As she stares at me with indecision in her eyes, I take a step back from her and allow her to make up her mind. I have apologized and explained and even offered to take her out. It’s the best I think I can do. For now, at least.
“And you promise to keep your hands to yourself?” she asks with narrowed eyes.
Laughter booms from my throat. I can’t promise that, not when I want to draw her into my arms right now.
“I promise not to do what you don’t want me to do.”
I can see she’s fighting whether she should forgive me and move beyond the uncomfortable situation.
“That’s not an answer,” Hope says.
I shrug. “It’s the only one I can give.”
She nods and turns away. I’m not having any of that. I drag her into my arms and fasten my lips on hers. She struggles, but I hold her firm.
Solemnly, I say. “You’re the only woman I want to be with. If you can’t believe that, then there’s no point in our trying to get to know each other anymore.”
She chews on her bottom lip. Slowly, she nods and I smile. I give her a quick kiss again before I walk back to the table and reach for my cellphone.
“Have you been in a helicopter before?”
Flecks of gold tinge her brown eyes, showing her excitement. She shakes her head and I grin. Swiftly, I make arrangements for a ride in my helicopter to Denver.
The rest of the day will always remain a blissful memory for me. Since we are trying to be discreet, we tell Clara we’re going for a business meeting. We walk separately out of the office and meet in the elevator where I fight to keep my hands off her. My driver takes us to my helipad at the airport. After being strapped in, Hope screams as we are lifted off in the air. I adore watching her face fill with a mixture of fear and excitement as we fly over Cedar Crest. In a matter of minutes, we’re in Denver and exploring the city. The spirit of the season is embedded everywhere we go. Carolers gather at street corners singing Christmas carols. Christmas decorations cover almost all the buildings. Christmas shoppers move in and out of a large mall. They stationed a large mechanized Santa Claus and two elves at the city center saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to everyone who drives or walks by.
We go to Denver Zoo and I feel like a small boy seeing the animals. It brings back memories of the time I visited with my parents. The cold air from the drizzling snow gives me an excuse to put my arm around Hope. Later, we visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. We have an early dinner at a restaurant in Larimer Square before heading back to Cedar Crest. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself.
I drop Hope off at her sister’s place, but not before I kiss her goodnight, which leaves the two of us breathless, unsurprisingly. It’s difficult getting sleep to come this night because I can’t stop thinking about Hope. As my eyes finally close in sleep, I ask myself one question.
Am I falling in love with Hope?
Chapter Eighteen
Hope
“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Debra asks as I put finishing touches to my packing.
I raise my head and smile at her. I understand her concern. I’ve gone out on three dates with Christian now, and I haven’t really told her everything about it. I don’t know why I’m keeping things to myself. She knows everything about Terrance. Perhaps I’m unsure of what exactly I feel for him. I’m still discovering him and what we share.
“Yes, Deb. I know you’re worried about me, but please don’t be. Traveling with Christian is part of my job description.”
“I know that.” Then, giving me a knowing look, she says, “You know that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m afraid for you, Hope.”
Pretending as if I don’t know why, I say, “Why? It’s not a big deal.”
Cocking her brows, she asks, “It isn’t?”
I shake my head. “We’re going to have separate rooms if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Sighing, she drags me into her arms. “Please be careful.”
Smiling because I know I won’t be, I pull out of her arms just as Aria comes into the room with a painting of me, her parents, and her. I praise Aria’s artwork, kiss her cheek, and bid them goodbye.
My heart is in my throat as I make my way down the stairs. I know the inevitable might happen during this trip, and I’m ready for it. I don’t care about the consequences for now. It’s like I’ve been waiting for this trip forever.
It’s snowing and I hope it doesn’t affect the trip. Christian takes my breath away clad in a gray cashmere sweater that matches the color of his eyes, blue jeans, and black boots. I like how his eyes rove my body as I’m dressed the same way as he is, in a brown jacket, blue turtleneck top, blue jeans, and brown boots.
He whistles. “You look good enough to eat.”
His driver helps me with my luggage and we’re soon on our way to the airport. Excitement thrums inside me as we board the plane first-class to Gray Rock where the resort is. I have never flown first-class before and pleasure flows through me as I settle on the comfortable leather chairs. Hardly have I sat down when a hostess brings me a glass of champagne and warm face towels. The flight is short but beautiful as I savor the delicious breakfast served, as well as the sight of Christian’s handsome face.
An SUV is waiting for us at the airport when we land. It drives us to the breathtaking ski resort. My mouth drops at the picturesque town surrounded by huge mountains covered in snow.
“It’s like a postcard,” I tell Christian.
He laughs. “We change the venue every year. This is one of the best.”
I’m even more stunned when he tells me he booked us a private cabin. Thrills race through my body at having our own private place instead of sharing a large one with those attending the conference.
I gasp when the vehicle meanders its way up a steep road and I catch sight of the cabin.
“It’s magnificent,” I cry, gawking at the glass and wood building. “It looks as if they brought it out from the pages of a magazine.”
Christian chuckles. “You should see the inside. I knew you would like it when I saw the brochure.”
I turn in my seat to stare at him with suspicion. “When did you rent it?”
“When I decided I wanted you.”
My mouth runs dry as the car pulls to a stop in front of the building. Christian helps me out of the car. In the blistering cold, I stand there staring at the cabin encircled by a wooden porch and roof. Glass windows from the ground to the ceiling cover one part of the cabin.
I can’t wait to see the inside. With my hand in Christian’s, I climb the porch steps while the driver carries our luggage. Our boots make squishy noises in the snow.
The scent of cedar and mint assails my nostrils as I step into the hallway with Christian. The warmth makes me smile as Christian leads me to the sitting room. I draw in a sharp breath at the cozy scene before me. A humongous brick and wood fireplace covers one part of the wall. Red and green Christmas stockings decorate the fireplace from end to end. Comfy looking leather sofas with matching chairs surround the blazing fireplace. Hot cocoa, hot tea, and spicy apple cider, along with different coffees, are in substantial supply on an oak coffee table.
“This is beautiful,” I comment as Christian helps me out of my jacket.
“I’m glad you like it. I aim to please,” Christian says and hands me a cup of hot cocoa.
“I am pleased,” I say, and we share a laugh.
We enjoy a leisurely time before heading to the conference hall in the middle of the town. I smell Christmas in the air and sing along to the Christmas songs blaring in several speakers across the town. We meet with other participants. I grit my teeth as I see some women openly checking out Christian and being flirtatious with him.
During the next three days, I get used to women ogling Christian and flirting with him. My consolation is that Christian doesn’t respond to any of them. He has eyes and ears only for me, which I totally like.
The con
ference is so fun and educational I don’t want to return to Cedar Crest. Christian tries to teach me how to ski, but I’m too frightened to learn. He draws me into his arms and with his intense gaze holding mine says, “Trust me. I’ll never hurt you or let any harm come to you.”
The breath flows out of me at his words. It sounds more like he’s talking about us than skiing. I don’t mind anyway, so I allow him to teach me without fear, which ends up being a fun and stimulating experience as we share an ardent kiss after.
The days are fun, but the nights are sheer torture as Christian’s room is across from mine. Whenever we return from a night out, we tell each other a chaste good night even though I know we’re burning for each other. I see it in Christian’s eyes and I wonder what he’s waiting for. Is he afraid I’ll turn him down? He doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure as this is supposed to be a business trip? Every night I wonder what runs through his mind as I toss and turn on my soft bed. I have never wanted a man the way I want Christian. I don’t think there’s any shame in admitting it.
On our last night there, after a wonderful time in town dining in a classic restaurant and dancing, we return to the cabin. I turn to tell Christian goodnight. He catches me off guard by drawing me into his strong arms.
“Finally, business is over. It’s time for pleasure.”
My heart slams against my chest at his words.
“Even though it’s freezing, I have been taking cold showers to help me sleep every night so I can focus on why we’re here. But no more. Tonight is ours.” Then a frown crosses his handsome face. “That’s if I’m not overstepping my boundaries.”
For an answer, I stand on tiptoe to place my lips on his. That is all the encouragement he needs as his arms wind tighter around me and he deepens the kiss.
I moan with pleasure as I have so much missed having his arms around me. I lean into him, kissing him with the same fervor. I raise my hands to curl them around his neck and then link them in his beautiful hair. I feel the thick bulge of his erection against my stomach and thrills shoot through me.
Is this really going to happen? Am I going to have mind-blowing sex with my boss?
Oh, yes, I am.
His scent is intoxicating, and I inhale as he backs me against the wall, tantalizing my senses so much I feel like ripping his clothes off him. His hands move all over my body, grasping my breasts, and then he cups my ass cheeks and lifts me a little to feel the full effect of his stiff shaft. I almost sob with joy at the size of him.
My pebbled nipples poke painfully against my blouse. I massage Christian’s head as his lips move from my mouth to my neck. My panties are so wet I don’t know if they’ll ever be dry again. I want him so badly; I don’t think I can wait. I have always fantasized about him making slow passionate love to me, but right now, I don’t care about such finesse. I want him hard and fast.
Christian’s hands do wonders to my breasts as he caresses them. The breath comes out sharply from my throat when he lowers his head further and catches my hard nipple through my sweater. Sensations build up in my body, leaving me shivering and moaning. My hands tighten on his head as he teases one nipple, then the other. As if his lips aren’t doing enough to my senses, his hand reaches down and strokes my inner core through my leggings. I let out a small cry when he unexpectedly stops.
Grinning, he huskily says, “I want to take you right here and now, but I have dreamed so much about your gorgeous body spread against my bed, we have to take this to my room.”
I don’t care where he wants us to go, as long as he extinguishes the fire burning inside me.
I try to tell him yes as I see he’s waiting for a reply but my throat is clogged with passion. All I can do is nod. A broad smile spreads across his face. He dips a little and I’m surprised when he swings me into his arms without breaking a sweat. He carries me down the hallway to his room. Our lips mesh again when we enter his room. He gently lays me on the bed and I feel like a prey on his chopping block. And I love it.
He reaches for the hem on my blouse as I unbutton his shirt. We start slowly but then seconds later, we’re tearing the clothes off each other’s bodies and flinging them across the room.
“Damn, you’re exquisite.” Christian whistles as his hot gaze travels all over my body standing naked before him.
He’s all I imagined he would be, too, with his firm body and a six pack that has me drooling. Not an ounce of surplus flesh on him.
When his hand lifts one of my breasts, it is all I can do not to beg him to suck it. He doesn’t need any urging as his lips find my nipple and his hand clutches my other breast and squeezes it hard. I bite my lips as tears glaze my eyes from the pleasure coursing through my body. Christian lifts his head after torturing my nipples and breasts with expertise.
I run a hand across his taut stomach. My hand moves from his stomach and trail down to cup his rigid length. He pulses in my hand, making me feel heady. His hand grips my hair.
“Please, no more,” he hoarsely says as I continue to caress his rigid shaft.
He swiftly switches our positions on the bed. When his hands slowly travel all over my body, realization dawns after some seconds: I have known this guy only like a month. Yet, I’m about to have sex with him and he’s my boss. Is this wise? Although I’m strongly attracted to him, does that mean I have to jump into bed with him just like that?
All coherent thoughts disappear from my head when his finger slides into my wet core. Damn, I believe I have died and gone to heaven as he strokes me. My back lifts from the bed.
Damn it, he’s good!
Whimpering, my fingers find his hair and tighten in its silky strands. The sensations running up my body become so intense I convulse rapidly. His lips reach for mine again and we share an explosive kiss that leaves me all stimulated again.
He reaches for the drawer on his bedside table and brings out a condom which he quickly rolls up his rigid shaft. With his gaze holding mine, he parts my thighs and elevates my buttocks with his muscular hands.
I lick my lips with anticipation as the tip of his manhood brushes against the opening of my core. Slowly, he pushes himself inside me, filling me in ways I have never experienced before. He is so big; my body stretches to accommodate him.
“Fuck, you’re so tight!” he rasps, closing his eyes with lines of strain marking his forehead.
He plunges deep into me and my back arcs. The feeling of having him inside me is heavenly. His movement is slow and gentle at first. And then, tension builds up and his pace increases. He thrusts into my core, filling me completely. My fingers rake his back as he pounds into me with ferocity. He’s marvelous in bed and I love it. My breasts jiggle as his movements increase. A strong feeling builds in between my thighs again and increases with each of his thrusts.
I shudder violently under him even as he continues pounding into me as I reach my climax. His breathing grows more ragged, his strokes increasing until sensations wrench his body. He lets out a groan. Then he falls on the bed beside me.
“That was amazing,” he whispers into my ear.
It definitely was, and I can’t wait for us to do it again later. Right now, I’m so sated all I can do is smile at him and yawn.
He laughs and cuddles me in the curve of his arm. I close my eyes and go to sleep, loving his arms around me. I wake up sometime in the night to find his hands stroking my body.
“I can’t get enough of you,” he mutters before capturing my lips. I switch our positions and ride him as if my life depends on it. By the time I fall on him, panting, I come to a realization.
I can’t deny it anymore. I’m in love with Christian!
Chapter Nineteen
Hope
“Deb, can I talk to you?” I walk into the kitchen two days after returning from my trip with Christian.
“That’s my cue to leave.” Ray rises from the stool at the counter with a wide grin on his face.
I laugh and pat his shoulder as he walks out of the kitch
en. Debra turns from the sink where she just finished doing the dishes.
With a glint in her eyes, Debra says, “Have you come to tell it all?”
I sigh. When I returned to Cedar Crest two days ago, Debra wanted me to tell her everything that went down with Christian. I was still too much in a glow to share with her what transpired between us. Christian gave me the following day off after coming back so we could rest. Debra and I couldn’t talk the previous day because she had to take Aria to the pediatrician. Aria is fine now. I only just returned from the office an hour ago.
Seeing Christian and knowing what we shared during the trip kept me self-conscious all day. I made mistakes. Thankfully, Christian was out all day in a series of meetings, so I didn’t see much of him until Katherine came to visit. I struggled very hard not to show my insecurity and jealousy. When they both left just before the close of work without Christian glancing in my direction, I couldn’t help getting worried.
“Do you want some coffee?” Debra asks when I don’t reply, lost in my thoughts.
I nod absentmindedly. It’s time to make a decision about Christian, and I need my sister’s help in order not to let my heart do the thinking for me.
I smile at Debra as she places the cup of coffee on the counter. I take it and sip from it with my thoughts still whirling around my handsome boss. The hot liquid is welcome as it spreads warmth through my body.
“So, what’s up?” Debra asks as she lowers herself on a stool opposite me.
“I’m in love with Christian.” I don’t mince words as I’m desperate for answers.
Debra’s eyes widen and then she lets out a low whistle.
“What am I going to do?” I question, chewing on my bottom lip.
Debra offers me a smile. “I knew you were in love with him when you didn’t want to talk about him. You wanted to keep the blissful feeling to yourself.”
I let out breath. “Please, Deb, don’t start. I’m at a crossroads here.”
Christian Clause: A BWWM Holiday Romance Page 10