The corners of his mouth twitch. “Raven, you gotta give me something besides okay.”
Here he just confessed to having feelings for me and asked me to spend the night, and he want’s something besides okay? My brain is on overload, not to mention the other parts of my body that have just woken up for the first time in . . . well, forever. They may even short circuit if he gets anywhere near them with that skilled mouth of his. I laugh inwardly at the thought of Jonah’s vast experience with women compared to my complete lack of experience with men.
Oh, no.
“I can’t have sex with you.” I blurt out the words, my hand covering my mouth too late.
I’m an idiot.
His eyes light up, dancing with laughter, making my idiocy totally worth it.
“That’s all right. I’m not asking you to stay over so I can have sex with you.” He lifts one eyebrow and gives me a one-dimpled grin. “Can we make out?”
Heat bursts against my cheeks and floods down my neck. I bury my face against his chest to hide my embarrassment. “Okay.”
He throws his head back and laughs while holding me to him. Instantly, his touch calms my nerves and my lungs take in a full breath. His warm skin smells like coconut sunblock mixed with his usual masculine spice. I relax deeper into his hold.
“Jonah?’
“Hmm?”
“I like you too.”
He pulls back just enough to see my face, determination flashing in his eyes. He leans down and, knowing what he’s after, I lift up on my toes. Our lips touch for the first time in a soft caress. I’ve wondered what it would be like to kiss Jonah, and even my best fantasies weren’t this good.
His full, strong lips mold to mine. A slow sweep of his tongue has me opening to him. What started off teasing turns hot and urgent as he pulls my lower lip with his teeth, coaxing my tongue to explore. His hands grab at my hair and mine wrap around his biceps.
The kiss turns demanding as he possesses my mouth. His muscles flex against my palms. I struggle to keep myself on my toes, his expert mouth making my legs completely useless. I slide back down on flat feet, dragging my breasts down his chest as I go. He releases his hold on my hair and cups my bottom with his hands, pulling me against him.
My gosh, that feels good.
With what seems like great effort, he ends the kiss, gently nibbling and tasting my lower lip. His hands give me a squeeze before sliding up and resting on my lower back. He bends down and presses one last kiss on my neck before looking into my eyes.
Amazing. In this moment, after that kiss, he’s no longer Jonah “The Assassin” Slade, celebrity bad-boy. Looking at him now, he’s just Jonah.
“Don’t worry about tonight.” His words are said in a way that makes me feel like I might be more to him than a hook up. “I’d never push you further than you’re willing to go.”
My stomach twists with anxiety. He has no idea.
Eight
Jonah
After my talk with Raven in the bathroom, I have one objective—get these people out of my house. Pronto. With the taste of her still on my lips, I let the guys know that the party is over.
It’s just past ten as I wave off the last of my friends. I watch from the front porch as Raven says good-bye to Eve. The patio light illuminates her face as she laughs hard at something Eve must have said.
Damn, she’s gorgeous. I always knew she was beautiful, but getting her alone in that bathroom, her body trembling in my arms, her breathy moans, and flushed cheeks. Perfect.
And that kiss. I’m not big on kissing, never have been. But Raven’s sweet lips, so tentative at first, only to turn greedy and demanding—a few more minutes of that and I’d probably bust in my shorts like a teenage boy.
She walks toward me, her backpack slung over one shoulder, Eve’s taillights disappearing down the driveway.
“Come here.” I brush her hair aside and lean in. Before I’m there, she tilts her head, offering her throat to me. Fucking perfect. I hone in on my spot: the blackbird’s wing that peeks at the base of her neck. First, a quick press of my lips, then I part my mouth to taste her tender flesh. She hums low in her throat and leans into me.
“I like your tattoo.” My voice against her neck makes her to shiver.
“I like yours too.”
I force myself back a step. “Everything okay with your girl?”
“Yes, she’s happy I’m staying here. She hates my place, thinks it’s not safe.” She picks at the frayed strap of her backpack.
“Why is your place not safe?”
She looks up at me and rolls her eyes. “I live in a studio apartment.”
Okay. That doesn’t sound so bad.
“Where?”
She blows out a long, defeated-sounding breath. “Right by the garage.”
She shifts on her feet, and I know she’s holding something back. I tilt my head and wait. Her eyes grow a fraction. That’s right, sweetheart. I’m on to you.
“Well, actually . . .”
“I’m listening.”
“I live above the garage.” She’s back to picking at her backpack strap.