“Always,” I said, fighting the sensation that was spreading through me.
He took another step forward, his fingers pulling the boxers and me toward him at the same time. I looked up into his eyes, noticing the bronze flecks igniting as he narrowed his eyes at me. Leaning down, he lowered his mouth to my ear, his breath sending a shivery delight through me.
“Then we may have a problem,” he breathed, taking a step back.
“A problem?” my voice hoarse as desire pulsed through me.
He nodded, crossing his arms as he studied me.
“I want things to go right with you. Not just tonight, but beyond.”
“And?” I smiled.
“And I don’t think what you’ve done before has worked…”
“Meaning?” I folded my arms to match his stance.
“Meaning if this is to go any further, you can’t expect to be in control.” The flicker in his eyes ignited a response in me that I knew would make me agree to anything he said, regardless of my past tendencies.
“Agreed,” I said, grinning. I stood frozen, ensuring I didn’t make the first move. After all, I promised I wouldn’t.
I sucked in a deep breath. “I’m worried you’re like the others.”
“The others?” he asked, perplexed.
“I haven’t had the best track record,” I mumbled.
He raised a brow, completely amused as he watched me attempt to stand still under the duress he was putting me under.
“It’s time to change that,” he murmured, his eyes taking hold of mine.
My heart was pounding as I stood watching him take another step back from me, a smile spreading across his lips.
“Let me try again,” he said.
I nodded, looking up at him through my lashes.
“I’m not holding back with you,” he murmured. “And I expect the same in return.”
Before I could respond, his mouth was already on mine, the soft touch of his lips reassuring with each kiss. He gently tugged on my boxers, pressing my body next to his. With every kiss, a new beginning was started and the energy between us was exhilarating. Lost in his embrace, I imagined giving myself fully to him emotionally, allowing him to unwrap me wholly.
He broke his lips away, his eyes searching mine. “You’re so beautiful.”
A wave of excitement ran through me as I felt his fingers glide up my arms, stopping where the sleeves began. He took a step back. “Undress for me,” he whispered.
I froze. Undress for him? He narrowed in on my one fear… being undressed fully in front of a man. Granted, he’d seen me, but I don’t think he saw me completely. I began shaking my head. I needed strategic sheet or shirt placement, not this.
“Gabby, you have nothing to be afraid of,” his voice low. “You are nothing less than perfection in my eyes.”
“It’s not about that,” I lied.
“What is it about then?” his voice softening.
“It’s just a fear thing,” I said, my heart pounding.
“I want to help you get over your fears. I want you to lose control, give me the control.” His eyes locked on mine. “Do you trust me?” he whispered, giving me a disarming smile as he took a step toward me.
More than anything.
“Yes,” I said softly, feeling his hands slide around my waist.
His hands fell to the hem of my shirt, and he slowly began lifting it over my head. My breath stilled as I felt the air touch my skin, alerting me to where my skin was exposed, when my scar would be visible. He continued pulling the shirt up, and his fingers grazed my flesh, sending a spike of electricity through me.
“Thank you,” I whispered, closing my eyes as he pulled the shirt over my head.
I felt his lips touch my collarbone as he began slowly kissing me, as his hands ran down my arms, igniting a wave of desire through my veins. His touch was so tender, so caring. Keeping my eyes shut, I felt his tongue slowly glide down my chest. My stomach clenched slightly, knowing how close he was to my scar.
“Gabby, you’ve made me the luckiest man in the world,” he whispered, his breath tickling my flesh.
Opening my eyes, I let out a slow, steady breath and watched him slide his arms around me, admiring every inch of my body. Every touch felt so loving and generous. I wanted to cry out in joy, but instead I remained silent, taking in this man as he made me feel the way I’d always dreamt of feeling. Beautiful.
He picked me up, carrying me toward the bed. I gripped the nape of his neck as he laid me down on the comforter. His eyes traced along my body, making me feel absolutely wanted. His gaze intensified as I tried hard not to squirm in his presence, his ability.
I slipped off the borrowed boxers, and reached up for his shirt, tugging it slightly as he removed it. He leaned over me, his tongue trading for his fingers as he traced along my flesh. Jason’s touch was unhurried, exploring every part of my body. Feeling his mouth run down my breasts, left a trail of hunger as I laced my fingers through his hair, bringing him back up to me. I felt like I was going to burst with desire. I needed him. I knew I wasn’t supposed to take control, but I needed him.
“Kiss me,” I whispered, reaching down to unfasten his jeans.
His body hovered over mine, and I felt the heat pulsing off of him. Staring at his chest, I squirmed down, attempting to slide his jeans down. He shook his head, smiling. He was still in control. His mouth met mine with the intensity that I craved and a moan escaped. I wasn’t even sure whose it was as his lips broke from mine. He stepped off the bed, sliding out of his jeans, and my heart felt like it was going to explode. His body was magnificent. The golden hue of his skin highlighted the definition of his torso. My gaze fell to his V-muscles, and my cheeks flushed with wanting, needing the man in front of me.
Jason’s fingers glided along my thighs, sending chills through me as I watched him taste my flesh. He kissed me all the way up my body, discovering parts of me I didn’t even know existed in this way. Pressing his mouth gently to mine, he created an explosion of senses. I wrapped my legs around his waist and he shook his head slightly as I began to wriggle under him. His fingers gripped my hips, keeping them in place and anchoring me to the bed.
Not sure how much longer I could last, I felt his fingers move downward, enlightening parts of me as we joined together as one. I clenched my eyes shut feeling his fullness inside me as his mouth traced my lobe. His breathing shifted with every movement, and he began sliding kisses along my jaw, down my neck, before he began softly nipping and licking along my collarbone, sending quivers through me.
Jason’s mouth began tracing down my chest as his hands began securing my wrists above my head. My breath hitched in anticipation clashing with the vulnerability he was asking of me as he pinned my arms above me. There was something about being at his mercy that made my soul want to explode. My fingers dove through his hair, bringing him back up to me. His lips met mine, and I knew I couldn’t last any longer. Jason’s body pressed into mine, and his kisses deepened as our rhythm consumed us until the end.
This was where I was meant to be.
Holding me in his arms, I felt at peace, like I belonged. And I didn’t want this moment to end.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “You made me feel whole again, like my heart is my own.” And that was how I told him about my transplant, but he already knew. His tenderness showed me that.
“You’re not fragile. You’re not broken. You don’t need to be fixed. You’re perfect the way you are,” he whispered, his finger tracing my collarbone.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was Monday morning, and I was sitting at my desk, thumbing through the performance reports for our latest launch, feeling like I’d left this life far behind. So much had happened over the weekend that it felt like I was leading a completely different life, and it made absolutely no sense to be here. Yet here I was.
A soft tap at the door startled me, and Ashley waved. Ha! That was right. She was the one trying to set up Bra
ndy.
“Hey,” I said, welcoming her in.
“How’s everything going with your dad?” she asked.
She caught me completely off-guard. From what I was told no one knew that anything had happened. Brandy must’ve mentioned something when they went out on Friday night.
I nodded and smiled. “He’s doing really well. Thanks for asking.”
“My father has heart problems too,” she said. “It’s a scary thing.”
“So true,” I agreed. “I never really expected it since he takes such good care of himself, mostly.”
“You just never know,” she said, smiling.
“Brandy mentioned a possible set-up?” I asked, trying to switch the subject to lighter territory. “She said you mentioned it at dinner?”
Ashley started laughing. “That didn’t seem to go over too well, but it wasn’t at dinner. No. We haven’t been out to dinner. It was at the office on Thursday.”
Why would Brandy lie about that? Maybe she didn’t. I had a lot on my mind.
“Oh, I must have gotten it mixed up. It was kind of crazy this weekend. Well, I think it’s a marvelous idea.”
“You’ll have to convince her because she was not having it. And he’s a really great guy,” she continued.
“I’ll give it my best shot with her,” I said, laughing.
“Please do because I foolishly told him about her first and it would be awkward.” She pursed her lips.
“Totally understand. She’ll go. I know it.”
“Thanks. I’ll let you get back to it,” she said, giving a slight wave.
Brandy popped her head over the cubicle wall and watched Ashley walk out of my office. I waved for her to come into the office, which she did quicker than I’d seen her move in a long time.
“So what did Ashley want?” she asked, glancing behind her.
“Me to convince you to give that guy a chance. I guess she’d already told him about you,” I said, smiling. “Paybacks a bitch,”
“What do you mean?” she asked, scowling.
“No clothing ring a bell?” I asked, shaking my head. I hadn’t said another word to her about it since the text, but this seemed like a perfect opportunity to teach her a lesson, and she might even enjoy herself.
“Don’t make me,” she whined.
“You might really hit it off.”
She rolled her eyes at me and pouted a full-on pout. “Nope.”
“I already said yes. Jason and I can meet you and do like a double date or something.”
“Yeah. That sounds great,” she said, giving me the iciest stare ever.
“Awesome. I’ll let Ashley know,” I said, trying not to laugh.
“You’re on your own for lunch,” she snapped. “I have reading to do. Class starts in a couple weeks.”
“I’m sure that’s the reason,” I said, laughing, feeling only partially guilty for making her participate in the blind date. “Besides, I’m going to go check out Jason’s shop on my lunch. I’m leaving in ten.”
Unable to let her grumpiness with me outweigh her happiness for me, she flashed me a huge smile. “Good. Glad it’s settled then.” And she stomped out of my office, right into her cubicle.
My phone rang and this time recognizing Jason’s number, I picked it up.
“Hey,” I said.
“How’s your morning been?” he asked.
“Our latest variety of cheese is bringing in great results. Better than forecasted,” my voice monotone.
Hearing his laugh come through the phone made me feel as if I was the luckiest person in the world.
“Still up for the grand tour?” he asked.
His voice sent shivers through me as I thought about our weekend together.
“I’ve been looking forward to it all morning.”
“Hopefully the tour lives up to your expectations,” his low voice took me off-guard.
“Me too. I hate to be disappointed.”
He let out another deep laugh. “I haven’t been able to get you out of my head all morning, and this doesn’t help.”
“What doesn’t help?” I asked, twisting the phone cord around my finger. I totally felt like I was in junior high. If this was what falling in love was supposed to feel like, than I had been terribly misled in my prior life.
“Your smart mouth. Not many women…” he stopped.
“What?” My belly did a flip-flop.
“Nah. It’ll go to your head,” his voice viciously teasing me through the phone.
“Please. I’m not the one with the ego out to Switzerland,” I huffed.
“Switzerland? That’s kind of random,” he mused. “But the question is did you enjoy this weekend, Gabby?”
A pang of desire shot through me as his words rolled around in my head. Did I enjoy this weekend? I haven’t been able to think straight since I left his house.
“Well?” his voice sharper now.
“Yes,” I breathed into the phone, blushing at the reaction he was causing. “It was fabulous.”
“I hear something in your voice, Gabby. What is it?”
My body betrayed me as I heard him say my name. Damn him! I squeezed my eyes shut, and the images of him tracing his lips across my belly flashed in my head, and I started laughing. I couldn’t escape him…not that I wanted to.
“Nothing I can say while I’m at the office,” I spoke softly.
“Hmm. Well, I look forward to hearing about whatever it was when you get here. See ya in a few, babe,” his voice playful as he hung up the phone.
I missed the entrance to the parking lot and wound up circling the block. The building took over an entire corner and was quite impressive. The entire north end of the building was glass and looked to be a showroom. I pulled into the parking lot and found a spot near the entrance.
I hopped out of my Jeep and saw Jason through the window. My heart skipped a beat as I watched his eyes take me in, just like they did last night and the night before.
I gave him a quick wave and his mouth turned up at the corner. He glided over to the entrance and opened the door.
“What do you think?” he asked, motioning toward the giant showroom.
It was beautiful, sleek, amazing. I could tell he had put his heart and soul into this place. The shiny floors and clean lines of the interior were the perfect backdrop for his motorcycles.
“Amazing. They’re all your designs?” I asked, looking at row after row of bikes.
He nodded, sliding his arm around my waist. “My designs. My builds. Most of these aren’t for sale. They’re part of my personal collection, but it shows clients what we can do.”
“They’re beautiful,” I said walking toward the first line of bikes.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he murmured, looking into my eyes.
“Smooth,” I said, giggling.
His grip tightened, bringing me closer to him. I looked around the showroom and didn’t see anyone.
“They’re all at lunch,” he murmured, his breath skating over my lobe as he brought his lips closer.
“So I get a private tour, without interruptions?” I asked, feeling his finger slide along my hip, sending a chill through me.
“Without interruptions,” he said, smiling.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”
He pulled me around to face him and my pulse quickened, recognizing the look in his eyes. His hand slid up my back, curling his fingers around my hair and my body begged for more. How could he do this to me with just one look?
“We shouldn’t. Not here,” I whispered. Instantly crushing my mouth under his, I felt his tongue gently stroke mine, and there was nothing I could do as my eyes closed. I was under his spell. He pulled away abruptly, and my eyes quickly blinked open wanting more. His gaze locked on mine and his eyes burned into me. I didn’t think I’d be able to go back to work unless…
“I own the place. If I want to kiss a woman in the middle of the showroom, I can,” he growled sed
uctively, making my heart flutter. “But like I said, we’re alone.”
“Whatever you say, boss,” I snapped, trying to regain control of my senses.
“Boss, huh?” His smile deepened, as he stepped back. “I think I like that. I’ll show you around since I know you have to get back to your office.” His eyes glinted with mischief as our hands interlocked, and we walked to the far wall where a line of offices were located.
Wait? What?
“This is the bookkeeper’s office,” he said, pointing at the room closest to us. “She only comes in once a week. Her name’s Beth.” He double tapped on the name sign. He was totally messing with me, burning time. Bastard!
“Next to her is the general manager, Barry. He runs the shop. Makes sure the workflow stays consistent,” he continued, winking at me before we moved to the next office. “And this is our marketing and sales guy, Jerry. He does all the web stuff for us, too. He actually works from home most days.”
We had reached the end of the hall, and there was a metal door to our right.
“Where’s your office?”
“It’s above the shop,” he said, pointing at the metal door. “We can check out the shop and go grab a bite to eat.” His smile deepened, exposing his dimple. I knew he was up to something, and I wasn’t going to fall for it.
“Lunch, huh?” I smacked his back gently. “If that’s what you’re calling it.”
“Calling what?” he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Nothing,” I said, completely flustered, my expression falling with disappointment.
He turned toward the metal door and swung it open. I smelled a mixture of oil and burnt metal. The concrete floor had some sort of glossy finish, and Jason flipped around to reach for my hand.
“I don’t want you to slip,” he said, his stare falling to my heels. “Not exactly shop attire.”
I followed him into the large area, where I spotted several bikes in various stages of completion.
“How many guys do you have working on these?”
“I have seven right now, but if things continue I’ll need to bring more on,” he said, winding me around the various builds.
Spring Fling Trio- Beyond Love Starter Set Page 20