“I never hurt anyone, lass.” Just the insinuation had my hackles bristling.
“Not physically,” she chastised but moaned softly as I moved my hands to the nape of her neck and massaged the rigid muscles there.
“Not in the way you’re thinking, either,” I countered softly. “I don’t ever prank someone who can’t handle it, or wouldn’t want me to. Sure, I like to get the guys laughing, but I’m not that big of an arse.”
She relaxed so completely that I held the weight of her head in my hand as I worked her neck with the other. If anyone needed to lighten up a little, it was Annabelle, but neither of my methods for relieving tension would sit well with her.
“For example,” my voice dropped. “I would never prank you or cause you embarrassment now that I know that about you. Getting someone—for fun, that is—is all about knowing that person well enough to know what makes them laugh. What makes them tick. It wouldn’t be funny for me to see you in pain.”
Her eyes opened, and that twisting sensation in my chest transformed to an ache. “So you’ll never prank me?”
I smirked. “I won’t say that I’ll never prank you. That feels too final. But I will say that I’ll never do anything that causes you to feel humiliated. There’s nothing funny about that.”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth, and when she released it, I had to physically stop myself from lowering my mouth to hers so I could taste what she had. Where was my usual restraint? Sure, I fucked my share of women, but I’d never been...desperate for one. That’s what this was turning into—desperation. Shit.
Her cell phone pinged on the desk, and Annabelle groaned. “Real life calls, I guess. And don’t worry about humiliating me. I’ve done that myself already. I bet that’s the mayor, asking if we’ve signed the PR contract.” She lifted her head and I hated the chill that replaced where the warmth of her skin had been.
“I wouldn’t worry about announcing the reserve,” I said with a grin as she rolled her chair forward and reached for her cell phone.
“Of course, I’m going to…” She scrolled through an app—my guess was Instagram—and her jaw dropped. Finally, she turned to me with wide eyes. “What did you do?”
“I announced it for you,” I answered with a shrug, hopping off the table.
“You...just like that?”
“Just like that,” I replied, heading back toward my desk.
“I can’t even think of words—holy hell, how many followers do you have?”
“A little over a million.” I hefted the box of files into my arms and turned to see her gawking up at me from her seat.
“A...million?”
“You don’t have to look so horrified, lass.” A grin spread over my face at the expression on hers. I’d finally found a way to stupify Annabelle, and I was savoring every minute of it.
“I’m not, I swear!” She stood quickly as I walked past her desk. “I just didn’t realize how popular you are. Of course, I know you play for the NHL and everything, I just didn’t realize people cared so much about…” her voice faded as she scrolled through my feed. “Abdominals,” she muttered.
“Well, they do make it easier to power through my shots.” This was even better than pranking her.
She flushed that deep shade of pink I loved as her eyes flew back to mine. “What? I mean, how do I say thank you?”
“You just did.”
The smile she gifted me with felt far more intimate than my last dozen sexual encounters. I got the hell out of that office before I acted on it.
One week later, I was two-thirds through completing my sentence—not that I was counting. Fine, so I was counting, but not for the reason I’d initially started the calendar marking at home. In two weeks, I wouldn’t have a reason to see Annabelle every day, which sent a stab of unexpected anxiety through my system.
Which was probably why I was back at the office at seven at night, bringing Annabelle dinner.
“You’re a lifesaver!” she exclaimed as I walked in. “I just took two more calls, both from donors! We’re going to be able to fund the completion of construction plus some.”
“That’s great!” Amazing what having an entire NHL team repost your announcement could do for fundraising.
“Really, I can’t thank you enough for picking up dinner. I’m famished.”
“Can’t have you wasting away,” I said as I put takeout from Luigi’s, Sweet Water’s only Italian restaurant on the lone clean desk in the room—mine.
“Like that’s going to happen,” she said in a mocking tone.
I caught her gaze, then let mine rake down her body, taking in every curve the sheath dress let show. “Losing even an inch off that arse would be a tragedy.”
“Uh-huh.” Her cheeks pinkened—which was quickly becoming my favorite shade on her. “Let’s get this dished so I can get back to my desk.”
“You can’t eat at your desk.” Her shoulder brushed my arm, and the contact sent a jolt of awareness down my spine just like it did every time we accidentally—or purposefully touched.
“Yes, I can, and I have to.” She reached for the bag, but I snatched it up by the handles and lifted it higher than she could reach. “Seriously?”
“You cannot eat at your desk. You live at that thing. You need a break.”
She huffed, then jumped a little for the bag. I simply raised my brows and the bag higher.
“What are you? Five?” She growled.
“I’m not lowering this until you agree to take a break.”
“I have at least ten more emails to return tonight, not to mention going over the reserve budget one last time before I send it to the mayor’s office tomorrow. Now give me my dinner!” She lifted her hand slowly, and I jerked the bag out of reach again just in time.
“As soon as you agree to take a break. It’s pretty simple when you think about it, lass.”
She glared up at me. “You have no idea how much pressure I have on me right now.”
“I’ve been in this office five days a week for the last month, Annabelle. I’m well aware of everything you have going on. I know you’re overworked, which is why I’m doing something about it.”
She eyed the bag. “You know what’s on my plate, sure, but not the pressure. You make millions of dollars a year playing a game. A game, Connell. This is probably the most important thing I’ll ever do for my town!”
I ignored her jibe at my chosen career and instead took a step forward. She took one back. “I honestly don’t think that’s true, but even if it was, then you aren’t going to do anyone any good this stressed out.”
“I’m not stressed! I’m under pressure! There’s a difference!”
“Is there?” I took another step, and she retreated. “You live in this office right now. You’re not sleeping enough or eating regularly.”
“I have too much to do!” she snapped as we continued our path across the floor. “I have to answer all of these donation questions, meet with the contractors, approve the plans for the observation deck, contact media about the grand opening, and that has nothing to do with every single tiny detail that goes into planning the opening, and did I mention that we don’t even have ostriches yet? I can’t sit down and eat because my brain won’t shut off, you giant...guy!” Her back hit the wall, and I grinned.
“You should really take more time to plan out your insults, lass.”
She blinked up at me as if realizing she had nowhere else to go, and I closed the distance between us, bracing my forearm against the wall on her left. “Where...where did you put the food?”
“I left it back on the desk.” I shrugged.
“What? Why?”
“Because I’ll need both my hands to get your brain to shut off for a minute.”
“I have work to—”
I stole the rest of her words with my mouth. Damn, her lips were plump and sweet and too fucking perfect. The simple caress felt like lighting the wick on a stick of dynamite—a tiny lick of heat
that would eventually explode if we weren't careful.
My lips brushed over hers once more before I lifted my head slightly. “Head clear yet?”
Her brown eyes widened, and my stomach tightened at the haze of desire I saw there. “Not yet,” she whispered, her gaze dropping to my lips.
Hers parted.
I took them. My fingers tunneled through the hair at the nape of her neck as I claimed her mouth, sweeping inside to taste her. Fuck, she was sweet and tasted like the apricot tea she loved.
Her soft little moan was even sweeter. Fingernails bit into my back, and I growled. The strength of the need that hit me shook my control, but I still couldn’t stop myself from kissing her over and over, taking her mouth with deep strokes and teasing licks.
She was heady, intoxicating, and if I kept this up, I’d be addicted with only this one kiss.
I moved my forearm from the wall, sliding my hand behind her back and pulling her against me. Damn it, she felt even better against me than I’d imagined. Her soft curves cradled the sharp lines of my body as I leaned into her. This was a woman who could take all of me—no holding back, no keeping myself in check.
She kissed me with the kind of abandon that spoke to her desire. She was pure want and need. No artifice. No coy smile and practiced flirtation like every other woman who’d come onto me after signing that first contract.
Fuck, I was never going to stop. I’d kiss her until we both died with the need of it. Until the flames licking their way down my spine and hardening my cock consumed us both.
“Annabelle,” I groaned and sank back into her mouth, the kiss turning openly carnal as I took her mouth with the same rhythm that I rolled my hips against hers.
She whimpered and tilted her head so I could kiss her deeper, and I took complete advantage of what she offered. I’d take everything this woman offered.
I felt her gasp all the way in my dick when I set my lips to her neck. How did she smell so fucking good? Everything about this was so good—
“Stop!” she squeaked.
I lifted my mouth from her skin and sucked in a breath, praying she didn’t just—
“Connell, you have to stop. We have to stop.” Her voice shook, and so did my hands as I untangled them from her delicious body.
My heart raced faster than it did while I was on the ice, and the struggle to control my breathing was so real it would be embarrassing if I cared about hiding my reaction from her. But I didn’t. I wanted her to see what she did to me.
“Annabelle.” The plea was obvious as I stepped back, giving her the space she demanded.
“We can’t do this.” She pushed at my chest, and I stepped back. “This…” she gestured between us, “can’t happen. Not while you’re working here. Or ever, really.” She pushed again, and I pivoted, backing away.
“Annabelle.”
“Don’t. Don’t you say my name like that, all soft and burred and accented. That’s not fair!” She shook her finger at me before pushing me back again. “I mean, we can’t do this, right? Right. It’s wrong! And it’s an abuse of power.”
“Lass, I didn’t mean to make you feel powerless.” Another step back.
“What? No, I’m the one in power, remember? Right. I’m the boss, and you’re the employee. Kind of. Right. Either way, this is wrong, and we can’t do it. I mean kissing, not it, you know. And we definitely can’t do it, either!” With every statement, she pushed, and I retreated. “It doesn’t matter that you kiss like a romance novel, and you’re built like… well, you are. This.” Step. “Isn’t.” Step. “Happening.”
I found myself in the hallway outside the office.
“Annabelle—”
“I’m so glad you agree. Good talk!” She slammed the door in my face.
What the bloody hell just happened? I raised my fist to knock on the door, but instead, I lowered it and shook my head. I’d never been one to pressure a woman who’d said she didn’t want me, and I wasn’t about to start with the one woman I wanted above all others.
“Right. Good talk.” I gave the door a mock salute and headed down the hall.
I was halfway home before I realized she hadn’t just stolen every ounce of my control—she’d taken my dinner too.
4
Annabelle
Connell’s lips against mine, his strong, hard body pressing into me. Sweet tea on a hot day, the memory haunted my every waking thought.
I was no virgin, but I’d never, not once, felt something as powerful and intoxicating as his kiss.
And it was just a kiss.
But his tongue had moved expertly against mine, his hands gentle yet demanding on my body in the most delicious way. I’d felt safe and wild, and my head had damn near exploded.
Until I’d come to my senses.
Damn my senses.
I sucked in a slow breath, rubbing my forehead as I sat at my desk. I’d been trying to make sense of a simple spreadsheet for an hour, but all I could see or taste or feel was Connell. I practically purred between my thighs, the ache a true and harsh craving for something I’d never experienced before. Something electric.
But it could never happen again.
I was his superior. He was basically my employee. The scandal!
My pulse spiked as my mind played his kiss on repeat in red hot flashes.
Those lips.
That tongue.
His scent making my head spin.
Where did he learn to do that? Make a woman completely forget where she was, who she was. I’d never been so reckless in my life.
And I liked it.
It had been one of the single most freeing moments of my life…
And it was just a kiss. I couldn’t imagine what he’d do to me if I gave in.
Oh, wait, yes, I could.
I’d wait until after dark, long after I’d locked up City Hall. Then I’d wait until Connell finished up his work. Of course, he’d stop by my desk. He always did. And he’d ask me if he could walk me to my car, like usual, but I’d shake my head, my entire body trembling with nerves. I’d bite my lip, gather some courage, and motion for him with a sexy, come-hither look, like in the movies. Then I’d arch against my desk as he stalked to me…no prowled to me. And he wouldn’t hesitate to snake his arms around my waist and haul me against him. He wouldn’t think twice about kissing my neck, teasing the spots I had there, and going lower. So low he’d drop to his knees, run his hands up my thighs and under my skirt. He’d smirk up at me, his eyes sparking with wicked delight to find I hadn’t worn panties today. And then he’d gently, tenderly plant kisses on my thighs and up and up until he reached the very center of me. The feel of his mouth on me, so slick and hot, I’d have to grip his blond hair to keep from falling over. To keep from screaming, as he tongued me—
“Falling asleep on the job, boss?” Connell’s voice clanged through my daydream, and I jolted so hard I bumped my knee against my desk.
I rubbed my bare knee while spinning in my chair, glaring up at the man. “Remember that bell we spoke about?” I said through clenched teeth.
He pursed his lips but crouched to examine my knee.
A stuttered breath escaped my lips at the sight.
Damn this man straight to hell.
“It doesn’t look so bad,” he said, daring enough to slide his hand over the red spot.
I trembled from his touch, from the confident look in those stunning blue eyes.
“You all right?” He asked, still smoothing his fingers over the affected area. “You look flushed.”
I parted my lips, then shook my head.
“What were ye thinking about?” He flashed me that wicked grin of his, that playful smirk that promised trouble and laughter and ecstasy. And apparently, the one I couldn’t resist because there I was, smiling back at him.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” I said, a bit childish, but I couldn’t very well tell him where my head had just been now could I? Or rather, where his head had just been. Lord save me,
I could still feel the heat between my thighs from the fantasy.
“Aye,” he said, his hand pausing his inspection of my knee and now simply resting there.
I swallowed hard, forcing away the electric sparks buzzing across my skin from his touch. I cleared my throat and scooted back in my chair, his hand falling off my knee and onto his own.
“Did you need something?” I asked, my tone breathless.
He cocked a brow at me. “You know what I need,” he said, and the words sizzled down my spine.
I lifted my chin slightly. “You need me to say thank you again for using your amazing social media status to announce the reserve? Or do you need me to explain the organization process again?”
He shook his head, some of the blond strands falling across his forehead as he stood up. I followed his gaze but remained seated. “Not exactly what I had in mind.”
“That can’t happen again,” I said in a hushed tone, thankful Lacy had already left for the day. “I’m your boss, as you so fondly call me. It isn’t ethical.” There, I’d regained some of my common sense. “What happened…it was a mistake.”
He grinned again, leaning down closer to me. “A mistake, eh? Is that why you’ve been showing up to work wearing all these mouthwatering pencil skirts and silk blouses?” His eyes trailed the length of my body, my bare legs peeking out of the red skirt I’d selected for today, over the white v-neck blouse that showed a dignified amount of my cleavage.
I wet my lips, my mouth suddenly dry from the heat in his gaze. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, flustered. I hadn’t thought he’d noticed my change in work attire, but I couldn’t help it. If the man was going to saunter around my place of business looking like a snack, then by God, so was I.
“Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, Annabelle.”
A warm shiver skittered across my skin at the way his tongue shaped my name.
“I think you know more than you let on,” he said. “And I think you know this thing between us…” He motioned from me to him. “Is impossible to deny.”
Heat flared in my chest, up my neck, under my cheeks. How could he be so brazen? So bold to say exactly what was on his mind?
Connell (Carolina Reapers Book 3) Page 4