Liana grimaced. “Is this a good idea? I mean, I’m not some lightweight­”

“You’re absolutely perfect the way you are, Liana. I don’t wish you any other way. Men who put stock in a slender body never enjoyed the genuine trust a lady displays, the open sincerity a woman offers with her heart and investigated the delightful pleasures a full-figured gal promises. Climb on and I’ll take you home.”

“Your words are so kind.”

Talen eyed her sweet expression. “My words speak my heart.”

Embarrassed, Liana smiled. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” When blood colored her face, he decided her even more beautiful than ever. His eyes filled with a wealth of meaning, he softened his voice, “Look at me, Liana.” Her gaze held, he grasped her hand and brought her fingers near his lips. “I always say exactly what I mean.” He placed a gentle kiss on the delicate tips. “Climb on, sweetheart.”

His instructions followed, she slipped her arms around his waist. The machine roared into life. Appreciative the warmth of his body kept the night’s chill at bay while the motorcycle headed toward her house, she rested her cheek against his broad hard back and smiled at the feel of his jeans beneath her fingers. With the top of the waistband of his jeans outlined, her fingers followed two belt loops down then tracked the lower edge of his waistband until encountering the bulge of his crotch. She withdrew her hands and clasped them over his flat stomach.

“My only regret is you stopped.” Talen clasped his hand over hers and gently rubbed her fingers. With her hands released, he rested his palm on her knee, pressed her leg tighter against his then slid his hand up her thigh. Gentle, he squeezed her mid-thigh. He adored her arms around his waist, her delightful body’s closeness and her scent.

Parked in her driveway, he looked over his shoulder. “Climb off, my lady.” After her compliance, he dismounted and faced the beautiful woman who clouded his senses at times. “Allow me.” He undid her helmet, lifted it from her head and attached it to its usual spot. His helmet removed, he hung it on the brake light and proffered his arm. “My lady.”

At her blushed acceptance, Talen placed his palm over her hand and accompanied her onto the porch. Aware their night might end there, he didn’t wish such for he desired to entice her to the edge of passion, lure her into paradise and wrap her in ecstasy. He longed to delve into her rich succulence through the night, sample her sweet essence until dawn and hold her through the next sunset.

He remembered the provocative fit of their bodies as his arms held her close. The erotic sway of her voluptuous body against his stirred his hunger. Snug round hips firm against his groin ignited his blood. Hardened nipples pressed against his chest fueled his passion. Shapely curves at his whim heated his lust.

Talen recalled the enticement of her soft scent, the fullness of her red lips, the silkiness of her lightly tan skin and the mesmerizing gaze of her bright maple brown eyes. He stopped on her porch and waited until her nervous hands opened the front door. His desire to stay, he needed her to ask.

Liana smiled. “I had a wonderful time.”

He laid his hand on her shoulder and eased his palm down her arm. Her hand clasped in his, he lifted it to his lips and, her gaze held by his, placed a gentle kiss just above her middle knuckle. “So did I. Goodnight, Liana.” He released her, bowed and turned for his bike.

“Wait.”

Talen halted and pivoted mid-stride. “Yes, my lady?”

Shocked, Liana stared. “You’re walking away? No persuasion? No talking me into sex?”

“If you invite me in, I would love to stay the night.”

She swallowed at his slow sexy grin. “I guess I pictured you with someone littler.”

Talen closed the distance between them in two strides and swept her into his arms. “I’m not like any other man you’ve encountered, my lady. Full-figured women are an irresistible turn-on and you are extremely attractive. I despise one-night stands and believe in love everlasting. I prefer a woman I can cuddle with that opens her heart to me over any imaginable trophy. I need a woman who won’t take advantage of my heart.”

He cherished her blush and, with his forefinger, raised her face. “Honesty and stability come in packages most men overlook as they’re too concerned with what one thinks of decorations. Trophies collect dust, tarnish over time and there is very little you can do with one. I prefer stability, someone who needs and want me. I want someone that, when I’m old and weak, helps me rise and meet the day. I need someone who understands a man is vulnerable and protects me from the world’s hate.”

Talen released her and stepped back. “I want and need someone like you, Liana Jennings. A lady who stands strong at my side, a woman that holds me when I cry and a friend who forgives my weaknesses.”

Any resistance Liana owned against the handsome hunk before her melted. “Will you come inside? Maybe for some coffee?”

“For anything you offer, my lady.”

She turned for the door and halted. “Anything?”

From directly behind her, Talen bent and nibbled her earlobe for a lingered moment, his voice pitched to seduce, “Anything. Especially you.” He trailed his fingertips over her warm palm and secured her hand in his grip. “Lead me where you will.”

Liana loved the way his warmth crept over her back. Her sigh soft, she led him inside her home and entered the kitchen. “Do you wish something to drink?”

“You.”

She pivoted, her voice a mere squeak, “Me?”

“You make it hot in here.” Talen stripped off his shirt while his every calculated step closed the distance between them. With her face cupped in his hands, he predatorily backed her toward the counter. “I’ve never seen a woman as beautiful as you, my sweet lady.” Her sudden halt when the counter pressed his groin firm against her hips earned his growl. “And you feel so perfect.” He grasped her waist, lifted her up and seated her on the counter.

Liana gasped. “Talen, I never­”

“Hush.” He locked her gaze, tugged her boots from her feet and tossed them aside. “Never on the counter before, my lady?”

“N-no.”