pregnant or worse.
He put the car in Park near a side entrance. She kept her gaze fixed on the red exit sign above the hotel door, her hands shifting in her lap. She interlaced her trembling fingers and then released them.
“Maggie?”
“Hmm?”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to do this. I’ll say good-night and let you drive home. Or we can go inside to the hotel bar and have another water. Your call.”
“No, I do.” Interlaced fingers drummed against opposite hands. “I want this.” I want you. Badly.
“Honey, your hands haven’t stopped moving since we got in the car.”
She released her grip and forced her fingers to lie still on her thighs.
“Nervous?” he asked gently.
“Yes.” Fingernails digging into her jeans, she turned to him. “I think I left out a few important questions back at the fairgrounds.”
He rested his arm on the center console and grinned. “I don’t have a favorite color, but I love homemade lasagna.”
“That’s great, but I need to know more.” The words tumbled forth as if she’d opened a floodgate, but she kept her eyes locked on her hands. “Like your medical history, and maybe a few references. And if you’re allergic to latex.”
He reached over and took her hand. His fingers wrapped around her palm and she felt the fear wane. She glanced up at him. If he was offended, she couldn’t tell from his gentle smile.
“Maggie, I won’t hurt you,” he said seriously. “You have my word. I have condoms with me and I plan to use them if you’re still interested. I swear on my father’s grave that I have a clean bill of health. I just spent four weeks in a VA hospital followed by two months of inpatient therapy. They ran every test in the book and I’m clean.”
“Why?”
“Gunshot.” It was his turn to look at the exit sign.
“Oh, God.” This was quickly becoming more complicated. Of all the men in the car show refreshment tent, she had to pick an injured Ranger. Depending on the extent of his injuries, the man sitting in the driver’s seat of her rental car might never return to active duty.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” she asked.
Hunter laughed and smiled at her with his oh-so-handsome eyes. “Honey, I’ve been up for this since I first saw you at the bar.”
“Oh.” She glanced down at his thighs and saw the telltale bulge. The heat she’d felt when he kissed her neck returned full force. I want that, she thought. Inside me, thrusting me over the cliff into orgasm territory. Her excitement returned, but this time it was laced with something else. Power. She was the reason his pants were tight, probably uncomfortably so. And that inkling of control eased some of her fears.
“But if you’ve changed your mind, I will say good-night and go up to my room.” He paused and she kept her gaze fixed on his lap. “I would much rather give you those orgasms you need.”
“I don’t want to leave.” She withdrew her hand from his. “I just...I don’t know where to start.”
“Maggie. Look at me.” She lifted her gaze. Their eyes met and Maggie forgot to breathe. She stared deeply into his brown eyes and she knew, just knew, she could trust this man—at least for tonight.
“Close your eyes,” he said.
She obeyed.
“Now, tell me what you want, what you desire. Anything.”
I want you to take charge. Tell me what to do. But she couldn’t say that. No one had ever asked her what she wanted before. How could she reveal her fantasies to a virtual stranger? “I...I don’t know.”
“I think you do.” He reclaimed her hand and traced soft circles with his thumb. She leaned closer. “What have you always wanted to do but never had the chance? I promise I won’t laugh and you won’t shock me.”
“I don’t know....” How to put my fantasies into words.
She heard a soft rustling and sensed him moving closer and then—lips. The soft, full lips that had tantalized her neck in the parking lot gently brushed the edge of her mouth. Capturing her lips with his, he kissed her slowly, as if he’d be content to stay here in her car all night. Just kissing.
But making out in the front seat didn’t come close to fulfilling her fantasies. That was something the supposedly passionless Maggie would do—the Maggie who’d never shared her desires with the man she planned to marry. And right now? Passion threatened to short-circuit her brain. She leaned into him, hoping he’d take the hint and give her more.
Hunter did not disappoint. As far as first kisses went, this one was more of a conversation. He licked her lips as if asking, Do you trust me? Maggie opened her mouth slightly. His tongue swept inside, deepening the kiss, demanding to know if she was ready for more. As if he could sense her yielding, he stole his mouth away from hers.
“Tell me what you want,” he said, his voice low and husky. “Or maybe there’s something you don’t want.”
“I don’t want to be in control.” The words slipped out. “I just want to be and feel. Just for a little while.”
He leaned in again and his lips touched her ear. “Lucky for you, I like to be the one calling the shots.”
His tongue licked her earlobe and she groaned. Had she really said those words out loud? Really asked a man, a virtual stranger who could make a woman’s panties wet with just one look, to take control in bed? What if he misunderstood? She didn’t want to have to think or ask for what she needed; she just wanted him to know. But was that even possible? And what if he took charge by tying her to the bed? She might have a panic attack if she couldn’t get up and leave.
But wasn’t it time she finally let herself go? Maybe a little panic was good. Her carefully organized life would still be waiting for her in the morning.
“Come upstairs with me.” It was a command, a gentle one, but she knew from his tone he’d taken over.
4
MAGGIE WATCHED HUNTER slip out of the car and walk around to open her door, offering his hand as he helped her out.
It was now or never. She could still turn back. But her body, her desire took over, and she placed her hand in his. Her gut told her this man could deliver. She was safe with him.
Following him through the side door and down the red-and-gold carpet to the elevator bank, Maggie pushed aside her doubts and fears. He was in control now—of her, her orgasms, everything. She could just let go.
He held the elevator door. “After you.”
She stepped inside. There was no turning back now. She bit her lip as desire pooled in her belly and rushed lower.
“Maggie.” He stepped
