He moved lower, kissing her belly, running his tongue around her belly button as he untied the bow holding up her sweatpants, and slowly peeled them down. Desperate to see his reaction, she watched as he found her scars. And like before, he didn’t flinch, didn’t look away, just brought that sweet, loving mouth of his to the rough patches of skin, as tenderly as he had to the rest of her.

“You’re beautiful, baby. Every inch of you,” he said huskily.

He continued stripping down her sweatpants and taking her panties with them, kissing and touching each and every scar on her hips and legs, and all the smooth spots in between, until she lay naked, her heart beating frantically. In those moments, she knew there was no greater luxury than being adored by Quincy Gritt. He kissed his way up her legs, his mouth lingering on her inner thighs, making her needy parts clench with anticipation. As his kisses inched closer to her center, she could barely breathe. She fisted her hands in the sheets, Ohgodohgodohgod playing like a mantra in her head, along with things she didn’t want to think about, like What if I taste bad? What if—

He slicked his tongue along her wetness, and her hips shot off the mattress, causing her to smack him in the nose with her cooch. His head snapped back, and he let out a painful sound, rising onto his knees, his hand covering his nose, confusion staring back at her.

“Ohmygod. I’m sorry!” She slammed her legs together, rolling onto her side, and covered her face. “I’msorryI’msor­ryI’msorry!”

“Did I hurt you, babe?” he asked far too kindly for what she’d just done.

She shook her head, mortified. “I’ve never…”

“Never…?” He lay on his side next to her, bringing them face-to-face.

She spread her fingers, peeking out from between them, and whispered, “Done that.”

A wolfish grin appeared, and she closed her fingers, blocking him out, but nervous laughter escaped, and she peeked at him again. “I’m so embarrassed. Do you want me to leave?”

“Do you want to leave?”

She shook her head. “I want to be invisible.”

He chuckled and moved her hands, gathering her in his arms, and kissed her. “If you were invisible, I wouldn’t be able to see where to touch you.” He slid his hand down her back and caressed her ass. “Or where to kiss you.” He kissed her again, slower and sweeter. “Did it feel that bad when I licked you?”

Her cheeks burned, but she managed to shake her head and whispered, “That good.”

“Aw, babe, we’re just getting started. I’m going to light your world on fire, if you let me.”

The wickedness in his eyes made her entire body shudder. “You’re not afraid I’ll break your nose?” She giggled, which made him laugh, easing her embarrassment.

“Hold on. Let me just get my nose guard.” He pushed up on his palm as if he were going to get it, making her laugh harder.