The Lost - J. D. Robb [134]
He looked up at the clouds beginning to roll in. “Looks like the storm Bridget predicted. It’s coming in fast. We’d better get back to the stable.”
“I’ll race you.” Aidan shot him a grin before nudging her mount into a run.
Ross gave a shout of laughter and joined in the race.
By the time they’d turned the horses into their stalls and stepped from the stable, they were feeling the first raindrops.
“Just in time.” Ross caught her arm. “I don’t think we can make it up to the big house.”
They turned and raced through the rain to his cottage.
Once inside, they heard the rumble of thunder. Minutes later the skies opened up and the storm began in earnest.
They stood together by the windows, witnessing the wind whip the trees into a frenzied dance.
For long minutes they stood watching, each achingly aware of the other. As the minutes ticked by and the storm grew in intensity, Aidan turned toward the door, rubbing her arms.
“I think I’ll brave the rain and return to the house.”
“Don’t go.” The words were torn from his throat.
“Ross, if I stay . . .”
He crossed to her in quick strides and gathered her close.
“I’m sorry.” Ross pressed his mouth to a tangle of hair at her temple.
“What . . . what are you sorry about?”
“This. I thought I could fight it, but it’s too much, Aidan. I want you too much. There’s something deeper, stronger here than just my will.”
She gave a long, deep sigh. “I know. I feel it, too.”
He stared down at her, his eyes so fierce she actually shivered. And then his mouth was on hers, and she was lost in the kiss.
When they came up for air, she touched a finger to his lips. “I’ve tried fighting, but the truth is I want you, Ross.”
It was true. She had to have this man. She was actually trembling with need for him.
“I want you, too, Aidan.”
And then there was no need for words as they came together in a storm of passion. With each touch of his lips, his tongue, his clever fingers, she felt herself growing hotter and hotter until she was engulfed in fire.
Because her legs had turned to rubber, she clutched at his waist for support, and would have surely fallen if he hadn’t held her firmly against the cool wood of the door.
His hands found the zipper of her dress, and he slid it from her shoulders. It pooled at their feet as his clever fingers dispensed with the lace that covered her breasts.
She hadn’t known how desperately she’d wanted his hands on her. His mouth followed, taking her even higher.
When he lifted his head to catch a breath, she used that moment to tear at his shirt. She heard the buttons pop and roll across the floor as she flung it aside and reached for the fasteners at his waist.
With his help his clothes soon joined hers on the floor around them. In one quick motion her bikini panties were stripped aside.
Now they were free to feast. And did.
She ran her hands over the muscled contours of his chest and shoulders, then followed with her mouth, and thrilled to his low growl of pleasure.
“The bed.” She managed the words despite a throat constricted with need.
“Too far.” He lifted her, his mouth still feasting on hers, until he bumped into the overstuffed sofa.
He drew her down before stretching out beside her. At last free of any restraint, they came together in a firestorm of desire that rocked them both.
She shuddered as his hands and lips moved over her, taking her on a wild, dizzying ride that had her head spinning, her mind going blank.
“I knew,” he whispered against her ear. “The first time I saw you, I knew that you’d be here with me.”
“Though I tried to deny it, I knew . . .” Before she could finish, his mouth covered hers in a kiss so heated, she could feel her bones melting.
No one had ever excited her like this. The darkness, the danger of this man had the heat growing until it threatened to choke her.
Desperate, she twined her arms around his neck, dragging his head down for a long, drugging kiss.
Against his mouth she whispered, “I want you, Ross. Now.”
“And