“Is that so?” I asked, voice already sounding like a growl. The adrenaline from the sound of the bell still coursed through me, combining with a frantic urge to taste every inch of this woman.

“It’s a present,” she purred. “Why don’t you open it?”

This was probably a dream, but I didn’t stop to pinch myself. Eyes locked on hers, I worked open the knot. Didn’t drop my gaze as I slowly undid every button on that jacket. There was the tension and the release, bit by bit. A gradual reveal of hidden skin I didn’t allow myself to see yet. Her berry lips parted on a shaky exhale. Her pulse fluttered in the hollow of her throat.

I leaned in and stole a desperate kiss. Tabitha moaned and opened for me. My tongue swept into her mouth, her fingers threading into my hair.

The last button opened.

I planted my hands on either side of her face and looked down.

“For fuck’s sake, Tabitha,” I swore. I shoved the now-open jacket off her shoulders. It pooled at her high-heeled feet. A lacy, red bra cupped the pale skin of her breasts, and she wore matching underwear that made my mouth water for a taste of her. She was all curved hips and dark ink and freckles.

“I was lucky that Target carried lingerie in the femme fatale vibe I was going for tonight,” she said.

I didn’t respond. Only stared at her in sheer, honest wonder. I fell to my knees in front of her and skated my palms up her smooth thighs. Caressed her belly with my lips. She shivered.

“Is your…” She paused. I heard the tremble. “Is your fantasy to your liking?”

I gave in and pressed my face between her legs, mouth open against the lace. “I don’t deserve you.”

She hooked her fingers under my chin. Lifted. “Yes, you do.”

The look we shared threatened to stop my heart again. Or send it into overdrive. There was temporary fun, and then there was this—Tabitha staring down at me like I was the only thing that mattered.

My hands moved up the back of her thighs, gripping her round ass. I could have fucking wept. I pulled her ass cheeks apart, hefting them in my hands.

Her eyelids fluttered. “What’s next in this fantasy of yours?”

I nuzzled against all that red lace, already slick with her arousal. “I want to make you come right here. With my mouth.”

I waited for her permission. She granted it by hooking her leg over my shoulder with a nod and flushed cheeks. I used my other shoulder to pin her leg in place. Spread one hand across her belly to steady her. With my other, I grabbed the edge of those lace panties and pulled them to the side.