Troubled Temptations

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

If circumstances were different I would have jumped in Anthony's lap the second he told me he wanted us back. But there's a little human being in the other room, probably waiting for an explanation as well. It seems that every time we get closer to each other, some unpredictable event or person is stopping us from doing what's natural.

I stand up from my chair and so does Anthony.

"Victoria?" Anthony's voice is full of hope.

I smile at him and nod only a fraction. It's a yes, yes to us. He immediately catches on, grabs my wrist before I can leave, and pulls my body flat against his. He brushes his palm through my hair and stops his hand on the back of my neck.

Benji could come in any moment and right now I don't care. I want this man to kiss me. I'll explain everything later if need be.

"You don't realize how happy you just made me," Anthony whispers. "Since the day I met you, you've given me purpose to breathe again. You seem to be the light in the darkness that is my life." He studies my face carefully.

He's breathing heavier now and so am I. My body is trying to sync up with his breathing, warmth spreading from top to toe. His masculinity overwhelms me, but I don't want to move – I love the sensation of him being so close to me.

He pulls my face closer to his, his lips barely touching mine. He wants reassurance. He wants to know that I want him as badly as he wants me. If I do this, everything will be all right in his world. And mine.

I close the small gap between our lips, pushing my mouth on his. I have wanted to kiss him since the moment I saw him today. This is heaven. His kiss takes me to a whole other level of happiness.

His arms twist completely around me, and his muscles tense against my body. I wanted to feel this, be gentle and fragile in his rough touch. Be the woman that this man deserves.

He moves one of his hands up and down my back, until finding his way to my behind. He gently caresses it and then squeezes it only for a moment, but then breaks our kiss.

"How is this possible?" he asks me, breathless.

"What?" I reply equally out of breath.

"That you are the perfect fit for me," he says and squeezes my butt once more, "you are divine. A woman like no other."

I feel my body ignite, I'm on fire now – everywhere. I can't believe we have to stop this now. I can't believe we don't have any more time left to take the next probable step. I wish we could go all the way right now. I want him every way I can have him. And now that he's here and we're officially dating again, I can't wait much longer.

I kiss him once more, less lustfully but equally passionately. I break the kiss before I change my mind and take him right here.

"Come on, I'll introduce you to my son." I grab his hand and turn my back to him. I hear him groan behind me, I assume he's probably as frustrated as I am due to circumstances.
"You okay?" I ask him, trying to hide my grin but failing miserably.

"There's plenty of time for you and me," he says, "this is happening sooner or later." He wiggles his eyebrows.

He's being playful, I can tell by his demeanor, and I like it. He can't stop smiling as well. Here we are, two adults, recently reunited and acting silly. Two fools perfect for each other.

Benji is still bewitched by the TV. I don't know how long it took for Anthony and me to sort through our issues, but I can see by the way Benji is slouching on the couch that it's been a while. 

I grab the remote and turn off the TV without so much as a warning.

"Hey," Benji protests but stops his whining as soon as he spots the tall man behind me.