A Texas Soldier's Family. Cathy Gillen Thacker

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СКАЧАТЬ rampant desire flowing through his body. Sensations coursed through his veins, the likes of which he’d never experienced. Holding Karen in his arms and running his hands over the smooth expanse of her bare skin—it was softer than he anticipated—had him on the verge of doing something totally out of character, like tossing her over his shoulder and carting her off to the nearest bed. Her gloss-slicked lips appeared soft and inviting, and he wanted nothing more than to taste and nibble on them. Before she dropped her gaze, he read the same thing in her dark brown eyes.

      The guilt he had felt earlier rose, but he pushed it down, reminding himself those feelings had no place here. He wasn’t married anymore or in a relationship. He was free to explore this attraction between him and Karen. Damian closed his eyes, held her closer and inhaled the seductive scent of her perfume, letting the powerful sensations take over. He liked the way she fit in his arms, as if she belonged there. Though the thought scared him, he couldn’t move away. He wanted to hold her this way all night.

      As if by some unspoken communication, the DJ played three slow songs in a row. Damian offered up a silent thank-you and tightened his arms around her. Too soon, the music changed again. Karen lifted her head and stepped out of his embrace, and he instantly missed the closeness.

      “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.

      “Yes, please.”

      He quickly claimed the table a couple had just vacated, and she sat. “What would you like?”

      “A cosmo.”

      “Coming right up.” He squeezed in at the black-and-white marble bar and gave their order. Several minutes later, he returned, drinks in hand. Damian placed her drink on the table in front of her and then sat in the chair across from her.

      “What did you get?”

      “Jack and Coke.” His brow lifted when she took a long drink from the glass. “Good?”

      She nodded and tilted the glass to her lips again before setting it on the table with a trembling hand.

      He chuckled inwardly, thinking she might want to slow down. He picked up his own glass and took a small sip. “What brings you on the cruise? Vacation?”

      “My best friend got married before the ship left on Saturday. Her new husband is performing, so they decided to make it part of their honeymoon.”

      “The woman you were with yesterday?” She nodded and he said, “I wish them many happy years together.” A memory of his wedding day flashed in his head. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

      “Maybe you’ve heard of him. R & B singer and producer Monte.”

      “Really? I know of him. I once heard he planned to never marry.”

      “So did I. But Janae is the sweetest person I know, and I guess he couldn’t resist.”

      “Is that why you were dressed up when I saw you?”

      “Yes. What about you? Are you on vacation?”

      “I guess you can say that.” He laughed. “Actually, my two friends guilt-tripped me into coming. They bought the ticket and then asked if I was going to waste their money and accused me of not being a good friend.” Karen laughed—a low, throaty sound that made his heart jump.

      “That’s wrong.” She leaned forward with laughter shining in her eyes. “Were you being a bad friend?” she asked teasingly.

      “Probably,” he admitted. “I’ve turned down every offer to take a trip together for the last several years.”

      “Well, I’d say you redeemed yourself by coming on the cruise. You should be off the hook for at least a month.”

      Damian laughed. “Good point. I’ll make sure to tell them that.” They laughed together again, and then silence fell over the table. He hadn’t laughed with a woman in a long time and enjoyed the easy rapport they seemed to be developing. He covered her hand with his. “I still wasn’t too keen on coming, even after we boarded...until I saw you. I’m looking forward to whatever this week brings.”

      “So am I.”

      They finished their drinks, both lost in thought.

      He gestured toward the dance area. “Are you ready to hit the dance floor again?”

      “Let’s do it.”

      He rose, assisted Karen from the chair and trailed her as she dipped in time with the beat out to the dance floor. She raised her arms in the air and danced with reckless abandon, her sensual movements sending bolts of white-hot desire shooting through him. Damian sucked in a sharp breath and tried to will his body calm. They danced to a few more songs. Then he suggested taking a walk.

      Karen fanned herself. “Whew. I haven’t danced like that in ages. And definitely not in these shoes.”

      He glanced down at the sexy jeweled sandals and her red-painted toenails. “But they look amazing.”

      “Thanks. Shoes are my weakness. I needed an extra bag just for them.”

      He shook his head and chuckled. Come to think of it, the shoes she had had on that first day were just as sexy. “You have good taste.” They came to an exit. “Are you okay to walk on the deck for a little while? We won’t stay long.”

      “Sure. I could use the fresh air.”

      He held the door open and let her precede him, then led her over to an empty spot at the rail. Neither spoke for several minutes. Damian studied her as she stared out into the black night—the shimmering glow of her skin bathed in the moonlight, the serene expression on her face. Their attraction had been instant and strong. Why her? And why now? He didn’t think he would ever allow himself to get close to another woman, but in less than twenty-four hours, Karen had proven him wrong. She fascinated him. Called to him. Made him laugh and feel alive for the first time in years.

      She looked up at him. “Penny for your thoughts.”

      “I was just thinking about you. Us. How much I’m enjoying your company.”

      She smiled. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

      Damian reached up and stroked a finger down her cheek and lowered his head. He hovered close enough for their breaths to mingle, waiting, seeking permission. She hesitated for a brief moment, then tilted her head upward. He touched his mouth to hers, once, twice. Her lips parted beneath his, and he slid his tongue inside. He hadn’t kissed a woman like this in a while—five years to be exact—but it didn’t take long for him to catch up. She tangled her tongue with his, and he groaned deep in his throat. He turned, leaned against the rail, widened his stance and pulled her between his legs.

      Karen wrapped her arms around his neck, grabbed the back of his head and held him in place. Damian had no problem with that. He had no intention of letting go—not until he got his fill—which in his estimation might take all night. He angled his head and deepened the kiss. His hands roamed down her back, cupped her bottom and brought her flush against his erection. He wanted her to feel what she was doing to him. They stood there with their mouths fused for who knows how long until she shivered. He gave her one last kiss, then lifted his head.

      “Cold?”

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