“So, Tyler Barrow, tell me about yourself,” she began then sipped her wine.
“What do you want to know?”
“Start with where you are from. I detect a slight accent.” She smiled.
Tyler chuckled. “Yes, just a slight one. I’m originally from the Chicago area, but my father’s job transferred us to Australia when I was in high school.”
“That’s a big move. Now what do you do in Australia?”
Tyler’s forehead wrinkled a bit. He took another drink of his beer rather than answering her question right away. “I’m a high school math teacher, and I coach the boys’ soccer team. Exciting, huh?”
Paige sipped of her wine and kept his gaze. “It is exciting. Tell me more,” she said with a bit of seduction in her tone. She urged him to continue talking about his work. She was actually a little shocked to find out he was a teacher. He seemed more of a…. Well, she wasn’t quite sure. Maybe he had some type of suit-wearing career? He seemed forward, making it pretty clear what he wanted and leaving her speechless twice in one day. She could definitely see him in sales or as an attorney, but never would have guessed he taught. The fact he did fascinated her.
Tyler told her about his students and how much he enjoyed his work. He taught ninth through twelfth grade, mostly advanced classes. She could tell by the way he talked that it was indeed his passion. She could only imagine the crushes the girls had on him. Paige had never had any good-looking male instructors. The more he talked about teaching and coaching, the more turned on she got. Perhaps it was the compassionate side of him, or the way his eyes lit up while he was talking about his career.
The glasses of wine were just the icing on the cake.
The small talk continued, and they shared some good laughs. Despite some differences in their choice of hobbies, they had a lot in common when it came to their favorite things. They both loved classic rock, Journey being their favorite band. They both loved funny movies, seafood and pizza. The more Tyler talked about Australia, the more Paige wanted to take a vacation there. It would also be a nice location to do some book signings. It sounded amazing.
Paige then told him about her place in Hartford and some of her favorite spots to shop and eat.
“Your home sounds wonderful,” he said.
Home? Technically, it was her home, although she still didn’t think of it that way. She loved it, but it just didn’t feel like home to her. She hadn’t felt like that since she’d moved from her childhood house when she’d left for college.
“So tell me about what you do.”
“You already know. I’m an author.”
“And?” he asked with a crooked smile.
“And that’s my career. I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I started with poetry and young adult novels. Three years ago, I began writing under a pen name and wrote my first romance novel. I’m currently working on number ten.”
“Wow! That’s great! I’ve never met an author before. Any bestsellers?”
Paige nodded and swallowed her bite of food. “The last five.”
Tyler’s mouth dropped open. “Five? So, you’re like famous or something?”
Paige chortled. “I wouldn’t say that. I like to keep to myself, other than some appearances my publisher schedules for me.” Paige looked down at her plate and picked at her food. Some appearances was an understatement. The past two years had been a whirlwind. Her publisher had had her traveling all over the country for signings, appearances and readings. She loved meeting her readers, but being on the road all the time was difficult for her. She hated rushing around, staying in hotels and not knowing anyone or where she was going. “I love writing—or at least I did. I have writer’s block right now, and it’s been really frustrating. I’ve never had a problem like this before. A few days maybe, but never weeks.”
Tyler reached across the table and took her hand in his. “What changed?” he asked with all sincerity.
At first, Paige was hesitant to answer him truthfully. Then she thought about the promise she’d made herself on the way to Montauk. She had to be herself. “My ex-fiancé,” she said with disappointment.
“Oh, care to talk about it?”
“It’s really something I would love to forget, but I think the whole thing might be hindering my writing. It’s the only thing I can think of. My stories usually pour out of me.”
“Talk to me, Paige. Maybe it will help.” Tyler began to swirl his thumb over her hand. His touch was sweet and intimate and soothed her in the simplest way.
Paige took a deep breath. She had nothing to lose by telling him. In a few days, Tyler would be gone. “Justin and I dated in college. He ended up getting a big time job in New York City. He proposed. I said yes. I went with him, despite the fact I hate big cities. But I believed we were in love, and I wanted to be with him. He was always out entertaining clients. Once I became a bestselling author, I was traveling around with the book thing…”
“So you two drifted apart?”
“I guess you could say that, or he drifted right between the legs of his assistant.”
“Ouch! How did you find out?” Tyler cringed slightly.
She wasn’t sure he really wanted to hear the entire story, but she hoped talking about it would help her. “One evening I went to his office since he had to work late, yet again. It was the anniversary of the day we first met, and I just had another book hit the top seller’s list. I thought it would be romantic to surprise him and celebrate. I walked into his office and saw him with his pants around his ankles, celebrating with his assistant.”
“I’m sorry, Paige.”
Paige glanced sheepishly at Tyler to find him giving her an empathetic look. She could tell by his eyes he had been through a similar hurt.
“Anyway, I am glad I’m out of the city. I am just trying to rediscover myself and forget about the past. I just didn’t think forgetting about writing would be part of it.”
“Maybe you just need to find some inspiration.”
“I’ve tried. It is also why I’m here. I thought a little vacation would help me relax and clear my head so I can hear my characters again. I’ve gotten to a certain point in my book, and nothing is happening.”
Paige needed to move forward with her life. She could still see Justin screwing his assistant on his desk. Every time the vision popped into her head, she felt herself shut down. Her characters would be at a standstill until she was able to get past it. She needed to rediscover her romantic side again so her hero and heroine could find theirs.
Chapter Four
As they strolled back to the condo, enjoying the beautiful night, Tyler thought about what Paige had said at dinner. He could see and feel her pain when she’d told him about her ex-fiancé. In ways, he could relate to it. He wanted nothing more than to protect her and take the pain away. Why he felt this strong need to do so was beyond him. He knew he was sexually attracted to her. Even though he’d just met Paige, he really liked everything he knew about her so far. Maybe they were kindred hearts destined to meet and help one another get over their pasts? He also knew she’d stopped writing just as her two characters had started kissing. He’d come to the conclusion the incident with her ex was definitely causing her writer’s block and he had the perfect solution—one which would surely please them both.
“It’s so beautiful here,” Paige said with a sigh.
Tyler grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. “This place became much more beautiful when you arrived.” He cupped her face, and his lips met hers with a hungry kiss. She seemed stunned at first. Then he felt her melt against him when his tongue slid past her lips. Paige wrapped her arms around his neck and rubbed her hips against his crotch. His cock was straining in his pants as she moved in a rhythm that would make any sensible man drop to his knees. He was by far one of the most sensible men in the world.
Urgency rushed through his body, and he broke their kiss. With his forehead touching hers, he looked at her, seeing the
beautiful woman she was.
“Tyler,” she whispered with pleading eyes, “make me forget.”
Tyler smiled gently, nodded then grabbed her hand. He began practically pulling her down the street.
Paige giggled at his need and he was glad they were almost back to the rental. Once they got to the condo, he closed the door behind them and pushed her up against it. The desire to take her, to make her scream his name, was burning deep. He fondled her breasts through her clothing. He moved his hands down her bare thighs and caught the hem of her dress. He pulled it up.
No panties.
“Sweet Jesus,” he gasped.
Paige laughed, and the sound was music to his ears. “I don’t like panty lines with certain clothes.”
“Neither do I,” he panted, thanking the stars above for meeting this woman and for this dress.
Paige devoured his mouth, and their tongues played wildly. She reached down and unfastened his pants. She slipped her hand into his briefs, and he hissed at the feeling of her soft skin against his hard cock.
“Condom?” she asked with urgency.
He pulled one from his wallet and she took it from him. Without hesitation, she shoved his pants down then sheathed him. Tyler picked her up, sinking his fingers into the ass he’d wanted to grab since the first moment he’d first seen it, and she sank down on him.
“Oh God,” Paige whimpered. The way Tyler filled her was incredible. The passion she was feeling as he took her was driving her mad. She wanted to feel him touching every inch of her body.
She frantically pulled the straps of her dress down over her shoulders. Tyler helped her along, and as soon as her breasts were exposed, he had her nipple in his mouth. He tugged on her hard peak with his teeth, and she cried out his name.
It wasn’t enough. She wanted him naked. She started unbuttoning his shirt. It was taking too long. “I owe you a shirt.”
“What?” he asked, right as Paige tugged so hard on it that all the buttons went flying.
“Damn, Paige, that was so fucking hot.” Tyler kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear as he moved in and out of her.
“Harder, Tyler. Faster.” Paige conveyed her need to Tyler, and he willingly obliged.
He picked up the pace of his thrusts. Her body was banging up against the door. She didn’t care one bit. This was the hottest sex she had ever had, and she hadn’t even had an orgasm yet. Oh hell, she was right there. She arched her back, grinding her swollen clit against his body. He took her breast into his mouth again, pushing her over the edge. Her nails dug into his back as her pussy repeatedly clenched around him. Tyler thrust a few more times and came with a low growl of her name. She’d never heard it sound so erotic before. Her head dropped to his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her. He remained inside her, holding her where they were until their breathing slowed.
Paige had never done anything like this before. She’d had sex with a guy she’d just met, a guy who lived on the other side of the planet. The desire she had for him—the release he was giving her—was mind-blowing.
“Tyler? You can put me down now.”
“No,” he said simply and walked them down the hallway to his room. “I’m not done with you yet. I want more, and I know you do too.”
Tyler had a feeling he would never be done with her. The sex was amazing, and it was just the beginning. But it was way more than that. Paige had opened up to him over dinner, talking about her ex and her writing. Tyler liked that she didn’t shy away from him. She was also genuinely interested in his career. Her questions about teaching and his classes had made him feel even more proud about his work. Their conversation came so easily. He truly enjoyed her company.
He put her down by the foot of his bed and pulled off her dress completely. Finally, he was able to see all of her. He took a few steps back and stared at her beauty.
“You are so fucking gorgeous, Paige.”
She gave him a shy, sexy smile and tugged on his arm as she lay on the bed. He hovered over her, wondering where he wanted to start his feast. He wanted to taste every inch of her.
Tyler brushed her hair away from her face. She closed her eyes at his touch. Some women loved to have their hair played with, and Tyler wanted to find out if Paige was one of them. He feathered light kisses over her forehead, making his way down to her lips. He licked her bottom lip. He could get lost in her kiss but wanted to show her more.
“I want to make you forget again, Paige.”
She moaned when he took her nipple into his mouth. The sounds Paige made heated him deep inside.
“I want to taste every inch of you.”
She arched her body, giving herself to him.
Tyler licked and kissed her entire body, saving the best part for last. He nudged her legs apart and settled between them. He waited a moment or two, taking in how damn perfect she really was.
“Tyler—”
As his name fell from her lips, he brought his tongue to her clitoris. Swirling and sucking at the engorged area, he fucked her with one finger, then two, curving his fingers just right to hit her G-spot. She writhed underneath him, screaming his name and God’s, as her pussy muscles squeezed his fingers. Watching her come completely undone was a magnificent sight.
He moved up and lay beside her, pulling her close.
“You’re not tired, are you?” Paige asked him, sounding quite mischievous.
Tyler laughed. “Never too tired for this…with you.”
There were those words—with you. He had only known Paige for one day but had never felt so alive with a woman before. His body had seemed to be on full alert since the first time he’d laid eyes on her. Now that they were getting to know each other—clothed and not so clothed—his initial instincts and attraction toward her were not only proving to be correct, but becoming deeper.
He had dated in the past, but his most serious ex-girlfriend, Carly, hadn’t liked the fact he wanted to be a teacher. It’s not a prestigious career, she’d said. After he’d graduated and got his job, he’d found out how stuck-up Carly really was. It pained him that she hated his career choice. He loved teaching and coaching. To be a positive influence in kids’ lives and to help them learn meant the world to Tyler.
Paige smiled and climbed on top of Tyler, straddling him. She rubbed her sweet spot over his cock, teasing him with her wet folds. Tyler groaned.
At first Paige used her hands to discover the contours of his chest and abs. Then she used her tongue. She continued south, slowly grazing her breasts over his cock. She glided her nipple up and down his shaft while kissing his abs.
She felt so fucking amazing. Just when Tyler thought he was about to burst with need, Paige licked his shaft from his balls to the crown. The woman had a wicked tongue and knew exactly how to use it.
Tyler tangled his fingers in her hair, massaging her head in the same rhythm she was using on him. She licked and sucked him furiously. His toes curled from the pleasure building so strongly inside him.
“I’m going to come,” he warned.
She didn’t budge. She just kept sucking him.
“Oh fuck,” he growled. His juices flooded her hot mouth as waves of bliss rolled through him.
His heart was still racing when she slithered back up his body, settling her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
Chapter Five
Paige was completely exhausted but also completely relaxed for the first time in God knew how long. She lay beside Tyler with her head on his chest. He was sound asleep. She should be too, since it was in the middle of the night, but she couldn’t help the smile on her face and the harmony filling her body. She wasn’t pretending to be someone else with him. She felt comfortable in her own skin, and Tyler seemed to enjoy her—the real her—and she felt amazing. Being with Tyler was carefree and easy. It was fun. These were all new concepts to her. She contemplated why. Was it the promise she made to herself just to relax and be herself? Was it Tyler? Was
it the sex? Was it the fact it was a no-strings-attached kind of fling? They’d never discussed anything more and hadn’t really had a chance to. But it had to be just a fling. They lived in two different worlds. Her life was here in the States. His was in Australia. She thought about how the events of the day had unfolded and thought it might be a little bit of everything. No matter what the real answers were to these questions, she would keep her promise. She decided to remain in the now and enjoy the moments with him. However, as a believer in true love, her romantic heart would always have her wondering if he could be more, given different circumstances.
Tyler shifted his body. Every time he took a breath now, his chest rose, and the light sprinkling of his chest hair tickled her chin. Paige giggled but tried to remain still. She didn’t want to move away from him.
“What’s so funny?” he mumbled, tightening his embrace and nuzzling his face into her hair.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. Your chest hair is tickling me, but I don’t want to move.” She dragged her fingers around his chest and down his side.
Tyler flinched.
Paige giggled again. “Ticklish there, huh?”
“Don’t do it,” he cautioned playfully. “I hate being tickled.”
Of course, Paige did it again.
In the blink of an eye, she was underneath him. Heat immediately seared through her body. The full moon shined in the window, allowing Paige to see Tyler’s heated expression. It awakened a passion in her she wasn’t sure she had ever felt before. She wiggled her arms free and reached for him, needing him to be close to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist and pulled him down on top of her. He tucked his arms under her back, and she welcomed his weight. In a tight embrace, they kissed like there was no tomorrow. Because in reality, there wasn’t anything for them past the weekend.
Tyler clicked on the small bedside table lamp and grabbed a condom from the nightstand drawer. He quickly rolled it on and thrust into her. She loved the way he filled her—making her feel so full and complete. Her mind turned off as he played with her clit, bringing all of her senses and nerve endings into toe-curling mode.
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