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there in a while, I let him. It’s considered a special treat for him to stay over.” She felt his thumb begin to rub her lower back. Her core began to heat and her body melted under his soft touch as her body succumbed to his ministrations. His eyes betrayed the lust and desire he was feeling, even as he said nothing. Standing this close to him, she knew this past month, hell—the previous seven months—had been leading up to this moment.
    Their bodies were nearly pressed together, and Evan gradually put light pressure on her back, indicating he wanted her to come closer. How much closer, she couldn’t tell, but she heeded his message and pressed her upper body closer to his until their lips were just a hairsbreadth apart.
    “I’ve been waiting too long for this. I’m going to kiss you, Sierra. This is your only warning. If you don’t want this, tell me now.”
    There was no way in hell she was backing down. He was everything she needed and more. Just being held in his arms caused both her heart and mind to conclude there was nothing she wanted more than to be with this man. No was not an option for her. Turning away from him was not something she was willing to do—not now, not ever. “Well, what’s taking you so long?”
    When his lips touched hers, it felt like she was finally coming home. It was different than last time. There was no mistaking his intent when his lips captured hers. Her man was laying claim to her right here and now and damn, it felt good. Both of his arms wrapped around her waist, while her arms came up to encircle his neck and shoulders. She gave herself permission to submit to her desires, submit to him, and the feeling was everything she had hoped it would be.
    After a few minutes, the need to replenish the air supply to their aching lungs forced them to release each other from their passionate kiss. Evan’s face rested in the crook of her neck as his gravelly voice whispered to her, “You’re mine. You’re meant for me.” With those words, Sierra knew this was right and good.
    It took a few minutes to regain their composure, but ultimately they broke apart. Evan caressed the side of her face, cupping her cheek in his palm. “Do you still feel like having dinner?” She could tell from his expression that he would probably be just as happy staying in for the night, but she was all dressed up, and maybe it was best that they take a minute to cool down.
    “Yes, I think dinner would be good. Just give me a few moments.” Sierra walked on shaky legs to the hallway washroom to fix her make-up and to take a few deep breaths. Laughing to herself, the thought occurred to her that it was probably a very good thing Dusty was away at a friend’s house. If things continued to go in the direction she hoped they would, Evan would not be going back to his own home tonight.

Chapter Five
     
     
    “Would you like a nightcap?” Sierra winced and snapped her lips shut. She knew in an instant how stupid those words sounded as soon as the question came out of her mouth. But damn, she was nervous as hell. This man had been eyeing her all night as if she were on the dessert menu. How was any sane woman expected to keep her wits about her when dealing with a caged animal?
    His body had seemed primed to attack her throughout the entire dinner. He had not attempted to kiss her again since they left the house. Oh, he had held her hand as they walked, rested it on her lower back when entering and leaving the restaurant, and anyone looking at them would think he had been the consummate gentleman, but Sierra knew better.
    Problem was, Sierra was so wound up and ready for something—anything—to happen that every touch, every smile, every huskily spoken word had ratcheted up her need for him until she could hardly contain herself. As she eyed Evan, she was aware that he watched her every move. He knew exactly what he was doing and was playing her like a violin. Who could really blame her for being such a