Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [15]
Slowly released from the throes of a deep sleep, Brooke kept her eyes closed as she drowsily inhaled gently and then yawned. There was nothing like a swim to work the aches and pains out of her muscles, and that thought made her recall where she was and why the familiar scent of one particular man was surrounding her.
She slowly opened her eyes and they immediately connected to the dark penetrating ones of Ian Westmoreland. Sitting in a chair across the room, he looked slightly disheveled, as if he'd been sitting there for a while, but nothing could erase that sexy look he wore so well. What had been a crisp white shirt now had a few buttons undone, and the sleeves were rolled up. With his legs stretched out in front of him, his trousers were pulled tight against muscular, well-defined thighs.
A sensual shiver ran down her body and she felt the huge towel covering her and knew he had placed it there. The thought of him being that close to her, placing a covering over her body, stoked her insides, creating a heavy warmth.
A part of her wanted to sit up, stretch her legs, apologize for falling asleep, but she couldn't do any of those things. She couldn't move; could barely breathe. His gaze was holding her in place and making her remember happier times, passionate times, and she wondered if he was doing the same.
She watched his eyes darken even more, and in response a rush of hormones that had lain dormant for four years rushed through her system. Liquid awareness churned in her stomach, and her entire body suddenly felt sensitive, acutely aware of him as a man. However, not just as any man.
He was the man who had first introduced her to the pleasures that a couple could share; the man who used to wake her up each morning by using his hands and lips on every part of her body; a man who, besides being the best lover any woman could possibly have, had become her confidant and her best friend.
Brooke blinked, was caught momentarily off guard when he stood and began walking toward her, showing telltale proof of how much he wanted her. The bulge in his pants couldn't lie. Her body instantly responded, recognizing the sexual chemistry that emanated from him and quickly overpowered her.
She raised her body to a sitting position, stretched out her legs and braced her hands on both sides of her. She couldn't help wondering what he was thinking. She definitely knew her thoughts. The heated look in his eyes, the hot familiarity, gave her an idea. There was still a lot unsettled between them. There were some things that could never be as they used to be. But there would always be a level where they would be in accord. .And this was it.
Deep down a part of her wished otherwise; wished she could expunge him from her heart as she knew he had done her. He might still want her. desire her, but he no longer loved her. But right now, at this moment, heaven help her, it didn't matter. She needed to feel his body pressed close to hers, she needed to once again feel his arms holding her. his mouth tasting hers.
He came to a stop in front of her and the light that poured down from overhead highlighted the darkness of his skin in contrast to his white shirt. She stared up at him, as blood throbbed through her veins, and she took in his broad chest and strong lean body.
She slowly stood, wondering if her legs could hold her weight, but that concern quickly vanished from her mind when she heard a sensual moan escape through his clenched teeth, and she knew he was trying to resist her, fight what they were both feeling.
But when he began to lean closer, she knew he had given up the battle and was giving in to temptation. Common sense was being overwhelmed by lust. And when their mouths connected and their tongues mingled, flames sparked inside of her and she completely lost whatever control she'd had. This is Ian, her mind and body taunted. And she did what seemed so natural, which was to kiss him back in all the ways he had taught her to.
Ian made love to Brooke's mouth with as much skill as he