Pressing her hands flat against his chest, she could feel the beating of his heart against her palms. A hard, fast pounding that mirrored her own heartbeat.
So many years she'd dreamed of this moment, so many years she'd thought it would never come, and now that it had, she felt almost frightened.
She lifted her eyes to his at the exact moment that her heart said, I love you.
No.
She stumbled back from Luke, or tried to, but his arms were faster than she was.
She hadn't read love in his eyes at any point so far tonight, only lust. Pure lust. And now he was saying, "Yes or no?" in a low voice that rumbled through her entire body like a sensual earthquake.
Oh god. It couldn't be true.
She couldn't be in love with Luke.
Of all the stupid things to feel for him, love was definitely the stupidest.
She swallowed hard, made herself locate her voice, which felt like it had dropped way down deep into her toes.
"To what question?"
"Tonight. This. You and me."
Ah, now she got it. He was asking her if she could forget about who they were. About their past. About how this could thoroughly complicate their future. He was asking her to make a choice between risking everything she was for this one night...or running scared from it.
She hadn't been afraid of anything for a very long time. So why, she wondered helplessly, was she afraid now?
And why had her brain actually thrown the word love into the mix?
His hands were warm on the small of her back, just above the curve of her ass. The heat of his bare chest radiated out to her as she stood in his arms. A bone-deep longing to shut her eyes and lay her head against him while he held her close hit her hard.
God, what was wrong with her tonight? Here she was on the verge of getting everything she'd ever wanted and instead of grabbing Luke with both hands, dragging him to her bedroom, and having her dirty way with him, she was freaking out.
"Yes or no?" he repeated.
She tried to say yes, but all she could get out was, "You already know the answer."
He shook his head, just as she'd known he would. He wasn't the kind of man you could fool. He was too smart. Too quick.
"I want to hear you say it, Janica. I need to hear you say it."
His need rocked through her. She couldn't say no to him. Just as she couldn't say no to herself, to her own desperate need.
She licked her lips. Opened her mouth. Finally whispered, "Yes."
That one small word was all it took for him to take over. His hands moved so fast from her back to the low neckline of her short black dress that her breath caught in her throat.
Through the thin fabric she could feel his hands on the curves of her breasts and her nipples beaded almost painfully. Because she was small enough to let the built-in bra in the dress do the work of keeping everything in place, her nipples jutted out at him, silently begging him to touch her.
A split second later, he ripped the front of her dress open, fully exposing her breasts to his hungry eyes.
She gasped in shock. Who was this man, she wondered as she instinctively moved to cover herself.
Before she could, his hands came around her wrists to hold her arms at her sides.
"No. Let me see you." His chest was rising and falling hard. "I've waited so damn long."
His eyes burned her skin, causing a flush to travel all across her breasts. But the heat did nothing to stop her nipples from hardening further.
"My God, you're beautiful."
No one had ever looked at her this way, like she was absolutely, impossibly perfect.
"So beautiful, Janica, I can't believe it."
She tried to say something but she still couldn't catch her breath. Not with her dress ripped open to her waist. Not with Luke's eyes drinking her in. Not with those wonderful things coming from his mouth.
Not with her wrists immobilized by his strong grip.
And then he was bending his head down and she felt the first flutter of his soft hair against her collarbone as he lowered his mouth down over one breast.
A low, uncontrollable moan of pleasure shook her throat. She wanted to put her hands on the back of his head, hold him there forever against her, but he wouldn't let her go.
All she could do was stand there and let him taste her.
Oh my god. His tongue. And then--yes, yes, yes!--his teeth were lightly scoring her sensitive flesh.
"Luke."
His name was a plea. For mercy.
Or maybe, for the exact opposite.
And that was when she realized he understood her better than she did herself, because instead of letting up, instead of giving her a chance to catch her breath, he shifted his dangerous attention from one breast to the other.
The touch of his lips, his tongue, the dark stubble on his jaw, stroking across her untouched skin, sent another jolt of pure desire through her, head to toe, strong enough that she didn't know how her body was managing to hold it all inside without breaking apart.
She arched into his mouth to get closer, every cell in her body focused on three square inches. His jaw was covered in rough stubble and she loved the way it felt as it scraped and scratched against her skin.
And then his mouth was traveling up over the small curves of her breasts, across her collarbone, settling in the hollow. His tongue tasted her there, and it struck her that feeling Luke's kiss on her shoulder was one of the most erotic moments of her life, outranking every orgasm she'd ever had with anyone else.
She wanted to taste him too, wanted to run her hands and mouth over every inch of his beautiful body. But he was still holding her too tight.
She tried to pull herself out of his bonds and his hands tightened on her wrists.
He pulled his mouth away from her skin. His eyes were dark, dangerous.
"Don't fight me. Not tonight."
It wasn't just the sensual spell he had wound around her or the look in his eyes that had her giving in. It was the fact that those five words, said in such a commanding voice, held not only more desire than she'd ever known, but also more pain.
Luke needed her.
She'd never been the kind of woman who looked for broken men to try and heal. But Luke wasn't just any man. He had always been special. Even when she wished he wasn't.
She'd been waiting for five years - no, a decade or more - for this moment to come to fruition. And now that it was here, she would willingly walk down whatever path he wanted to lead her down.
Deep down, she knew that Luke Carson was destined to give her great pleasure. Bigger and better than she had ever dreamed was possible.
And, if dreams really did come true, maybe he'd give her even more than pleasure.
Maybe he'd give her love.
...Excerpt from LOVE ME (Take Me sequel) by Bella Andre (c)2010. Visit
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovemetakemesequel-473729-144.html t o read more...
More titles by Bella Andre...
CANDY STORE
On the verge of losing her candy store, Callie Moore decides to blot out her troubles with a tall, dark, handsome stranger. Derek McNear isn't about to turn down a cute, curvy blonde who offers sizzling-hot sex in a commercial refrigerator at his best friend's wedding reception. But the next day, when Callie discovers that Derek is the consultant she has hired to save her store, they find it difficult to concentrate on business. Especially when giving and getting pleasure in each other's arms is so much more fun!
Reviews...
"This is my first story by Bella Andre and all I have to say is damn! This is a wonderful and funny story. Not to mention hot! I very much anticipate Bella Andre's next story. 2 thumbs up!" Just Erotic Romance Reviews, 5 stars
"You are in for a really sweet treat when you pick up Candy Store by Bella Andre. Derek and Callie burn up the pages, the chemistry is so explosive between them. I cheered them on as they began a journey toward the "happily ever after
" neither expected to find, though it will take coming to terms with their fears before that is achieved. The love scenes are off the charts and appropriate to the story, the cast well developed, and the internal struggles are poignant." Sensual Reads
GAME FOR ANYTHING
He's the Superbowl hero men idolize and women lust after . . . the bad boy quarterback with a dangerous edge. But behind his devil-may-care grin, Ty Calhoun hides a desire that only one woman can ever fulfill--and a memory he can't shake: high school graduation night . . . and mind-blowing sex with the untouchable girl of his dreams. He would trade every trophy to feel the heat of her sensual, uninhibited lust once more. And he may get that chance . . . because she's just been hired by the San Francisco Outlaws' new owner to clean up Ty's act.
The country's top image consultant, Julie Spencer is a total pro at cleaning up the messes of the rich and famous. Even working with the man who took her virginity and broke her heart ten years ago can't shake her. Until he touches her again. Because one caress - one hot kiss - is all it takes to spark the same knee-quaking electricity, and soon they're mixing business and extreme pleasure. But knowing the danger this bad boy poses to her heart, Julie is determined to keep her distance.
But Ty has a game plan of his own. The more he misbehaves, the more Julie will have to keep tabs on him--and the more he can give his dream girl some very real thrills, by showing her just how fun it is to be bad. This time around he's game for anything...especially winning her heart.
Reviews...
"This strong story is a joy to read." ~ Romantic Times
"A sexy and entertaining novel. A tantalizing read, GAME FOR ANYTHING is sure to please." ~ Romance Reviews Today
"Don't miss a single one of Bella Andre's titles." ~ Affaire de Coeur
"For readers who enjoy steamy fantasies." ~ Shelley Mosley, Booklist
"Smart women who know what they want and the hot heroes who want those women.
Enjoy the fun and the fire!" ~ Bestselling author Christie Ridgway
"Steamy passion and heartwrenching emotion. Satisfying in every single way." ~
Bestselling author Jami Alden
"Be sure to have the champagne on ice to cool down-- this one's hot!" ~ Bestselling author Jasmine Haynes
"GAME FOR ANYTHING is the first book I've ever read by Bella Andre but I certainly hope it will not be the last featuring the Outlaws. Bella Andre has written the sort of story that draws you in and makes you want to see more of the characters. GAME FOR ANYTHING is a hit!" ~ CK2S Kwips & Kritques
GAME FOR SEDUCTION
The daughter of a powerful sports agent, Melissa McKnight has harbored lust-filled fantasies for Dominic DiMarco ever since she was an awkward teenager, when the San Francisco Outlaws' gorgeous wide receiver became her father's superstar client. Now Melissa's a beautiful, tenacious associate in her father's firm, and being around to-die-for hardbodies is all in a day's work...until tangling with Dominic at a photo shoot blindsides her with passion.
Dominic has built a flawless career by being in control-on and off the field. And despite his intense desire for Melissa, he's not about to seduce his agent's daughter. Until Melissa stages a power play to break free from her domineering father-and winds up at an edgy bar on the wrong side of town. Dominic thinks he's rescuing the innocent Melissa he met years ago . . . but one night of sizzling passion reveals a woman with no limits-including a penchant for hot sex in public places. If anyone's breaking all the rules of seduction, it's sexy, irresistible Melissa.
But Dominic has a secret from years ago-one that could ruin his sterling reputation and take Melissa along with him. Will his bad boy past bind them closer together? Or will they crash and burn?
Reviews...
"Against the testosterone-laden backdrop of professional sports, this stand-alone story in Andre's Bad Boys of Football series deftly keeps the tension bubbling as the lovers fight against their ill-advised desire for each other. The steamy, up-against-the-wall sex and the couple's deepening bond will make you turn every page with anticipation."
~ RT Magazine
"GAME FOR SEDUCTION is powerfully seductive and explosively passionate. Readers should snatch this baby up immediately!" ~ WildOnBooks ECSTASY
Candace, a newcomer to writing erotica, is thrilled when Charlie, a veteran of the industry, agrees to be her mentor. But neither of them ever expected that Charlie's lessons on new positions, using toys, varying locations and role playing would spiral from verbal instruction into hot, hands on education. Unfortunately, Candace's deception about the new erotic romance she's writing--where Charlie plays the starring role--is about to threaten their one chance at true love.
Reviews...
**4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine!!!**
Andre writes a wonderful story filled with lovable characters and steamy sex. When Charlie agrees to mentor Candace, their lessons quickly become the hands-on variety, and they find that more than just a physical chemistry exists between them. Anyone looking for a funny and intelligently written read should definitely give this book a try! ~ RT Magazine
"4 1/2 HEARTS! This book is wonderful and so hot it will melt your screen."~ The Romance Studio
"The sparks fly when two erotica authors come together. The tension between Candy and Charlie is electrifying. I really enjoyed getting to read snippets of Candy's novel as she wrote it.
ECSTASY is truly that -- two authors discovering what real love is for the first time. It is a real winner. Don't miss it!" ~ Sensual Romances
SHOOTING STARS
San Francisco, present: A bold and sensual woman, Christina wishes the men she took to bed could be more like the warriors of the past: strong, sexy and just a little bit scary.
Scotland, 1320: On the verge of marrying a great warrior, convent-raised Christiania prays for a gentle man to save her from marriage to a man she fears.
A shooting star and a fervent wish for their heart's desire are all it takes for both women's dreams and wildest sexual desires to come true...
Reviews...
"SHOOTING STARS is one of the greatest time travel romances that I have read. The characters are highly sensual and in touch with their sexuality. The storyline is sweet and romantic and the sex scenes are steamy. What more could you ask for? Ms. Andre pens an out of this world novella that makes you want to wish on shooting stars and believe in true love, no matter what the cost... ~ The Road to Romance
"Sassy and erotic, Shooting Stars is a great time travel. Both Christina and Christiania knew what they wanted and once they had it weren't afraid to grab it and do whatever necessary to ensure they kept it. Ms. Andre adds a high level of suspense and tension in addition to the love and sensuality. This is one you don't want to miss! ~ In the Library Reviews BOUND BY LOVE
After losing her parents as a young child, Elizabeth Orleans - now the Queen of a small country named Magonia - was taught not to show emotion or weakness. After a lifetime of control where she's given everything she has to her people, she's begun to dream of letting her walls fall down. And, maybe even, experiencing sex as more than just a physical release. But she is Queen and such things are impossible.
Or are they?
Gavin Ross, a new resident and business owner in Magonia, didn't expect to be dragged before the Queen and placed in the stocks for not filing the proper documents. When his punishment ends, he slips into the castle to teach the Queen a lesson. But what he finds shocks him...
As they move from courtrooms to wicked game rooms, through secret passageways and cool lake waters, the battle for supremacy between two equally matched adversaries just might give way to the most powerful force of all.
A love that will bind them together forever.
Reviews...
"Short, sweet and ever so sexy. What a Queen Wants is magnificently written. Elizabeth's duality is clearly shown; the reader knows she isn't really as cold-hearted as she appears. Gavin is a perfect compliment to her and brings out her sensuality and erot
icism. A great read!"
~ In The Library Reviews, Sharon
"Wow, what a man that Gavin is. What a Queen Wants is a steamy read that will fog up your computer screen. Ms. Andre pens a tale of a woman with absolute power, who knows when it's time to let down the defenses that she's built up all of these years." Fallen Angels Reviews, Joy
"An intriguing tale" Night Owl Reviews, Chris
"Really good." Sensual Romance, Angela
*
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Since selling her first book in 2003, she's written fifteen "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publisher's Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they'll love forever. If not behind her computer, you can find her reading, hiking, knitting, or lunching with her favorite romance writing ladies. Please visit her on the web at
https://www.BellaAndre.com, https://www.twitter.com/bellaandre and
https://www.facebook.com/bellaandrebooks.
Bella Andre, Game for Love
(Series: Bad Boys of Football # 1)
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