Ransom’s smile deepened. “Because you want to?”
She seemed to give that some thought then her frown lifted and she graced him with a smile. “Maybe I’ll sit beside you,” she said, “but just for a little bit.”
That was all Ransom wanted to hear. ‘A little bit’ was good because once he had her in his arms he knew there would be no turning back.
Solie got up and took the steps that put her right in front of the sofa and then she sat down, and she didn’t scoot away and seek refuge all the way at the end, either. She placed her butt firmly on the cushion then turned to look at him, challenge gleaming in her eyes. “What’s the dare?”
Ransom chuckled and relaxed against the sofa cushions, regarding her through half-closed eyes. The girl was a brave one, he would give her that, but now it was time to really test her mettle.
“I dare you,” he said, his voice silky soft, “to kiss me like I’ve never been kissed before.”
He was watching her intently, expecting a flicker of fear in her eyes, maybe even a gasp. None of that. Damn, this girl was good.
With nary a hesitation she jerked her chin toward him and the look of defiance she gave him and the newly formed pout on her pretty lips told him her fiery spirit was back. “What do I get,” she demanded, “when I fulfill your dare?”
That made him lift an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean ‘if’?”
“I mean ‘when’.” Her voice brooked no argument. “What do I get?”
Ransom gave her a slow smile. “You get…” he said softly as he began to undo the top button of his shirt, “…me.”
He’d meant it as a joke, of course. He’d merely been teasing her but the look in Solie’s eyes told him she took him seriously indeed.
He was on the second button when she made her move.
Like a woman warrior, fierce and fearless, Solie moved forward and slapped her hand over his, effectively stilling all movement. Then her fingers curled around his and she shoved his hand down and away.
Sleek as a cat she leaned over and slid her body up his, making him stiffen instantly.
Jesus, one move and she had him hard as rock.
Like a master seducer Solie slid her hands along his arms and up over his shoulders then, just like she’d done last time, she slid a soft palm behind his neck, the better to keep him in her control.
Then slowly, so tantalizingly slowly, she lowered her face to his, closed her eyes and gently brushed his lips with hers. They were soft lips, delicious lips that he wanted to devour, but he would not reach up and spoil this. He would let her have her way.
Within seconds of teasing him Solie’s light kisses turned more insistent. She pressed those soft petals against his mouth, applying a sweet gentle pressure as one hand slid down and she planted her palm against his chest.
Maybe she’d done it to steady herself, Ransom had no idea. All he knew was that the feel of her hand as it brushed against his nipple had him fighting to keep his hands off her. God, he wanted to reach up and pull her into him, slide the softness of her bottom lip into his mouth, slip his tongue deep-
That was as far as he got because, as if she’d been reading his mind, Solie bit his bottom lip then sucked it into her mouth, sending shockwave after shockwave up his spine.
When she released it he moaned and, giving in to his desire, he slid eager hands around her waist.
She slapped them away and renewed her attack, kissing him softly then applying pressure so that his lips parted, giving her free and willing access.
It was like Solie needed no invitation. Sliding her tongue in she tasted him, touching her tip to his then stroking and teasing until she was drawing low moans from deep inside him. The girl could kiss.
Caught up in the passion of the moment he made another attempt to hold her and this time she did not object. Sliding his arms around her he pressed her into him then he captured the back of her head in one hand and tilted her face, giving himself better access. She’d done her part, expertly fanning the flames of his desire, but now it was time for him to retake control.
He was kissing her deeply, passionately, urgently and she was clinging to him like she would never let go. With all this fire blazing between them the night would not end with just one kiss.
More than willing to take things to the next level he began to shift on the sofa, Solie in his arms, intent on positioning her beneath him so that he could take the lead.
And then his cell phone rang. Damn. Why hadn’t he turned the friggin’ thing off?
He was almost tempted to ignore it but the ring after ring after ring made him pull away and, with a curse, he reached down to dig into his back pocket then dragged it out, ready to end the call. But big and clear on the screen was the name of the one brother he’d ever had to fret about. It was Rafe.
Ransom’s heart jerked. This could only mean one thing. If Rafe was calling him it meant he was in trouble.
He slid out and away from Solie, giving her an apologetic look, then he tapped the button to answer the phone.
He put it to his ear. “Speak.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ransom sat forward as Rafe’s voice filled his ear. “I’ve had enough, man,” his brother said. “I’m coming home.”
That was good news…or it could be bad. Ransom’s brows fell. “Why? What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” Rafe said, almost sounding exasperated. “And nothing’s happened. I’m just ready to make a move.”
Now that he knew Rafe was okay Ransom wasn’t quite so glad he’d answered the phone. “So. You’ve finally come to your senses.”
“You could say that.”
“Well, that’s all well and good but you caught me in the middle of something.”
“No, wait. Don’t hang up.” There was a near plea in Rafe’s voice that made Ransom pause.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“When you talk to Mom tell her…I’ll be home for Christmas.”
Ransom almost didn’t believe his ears. Rafe had avoided all family gatherings for the past year. Still, he wasn’t prepared to get mushy about it. “Good to know,” he said simply. “Mom will be pleased.”