Royal Holiday Baby Read Free Page A

level.
    She took another sip of wine and willed herself to be more brazen. She took two steps forward then stopped. “I’m not accustomed to making the first move,” she whispered.
    He raised his eyebrows and nodded, taking another long drink of beer. “Maybe I can help with that,” he said and closed the space between them.
    Inhaling deeply, she caught the scent of him, soap, cologne and just a hint of musk. He smelled male, good, seductive. He slid his hand over hers and tugged her toward the kitchen counter where he propped his can of beer.
    His hand felt strong and warm around hers. Taking her wine glass from her hand, he took a quick sip, then also set the glass on the counter. He dipped his fingers into the wine and rubbed them over her lips.
    She blinked at the raw seductive move, but had no desire to object.
    â€œI think I need another taste of that wine,” he said andlowered his mouth to hers. His mouth was firm and sensual. He slid his tongue over her lips and she felt his hunger vibrate inside her. When he pulled her against him, his hard-muscled frame made something inside shudder and relax at the same time.
    She wasn’t dealing with a college boy here.
    She remembered her first time as heavy kisses, awkward fumbling, a rushed penetration followed by a stab of pain. Afterward, she’d wondered Why bother?
    Tina knew she was experiencing the opposite side of the spectrum. Zachary was a man, and he clearly knew what he was doing. He knew what he wanted and at this moment, she knew that he was what she wanted. From the time she’d been born, Tina had been bred for duty and responsibility. Her position was more important than her desires or personal needs. She was always to behave responsibly. If things went wrong, then she was supposed to fix them. She would always need to remain on guard.
    For the first time in a long time, if not forever, she let down her guard. She had the bone-deep sense that Zach was the most responsible man she’d ever met. For now, his responsibility meant taking care of his needs and her own, and she felt a delicious anticipation that he could achieve both tasks. She sighed with a combination of relief and excitement and clung to his strong frame.
    Giving herself into his sensual care, she drew his tongue into her mouth, savoring his taste. He quickly inhaled in surprise or approval, or both, and rocked her pelvis against his hardness.
    A thrill raced through her and she pressed her breasts against his chest. He gave a low growl. “Are you sure you—”
    â€œYes,” she whispered desperately against his lips and slid her hands upward, knocking his hat from his head.
    Within seconds, he had pushed off her coat and unzipped her dress. Tina felt a draft of cool air when her dress pooled at her feet, but his warm hands replaced the fabric, quickly distracting her. She tugged at his jacket and tie then fumbled as she unbuttoned his shirt.
    It seemed like both forever and no time at all before she felt his naked warm skin against hers. The sensation of her breasts against his chest made her nipples tight with need. Heat and desperation grew inside her. When had she wanted like this? When had she allowed herself to want like this?
    Her brain shorted out as he dipped his head, taking one of her nipples into his mouth. Tina gasped in pleasure.
    He swore under his breath. “You’re so sexy. Don’t know how long I can wait.”
    â€œDon’t,” she urged, sliding her fingers through his hair. “Don’t wait.”
    Taking her by surprise, he pulled her into his arms and carried her out of the kitchen down a hallway. In a darkened room, he set her down on a bed and pulled back. During those few seconds, she felt cold without him.
    â€œZach?”
    â€œRight here,” he said, returning, leaning over her as he opened a foil packet and protected himself. “I don’t trust myself much longer.”
    He slid his