Keri Arthur - Circle of Desire

"That was wonderful. All I need now is chocolate and my life would be complete."

Hopefully not too complete. He drew out the chocolate bar he'd bought earlier and offered it to her.

Her cheeks dimpled. "You're just trying to get back into my good graces."

"Most definitely." They still had half an hour of free time left, and he needed her so fiercely it was becoming painful.

She put the chocolate on the table then picked up her purse and stood. "I'll be back in a moment."

His gaze slid down her back to her honey-coloured legs as she walked away. He fervently hoped she kept wearing overly tight tops and short, swirly skirts while he was around. A figure as good as hers shouldn't be hidden under layers of clothing. He glanced up as the waitress approached.

"Coffee?" she asked.

He nodded, and she filled both their cups. When Kat came back, she wrapped her hands around the cup and looked out the window. "Do you mind if we go for a quick walk after this? I need to get some fresh air before we start driving again."

He needed to get her alone, and if walking did that, then it was fine by him. He glanced out the window. "Would you like me to go get your coat from the car? That wind can be pretty brisk around these parts, and it will be worse down near the waves."

A smile touched her full lips. "I'll be fine. Thanks."

They finished their drinks, and he asked for the check.

Kat took it out of his hands. "I get expenses," she said, and dropped the cash on the plate.

They headed outside and found the steps down to the sand. Kat took off her shoes, dangling them from her fingers as she strolled barefoot along the damp golden sand. Waves teased her toes, splashed up her bare legs, and suddenly he found himself fighting the desire to lick the salt from her skin.

He scrubbed a hand across his jaw and studied the long stretch ahead. The beach curved around to the right and disappeared. Once they walked beyond that point they'd be beyond the sight of those in the restaurant and, hopefully, alone.

They continued on slowly. Heat pounded through his veins and surged to his groin. He was hard and aching like hell. Dusk was beginning to shadow the horizon, and darkness would only bring the fever into full focus. He had to ease his needs before then or there could be true trouble. He'd never tested his will like this before. Didn't know what would truly happen if the moon fever took over. But he could imagine, and he didn't want to do that to Kat. Or any other female, for that matter.

They rounded the corner. The sea stretched before them, dotted by huge outcrops of rocks, and the sand was a long stretch of emptiness. He gave a mental sigh of relief. One problem down.

She moved up the beach towards the grass-topped dunes then stopped, staring at the horizon as she rubbed her arms. He stopped behind her, close enough to smell her fresh fragrance, close enough that the scent of her desire washed over him. But not touching her. Not quite.

"Cold?"

She nodded. "You were right. I should have gotten my jacket."

If things went the way he hoped, she wouldn't really need it. The heat they'd raise between them would keep her warm enough. "Do you want to go back?"

She tilted her head back, one eyebrow arched as she met his gaze boldly. "Do you?"

In answer, he slid his hand around the cool skin of her bare waist and drew her close. She wriggled her bottom against him, sending heat flashing through his veins, then she sighed. "So much nicer."

It certainly was. He slid his hand under her short shirt. A tremor ran through her, and her breath caught as he brushed one taut nub. He hoped it was a sign she was ready for him, because there wasn't much chance of slowness once he started down the path of seduction. Not this first time, with the night coming on and the moon pounding so fiercely through his veins.

He pressed a kiss into her neck, then ran his tongue up to her ear. She tasted like she smelled — fresh and sunshiny.

He took her lobe in his mouth, gently nibbling. Her soft groan ran across him, tearing at his control. He slid his other hand under her shirt and cupped her lush breasts.

Teased and caressed her nipples until her breathing was as rapid as his own.

"Turn around," he whispered.

His hands slid around her waist as she complied, and he pulled her close. He claimed her lips, exploring her mouth with his tongue, tasting her leisurely but deeply. She made a needy sound deep in her throat and ran a hand down his side until she touched him. He shuddered and pulled away.

"Don't," he said, fighting the surge. "Or I'll lose it."

Her smile was pure cheek. "Isn't that what you want?"

"Not yet." Because as much as he wanted her, he wanted to at least give her some pleasure this first time. Or there might not be a second.

Always look after your own interests, his father had once told him. It was a lesson he'd learned all too well.

He took possession of her lips again and slid his hands under the hem of her skirt to caress the silk of her thigh.

Continued up the cool, smooth skin to discover heaven had no restrictions.

"When?" He slid his finger past her curls and into her moistness, gently caressing.

She pressed into his touch, forcing it deeper. "When I went to the restroom."

"Clever girl."

"Horny girl would be more accurate."

"Suits me."

Her grin was saucy. "Thought it might."

He kissed her again, this time more urgently. His veins burned with heat, and every muscle trembled with the effort of restraint. She grabbed his shirt, her hands cold on his skin as she began undoing the buttons. He didn't stop her, just enjoyed the sensations trembling through him.

She kissed his neck, his chest, her lips feather light on his skin yet burning deep.

Her touch moved to his waist, and she slowly undid the button on his jeans. "Condom?" she whispered against his lips.

He took a shuddering breath then whispered hoarsely, "Right pocket."

She pulled out the foil packet then pushed his jeans down. He kicked free of them then hooked her T-shirt with his thumbs and stripped it off. Her skirt quickly followed.

"Beautiful," he said, running his hands down her glorious golden body.

"Definitely," she agreed, echoing his movements with gentle hands.

He kissed her fiercely, drinking in her essence, exploring every inch of her mouth until both of them were panting for breath. Then he trailed his tongue down the long line of her neck and circled the pebbled points of her breasts.

She shuddered, arching her back, as if offering them to him. It was an invitation too good to refuse. He took one nipple in his mouth, sucking hard as he slid a hand down the flat of her stomach and into her moistness. Her moan shuddered through him, testing his strength, his will.

He delved deeper, sliding through her slickness, until her muscles pulsed around his fingers. She pressed against him, riding his hand with increasing urgency. Her skin was feverish, flushed with desire and need.

A need he understood only too well.

She grabbed his shoulders, fingers trembling, nails digging deep.

"Oh… God." Her voice little more than a fractured whisper. "Please…"

Her plea raged across his senses, almost destroying his restraint. He shuddered and pulled his touch away, knowing if she came right now it would shatter what little control he still had left.

Her groan almost shot it to hell anyway.

"Condom," he said, voice harsh with the urgency pounding through his body.

She tore open the packet with her teeth and rolled it on with an ease that spoke of practice. Not that he cared. He pulled her close again and began to stroke her. Her soft cries urged him on, her body trembling against his, her skin glossy with perspiration. He kissed her ear, ran his tongue down her neck. She tasted like no woman he'd ever had, and right at this moment, he wanted to keep on sampling her forever.