A Perfect Compromise. Anna Sugden

there is nothing short about it,” he growled.

      Her eyes widened. “So I see.”

      He rolled over onto his back and pulled her on top of him.

      Other than a squeak of surprise, Bella didn’t protest. Her smile turned worldly as she stretched her body along the length of his. Her breasts crushed against his chest, their stomachs flattened against each other, their legs tangled. And Mag fit perfectly into the V at the top of her thighs.

      Their kisses became a duel—who could turn the other one on more—with hands, mouth and...everything else. In truth, it wasn’t much of a contest. Bella had one hell of an advantage. Then again, she was ready for him, too. But she didn’t make a move to commit them to the final stage. Almost as if she didn’t know how.

      He lifted his head. “I reckon you’re all caught up, don’t you?”

      Her lips twisted wryly. “I’m not very experienced at this, but I think you’re right.”

      “This...isn’t your first time, is it?”

      She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “No. But it might as well be. The first time was in college. It was...awful.”

      Her softly spoken words set off alarm bells. “Do you want to talk about it?”

      “Not really. I don’t want to kill the mood.”

      Crap. He didn’t like the sound of that. “Honey, nothing you say could do that.” He placed her hand on his erection. “Mag can handle whatever you tell me.”

      “Impressive.” She left her hand there. “Suffice it to say the guy I was with didn’t worry too much about foreplay.”

      J.B. bit back his rage. Better he didn’t know the details. It wasn’t like he could hunt down the jerk and pound him to dust. It also didn’t help Bella. “At least tell me he embarrassed himself by coming too quickly.”

      “Almost immediately.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I rewarded him by throwing up all over him.”

      A surprised laugh escaped him. “Atta girl.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m glad you told me. I’ll be careful. Anything you’re not comfortable with, say so. Okay?”

      She nodded firmly.

      “Good. The only rule tonight is that you enjoy yourself.”

      “In that case, can we stop talking and get to the fun part?” Her gaze was clear; all signs of uncertainty gone.

      “Hell, yes.” He flipped her beneath him and proceeded to kiss and caress her to fever pitch.

      It didn’t take long. For either of them.

      J.B. held off, even though he knew from the way she writhed beneath him that she was ready for him. Instead he slipped his finger inside her and used his thumb to rub her swollen bud.

      Bella gasped, then moaned.

      Only when he was certain that she hovered on the brink of orgasm did he put on the condom and ease into her. And nearly embarrass himself like that college ass.

      She was tight, wet and so hot.

      He gritted his teeth and held still as he waited for her to adjust to having him inside her. His body raged against his restraint, but he refused to give in. Only when she began to grind her hips against him did he give in to her wordless demand.

      Slowly at first, then, with increasing speed, he began to pump in and out. She met each thrust eagerly, urging him for more. Their rhythms synced, as it had when they’d danced.

      Harder. Faster.

      Sweat slicked their skin.

      His body seemed to be on fire. He wanted to explode, but he couldn’t. Not yet. His muscles quivered with the effort of maintaining control.

      Just when he thought he couldn’t hold on a moment longer, she came apart beneath him with a keening cry. As she pulsed around him, J.B. finally let go and claimed his own release.

      Before he could collapse on top of her, he rolled and pulled her with him into his arms. Her head rested against his heaving chest as he rasped in oxygen.

      “Wow.” Bella’s voice was unsteady but awestruck. “That was pretty amazing.”

      “Yeah.” J.B. grinned wearily. “Any more amazing and you’d have killed me.”

      She giggled. “Mag certainly lived up to his promise.”

      “Thank you, ma’am.”

      They lay silently for a few minutes while their bodies cooled and their breathing steadied. Her fingers traced a meandering path across his chest and stomach. He twirled a lock of her hair around one finger. Despite the reasons for being in Antigua earlier than planned, he couldn’t complain. Otherwise he’d have missed Bella. And this.

      He was half-asleep when she said softly, “J.B.?”

      “Hmm?”

      “Do you think we’ll be able to do that again before I leave?”

      He laughed. That was his Bella—always keeping him off balance. “Give me half an hour and I’ll see what I...and Mag...can do.”

      * * *

      ISSY DIDN’T WANT to open her eyes.

      From the bright light filtering through her closed lids, she knew it was morning but she didn’t want to break the wonderful spell. Or leave the cocoon of J.B.’s arms.

      She’d never spent the night with a man. Never woken up with a man in her bed. She probably wouldn’t again for a long time. It was a moment to savor because all too soon reality would intrude. For now, though, she was content to snuggle closer to J.B. and enjoy it.

      They fit together perfectly. He was curled around her, every inch of him pressed against her back and legs. His knees curved into the back of hers. His hand cradled her breast. His even breathing stirred the tiny hairs at the back of her neck. Definitely the best way to start the day.

      Issy found it hard to believe how amazing the night before had been and how special J.B. had made her feel. Everything she’d read about in romance novels but never thought could happen in real life. Not for her. Certainly not with a guy like J.B. A successful, professional athlete; a charming lady-killer.

      His consideration and understanding had been as unexpected as the responses he’d managed to elicit from her. Although she didn’t have much to compare him with, he’d more than lived up to anything she could have imagined. Who knew it really was possible to make love three times in one night?

      Issy stifled a giggle. She felt deliciously wanton and a teensy bit proud. After all, she’d made sure that J.B. had enjoyed himself as much as she had.

      He’d recovered surprisingly quickly after that first time. Then he’d carried her into the bathroom. Under the rainfall shower, he’d carefully washed her from head to toe. The memory of his skilled hands, slippery with soap, turning a simple task into an erotic adventure, sent heat flooding through her. She’d probably never be able to take a shower again, or smell cherry-blossom soap, without recalling her unbelievably intense climax.

      Then J.B. had handed her the fragrant bar and encouraged her to do the same to him. Uncertain at first, but with increasing surety as his unbridled response to her touch made her heady with confidence, she’d lathered his incredible body. His smooth, caramel-colored skin, the ripped muscles of his back, his broad chest that tapered to a well-defined six-pack. His powerful legs, with thighs and calves so firm they could have been carved out of stone. His ridiculously sexy feet.

      Once they were rinsed clean, the exploration had begun again, teasing and tasting with their hands and mouths, until they’d both been so turned on they could hardly stand.

      A satisfied smile curved Issy’s lips. Recovery for both of them hadn’t been nearly as fast as the first time. Exhausted,