I sucked in a breath as I clasped his biceps, his skin damp from the heat, his muscles hard beneath my fingertips.

Roane was going to kiss me.

I felt the heat of his breath first, the warning before his lips touched mine. And when they did, it was a barely there brush, a hot, glancing touch.

My fingers dug into his arms, silently urging him to really kiss me.

I was desperate for it.

But Roane was determined to take his time. Another whisper of a kiss, then a slightly deeper press, a nibble on my lower lip.

A whimper escaped me.

It shattered whatever restraint Roane had lassoed around himself. His hands clasped the back of my neck, hauling me against his body as his mouth pressed hard to mine. I opened my mouth to let him in, and his groan of satisfaction rumbled through me.

The tickle of his beard was surprisingly erotic on my skin. I’d dated guys who had stubble, which was abrasive, but Roane’s thicker beard was slightly wiry and softer than the prickle of stubble. It felt rugged, masculine, my opposite, and it was a big turn-on. Roane was aroused too. I could feel evidence of how much he wanted me digging into my stomach as he savored me with tender reverence that was sexier than any kiss that had ever come before his. Sliding my hands down his back, feeling the hot, smooth strength of him under my touch, I melted into him. His hands drifted down from my neck, and with teasing strokes, Roane studied my body—my ribs, my waist. When he touched my stomach, I fumbled the kiss and he broke it to gaze down at me through lust-fogged eyes.

Watching me, he deliberately ran the backs of his knuckles across my belly. “Every inch, angel.” His voice was hoarse.

I relaxed, feeling a little embarrassed by my self-consciousness, but that abashment didn’t last long as he bent to recapture my mouth. Roane’s hands glided around to my ass, where he cupped both cheeks and drew me against his arousal. As he ground into me, his tongue caressed mine in deep, wet strokes, growing wild and almost bruising. I wondered what that beard would feel like between my thighs.

I groaned at the thought.

Roane suddenly broke the kiss, our breaths mingling as we panted against each other.

“Why did you stop?” I whispered.

“Because.” He squeezed his eyes closed as he rested his forehead against mine. “There’s plenty of time for us to fuck. I don’t want that for our first time. I want to make love to you.”

Oh my God, this man. “Are you even real?”

He chuckled and squeezed my ass, bringing me closer against his throbbing body. “What do you think?”