They saw a quick hit, a temporary thrill. One former lover had gone so far as to tell her that he could never have a serious relationship with her because she was too beautiful. He could never trust his friends around her. Amber had always thought that was the most ridiculous excuse for avoiding a relationship that she’d ever heard.
But now she’d topped that with her own lame excuse that Paul was too perfect. How ridiculous, as if that overbearing, uptight man could ever be perfect. She smiled to herself, humming a soft song while she finished preparing dinner. She’d just buttered the baked potatoes when it occurred to her that she was humming the melody to the Spanish lullaby Paul had sung to her the other night. One day, she was going to have to ask him to tell her the words.
Rosalie and Joachim were coming back down the stairs at the same time Paul was coming out of the bathroom. He stopped her at the bottom step.
“Did everything go okay today?” he asked, taking his son from her arms and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Before he’d left that morning, Paul had given Rosalie a warning to keep watch for anything out of the ordinary.
Rosalie had not so much as blinked an eye when the instructions had been given. Because he was in the security business, she probably assumed it had something to do with his work.
“Everything was fine,” she said, and hesitated before adding. “Nothing I would not have expected.”
Paul frowned. “What do you mean?”
Rosalie just shook her head. “You led me to believe your relationship with the young lady was, um…platonic.”
Paul’s eyes sharpened on her face. “Did she say something to make you think otherwise?”
“Say?” Rosalie chuckled. “No, there was no need to say anything. Her actions spoke for themselves.”
Paul was struggling to hold on to his patience with this woman who’d become a dear friend. But if Amber had given some indication of her feelings for him, he wanted to hear it. “Rosalie, what happened today?”
Rosalie gave a soft smile. “Nothing to be concerned about.”
“I wish you would not speak in code.”
She moved around him. “I have to get going. Enrique will be looking for me.”
“How is he?” Paul asked, balancing his son on his hip.
“Much better.” Her mouth twisted in a smirk. “Well enough to flirt with his nurses.”
Paul smiled and, using his one free arm, helped her into her coat. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She tilted her head to the side as she considered something. “No. I do not think that is a good idea.”
“Why not?” Paul was more confused than ever. She was the one who’d asked to come back earlier than expected.
As if reading his thoughts, she answered, “I ask to come back because I thought you were here alone with Joachim. But now I see you are in good hands. I think I will just wait until Enrique is fully recovered—if that is okay with you?”
Paul studied her face. There was something she knew but refused to tell him. “Of course, that’s fine. I told you in the beginning to take as much time as you need.”
“I know.” She reached up and touched his face. “But I think you need this time more.”
Paul groaned in frustration. “Rosalie, what’s going on? I feel like I’m having a conversation with the Mad Hatter.”
Her eyes widened in indignation. “Are you calling me crazy?”
Paul laughed, and hugged her. “Not crazy, just wise beyond my understanding.”
Feeling appeased, Rosalie collected her things and turned to leave. “Tell Amber goodbye for me.” She glanced at the baby, who was watching her with a half smile.
She leaned over and kissed the tip of his tiny nose. “I’m leaving these two in your hands, little one,” she whispered.
Paul watched her until her sedan pulled out of the driveway. He walked into the kitchen, more certain than ever that Amber had revealed something to Rosalie. But what? Could it have anything to do with that wonderful display of jealousy he’d seen that morning?
Whatever it was, Rosalie obviously felt it was something Amber would have to reveal on her own. But after almost two weeks of living together with no results, he wasn’t expecting any sudden confessions or surprises.
But a surprise was what he received. Whether it was a conscious decision or not, Amber seemed to have renewed her determination to seduce him. Paul realized he’d only grown weaker and more susceptible to her advances with every passing day.
Paul had taken Joachim to the nursery to change a dirty diaper, and by the time he returned to the kitchen Amber had turned the tables on him. Literally.
The dining table was once again set for lovers, everything from the emerald-green tablecloth to the lit candles. This time, the dinner was not catered, but made by her own hands.
When he entered the kitchen, she turned her brilliant smile on him, and Paul knew the battle was already half-lost. What man could resist an angel bent on seduction?
“This is nice,” he said, taking a seat at the table.
“I remembered how much you enjoyed my roast last week.”
He watched as she mashed sliced carrots with the back of her fork, and Joachim watched with equal fascination from his high chair, as if sensing it was for him.
Paul glanced at her face, before cutting into the roast. “How did everything go today?” The way she avoided his eyes revealed more than she knew.
“Fine. Why? Did Rosalie say something?”
There was such nervous tension in her voice. What the hell happened here today? Paul wondered for the tenth time. He decided to test the water a little more. “She just said no more than she should’ve expected. What do you think she meant by that?”
Amber shrugged, and lifted a spoonful of mashed carrots to Joachim’s lips. “I have no idea.”
“Hmm,” Paul muttered around a fork full of roast. He was looking at his plate when he felt a soft finger graze over his bottom lip. When he looked up, Amber was leaning toward him, so close he could feel her soft breath on him.
“You have a little gravy right there,” she whispered, and again that finger stroked his bottom lip.
Without thought, Paul’s tongue came out and ran over her finger, and then her lips were being pressed to his. Paul was never sure who moved first. All he would later remember was the feel of her soft bottom across his lap.
He could not have stopped his exploring hands if he’d tried. They ran over the outline of her slender form. Along the rounded curve of her thigh, over her abdomen and up to her full breast. It had been so long since he’d touched her, so long since he’d felt the awakening of desire in response to his own passion.
Paul felt his head being tugged back as her fingers wound their way through his curls. Tightening her hold, she pulled his head back to reveal his strong neck. A chill went through his whole body when he felt her warm tongue tracing his vein there. She lapped at a pulsing artery like a vampire preparing to strike. Paul knew that if she were a bloodsucker, he would’ve been a willing victim.
Cupping a full breast in one hand, he manipulated the flesh, running his thumb over the small nub, feeling the bumpy texture of the surrounding crest. Holding her slight weight in his hand, he imagined the taste of her, the feel of her silky skin beneath his tongue.
Her arms locked around his neck, and she pulled him closer. She undid three buttons, just enough to get her hand inside his shirt, to feel his warm flesh against hers.
Paul was considering carrying her upstairs to his bedroom when the primary reason he could not sounded an alarm. Joachim made a playful noise as he banged his rubber toy against the tray of his high chair.
The loud noise startled them both. Amber sat bolt upright, and would’ve stood if Paul’s arm didn’t tighten around her waist at that moment.
They both looked toward the baby, who returned their stare with a wide grin.
Amber gave Paul a guilty look that turned into a shy smile. “You can
let me up now.”
But instead of smiling in return, Paul stared soberly into her eyes. “You enjoy doing this, don’t you?”
“What?” she asked, trying to ignore the wonderful feeling of his full erection pressing against the crease in her jeans. How easy it would be to just shift a little to the left and let him sink into the groove of her body.
“This.” He did it for her, moving her until she was sitting right on top of the throbbing organ. Even through their clothing, there was no denying his state. “You like this teasing and taunting me.”
Her eyes widened as she realized what she was being accused of. “I’m not a tease.”
“No? Then what do you call this?” He gestured to the fact that she was sitting on his lap.
“Hey! Now wait a minute! You put me here!”
His arms released her, and he shifted his weight in a way that almost tossed her to the floor. “Well, now I’m putting you off. Go!”
Amber stood, furious. “Why do you get so angry with me? You’re the one who keeps stopping this. I’ve offered myself to you in more ways than I can remember, and you’re the one who keeps rejecting me. Rejecting us!”
Paul stood and his face was inches from her. “I’m rejecting us?” His eyes narrowed as he shook his head. “No, angel, I’m fighting for us.”
His hungry gaze took in her still aroused form, lingering over the outline of her nipples pressed against the tight T-shirt. He cupped her face between his hands. “Why do you insist on selling yourself so cheaply? Why won’t you allow me to give you all that you’re worth?” He gestured to the room around them. “Why can’t you understand that you’re right where you belong? Here with us!”
Amber had to blink back the tears she felt forming in her eyes. “No! I don’t belong here! I could never belong here!” With that, she turned and rushed out of the room.
Paul started to go after her, until Joachim began to wail his little heart out as if in sympathy for Amber. Paul decided it was easier to console his son than the woman he loved. He picked him up and bounced him, making cooing noises until he settled down again.
There in the kitchen, Paul acknowledged what he had always known on some level. Amber’s deep insecurities were the wall standing between them. And after a lifetime of reinforcement, he had no idea how to even begin to tear it down.
Chapter 21
Amber was unsure when she’d fallen asleep, but she still had a wad of tissue balled in her fist when she was awakened later that night by the sound of her bedroom door opening.
Her heart sped up. She lay still, hoping against hope that he was there for the reason she suspected, but until she could be certain, she lay as frozen as a statue.
Just as quietly as it opened, the door closed again. There was a light scratching noise on the carpet, so light, she had to strain to hear where he was. Amber realized if she had not heard him enter she would never know someone was in the room. How could a man move with such stealth?
Then, he was there, standing by the bed. She could feel his presence as if he’d reached out and touched her. Her eyes darted left and right, and she held her breath waiting to see what he would do next.
There was another light shuffling noise, and then the undeniable sound of a zipper. It took everything in her not to leap up into his arms. But there was something delicious in the anticipation of not knowing when he would reach for her. She’d waited so long for this, she had no intention of hurrying him.
Amber bit her lip, recognizing the sound of a condom wrapper being torn. Even in sex, he was protective. She pulled the covers closer around her as she felt a chill so intense it raised goose bumps on her body.
The movement revealed that she was awake, because all the subtle noises stopped. Then the cover was being lifted, and a slight breeze rushed up her back.
The bed sunk beneath his weight, and he scooted close behind her. For the first time she felt the whole of his lean, naked body against hers. Amber couldn’t stop the slight moan that escaped her lips at the incredible feeling.
He chuckled. “That’s a good sign.” The warm, familiar voice came out of the darkness, and she felt teeth nipping at her collarbone.
She couldn’t take any more. Amber flipped over until she was facing him, although all she could see in the dark room was the outline of his chiseled jaw. She reached up and pulled his head to hers, needing to taste his lips. Somehow she knew a kiss would reveal his intentions better than words ever could.
Her heart almost broke at his warm caress of her lips. He hadn’t changed his mind even a little, and the realization was both comforting and terrifying.
Calling herself an idiot the whole while, she still did what must be done. “Paul, you know I haven’t changed my mind—”
“Shh, shhh.” He covered her mouth with his, plunging his tongue into her warmth and lifting her body against his beneath the cover.
At that moment, Amber knew she would’ve agreed to anything he wanted if he would only continue down that road. But false promises proved to be unnecessary.
He lifted enough to look into her eyes. “It’s okay. I’ll take what you’re offering for now, and we’ll worry about the rest later.”
Amber wanted to believe, but she knew enough about Paul to understand what such a concession would cost him. “Are you sure?”
He bent his head and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. “If this is the only way I can have you, then so be it.” His somber expression turned to a playful grin. “Now, let’s get rid of these ugly pajamas.” He unbuttoned the pajama top and pulled it off her shoulders, revealing her breasts.
Paul took one of the soft mounds into his mouth. She was even sweeter than he remembered. Unable to bear the thought of letting her go, he reached between their bodies and began to push the pajama bottoms down her legs. The elastic waistband made quick work of it.
In a matter of seconds, they lay together naked. Shifting his weight, Paul ran his hand along her inner thigh, seeking to touch that which had tormented his nights from the moment he laid eyes on this woman. Feeling the telltale moisture on his fingers, he knew she was ready. More than ready.
His mouth continued its ravenousness assault, even as he positioned himself over her. “Sorry, angel, next time, I’ll go slower, I promise.” With that oath, he plunged into her welcoming body.
Amber had no complaints, even when all she could do was hold on to his muscular arms while he took her on the wildest, most passionate ride of her young life. When he wrapped his large hands around her bottom, squeezing her against him with uncompromising strength, Amber wrapped her legs around his waist.
Watching the changing emotions on his face as he hovered above her was an education in eroticism. The man was beautiful, even with the veins straining in his neck as he fought back the rising tide. But it was no use. In short time, he exploded inside her. The arching of his back, combined with the animalistic sound of satisfaction that came from his throat, was enough to send Amber over the edge. Her climax came on the end of his, but even in his exhausted state Paul held her trembling body against his until she fell limp in his arms.
When the climax subsided, Amber laughed to realize Paul was still holding her up off the bed. He’d held her suspended like that the whole time. She laughed out loud, feeling a unique joy from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. It was such a supreme feeling of intense happiness, and so unlike anything she’d ever known.
Paul let her body down and rolled over onto his back. “I hope that’s not in response to my performance.”
She laughed again and rolled over onto his chest. “Not at all.” Her tongue darted out to tease his nipple. “Your performance was stellar.”
He twisted his mouth. “Stellar, huh? I guess that’s pretty good. So, why were you laughing?”
“It’s just I’ve never made love in the air.”
“In the air?” he asked in confusion, before remembering. “Oh, that. You felt so good, I was afraid you might disappear i
f I didn’t hold on to you.”
Propping her chin on his chest, she gave him a sleepy, lopsided grin. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Paul’s expression sobered, as he reached out and rubbed her cheek. “I wish I could believe that.”
Amber’s own grin disappeared. She scooted back, preparing to sit up, but he caught her around the waist and pulled her back down on top of him.
“Sorry, I keep forgetting I’m not supposed to be in love with you.”
She pulled away enough to turn on her side. “I wish you wouldn’t say things like that.”
“I’m an honest man. What can I say?”
Amber felt him tugging at the hair scarf she wore to sleep in. “What are you doing?”
“Looking for your hair,” he said, in complete seriousness. The tugging stopped. “It is your hair?”
Amber flipped over and punched him lightly on the arm. “Of course, it’s my hair!”
Paul laughed. “Just checking.”
With another punch, she turned over and snuggled down in his arms. She didn’t complain when she felt the scarf come off and her hair tumble down. Paul slid his fingers through the mass, and when he began massaging her scalp she felt like purring.
“Oh, angel,” he sighed, “you’ve got me all twisted in knots.”
Amber lay in the dark room. She could’ve told him he did the same to her, but she knew where that would lead. Somewhere she was not prepared to go.
The following morning, Paul found himself frustrated with Amber’s amorous play. He was trying to teach her how to set the alarm system before he left for work, but it was hard to concentrate with her tongue in his ear, or her hand wrapped around his…
“Stop it!” He yanked her hand away. “Amber, this is serious. Now, you have to listen to me.”
Feeling her own brand of frustration, she pouted. “Why? It’s broad daylight in the middle of suburban land, and every other house has a housewife in it. Who’s going to try to break in here?”
A basketball player with a secret to hide, he thought. But of course, he could not tell her that without explaining his suspicions, and the last thing he wanted to do was terrify her.
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