by Ali Parker
I groaned. “Yes, but I can change my mind.”
“Of course, you can, but be prepared.”
“Thanks. Your words are so encouraging.”
She ordered us another round, promising not to let me get too drunk so I wasn’t hungover for my big date tomorrow. I was suddenly regretting accepting his invitation. I knew better. I never went to a guy’s house on a first date. Hell, not even on a second or a third date. Grayson was different.
“I want all the details,” she said as she sipped her drink.
I shook my head. “No way. I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Come on, you have to give me something.”
“Nope. If this does end up with him being your boss, I can’t have you looking at him and thinking about what I told you. I know you. You’ll slip and tell him or make a joke and then he’ll know I told you. My lips will be sealed.”
She pouted. “You’ll tell me a little something. I know you will.”
I grinned. “I may give you a very G-rated account.”
That seemed to satisfy her. We drank and danced, letting our hair done and unwinding after a long stressful week. I knew time was running out. I had to do something quick. The company was as good as sold. I only had to decide how much I was willing to sacrifice to get what I wanted out of the deal. If I were to meet Grayson at a club one night, there was a good chance I’d go home with him. I couldn’t let the fact he was essentially bribing me to sleep with him blur my goals. I wanted my company. That, I was sure.
A little sex would be okay. Hell, it could be fun. It was the whole baby and marriage thing that was really causing the hang-up. If I could negotiate him down a little, I could very easily get on board. Amber was certainly in favor of the arrangement. I had a feeling if she knew about the baby part of the deal she wouldn’t be quite so enthusiastic.
“Call me tomorrow, or Sunday, I guess!” she said, hugging me as we parted ways at the end of our night.
I waved goodbye promising I would check in. I hoped Grayson wasn’t one of those rich guys who had some weird obsession. I could not get down with that. Unless it excited me, then maybe I’d give it a shot. Hell, everything about Grayson was making me think differently.
Chapter 11
Grayson
I loved to surprise women with my cooking skills. They never expected me to be the total package, I joked to myself. I had made Hannah what I knew was a delicious meal of linguine with a homemade sauce and what would be some perfectly cooked steaks. I had picked the perfect wine to complement the meal. Everything had to be just right. I needed to wine and dine her, even if I said I wouldn’t. I would because I wanted her to accept my proposal.
I set the candlestick on the table, putting the tall white candle in the holder before lighting it. I knew a woman couldn’t resist a homemade candlelight dinner. I had soft music coming through the speakers in the ceiling, the lighting just right, and I was wearing a pair of slacks and a standard white long-sleeve shirt, casually rolled up to just below my elbows.
I was ready. Now, I hoped she didn’t stand me up. When I heard the door buzz and announce I had a visitor, I told the doorman to send her up. I was waiting in the hall when the elevator doors slid open. I was unprepared for how fucking sexy she was.
“Hi,” I said, stepping toward her.
Her look said to back off. I did. I used the distance to stare at her perfect figure in the little black dress she was wearing. Her hair was up in a loose bun, beautiful tendrils falling around her face, softening her features.
“I’m here,” she muttered.
It wasn’t exactly an enthusiastic hello, but I’d take it. I’d wear her down a little bit at a time.
“I’ll get you a glass of wine,” I said, not letting her mood bring me down.
“Thank you,” she said, following me into the kitchen.
I saw her looking around the kitchen, noticing the pots and pans in the sink. “I’ve got the steaks ready to go. They’ve been marinating all day. Have some wine and I’ll get them on the grill,” I offered.
“You cooked this?” she asked with genuine surprise.
“I did,” I said with a grin.
“I’m impressed.”
I winked. “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby.”
She looked down at the glass of wine. I got her again.
“We’ll have to see about that. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve been promised a lot. I’ve yet to be impressed,” she said in a low, husky voice.
She was actually challenging me. I love the parlay. She was a breath of fresh air.
“You can have a seat in the dining room. These will be done in about six minutes,” I told her.
She shrugged. “Or I could sit here and watch you cook. I’d like to see you in action.”
I turned to give her a smoldering look. She was teasing me. The woman had no idea what she was playing with.
“I’d appreciate the company.”
Once the steaks were finished, I carried them into the dining room. She followed me in, carrying the bottle of wine. We sat down and dug into the steaks before they got cold.
She leaned back in the chair, wiping her mouth with a napkin. The candlelight cast a yellow glow over her skin, making her even more beautiful. I didn’t bother trying to stop my imagination from running wild. I wanted to see her naked.
“So, this proposal, I want specifics.”
“Specifics? You want me to describe in graphic detail how I would like to get you pregnant with my child?”
She blushed. “No. I don’t need those details.”
I smiled, loving how she blushed. “What kind of details are you looking for?”
“What do you expect from this fake engagement? Do we have to get married?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Honestly, it might need to happen. I’m not sure of the details of the will. I know an heir has to be produced, but I don’t know if I need to be married to the woman carrying the heir.”
“You’re so clinical about it. Do you plan on using a turkey baster?” she quipped.
I almost spit wine across the table. “Um, that isn’t how I was planning on doing things. I’m not even sure how that would work, but I’m open to a little fun if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not opposed to bringing some fun into the bedroom.”
Her mouth dropped open. “No, I was definitely not suggesting that. I was asking about the mechanics. Is this a one-time thing?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “I guess that depends on you now, doesn’t it?”
“You have the money, why can’t we use a doctor to make this happen?”
He wrinkled his nose. “My equipment works just fine.”
She scoffed. “I imagine it gets plenty of use, which is another topic I’d like to address.”
I grinned. “I’m clean. Perfectly healthy. I’m a careful guy. It’s the reason I haven’t managed to get an heir by my age.”
“Maybe I’d like proof.”
“Fine. Maybe you’d like to check out the goods to see if they meet your approval?” I offered with a cheeky grin.
“You’re quite confident.”
“I’m confident because I know I’m good. I know I can please you. Why don’t we give it a shot? Consider it a little trial run.”
She shook her head. “You wanted me to meet you here, so we could have sex, right?”
“Maybe.”
I refilled her glass and my own. I was enjoying the evening. The sexual chemistry in the room was off the charts. I could practically taste it. No, it was my olfactory sense that was messing with me. I could taste vanilla when there was no vanilla in the food I had made. It was her scent.
“Hannah, you have to admit there is something fiery between us. Have you ever experienced that before?”
She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Sure.”
“Why don’t we go out on the patio. It’s a beautiful night. I love sitting out, staring at the stars and enjoying a nice glass of wine.”
; “Can you actually see the stars?” she quipped.
I laughed. “If you try hard enough you can catch a glimpse. Come on,” I insisted.
She stood, and I led her out to the balcony, my hand on the small of her back, feeling the heat of her body coming through the fabric of her dress. I pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to have a seat. She sat down and sighed. The sounds of the city wafted up from below. There were a few stars in the sky visible despite the city skyline around us.
I sat next to her, staring at her, drinking in her beauty. She looked at me, glowered a little before breaking into a smile. “Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m thinking of the many ways I want to take you. You’re beautiful. I want to watch your face as I push inside you, I think. I do like your ass and would love to get a good handful while pounding into your body.”
Her mouth formed a small O. I could see and hear her breathing hard.
“And your mouth. Oh, woman, what I wouldn’t do with that mouth,” I told her, dropping my eyes to stare at pretty, pouty lips.
She shook her head as if she could shake me. I leaned in a little, my hand resting on her exposed knee before trailing up her silky thigh.
“You’re so soft,” I whispered.
“We can’t,” she said with zero commitment.
I looked up at her. “Why can’t we? I’m a generous lover. I will give you more pleasure than you’ve ever had. I’ll make you whimper and beg and your body will be sated by the time I’m through with you. Let me show you how good it could be in my bed every night. We’ll call it a free sample, no strings.”
I set down my glass of wine, stood, and reached down for her, testing her resolve. When she put her hand in mine, I knew I had her. I pulled her up to stand in front of me, our bodies barely touching. I couldn’t give her everything—not yet. I wanted her to understand I was the one in control. I was the one who was running the show.
She looked up and met my eyes. “This is dangerous,” she said, her eyes dropping to my mouth.
“I think you need to take a walk on the wild side.”
She looked up at me once again. “What if we aren’t—uh, compatible.”
I grinned. “I will prove it to you time and again that we are. Let yourself go. I’ll make your body hum and make you thank the universe you’re a woman. Me and you together will be perfect.”
“Has anyone told you that you have a high opinion of yourself?” she said with a playful smile.
I shrugged. “Nope. I have been told on more than one occasion how good I am. Maybe that’s why I know.”
“What if I take you up on your offer and you’re not what you say you are? What if you fail to make me orgasm?” she whispered.
She had thrown down a gauntlet—a very dangerous gauntlet. “Is that a challenge? Do you dare challenge me to make you orgasm?”
She suddenly looked nervous, which was an appropriate response. “It’s not a challenge per se. I’m just wondering if you really know how to pleasure a woman. I’ve found that those who talk the most about how good they are tend to be the ones lacking in that department.”
“There is absolutely nothing lacking about me, I promise you that,” I said, reaching for her hand.
She looked down at where my hand was moving between us. “What are you doing?” she gasped.
“I’m going to let you check out the package. I’m not fully erect, but I can be with your touch.”
She pulled her hand back. “No!”
“I know you want to. I don’t mind. I have nothing to hide.”
She hesitated. I knew she was right there, all it would take was one touch and she’d be my willing accomplice in anything. I reached out and ran my fingertips up her bare arm, barely touching her until my fingers were on her chin, raising her face to meet mine. She wasn’t an overly tall woman and it was the heels that were putting her so close to being eye to eye with me. I liked it. I liked everything about her.
“Do you taste as good as you smell?” I asked, my mouth hovering above hers.
There was a sharp intake of breath. Her eyes were still on mine, watching me intently, trying to guess my next move. I liked that I had her on the edge. I stepped a little closer, crowding her body with my own, letting her feel the heat.
Her eyes closed to small slivers and I took it as my green light. My lips touched hers, an electric spark the moment we touched. My hands moved to the side of her face, holding her steady while I pushed harder, demanding she open her mouth. The second her lips parted, my tongue thrust inside, giving me the taste I had been craving. I heard her moan and swallowed the sound, devouring her mouth with mine as my hips pressed against her.
My own heart was racing, and I could feel my control slipping away. I had only meant to tease. Her body pushing against mine stole away that idea. I had to have her and with the way she was kissing me back, I knew she was mine for the taking.
Chapter 12
Hannah
Wrong, but so right, that’s all I could think about as his body pressed against me. I could feel his hard, huge erection and knew my earlier assumption had been right. The man was big in every way. When he grabbed my hand again, I let him. I moaned when my palm encountered a very full, hard package indeed. He dropped my hand, his arms reaching around me and grabbing my ass with two palms, pulling me closer and grinding against me.
I was hot and wet and barely staying on my feet. His tongue was dancing around in my mouth, tickling and teasing and sending me into a bit of a tailspin. It was the best kind of assault that wiped away all thoughts of anything. All I could do was think of him and his beautiful body and what he would do to me.
“I’m going to make you scream for mercy,” he growled, grabbing my hand and leading me back into his apartment, crossing the living room and going down a short hall to a set of white double doors. He used his free hand to push open the door to a room done in black and gray. There was a large four-poster bed pushed against one wall. The lights were off, except for one by the bed, casting a soft glow in the room.
I expected to be taken directly to bed. That was a good thing. I didn’t want to stop and think about what I was about to do. He quit moving across the plush white carpet and turned to face me.
“Take off your shoes,” he demanded.
I immediately kicked off the heels, losing several inches of height. Now, he truly towered over me. He stared down at me, lording in his stature over me. My heart was pounding in my chest. I had no idea what he would do next.
“Turn.”
I blinked, a little confused but turned to face the door we had come through. His hands moved to my bare shoulders, only the spaghetti straps of my dress as a barrier. I could feel heat searing my skin as his hands moved over my shoulders and down my back, catching my zipper and pulling it down. His hands pushed the straps down my arms, causing the dress to fall around my waist.
I yelped as his mouth closed over one shoulder, his tongue brushing over my overheated skin as he made his way to my neck, sucking hard while one hand moved to my ass and squeezed firmly. I jerked with the pinch of pain in my neck. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling my ass against him, and that erection nestled inside his pants.
In one swift move, he had my dress around my ankles, leaving me standing in the black lace thong and matching strapless bra. I heard him suck in air through his teeth and smiled. The smile fell away when his large open hand smacked my bare ass.
I gasped, feeling moisture pooling between my legs.
“Turn around,” he ordered.
I did as he asked, watching as he unbuttoned his own shirt, shucking it off before moving to his pants. My eyes watched as he pushed the pants down over thick thighs. His boxer briefs clung to his body, outlining what was most definitely a large cock indeed. My instinct was to reach out and touch, but something told me I should ask first. He kicked off his pants, both of us facing each other in our underwear. His eyes roamed over my body, I couldn’t pull mine away from that hi
dden part of him.
He grabbed my hand and put it right where I wanted it. I felt myself go a little weak in the knees as I felt the power vibrating through him. I gently squeezed, hearing him groan. I looked up to meet his eyes. In one move, his mouth was on mine, his lips pushing against my teeth, his hard chest pressed against my breasts.
I groaned as he pushed against me, the thin barrier of our underwear doing little to block the heat between our bodies. He reached down and lifted me up, my legs going around his waist, our lips locked and tongues in a violent duel. I had no more hesitations. I wanted the man like I had never wanted anything in my life. I was grinding against him, trying to get a little closer, begging for full contact. He began moving, the bouncing motion triggering a violent response in my body.
I felt the hard mattress beneath me with his body still pushed against mine, his weight forcing me on my back. He rolled to the side, his mouth still connected to mine as his hand ran over my stomach and between my legs. He cupped his hand over me, sending me into a flurry of gasps and groans at the intimate touch.
Suddenly, his mouth was no longer on mine and he was standing next to the bed, staring down at my body clad in only very skimpy underwear. His hands reached out to pull down my thong. That little niggle of fear crept up at the thought of the man seeing me naked, but the look in his eyes quickly dispelled all thoughts of hiding myself.
He slowly peeled the thong down, clearly relishing in the act of drawing out the move. He pulled them from around my ankles and tossed them somewhere in the room.
“Open your legs,” he demanded.
More heat whizzed through my body. I did as he asked, spreading my legs a few inches while his hand went to his erection through the underwear, massaging as he stared down at me. When he pulled off his underwear, my legs clamped close. No. Absolutely not, I decided. He raised one eyebrow, looking at my sealed off entrance.