Sudden Impact

Without giving herself time to overthink it, she reached for his hand on the gearshift.

He curled his long, warm fingers around her hand without a word, his attention on the road and traffic moving around them. The pressure of his grip was reassuring. Made her feel less alone.

They didn’t speak for the rest of the drive. The whole time she couldn’t turn her brain off, the adrenaline drop mixing with the conflicting cascade of residual fear, grief and longing. Every sense was attuned to him, the feel of his fingers on her skin transmitting up her arm, down her chest into her belly.

She thought of what he’d done for her today. Of him going out of his way to support her without being asked. Leaping to her defense, ready to take on Guthrie to protect her.

Her mind settled, the truth solidifying in her gut. She wanted him.

Whether it was a stupid move or not, whether it would only end in a mess for her later, she still wanted him. More with every passing second, the desire spreading through her whole body like an unstoppable wave. By the time they reached her place she felt like a live wire, every inch of her skin humming with need and arousal.

Asher parked in her driveway and walked her to the front door. Mia didn’t say a word, too caught up in what she was about to do, anticipation fizzing in her blood like expensive champagne.

She wanted his arms around her. His mouth on hers. Drowning out all the static in her head, the pressure and heat of that powerful body on top of her. His hands, lips and tongue all over her naked skin, obliterating all her thoughts, this chaotic mix of emotion she couldn’t shake.

“Do you want me to come in for a bit?” he asked in concern when she unlocked it and stepped inside.

Pulled from her tumultuous thoughts, she looked up at him. Realized he was planning on leaving. That was the last thing she wanted. He was standing right in front of her. And she was done playing it safe.

She grabbed the front of his suit jacket and pulled him inside. Caught the flare of surprise in those deep, dark eyes as she kicked the door shut behind them. Then she was rising on her toes, one arm wrapping around his neck while her mouth found his.

For a single heartbeat he froze. Then those heavy arms engulfed her, bringing her flush against the front of his hard chest and belly, one hand plunging into her hair. He angled his head, his lips slanting across hers as he took over.

Wildfire blazed through her. Uncontrollable. She didn’t care. Welcomed it. She didn’t want control right now.

The kiss went from hot to scorching in the space of a few heartbeats. Desire coiled low in her belly, gathering in a growing pulse between her thighs. Her skin was suddenly oversensitive, her dress restrictive.

Mia held onto his shoulders, plastering herself against his body while their tongues twined. He was already everything she’d hoped for and they were both still completely dressed.

Her restless hands went to his waistband and began yanking his shirt out. Asher hummed as he stroked his tongue along hers, those huge arms contracting around her.

A moment later her feet lifted off the floor and then she was pressed up against the wall, pinned there by the weight and power of Asher’s body. She moaned, a quiver rippling through her, and grabbed at his hair to bring him closer.

He lifted his head. Stared down at her with so much heat she almost melted to a puddle in his arms. “You need to be sure.” His voice was like dark velvet, the bass of it caressing her ears.

In answer, she dragged him back for another searing kiss.