Two and a half hours later, the early evening was beginning to fall as they departed the aquarium. Just when they stopped alongside his car, her stomach rumbled in loud protest. “I’m sorry,” she murmured and cringed with embarrassment. “Apart from the croissant, popcorn, and slushy ice, I haven’t eaten a real meal.”
He paused with his hand on the door latch. “What? Don’t tell me that’s what you’ve eaten all day long?”
She met his eyes in the light darkness. “Yes.”
“What’s wrong with you, woman?” he said good-naturedly and ushered her into the car. “If there’s anything that we all need to do besides breathe, it’s eat.”
“But, I’ve taken too much of your time already,” she protested, turning to face him as he settled in the driver’s seat. “You can drop me off at---”
As he grasped the back of nape and pulled her towards him, her protest died on her lips. On a breathless sigh, their lips met.
The kiss was slow, sweet, and satisfying. Moaning softly, she brushed a hand along his face, all the while demanding more. A hard grunt left him as he deepened the kiss, and once more, she began falling headfast into the stormy feelings. Soon, their breathy moans and gasps filled the safe confines of the vehicle.
A breathless moment later, they broke apart.
“Is that what it takes to shut you up?” he rasped unsteadily, taking in a shaky breath, and then rubbed his thumb across her swollen lips. “If that’s the case, be prepared for this silencing act to happen quite often.” He let out a curse. “Fuck, I love kissing you.”
Perhaps, it was the quiet darkness.
Or maybe, it was his honest reaction.
There was something that emboldened her to confess the truth. “I love kissing you, too.” Dazed, she looked at him dreamily. “So much that I never want you to stop.”
His smile was infectious even in the shadowed darkness. “Well, it seems that we’re in full agreement once again, princess.” He tapped her nose playfully before pulling away. As he fired the ignition, he glanced in her direction. “You want to grab a burger or something?”
“Can we get it at the drive thru? I think that we’ve seen and dealt with enough crowds today.”
“That’s fine by me. Any particular preference?” he asked, keeping his eyes trained on the traffic, and then pulled onto the highway. “How about Fab Joint 5? Their sandwiches are loaded, and the patties are freshly grounded on site.”
“Fab Joint 5 it is.”
Fifteen minutes later, they’d received a brown paper bag loaded with greasy burgers, homemade fries, and apple fried pies.
But, as they got closer to her hotel, her light-hearted mood dimmed. Though they were scheduled to meet in hours, she wasn’t ready to be separated from him yet.
“Which hotel is it again? Revelry Inn or Wyatt’s Grand Inn?”
“Revelry Inn---it’s on the corner of 5th and Charleston.”
Falling quiet, she stared out the window dejectedly. Perhaps, he was caught up in his own thoughts, she realized, for he hadn’t said too much of anything in the last minutes.
Yet, wasn’t this week all about taking chances. She straightened her shoulders. No, she was finally going to take charge of her destiny for once.
Just before they met the curved entryway, she caught his attention. She pointed towards the right side of the parking lot. “Do you mind parking over there?”
The light played shadows along his face as he maneuvered the vehicle in that direction. “No problem.”
In a straight line, the headlights beamed on the pavement while the vehicle traveled down the narrow lane. By the time he parked the Viper between the two cars, she was one hot tensed-up mess.
Shifting in the park, he glanced in her direction. “What is it?”
She wrung the purse straps between her hands nervously and looked at everything but him. “I was just wondering if you’d like to come up for a little bit and eat with me. But, again, I understand if you’re busy and have plans already---”
He grabbed hold of her again before pulling her into another kiss. Yet, this one was feather light. A satisfied sigh left her as she melted against him. When he pulled back, she was dazed. “There you go forcing me to do what I want to do anyway,” he said hoarsely, and his hot breath fanned her face. “I was about to suggest the same thing. But, you beat me to it.” Then, he traced a finger along her face. “You don’t have to be afraid to ask me things. Okay?”
She smiled shyly in the darkness. “Okay.”
He winked. “Now, let’s go inside and eat these fucking burgers and fries before they get too damned cold.”
A new giddiness claimed her as they strode across the parking lot. But, by the time they reached the elevators, their moods changed. Once more, the same raw sexual energy breathed with life. The elevator ride to the eleventh floor went quickly, and soon, they were crossing the plush carpeting to her hotel room. When they reached it, she carefully extracted the key card and silently prayed that her hands wouldn’t shake. She did want to appear composed, outwardly at least, for her insides were already filled with the usual somersaults.
She fought to breathe normally as he stood behind her. Quickly, she swiped the key card, and the door opened with a soft click. She ventured further into the hotel room while he closed the door behind them.
“Please make yourself comfortable,” she said in a rushed breath and dropped her handbag in the chair. “Give me a moment to clear some of my mess out of the way. Then, we’ll eat.”
A nervous energy bounded within her as she looked around the hotel room. Surely, there was something that could stand as a makeshift table. She journeyed towards the sitting area and then stopped at the coffee table. Then, she removed the cluttered items from it and dumped them in the open suitcase that was close by.
She planted both hands on her hips and turned in his direction again. “I’m sorry. This is as close to a dining table that we can it.”
He settled on the small leather settee. “No apology is necessary.” Then, as she kept standing, he looked at her inquiringly. “Well, are you going to eat or stand there all night? Come sit beside me.”
A warm blush stained her skin. “Alright.”
As she sat beside him on the settee, she fought to ignore their closeness. That proved to be rather difficult, especially since their bodies touched. But, he seemed to be unaffected, she thought with disappointment, watching as he rummaged through the brown paper bag and removed the food. There wasn’t the slightest hint of a reaction from him.
Suddenly, she was fidgety.
She grabbed the remote from the table and switched the TV on. After surfing through a few channels, she stopped on the sports channel where a basketball game was already in session. “I hope that this is okay,” she murmured, glancing at the side of his face, only to find him watching her. Once more, her shyness won out, and she dropped her eyes. “I remember you saying that you like basketball.”
“And you remembered correctly,” he said with ease, tapping her chin, and drew her attention to him again. “Now, are you ready to eat?”
“Of course,” she said breathlessly and nodded. “Could you pass my sandwich?”
A short moment later, he was deeply engrossed with the game. After they finished eating, she grabbed up the garbage, and then, she watched with humor as he blasted the referees for their calls.
Well, everything was clean except for the cups of soda, she mulled, pausing by the coffee table. But, that was going to take some careful maneuvering since she didn’t want to block the TV. His forward posture and tensed up face said that he was highly involved in the game.
Being careful, she leaned forward and grabbed her empty cup before reaching for his. As her hand closed around it, the wet moisture laced her palms and caused her to lose her grip. Then, with open horror, she watched as the half-full cup toppled and sent the soda flying through the air. The dark cola splashed all over him, and he bounded from the settee with a surprised
yelp.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. Then, something finally prompted her into action. She grabbed up the few napkins before scurrying to him. “I can be such a klutz sometimes.”
“No, don’t worry about it. It was an accident.”
Still, though, she wiped furiously at the white polo shirt, and again, the horror filled her since the stain seemed to be setting in. “Here, take it off,” she suggested quickly, and already, she was reaching for his shirt’s hem. “I’ll let it soak in water for a bit, and hopefully, the stain won’t set.”
With a quick swipe, they both pulled the wet shirt from his body. As her hands landed on his bare chest, she forgot to breathe. With vivid fascination, her eyes tracked the lines and planes of his chest, and again, she was reminded of what a stellar looking male creature that he was. The heat radiated from his skin and straight to her hands. A hot fire seared through her, and it made her want to physically trace every inch of his skin.
“I—I’ll put your shirt in water,” she stammered nervously, stooping over to retrieve the polo shirt from the floor. “Just give me a moment---”
But, just as she turned, he whirled her around. Any and every protest died on her lips as she collided into his chest. Carefully, he pried the shirt from her shaky hands and dropped it to the floor. Tilting her chin upward, he forced her to look at him. “Damn the shirt. Better yet, why don’t we quit playing games with each other?”
Her eyes searched his. “I don’t want to play games anymore either.”
The seconds ticked off as they stood and watched one another.
A different kind of intimacy breathed between them now. It was a mixture of physical, mental, and emotional intimacy. His eyes swept along her face, and it seemed that he was memorizing every vivid line. But, she was doing the same, she mulled, dazed, trailing her gaze along his face. Every single thing about him was perfect.
A new disappointment seized as he released her, but only to grab the remote from the table. With a quick flick, he turned the TV off before grabbing her hand.
As they reached the left side of the bed, he released her again. This time, he journeyed to the lights before dimming them to a faint glow.
She stood transfixed as he approached slowly. Deep down, to the very core, she realized that the game was up. No longer would they deny themselves the pleasure of being together. All day long, they’d been pretending, fighting to ignore the raging fire between them. Now, it was time to pay the penance, and it was a price that she’d gladly pay.
They met halfway the room.
But, as he moved in for a kiss, she planted both hands against his chest. “Christopher, wait---”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want you to do anything that you’re not ready for. Only do this if you’re sure---”
The tears burned her eyes as she kept them pinned on his chin. Could she really confess her deepest truth? A new courage filled her as she met his eyes. “It’s not that,” she whispered tearfully. “It’s something else.”
As he cupped the side of her face, she leaned into his soft caress. “Talk to me, then,” he said gently, running his eyes all over her face. “I don’t want you to be afraid.”
“All my life, I’ve waited for this feeling---the way that I feel when I’m with you,” she whispered past the hushed tears in her throat. “When you look at me, I know who I am. I know what I want, and I’m not afraid of it. Don’t ask me why I feel such a profound connection to you. Even I can’t explain the reasons why. You and me…us being together like this…Somehow, as wrong as it seems, I know that you’re right. You’re the one that’s supposed to be with me in this moment.” Her tearful gaze clung to his. “Please make love to me.”
When he stepped closer to her, he obliterated any other further thought.
Chapter 13
“Real intimacy between a man and woman isn’t meant to bring sadness, but elation. I promise that this moment will be everything that you’ve ever dreamt of and more.” He brushed the fat tear from her cheek gently. “But, as much as I want you. I want you to be 100% certain about this.” His eyes searched hers. “I’m going to ask you again. Are you sure?”
Her lips trembled. “Yes. I’m sorry for acting this way and making such a big deal---”
He pressed a finger against her lips and silenced her. “It is a big deal. Again, don’t you dare apologize for what and how you feel. That’s what I like about you---the fact that you’re not afraid to show your emotions,” he said seriously, hugging her close. “I just want you to relax. Concentrate on us and no one else. Can you do that for me, princess?”
“Yes,” she whispered again.
As he held her in his arms, she closed her eyes tight. Finally, the thudding beat of his heart calmed her. The feel of their touching bodies was not so innocent anymore, she realized, for now her senses were geared in a sinful direction. Sensing her change of mood, he pulled back slightly, and his eyes reflected the same amorous feelings.
Again, like minutes before, a sexually charged energy fed the atmosphere and flowed between them.
His stare was unwavering.
She was held spellbound.
Taking his fingers, he gently pushed the thin straps from her shoulders, allowing them to fall at their own will. The dress whispered against her delicate skin as he peeled it from her body. All the while, he watched her, heightening the amorous mood even more.
The soft fabric pooled at her feet in a silent heap. In the dimmed darkness, she was bare except for the black lacy brassiere and panty.
Slowly, he backed a few paces away.
As his eyes roamed over her freely, she shivered in response. There was no denying the fiery need and want that emanated from him.
“You’re so damn beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely. “All I can think about is sheathing my dick inside your pussy and fucking you until neither one of us can even think.”
To accentuate his statement further, he closed a hand about his engorged penis. Then, watching her, he stroked himself slowly.
The sight of his raw self-play stunned her, and every bit of his need was etched on his handsome features. Yet, she was turned her on as well, she gasped softly, raising a hand to her mouth, and then slid a finger inside. Inside, she felt the warring souls, the innocent one and the wanton one. Deep down, she knew which one would eventually win.
His words were raspy. “What’s wrong? I can see that you are thinking.”
“Nothing’s wrong,” she murmured softly, dropping her hands by her side. “It’s just that when you look at me like that, I can’t think clearly.”
“Guess what?” he said roughly, and his voice was laced with raw need. “I don’t want you to fucking think. Not when we’re like this.”
She swallowed hard. “Christopher, I—I---”
“What, baby?” he asked, and his hazel green orbs darkened as they held hers. Then, taking his hand, he slowly caressed his cock again. A guttural groan left him at his own selfish action. “What do you want or need to say?”
“I—I don’t know what I was going to say. You’re making me so confused.” As she always did when she was sexually heated, she grasped her nape, and there was something dangerously erotic about it. “I can’t think straight when I’m with you.”
His laugh was raspy. “Ah, an honest reaction---I like that.”
Then, as quickly as his smile had come, it died.
“Behind these walls, there won’t be any play acting. We won’t play pretend. Do you understand that, princess?” he asked quietly, and his green orbs bewitched her further. “Every fucking moment between us will be all too real.” His sexy gait was unhurried as he approached her, and a promising dangerous smile curled his lips. “The last thing that I am is a gentleman, and I hope that my words and actions don’t shock you. For that’s not my intention. But, my goal is to always, always be brutally honest with you.” Finally, he stopped before her. A soft moan left her as he freed her hand and rep
laced it with his own. Gently, he tugged the on the band at her nape, freeing her tresses, and the soft curls tumbled about her face. Then, slowly, he drew her to him. “While my words are brash and bold, my touch will be loving and gentle. I’d never do anything to hurt you, princess.”
“I know,” she said softly, clinging to him, and that very truth was reflected in his eyes. “I believe you.”
He led her to the bed.
Then, gently, he laid her down.
Rather than joining her, he stood alongside the bed and ogled her openly.
The sheets were cool against her skin. But, it wasn’t that which caused her to shiver. Instead, it was the sinful creature that seared her alive with a single look. As his hazel green orbs slid over her half-nude body, they devoured her whole and revealed his raw hunger.
Like a dangerous predator seeking its prey, he circled slowly to the other side of the bed. Not once did he stop watching her.
Her body reacted to his visual foreplay.
The breath inside her body escaped in soft pants, and the need unfurled from deep within. Though, he’d yet to touch her, she trembled violently from the very thought of him actually doing it. Her intense need rose, and the only thing that she could do was whisper her open despair. “Christopher.”
He halted at the bed’s foot.
“What baby?” he rasped sexily, stooping over slightly, and braced both hands against the edge of the mattress. The position made him all the more powerful. “Talk to me.”
“W-why are you doing this?” she whispered, haunted, and her brown eyes clung to his. “Why won’t you come to me?”
His smile was lethal and dangerous in the semi-darkness. “I guess that you could say that I’m assessing every angle of the situation,” he murmured softly, grasping her right foot in his hand, and then began massaging it in a sensual manner. Taking his thumb, he rubbed it along the sole of her foot. At her soft whimper of need, his dangerous smile widened. “And I have to say that I like every fucking one. Damn it, princess,” he whispered raggedly, suddenly growing all serious again, and the fire in his eyes smoldered wildly. “I don’t know which way that I’m going to come at you first.”
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