Simon & Rose by V.A. Dold Page B

paralyzing. Once the experience is over, they can move forward and leave it behind. It may be difficult, but in a minute, you’ll realize your apprehension was unnecessary. Assuming, the person you are removing the Band-Aid for is worthy of you, and cares more about the man than his individual parts. And I don’t give a rat’s patoot about your leg.” She glanced up at him and smiled. “I promise.”
    Mark was listening so intently to what she was saying, he didn’t realize she’d managed to get his pants undone until she took a step back.
    When he glanced around and frowned, as if looking for something she asked, “Is it easier for you to stand or sit to remove your slacks?”
    He spotted a fainting couch across the room. “If you don’t mind, I’ll use that.”
    “Be my guest.”
    Holding his pants in place he walked to the couch. Before he could chicken out, he pushed them below his hips and sat to shove them to the floor. Just as he realized he still wore shoes, Sharon knelt at his feet and removed them.
    “Thank you,” he murmured sheepishly.
    As quickly as he could he stripped the slacks away to expose his leg. To his surprise and relief, instead of being shocked, Sharon seemed intrigued.
    “Do you mind if I take a look at your prosthetics?”
    He went as still as stone. “I’ve never been asked that before.” Then he gathered his courage and said. “Go ahead.”
    Sharon touched him gently as she inspected his hi-tech leg. “This is fantastic. Is it painful to wear?”
    He shook his head. “Not as much as the first one I had.” The last thing he wanted to do was discuss his leg. He got to his feet and stood before her in all his glory. From the waste down, anyway. Mark watched her face closely for signs of revulsion. Her dark chocolate eyes slowly raked up and down his lower body. To his relief, she expressed only appreciation and if he wasn’t mistaken, arousal.
    Then her eyes rose and captured his. Oh, yeah. There was more than arousal in her eyes, there was a virtual forest fire blazing. Oddly, they appeared to glow.
    The increased rise and fall of her chest, caused her luscious breasts to sway, and his erection to twitch. If she didn’t touch him soon, he was going to die.
    With a husky voice, she asked, “May I remove the rest of your tuxedo?”
    In two steps, he stood before her, and placed her hands on his chest. “Only if you hurry.”
    Mark heard that strange rumbling sound again, right before she pushed the jacket from his shoulders and gripped the front of his shirt. The sound of rending fabric filled the room. “Was that fast enough?”
    He chuckled as he reached for her gown. “I like your style, but I also like this dress. I would hate to damage it.” He noticed the zipper was only partly undone and lowered it the rest of the way. Without effort, the silk pooled around her sexy heels. Sharon stole his breath in her thigh high stockings and stiletto pumps.
    A groan ripped from his throat. “Damn, woman. You’re spectacular.” He pulled her hard against his chest and slammed his mouth on hers. She immediately matched his frantic need, opening her lips and inviting him to explore. He dipped his tongue into the sweet cavern of her mouth and did just that.
    Mark felt her fingers kneading his scalp like a cat. Damn that felt good. Who knew a scalp massage could be erotic? When she made the rumbling sound, she even sounded a little like a cat purring.
    God bless America, she not only smelled like banana bread she tasted like it, too. That mixed with steamy sex, love, and home. His tongue delved deeper and he crushed her closer. He’d never felt like a caveman with a woman before, but Sharon brought the hidden Neanderthal out in him.
    When her nails raked his back, she almost did him in. A growl erupted from his chest.
    She moaned in response, a ragged needy sound.
    Mark gathered what little reserve of gentlemanly behavior he was able to muster, and stepped away. Chest heaving, she