by L A Cotton
“I’m joking.” He frowned. “It was a joke.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I mean, I’m down if you are...” Matteo flashed me a blinding smile. “Or we could just play Truth Blackjack.”
“Truth Blackjack? That’s not a thing.” I rolled my eyes.
“Sure, it is. We’ll take it in turns to deal. Win the hand and you get to ask a question and the other person has to answer. Lose and the dealer gets to ask the question. If you pass, you have to do a dare.”
“I think I prefer the sound of strip poker.”
His eyes flashed with something. I didn’t want to believe it was lust because that presented all kinds of problems.
But I couldn’t deny a tiny part of me wished it was.
Matteo was a like a breath of fresh air compared to most of the guys I came across in my life. He was selfless and kind and it was obvious how much he cared about his family. It almost made me wish I was braver. Made me wish I had the confidence to do something impulsive like lean over and kiss him.
But sex changed things.
And I didn’t want to ruin a single second of my finite time with the man who had saved me tonight.
Because despite his age, I didn’t doubt Matteo was all man.
“Okay, rack ‘em up,” I said. “Actually, hold that thought.” I got up and hurried to the refrigerator. Sure enough, there was a couple bottles of beer stowed inside the door rack.
“I have supplies.” Waving them in the air, I returned and got comfortable on the couch.
“Now we’re talking.” Matteo uncapped them both, offering me one. “Cheers.” We clinked the bottles and Matteo took a long pull before placing it down to shuffle the cards.
“I’ll deal first. You know the rules?”
“I know the rules.”
He dished me two cards and I peeked at them before flipping them over and putting them down in front of me. Matteo gave himself two cards and left one unturned. “It’s your call.”
“Hit,” I said confidently. Matteo flipped the next card.
“Six. The lady has twenty.”
“The lady can speak for herself.” I smirked, taking a gulp of beer. “Stand.”
“The lady stands.” He turned his second card. “The dealer has sixteen.”
“Oh, you’re going down,” I teased.
“I’ll take my chances.” He got ready to turn another card off the pack. “And he’s bust. Dammit.”
“Yes! My question.”
“Go easy on me.”
“What are you doing in Providence?”
He studied me, running a hand over his rugged face. “Ah shit, Tink.” I gave him a pointed look, and he grumbled, “Visiting some old friends?”
It sounded more like a question than it did an answer.
“Old friends? That’s very open of you. Is it the truth?”
“Are you accusing me of being a liar?”
“I’m just trying to figure out what kind of guy is walking the streets of a small neighborhood in Providence late at night.”
“The nice kind?” He smirked.
“Touché. I’ll accept your vague answer, this time.” I tipped my bottle at him. “But next time, I want details.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
I took the pack from him, dealing him two cards and myself two, flipping one. Matteo flipped an Ace first. “Come to Daddy,” he chuckled, flipping a picture card next. “Blackjack!”
“No freakin’ way!” I turned my second card, giving me fifteen. I pulled a third card off the top of the pack and mumbled, “Bust.”
“Okay.” Matteo rubbed his hands together. “Let me think...” He scratched his jaw, silence stretching out before us.
“The storm will be over if you don’t hurry.”
“You should never rush perfection.” His brow quirked up.
“Well, okay then.” I smiled. I couldn’t help it. His grin was infectious.
“I’m ready. Schoolgirl crush?”
My brows pinched. “I gotta say, I’m a little disappointed.”
“Just hear me out, okay? What’s your answer?”
“I don’t know.”
“Come on, everyone had a crush in high school.”
“Justin Bieber, maybe?” High school was a time in my life I preferred not to think about, but I didn’t want to tell him that.
“The Beebs?” Matteo stared at me like I’d grown a second head. “Really?
“Hey, you asked. Besides, he was cute.”
“Well it totally ruined my plan.”
“Tell me...”
“Nah, I’ll wait for another opportune moment.” He dealt us both a new hand. “It’s looking like my hand.” A smug grin played on his lips.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” I laid out my two tens and shot him a grin of my own.
“You have got to be shitting me. It’s okay, there’s still a good chance that I have...” He flipped his card. “Twenty-one, yes! That’d be another question to me. How many times have you thought about kissing me tonight?”
My cheeks burned as I inhaled a surprise breath. “I haven’t—”
“No?” He pouted. “Too bad.”
“Why, have you thought about kissing me?”
“Nah-ah! He wagged his finger. “It’s not your turn to ask questions. But it is your turn to deal.” Matteo handed me the deck, our fingers brushing. He let his hand linger, sparks of electricity shooting up my arm. Our eyes collided, the air crackling around us.
Overwhelmed, I averted my gaze and cleared my throat. “Let’s see what we have,” my voice trembled. Suddenly, it felt like the stakes were higher, and I didn’t know how to feel about that. I liked Matteo, but he was a stranger.
He saved you. He had. But it wasn’t a valid reason to throw myself at him.
Was it?
It had been so long since I had been treated right by a guy, I’d almost forgotten what good honest company felt like. I didn’t want to jinx that—no matter how much Matteo affected me.
I turned a nine, watching as Matteo laid out a nine and eight. “What’ll it be?” I asked.
“Hmm, stand.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” He nodded.
“Okay then. I have a two, that makes eleven. I’m going again.” I pulled a nine. “Bingo! The lady has twenty. My question.”
“Do your worst.”
“How many times have you thought about kissing me tonight?”
“You went there.” He inhaled a sharp breath, his eyes locked on mine.
“I went there.”
“I don’t want to lie,” he swallowed, “but I also don’t want to send you running for the hills, so I’m going to pass.”
“You know that means I get to challenge you to a dare, right?”
“I live for dares.” He smirked.
“I want you... I mean, I dare you ... to kiss me.” The words spilled from my lips before I could stop them.
I wanted him to kiss me.
God, I wanted it so much.
Consequences be damned.
Matteo’s eyes grew to saucers. “For real?”
“I mean, yeah, all in the name of the game, of course.”
“Of course.” He edged closer, his eyes fixed on my mouth. My breath caught as he leaned in, a soft moan escaping from my lips when his hand glided up the side of my neck. I could feel the scratch of his stubble against my skin; the warmth of his breath fanning my face. Then his lips were on mine. A featherlight touch at first, as if he was scared I might disappear at any second.
“Is this okay?” he asked, and I nodded. “Thank fuck, because I’ve wanted to do this since the second we walked into your apartment.”
Matteo let his fingers tangle in my hair as he swept his tongue into my mouth. He tasted like mint and fine whisky. Everything about him was so refined. From his soft leather jacket, to his sleek pickup truck that looked more expensive than any car I’d ever ridden in. I sensed Matteo came from
money.
And I, did not.
In fact, everything I owned was right here in my small apartment.
“Okay,” he eased back, “where did you go just now?”
“Sorry.” I blushed, letting my fingers twist into his t-shirt. It was still damp, but it only served to mold to his broad shoulders more.
“You’re not feeling it, I get it.” He started to move away, but I pulled him closer.
“That’s not it at all. I just... Who are you, Matteo Bellatoni?”
“I’m just a guy,” he whispered. “A guy who really really wants to kiss you.”
I closed the distance, brushing my lips over his. “I think I’d like that.”
He cupped my face and fixed his mouth over mine. This time there was no trace of uncertainty for either of us as our tongues tangled. Heat coiled deep in my tummy as I moved closer. Matteo sensed my urgency, pulling me onto his lap, letting my legs fall on either side of his.
“Jesus, Caitlin,” he breathed, his words a flutter over my lips. “You’re so fucking sexy. But I need you to know this wasn’t my plan. I’m not that kind of guy.”
I eased back, smiling. “Well that’s probably a good thing then, because I’m not that kind of girl.” But with you, I might be.
I dived back in, kissing him with everything that I had. Matteo groaned, his body hard beneath me. I felt the hard outline of his arousal press into me. But I didn’t flinch. I imagined things. Dirty, sensual things.
One of his hands gripped the back of my neck, pulling gently to reveal the expanse of my neck and collarbone to him. “I want to taste you,” he said. “I want to paint every inch of your skin with my tongue.”
Oh my.
His lips met my throat in a gentle caress, but it wasn’t enough. Something told me it would never be enough with him.
The overwhelming thought startled me. I let my hands slide into his hair, anchoring him to me. The second his tongue swiped along the column of my neck, I was a goner.
I’d never wanted to give myself to another.
Until this moment.
It was a powerful thought, if not a little disarming. I barely knew Matteo. But I felt more at ease with him than I ever had before.
He took his time painting my skin. Sucking and nibbling and kissing. My soft moans became a gentle undercurrent to the storm outside. One of his hands trailed down my spine. Clamping it around my hip, he pulled me down on him while he ground into me. A wildlife swept through me as we rocked against each other, hands touching, mouths searching.
“Shit, Tink,” he choked out. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to finish in my pants like a twelve-year-old at a wet t-shirt contest.”
I chuckled, burying my face in his shoulder. “I guess we kinda got carried away.”
Matteo slid his hand against my cheek, coaxing me to look at him. “I guess we did.”
He eyes were dark and hooded, simmering with hunger. But it didn’t scare me.
“I might be a gentleman,” he said thickly, “but I’m no saint, Cait. So you need to tell me now if I need to apply the brakes.”
Did I want him to stop?
The rational, logical... safe answer, was yes.
But I’d spent my whole life living with my wings clipped. Tonight, I didn’t want to be that girl, I wanted to be free.
I wanted to choose for myself.
Standing, I held out my hand. My body trembled as Matteo stared up at me. “You sure?” He stood up, bumping his chest against mine.
“I am.”
He swept a strand of hair off my face, staring at me with such intensity, I felt winded. “I don’t know what’s happening here,” he said. “But I’m so fucking relieved the universe decided to lead me down that alley tonight.”
I flinched at the memory. “Cait, look at me.”
Matteo didn’t ask if I minded him calling me Cait, but it sounded so natural rolling off his tongue, I didn’t correct him.
My eyes peeked open and he smiled. “There she is. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” he said.
“I want this,” I replied. “I want you.”
Chapter 5
Matteo
Fuck.
What was I doing?
I didn’t mean for any of this to happen... but one thing led to another, and another, and before I knew it, I was standing in Caitlin’s small bedroom, stripping the Tinkerbell t-shirt from her slender body. She chuckled when it caught on her messy bun, sliding her hands over mine to help me pull it off.
“Come here.” I tried to keep my eyes on hers, as I gently unraveled the ponytail holder and her dark red waves cascaded down her back and over her shoulders.
Fuck me.
She was stunning.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she watched me watch her. I couldn’t resist letting my eyes trace over her collarbone, following the hollow of her chest down between her two perfect tits. Jesus. My dick strained painfully against my jeans. She was every man’s wet dream come true, and I was the lucky sonofabitch who got to call her mine for the night.
And then what? A little voice whispered. I didn’t want to think what happened when the storm passed and the sun came up. Moments like this were rare and you had to grab them with both hands and make the most of them. Even if I never saw Caitlin again, if this was nothing but one amazing night, I would make sure it was one to remember.
She lowered her eyes and gazed up at me through dark, thick lashes. Her green eyes were mesmerizing, the color of the wet moss that grew on the banks of the Blackstone River.
“Christ, Tink,” I said. “Are you real?”
She gingerly took my hand, pressing it to her sternum. “Does this feel real to you?”
I swallowed hard, the flutter of her heartbeat thrumming beneath my fingers. Caitlin laughed softly. “Your turn,” she said, raising a brow.
I didn’t need asking twice.
Pulling my t-shirt off, I made quick work of unbuttoning my jeans and pushing them down my hips, stepping out of them. Her gaze dropped to my black boxer briefs, her lips forming an O.
“You got me worked up on the couch.” It was my turn to chuckle. She continued her perusal, reaching out to trace the tattoos covering my breastbone and wrapping around my shoulder. “They’re beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” Hooking an arm around her waist, I dragged her closer. Caitlin’s hand looped around my shoulders. She had to crane her neck to look at me since I was a good few inches taller than her. My hand stroked her hip, smoothing over the swell of her skin. She was all soft lines and toned muscle, the lingering shape of her dancer’s body evident.
“Do you still dance?” I asked.
I felt her tense. It was obviously a sore subject.
“Hey.” Brushing my nose over hers, I kissed her. “We don’t have to talk about it.”
“I think I’m done talking.” Caitlin stepped backward, pulling me with her. I watched through glazed eyes as she sat on the bed and elegantly moved up the mattress until she was laid out before me in nothing but a black, lacy pair of panties.
“Look at you,” I drawled, hardly able to believe this was happening.
She was perfect. Smooth long legs, dancer’s legs. I could imagine her gliding across a stage with sheer grace and beauty. Dropping one knee to the bed, I reached for her, wrapping my hand around her ankle, sweeping it up her leg.
Caitlin trembled, moaning softly at my touch. “Why does this feel so good?” She sounded blissed out already and I’d barely even gotten started.
“Eyes, Cait,” I said, and she locked her bright greens right on me. Watching with heated curiosity as I crawled between her legs, brushing my fingers along the soft flesh of her thighs.
“Can I?” My hand hovered at the elastic of her panties. She nodded, and I gently inched them off her hips, dropping back to pull them off.
The second I covered her body with mine, I knew this wasn’t just some random night with a stranger. I hooked her legs ar
ound my hip, grinding into her. I still had my boxer briefs on, but her heat felt incredible, her body desperately trying to pull me inside.
“God, Matteo, it feels...”
“Yeah, Tink, I know.” I dipped a hand between us, strumming her clit a couple of times before sinking a finger deep inside her.
“Oh God,” she moaned, clinging onto my shoulders. “That feels incredible.”
I chuckled against the hollow of her throat. “You haven’t felt anything yet.” I wanted her wet and ready, writhing beneath me. I wanted to feel her shatter and scream my name. And then I wanted to bury myself inside this beautiful red-haired angel.
She arched against me, riding my hand as I added another digit. My thumb went to work on her clit, rolling slow torturous circles that had Caitlin gasping for breath.
“More,” she cried as I licked and suckled her neck. “Yes, just like that.”
I rose above her, watching as she began to fall. Her hands were curled in the sheet, her body shaking, and her skin damp with sweat.
“Give me your eyes, Cait.” I worked her faster, hooking my fingers deep inside her and rubbing the spot I hoped would send her flying off the edge.
“Matteo!” My name echoed around the room as she tried to catch her breath. I leaned down, kissing her.
“Don’t move,” I instructed. Climbing off her, I discarded my boxers and grabbed a condom from my wallet.
“Are you always so prepared?” Caitlin watched me, her head resting on one fist, her red hair tumbling over her like a fiery waterfall.
“Oh, I’m a real Boy Scout.” I smirked as I tore open the wrapper. Stroking myself a couple times, I rolled on the latex and sat on the side of the bed. “Do you trust me?”
She bit down on her bottom lip, nodding.
“Come here.” I curled a finger and Caitlin followed, sliding over my lap.
“You’re full of surprises, Mr. Bellatoni.”
But I was too focused on her body, the way her perfect tits brushed up against my chest. Curving a hand over her hip, I helped Caitlin line up. “Ready?”
She didn’t wait, sinking down on me without warning. “Fuuuuck,” I groaned. She felt incredible. Intense pleasure shot down my spine as she gripped my dick.