Free A Little Harmless Lie 4 by Melissa Schroeder Page B

chances. He knew he had to go slowly with her, had to awaken everything he saw beneath the surface. It had taken him almost two years and there was no way he wasn’t at least easing her to step one tonight.
    She set their glasses in the sink and before she could turn around, he approached her. He stopped directly behind her and placed his hands on each side of her on the counter. Leaning forward, he closed his eyes and drew in her scent.
    “Micah, I said this wasn’t going to happen.”
    Even as she tried to be strong, he heard the tremor in her voice. The sound of it tripped over his heart, dug deep into his soul. He knew he affected her, knew that she wanted him. But with her resistance, it never hurt to get a little reminder to boost his ego.
    “I heard ya. I just thought we might do a little— ” he drew in a deep breath and started to nibble on her ear, “— necking.”
    “Hmm.” She shivered and moved her head to the side to give him better access.
    Just as he expected, her skin was as sweet as the woman. He pressed closer, settling his jean- encased cock against her ass. When she said nothing else, he slipped a hand up her torso to her breast. Through the layers of fabric, he could feel her hardened nipple. One little brush against it had her moaning his name. It was the sweetest sound he had ever heard. It took every bit of his control to drop his hand and step away.
    She fell forward as he took another step. It took a few moments for her to gather herself and turn around. Her breathing was rapid, her eyes dilated.
    “Just what was that about?”
    “I... ” He drew in another deep breath, calling on the patience he’d promised himself he would have for her. His inner warrior was screaming to be let loose. “I got a little carried away.”
    She studied him for a moment and then looked away. He slipped his finger under her chin and turned her to face him again.
    “Look at me.”
    Slowly, she raised her gaze to his. Arousal was there, but there was a hint of fear. It was understandable. He also saw a flash of embarrassment.
    “You shouldn’t be ashamed of your feelings.”
    She sighed and looked away. “I’m not ashamed.”
    He knew then he couldn’t push her any more tonight. He wanted to. His body was begging him to ignore her feelings, coax her into the bedroom and take her. She would do it. He knew he could convince her, but she would regret it afterwards... and maybe hate him. That was something he could not accept. Ever.
    He cupped her face with his hand, rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip before leaning closer to kiss her again. The sassy, sweet taste of her lured him like no other woman. He pulled back a moment before he lost control.
    “I think that’s my cue to leave.”
    “Thank you for dinner.”
    He smiled. “How about lunch tomorrow?”
    She hesitated. “Sure. Where do you want to meet?”
    “I’ll give you a call in the morning.” He allowed the screen door to close before turning around. “I told you it wouldn’t be that bad.”
    “I didn’t say it would be bad. I was afraid that if you asked for more, I wouldn’t be able to say no.”
    With that, she closed the door on his face. He was frustrated as hell and his body was ready to revolt against him. But he couldn’t help whistling on his way back to his car.

    Chapter Six

    Dee leaned her head back and closed her eyes. The midday Hawaiian sun warmed her face as the sound of fellow patrons of the ocean- side café faded into the distance. It didn’t take her long to feel the weight of Micah’s gaze. Ignoring it wasn’t easy, but she did for a moment or two. She pulled her head back up and opened her eyes.
    “What?”
    “It just struck me that we’ve never really spent time together during the day.”
    She cocked her head to the side and said nothing as she studied him. She couldn’t. Because as soon as he’d said it she’d realized he was right. They had spent a lot of time together or at least in the vicinity