My heart and breath are erratic as I walk away from him. I can’t believe it. I mean holy shit. I stood toe-to-toe with Jack Ryan and I didn’t back down; didn’t lose my cool – hell, I even won for once. I took hold of the situation and threw him for a loop.

As much as my body responded to his sexy glare, there was no way in hell I could let him know. I needed to set the boundaries. I’m the one in control. Not him, not ever. Jack has been playing games for too long and now it’s game over.

Walking back into my room, I shut the door and take in what just happened. Throwing myself down onto the bed I try to find some relief from our heated exchange. “Jack-ass,” I mutter under my breath. He fucking listened and stared at me. I can only wonder what he saw.

I replay in my head what I was doing. Shit. He probably heard my little pep talk. I’m sure he watched me perk up my boobs. I take a quick peek at my shirt and am pleased that my cleavage is working for me. However, there is no way in hell I will let him use any of that to his advantage.

Feeling satisfied that I’ve successfully calmed down, I head for the door. Opening it carefully I think that it’s safe. My foot begins to take the first step but it never hits the wood. Instead, I feel warm hands wrap around my waist, spinning me. Jack has managed to sneak yet another surprise attack on me. And, God help me, it’s both startling and sensuous at the same time. My mouth must be open because he immediately homes in on it.

“Where you going so fast, Jenny?” I can feel his firm hands continue to guide me. “Fuck, babe, I like your mouth open like that.” I’m captivated by his sexy grin as my body comes to a stop against the wall. He swiftly raises my hands above my head and pins them down. All the while his eyes stay locked on mine, never wavering. Fuck. As much as I want to, I can’t look away. Jack’s hips grind into mine briefly; just enough contact to make my core ache.

“So you like to play? Well, guess what, babe, I like to play, too.” My panties are instantly wet and I mentally curse myself for my body’s betrayal. Scanning down to his mouth there’s no hiding the smirk he’s got going on. There’s no mistaking the total satisfaction in thinking he has the upper hand. I can’t decide if I want to slap or kiss that look right off of him.

He must sense my sudden sense of arousal mixed with anger and wanting. Of course he does. This is Jack we’re talking about. God Damn it Jenny, get it together! My mental toughness is not making an appearance at all right now. My pulse is racing and my breaths come out in a soft pant. My effort to close my eyes to gain back some control is no easy task.

Perhaps if I keep them closed, it will stop my urges to consume him. But it’s no use because as soon as I feel his nose tracing a line from my lower neck up to my ear lobe, I know it’s a losing battle.

“Mmmmmm. You smell amazing.” I’m fearful that my eyes will show him my weaknesses with him, so I close them tighter. It’s no use. I feel his tongue lick one of my favorite places to be touched.

How does he know that I love that sweet spot right behind the ear on my neck?

“Yum. You taste delicious. I could lick you for hours.” That’s all it takes. I’m toast.

My legs betray me as his rugged whispers continue to weaken my resolve. “Whoa there babe, where’re you going?” It doesn’t matter what my brain is telling my body. My knees continue their descent downward. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” In one swift move he gathers both my hands together into his. His other hand wraps around my waist, securing me in. His tongue assault stops but it’s replaced by his warm breath against my neck.

“Do you like this, Jenny? ‘Cause your body is telling me you do.” Finally, I allow my eyes to open slowly. I’m not sure if I should look away or stare at him straight on. It really doesn’t matter what I choose because he will have the advantage. There are two ways this could play out.

The first option is if I turn my head just a tiny bit it, would give him better access to my neck. Damn, I want him to continue.

Option number two is that I look at him and his lips, guaranteeing they would land on mine. And, damn that would be amazing, too.

Fuck. Impossible. He’s impossible.

My useless brain finally kicks into gear and decides the best course of action. My eyes take a chance and lock with his. The feelings we both emanate are almost too much to bear. I told myself to get the upper hand, set the ground rules, be in control, but right now, it’s unattainable. We are both teetering on a tightrope and losing any chance of balance.

“Well, what is it babe?” When I hear the sound of his voice all of my drifting thoughts are paused. “Tell me that you like this. Tell me you want more.” Jack’s eyes grow darker as his arousal is heightened. I continue to match his gaze. My hope is that he will see how he affects me. My words are not able to escape my mouth. The only thing it wants to do is kiss.

My hands want to grab hold and pull him in close. I wriggle my wrists so that he will let go of them. He gets the message and lets them go. Instinctively, they go for his face first. Slowly and methodically, I stroke his face with my fingers and thumbs. They trail a path starting at his forehead, then move over his eyelids.

Next, I take my fingertips and trace them down his nose and across his cheekbones. They pause while my thumbs glide over his lips. My eyes close once again so they are etched in my memory.

I want to remember this moment for it will change everything. Opening my eyes I look back at Jack who stares at me thoughtfully. It’s as if we see each other’s reflections in the clarity. Carefully, my hands move toward his hair and grab hold. “Jack, do you remember the last time we were in this position? It didn’t end the way we both wanted. It’s time for a better ending.”

I lick my lips in anticipation as his eyes watch my tongue moisten them. “Jack. You know this will change us- who we are together.” His lips are mere inches from mine but neither of us closes the gap.

Jack makes a low growl while nodding his head. “I’ve been imagining kissing you for far too long. I want it to change everything. I want it to change us once and for all.”

That’s all it takes. We meet in the middle and our lips seal our fate. I only hope we don’t kill each other in the process. Chances are high on that one.