek.
“My sweet princess.” I capture her hand in mine and bring it to my lips. “I’ve come to steal you away.”
Her eyes flutter open on a gasp. “Is it really you?” She sits up in a rush, eyes wide. “Please don’t let this be a dream.”
I place her hand against my chest. “Do I feel like a dream, my love?”