Read Online Beyond the Stars by Kelly Beltz - Free Book Online

across his firm chest.
    “I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to control myself if you keep that up,” he warned before the corners of his mouth turned down like he was in pain.
    “Then don’t,” I demanded, but he removed my hand.
    “I don’t want to take things too fast and make you regret anything,” he murmured. He pulled himself away.
    I instantly regretted my assertive behavior. I felt my face flush with embarrassment. He noticed my reddened face and softly caressed my cheek with fingertips. I’d just met Jack, but he wasn’t like anyone I’d ever known. When we kissed, it was magical. It was as though we were made for each other. My desire for him overpowered all rational thought.
    “Fine, we’ll take it slow,” I conceded.
    “Please, let’s just relax for a minute. I don’t want you to think that I have the wrong intentions,” he said with his respectful military voice. This only made me want him more. If it was up to me, we would be between the sheets by now. I was fascinated by his coolness. Perhaps his being older than me made it easier for him to remain in control of his desires. He leaned back on the sofa and pulled me next to him so that I could lie across his chest. He kissed the top of my head and cradled me in his arms. I snuggled my body into his. He was so warm. Now I understood why he had consumed so much water. It was needed to replace all the fluid his body must lose through evaporation. I traced my hand up and down his arm and chest. “You can’t imagine how good that feels.”
    He moaned. I thought I could. It felt unbelievable when he ran his fingers through my hair and down my back. The pleasure in his voice seduced me even more. I had chills!
    “So, what do you dream of?” I asked, wanting to know him better.
    “Changing the world,” he said in a serious tone.
    “Those are bold words, Jack Bennett.” I sat up, surprised by his unusual answer.
    “Why? You have to have goals, right?” he teased, as if it wasn’t too big of a challenge.
    “Yes, goals are definitely a necessity,” I agreed. He really was remarkable. He wants to change the world, does he? Somehow I believed that he would. I cuddled back into his arms and let myself relax completely. We stayed there, silently losing track of time, while he snugly held me against him. I didn’t want the evening to end.

CHAPTER 6

    CHALLENGED
     
    I returned to work on Monday hoping I might see Jack in the café or pass him in the long halls. I felt disappointed that the place seemed as vacant as it always did. It was rare to pass more than two or three people in the morning. The staff always seemed to arrive at different times and go directly to their own little department and get right to work.
    “Good morning, Tess,” I said, walking into the lab.
    “Good morning, Sami,” greeted Tess with a smile.
    “I see Jack got you home okay. Did you have fun on Friday?”
    “Yes, Tess, it was great! Thanks for inviting me.” I couldn’t control the now-permanent smile that was plastered on my face. Tess looked at me after she caught the excitement in my voice, seeming pleased with herself. She liked making others around her happy.
    “You deserve it. I appreciate all the work you’ve been doing around here.”
    “Thanks,” I said humbly. I quickly got to work on my current project. I was trying to improve the efficiency and capacity of the current oxygen generator system for our research facility and future Space resort. An enormous amount of fresh air was needed to accommodate the numerous guests it was planning to house. It felt great to have something to help keep my mind busy. I worked diligently until the ringing of my phone awoke me from my trance.
    “Hello, Samantha Gerris,” I answered in my professional voice.
    “Samantha Gerris,” replied the man on the extension. “Yes.”
    “I am calling to see if you would like to meet me in the café for lunch,” offered Jack.
    “That could be arranged. What time