“Getting you naked.”

“Excuse me.” She tapped his fingers away. “I charge extra for naked decorating consults.”

“Bill me.” He swept her off her feet.

“This was just a trick, wasn’t it? A ploy to get my clothes off and have your way with me.”

“Sure circled around nicely, didn’t it?” He dumped her on the couch and dived on top of her.

Chapter Nineteen

HE made her laugh as he nipped along her jawline, playfully wrestled her down when she tried to squirm away.

“You taste even better than meat loaf.”

“If that’s the best you can do, then you’re the one who’ll be washing dishes.”

“Your threats don’t scare me.” He walked his fingers up her ribs toward her breast. “There’s a dishwasher somewhere in that kitchen.”

“Yes, there is. And you had a bag of dog food stored in it.”

“Is that where that went to?” He nibbled at her earlobe.

“It’s now in the utility closet, where it belongs.” She turned her head slightly to give him easier access to her neck. “You’re obviously unaware that there are very practical, even attractive, containers manufactured to store items such as dog food.”

“No kidding? Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me, getting these domestic worries out of your mind. But I like a challenge after a good meal. Let’s just get this off.”

He tugged at her shirt, then made a throaty sound as he smoothed a finger over the salmon-colored lace of her bra. “I like this. We’ll leave that on a while.”

“We could take this upstairs, you know. I cleaned under the cushions and learned just what this monster can swallow. We could be next.”

“I’ll protect you.”

He replaced his fingertips with his lips, skimmed them over lace and flesh.

The enormous cushions gave under their weight, cradled them together as he sampled her. She wiggled and squirmed in mock resistance, an erotic game that aroused them both.

Her mind began to fog as he scraped his teeth down her torso. “What do you think of Brazilians?”

Baffled, he lifted his head. “What? The people, or the nuts?”

She stared at him, amazed that she’d spoken out loud, delighted with his response. Laughter shook her, rolled straight up from her belly as she grabbed him and rained kisses over his face. “Nothing. Never mind. There.” She dragged his shirt over his head. “Now we’re even.”

She loved the feel of his skin under her hands, the sturdy shoulders, the play of muscles. She loved, oh, yes, the feel of his hands on her. Gentle or rough, rushed or patient.

And as the evening light slipped through the windows, as he roamed down her body, she closed her eyes and let sensation rule.

Flutters and tugs, heat and chills. Each was a separate thrill blending into a single, steady ache. His fingers danced over her belly, made it quiver, before he drew her pants down her hips and legs.