He shook off the thought. This was one night. Nothing more. He wouldn’t stop to analyze why the notion made his gut twist. They stood in the simple embrace, and then Gemma tilted her head and looked up at him with her rich, Godiva-chocolate eyes. He captured her lips, and in an instant all fears were snuffed out, passion roaring to life in its place. The sound that escaped her lips shot molten lust deep in his gut.
Gemma’s hands smoothed up and down his back beneath his shirt, then she tugged at the material and he raised his arms willingly so she could yank it off. With the article of clothing discarded on the floor, Gemma looked him square in the eyes as she placed her hands on his chest, let them wander down over his abdomen to the hollows of his hips. He sucked in a breath, and tugged her against him so she could feel how badly he wanted to be inside her. So she could feel exactly what she did to him. She arched against him, and he thought he might come undone right then and there.
They walked backwards toward the bedroom, frantic hands fumbling over buttons and zippers. By the time they collapsed on the plush mattress there was nothing to separate them. He cupped her breasts, skimming his thumbs over each erect nipple. She shuddered, then rewarded him with a sultry groan when he replaced his hands with his mouth. “So unbelievably beautiful, so responsive, so sweet,” he muttered against her soft skin. Gently he nudged her back onto the bed. “I need to taste you.” He settled between her thighs and gazed appreciatively at her form. He found the flare of her hips incredibly erotic, the taste of her skin irresistible.
His. At least for tonight, she was his.
Chapter 9
Gemma laid in the crook of Zale’s shoulder, chest heaving as she attempted to regain control of her breath. She tried to soak in every sensation of being with Zale, because nothing had or would ever compare. They fit together like two pieces of a puzzle; their joining had been intense and unforgettable. He was tracing circles over her bare back and arms, and every so often he’d lean down, breathe her in, and kiss the top of her head. She should get up to regain her equilibrium, because snuggling against Zale felt far too good. So good that she might forget he was only hers for one incredible night. Once they landed back on Martha’s Vineyard, she’d be taking a ferry to the mainland and boarding another flight to New York, preparing her presentation to the board.
By the time they mustered the ambition to leave the bedroom it was nearly noon. Cool water lapped over her bare skin, while the sun warmed her cheeks. The stone surrounding their private infinity pool bordered on hot, but it only heightened her awareness of the refreshing water. She turned to look beyond their balcony, turquoise water blending with the crystal blue ocean. A small splash rippled from the stairs, and a smile instantly broke over her face. Zale came up directly behind her, reaching his hands around her shoulders to place two cocktails on the side of the pool. Condensation beaded on the frosted glasses. They looked like a sunset, all peachy-pink and skewered with fresh pineapple. She’d never been whisked away like this. Never had her wants and needs catered to as Zale had on this trip. “It’s too pretty to drink,” she murmured, melting back against his skin. His arms slid around her waist, tightening until her spine was flush against his solid chest.
“So are you.” He gave her neck a playful nip. “Hasn’t stopped me yet.” He was just teasing, but the low timbre of his voice made her pulse thrum in a wild dance beneath her skin.
She gave him a little nudge with her backside. “Am I the only one who remembers you’re here to give a speech?” Laughter tumbled from her lips. “You’re going to be exhausted.”
“Impossible.” His soft chuckle reverberated against the top of her head. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve been with a woman. Since Mila’s mother left. I haven’t involved any women in her life.” His tone had sobered in an instant.
“Will you tell me about her?” Below, the sea tossed and turned, rhythmic and soothing. There was a flicker of pain in his eyes. A touch of reluctance.
“Margaret left us immediately after giving birth.” He sighed, and she leaned into the warmth of his bare body. So strong. So capable. “We were both professionals trying to build companies—hers real estate, mine the hotels. When she discovered she was expecting, I was nervous but excited. We weren’t married yet, but at least from my perspective that’s where things were headed. Margaret had future plans that didn’t involve being committed to a man and child. She met someone else while she was still pregnant. She never planned to stay with me, and Mila paid the price.”
“I’m sorry.” She stroked her fingers down his arms. “Not for you or Mila.” Gemma rested her head against his collarbone. “The first time I saw the two of you together, I instantly thought you could take on the world together and nothing would stop you. I feel sorry for Margaret and the decision she made to give up such a gift.” Gemma shifted, turning her body into his. She framed his face, the stubble on his cheeks tickling the pads of her fingers. She’d miss it when he shaved for tonight’s event.
“Thank you. I can’t regret meeting her. Mila is my world. I’m just sorry Margaret was too selfish to see that Mila could’ve been her world too, without me in it.” His eyes shimmered with a mix of anger and regret, and she pushed up on her tippy toes to capture his lips. To erase some of the rejection floundering in his expression. She licked his bottom lip, played her tongue against his, only satisfied when his groan vibrated inside her mouth.
“Gemma.” He practically growled her name. That she could evoke such a response from a man like Zale was a powerful feeling. No matter how many times she had him, she wouldn’t be able to get enough. It was a blessing she was leaving for New York tomorrow. She couldn’t afford the emotions swirling inside her. Ones she refused to recognize. Going back to the corporate office to pitch the idea of an affiliation with Carris Retreats would bring her closer to her goal. Closer to being validated by her family and proving her worth within the company. There was no more time for distractions. This one day was it.
“You left me. Where, I wonder?” Zale stared down at her with those impenetrable eyes.
“To the boardroom where I’ll pitch our affiliation.” She straightened her shoulders, as if stealing herself for the moment.
“Will it be enough?” He stroked a strand of wet hair away from her cheek and frowned.
“For the promotion?”
He nodded.
“Yes, because I can’t lose. Not in this.” And she wouldn’t. If she didn’t get the promotion, she’d need to take a long look at her career.
“You’re going to lambaste everyone.” The corner of his lip twitched. “Force them to accept your rightful role. I almost wish I could see it. You’ll be spectacular.”
“What makes you so sure?” She angled her head, studying his face as he gave thought to her question.
“You don’t need me to tell you. I’ve never met someone so self-assured or so passionate about what they believe. You’ve never had many cheerleaders, but it doesn’t matter. You’re your own.”
A painful lump grew at the base of her throat. “Thank you.” She’d always envied people who had a strong outside support system. Zale was right, though. In the absence of someone to cheer her, she’d become her own advocate. Sort of. “But it’s not entirely true. I do want my family to acknowledge that I’m an asset to the business, but they’ve always wanted me to pursue other things.”
“Like?” His brows furrowed together.
“A full social calendar, an impressive marriage to someone respectable in their inner circle.” Perhaps she imagined it, but Zale seemed to tug her closer. His muscles stiffened into an almost possessive embrace.
He made a sound that could only be described as a disgusted scoff. “You’re a born leader. None of those things alone would satisfy you.” He shook his head, dismissing everything her parents had ever demanded or expected from her in one quick motion.
Part of her wanted to laugh. The other part wanted to cry. Zale got her on the most basic level, and in a
way her family had never been able to understand. How could he see her so completely without even trying? And why was it so hard for everyone else to? There was time to consider these things later. Her time with Zale was running out. Pushing the heavier thoughts aside, she smiled up at him. “Thank you,” she murmured again.
“Never doubt your value just because others refuse to see it.” He leaned down, pressed his soft lips to her forehead. There was that annoying lump again, choking her airway. His skin was impossibly hot as she slid her hands up his chest to grip his shoulders. She loved the way the muscles in his neck clenched as he swallowed, features going from soft to intense. His hands palmed her bottom, lifting her as she wound her legs around his waist, hooking them behind his back. Her heart was hammering, every inch of her aware with anticipation. His chest pressed against her breasts, an electric shock shooting straight to her core. There was no doubt that this man was a distraction, but by God, he was a good one.
Zale had arranged for tea sandwiches and a build-your-own-sundae bar to be delivered poolside. Her mouth had watered at the Swiss chocolate shavings, peanut butter sauce, and fresh fruit. All the sweet touches made her heart melt a little more. They made love in the pool, another new experience. The water sluicing over her breasts as Zale held her against the edge, rocking inside her like the ocean waves below, rendered her incoherent.
When it was time for Zale to make his speech, she accompanied him to the ballroom. She was all too aware of her heartbeat as he took the stage, owned it. The room was silent as his voice resonated through the space. He took the microphone off of the podium, pacing the stage as he passionately addressed each section of the crowd. He told them his personal rags-to-riches story and encouraged them never to give up on their own dreams, to lead with compassion, and to help others achieve their goals as well. Each word he spoke made her appreciate his business side even more. He’d achieved the American dream, but had never forgotten that it was the love he’d come from that helped him succeed. They parted ways with a quick kiss when the keynote speech ended. Zale was to attend a private breakout session with a handful of attendees to help them strategize new business plans.
Staying in the moment while Zale was by her side was no problem at all, but once alone she feared for her heart. Even when she opened the doors to the spa area and was greeted with the calming scent of sage, her mind wandered. No matter how lovely and attentive Zale had been, from ordering her favorite treats poolside to booking her a massage while he tended to business, she couldn’t forget that their affair had a timeframe. The fact that they simply couldn’t have a relationship was one of the reasons she’d been contented with a quick fling. There was a sense of security in knowing that Zale couldn’t break her heart after only one night—or could he? She let out a pent-up breath as the masseuse kneaded the space between her spine and shoulder blades, the place where so much of her tension gathered. They lived too far apart, had too many responsibilities and endless obligations. So why did she suddenly feel so lost?
Zale had promised to meet her at their suite, and then they could go for a late dinner. Gemma still had time to explore the resort after her spa treatments, so she shopped around the onsite store, which offered jewelry and crafts from local artisans, soaps and perfumes, and apparel. A swatch of buttery gossamer caught her eye and she parted the other dresses lining the rack to get a better look. Romantic ruffles skimmed just above the floor and framed a high hemline on the left side of the dress. The plunging neckline that stopped at the natural waist reminded her of a Roman princess. Gemma took a deep breath, glanced at the price tag, and cringed. She might be wealthy, but she wasn’t careless with her money. She took another long look at the dress—it was as whimsical as it was impractical.
It was more than buying a dress; it was about putting herself first in a world where she gave little thought to the woman she was outside of work. Yes, she had nicely tailored suits, coordinating stilettos, and handbags—the kind that others would expect and accept. With Zale, she could let her shields down, because they were ones they both shared. They each had so much riding on their shoulders, had sacrificed so much of their personal lives for objectives and goals. This whole trip was about doing something because she wanted to, not because of where it could lead her in her professional life, so why not buy the dress while she was at it?
Deciding the look on Zale’s face would be worth the cost, she took it up to the cashier. Everything about this brief rendezvous was impractical, so she might as well give into the magic of it all—besides, learning new things about yourself was an underrated gift.
*
Zale’s keycard sliding in the door and disengaging the lock had her pulse fluttering. She’d checked and rechecked her appearance wondering if she’d gone overboard, finally deciding not to go near a mirror until Zale had returned. He stepped into the room, stripped off his sport coat, and paused. His eyes slowly roamed over her body, and she wet her lips as she waited for him to say something. Unable to stay still under his penetrating gaze, she rose from the bed and closed the distance between them. Zale’s attraction was visible through his clothing, and her belly tightened. He gripped her hips possessively, a contradiction to the delicate kiss he placed at the nape of her neck.
“Kósmimá mou, you’ve stolen my words,” he murmured against her skin.
“You called me that earlier. What does it mean?” she asked, and wrapped her arms around his neck, inhaling his scent.
“My gem.” He said, voice hoarse. “Although, I’m not sure there’s a gem on this earth that could compete with you.”
His soft words made her heart swell and she smiled. She’d never been called by an endearment before, and she liked the way the words sounded rolling off Zale’s tongue. Even still, they were just words spoken in the moment. Sweet nothings. Isn’t that what it was called? She wasn’t his anything, and he wasn’t hers. They went back to their separate lives tomorrow, back to pursuing her dreams, so why did the thought leave her so…empty?
“Come, you must be starving.” When he took her hand and began walking into the room, she hesitated.
“Were you thinking of ordering room service? You must be exhausted after your speech.” She’d assumed they were going to one of the restaurants at the resort, but she was perfectly content staying in, too.
“I had something else in mind.” He shot her a grin and with a sweeping gesture, swung open the drapes in front of the sliding glass door that led to their balcony. They walked out hand and hand and Gemma’s heartbeat slowed as they descended the steps leading to the beach. Flickering candles paved the path to a private open-air cabana with gauzy white drapes.
Gemma paused for a moment trying to imprint the surroundings in her mind. No one had ever gone to this kind for trouble for her before. Her eyes burned. She never cried, and now Zale’s sweet gesture threatened to turn her into a blubbering mess. Absolutely not. Zale’s brows drew together in an expression of concern.
“What is it?” He stepped closer to her and caressed her cheek.
“I…I’m just humbled that you would think of so many thoughtful touches and have them arranged on such short notice—all to please me.” Her chin wobbled and tingles raced over her scalp. How mortifying. Zale’s arms came around her, pulling her tightly into his embrace.
“This is how a woman should be treated. How you should be treated. It angers and saddens me that the people in your life haven’t gone out of their way to surprise you and make you feel special, and doubles my desire to give these moments to you.”
“Thank you.” She let a single tear fall down her cheek and Zale kissed it away. She was more vulnerable in this moment than she’d ever been before. The last time she shed a tear, her grandfather had looked at her with such disappointment, she’d never let her emotions show in front of an audience again.
“Just enjoy, kósmimá mou.” He lifted her hands and planted a kiss on both palms before leading her to the cabana. As soon as they were seated at the cand
lelit table, a server appeared and poured them each a long-stemmed glass of champagne.
“This is so beautiful. The moonlight, the glow of candles, the sound of the ocean.” She smiled and put her palm in his. Instantly, his gaze intensified and she took a sip of champagne to ease the sudden dryness in her throat. The realization that she wasn’t ready to leave Zale tomorrow choked her. She took a moment to get her emotions under control, to banish the thought of goodbyes. The server returned with chilled gazpacho, followed by crab cakes and creamy risotto, lobster ravioli in sherry cream sauce, and a dessert of crème brulée. After savoring the creamy custard her dress felt far tighter, but everything was so delicious she couldn’t muster the energy to care.
“It’s going to be difficult to watch you go tomorrow,” Zale said mirroring the words she hadn’t been brave enough to say.
“It’s going to be difficult to leave. I came to Martha’s Vineyard for my career, but in the end I thought about business very little, and I’m more than okay with that. I’ve never taken a real break like this, and it’s allowed me to learn more about myself. Thank you for hearing me, seeing me. It means more than you know.” They held hands across the table, gripping their palms together a bit more tightly at the talk of separating.
“You’re not the only one who’s been affected. This is the first time since Mila was born that I’ve done something for myself outside of parenthood and business. I’d forgotten that Zale was an actual person with interests and desires.” He laughed it off, but the light didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“It’s so easy to get caught up in hectic schedules and the aspirations that drive us, and simple to lose ourselves in the process,” she whispered as the waves lapped against the shore beside them.
SEDUCTION AT THE STARGRASS Page 8