“Jesus, you’re sexy.” I spoke without thinking.

“Me?” she asked, sounding incredulous.

“Yes. Your curls, your curves, your smile. You’re so beautiful, and you have no idea, which makes you even more so in my books.”

She blinked, looking startled. “I had no idea you felt that way.”

I leaned forward, taking her glass from her fingers, setting it on the table, then dragging her onto my lap. I covered her mouth with mine and kissed her. I plunged one hand into her curls I loved so much, smoothing the silky strands between my fingers, and used my other arm to hold her tight. She opened for me, and I explored her, the crisp taste of the wine still lingering on her tongue. I only meant to kiss her once and let her return to her corner, but now that I had her in my arms, I didn’t want to let her go. I kissed her harder, delving my tongue into her mouth and finding all the sweet ridges, the smoothness of her teeth, the velvet feel of her tongue in my quest. She returned my caresses with enthusiasm, pressing herself closer, her legs splaying over mine so she straddled me. She wove her fingers into my hair, tugging and pulling, teasing the nape of my neck, making me hiss in pleasure. I was hard with desire for her, and I let her feel it. I wanted her to know how much she turned me on. When our mouths separated, I dragged my lips to her ear, after worshiping the smooth skin of her cheek and neck. “Beautiful,” I stated firmly.

She blinked at me, her dark eyes wide in her face. “I think you’re the sexiest man I have ever seen.” She ran her hands over my arms. “I have never met anyone like you. So strong and masculine, yet so sweet and amazing.” She swallowed. “You make me feel safe, Ronan.”

“You are always safe with me. Always.”

She bit her lip, glancing down between us. “You’re, ah, large everywhere.”

I chuckled. “All to make you smile, little bird.”

“Well, you do that just fine,” she responded.