going to let her get away with that. He slid closer and she stiffened even more. Had he read all her signals wrong? He didn’t think so, but he had to ask. “Maxine, are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” She jerked upright. “Of course not! I’m just…it’s just…I’m sorry. Guys don’t like public displays of affection. I got a little distracted and forgot where we were.” Ryan couldn’t stop his chuckle. “Where the hell did you get that idea? I was the one kissing you. I don’t give damn who sees.” “Jamie didn’t like—” “He’s your ex? He’s a jerk.” Ryan wrapped his arm around her again and this time she softened. “You need a little lesson in what I like. Come here.” She squealed as he lifted her and placed her on his lap. Her gaze darted around the deck, but the other couple remained busy chatting. “Ryan, I’m not sure—” “You said the first time we met you trusted me. We’ve seen each other for a couple weeks now. Do you still trust me?” She swallowed hard but nodded. “No one cares if you’re sitting on my lap.” He stroked the back of his knuckles along the column of her throat and buried his fingers in her hair. She was absolutely gorgeous. “No one’s watching to see if we’re doing anything. Do you want to kiss me?” She nodded, her eyes hidden as she stared at the ground. “Then kiss me.” She raised her head slowly and the brilliant shine in her eyes nearly blinded him. Her kiss started tentative, then grew stronger. She wrapped an arm around his neck, like she was clinging on for dear life. His cock ached where it pressed into her hip. She had to know what she was doing to him, how much her touch turned him on. He dropped a hand on her thigh and stroked the line where her skirt stopped, the warmth of her skin radiating out, pulling him like a magnet. Tracing small circles with a fingertip, he moved slowly to the inside of her leg. She quivered in his lap and a small pleading noise escaped her lips. “You like that?” he whispered. She tucked her chin into his neck but he could still hear her quiet response. “Feels so good to touch you, and have you touch me. Oh my, what—” “Shhh, it’s okay. No one can see.” His finger skirted the edge of her panties and he rubbed the silky fabric covering her mound with a single digit. “You’re wet, Maxine.” “Oh God.” He laughed quietly. “It’s a good thing. I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling the heat.” She sat upright and glanced around the deck before turning back to stare into his eyes. “I can’t believe you’ve got your hand…” He rubbed a circle with his thumb over her clit and she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut. Fuck, he could watch her for hours, loving the play of emotions across her face. She instinctively inched her legs apart to ease his way and he knew he’d better stop before he took them past the point of no return. He took one final brush against her body before dragging his hand back down her thigh and leaning forward to take her lips again. He kissed her more forcefully this time, putting some of his need into the motion. Maxine relaxed further in his arms, all the tension gone from her body as she accepted his lead. When he finally drew back she gasped for air then stared at him. “What?” “You made me totally forget where I was.” She glanced around again and laughed softly. “I’ve never done anything like that in public before.” “I should have made you climax.” “Ryan!” She wiggled off his lap but moved her chair to remain close enough to touch. “You’re such a joker.” Really? He cupped her chin and lifted her face toward him. “Sweetheart, when it comes to giving you pleasure, I’m not kidding.” He watched her bite her bottom lip again as the thought of what he suggested registered more fully. Damn it, the need to take her home and bury himself in her warmth grew by the minute. “What are you doing