“You think being a cheerleader makes you immature?” His brows knit together as he frowns. “You love what you do. Even I can see that. Who cares if others think you’re acting like a kid? Many of us would kill to have the kind of fun with our job that you had today.”
I can’t help the little twitch to my lips as I try not to smile at how serious he is. “I do have fun. But it’s not a lifelong career. I want to leave on my terms.” I kick off my shoes and fold my legs under me. “Besides, I’m… bored.”
“How so?” He gestures for us to move over to the sofa.
“I’ve been doing this since I was twelve years old,” I say as I follow him. “That routine we performed today, was one I choreographed to audition for the squad my freshman year in high school. More or less. Obviously, I’ve improved it over the years when in college and then for the Dynamite. I want to do something different now.”
“I knew you had choreographed that one.” Before I can respond, he frowns. “Wait. Are you going to perform that number again this week?”
I shake my head. “No, we perform two different numbers each day.”
“I get that you want to move forward. It’s time for a change. But you need to at least commemorate today. That routine was a piece of who you’ve been out on stage for over a decade. And that was the last time you performed it?” He stands up off the sofa. “We can do anything you want. Dinner? Drinks? Just please don’t make me go and watch those Australian strippers.”
My eyes drag over him from the top of his blonde head to his bare feet. In comparison, watching male strippers would be so bland. In fact, now that he brought my attention to how big today was, I really didn’t feel like doing much of anything. “Do you mind if we stay here? Order takeout or something.”
“We can order room service and raid the mini bar, if you like?” He walked over to the dining table and picked up a small booklet. “Decide what you want, and I’ll order it.”
“Yes, to the room service. But no to alcohol until Friday.” I push myself further onto the sofa, so my feet are off the ground. “I have four more days to watch what I eat, then I can go binging.”
“I suppose that’s part of the job?” He sits next to me and scans through the room service menu. “Watching what you eat, keeping your weight consistent.”
Oh, this is a topic I could really rant about. But now wasn’t the right time. And definitely not the right person.
I take the menu from him and pretend to scan through it. “The Dynamite isn’t as restrictive as other teams I’ve been on. It’s my job to be in peak physical condition. Looking good should be a side effect, not the goal. But this is entertainment… and Vegas. So, it’s all important.”
“Well from where I’m sitting, the side effect is fucking gorgeous.” His eyes run along the length of my legs, causing goosebumps to erupt in the wake of his gaze. Our eyes meet and we stare at each other for just a beat too long. Justin shakes his head. “You find something on that menu?”
I tilt my head and smile at him. Flirting with him came naturally. “There’s definitely something I want.”
He narrows his eyes at me, as if he’s weighing my words. He’s likely wondering if I meant what I said. I did.
He pulls that plump bottom lip between his teeth. “Do you plan on telling me what that is?”
“I don’t know.” I cross my legs, drawing his attention back to them. “You said there’d be no funny business.”
“I did”
I can’t miss how his eyes darken as I lick my bottom lip.
“You also said it would take a lot to change your mind. I do believe you challenged me.”
His lips twitch obviously amused to see where I would take this.
“I did, too. Now, the question is, are you going to accept the challenge?”
Instead of answering him, I move across the sofa. I place one leg over his lap, effectively straddling him. His hands move to rest on my hips. They’re not holding me in place, I’m not even sure he’s conscious of it. Still, the simple touch sends tingles up my spine. I move my hands to rest on the back of the sofa, caging him. My gaze moves to his lips.
Licking my lips, I move my hips ever so slightly, making sure to move against his hardness at my center. Justin hisses, and his grip on my hips tightens but it doesn’t move. I really want to feel what his hands would be like.
I’ve never been sexually aggressive, but I don’t have a problem making the first move. There’ll be no element of surprise, though. At least, not yet. Right now, we both know what’s going to happen.
I lean in and my lips brush his. No pressure, just the softest tingle. My nipples are already hard and my panties damp. I sink into the kiss. And I know it’s the last time I get to control anything that happens between us.
His lips glide over mine. His hair is soft between my fingers as they thread their way up the back of his head. He adjusts himself on the sofa, making himself more comfortable. The movement hits me in just the right spot, causing me to gasp. He capitalizes and moves his tongue over mine.
I’ve never been kissed so thoroughly, like it’s his reason for living. Like he cannot get enough of me.
Justin moves his hands up my ribs, just skimming the sides of my breasts. The sensation is too much to stay silent. A groan escapes me, and he holds on tighter.
Between his kisses and the way his hands are moving over my body, it’s all too much. The anticipation of where we’re headed is more than I expected. I need to regain some control. But I also don’t want to stop.
I lower my mouth, kissing along his jaw, and down to his neck. He lets out a growl when I nip at the sensitive skin at the edge of his T-shirt. Good, he’s as worked up as I am. So far there’s been no words exchanged. I prefer it that way. I’m not one for lots of talking during sex, especially not dirty talk.
Slipping off his lap, it doesn’t take much effort to wedge myself between his legs. The smug smile on his face has me a little off kilter. I run my hands along his thighs over the bulge straining beneath his jeans. His eyes close, and I move my hands to the button. His large hand covers mine. I look up at him.
“That’s not how this is going to happen?”
Justin
It takes all my will power to stop her. The idea of that sexy mouth wrapped around my cock has me painfully hard.
For a moment, a flash of hurt crosses her face. “You don't want me to?”
“Of course, I want to. And we will.” I push us both to stand. “But we both know that all we have is here and now.”
“You mean like a one-night stand.”
There’s no hurt or offense in her voice. She’s just stating a fact, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. “One-night, two-nights, a week. The point is it won’t follow us back to Seattle.”
She tilts her head, chewing on her lip. “Have you ever done a wild Vegas week?”
I’ve done vacation flings since high school. I liked the idea of not being seen as the geek. When I’m on vacation, people around me tend to be a little more superficial. But Vegas? “What are you suggesting?”
“One sinful week.” She moves away, not keeping eye contact with me. “Hot sex, some reckless partying. You and me, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
I know that was pretty close to what I said, but I don’t want her making what happens between us something dirty. Something to regret. “What’s in it for you?”
She looks at me with a small smile. “I get to bookend this part of my life.” I raise my brow and she continues. “My adolescence started off with an embarrassing crush on you. And it’s like coming full circle.”
I try to suppress my smile. “So, I’m a notch in your bedpost?”
I’ve never been on this side of the conversation. Actually, I’ve never been on either side. Yeah, the money has meant that some women had ulterior motives for wanting to get involved with me. But I doubt any of them wanted me only for sex.
Angela scrunches her face. “That sounds
so bad. Like I’m using you.”
“Actually, what you’re proposing is that we use each other.” I don’t like the idea of having some sordid affair with her. Whatever happens here, we will still have to deal with one another when we’re home. She’s my best friend’s little sister for fuck’s sake. “But I have a few caveats.”
She flops onto the sofa allowing her gaze to meet mine. “Caveats? Like conditions? Let’s hear them.”
“Reckless partying doesn’t involve drugs.” It’s not like I’ve never smoked a joint but that was a long time ago. “If we’re drinking, no driving. Everything needs to be within walking distance of this hotel.”
“That’s not a problem. Within a one-mile radius we have everything we need. Food from every part of the world, sex clubs, cabaret shows. Hell, there’s even a chapel around the corner.” She looks at me, excitement dancing in her eyes. “I’ve never really been able to enjoy this city. What else?”
“What do you mean, you haven’t enjoyed the city?”
She’s been here a few years. How has she not enjoyed it?
“Well I started dating Carl before I actually started working here. So, I’ve never been single in Vegas. I mean the most reckless thing I’ve done since I’ve been here is quit my job without a clear plan. And I’m supposed to be the reckless one out of all my siblings.”
Yeah, that’s true. But she seems to think that reckless and impulsive are the same thing. Maybe she needs to be shown that she doesn’t need to lose her impulsive side just because she chooses to practice more caution.
“Reckless doesn’t have to mean stupid. You’ve grown up. But I’m sure we’ll make some bad decisions while we’re here.”
“Does that mean you accept?”
Of course, I accepted it, but I want to make a few more things clear. “Not just yet.”
“Okay. What else?” She crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her breasts together.
“You’ll stay here for the week. If we’re not working, we’re together.” I’m not sure where that possessive streak is coming from, and if she objects, I’ll accept it. But I don’t think she will. She needs this as much as I do.
She raises her brow before nodding. “Okay. But while you’re with me, you’re not with anyone else.”
That goes without saying. I nod in agreement. “We’re going to take the week to enjoy each other. No three-ways.” I lift the corner of my mouth. “Either way.”
She bursts out laughing. “So, we’re left with just sex and alcohol. Regular sex between two people.”
“Oh sweetheart.” I walk up to her using my finger to raise her chin. “Don’t make it sound so pedestrian. This week will be hot and dirty and the most fun two people can have together. In and out of the bedroom.”
“Well then.” She lets her hands roam over my chest just long enough to let me know she appreciates what’s there. “Our only option is to get out of here.”
Not exactly what I had in mind, but I’ll play along. “Where are we going?”
“If I’m going to be staying here. I’m going to need some clothes. You can follow me to my apartment, and we can drive back together.”
“The idea is to keep you naked as much as possible.” I completely agree, but it’s fun teasing her.
“And I plan on being naked. But it’s good to be prepared.”
Reluctantly, I let go of her and walk into my bedroom. I know why she changed the mood so easily. She wanted to keep me off kilter. Heighten the anticipation so to speak. Two can play that game. “We can get something to eat while we’re out.”
I shove my feet into sneakers and walk back out. She already has her bag slung over her shoulder. “I know a great sushi place we can stop by on our way back.”
“Great.” I smile at her. “I just have one request.”
She turns back to me with confusion on her face. “What’s that?”
“Take off your panties.”
Angela stills and looks at me. “You want me going out without underwear on?”
I walk up to her and hold her face in my hand. She wets her lips with her tongue and the motion sends a jolt of lust straight to my groin. I lower my mouth to hers.
Kissing her is my new favorite thing. Her mouth fits mine like no other woman’s has. The way her small body melts into mine sparks every primal instinct in me. She is mine.
I pull away, not knowing where that thought came from. For the week. She is mine for the week. I move my hands from her face to her shoulders, relishing the feel of her skin beneath my fingers. “I said, take off your panties.”
She reaches under her dress, her eyes never leaving mine. So, kissing makes her more pliable. Noted. As she pushes them over her thighs, I bend down to help her out of them. She holds onto my shoulder to maintain her balance. Another sign she’s off-kilter. Her job is literally to maintain her balance. I slip the panties down slowly. First one slim ankle, then the other.
Once she has both feet firmly back on the ground, I stand and pocket her underwear. I give her a wink. “Now, we can get out of here.”
Chapter 4
Angela
Twelve hours ago, if you’d asked me if I would consider having sex on a first date, the answer would be a resounding no. Now, not only am I considering it, it’s almost a forgone conclusion. The somewhat confident, geeky boy I had a crush on all those years ago has vanished. In his place is an alpha-male with a protective instinct who wears his geekiness with pride.
“Wait. So, you’ve developed four successful apps and then sold them to multi-billion-dollar corporations.” Since he had cross questioned me earlier about my career path, I thought it was only fair to return the favor. “Four apps?”
“Yeah.” Justin looks almost embarrassed. “The first two I started working on in college. Things just took off from there.”
He obviously wasn’t seeing the flaw in the plan he had now. “You’re missing my point.”
“Angel, you haven’t made your point yet.” He pops a tiny salmon roll into his mouth. How does he make eating look sexy?
I push my plate forward and ignore that new nickname he started using. It’s not that I mind him calling me something different. Truth is, the way he says Angel, sends tingles all through me. But I’m more curious about his new career plan.
“Those kinds of apps sell for millions of dollars. Most people who do that once are set for life. You did it four times.”
He smiles, resting his forearms on the dining table across from me. “I know. I have been following. Still, you haven’t mentioned your point.”
“Justin, you’re not just well off.” I push my chair back and slouch a bit. “You’re wealthy.”
“Did the penthouse suite and the fact that we had a driver drive us back from your place not tip you off?” He pushes away from the table, nodding for me to join him in the living room area. “Yeah, I don’t have to work another day in my life. But I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”
Actually, the suite and the driver were not that unusual. Tourists came to Vegas for its extravagance. Having a driver was not unusual if you intended to spend your time here under the influence. The penthouse suite? Well, that could be perk for all I know.
“I guess I’m wondering why you would give all that up to build cheap apartments.” I don’t mean for it to sound so insulting, but I don’t have a chance to correct myself before he answers.
“First of all,” he says, pulling my bare feet onto his lap. It’s comfortable, almost intimate. “The apartments are affordable and cost effective. They’re not cheap. Secondly, just because I was good at app development doesn’t mean I actually enjoyed it.”
“Then why do it?” I’m genuinely curious. He’s smart and clearly innovative, he could’ve done anything with his life. “If you’re not passionate about it, why do it?”
Justin doesn’t meet my eyes. His shoulders have tensed up. This is not a topic he wants to discuss. “I thought… I was young and it seemed like a cool field
to go into. I was wrong.”
That wasn’t the full story but I’m not going to push him. “So, tell me about these apartments.”
His eyes light up and fuck, if I don’t want to keep that look there. “Like I said, it’s all about greener living. LED lighting and solar panels, things like that. The small superficial changes are phase one.”
“You think installing solar panels is small and superficial?”
He smiles. “It has minimal impact on the tenants. They’ll have to put up with some noise and interference but it’s relatively painless compared to the other changes I’ll be making.”
I listen as he rubs the soles of my feet. He tells me about how he wants to renovate the interiors of each apartment to make good use of sunlight and airways, redoing the plumbing. His ideas are not only innovative but they’re probably going to cost a fortune.
“I thought you said this was cost effective. This sounds like you’ll be shelling out all the cost and the tenants reap the benefits.” I don’t want to imply that he doesn’t know what he’s doing but surely he won’t be making a profit.
Again, he doesn’t meet my eyes. “I will make a decent living. The return will be less and slower. But I will make a profit.”
He’s not being completely truthful. I don’t like that he thinks he needs to keep things from me, but I don’t push him. “I look forward to seeing you pull it off.”
He smiles. “What about you? Do you think you’ll find something you enjoy as much as cheer and dance?” His hands slide from my feet to my lower calves. “You think you’ll find the same passion doing something else?”
“Honestly? No.” I have actually given this thought. “Nothing will fulfill me like dance does. And I will still do it for fun. But I’m not looking for passion, I’m looking for something new. Something that will challenge me.”
I tell him about my interest in marketing or maybe public relations. And he listens. Like, really listens. Not that thing that guys do where they pretend to listen so they can look like they’re interested in more than just getting into your pants. Not that Justin’s not interested. The way his rough fingertips brush over my calves has to be intentional. But I suspect that once we hit the bedroom there won’t be much talking. And I really like talking and listening to him. He overthinks everything but he’s not what I expected.
Married With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel Page 3