by Erika Wilde
When he told her he had a house right on the beach, she’d stared at him in awe and envy, and he had to seriously resist the urge to invite her over for a drink. Crazy, considering he’d never taken a woman that he’d slept with to his place, but he could easily envision Stephanie in his living room or sitting at his kitchen island while he cooked or hanging out with her on the deck watching the sun set and listening to the sounds of the waves crashing along the shore. It was one of his favorite, most relaxing things to do in the evenings.
Even after their server cleared away their dinner plates and they’d finished the bottle of wine and he’d paid the bill, they still sat there and enjoyed their conversation. She was so engaging and easy to talk to, and their various discussions showed him that they had a lot more in common than he ever would have realized, despite their age difference.
It almost felt like a date . . . but it wasn’t, and he had to remind himself that despite how easy she was to be with, and the attraction that still burned hot between them, this was a business dinner—even if he was starting to wish it could be something more.
They both decided it was time to go since they each had early appointments with clients in the morning. As they headed back toward the entrance, Stephanie glanced over her shoulder at him since he was walking behind her.
“I’m going to stop at the ladies’ room before we leave,” she said to him. “I’ll meet you out front in a few minutes.”
Since the restaurant had an open-concept design, it was easy for him to keep an eye on the hallway she’d disappeared down as he waited for her to return. Before long, she was heading back to the lobby, smiling at him as she approached . . . until a couple who’d been sitting at a table stood up and she redirected her gaze to the man and woman who were now in front of her so she didn’t run into them. The smile on her face immediately gave way to a startled expression as the guy glanced her way at the same time.
Mac couldn’t see the guy’s face, but he watched Stephanie’s entire body tense, as did the man’s as they said something to each other and Stephanie forced a smile, leading Mac to believe she knew the guy somehow. It looked as though she was introduced to the other woman, who appeared to be pregnant, and they nodded politely but stiffly to one another. There were a few more words exchanged between Stephanie and the man, and another strained smile from her before they parted ways.
The couple headed toward the front of the restaurant, and Stephanie followed in that direction, too, but kept her distance until they’d walked out the door. Her expression remained troubled, and by the time she reached Mac, it was clear to him that whatever had just happened between her and the other man had put a damper on her evening and her earlier good mood.
Chapter Seven
After having such a great evening with Mac, Stephanie hated that a run-in with her ex could diminish her cheerful attitude so quickly and easily. Not that she still had feelings for Jack, because she didn’t. Far from it. But because he’d always had this underhanded way of making her feel that she just wasn’t good enough, when he’d really been the manipulative asshole in their relationship. And even now, after a quick three-minute run-in with him and his pregnant wife, she couldn’t deny that he’d managed to bring back those feelings of inadequacy, and how selfish she’d been to choose her growing career over him—according to one of the last statements he’d made to her before walking out of her life.
Yeah, like she’d said, a total asshole.
She exhaled a deep breath and tried to summon a real smile as she glanced up at Mac. The frown on his face told her he wasn’t buying her act, and that he’d witnessed way too much of her negative reaction to believe she was all right after her run-in with Jack.
“Everything okay?” he asked, and the genuine concern in his voice made that twisting knot in her stomach ease a bit.
She nodded, doubting that Mac would really want to hear the whole boring story about her past relationship. “Yeah, let’s go.”
He didn’t say anything else as they left the restaurant, but his hand pressed low on her back, which made her feel ridiculously safe and secure. Like he cared and was watching out for her just in case Jack decided to approach her in the parking lot, but much to her relief, he wasn’t around. Then again, he’d never been a physical threat. No, most of his warfare had been verbal.
With it nearing June, it was still fairly light outside, and the temperature was perfect. Cool, but not enough to need a sweater or jacket. As they walked along quietly, she pulled her keys from her purse, and Mac took them from her. She thought he was going to unlock and open her car door, but instead he put them into the front pocket of his slacks as they reached her vehicle.
He leaned against the driver’s side, blocking her from getting inside. “I’m not letting you into your car until I know you’re really okay. I don’t want you going home upset.”
Ahhh, this Mac, she thought, her heart softening as she stared into his dark brown eyes. This man was the one she could so easily fall for. Kind. Perceptive. Caring. Sweet, even though she was certain he’d balk at the description if she dared to describe him as such. He easily could have let her go without showing an ounce of concern, but the fact that he was taking a personal interest in her that was more emotional than sexual meant a lot to her.
“It’s stupid,” she said, trying to play off her response to the unexpected encounter with Jack. “And I’m fine. Really.”
“If it was stupid, you wouldn’t be so bothered,” he pointed out, not moving from his spot at her car door. “Did you know that guy? Do I need to track him down and kick his ass for hurting you?”
His possessive and protective tone gave her a bit of a thrill, even as she told herself it was just an instinctive male response, and not to Mac specifically. Or was it? “What makes you think he hurt me?” she asked, wondering how he’d come to that conclusion.
“I can see it on your face and in your eyes,” he murmured, and reached out to skim his thumb along her cheek, making her breath catch in the process. “You went into the restroom smiling and happy after our dinner and conversation, and the moment you came into contact with whoever that guy was, it changed your entire demeanor. And quite honestly, I didn’t fucking like watching it happen.”
She exhaled a sigh, surprised that Mac was being so persistent. “It’s my ex . . . and he didn’t hurt me physically. But yeah, his words and the things he said to me toward the end of our relationship still kind of sting, I guess. That I’d never be a good wife or mother because my priorities were all fucked up because I wanted to focus on my business, rather than give up everything to make him the center of my universe. And there was this smug look on his face tonight when he introduced his pregnant wife that just brought back those stupid insecurities.” Her face warmed at the admission, because she hated feeling that way.
“Okay, never mind kicking his ass,” Mac said with feigned violence in his tone. “I think a firm kick in the balls is in order instead.”
That made her laugh, just as he’d probably intended, and she appreciated his attempt at levity. “Jack was just very emotionally manipulative, and it was one of those things I didn’t really see until he started issuing ultimatums and saying things that were degrading to me, and women in general. Even if I get married and have a family someday, that doesn’t mean I’m going to quit working to stay home and dote on my husband.”
“What?” Mac’s eyes widened in an imitation of shock, his features more comical than serious. “You mean you wouldn’t stay home so you could serve your husband like an obedient wife?”
She narrowed her eyes at him, though there was more humor in her voice than any real menace when she spoke. “Don’t make me kick you in the balls for your archaic way of thinking.”
He chuckled, and a part of her realized just how far they’d come in a very short time . . . from Mac avoiding her and ignoring their attraction, to his brusque attitude for the past year when their paths had crossed, to finally giving in to that se
xual tension between them, to this man who could actually joke and tease with her.
When his laughter subsided, he met her gaze, his expression sincere. “A woman shouldn’t ever be forced to give up anything that’s important to her to please a man.”
Those words, coming from him, nearly knocked the breath out of her. “Says the man who likes his women submissive and obedient,” she said wryly.
“Only at The Players Club,” he clarified, and the avid look in his eyes heated a bit as he stared into hers, reminding Stephanie of how much she’d enjoyed shedding her inhibitions and letting him take the lead.
It also made her realize the difference between the two men . . . Mac was an alpha male with a dominant personality, but he’d never made her feel inferior or less than completely in control of her own decisions, and that was huge.
“That Jack-ass didn’t deserve you,” he went on, giving her ex’s name a bit of a twist. “Because if he’d been secure enough in his own masculinity, then he never would have made those kinds of demands on you. He did you a favor.”
She blinked at him, surprised by his insight. “How so?”
His fingers caught her chin and tipped her head back, his touch firm and warm on her skin. “Because your confidence is sexy as fuck,” he said, the low, possessive growl of his voice arousing every inch of her body. “And he’s obviously a guy who doesn’t know how to handle an independent, assertive woman like you.”
“And you do?” she teased, preferring this more inviting conversation over any discussion about her relationship with her ex.
Mac’s smirk was slow and sinful, transforming his features from handsome to hot and virile and potent. “Orgasm denial certainly did the trick to get you to behave now, didn’t it?”
Her sex clenched at the memory of that carnal lesson of his, and the climax that nearly shattered her to pieces. She wanted that again. She wanted Mac again.
Before he could anticipate her intent, she closed the short distance between them, slid her hand around to the back of his neck, and pressed her lips to his—being assertive and confident and all those great things that made her a strong, dynamic woman.
Much to her shock, he didn’t pull back. Nor did he try and take charge. For a brief moment, Mac let her kiss him, and she reveled in the bit of power. She added a little pressure, and his lips parted, allowing her tongue to slip inside his mouth to explore and tangle with his. Slowly, languidly, sensually. She sifted her fingers through the short, soft hair at the back of his head and lightened the kiss so she could playfully bite on his lower lip before stroking her tongue back into his mouth for another round of making out.
But then she felt his hands firmly grip her hips in a way that assured her that her fun and games were over, that he was now back in charge, and this kiss was about to turn very serious. He stepped closer at the same time he pulled her forward, until their lower bodies were pressed intimately together and the hard outline of his cock rubbed against that notch between her thighs. That quickly, she was wet with wanting him, and aching to feel him deep inside of her . . . something he’d denied her during their night together at the club.
She whimpered and rolled her hips toward his, grinding against him shamelessly, despite the fact that they were in a public parking lot. He groaned into her mouth and slid his hands lower, skimming them over the curves of her ass. He squeezed her bottom, then one palm lifted away and returned seconds later with a well-placed smack that stung her backside even through the material of her dress.
She gasped and jerked back, but that slow burn quickly turned to arousal. As if on cue, his dominance made her soften and instinctively yield to Mac, responding in a way as if her body already belonged to him. And maybe it did, because she couldn’t deny that his possessive spank made her crave him and that pleasurable pain even more.
He lifted his head and stared down at her, his eyes bright with desire, even though she could feel him holding back from taking what he truly wanted. Instead, a wicked grin curved his mouth. “And that’s how to handle an independent, assertive woman like you,” he murmured huskily.
She couldn’t even argue his point, because she was ready to do anything and everything he wanted. Any dirty, naughty command, and she was prepared to give in and obey, because she loved the rush it gave her to please Mac. She wanted his approval. Craved it. And him.
“Brent . . . ” her voice was full of need, the kind that begged him to take her back to The Players Club and introduce her to other kinks and pleasures.
He shook his head, his expression reflecting regret. “I need to let you go.”
No, he didn’t, she wanted to say, but his hands were already falling away and he took a step back so they were no longer touching. Normally, his withdrawal would have frustrated her, but there was enough conflict in his eyes to give her a bit of hope that just maybe, if she played her cards right, Mac’s capitulation would be in her near future.
* * *
Another week passed, but this time Mac didn’t avoid her. Then again, Stephanie quickly realized he was always careful to make sure there were other people around—mainly, her personal team of workers—when he stopped by The Players Club to see how the fantasy-themed suites were coming along. He hadn’t touched or kissed her again, but she knew he wanted to based on the numerous times she’d caught him staring at her mouth or seen the desire in his eyes as they bantered back and forth.
Yes, they bantered now. Whereas Mac once had all those tense walls up around her, since the evening they’d had dinner together, he was now more relaxed and easy to talk to . . . so long as their conversation remained light and neutral. However, that didn’t stop her from teasing him and exchanging sexy innuendos and letting him know with her flirtatious actions that she was more than willing to play his way again.
Except he was being a gentleman, when she wanted him to be a caveman. Hell, she would have loved it if at any point he would have tossed her over his shoulder and taken her back to his private playroom a few floors up and ordered her to do all the dirty things she’d been fantasizing about doing to him and with him for the past year. Anything he wanted, she was game, because she trusted him and knew her pleasure would be the ultimate reward.
The frustrating part was that she wasn’t sure why Mac wasn’t giving in again or following through on her willingness to enjoy more of what he’d introduced her to that night of the masquerade party, when everything between them felt so good and so right. But whatever those concerns were, she needed to find out and alleviate that last hurdle in the way, so both of them could take advantage of all the sexual chemistry between them.
As she glanced at her cell phone to check the time—which indicated it was nearly four in the afternoon and was when Mac usually stopped by because her work crew was still around—she decided that it was time for her to be bolder with Mac. More brazen. In a way he wouldn’t be able to deny any longer, because this time he wasn’t going to be able to hold back or resist what she was going to offer. She was sure of it.
She smiled, because her plan was already in place. She’d released her employees early with a full day’s pay, which had given her time to set up everything she needed to implement Mac’s seduction. Now, she was just waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.
Chapter Eight
Mac strolled into The Players Club at a quarter after four, surprised to find that Stephanie’s vehicle was the only one left on the premises, when normally her work crew didn’t leave until after five. They were all putting in full days to get the six fantasy rooms completed on schedule, which was within the next two weeks.
He’d received a text from Stephanie shortly after one, telling him that two of the suites were finished and that she wanted to give him a personal tour of the rooms. Even though he’d stopped by almost every day if he didn’t have a meeting, once she’d started on the décor of those rooms, she no longer allowed him inside because she wanted him to be surprised by the end result. Admittedly, he was kind of excit
ed to see how the Arabian Nights and Stripper’s Den themes had turned out.
With only Stephanie somewhere inside, the mansion was quiet and made him very aware of the fact that the two of them were alone together. Something he’d deliberately avoided throughout this process in order to prevent any temptation. Because for as much as his desire for Stephanie had grown, even more so over the past few weeks of her working for him, he knew it wasn’t fair to lead her on, not even sexually. He truly liked her. And he cared for her, more than was probably wise. Somewhere along the way, this woman had managed to make his hardened heart soften a bit, and that knowledge scared the fuck out of Mac. She deserved more than a jaded man like him in her life, and putting her back into that friend zone had been one of the most difficult things he’d had to do.
He headed up the curved staircase to the second level, then walked through a sitting area and the long hallway that gave way to the larger suites. There was only one door open, and that’s where he found Stephanie, in what she now called the Mad Hatter Room. The room was completely barren, since the flooring had been laid earlier that day—a black-and-white checkerboard pattern that looked more like a twisted optical illusion. Just looking at the weird design made him feel like he’d fallen into a whole different dimension of reality.
He must have made some kind of sound, because she abruptly turned around, and when she realized it was him, a beautiful smile settled on her lips—and his goddamn pulse sped up in reaction. Admittedly, this was his favorite part of the day. When she saw him and her entire expression lit up with pleasure because of him. He’d never been the object of someone’s affection in such a direct and intimate way, where he seemed to be the reason for their happiness, and as much as he liked the feeling because it was directly linked to her, Mac told himself not to get used to it.
“So, what do you think of this awesome floor?” she asked, her excited voice giving away her enthusiasm on the design.