She squeezed his arm. "I never stopped training, even after I left the Marines. You should give yourself credit. You clearly stay in shape, Morgan."
As the elevator opened, she went inside to the sweet sound of a guitar playing a romantic medley. He followed her in, and he took her hand.
"Morgan? Are we using last names now, Jordan?"
"It's what everyone else calls me at work." His arms leaned on both side of the elevator around her. A hunger grew inside her.
She panted and said, "Just you and Em and, well, everyone at the wedding, seems to remember my name is Belle."
His lips almost brushed against hers. The elevator dinged, and they stopped on her floor. He lowered his arms and then massaged the back of his neck.
"Why did your parents name you that?"
She followed him into the small hallway outside her door. This night didn't need to end. She licked her lips.
"I think my mom was into Disney, or she basically knew it was French for beauty. She must have had wishes for me."
He stared at her. Her skin tingled with anticipation. Tonight she ignored the doubts that plagued her mind and focused on him.
"You're wistful. You must have had a mother you loved. And I broke my promise to you."
Her eyes widened. "What promise?"
He shrugged. "We weren't going to discuss family anymore, were we?"
As she opened the door with her electric key, she stared into his eyes. This couldn't be the end. She swallowed. "It's okay, as long as you intended to kiss me before we depart."
"You can invite me into your room, Belle."
Finally. This night was going her way. This was the night of no regrets. She pushed the door wider and pointed toward the living room.
"Yes, you're right. I can. Come in for a moment."
His hand brushed against hers as he did as she wanted. "You are nothing like anyone I've met."
She closed and locked the door behind her. "Is that a bad thing?"
His arms circled her waist, and his body brushed against hers. "Absolutely not. Can I kiss you now?"
She closed her eyes and puckered her lips. "I'm counting on it."
A fraction of a second later, his hard lips suckled on hers. Her hands ran through his thick, coarse hair. He was perfect. Her toes curled.
As he ended the kiss, he smiled and held her tight. "You even taste like apples."
That was new. No one ever said she smelled sweet like anything. "You have a strange thing about that fruit and me."
His quick head nod made him adorable. "I guess I do."
He then took a step, and she thought he intended to leave. She jumped forward to grab his arm. "Don't go."
"Are you sure, Belle?"
Yes. No. Maybe. Tonight with him didn't need to end. She needed more.
She nuzzled his neck. "Please stay."
He swallowed then wrapped his arms around her. "Belle, I never want to disappoint you."
She whispered, "Then we'll not think about anything else other than tonight. We make no promises."
He closed his eyes and then planted soft kisses on her nose, cheeks and lips. "You're the type that expects far more than I can give."
She'd be his. Tonight was their’s. "Tonight is just that and nothing more."
He froze. "One question."
Whatever he wanted. Yes.
Then he asked, "Will you be my New Year's date this year?"
Perhaps he was under some sort of spell too. He didn't understand the one night only offer, but perhaps she might extend it for a vacation.
She licked her lips. "Okay. I'll stay."
His hands ran down her spine, and every cell inside her was stimulated awake. He asked, "Is this okay?"
"Yum. More. I want everything."
"You're fascinating."
"Remember what I said about that word."
"Got it."
He turned off the lights. Every part of her was alive as his hands brushed against her breasts to take her hand. She focused on their heartbeats, which were in sync. He was everything she had ever wanted.
Chapter Fourteen
A fireplace crackled in her ears. Belle swallowed. Her naked body was still warm and tangled with Peter's. This was so unlike her. She sniffed the air, and his oak scent overwhelmed her. Another snap in the air caught her attention.
She lifted her head and gazed out the door. Her stare stopped as she saw that Peter's big, brown eyes were wide awake.
He nodded at her and said, "Merry Christmas."
There was no use pretending last night hadn't happened. For the next few days, she'd live like nothing mattered. She licked her lips. He was so well-built, everywhere. A prickle of her cheeks made her think she blushed again. She straightened her spine.
"Merry Christmas back at you, Peter."
He pointed to her nightstand. "Is this picture of your mother?"
"Yes. I like to travel with her. I take her everywhere I go."
"You have her face."
"No, she's far prettier."
"Don't put yourself down."
He rolled on top of her. Her body was so slick from their five times last night. She left her hands above her head and didn't struggle.
"I have something for you."
She covered her lips. A tremble inside her grew as he smiled at her. She licked her lips. There was no time for presents.
"I don't have anything for you. I didn't know we'd do this."
He handed her a thin, narrow box. Her heart raced. What happened between them wasn't about clothes, and he hadn't had any time to buy anything. Nothing else would fit in the box, though. She bit her lip and opened the box.
Wrapping paper covered something hard. She let out a breath as she stared at a picture of them dancing together last night.
"How did you print this?"
"I told the photographer to wrap it and deliver it your hotel. I heard the knock, and you were sleeping. I hope you like it."
"It's thoughtful." She dropped her hands to her side. "Peter, you didn't have to. I seriously didn't get you anything."
"I can think of presents I'd like from you." He inched the sheets lower. "One more peek at your naked body would be the best present."
Now wasn't the time to be shy. He'd already had his hands all over her. She held steady and nodded.
"Then unwrap the sheets off me."
His eyes lit up like he was a boy on Christmas morning as she brushed her fingers against his five o'clock shadow. He then kissed her nipples, one at a time.
"You're perfect."
A giggle escaped her lips as she arched to let him touch her again. "I have the same parts every woman on earth has."
He sat beside her, but their legs stayed entwined. He ran his hand through her hair.
"It's the whole package Belle. It's your sexy skin, sexy lips, the words that come out of them, and how you radiate warmth from your very soul."
Her heart lifted. She believed every word. "Peter, sometimes you are a poet."
"Only for you." He ran his hands through her hair now. "And never tell anyone."
"Fair deal." This seemed so unlike her. The lightness inside her chest sent something peaceful and wonderful throughout her entire body. She giggled. "How do I radiate anything?"
His fingers brushed against her cheek. "It's because you're real."
Her heartbeat increased as she stared into Peter's eyes. She licked her lips and asked, "That's what drove you to me then?"