“Fuck. Me.” The craving in his voice makes my heart race. “You look amazing. I told you you would.” The I-told-you-so almost ruins the moment.

Almost.

He stands, stepping right into my personal space again.

Is he doing that intentionally?

Does he have any idea what it does to me?

Of course he does.

“How do you feel?”

“Naked,” I reply with an eye-roll. I refuse to admit he’s right.

“Not yet, you’re not. All in good time, Goose.”

My breath catches in my throat at his callused hands sliding up the outside of my thighs. He trails under the hem of the shirt until his hands rest on my naked hips. The tickle of his rough fingertips is divine. I put my arms around his neck as he lowers his lips to my exposed collarbone and peppers the soft skin with kisses. The sensation of his wet lips on my body nearly drives me mad.

He walks us both back toward the couch, pulling off his shirt before he sits down. I take in the glorious majesty that is a shirtless Austin Jacobs. Would it be creepy if I asked to take a picture of him right now?

Yes, it would. Don’t you dare!

Right. Guess I’ll just save that mental image instead.

“Come here,” he implores, putting his hands back on my hips, trying to pull me down on top of him. “I want you to straddle my lap.”

Oh God.

Oh God!

OH GOD!

I climb onto the couch in what has to be the most uncoordinated and awkward way possible. He’s huge and I’m tiny. I don’t know if I can straddle him. I put one knee up on the couch, pressed against his thigh, but I somehow get caught and twisted in the shirt as I try to bring up my other leg.

I’m pretty sure I kick him in the shin.

To his credit, Austin doesn’t cringe at my very cringe-worthy performance. This man has the body of a devil but the patience of a saint. Why isn’t he running for the hills yet?

Because you’re paying him.

Thanks for that subtle kick to the ego, brain! Want to remind me of that time I tripped at the opera, fell down the stairs and landed in full view of the orchestra pit with my dress over my head? You know, just to make real sure every ounce of self-confidence I have is utterly dead and buried?

Eventually, I get both legs on either side of him and stop flailing. Austin keeps his firm grip on me and positions me in his lap. I let out a frustrated sigh. Any confidence I had was sapped by my ridiculous display. I am hopeless.

“Relax. We’ve got all night.” The words are soothing in my ear. He brushes my hair off my shoulder, wrapping his fingers around the back of my neck.

“Kiss me,” he entreats. I’m hesitant but eager to meet his lips.

I lean forward, pressing my chest against his, the thin fabric of my shirt the only thing separating us. My nipples harden with the friction. My lips brush his as I slide my tongue into his mouth and kiss him deeply. His moan is my reward.