by Lauren Wood
How far was she willing to go?
He grew hard just thinking about it.
“So you are friends with the owner of Towney Catering,” he said as she joined him. “Do you brag about that a lot?”
“Actually, today is the first day I’ve seen her operation. She invited me down to talk and found herself in the middle of an emergency. It was you or Smithfield.” She handed him his plate and settled down to him.
Charlie grimaced. “Really? Smithfield? Surely I rank higher than him.”
“Sure, but you’re a first time customer. He’s a regular. Aren’t you supposed to be a birthday party?” She took a swig of the beer and leaned back.
He took a moment to admire how perfect she looked on his couch. She had that girl next-door look, and he loved it.
“I took a look at the list of people attending the party and decided that it wasn’t for me,” he said as he dug into his steak.
“Aren’t you supposed to rub elbows with the rich and famous when you’re rich and famous?” she asked with a lifted eyebrow.
“You’re rich and famous too,” he pointed out.
She clammed up quickly, and he realized that he’d hit a soft spot. Maybe she wasn’t as rich as she used to be, but she was certainly famous. “I thought maybe I’d rent Dusty Tracks. Ever seen it?”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously? I think that was my dad’s my favorite movie.”
“Too spoiled for an old movie? It’s a classic.”
“Casablanca is a classic. Dusty Tracks is a terrible movie they made forty years ago. Being old doesn’t make you a classic,” she said with a scrunched up nose.
Charlie chuckled. “So you’re not a fan. But you didn’t answer my original question. Have you ever seen it?”
Gemma cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders. “’Bout time we hit them dusty tracks. Only way we gonna get anywhere is if we start gettin’,” she said in a low voice.
“What the hell was that?” Charlie said as he burst out laughing.
“That’s the main character. Thomas something or other.”
“That is not what he sounds like,” he said as he wiped the tears away.
“Oh, it’s close enough. My Dad used to have it on at least three nights a week. When I was a kid, I’d sit down and watch it with him, but when it go so that I could quote every word of it, I had to call it quits.”
“Call it quits huh? You were missing out.”
Gemma smiled and settled back with her beer. “Put it on. I bet I could still quote at least two-thirds of the movie. If not more.”
Charlie was intrigued but not about her knowledge of the movie. He suddenly knew without a doubt that he had to have Gemma Darlings. And he had to have her tonight.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Gemma?” he said as he sat his plate down. She cocked her head but didn’t look uncomfortable with the question.
“Would it matter to you?” she asked with a small smile.
Charlie leaned forward and rested a hand on her knee. “What makes you think I’m asking for me?”
“Must be something about the way you look at me,” she said as she leaned forward. She reached up and brushed her fingers along his cheek. “Your eyes are just a little bit darker than when I came in. Like there’s lust in them.”
He moved a little closer to her on the couch. “You’re not getting off the couch,” he pointed out. “And you’re eyeing me like you’d like to see what I look like without these boxers on.”
Her eyes roamed freely over his naked chest. “Actually, your boxers leave very little to the imagination. You’ve been hard ever since you sat down.”
“Care to do anything about that?” His voice dropped another octave as her fingers brushed over his arms.
“I only just met you. What would you think of me of I just hopped into bed with you?”
Charlie had to bite back a moan as his fingers roamed lower and moved across his abdomen. It was the lightest of touches, and it was driving him insane. “I would think that you’re a woman who doesn’t deny herself something that she wants. That’s my favorite kind of woman.”
He leaned over and captured her lips. The spark between them was instant, and she smoothed the palms of her hands over the muscles of his back. Her lips were warm and yielding as they opened for him. When they finally broke apart, he could see the desire and uncertainly in her eyes.
“Maybe just tonight,” she whispered. “Just a little something to escape.”
Their plates crashed to the floor as he leaned over her and pushed her body further into the cushions. Nothing held her back as she explored him, and her kiss made him dizzy with want. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced in his entire life.
He should have seen it as a warning sign, but he wanted her. He needed her. And he was going to have her.
Chapter 3
A million thoughts were running through her head as he removed her shirt, but not a single one was no. She’s wanted him from the moment she stepped into his home, and she didn’t want to deny herself this.
Stress and anxiety had weighed her down for months, and she needed to relieve tension. Somehow, she knew without a doubt that billionaire bad boy Charlie Connor knew his way around the female body.
As he ran his fingers under the lace of her bra, electric pulses sent shivers down her body. She arched beneath him and let him unhook the back of her bra. Cold air had her nipples tightening, but he immediately bent his head to taste her. As his tongue lapped over her points, she gasped. She had no idea that her nipples could be so sensitive, but they were responding to him like no other.
He moved lower down her body until he reached the waistband of her pants. Ruffling her fingers through his air, she bit her lip as she watched him. He deftly undid the snap of her jeans, and she moved her hips so that he could slide them down her body. Underneath, she wore a thin purple strap of lace that barely covered anything. He pushed himself up and looked down to admire her.
“You are so beautiful,” he said hoarsely.
Gemma was so surprised that she actually snorted as she laughed. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t imagine that coming out of your mouth.”
He cocked his head as he stared at her, and she suddenly grew uncomfortable under his intense gaze. What was going on between them? “What did you expect?” he asked finally.
“Something dirty,” she said as she nodded. “You definitely seem like a guy who would want to talk dirty in bed.”
“Oh yeah?” He smirked as he leaned down and slid a finger under her panties. “I could talk about wet you are.” Gently, he slid the finger up her slit. As he brushed against her hardened bud, she jumped and moaned.
“I could talk about how I can’t wait to taste you. How I can’t wait to slide one finger inside you and see what makes you tick.”
Gemma tried to laugh, but it came out as a moan when he leaned down and pulled the panties away completely. Sliding his tongue just around her outer lips, he slowly worked a finger inside. “But I don’t really like to talk dirty,” he said with a wicked smile. “And I certainly don’t like to give away the good parts before they happen.” And just like that, he rubbed his tongue on her clit, and she couldn’t help but shriek. She had no idea how close she was, but her body was taught like a bow, and she was about to break.
“Oh fuck,” she whimpered when he didn’t let up. Grabbing his head, she clamped her things around him and urged him on until she couldn’t keep it together. Her back bowed and her muscles shook as he pushed her over the edge.
He eased her down gently and came back up to kiss her. She could taste her juices on his lips. Sweet and tangy. “I love it when a woman comes easily,” he whispered.
“Shut up and fuck me,” she hissed as she reached down to push his boxers down.
“Not here.” He pushed himself off her and bent down to life her in his arms. “I don’t have near enough room for the things that I want to do you.”
Charlie carried he
r to the bedroom, and she curled her toes in anticipation. Bouncing on the mattress, she pushed herself up to her elbows and rid herself of her panties. Even in the darkness, she could tell that he was impressive. She knew that he would be.
He moved back over top of her, and she wrapped her hands around him. He immediately hissed in response, and Gemma closed her fists and squeezed him gently. “Jesus,” he said hoarsely. “I’m more ready that you think. Just ease up a bit, baby.”
Baby. Normally that term annoyed her, but it sounded perfect coming from him. They locked lips again, and she pushed him over and straddled him. Rubbing herself ever so gently over him, she reveled in the hardness between her thighs. It had been almost a year since she’d felt anything like this.
He trailed his lips over her shoulders and gripped her hips to stop her. “Normally I’ve more in control, but you’re about to make me embarrass myself,” he muttered.
It hadn’t even been minutes since her last orgasm, and she needed him again. “Please,” she begged. “Please, I’m so ready.”
“I can tell,” he said with a chuckle and released his hold on her. She straightened and slowly lowered herself on him. With her eyes closed, cried out just a little as he filled and stretched her.
“Gemma,” he gasped. “You’re so tight.”
“It’s been awhile,” she said in a low voice. “Just give me a minute. You’re a little bigger than I expected. He chuckled, and she slapped his chest lightly. “Don’t let that go to your head.”
“I don’t think anything’s going to my head right now. At least not that head,” he said as he blew out his breath. But he didn’t force her. She let her weight settled on top of him as she eased herself inch by inch. His muscles strained in his neck as he tried to keep still, and finally, he had stretched her to the max.
“Good?” he said through clenched teeth.
“So good,” she moaned. Then it was like a beast was unleashed inside of him. He grasped her hips, rolled her over, and slammed into her. It didn’t hurt. Far from it. He slid over that magical spot inside her that few reached, and she closed her legs around him and urged him on. Harder. Faster. Soon she couldn’t even formulate a coherent string of words. Only one thought remained.
More. She needed more.
Over and over again he slid inside her until their bodies were slick with sweat. She’d never felt so out of control, so desperate for a release. When she met his gaze, she was startled to see the wild intensity in them.
There is something here.
That was the last thought before she finally opened her mouth and screamed his name. Digging her nails into his back, she tried to hold on as her body exploded into a million pieces. He shouted and drove into her one last time before his whole body tightened and he spilled himself inside of her.
* * *
They stayed tangled up in each other’s arms well into the night. When his heartbeat finally slowed and he caught his breath, he lowered his head to look at her. She wasn’t asleep.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even ask…” he started quietly.
“I’m on the pill,” she said quickly. “I would have said something if I weren’t.”
Bewildered, he shook his head. “I always ask. In fact, it usually doesn’t matter. My condoms are right over there in the drawer. But it didn’t even occur to me.”
Lazily, she traced her fingers over his chest. “Instinct just took over,” she said slowly. “I don’t do this. I know it’s hard to believe with what the tabloids are saying, but…” her voice trailed off.
“My record’s not great either,” he said with a smile. “Charlie Connor. Fucking his way through the city.”
She didn’t pull back, and he wrapped his arms around her. Normally this was when he was kicking women out of his room, but he wanted her to stay. He found himself dreading the thought of her leaving.
Ridiculous. Of course she would leave. They didn’t even know each other. If she didn’t leave now, she’d certainly leave in the morning.
“Do you still want to watch your movie?” she asked aimlessly.
Laughter rumbled in his chest. “I don’t really want to do anything that reminds you of your dad right now.”
“I don’t really remember him,” she admitted. “He died when I was young. I just remember that stupid movie. And I have no idea why I’m telling you this.”
“I remember everything about my father,” Charlie said as he thought back. “He was very disciplined and militant, and if you weren’t paying attention, you were in serious trouble.”
“I bet he’s proud of you. I don’t really have a mind for business, but the headlines are always positive when it comes to your company.”
“Proud? I suppose he was. I lost him to cancer before the company really took off. And I don’t know why I’m telling you this either.”
Gemma laughed awkwardly and raised her head. “I’m actually having a hard time thinking right now,” she said as she shook her head. “Not to make your ego any bigger, but you do magical things to my body.”
And she to his, but he didn’t tell her. Instead he let her slide her body up his. Already, he was stirring for her.
This time it was slow and easy. There was something so intimate about what they were doing, and it wasn’t just the sex. He locked eyes with her. He held her hand. He didn’t just want to make her feel special. He wanted her to know that she was special.
He couldn’t find the words to tell her, so he spent all night trying to show her.
Chapter 4
Gemma stuffed her wig in her bag and slid her sunglasses up on her face. “It’s a good thing you live in a gated community,” she muttered as she gathered the catering bags under her arms.
“It’s not really a scandal. I’m not married,” he pointed out as he leaned against the wall.
“True. It might even help my career,” she joked as she gave him one last look. “Last night was fun.”
“Are you going to suggest that we do it again some time?” he said with a smile.
It took her breath away, and she could only shake her head as she turned to open the door. As it swung open, dozens of light bulbs went off in her face, and people began to scream at her.
For a moment she could only stare at the press. What the hell? Terrified, she slammed the door shut and whirled around. “Are you kidding me? You fucking called the press?”
He straightened, and his eyes darkened dangerously. “Me? You were the one who just said it might help your career!” he growled.
“It was a joke!” she hissed. “Why would me being here with you be any good to my career!” She ran her hands through her hair and stared at the door. “Is there another way out of here?”
He just stared at her, and she snapped her fingers to get his attention. “Charlie. Is there another way out?”
“Do you really think that a night with me would destroy your career?” he said coldly. “You’re nothing but spoiled little girl who’s gotten everything because of a pretty face. I give hundreds of thousands of people jobs. I run a multi-billion dollar industry!”
“Yes. And you sleep with half the fucking the city,” she snapped. “I don’t really want my name tied to that.”
“Only prefer married men?” he said smugly. “You’re so hypocritical. There’s a fire escape out the back. The sooner you get out, the better.”
His words drenched her like cold water, and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Was that what he really thought of her? Was that what the world thought of her? Without another word, she moved to the back and flung open the window. Surprisingly enough, there were no reporters waiting for her out there.
With a pained heart, she turned to face him. “I thought Spencer Harker was my friend. When he invited me over that day, he did so out pretense of a job. He invited the press. He set me up. He’d discovered that his wife cheated on him, and he wanted to humiliate her. He later claimed that he had no idea what it would do to me, but he refused to deny our
fake relationship. I lost my career because I trusted the wrong person. And now I can count on one hand the number of people who really know who I am. I thought that you, of all people, would know not to believe everything you read.”
She climbed out the window and shimmied down the ladder before he could respond. Tears burned in her eyes as she slipped through the park in the back and called Lizzie for a ride.
For some reason, the accusations of Charlie Connor hurt worse than the accusations of the rest of the world.
* * *
Charlie stood dumbfounded as he watched the breeze blow through the curtains of the open window. Of course she wouldn’t have called the press. Why would she have wanted that attention after what she had been through?
And how could he have stood there and accused her like that? As soon as the words had left his mouth, he’d regretted them. But he didn’t want her to think of all the other women that he’d been with. He didn’t want that to be an issue between them.
He didn’t want there to be any issues between them.
Moving across the room, he hit the button on his intercom that connected him to security. “There are more than a dozen reporters at my door!” he barked.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Connor,” the bewildered voice stated. “But you authorized clearance to anyone who wanted to come in today.”
“I sure as hell did not!”
“I took the call myself,” the guard insisted. “You said to let everyone in between the hours of four in the morning and noon. You gave me the password.”
Password. Only a handful of people knew Charlie’s password for the security gate. And since he didn’t think his family would pull a stunt like this, that only left one person.
Frustrated and angry, he grabbed his phone and dialed his public relations agent. “What the hell have you done?” he snapped.
“Charlie?” the man said sleepily.
“You know damn well who this is. Why are there reporters at my door?”
“What did you expect would happen? You didn’t show up at your party. They wanted to know why.”