“You okay?”

“Yep, I was just checking out your butt.”

He shakes his head and laughs. “And?”

“It’s there.”

“Is that all?”

“And it’s impressive.”

He moves my hand to his other hand and cups my ass in the palm of his hand, gives it a pat, then takes my hand back in his. “Likewise, dawlin’.”

“My loft feels really far away right now.”

“It’s right there,” he says, and points to the building just a half of a block away.

“Really far.”

But, before I know it, we’re climbing the stairs to my door, and when we reach the top, Eli spins me, pins me to the door, and kisses me like a man starving. I grip his hair in my hands, loving the way the soft strands feel between my fingers, and press my belly against his pelvis. He’s hard and thick, and I need to get him naked.

He pushes his hand under the hem of my top and glides his magical hand up to cup my breast over the lace of my bra.

“God, I fucking love your lingerie choices,” he mutters, and drags his lips down my jawline to my neck, nibbling as he goes, sending shivers all over my body.

“I have a thing for pretty underwear.”

“Thank Christ.” His other hand cups my ass and he boosts me up high on his thigh. I shamelessly rub myself on his thigh, needing to get closer. God, he’s just hard, everywhere.

“Come inside,” I murmur and kiss his cheek when he rests his temple on my forehead, then turns his face and kisses me lightly on the lips. His thumb brushes my nipple again, making me gasp and press harder on his thigh, but he pulls away, breathing hard, and swallows thickly.

“I can’t.”

“What?” My eyes snap up to his. He’s panting, and just as turned on as I am.

“Kate—”

“No, it’s okay.” I look down, disappointment singing through my veins, but he tilts my head up and kisses me sweetly.

“I’m not turning you down, and trust me when I say, I’m going to have you in every way there is to have you, but you’ve had too much to drink, and I’m not convinced that you trust me all the way yet. We’re getting there, cher.”

“I trust you. I trust you to give me a few of the best orgasms of my life.”

“Killing me,” he whispers, before planting his lips on my forehead and taking a deep breath.

“It’s this door.” I pull the hem of my shirt down and try to gain my balance. “I think you have an aversion to this door. Should I buy a new one? Is it the color you don’t like?”

He laughs and cages me between his hands. “I don’t want to fuck this up before we really get started, Kate.”

“And then you say things like that that make me swoon and my panties all wet.”

“Are your panties wet, Kate?”

“My panties have been wet for a week, Eli.”

“Good.” He kisses me softly, ending it on a growl. “Please tell me you can get yourself to bed.”

“I can’t get myself to bed.” I grin and bat my eyelashes. “You might have to help me.”

“Why do I think you’re not as impaired as I originally thought?”

“I’m fine.” I clear my throat and rest my hand on his rock-hard chest. “I’ll get myself to bed.”

He nods and steps away. “I’ll see you Friday.”

“Friday.”

Chapter Eight

It’s early and I’m dragging, getting ready for work, when there’s a loud knock on my door. I check the clock and frown, wondering who in the world would be here at six in the morning.

Did Eli come home early?

My heart starts to beat frantically as I dash to the door.

“Oh, Declan.”

He flashes a smile, and then laughs. “Gee, don’t look so excited to see me, superstar.”

“Of course I’m happy to see you.” I step back and invite him in. “But why am I seeing you at this time of day? You’re typically going to bed right about now.”

“Yeah, well, I haven’t been to bed yet.” He smiles again, making me roll my eyes.

“You’re a man-whore.”

“The ladies like a man who knows his way around a musical instrument.” He shrugs as though it’s no big deal and yawns widely. “I’ve come to take you to breakfast.”

“I have to be at work in two hours,” I remind him.

“Plenty of time for breakfast,” he insists.

“Let me finish my hair.” I wave for him to follow me to the bathroom, where he leans his broad shoulder against the doorjamb and watches me with humor-filled hazel eyes.

Eyes just like his older brother’s. I haven’t heard one word from Eli in four days. No flirty texts or phone calls. I know he’s away for work, and he’s probably busy, but I can’t help but be a little disappointed.

I miss the sexy charmer.

“Did you have a gig last night?” I ask and pull my flat iron through my hair.

“Yeah, at a new place. The owner is trying to get me to commit full time, but I like bouncing around.”

“Bouncing being the operative word,” I reply, and smile brightly at him in the mirror.

“There wasn’t a lot of bouncing happening last night, actually.”

“I don’t want to know.” I put the finishing touches on my hair, smooth gloss over my lips, and turn to Declan. “I’m ready.”