Free Alicia's Folly by C A Vincent

sees one.”  
    “Really?” he asked. A frown creased his forehead. “And what exactly constitutes a “real man”?” His tone as he asked this last question was wary, like he wasn’t sure he’d like her answer. She swallowed past a lump of nervousness and told him what her version of a ‘real man’ was.  
    “In no specific order, he, i.e. you, is kind and considerate of others’ feelings while not kowtowing to them at every turn. He’s strong yet gentle and can make a woman feel safe and cherished with just a look or the smallest of touches. He – Nate?” she asked, stopping mid-rant. His eyes had slid shut on the word “cherished” and he was clenching his jaw. Alicia wondered if she’d gone overboard. What if she was sounding too clingy and lovey? She bit her lip worriedly as she waited for him to speak.  
    “You didn’t mention looks or sex appeal,” he rasped, opening his eyes. They were bright with raw emotion and damn near took her breath away. Relief washed through her as she realized he wasn’t angry or put off. She shrugged.  
    “Looks are a bonus,” she said simply, avoiding for the moment the “sex appeal” part of his statement. His jaw dropped slightly before he snapped it shut and scowled up at her. She couldn’t help the grin that spread slowly across her face. “And don’t worry. You’ve got them in spades.” This last was said in a whisper a mere inch or two from his mouth. When his scowl deepened, she giggled. It really was fun to tease him. Especially since letting him off the hook looked like it was going to be a lot of fun.  
    “And sex appeal is automatic when the man in question, i.e. you, has all of the above,” she said, hoping like hell her voice sounded seductive and not at all corny. The frown eased and became a slow, somewhat smug grin. It was her turn to arch an eyebrow at him. Only hers was a challenge, as if to say, “What are you going to do about it?” To add fuel to the fire, she added, “You, Nate Langston, are sex on a stick.”  
    Alicia shrieked as she found herself suddenly flipped onto her back. Nate growled low in her ear as he ground his hips against her. She moaned as the contact created a low burn in the pit of her stomach.  
    “I’ll show you a stick,” he said playfully before capturing her mouth in a slow, sweet kiss that made her heart swell and beat erratically in her chest. She did her best to ignore the “swelling” part, given it meant her feelings for him were deepening, and concentrated on the lust-driven, irregular pounding instead. In an effort to crush any and all things sentimental, she tried to take control of the kiss.  
    “Oh no you don’t,” Nate rasped, breaking away. “We’re doing things my way this time.” Before she could answer, he bit gently down on her lower lip. Alicia moaned helplessly as pleasure made her breasts tingle and the muscles in her sex clench. He kissed her chin, then licked and nipped at her neck. Her breathing sawed in and out of her lungs as the need for the feel of his hands on her body reached a critical level. When he did finally touch her, she cried out in frustration. There were too many clothes in the way. She wanted skin-on-skin.  
    “I’m with you, babe,” Nate said, rising up to kneel. He pulled her with him so she was sitting. Alicia didn’t know whether to pull her own t-shirt over her head or tear his off for him. They were in such a rush to undress, their movements clashed and became a mess of arms accomplishing nothing. With a growl of frustration, he took hold of her hands. “Stop,” he ordered. “Let me.”  
    Alicia nodded mutely in agreement and raised her arms up, crossing them loosely over her head. Nate made an appreciative noise and took hold of the hem of her t-shirt. He lifted it excruciatingly slowly upward, tormenting her. Then, just as the fabric reached her breasts and the lacy bra she was wearing started to show, there was a loud, insistent pounding