“And you’re very handsome.” She stepped back. “Come in.”

  She’d been house-sitting for over a week now, and I hadn’t come inside once. I'd been convinced we’d lose control and rip each other’s clothes off if given the chance. Now, I cursed myself for being an idiot.

  Her breath hitched when I brushed up against her. She peeked up at me from under her long, darkened lashes. She’d obviously spent time on curling her hair and all the other primping girls did for big events. A pang of regret resonated inside my chest. Maybe she’d be sorry we didn’t go to prom after all. It wasn’t too late. I still had my ticket and I could buy her one at the door.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go?” I asked.

  She tilted her head. “To prom? Yes. Why?”

  “You look so pretty. You must have spent a lot of time getting ready. Seems wrong to waste it on me.”

  “It’s not a waste.” She fluffed her hair. “I did this for you.”

  Damn, how’d I get so lucky?

  She closed the door behind us and nudged me into the living room. “I hung out with Vienna and helped her do her makeup.”

  “You’re beautiful every single day.” My gaze roamed over her body from shoulders to toes again. “But you’re breathtaking tonight.”

  “Thank you.” She glided over the carpet and flicked on the ancient stereo. Something soft and sultry came over the speakers. On the rare occasion I had a chance to pick the music I listened to, I usually chose something louder, angrier, and darker. This was light, sexy, and infused with hope.

  Fitting because that was how I always felt in Juliet’s presence.

  Juliet

  “I think those ballroom dancing classes are about to come in handy,” I said.

  One corner of Roman’s mouth turned up. “Is that right?”

  I offered him my hand and he took it, yanking me closer. His hands slid down, clutching my hips.

  “Mr. Hawkins, I believe that’s improper form.”

  He chuckled and curled one arm around my waist. “Better?” He twirled me away and pulled me back in before I answered.

  “Those jerks at school would’ve made fun of us for using our nerdy dancing skills.”

  He snorted. “None of their opinions matter.”

  For several more songs we continued dancing. Nothing more than the simple waltz we’d learned in gym.

  “Can we dance like this at our wedding?” The words tripped off my tongue without a second thought.

  Sure, he’d said he wanted to marry me weeks ago, but he hadn’t mentioned it again. We were way too young to contemplate marriage, but I couldn’t help it. When I thought of my future, I always pictured Roman in my life.

  His happy grin chased away my doubts. “We can do anything you want at our wedding.”

  “Oh, in that case, I want to get married on top of a mountain at sunrise.” I rattled off some other outrageous scenarios and Roman agreed to each and every one.

  “Are you planning to spoil me and let me have my way with everything?” I teased.

  “You deserve to be spoiled.” The smile slid off his face, replaced with raw desire flickering in his eyes. “I’ll take over when you need me to.”

  “That sounds ominous.”

  His predatory look only intensified. “I’ll always take care of you, Juliet.”

  I tsked at him. “We promised we’d take care of each other.”

  “I meant something slightly different.”

  He pulled me tight to his body and the hardness pressing into me left no doubt of his intentions.

  A flutter of awareness stirred in my belly. “Are you hungry? I made some appetizer-type foods and mixed up this punch recipe I found.”

  “Prom food?”

  “I wanted you to have the full experience.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. My favorite sound in the world. Roman’s happiness.

  “All right then, give me the full experience.”

  I led him into the kitchen and fixed him a plate of finger food. Stuffed mushrooms, tiny macaroni and cheese rounds and spinach puffs.

  “These are so good.” He grabbed a few more stuffed mushrooms and took a seat at the kitchen table. “Come sit with me. I can’t believe you made all this.”

  I had made most of it from scratch. Only the spinach puffs had come frozen from a box.

  “Be right there.” I poured him a glass of fruity red punch from a sparkling bowl I’d found in the pantry. Not knowing if he’d be tested for alcohol, I hadn't spiked it.

  I set my own plate on the table and handed him his glass. “It’s virgin punch.”

  “Good. I’m already drunk on you.” A slow, simmering smile curved his lips. “And you need to be on your game.”

  Too startled by the second part of his statement, I didn’t have a chance to bask in the first. “I do, huh? What are you planning to do to me?”

  His sexy expression melted into seriousness. “Whatever you want me to do.”

  A thrill shot down to my toes. I popped a mushroom in my mouth and thought carefully about my answer.

  “What if I want everything?”

  He sipped his punch, watching me over the rim of the glass.

  “Then I’ll give you everything.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Roman

  Things were moving faster than I expected. But it felt right. I flicked a glance at the clock behind Juliet. We had exactly three hours before I needed to be back at the school.

  “Roman.” Her soft, husky voice stirred up a storm inside me. “Will you come upstairs with me?”

  I practically knocked my chair over in my eagerness to say yes. After a breath, I held out my hand. “Show me the way.”

  Every step shook me to my core. We were about to change everything. I’m not sure why I was so sentimental. I just knew that after tonight, our futures would be forever bound together.

  “This is my room,” she said, pushing a door at the end of the hallway open. As I’d guessed earlier, several candles were lit, throwing soft, dancing light over the space.

  “You left all these candles unattended?” I teased.

  “I was distracted.”

  I pushed her hair off her shoulder and kissed her neck. “What distracted you?”

  “You.”

  “Were you planning on bringing me up here?”

  She shivered under my touch. “Is that wrong?”

  Some people might think so. Might think we were too young. Or she was too young and I was wrong for her. But fuck them.

  We were the same age. Had both endured a lifetime of heartaches and disappointments. We understood each other better than anyone else. We belonged together. My need for her was stronger than finally getting off inside a girl. I loved her like I’d never loved anyone in my life.

  I would never love anyone the way I loved Juliet.

  How could that be wrong?

  Except for one tiny snag. The only thing that made me consider waiting.

  “Are you sure?” I glanced away. “I can’t stay, Juliet. If we do this…I want to stay with you all night. Leaving feels wrong.”

  She cast a look at me over her shoulder. “How long until you’ll be able to do that?”

  Too long. Way too damn long.

  I didn’t have to say it. She knew.

  “I won’t feel abandoned or used, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  Hell, she could voice my concerns better than I could.

  I skimmed my hand over her cheek. “I love you, Juliet.”

  She stared up at me with sincere, unblinking eyes. “I love you too, Roman. I want to be with you forever.”

  That one statement soothed my soul. Every awful thing I’d endured in my life was worth it to bring me to this moment. With this girl. “You’re already the center of my world. You know that, right?”

  “And you’re mine.” She turned, giving me her back, and lifted her long, heavy hair. “Will you help me with my dress?”

  Hell yes.

  My fingers trembled as I gripped the tiny, hidden zipper and tugged it down, revealing creamy skin and little freckles. I leaned down to kiss the back of her neck, inhaling her scent. Roses and vanilla frosting.

  The dress dropped to the floor in a puddle at her feet and she carefully stepped out of it. Leaning over, she picked it up and I almost lost my damn mind.

  Her breasts swelled up over the cups of her strapless bra. My gaze traveled lower, enthralled with my unobstructed, unhurried view of her stomach and hips. Her cute belly button that I couldn’t wait to tease with my tongue. Lower, my gaze stopped on the small satin panties in the same shade of deep red as her dress. When I could breathe again, I continued drinking her in. Long, smooth, bare legs. Black heels. A fantasy come to life.

  We’d spent a lot of afternoons making out. Quick, stolen moments, forever etched in my mind. But this was different. I didn’t have to hurry. I wasn’t afraid we’d get caught. Music continued to flow from the speakers downstairs and Juliet swayed to the melody.

  But it was her gaze that pinned me in place.

  She held out her hands. “Dance with me.”

  Her invitation snapped me out of my trance and I took her hands in mine. This dance had nothing to do with what we’d learned in gym class. I spun her around and kissed the sensitive spot on her neck. Her body perfectly molded to mine. I nipped at her earlobe and she leaned against me even more. I dropped my hands to her hips and we settled into a slow grind. The curve of her backside fit so perfectly against me. I was free to take my time exploring every exposed inch of her.

  Spinning her around, I took her mouth, kissing her until the music faded away, replaced by our beating hearts. My overheated blood shot through my veins. The electricity sparking between us had my cock harder than ever. Stiff and throbbing. If I came in my pants again—like the day in the photo lab—I’d never forgive myself.

  “Juliet,” I whispered, squeezing the firm globes of her ass to slow her down.

  “Roman,” she answered. Her fingers reached for the cheap bow tie at my neck, pulling it loose. She went to work on my buttons, stripping off my jacket and shirt. I couldn’t let her near my belt, or I’d definitely come in my pants.

  “Lie on the bed for me.” I nodded to the neatly made-up queen-sized bed against the wall. “Let me see you.”

  A pretty flush spread down her neck and chest as she hurried over and climbed onto the bed.

  Oh, fuck. That didn’t slow down my racing heart at all. Especially when she kicked off the heels and stretched out on her side. She propped her head up on her hand and watched me fumble with the unfamiliar buckle and trousers.

  “Oh, Roman,” she gasped, covering her mouth with one hand.

  I glanced down, afraid I’d already shot my load and just hadn’t realized it. But no, I was still harder than a motherfuckin’ log.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m afraid that’s going to hurt.”

  My mouth curled into a smug smile and I approached the bed with surer steps. “I’ll go slow. I’d never hurt you.”

  “I know,” she whispered.

  She watched with wide eyes while I took the three condoms from my pocket and set them on the nightstand.

  I placed a knee on the bed and stared down at her. “Are you sure?”

  “Surer than I’ve ever been about anything.” She rolled to her back and curled a finger, inviting me closer.

  I settled myself between her legs, holding my weight above her. “Kiss me, butterfly.” I lowered my head and feasted on her full lips. She rubbed her tongue against mine, panting into my mouth.

  “I love kissing you,” she whispered against my lips.

  She slid her palms over my freshly shaved face and kissed me even harder. I desperately needed to be skin on skin with her. Slipping my arms under her, I rolled us so she was on top. She laughed as she settled over me.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I need to see you. All of you.”

  My fingers fumbled with the stubborn clasp of her bra. “May I?”

  The smile vanished. “Yes, Roman,” she answered.

  I continued grappling with her bra hooks until she finally took mercy on me. “Need some help?”

  “Go easy on me. It’s my first one.”

  She raised an eyebrow.

  I pressed my hands against her cheeks, needing her to understand how serious I was. “I’ve never done this with anyone else.”

  Her gaze skittered away. Or maybe the flickering candles made it seem that way. “I never wanted this with anyone else,” she finally said.

  I was too overwhelmed to puzzle that out. Then she reached behind her and unsnapped the hooks. With no straps to keep it in place, the bra fell between us and I was more than ready to catch the soft weight of her breasts in my hands.

  “Roman,” she whispered as my thumbs rubbed over her nipples. She was even prettier than I’d imagined. And I was so glad we hadn’t gone further that day in the cave.

  She spread her legs wider, grinding herself against me. With her head thrown back and her eyes shut, I wasn’t even sure if she was aware of what she was doing.

  “Juliet.”

  I wanted her with me every step of the way.

  I flipped us again and her eyes popped open. “Eyes on me, Juliet.”

  She bit her lip and nodded. Watched while I kissed my way to her breasts. Slowly, I ran my tongue over the hard tips of her nipples, stopping to savor each one. Writhing underneath me, she looked like pure sin. Then I’d find her eyes, full of innocence and longing.

  Her hands reached for me, stroking my cock. Even through my underwear, her touch burned. “Take me out,” I whispered.

  She wasted no time, shoving the elastic band down over my hips. My cock sprung free and she eagerly wrapped her hands around me, softly touching and exploring.

  I sucked in a sharp breath. My own hand never felt that damn good.

  “Is this okay?” she asked.

  I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. “Fuck yes.”

  “I wanted to do this that day in the cave.” She flicked her thumb over a sensitive spot and my whole body jolted.

  This was going to be over quick if she kept that up.

  “Believe me, I wanted you to.” I kissed her cheek. “But I’m really glad we weren’t the ones who got caught in flagrante delicto.” I said the unfamiliar phrase with a silly accent and she broke into soft laughter. I traced my finger over her collarbones. “I wanted to strip you down, explore every inch of you.”

  Her breath caught.

  “But I just kept thinking if Jameson or someone else caught a glimpse of you, I’d probably shove them over the cliff.” I cupped my hands over her breasts to show her I wasn’t kidding.

  She brushed her fingers over my cheek. “It’s just you and me, now.”

  I slid my hand down her belly.

  Her entire body froze. Plump thighs clamped around my wrist. “Juliet? Is this okay?”

  She seemed to shake off whatever pulled her out of the moment. “Touch me,” she whispered.

  Slower this time, I rubbed my fingers down her center. Her panties were soaked. This time, I knew it was all Juliet, not from a dip in the pool. The satin material was so much thinner than her bathing suit had been, leaving little to my wild imagination.

  I was dying to shove the thin strip of fabric aside and sink my fingers deep inside her, but I took it slow. With each pass, I added more pressure, which she seemed to enjoy, but I wanted her overwhelmed with need.

  I took two fingers and settled them over the spot that seemed to drive her nuts before and rubbed in slow circles.

  “Oh, Roman. Right there. That’s so good.”

  I kept up the rubbing, moving in slightly faster circles until she was moaning and begging for more.

  “What do you need?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. More?”

  I watched her face closely, taking note of each reaction. If we only did this all night long, I’d be perfectly happy.

  “God, you’re so good,” she whispered. “So gentle.” The awe in her face made me pause. Had she expected me to claw at her like a wild animal? I mean, the instinct was there. I couldn’t help it. But I was in control of myself. My desire to please her, make this satisfying for her, overrode my baser instincts. Most of them, anyway.

  She reached for me and I grabbed her hands, gently pinning them over her head.

  “Oh!” She arched her back, brushing her bare breasts against my chest. “I like that.” She pushed herself against my hand, seeking more.

  I stretched out next to her, keeping her arms over her head and my hand between her legs.

  A soft, frustrated whimper worked out of her. I leaned over and kissed her cheek, then her lips. We were lost in another soul-entwining kiss when I slipped my fingers under her panties. I brushed my knuckles against soft, damp curls and rubbed against her seam. She was so hot, so wet, so much more than I ever imagined.

  She shook herself out of our kiss. “Please. I want you.” She dropped her gaze to my cock. “All of you.”

  Why she was so eager to rush, I wasn’t sure. I slipped a finger inside her impossibly tight center, slowly working in and out, then added another. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t.” She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut. “I know you won’t.”

  Someday when I wasn’t five seconds from coming all over myself and I had more patience, I wanted to draw out this part. Leave her trembling and writhing beneath me for hours. Touch and taste every part of her. Command every moment. Tonight wasn’t that night. I only possessed the patience of a seventeen-year-old boy who’d waited his entire life to be with the right girl.

  Still, I took my time sliding off her panties and kissing my way down her body. I stopped and took a moment to dip my tongue in her navel. She sucked in a breath as I kissed lower.

  Her scent utterly intoxicated me, and I couldn’t help tasting her.

  “Roman, please!”

  I sat up and chuckled, stroking my hand over my painfully hard cock. I reached over and grabbed one of the condoms, tearing into it like a man possessed.