Mitch leaned in and tasted Monique’s lips, soft as silk and sweet as honey.
She sighed softly against his mouth as he hauled her against him. He shuddered at the sensation of her stomach pinning the ridge beneath his zipper.
Despite the chilly temperature, he was enveloped with intense heat. Sparks of electricity zipped along his spine, into his fingers and toes.
One arm wrapped around her waist, the other cradled the back of her head. His throat vibrated with a low hum as his tongue explored her sweet, warm mouth.
She answered with a soft purr as she clutched the back of his shirt, her delicious curves pressed against his larger frame.
He’d dreamed about this. Holding her in his arms. Claiming her mouth with a heated kiss that would leave them both dizzy and wanting more.
And he wanted more. So much more.
He wanted to take Monique to bed. Pay homage to the undulating curves that were currently creating unbearable tension in his groin. Trail feathery kisses down that incredible body. Trace every one of those tattoos with his tongue. Discover the tats that likely lay hidden beneath her clothing.
Mitch slid one hand lower, over the bend of her firm, round bottom. Their tongues tangled amidst groans of pleasure. Tasting and exploring.
Her fists pressed to his back, Monique ground her hips against him. The tension below his belt ratcheted up. His breath came harder and faster.
He slid his hand lower, pressing his warm palm to her icy thigh, just beneath the hem of her dress.
They were kissing outdoors after midnight on one of the coldest days of the year. She was freezing. He had to put an end to their kiss, regardless of how his body protested.
Mitch pulled away. They stood in silence for a moment, still catching their breath.
“It’s freezing. We should go back inside. Besides, Ray will be looking for one or both of us soon.” He sighed. The mention of his friend’s name was like a bucket of ice water tossed on his head.
Monique nodded, pulling a napkin from the pocket of her dress. She wiped the lipgloss from his mouth.
He chuckled. “Had this whole thing planned out, did you?”
Her mouth curved in a sly grin, but she didn’t respond.
“You head in first.”
She gave him a resigned nod as she retrieved her glass. “I’ll see you inside.”
“One more thing…” He removed the jacket from her shoulders and slipped it on. “Would be hard to explain why you’re wearing my jacket.”
Monique seemed disappointed. She headed inside, closing the sliding door behind her.
By the time Mitch returned to the party, it was winding down and a handful of people were leaving.
“There you are.” Ray frowned, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “You and I need to talk.”
Shit just got real.