Free Surrender to Love by Raine English

expecting to see a flash of lightning. She’d never liked storms much, and being in a big old house right on the water made her like them even less. Having Easton there was a comfort, though. She closed her eyes and imagined his hard body next to her with his lips burning a trail of desire across her skin.
    As she drifted off to sleep, he remained in her thoughts, and her dreams were filled with images of him making love to her. His hands slid across her stomach, then down to her hips, where his gentle massage sent currents of desire rippling through her. A clap of thunder exploded over head. She shot up in bed, no longer asleep but not yet fully awake either—in that twilight state of somewhere in between.
    She thought she heard a knock on her door but couldn’t be sure. Maybe it was the thunder, or maybe she was still dreaming. However, when she heard it a second time and louder, she threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. It could be her grandmother. She padded across the floor to open the door. Only, it wasn’t an old woman standing there. It was Easton. Her gaze skimmed over his bare chest, and then down to the sweatpants hugging his hips.
    “What are you doing here?” Her voice was husky from sleep.
    “I wanted to make sure you were all right. A storm like this can be dangerous.” His gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders, and then over her thin nightgown.
    She crossed her arms over her chest as she stepped back to let him in, knowing full well she could be making a mistake. Hadn’t she learned anything from her last relationship? But Easton wasn’t Jason, and she knew better than to judge him based on her old fears. Besides, with the dream she’d just had still fresh in her mind, it would’ve been impossible to send him away.
    She watched him cross the room and stop at the foot of her bed. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.” His voice was deep and sensual.
    Tara closed the door. She went over to him, and his arms encircled her. A bolt of blue-white lightning illuminated the room like a strobe light.
    Easton ran his hand over the small of her back. His touch was electric, and a shiver of wanting ran through her. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said softly.
    He pressed his lips against hers, sending a shock wave through her entire body, and then he used his mouth to caress her more than kiss her. Her knees went weak, and she completely succumbed to him.
    “You have no idea what you do to me.” He slid the thin straps of her nightgown down her arms, until her breasts were fully exposed. He cupped them with his hands, then outlined the tips with his fingers. Her nipples grew taut, and when he brought his mouth down to meet one, she gasped with pure pleasure.
    She ran her hands down his back, digging her nails into his skin as he worked his way lower and began a lust-arousing exploration of her flesh. Her entire body quivered, and she was taken to a place she’d never known before.
    Just when she thought she’d reached her peak of ecstasy, he slowly undressed her, his touch soft and teasing.
    She returned the favor by removing his sweatpants, but not before he took a condom out of the pocket. His self-assurance didn’t bother her. Just the opposite. She was glad that he’d come prepared.
    He eased her down onto the bed, and she gasped as he lowered his warm body over hers, then he took her hands, encouraging her to explore.
    A wave of passion and love flowed between them. They were both ready. She sheathed him, and then raised her hips to meet him. He clutched the backs of her thighs as he entered her. Their bodies fit perfectly, and they moved as one, soaring higher. Later, when all their needs had been met, they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
     
    ~*~
     
    Tara woke first, and she lay there for a few minutes, studying the beautiful man beside her. She kissed his brow, and his eyes fluttered open.
    “Good morning.” His lips brushed hers.
    “It’s a very good