Free McDonald_MM_GEN_Dec2013 by Donna McDonald Page B

distance between them into his lap, not surprised when Sam accepted her action and pulled her closer.
    Putting her arms around his surprisingly firm shoulders for someone who did desk work for a living, Eve hugged him close. All the warmth of sleeping in Sam’s arms last night came back, along with memories of Joyce informing her that Sam had a crush on her.
    Eventually, she pulled away and looked into his face. “How long are you willing to wait for me to figure out how I feel about this change of situation between us?”
    Sam slowly let out the breath he’d been holding. “I’d like to say for as long as it takes, but loneliness is gnawing a hole in my gut. I’ve been desperate to fill that space for a while now. I’ve been celibate for almost as long as you have, Eve. If you’re not interested, I’ll probably have to go look for someone who is, even if she isn’t you. It’s not what I want though.”
    Her hands tightened on him. The idea of Sam finding someone he wanted other than her didn’t sit well. “No matter how confused I feel, I don’t think I can let you do that now that I’ve kissed you. Last night was . . . I guess last night got me thinking about how nice it would be if . . .this is hard as hell to say, Sam. Baring my body is lot easier than baring my soul to you.”
    Groaning, he leaned forward and buried his face in her neck as he swept hands up and down her back. She felt wonderful and smelled amazing. This was the woman he wanted, if she would have him. “I want to promise you anything it takes to keep you in my lap as well as my life, but in the long run, I can’t do any of that. All I can say is that I’ve waited for this chance with you. I will always be glad I told you about my feelings, no matter what you ultimately decide.”
    Eve wrapped her arms tighter, using one hand to stroke his head. She liked this man, really, really liked this man. Was that enough reason to be sexual with him? Suddenly she had tons more sympathy for some of her listeners with similar dilemmas who called in to her show.
    “I want you. I do,” Eve whispered. “I just never slept with a man without having made a solid commitment to him first. I like you, Sam. I like you more than any male in my life right now. Is that enough?”
    She felt his sigh go through her, and then his arms tightened.
    “All I really care about is that you not regret anything you do with me. If you did, it would probably break my heart. I’m already a little bit in love with you, Eve. When the grief let go of me a few months ago, you were the only second chance at love I wanted to take,” Sam declared. “I’m sorry. I never meant to tell you so soon. You probably think I’m crazy to even think that way.”
    Her fingers toyed with his hair. Sam was in love with her? Her belly fluttered in alarm at the news, but also in excitement. She would have to give the prospect of it some thought—but not tonight. Tonight she wanted to not think at all. It was the only way she could override her own confusion.
    “Close your eyes, Sam. I can’t kiss you while you’re staring at me. You make me too nervous,” Eve admitted.
    “You make me nervous too you know,” Sam said, but obediently closed his eyes. Her lips trailed over his face and then down his throat. He squirmed under her and shifted her closer. What he wanted to do was latch on hard and roll her onto the floor.
    “I know I haven’t said anything to you, but I really like your new cologne,” Eve said, kissing his jaw. The texture of his evening beard tickled the tip of her tongue. “I also like the way you seem able to wake my body up every time you come near me.”
    “Your voice is driving me crazy with lust. Am I allowed to touch you back?” Sam asked.
    “Yes,” Eve answered. Seconds later, she drew in a breath when Sam’s hand covered her breast and squeezed possessively as he stroked her nipple with his thumb. A throaty groan escaped and vibrated her lips against his