Expecting the Boss's Baby by Leanne Banks Page B

sending a wicked rush through her.
    “Maybe another time,” she said.
    He took her hand when she started to turn. “Is that a promise?”
    She studied him. “What is with you?”
    “It’s time we left the boss-assistant relationship totally behind.”
    “And how do we do that?” she asked.
    “I have some ideas,” he said and pulled her into his arms.
    He took her mouth in sensual exploration, quickly warming her from the inside out. “Every time I looked at you during the last three years, I said no. I’m not saying no to myself anymore.”
    His words surprised and aroused her. He felt solid, strong and distinctly masculine against her. He took her mouth again, this time with his tongue, seeking and seducing her, sipping at her as if she were his favorite drink, and he’d been thirsty for a long time.
    “You smell like sex,” he whispered.
    Kate felt her knees lose their starch. His desire for her was intoxicating. She slid her fingers through his hair and rubbed her chest against his, craving a closer touch. The atmosphere in the room turned steamy. He slid his hands down to her bottom, guiding her against his hardened masculinity. Long denied needs rushed to the surface, and Kate fought against letting go. “I’m not sure about this,” she asked.
    “I’m just practicing,” he said, skimming one of his hands over the side of her breasts. The movement teased and taunted.
    Kate bit back a moan. “Practicing what?”
    “Practicing for when we’re married.” He skimmed his hand over her breast again, this time closer to, but not touching her tight nipple.
    Kate’s moan escaped her throat.
    “Do you like that?” he asked, rubbing his thumb over her nipple.
    She pressed her breast into his hand, an unspoken confession.
    “I’m going to find out what else you like,” he said, and pulled her with him down onto the sofa. Pulling her onto his lap, he lifted her shirt and flicked his tongue over the tip of her breast.
    Kate couldn’t suppress another moan. When he unfastened the top button of her jeans, she put her hand on his. He was making her dizzy. “This feels fast.”
    “It could be faster,” he said.
    She shook her head and swallowed over her dry throat. She lifted her hand and was surprised to find it trembling.
    Michael looked down at her hand and took it in his.
    “It’s going to sound crazy,” she said, searching his gaze, “but when you said those things in your office the day I quit, a big part of me gave up on you.”
    “What are you afraid of?” he asked. “That I’ll abandon you or stop supporting you? Because I won’t. I—”
    She shook her head. She couldn’t tell him whatshe feared. She had too many fears, and, unfortunately, she had every reason to believe they would come true. “I think I need some time. I think we need to take this slowly.”
    His gaze held hers for a heart-pounding moment. “Okay, we’ll trade,” he said. “We go slow, and you come back with me tonight.”
    Kate started to shake her head.
    “This isn’t negotiable,” he told her. “You can pack or I’ll pack for you.”
    “Why? I’ll be fine.”
    “I’m here to make damn sure of it,” he said. “You can either walk out of here or I’ll carry you out to my car and let the neighbors stare when you scream. But I’m not leaving you here until your parents arrive.”
    She didn’t like having her wings clipped. “I thought you said we were leaving the boss-assistant relationship behind.”
    “I’m just practicing to be your husband,” he said in a maddeningly calm voice.
    “I wish you would practice differently,” she retorted.
    “I will,” he said, his tone dark with sensual promise.
     
    “You’re getting what?” Justin nearly shrieked as he slammed his mug of beer down.
    “I’m getting married in less than two weeks, and you two are invited,” Michael calmly said.
    Dylan just stared at him for a long moment, then cleared his throat. “Isn’t this a bit