Culture Shock by Ginger Simpson

she'd shown that insecure side her brother hated.
    Alex raised a brow. "Why do you say unkind things about yourself?"
    "Habit, I guess. Even my brother tells me I'm too critical." She sat beside Alex while the coffee brewed.
    Soon the fresh aroma overpowered the woodsy fragrance of his delightful cologne. Cynthia yearned to bury her nose against his neck and lose herself in his wonderful scent. If only she could be so bold. She could think of things much more delicious than coffee.
    As if he read her mind, he slid his arm along the back of the sofa. She glanced up into his gorgeous eyes and wondered about his next move. Despite the air of comfort around them, her desire set her nerves on edge.
    Alex lounged against the sofa back and put his feet up on the coffee table. "Dinner was good, huh?"
    Cynthia released a pent up breath. "Delicious. I'm stuffed again. You tend to overfeed me. No wonder I've put on weight in my ear lobe." She giggled but leaned into his side and inhaled, turned on by his smell.
    Alex stifled her levity by bending and kissing her. Cynthia closed her eyes as the warmth of his mouth pressed firmly against hers. Her stiffness relaxed as his tongue flicked her lips, willing them to part…and she complied. His tongue lapped at her bottom teeth and elicited a throaty moan from her. Her wanton display of emotion shocked her, but her body controlled her mind now.
    Her heart raced as he gathered her in his arms and deepened his kiss. She willed herself to remain relaxed and enjoy the very thing she'd dreamed about, then arched her body forward when his lips moved from her mouth and trailed down her neck to the hollow just above her collarbone.
    He paused, raised his head and gazed into her eyes. Was he seeking her approval? She should stop him, but she didn’t.
    Cradling the back of his head, she pulled him closer. "Kiss me, Alex," she whispered.
    He willingly obeyed her command and plundered her mouth with passion that curled her toes. Her sense of reason told her things were moving too fast, but her body wouldn’t listen. With mouths still locked together, he slid from the couch to the floor, pulling her with him. Her body, reacting like melting wax, followed him to the carpet. Once again, he stopped for a moment and searched her eyes.
    She caressed his cheek. Her trust in him overrode any fear she had, but for the life of her she didn't know why.
    Alex began nibbling at her neck. Stretching out beside her, his lips blazed a path to the v-neck of her blouse. One hand boldly moved along the sides of her waist, then down to cup her buttocks. He pulled her against the length of his long, muscular body, while his other hand fumbled with the buttons on her blouse.
    Her skin flamed beneath his touch, but still her mind screamed "no." Even the fear of him thinking her a slut couldn't force her mouth to form the word. She arched against him.
    Alex fingers found and kneaded her breast through her blouse’s silky material. His lips caressed the hollow of her throat.
    She held her breath when he opened her shirt and dipped his hand into her bra. Her nipple hardened into a pebble almost as hard as the erection pulsing against her.
    Her mother's voice echoed in her mind citing the old saying about not buying a cow but getting the milk for free. Cynthia garnered her self-control and placed both palms against his chest. She pushed him away, and pulled her gaping top closed. "Alex, we mustn't."
    His eyes reflected the disappointment of rejection. "Why not?" His rapid heartbeat noticeably pulsated in his temples.
    She sat, straightened her clothing and re-buttoned her blouse. "It's too soon. I'm not the kind to sleep around. I'm so sorry I let things go so far, but.…"
    Alex stood and extended a hand to help her to her feet. Head down, he adjusted his pants, but evidence of his lust still showed.
    He lifted his gaze. "No, I'm the one who's sorry, Cyn. I guess I just got carried away. I've wanted to kiss you since the first