Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40297 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40297 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
I fought back the sudden urge to drag her into my arms and take her home to claim her.
Her shy smile faltered slightly when I didn’t immediately speak, so I quickly stepped forward, touching her gently on the waist. Then I bent to press a lingering kiss to her cheek. I felt the soft tremor that moved through her, and I grinned slowly against her skin, savoring the knowledge that she wasn’t unaffected by me either.
“You look absolutely gorgeous.” I kept my voice low and intimate as I drew back just enough to watch the pretty flush bloom across her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she whispered softly, her eyes bright with anticipation, betraying that small flicker of nervous excitement as she glanced down at her dress. “I’m glad you like it.”
I pressed one hand protectively at the small of her back and led her toward the passenger side of my SUV. After opening the door, I helped her step up into the seat, then leaned across her and buckled her seat belt. My arm brushed softly across her chest, just barely grazing her tits. Her nipples hardened, and her breath hitched instantly. The tiny sound that escaped shot heat straight to my groin. My jaw tightened briefly as I fought back the powerful urge to say fuck dinner and take her straight home so I could lose myself in her instead.
With supreme effort, I straightened and closed her door, taking a slow, calming breath as I circled the SUV and climbed into the driver’s seat. I forced my hands to grip the steering wheel tightly, reminding myself to keep my head on straight. I was determined to show her that I could do this right.
We arrived at The Racing Line just as evening fully set in, soft amber lights casting warm pools across the parking lot. The atmosphere was laid-back, and the staff greeted us with easy warmth and respectful nods. They were clearly familiar with me, but my attention was locked firmly on Cecily. She seemed to notice, and a faint blush lingered sweetly across her cheeks as we settled at our table in a quieter corner, away from curious eyes. She looked up in surprise when I slid onto the booth seat beside her. Although a pretty blush stole across her cheeks, she didn’t say anything.
Over dinner, I asked her a lot of questions, genuinely interested in learning about her life. She lit up immediately when she spoke about the sport she loved and her passion for the water. Her expression was vibrant and animated as she described her training, goals, and the dedication required to compete at her level.
My focus was absolute, my memory carefully locking in every detail she shared. This woman with quiet strength, determination, and so much fire burning beneath that soft exterior fascinated me.
She asked me a few questions as well, and I told her I’d grown up in Miami and had a younger brother and sister, both of whom I was close with. My father was a first-generation American after his parents came to the States from Spain, and he’d met my mother when he went to visit family for the summer.
“They had a fling, then he left. A week later, he showed up on her doorstep because he couldn’t live without her. They married within a couple of weeks, then moved her to Miami.” I grinned. “She was pregnant like a minute later…and here I am.”
Cecily laughed, the sweet musical sound touching something deep in my soul. “So you speak Spanish?”
“Mostly when I’m cursing,” I admitted with a wink. “Don’t tell my mother that.”
She giggled again, and I changed the subject back to her, still not satisfied that I knew enough about her.
I touched her subtly as we spoke. My thumb brushed gently along her wrist when I took her hand; my palm settled possessively on her thigh. My fingers lightly toyed with the ends of her hair when I leaned in closer, or I draped my arm behind her on the booth.
Each touch drew out soft reactions. Her breathing hitched softly, her skin flushing a delicate shade of pink, and her eyes darkening in a way that had me wanting her more fiercely with every passing minute.
Eventually, she paused, watching me with a gentle curiosity as she tilted her head slightly. “I honestly didn’t expect you’d be interested in the swimming and my goals. Most people don’t really care about this part of me since I didn’t make the Olympics.”
I leaned forward, my gaze locked onto hers, my voice leaving no doubt. “I want to know every part of you, Cecily.”
A slow blush swept over her cheeks at the intensity behind my words. “Oh.”
My voice dropped further, edged with heat as I clarified, “And I mean every single part.”
Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes widened a fraction. I felt my pulse spike at the sight. Leaning back slightly, satisfaction settled low in my chest. She understood exactly what I meant, and she wasn’t running from it.