Chapter 8

At seven in the evening, I was all dressed in a floral dress with a jean jacket. Kain arrived to pick me up for dinner, wearing a knit shirt and ripped jeans, looking rugged and yummy. The shirt hugged his chest and arms, revealing those powerful muscles I wanted to explore. My core clenched and I bit my bottom lip, trying to stifle this increasing desire.

Like he had predicted, Grandpa didn't want to go. Apparently, he was hooked on some Egyptian artifact show on the History Channel. Nerves fluttered inside my stomach as I planned out tonight's date. I wanted to know what it would be like to kiss him, touch him . . . take him inside me. Those thoughts had kept me up last night, but I didn't wake up tired. I woke up armed with a mission.

My fingers flexed, wanting to squeeze his taut muscles. I wanted to show him some of my "criminal" moves. I laughed at my own thoughts. Being with Kain had sparked a playful side in me I didn't know existed. It had been a while since I'd experienced this much joy and spontaneity.

I didn't know the top floor of the Etched Building was apartments instead of retail or office space, like I'd assumed.

Kain drove his Range Rover into a large parking lot filled with luxurious cars. He parked in a spot next to a silver Maserati, which was next to a Porsche that begged to be looked at.

"That Porsche must cost a fortune, probably three times my salary," I said, opening the door before Kain could. We were past that gesture now. Though I wouldn't mind it once in a while.

"You want to look inside?" He pressed a button on his key and opened it for me.

I gawked at him. "How many cars do you have?"

"Four."

"Four?" I poked my head inside and slid into the leather driver's seat that felt like butter against my palm. It was a gorgeous car. My fingers traced the slick dashboard. I didn't know why anyone would need so many cars. "Where's the fourth car?"

"It's an antique. I have it stored in a different garage."

We took the stairs instead of the elevator because I wanted to warm up. If I'd been inside the elevator with him, I wouldn't be able to control myself.

When I entered his apartment, I gasped at how spacious and luxurious it was. My little apartment was a quarter of his. Kain was a man with money, yet he didn't give any indication of that while he was inside my humble place eating simple food. He could have caviar, Wagyu beef, Iberico ham, and whatever else wealthy people ate. He could hire a private chef.

The light gray walls along with the brown and rustic furniture portrayed a sturdy man with experience where time had taught him unforgettable lessons. Traditional decor mixed in with unique accents made the place masculine. The brown, gray, and navy palette was probably the work of an interior designer.

A few intricate pieces of art hung on the wall.

"Are those yours?" I asked, staring at the details that reminded me of the rose art and the intricate mazelike tattoo on his arm.

"Yeah."

"Where did you learn how to draw like that? Gosh, the details are spectacular."

"Self-taught." He shrugged. "Drawing was my escape. A way for me to let loose, release my emotions onto something."

"They're beautiful." I met his eyes. "You're so gifted."

"You're beautiful." I stroked a thumb over my cheek. "You're like a mesmerizing piece I wanted so badly. Do you have any tattoos?"

"No. But I might think about it now. I'd want something simple."

"Let me know when you're ready. Did you know you inspired a new piece for me?"

"I did?" Joy erupted in me. "Where?"

"Later. Right now I need your help with something." He took my hand, leading me into a room. "Please help them."

I gasped at the spacious room full of plants—plants from my shop! The tags with Happy Flowers were still poking out from the pots. Some plants sat on a metal rack, while others were scattered in the floor. A few hung from the ceiling too. All the plants looked sad and on the edge of death.

"Oh my God, Kain." I walked over to two brand new watering cans and grabbed one for myself while handing him the other. "Fill them up, please. This is a life-or-death situation."

I took the watering can and followed him to the kitchen sink.

"That bad, huh?" He filled up his can and reached for mine.

"Yes. When did you get them? Why do you have so many when you're not taking care of them?" My voice rose as I got protective of my plants. "They're living things that need tender love and care."

Laughter gleamed in his eyes. "I can see you love them."

As I watered the plants, Kain followed suit. "You can do this every two days. Or you can check the soil to see if it's moist. The care varies from plant to plant. Some need more water than others. So why do you have so many plants?"

He placed the watering can down. "Because of you."

"Me?" I picked off the dry leaves and tossed them into the trash basket. Then I arranged the potted plants in a way that highlighted them all.

A crooked smile slid onto those sexy lips. "After our first encounter I'd stopped by your shop a few times after work, but you weren't there. I bought plants each time so the girls didn't think I was a creep. On the day I met you and your grandfather, I got two plants for my office."

My heart melted at his admission. He was starting a plant collection because of me. No man had ever done something like that for me. I cupped his face. "You're starting your own little greenhouse. We should get nice pots for them and I can help you place them around your apartment. They'll dress up your home with color and oxygen. They shouldn't be sequestered in this room, even if it is beautiful."

"Okay. Thank you. Now I don't need to call in an interior designer."

I glanced at the drawing studio and several bookcases. "You work here?"

"Sometimes," he said, leading me back to the kitchen island. "Let's eat."

I slid onto the stool and turned to him. "You're a successful tattoo artist who owns two franchises. It's hard for me to believe you're single."

Kain could have any woman he wanted. What was he doing with me?

Kain put on an apron with an image of a sharp knife with a smiley face that read, I've got the killer move!

"Nothing to be suspicious about. I had to work on myself first before I could commit to anyone. There was a lot of mental baggage I had to get rid of. Besides, no one got my attention until you."

"How do you always know the right things to say?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He shrugged. "Observation . . . and time. I can educate you on those qualities. Or anything you're curious about." A wicked smile formed on his lips, and several sexual scenarios popped into my head.

My face heated. "I'm sure you can." When he took out a tray with an assortment of already sliced vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, I offered, "Let me help you with those." My offer reminded me of his proposal to help firm my mid-section.

"Sounds good." He tossed me a smaller apron with an artwork of various cartoon knives with the message: The Finest Cut.

"We're making our own pizza for dinner." He placed a pile of dough on a plate.

"I thought you didn't cook." I watched him knead the dough.

"This isn't cooking. I wanted to make something with you. So pizza it is."

I piled one pizza with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and green peppers. The second pizza had a combination of meat and vegetables.

He leaned over to peek at my creation. "Yours looks prettier than mine."

"That's because I like to arrange things. Like how I arrange flowers."

"It's all gonna be one big mess in my tummy anyway." He showed off his two pizzas piled with meat and vegetables.

Kain put the pizzas onto a rack in the oven. He opened a bottle of red wine and poured each of us a glass. He tipped his glass to mine. "To new beginnings."

"Yes." I sipped as I debated whether I should ask him the question that floated in my head or not. Why not, right? I was in his home having a second date with him. If I wanted this relationship to go any further, I had to be honest. I had to get all the doubts off my chest.

I took another sip of wine for courage and blurted out, "Why do you want to be with me?" The wine warmed my throat and tummy, settling my nerves.

Kain put his wineglass on the counter and tipped my chin up. "What kind of question is that? You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. When I first saw you, I wanted you. I've never believed in that kind of thing. You know, love at first sight. But when I saw you, a powerful emotion gripped me." Warmth bloomed as he cupped my face. "It got stronger every time we were together. I guess you fulfill me in a way no one else can. It's hard to explain."

I pursed my lips. "You're a wealthy and handsome man. Women would line up to be with you."

"They do." He shrugged.

At first, I thought his reply came from an inflated ego, but it was more of a casual statement that didn't want recognition or approval. The serious expression on his face held my gaze, making my heart jump with excitement and anticipation.

"They don't have the pull that you do. I'm not interested in them. I want you."

Of all the choices he had available to him, he chose me. For some stupid reason, the comparison to his cars popped into my mind. I wasn't an accessory, though. A car could be replaced, and I was irreplaceable. I had more self-worth than a machine. Did he see me like his prized cars? Or was I worth more?

I had been working on myself long enough to know where I stood. Where did I stand with Kain?

"You're a confident man who knows what he wants." I touched his dimple and ran my fingers over the stubble on his chin. "And I'm a confident woman who knows what she wants." Courage sparked in me. "Am I worth more than your Maserati or Porsche, Killer Move?" I gestured to his apron. My statement was edged with sarcasm and truth. But he wouldn't know which one I really meant, would he?

"Way more. There are many cars at the dealership. But there's only one of you."

His eyes flashed with desire, lust, and all the delicious ingredients that aroused me. I slid off my stool and came to stand between his legs. There was something very sexy about a man wearing an apron. I untied his strings and stripped the apron from him. He did the same with mine.

Kain wrapped both arms around my waist, yanking me to him. His palms landed on my buttocks, kneading. Fully aware of those powerful hands, I steadied my breathing. His intense eyes drew me closer, like there was a secret world in his eyes he wanted to show me. Only me.

Squeezing my ass, his mouth crashed to mine, taking and taking. This wasn't the gentle kiss we shared before. This was power, urgency, and possessiveness all stirred together. Tingles ran up and down my spine. I moaned, and his tongue swept in, claiming mine. Our tongues sparred—and I surrendered to him, falling into his embrace, allowing his hands to do whatever they wanted. His talented hands stimulated my every nerve.

He gathered up my dress, discovering my body. Heat sparked wherever he touched me. "I'm having you tonight." He dropped kisses down the column of my neck and settled in the valley of my shoulder. I leaned to the side, giving him more access.

I loved the way his stubble tickled and tantalized at the same time. "I guess pizza will have to wait."

At the mention of it, the timer on the oven beeped. Kain cursed. "Be right back. Don't move."

He turned off the oven, took out the hot tray with an oven mitt, and tossed it on the countertop by the oven. Then he whirled back to me and yanked off his knit top.

I let out a sigh and bit my bottom lip as my eyes swept over his chest. I stepped closer to examine the beautiful artwork that covered his arms and a portion of his chest, running toward the back shoulder. My eyes immediately went to the tattoo on his right bicep. I traced my finger along the dark rose with a stem made of thorns. It stood by itself among the story that surrounded it. This rose held its own story, and I wanted to know what it was.

As though he saw the intrigue in my eyes, he said, "Not right now." He turned and gripped my hips, gazing at me.

I leaned against the kitchen counter. The cool marble surface was a lovely contrast to the heat soaring through my body. I ran my fingers along his strong shoulders, over his pectoral muscles, over his biceps, and down to his abdomen. God, his muscles were so firm and smooth. A fine product of hours at the gym. That took discipline and hard work, and I appreciated beauty earned in that way.

My fingers paused at the waistband of his jeans, and I swallowed as my mouth went dry.

Kain positioned himself in front of me. "You can have whatever you want." He unzipped my dress from the back and shoved away the straps. I shimmied out of the dress and let it drop to the floor. "Because I'm having what I want."

Kain placed me on his kitchen island. As I sat he stared at my red lace lingerie that I hadn't dared to wear until now. His chest heaved as his eyes wandered up and down. My nipples hardened from his intense gaze.

He noticed my body's response to him and palmed my breasts, teasing my nipples. "I love your reaction to me." He unclasped the bra from the front hook and released my breasts. He tossed my bra somewhere, and the bulge in his jeans grew.

Kain didn't waste any time. He captured a nipple with his mouth, and I cried out with pleasure. I arched my back, offering him everything he wanted. Like a greedy man, he took and took, drawing out the nipple with delicious tugs. Fire shot straight to my center, and my fingers threaded into his hair, holding him in place. I loved what he was doing to me. My skin tingled all over. It had been so long since I felt this alive.

This wanted.

He veered up to look at me with so much passion stemming from his face. "You're beautiful, Eva. I'm making you mine."

I imagined his dimple winking at me, and I kissed it. "Take me."

I didn't recognize my own voice, coming out more ragged than I expected. I couldn't take my eyes away from his hungry face as he dragged his mouth over, around, and under my breasts like a starving man having his last meal.

What happened next surprised me. He lifted me from the kitchen island and tossed me over his shoulder. I gasped at the sudden suspension of my ass in the air. I'd never been carried like this. My hands gripped his back, and a playful slap landed on my buttocks. "Mine."

A giggle escaped me. "What are you, a caveman?"

He tossed me onto his bed, covered with gray satin sheets. "You brought the caveman out in me." His eyes focused on the red heart-shaped patch that covered my center. He prowled over to the bed and placed a hand over me. "This heart belongs to me now."

He tugged off my panties and studied me. Hot liquid pooled at my center as anticipation thrummed in the room.

"I want to see you too." I reached for him, but he nudged me back onto the bed, looking down at me.

"Not yet." His hand brushed my cheek in such a tender way that warmth bloomed in me. "I want to take my time with you. I want you to remember this first time with me." He crushed his mouth to mine as the hard ridge of him pressed against my secret place.

His mouth traveled to my breasts, feasted, and made its way down to my stomach. "I can't get enough of you."

I sucked in a breath as my thighs shook with anticipation. He kissed and licked his way down. Each movement sent me deeper into some dreamland where magic existed. Where love, trust, and promises came in abundance. My body came alive like they had been waiting for this very moment. For this man.

Kain nudged my thighs farther apart. He sent me a devilish smile that told me I was in for an adventure. He lowered his lips to my core, and that contact rocked me. Desire exploded like a series of powerful fireworks. Liquid heat leaked out of me.

He growled and licked me. "So good."

I sensed the smile on his lips as he devoured me. Emotions and sensations collided with each other. I couldn't think as fire coursed through me. He was such a magnificent lover, touching me in all the right places. I moaned as he lifted my ass up and feasted on me from various angles. He loved me the way the desert loved the rain.

The way his mouth and tongued moved over me . . . It was so hot. My body struggled between wanting to escape and wanting more of this delicious torment. Everything was too much. This man had the power to strip me of all logic, all thought.

All I could do was feel his lips on me, loving me in ways no other man had done before. My muscles felt like they were melting from each stroke of his tongue.

"I love the taste of you, Eva. So sweet. So intoxicating. Perfect for me." He growled and kissed my inner thighs, allowing my body an opportunity to rest in the eye of the storm, giving my heart a chance to open wider—to see that I was falling for him.

Kain unzipped his jeans, removed his boxers, and revealed his glorious erection. The length of him punctuated his body perfectly. My core throbbed for him. I'd never wanted anyone the way I wanted him.

He retrieved a condom from the nightstand, covered himself, crawled over me, and kissed me. His tip teased my core, mimicking the way his tongue taunted mine.

Need warred in me, and I couldn't wait anymore. "I want you—now."

"I love a woman who knows what she wants." He smiled and slid into me, inch by inch. Every bit brought us closer, not only physically, but emotionally. My heart swelled a little more from every thrust, and the wall I had built up crumbled.

Our eyes met as he moved in deeper. There was so much trust and love in his eyes. Need stretched and stretched until pleasure snapped, shuddering down my spine. "Kain . . ." My body continued to tremble even after the climax subsided.

He captured my lips, muffling my words, and increased his rhythm until his body tensed. He roared out a release that had me smiling.

"My tattooed caveman." I skimmed his face with my fingers.

He kissed my sweat-drenched forehead before rolling off me. I turned and placed a hand on his chest. His heart thumped against my hand like it was kissing it from beneath his skin.

With another kiss to my head, he ran off into the bathroom to clean up. I didn't move because my muscles were so relaxed. I could have fallen asleep on his bed. He returned with a towel to clean me and satisfaction beamed on his face.

Dropping the towel on the floor, he gathered me up. This cuddling thing was new to me because it didn't happen in my previous relationship. I guess I didn't know what I was missing until now. Now I wanted this every day.

"Come again?"

Shit. I accidentally said my thought out loud. "Umm . . ."

Kain grinned. "I want this every day too."

Embarrassment singed my cheeks. I shouldn't have been embarrassed after what we'd just done, but to have him see into my private thoughts was something I never expected.

"I didn't expect?—"

He placed his finger over my lips. "I know. But I love knowing you were thinking about me. I was thinking about you too."

His finger traced my lips, arousing me again. "What were you thinking?"

"About other ways to feast on you."

I broke free from his embrace, sat up, and clutched his erection. "I can show you one way I want to devour you."

"Fuck yes."

He didn't know what his excitement did to a desperate woman like me. It was fuel for my fire. My desire to please him escalated, and my creativity ascended to new heights. I showed him how skilled I was at arranging kisses for maximum impact.

When he begged for more, I felt like a goddess. With this man, I found courage, confidence, love, and the freedom to play.

That was love, wasn't it?