On a Gamble by Rose Lange Page B

awareness cloaked the air, only then hyper aware of him beside her. Standing hip-to-hip, so close, almost touching, and something in the air changed.
    Before she could second-guess her actions, she turned toward him. Surprised he did the same, until they were face to face. Slowly, her eyes roved from his chest, then further up, only making it to his chin. Timidly, she sneaked a peek at his lips, and before she lost her nerve, wrapped her arms around his neck. Pressing her mouth to his, the pressure of his lips as fantastic as the first time. Wasting no time, she grasped his hair, her fingers seeking his thick mane.
    Strong, warm hands came around her waist, bringing her body tightly against him. A moan escaped into his mouth, as every crevice of her body ignited with need. Greeting his tongue, she lost control. Moving her hands from his hair, to around his waist, molding his mouth to hers, as if she were dying of an unquenchable thirst.
    Before she knew it, he backed her up against the opening of the barnyard door, shielding them from view. She brought her leg up and around his, hungry to have him closer, as if he couldn’t get close enough. Lowering her hands, she grasped his ass, and squeezed. Her heart beat double, triple time as the hardness of his desire pressed into her.
    “Alex . . .” But the rest of her words failed her when he rained kisses down her neck, and back up toward her jawline. Her head lolled back, and he took ferocious advantage. His mouth ravaging sensitive flesh, and goodness she hoped her knees wouldn’t give way beneath her.
    While the rain continued to soak and overtake the earth, Alex continued to overtake her. Raising her arms, he placed them above her head, thrusting her chest out. The scruffiness of his facial hair against her mouth melted her insides, as powerful hands cupped one of her breasts and gently squeezed. Thank goodness she wore two layers, although that didn’t stop her body from reacting to his touch. She gritted her teeth, her belly quivering.
    She gasped, surprised when he fell to his knees, heat and passion radiating from his eyes. His handsome face trained on her. Unrelenting. Grabbing hold tightly, making her unable to look away even if she tried.
    “Keep your hands right where they are,” he gently commanded.
    Biting the inside of her cheek, she did as he asked, anxiety, excitement, and desire coursed through her.
    Holding her breath, she watched as he lifted her shirt, cool, damp air kissed her skin. Leaning forward, he pressed kisses onto her belly, flicking his tongue over and around her belly button. He took his time, gently nipping, tasting, and teasing. Until her knees wobbled and shook. Her hands itched to reach out to him, touch him, and brace herself against his strong shoulders. Unsteady from the passions he aroused.
    Alex grasped her bottom with both hands, softly, gently, kneading the flesh. He still continued to kiss, and nip at the sensitive skin on her stomach, moving to her waist, placing moist kisses there as well. She sucked in a breath as he blew on the still wet skin. Taking it one step further, he reached for the fastenings of her jeans, and my goodness she wanted him.
    The intensity of her thoughts made her gather her senses, but with each insanely sexy encounter, her defenses wore thinner and thinner. Tight rope thin, and she feared the rope would soon snap, but surely as the sun rose and set in the sky, she looked forward to the explosion.
    She put her hands down, resting on his shoulders. And damn if it wasn’t the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. He looked up, a questioning glance in his expression, and got to his feet. She hastily pulled her shirt back down.
    “What’s wrong?” His voice gruff with need, made her smile despite herself.
    Shaking her head, she cleared her throat. “I think we should, should head inside.” But she tripped over her words, as they stumbled awkwardly out.
    She’d reacted very strongly to his kiss, his