Blissful Awakenings

by Penny May

  Rather than being upset that she was poking her nose into his business, he sighed. “I know. I just thought she might need a break, and the contest seemed like the perfect opportunity. I can see that the assignment is chafing her, though. I really don’t want to lose her as an employee. I actually had a second, better reason for pulling her off my detail, but it’s kind of a surprise for her.”

  He looked at Courtney more closely as she took a bite of the exquisite tiramisu. His eyes watched her lips wrap around the food, and he had to pry his mind away from where those thoughts led. Instead, he asked, “Are you sure you’d be okay if I assigned her something that took her away from you?”

  Courtney shrugged. “I’m sure I can manage on my own. And if I run into something I can’t handle on my own, she’s only a phone call away.”

  Bo nodded, and they rolled onto another topic.

  After dinner, Courtney found she’d had just enough plum wine that she needed a little of Bo’s assistance to manage her heels on the walk to the car waiting for them outside. Bo gladly placed a hand on her hip to keep her upright but was also a little nervous that she'd be able to tell from the heat of his palm how much he wanted to put his hands elsewhere on her body. Or to have his hand on her hips while he pulled her down on top of him.

  He shoved those thoughts away as they got in the SUV. After all, there was really no solid indication that she was attracted to him or had feelings for him. Sure, there had been that awkward moment after their dinner in New York when he’d had to suppress an overwhelming desire to kiss her, but had she wanted the same thing? He wasn’t sure.

  Plus, what if Courtney was just really good at pretending to be interested in him? He’d been in some one-sided relationships before where he’d fallen for the wrong woman. In the last few years, it had been mostly women who were only interested in his bank account.

  For some reason, though, he felt like Courtney was different. At least, he really hoped she was.

  They made it to the theatre on time and had just managed to take their seats in the private box Bo had reserved as the show started.

  Courtney leaned over into Bo’s space to whisper, “You ‘scrounged up’ some seats, did you?” The quirk of her raised eyebrow to indicate the private box made him want to close the short distance between them and kiss her. Had had they been in a more private setting, he might have been brave enough to do it.

  Instead, he just gave her his best devilish grin and put his arm on the armrest, hand palm up in an invitation. He saw the surprise in her eyes and for a split second, wondered if he’d made a mistake, but then she smiled and placed her hand in his, keeping her body leaned in his direction.

  Was that desire he’d seen in her eyes? He hoped so.

  He enjoyed watching her through the show and liked the sound of her laughter and the way she’d periodically turn to him to share a joke. Her hand would occasionally tighten on his during some parts of the play, and he wished again for more privacy. Especially when he’d glimpse the swell of her breasts out of the corner of his eye.

  The dress made him think of cotton candy or pink taffy and all he wanted to do was eat her up.

  When the show was over and they were back in the car, he found himself once again surprised at how much he enjoyed Courtney’s company. And Courtney, in turn, was continually shocked to find that someone like Bo Ryans would find her so intriguing.

  As they exited the car, she suddenly realized this might be the end of the date. At the expression on her face, Bo said, “I’ll see you to your room if that’s okay.”

  “I would like that,” she said, licking her lips self-consciously. She saw the way he watched her tongue and her breath caught in her throat. She covered it with a nervous smile.

  When they were in the privacy of the elevator after the doors had closed, Bo said with a voice rough from need, “Courtney, I’d very much like to kiss you. Is that okay?”

  She turned, surprised that he was asking and not just going in for the kiss. It was kind of...refreshing. But also, she thought of how Raife had just taken what he’d wanted from her while giving just as good as he got.

  “I’d like that.”

  He leaned down to close the short space between them and, as his lips met hers, she opened herself to him. His kiss, light at first, deepened as she put her hand on his chest. His hand found the small of her back and a white-hot lance of need spiked through her.

  Courtney pushed her hips against him, feeling exhilarated. His hand slid further down to squeeze her butt and pulled her harder against him. She could feel his excitement beneath the thin layer of his pants as his hardness pressed against her.

  She wanted him but at the back of her mind she also wondered how sex with him after two dates might change their relationship. Would this be a one-time thing? Was he just slumming it with her? She’d seen pictures of some of his past girlfriends in the tabloids. She definitely couldn’t compete in the looks department. Hell, some of them had been freakin’ models.

  Courtney broke away from his kiss to come up for air, both of them breathing heavy now. She wanted to ask him these questions, but she also wasn’t sure she wanted to ruin such a great opportunity to have sex with a man she was so clearly attracted to.

  The problem, she realized as she gazed up into his questioning eyes, was that she liked Bo Ryans. And yes, she also wanted to have her way with him. Or really, for him to have his way with her…but she’d just come out of a long-term relationship and wasn’t sure what she wanted at this point.

  Not to mention, if they did this, and he suddenly decided he didn’t want her at the Temple anymore, she’d have to find a new place to live.

  “I’m sorry,” Bo said gruffly, one hand still on her butt while his other hand slid from the back of her neck to gently cup the side of her face.

  She leaned into that hand, feeling like a cat looking for more petting. “Don’t be, it’s just…”

  Just what? I want to bang your brains out, but I also kind of want to see where the relationship part of this could go? What relationship? They’d had dinner twice. That was it.

  “It’s just a little overwhelming.” She finished, rather lamely, she thought. Her hand slid from his chest down to his hip. It was a somewhat dangerous move if his small intake of breath was any indication.

  He didn’t say anything, so she decided to be completely honest.

  “I like you, Bo. Like, really like you.” Could she sound any more like a freakin’ high schooler confessing her love? She forced herself to continue. “More than I thought I would.” She tried for a smile. “And I’d really like to continue this, this…whatever this is.” She gestured at the elevator to indicate their passionate kiss. “But I’m not sure what this is.”

  Bo took a deep breath. With it came the scent of Courtney’s shampoo, and it was everything he could do not to kiss her again. Instead, he gently rubbed his finger across her jawline. She closed her eyes for a moment, clearly savoring the feel of his hands on her body.

  It made him feel better that he wasn’t the only one having trouble reeling himself in.

  “I get it,” Bo finally said. He dropped his hand from her face but only so he could catch her fingers in his as he stepped back to create a little space between them.

  Disappointment flashed through Courtney.

  So stupid! You could have had sex with Bo Ryans!

  The problem was, she didn’t feel like it was just going to be sex. Their date and the way he treated her made her feel like it would be more than that. It wouldn’t just be sex; it would be making love. A night with Bo would have more weight and meaning behind it than an encounter on the Pleasure level.

  What Bo said next proved her right.

  He sighed. “You’re right. I…like you too, Courtney. God,” He grinned and ran his free hand through his hair. “I feel like a schoolboy saying that.” He squeezed her hand to emphasize his next words. “I don’t usually date guests, and I like to keep relationships exclusive.�
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  “Oh.” Courtney wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Not that she wanted an open relationship. She’d much prefer an exclusive relationship, too, but…

  “I hadn’t really planned on jumping into another relationship so soon,” she blurted out, then turned red, or redder since she was still flushed from the heat of her desire for Bo. “I mean, I literally just broke up with a long-term boyfriend last week.”

  Bo blew out a breath, then scanned his access card before hitting the button for Courtney’s floor. He still held her hand though.

  “I’m sorry,” she said in a small voice. Had she just blown her chance at a potentially amazing relationship? Or at the very least, really great sex?

  He smiled at her and slowly, so that she could push him away if she wanted, he drew her back toward him. His free hand traced her jawline. “Don’t be sorry,” he whispered and then slowly, oh so slowly that it almost drove Courtney mad with need, he bent down and kissed her even more deeply than before. His hand stayed at her jawline, not pulling her or trying to sway her in any way. His other hand stayed firmly around her own, down at their sides.

  It shouldn’t have been erotic or sexy, but somehow, his complete openness in letting her choose whether or not to return the kiss made him all the more alluring. Courtney felt drawn into his embrace and found herself once more pressed entirely against him. She felt like she was drinking him in.

  If only they could get rid of the pesky material separating them, she could put her mouth on other things. She wanted to see what his skin tasted like under that suit. Was he really that well-built, or were his suits just that well-tailored?

  Maybe she’d throw caution to the wind and find out.

  They ended up with her pressed against the wall of the elevator. She’d hooked one leg around him and was fumbling with his zipper when the elevator door popped open with a pleasant yet mood-killing tone.

  He was the one to pull back this time.

  Breath ragged, he put a tiny amount of space between them in order to smooth a hand down her body to fix her now rumpled dress. His hands eventually settled on her hips, effectively pinning her against the elevator wall

  What the hell am I doing? He thought

  Learning forward, he put his mouth next to her ear and gruffly said, “I want to take you back to your room and make love to you, Courtney. But—”

  The word hung in the air for a moment. When Courtney couldn’t take it any longer, she finally said, “But?”

  He dropped his forehead to her shoulder before blowing out another sigh that sent warm air ghosting down her dress and across her breasts. She drew in a tiny gasp as the sensation of his breath on her skin sent an electric pulse through her. At this point, she’d agree to just about anything.

  His hands tightened on her hips, and she thought he might be fighting the urge to hike up her dress and take her right there.

  She would have happily let him, and Courtney had a feeling that Bo realized that. Should she be concerned that she was so easily seduced by him? Maybe, but she couldn’t seem to care.

  When he finally mastered his need, he picked his head back up and whispered, “But I’d want you all for myself, Courtney. Just as I would be only yours while we’re together. But I’d want more than sex in an elevator, Courtney. I’d want you as a lover and a confidant. I’d want a real relationship.” He sighed again, his breath tickling the fine hairs at her neckline.

  “But I don’t think you’re ready for that, Courtney. And I can’t do another casual relationship. It’s too difficult.”

  Now her feelings clamored past the lust. She felt trapped. Not just literally, but figuratively, too. She didn’t want to walk right back into another relationship yet. Even if it was with Bo Ryans. Maybe she was being stupid, but being here at the Temple was the opportunity of a lifetime, wasn’t it? She’d already learned more about herself and her desires in one night than she had in a long-term relationship.

  Bo Ryans might be a billionaire, and she might like him, but she didn’t want to jump into a relationship with him just yet if it meant giving up learning more about herself and her own desires.

  Courtney closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at Bo as she said, “I can’t do that right now, Bo. Not yet. I need to learn more about myself first. Be on my own for a little bit.”

  He pulled away from her, and she opened her eyes just in time to see the hurt in his own eyes before he hid it away. He couldn’t quite manage a smile, so he just left his face neutral.

  He’d gotten his hopes up too much. He’d really wanted Courtney to be different. And she was. She just wasn’t ready for him.

  “I had a lovely time tonight, Courtney,” his voice was as carefully neutral as he could make it, but his eyes stayed glued to the floor.

  Courtney knew a dismissal when she heard it.

  She swallowed and pushed away from the wall. “I did, too, Bo.” She opened her mouth to say something else, but he stopped her.

  “Don’t.” His eyes snapped up. Anger was easier than feeling like a kicked puppy, so he let it show in his eyes. “I get what you’re saying, Courtney. Let’s just leave it alone.”

  His anger made her feel like she’d done something wrong. Why was it the men around her always made her feel that way? All feelings of desire were gone now, replaced by shame and her own slowly building anger though she didn’t recognize it as such.

  “Fine,” she bit out. “Thank you for the nice evening, Bo.” With that she waltzed out of the elevator and down the hall.

  She almost made it all the way to her room before tears blurred her eyes.

  Dot greeted her at the door, meowing her distaste for being left on her own. Courtney picked up the cat and walked them to the bedroom.

  What just happened? She asked herself while burying her face in Dot’s fur and sinking down onto the bed. To think, I could have had Bo Ryans in this bed! But then she kicked herself. Screw that. I don’t need someone who wants me to be exclusive only to him right now. And since when does someone want to be exclusive on the second date?

  More than anything else, Courtney wanted to call Claire and vent about what had happened. It would be nice to get her friend’s opinion of the evening. However, she wasn’t sure she was allowed to talk about anything since she’d signed that non-disclosure agreement.

  She lay in bed for a few minutes and when she finally raised her head, her eyes fell on the drawer where she’d stowed her gift from Raife.

  Perhaps she’d find some other way to vent her frustration. The idea put a smile on her face, so she popped off the bed, further annoying Dot, and yanked open one of the bureau drawers.

  “I know someone who will play with me tonight,” she said and sent Raife a message she hoped would entice him to come play before carrying the fun new outfit to the bathroom to change.

  Like in their previous encounter, Courtney reached the assigned room before Raife. She was appropriately dressed in her sexy librarian outfit for the room she now stood in that was lined with full bookshelves that gave off that alluring scent of old books. Unfortunately, Courtney’s jangling nerves kept her from browsing the shelves. She wanted to be ready when Raife arrived.

  A large, sturdy desk sat in the center of the room with an old-school wooden chair that had leather covered padding. On the desk was a stack of books and a name plate stating that the desk belonged to the Head Librarian. Steel bolts were placed in pairs all over the desk.

  Rather than feel nervous at the sight of the bolts, Courtney found that they gave her a little thrill.

  The better to tie you down with, my dear, Courtney thought then clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  The only other piece of furniture in the room was a sort of fainting couch. She wasn’t sure it belonged in a library, but she could see how the soft leather would make for a more pleasant sexual encounter than the desk might.

  It wasn’t what she had in mind though.

  Her hands nervously brushed
her bare thighs as she approached the desk. The plaid skirt was so short, it was a wonder everything wasn’t hanging out. It was cool in the room, so her nipples were already hard under her top. Or maybe that was just from anticipation.

  She’d even worn the silly glasses to complete the outfit. She’d decided that if she was going to do this, she might as well go all in.

  The door opened behind her. She turned and caught her breath. Just the very sight of Raife, shirtless and wearing those same leather pants turned her on.

  Or maybe it was the mask.

  Or the silk ties in his hands.

  He smiled, and she could hardly believe the amount of pure lust his smile inspired in her. It somehow made her feel watery and brave all at the same time.

  She backed up and scooted her butt up onto the edge of the desk as he crossed the space between.

  Placing her hands to either side of her and leaning back a bit, she snapped, “You’re late, young man,” It was her best tart librarian voice, “and I’ve heard that you’ve been being too loud.”

  He’d closed the distance between them. When he reached her, he spread her legs apart by pushing his hips between them. His mouth found hers at the same time as his hand gripped her back and scootched her forward against him.

  He was already rock solid and raring to go.

  Yum.

  Before she could wonder what his plans were this time, his mouth left hers and trailed down her throat, across her chest to her left breast. He nosed the material out of the way and let his tongue caress her nipple, sending a jolt to her groin. She bucked forward into him, hoping he’d realize she wanted him to pull off her thong and take her like this. Or maybe spin her around and take her from behind like before.

  He had other plans though. His hand took the place of his mouth, squeezing her breast just on the edge of being painful, then releasing. She closed her eyes as he leaned her further back on the desk, his body weight pressing her down. Then his hands found hers, and before she realized it, he’d tied them overhead and anchored them to the desk.