by Diana Ballew
She forced herself not to squirm at her nakedness beneath her skirt. This was becoming a habit, running around without her panties. A sexy habit. She fought back a giggle at her silly thoughts.
A bellman jogged up to them, took their luggage, and led them into the hotel. People were milling all over the elegant lobby area. Joe took her hand and guided her to the registration desk. Within ten minutes, not only were they on their way up to the hotel room, but they were also checked into the conference. Vicki scanned the list of activities as they walked down the hall.
Joe opened the door with a flourish, and she sauntered inside to a large sitting area with a sofa and chair. Giving the place a quick glance, she observed two doors. Behind her, Joe was talking with the bellman as she walked over to the window and looked out. The Big Easy. She could see the French Quarter from their room, and it was just coming to life as the sun faded. Her heart hurt for the Crescent City.
A hurricane had devastated the area several years ago, but it was recovering, albeit slowly. The city was fighting back and would be better than ever. If there was one thing she’d learned over the years, people were resilient. Like she was after her grandmother had died.
She turned from the view. Joe stood by one of the doors. Tiptoeing over, she peeked inside the room.
An extra large king-size bed dominated the space, and their luggage was placed on the rack at the end of the bed. Without saying a word, she checked out the second room. This one was smaller and held a more modest queen-size bed. While she knew they were going to be sleeping together, at least the suite gave the pretense they were in separate beds.
Was she jumping the gun in thinking that using the second room was not in the plan? She shook her head. Joe had whispered such delicious naughty things to her, and she no longer possessed the will to resist him. A fling, a fantasy come to life, that’s all she needed to remember. Within days it would be over and they'd return to reality. Or would they? Before she could dwell on the question, Joe pulled her into his arms.
“You’re wearing too many clothes.” His breath brushed her ear.
“I believe we have a reception to attend.” She extricated herself from his embrace before she could give in to the temptation to sink into him. They were here on business, and she needed to remember that.
“Victoria is back.” The regret in his voice came through loud and clear.
“Don’t say that.” She whirled around, hands on hips. She hated it when he commented on her proper side. She was one person and one of them had to be sensible.
“It’s true.” He folded his arms over his chest as he watched her.
“I am Victoria.” She gritted her teeth after she said the words.
Joe shook his head, his eyes alight with impishness. “Victoria is the prim, proper persona you put on. Vicki is the real you. When you choose to let her out, that is.”
She wanted to argue with him, but knew she couldn’t. He was right, damn it. “I’m both Victoria and Vicki—she’s the same person. So quit thinking I’m two people.”
“Ah, but you are.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “You have a public side and a private side. Victoria is the public side, whereas Vicki is the private side. Every once in a while, the private side slips out.”
“At inappropriate moments.”
Joe frowned. “Is what we did on the plane bothering you? What I did in the car?”
She shook her head. She wasn’t bothered by what happened, but … “I’m just having a hard time believing I was so uninhibited.” Even though she had enjoyed every second of it, her mind was still playing catch-up. Yes, she wanted Joe. But a part of her psyche kept warning her this might be a disaster.
“What?” He cupped her chin in his palm. “You’re so beautiful when you come. Whether it’s from my fingers, my mouth, or my cock. You make me wild.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. His words were explicit. Would she ever get used to it? Probably not, but it still excited her. “But making you … ” Her words trailed off.
“Come.” He rested his forehead against hers. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with anything we’ve done together. We’re consenting adults. Trust me, if I’d have thought for one second we’d have been caught, I wouldn’t have allowed it to happen.”
His words rang true in her heart. “I believe you, but … ”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I love the way you come apart from my touch. And your touch does the same thing to me. I've never had it happen to me before.” His voice was husky.
“Really?” A tingle of empowerment filled her body.
“Really.” He gazed down at her. “I’ve never let a woman touch me in public, nor taken her in public as I have with you. I have no control where you’re concerned.”
His words thrilled her, because she had so little control around him as well. “Thank you.” Maybe they weren't so different after all. She captured the thought and pulled it around her like a blanket.
“You’re welcome. Let's check out the bed.” He tightened his grip on her.
She laughed as she spun out of his arms. “Not yet, Mr. Bradshaw. We’ve got a reception to attend, then we’ll test the mattress.” She sashayed into the main bedroom, picked up her bag, then walked out. She gave him a shy glance over her shoulder while she made her way to the smaller bedroom. “And maybe test a few other things in this suite.” She disappeared, and a click sounded as the bathroom door closed.
Joe laughed before going into the main bedroom. The little witch was teasing him again, but then he could tease her all night long while they were at the reception. Oh, he’d be careful he didn’t cross the line in public, but he knew they’d be dancing, and he could tease the hell out of her as they moved together. By the time they got back to their room, she’d be so hot and ready. And he’d take her in more ways than one tonight. He still had a few surprises in store.
Chapter 7
Joe’s breath whooshed out in a hiss when Vicki emerged from the bathroom. “Dear Lord,” he whispered.
“You like?” She twirled around.
“Like?” He struggled to get the words past the restriction crowding his throat. The black dress molded to her perfect breasts, and her nipples were erect against the fabric. It gathered at her waist, showing off just how slender she was, and the skirt … what there was of it showed off her long legs. He swallowed. “I’m never going to survive the reception.”
A husky laugh escaped her lips, and Joe liked this side of her, playful and seductive. There were times her rigid side was appropriate, but he liked it far better when she buried that part of her.
“You'd better survive.” She crossed the room, raised her hands, and fixed his tie. “I have plans for us tonight.”
He couldn't help himself. He raised his hand and tweaked her very erect nipples. “So do I," he said, sliding his palms around to her back and down over her butt, enjoying the silky feel of the dress against his skin. He moved his hands lower until he came to the hem of the dress. “What are you wearing underneath?”
“Not much.”
Her soft-spoken words went straight to his groin, and he sprang erect. Inch by inch, he tunneled his fingers beneath the fabric, encountering her stocking and garters, then bare skin. “Please don’t tell me you’re going in the raw.” He'd go insane if she was, and there was no way he was letting her out of this room without panties of some sort.
“Okay, I won’t.” She smoothed her palms over his shoulders.
He groaned as he tightened his fingers around the silky globes of her ass. “I need to fuck you.”
She gave another husky laugh as she smoothed her palms over the front of his jacket and further down until she cupped his hard cock and gave it a squeeze. “Later.” She shifted and widened her stance. “But I can assure you I’m not naked.” The tiny scrap of material rubbed against his fingertips. Their gazes locked. “I’m wearing a thong,” she confirmed.
He traced the material between her butt cheeks, his fing
ers curving around to feel the heat from her barely-covered sex. Slipping a finger beneath the thong, he teased her already swollen clit. “Later I’m going to enjoy tearing this scrap of fabric from your body.” He removed his finger, sliding it into his mouth before stepping away from her luscious body. Before he forgot he was a civilized man. Before he started falling for her.
She walked her fingers up his erection and on up to his chest as she licked her lips. “I’m looking forward to it.”
While Joe had never considered himself the jealous type, he resented every man in the room when they walked in. They were all staring at his woman. His woman. Funny how those words fit so perfectly.
He had never thought about claiming a woman as his until Vicki. She might think he wanted her for sex, but there was more. He enjoyed her company, her sense of humor, and yes, the explosive sex. Tonight he'd see just how adventurous she was.
Joe introduced Vicki to several people before pulling her out onto the makeshift dance floor. He spun her into his arms, cradling her close to him, his palm against her spine. “You’ve got every man in this room lusting after you.” He spoke softly, close to her ear.
“The women aren’t immune to you, either,” she said, her tone light but wary.
His palms slid to settle at the small of her back, his fingers playing over her hips, pressing her tight against him as they moved around the dance floor. “You’re the only woman I care about.” Joe realized it was true.
“That’s a nice thing to say.” There was disbelief in her tone.
“I mean it.” He maneuvered them off the dance floor. “I want to show you something.” He took her hand as he led her through a doorway, then past another door marked “private.” He pushed open the French doors, and they were out on a balcony.
A sultry breeze ruffled his hair and slid over his skin. He needed a private spot with her where no one would interrupt them, even if it were only for a few precious minutes. Gathering her close, he trapped her against the wall before capturing her lips.
Their tongues collided and dueled before retreating and tangling once again. Their kisses were hot, moist, and frantic. He couldn’t get enough of her.
And she must feel the same about him. Her hands were all over him, his shoulders, his back, down to his ass. Squeezing his butt.
He pushed his knee between her legs, nudging them apart as he skimmed his fingers down her sides, burrowing underneath her short skirt to cup her sex.
“Joe,” she protested.
“No one can see us.” A small stone balcony wall protected their lower bodies. If anyone happened to look, they’d think he was enjoying her kisses.
Her thong was soaked. Pushing aside the fabric, his fingers delved into her moistness. She tightened around him as their lips met once again. Joe stroked her, delighted in the way she kept thrusting against his hand and her hot, uncontrollable kisses. Soon her body convulsed with her release. He grinned against her lips, pleased he could make her come so fast.
She tore her mouth away from his, drawing in deep breaths before she rested her forehead against his shoulder.
“You’re so beautiful when you come,” he whispered, wiggling his fingers still deep within her.
“Joe.” She whispered his name like a plea; a shudder shook her body as she clung to him.
“You’re so damn responsive. All I can think about is fucking you. I don’t care where we are." His lips brushed across her cheek. "You laid out on the floor, against the wall while I impale you on my cock. Outside in the burning New Orleans sun riding in one of the horse-drawn carriages as I use my fingers on you." Her fingers tightened on his ass, pulling him closer. "In the shower with me directing water against your clit, making you come harder. On the kitchen table, with you spread out on your stomach as I fuck you from behind. Tied up on my bed, begging for my touch as I tease you with a feather.”
He sucked in a breath when her lips touched his neck, and then she licked his skin. “I want those things too,” she whispered. “I want all of them. I want to be your love slave.”
If he was hard before, now he was like steel. He nuzzled her hair while she teased his skin with kisses and licks. They couldn’t walk out of the party after only being there an hour, but he was tempted.
Flexing his fingers inside her, she tightened around the digits as she thrust her hips forward. “Just think, tonight I’m going to take you back to our room.” He worked her hair out of the way until his lips were right next to her ear. “First I’ll strip this dress off, and since you’re not wearing a bra, I’ll draw your nipples deep into my mouth, sucking them until they become taut and almost painful.”
She slid her palms down his back, her nails scraping against the fabric of his jacket, and she let out a moan.
“Then I’ll unhook your garter belt and roll the nylons down your legs. I’ll rip the thong from your body before lifting you onto the mattress.” Joe drew in a deep breath when she slipped her hands down to his butt and her fingers clenched his ass, and then moved back up to his waist. She didn't say anything, but he heard her panting.
“Once you’re in bed, I’ll tie your wrists to the headboard, then I’ll spread your legs and tie them as well. You’ll be open wide. Very wide. I’ll place pillows under you so your pussy is raised to me. Then I’ll kneel on the mattress and lower my mouth to your sweet sex. I’ll lick, nip, and suck, tasting your succulent essence until it flows all over my mouth.” While he spoke, she undid his belt and zipper, letting his pants slip down his legs. She slipped her fingers over the head of his pulsing cock. Joe fought against a groan as she teased him with a look of pure bliss on her face. With her caressing him, he feared he wouldn't be able to contain himself. Maybe he should’ve worn underwear.
“Once you’ve climaxed from my lips,” he continued, “I’ll add my fingers to the mix. My tongue will make love to you while I stroke your clit, bringing you to another orgasm, and before it can subside, I’ll rise over you, kissing you, letting you taste yourself on my lips, before I plunge into your hot wetness, filling you on the first thrust.”
“Oh, yes!” Her second climax of the night came then. Her body bucked, his fingers buried deep inside her while her grip tightened around his cock.
God, she was so beautiful. Satisfaction he was able to make her climax curled in his belly as he waited until her body calmed down before speaking. “You think you’re spent after I’ve made you come five times, but we’re only getting started.”
Her eyes flashed in surprise. “Oh, God, Joe. Fuck me. Here. Now. I need you in me.”
Her words were like an aphrodisiac. “I thought we were going to wait until we had a bed.”
She lifted her head, her green eyes blazing with need and lust. “Now!” He was powerless to resist her. Letting his fingers slide out of her warmth, he guided her hands away from his cock. He slid his finger beneath the fabric of the thong, slid it down her long legs. "Hold on to my shoulders," he whispered. She did as he said, while he lifted one foot at a time to remove the thong. As he stood, he slipped it into his jacket pocket before he pulled out a condom. He pressed it into her palm and lifted her into his arms.
“Slip it on.” He gritted his teeth when she smoothed the latex down his shaft. "Now." He lifted her at the waist. "Legs around me and guide me into you." He endured her all encompassing touch as she placed him at her opening. The second her hand left him, he thrust.
“Ah,” she breathed, burying her face against his neck and clutching his shoulders.
“You're so tight. So hot. I love the way you grip my cock inside you.” He was barely holding on to his control.
“And you’re so hard. You feel like steel pushing into me, hard and demanding.”
Joe pulled back and shoved forward. At least there was a wall behind her back, or he was sure they would’ve tumbled over from the force of his thrusts.
“That’s it, Joe,” she whispered. “Fuck me. Give it to me. I want you.”
Her words inflamed him
even more, and his control snapped. This wasn’t going to be a gentle fuck. He was out of control. He began to pound at will, all the time knowing it would never be enough. He covered her mouth, smothering her cries of ecstasy as she climaxed around him. He trust into her two more times before his balls tensed, and he let go of his own orgasm. Vicki’s legs tightened around his waist as Joe braced his arms against the wall, drawing in deep, labored breaths. She was still pulsing around him, as though trying to suck him deeper inside.
Loud voices and laughter from below jolted him back to reality. Smothering a curse, he lifted her off his cock, setting her on her feet. “Okay?” he asked when she wobbled.
“Oh, yeah.” Her green eyes were languid, her hair tousled, her lips swollen from his kisses.
Using his handkerchief, Joe wiped her pussy, then removed the condom and attended to himself. It wasn't easy to stuff his fast hardening cock into his pants, but he did it. Then he helped Vicki back into her thong and straightened her clothing. “Your hair’s mussed and you’ve got no lipstick.”
She leaned against the wall. “I can’t believe … yes, I can. Why do I have no control where you’re concerned?” Her gaze, so slumberous just seconds ago, was now filled with questions.
“Maybe because I don’t, either.” He wasn’t going to ask why or how. All he knew was that they belonged together. It was more than sex. No woman could take his control away the way she could, but it was more. It was her humor, her work ethic, hell, everything about her that drew him in. He bent and retrieved her small evening purse from where it had fallen onto the cement. He pressed it into her palm. “Do you think you can walk to the ladies’ room?”
She closed her eyes, then inhaled deeply before her lashes lifted. “Yes.” She moved toward the French doors, but stopped when she realized he was right beside her. “I’ll go alone.”