Free When You're With Me by Wendi Zwaduk Page B

hovered centimetres from his lips. “Take me in the house.”
    Ramon nodded. “I want to make love to you, sweet girl. I want to feel you surrounding me.” She shifted to stand and he held her fast. “But I refuse to take advantage of you.”
    She backed away a few more inches. Sadness clouded her blue eyes. “You won’t be.”
    He pressed a kiss to her swollen lips. “You’re scared and don’t trust me enough. First, I’m going to show you what it’s like to be home.”

Chapter Five

    A single table lamp illuminated the enormous room, giving it a cosy, intimate glow. A handful of photos and a couple of concert announcement prints hung on the bland sand-coloured walls, with a garish beer clock adding interest above the bay window. Otherwise, the bedroom was rather barren. He watched her and wondered what she thought. Was she displeased? He’d change anything to make her happy.
    Ramon stopped at the foot of the king-sized bed. He could imagine her living with him and being completely happy. She looked perfect in his home. The farmhouse could be theirs…
    He shook off the feeling of ease. She wasn’t his…yet. She might never be. He tried not to expect what couldn’t be, but the thought lingered. What if she was what he wanted—his missing piece? His gaze followed her. His entire being sought her touch.
    Jude sat down on the edge of the bed. She glanced around the room. Her smile remained thin.
    Ramon crossed the short distance, sat down and pulled her onto his lap. “Tell me what’s on your mind, sweet girl.” He cupped her cheek. Her light perfume continued to drive his senses wild.
    Tell me you love me…
    Whoa! Where’d that come from ? He bit back the goofy smile curling his lips.
    She squirmed to get comfortable. His erection pressed against her backside with delicious tension. He had to get himself under control—no need to spook her further. Her lips parted and her eyes closed, sending a fresh wave of desire crashing through his body. If she kept that up, he’d be a goner.
    Strike that—he was already on the ragged edge and in danger of going over.
    Ramon tugged her close and brushed his lips to hers. He could feel her shiver again, this time with delight. Her sensuous moves made his craving surge. He pushed the kiss further, not wanting to break their connection. His tongue brushed past her lips and slid against her teeth, mimicking the rhythm of lovemaking.
    At first, Jude fought him, but gradually opened. He swallowed her moan—proud that he could still produce such a reaction in a woman. They needed to go further—he wanted all of her.
    Not yet.
    As if she’d been shocked, she pulled back. “I thought we were going home. You said you wanted to wait.”
    “This is my home. Where I really live and where Tiny isn’t watching every last thing I do.” Ramon smiled and chuckled. “Do you know how sexy you are?”
    She shook her head. “You confuse me.”
    “I can’t keep my hands to myself, but I promised to be a gentleman.” He brushed a lock of her hair from her eyes. His fingers trailed down the side of her face. She shivered. “You’re all I think about, sweet girl. How I want to kiss away your fears and protect you against the bastard that wants to control our lives. In a short time, you’ve become very important to me.”
    Jude thumped his arm. “You say that to all the girls.”
    Ramon wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. “Just the adorable ones. I don’t bring just anyone to meet my gramma.”
    The blush ran from her collar to her hairline. “So, what do we do now?”
    “We’ll find some cheesy movie on the television and get crumbs all over the bed. I promise.”
    She cocked her head. “Yeah?”
    He cupped her jaw again and feathered kisses from her earlobe to her lips. “You can use my chest as a pillow. I won’t even kick you out for snoring.”
    Jude burst out laughing. “Deal.”
    “One condition.”
    “What’s that?”
    Ramon covered his eyes