Chapter 2

Her fingers spread on his chest and she gave him a small, curious

caress, feeling his muscles, which Sora knew were rock-hard in

anticipation. She seemed intrigued by that, then asked, "What about

when you're with other women? Can't you be yourself then?"

He snorted. "Truth is, they drive me nuts, constantly primping and

talking about dumb stuff."

"I don't primp, but...Sora, we talk about dumb stuff sometimes,

too."

He cupped her face and drew her closer. "That's just it. With you it

doesn't feel dumb."

Kairi drew a deep breath, then stated, "I want to touch you. I've

never... you know. Touched a guy there."

Sora gulped. With his heart pounding, he whispered, "Anything you

want, Kairi." And he meant it.

She glanced back at the movie, watched intently for a moment, then

with her bottom lip caught between her teeth she curled her hand

around him through his jeans. His entire body tightened and he

cursed low.

"You like that?"

"I like that."

"And this?" She stroked tentatively, causing him to break out in a

sweat.

"I especially like that," he croaked. "I'd like it more if you'd

kiss me."

"Here?" Her fingers pressed against him.

Sora almost lost it, because far from sounding shocked, she sounded

interested. "I meant my... my mouth. While you're touching me."

"Oh."

Disappointment? He'd never survive this. "Use your tongue."

"Okay." She was a potent kisser, and the combination of her mouth,

her soft breasts in his hands, and her gentle caress on his

erection, nearly did him in.

"Enough."

"But I like touching you." She tried to take his mouth again and

ended up kissing his ear when he turned his face away. Her tongue

stroked there too, and her soft breath played havoc with his libido.

The sound emerging from his throat was part groan, part laugh.

"Believe me, I like it more."

"Then..."

"No, I can't take it." He struggled for breath and

added, "The last thing I want to do is make love to you at a damned

drive-in, yet I'm real close to doing just that."

Her dark eyes gleamed in the dim reflection of the big screen. "You

really do want me that much?"

"Haven't you been listening?"

Her smile was slow and blinding. "Yeah, but the whole idea is taking

some getting used to."

Sora knew that, which was why he wanted so badly to go slow with

her. If he scared her off, if she misunderstood his intentions, he

could blow the whole thing. But if he went too slow, he might lose

her to another man. A couple of times in the past guys had tried to

cozy up to her. He still broke out in a sweat when he thought of it.

Luckily Kairi had never taken them seriously. She was too used to

disdain from the town to take any compliments to heart. Which was

all the more reason for him to convince her how precious she was to

him, how important.

Kairi had more pride than any person he knew. Growing up in one of

the least respected families in the neighborhood had hardened her

determination, and made her pride a solid, unwavering shield. He'd

never dent her pride, but he wanted her to trust him enough, to want

him enough, to lower her guard completely. For him, and only for

him.

He pulled her head down to his shoulder and kissed her temple. "What

next?"

She burrowed closer, filling his heart with emotion, his head with

need. "The stars."

Sora grinned. "You wanna explain that?" He smoothed his hands over

her back, down to her softly rounded hips.

"I want to sleep under the stars. With you. Tonight."

"Hell of an idea," he muttered. He started the truck, then lifted

her into her seat, arranging her skirt, hooking her seatbelt for

her. She watched him with soft, velvet eyes.

"Do you think," she murmured, "we could go just a little further

tonight?"

Sora froze for an instant, then gulped. "Yes." Within 30 seconds he

had the truck out of the lot. The stars were out and she was willing

and he was a man who could only take so much!