“Steady,” he said.
“It’s all right for you.”
“Think of pleasure.” Dark promise laced his voice, and an instant later his mouth closed around one nipple. She sighed when the feeling jumped from her breast and ended in her pussy. He drew sharply with a strong pull of his mouth. A moan escaped. The man knew exactly which buttons to push, the things that gave her pleasure.
Pleasure. Yes, she could do that. With James stroking and laving her breasts, it was easy. He pinched her other nipple between forefinger and thumb and tugged.
Alice bucked her hips upward and collided against him. He grunted so she did it again, rolling her hips in a teasing move.
“Enough of that,” he growled.
“You’re not going fast enough.”
“Lie still or I won’t touch you.”
An ominous threat. She stilled, unsure if he joked or not.
“Good girl.” His legs flexed. Alice felt a brush—she was sure it was a brush—feather over her rib cage. It wasn’t ticklish exactly, but the brush made her ultra aware and the progress of it across her skin. She inhaled deeply. James would have an intent expression on his face, his blue eyes darkening while he watched her reaction. He moved again and the brush movements went lower. He circled her belly button, gradually moving downward. James painted her thighs and legs. His fingers combed through her pelvic hair and slipped into her drenched folds. She panted, even more moisture pooling between her legs. He parted her folds and she felt the brush again, this time spreading chocolate syrup across her clitoris. He stroked across her clit but not enough before moving again. This time he paid attention to her nipples. Alice heard the bottle hiss air and syrup again before he painted her nipples.
Without warning he moved and whisked the scarf off her eyes. She blinked and took a sharp inhalation at the supreme male satisfaction she saw on his face. His sensual lips curled upward while his eyes glowed.
“What do you think?” His head jerked, indicating her lower body.
“Um…interesting,” she said. “You’re very arty.”
“I’m also good at pleasure.”
No doubting that expression for anything other than smug. “Promises. Promises.” Alice held her breath waiting for him to respond to her flirtation.
“I want to try out the rest of my paint set,” he said. “I haven’t tested this product before.”
Ah, back to business. She bit back her disappointment and forced a smile. Testing Fancy Free’s products was the reason for them sleeping together after all. She hadn’t meant to fall for James. No, that hadn’t been part of the agreement.
“Where else are you going to paint?”
“I’ll show you now.” James picked up the brush and dabbed it into a small tub of red paint. “Keep your legs parted for me. I’ll paint your pussy lips.” He settled between her legs and carefully painted her outer labia. “Blue paint next.” With deft strokes he painted her intimate flesh. A tingle simmered, converging low into an ache. “Some green. And some black.” A few brush strokes later, he sat back to admire his handiwork. “Very pretty,” he said in approval.
“I’ll take your word for it.”
James frowned then the lines on his forehead evened out. “I have just the thing.” He wandered from the bedroom leaving her alone. When he didn’t return straight away, she started to worry. Alice tested the bindings, but to her frustration, she couldn’t free herself. Bother. Footsteps approached the bedroom and made her still, her worries subsiding.
“I knew I had a mirror.” James wandered back to the side of the bed, unconcerned with his nakedness. His cock bobbed up and down with each step, drawing her attention. Alice licked her lips, wishing she could touch, lick, suck.
“I won’t be able to see if you don’t untie me.”
James grinned and set the mirror aside. He untied both her hands and helped her sit up. After picking up the mirror again, he set it between her legs.
A splutter of laughter shook Alice. “I look like a very strange dart board!”
“Katarina and Harriet reckoned X marked the spot.”
“I bet the boys liked that,” Alice said, her tone dry.
“There was some good-natured banter.”
“I’m glad I wasn’t there and dragged into the conversation.” Alice shuddered. “The oldies have no shame.”
“I don’t want to talk about them. I have more important things in mind.”
“Tell me,” she said.
A rough growl vibrated in his chest. “Lie down and let me show you.” He removed the scarves from around her ankles.
Anything. She just wanted him, wanted to soothe the ache between her legs. Alice maintained eye contact while she lay back on the mattress.
James moved between her legs and placed his hands beneath her ass, lifting her to his mouth. He licked the length of her cleft, stopping just short of her clit to glance up at her. His mouth bore traces of red and green while his eyes held plain mischief. His tongue darted out to lick his lips. “Chocolate.” He didn’t give her time to comment but licked again before grabbing a condom. James rolled it over his erection and turned to her full of leashed power. A muscle jumped in his jaw and the humor left his eyes. This was a man intent on pleasure.
Their lips met. Mated. He plundered her mouth, and when they pulled apart, they both breathed harshly.
“Turn over.” James flipped her over on her stomach before she had a chance to question him. He covered her from behind while Alice waited breathlessly to see what he’d do next. James lifted her up on all fours and pushed deep into her pussy in one hard thrust. Once fully impaled, he stilled. The fire he’d kindled flared brighter. James gripped her hips then pulled back until his cock was poised at her entrance. He reached between them to activate the vibrating feature on the condom and stroked back into her pussy. He cupped her breasts and squeezed, teasing her nipples to hard points.
Her belly quivered. The vibrating condom set off a series of tingles inside her. She gasped when he licked a path along her spine and buried himself in her hot, wet core again. It always felt so good when he pushed into her channel. His cock slid over her swollen clit and massaged the walls of her pussy. James moved faster, pumped harder. He tugged at her nipples, driving her higher with the tiny pinches of pain.
Alice pushed her ass back against his groin. The squelch of arousal filled the air along with their combined scents. He stroked again with delicate precision. Tiny flutters grew. Flesh slapped against flesh. A shiver speared through her body. This man…he was so damned sexy. He played her like a musical instrument, heat stabbing her when he rubbed a finger across her clit.
“James.” She scarcely recognized her own voice. It was a groan, an indication of the way he made her feel. The condom continued vibrating. She trembled with raw need. Another thrust and a pass of his fingers and she shattered, exploding for long seconds afterward.
James’ hips jerked. He pumped into her rapidly in short, hard strokes before freezing fully seated, his cock convulsing. He kissed her shoulder and separated their bodies. After removing the condom, he lay on his side and pulled her into his arms.
She smiled, relaxed and boneless after their loving. They’d made a mess of the sheets with all the chocolate paint but it had been worth it.
Chapter Fourteen
“James, we need to talk. I’ve put it off but it’s been nagging me.” Alice gave an unhappy sigh while she waited for him to navigate the herd of cows on the road during their drive to work. “I’m worried.”
He took his attention off the road to glance at her. “Sounds serious. Are you going to tell me you’re not wearing any panties?”
“No!” She laughed at him and shook her head. “I’m wearing one of the pairs you bought for me.”
“Which ones? Show me.”
“No!” She laughed out loud, her eyes sparkling with both amusement and indignation. “You’re driving. I want to make work in one piece. I want to attend this school fete
that everyone is so excited about.” She paused to take a deep breath, her laughter fading. Anxiety crept into her instead.
“Well, spit it out.” His tone sounded light and full of encouragement. “I won’t bite.” His swift glance at her face and breasts told her he’d like to snatch a nibble or two.
“I think Rita is responsible for all the bad luck Fancy Free has encountered recently.”
“Rita?” He barked a laugh before shaking his head. “I don’t think so. Rita has worked for Fancy Free from the start. She was Alicia’s best friend. They…” James trailed off to glance at her again.
“What?”
“Not many people knew but it doesn’t matter if I tell you the truth. Alicia and Rita lived together.”
Alice frowned, her mind tripping way ahead of the conversation. Surely not? “As housemates? Or something else?”
“Lovers,” he said, taking away all her hastily erected illusions. “People knew they shared a house, but most thought they were just friends. They were very circumspect when out in public.”
“Oh.”
“I thought you would have known since Alicia was family.”
“No,” said Alice faintly. “I didn’t really know my godmother. Heck, I didn’t even know she owned a condom company.”
“It’s a wonder someone didn’t tell you. Sloan is a small town.”
Her parents must have known about both the condom company and the fact that her godmother had a female lover. Alice frowned in an attempt to untangle the mess of thoughts flooding her mind. Lovers. That didn’t make sense. Rita was the only person with opportunity. If not Rita, then who had done it? “The budgets were changed before they went to the bank. I didn’t do it and I’m pretty sure you didn’t either. That leaves Rita. I’ll show you when we get to work. I think I know where the problem is now. It came to me this morning.”
“While we made love?” he asked, with a conspiratorial grin.
“While I was in the shower.”
“We made love in the shower.”
“Yes.” Her tone sounded prim and a little proper. “And in the kitchen and outside against the car last night.” She squirmed on her seat, instantly feeling the twinge of overused muscles, and blushed at her memories of the previous night.
He pulled into the car park behind Fancy Free and parked in his usual space near the door. He switched off the ignition. “But you had fun.”
“Yes.” An understatement. The heat in her cheeks intensified. Even though sensual aches accompanied her today, she’d had a great time and didn’t regret a thing.
“Good.” He leaned across to brush a kiss on her cheek. “Why don’t you check out of the bed and breakfast and move in with me? There’s a spare bedroom you can use. Besides it will save you some money.”
He climbed from the car without waiting for her answer. With her heart thudding erratically, she grabbed her handbag and clipboard and hurried after him. “James, wait.”
“Made a decision already?” His casual tone gave no indication as to what he wanted her to do.
“Are you sure?” The spare bedroom? What exactly did he have in mind?
“Of course I’m sure.”
Alice hesitated before blurting, “Separate bedrooms?” She wanted to make sure they understood each other from the start.
“Only if that’s what you want,” he said. “I thought you might like a room to keep all your things.”
She beamed. Okay, that was clear. “Thanks. I’ll be the perfect housemate.”
“I’m not here for much longer and I need someone to housesit for me anyway. I’d prefer someone I know.”
Maybe not. The reminder of his fast-approaching departure date took some of the shine off his offer. Pride bade she keep her thoughts hidden, her smile intact. James had never promised happy ever after. Wanting a future was her dream, her problem, not his.
“Thanks,” she managed, even though the word almost choked her. Her problem. “Will you come and take a look at the budgets? I’m spending the morning in the office before heading out to the fete. I promised Lindy I’d help her deliver all the cookies she’s made.”
“I need to make a few calls first and I want to check up on dispatch to make sure there aren’t any problems with the orders due to ship. I might not make it to see you this morning.”
She nodded, maintaining an impassive expression to cover her hurt. He didn’t believe her. Fine. She’d gather her facts and present the evidence. She hurried down the passage to her office, noting at the back of her mind that the moss green carpet was in need of replacement.
Laughter from the boardroom made her pause. She peeked through the partially open door and saw everyone present apart from Richard. The scent of coffee and cinnamon wafted to her. Alice’s nose twitched and she stepped inside, giving into temptation. Cinnamon buns. Oh boy.
“Ah, here she is!” The tinge of glee in Harriet’s voice gave Alice pause. She scanned the faces of the other board members—Joseph, Ben and Katarina. Even Rita bore a smirk.
“I have to make an important phone call.” Cinnamon buns or not, there was a joke here at her expense. Alice backed rapidly toward the door. She’d have a coffee later.
“Not so fast, missy,” Ben said. “Pour the girl a coffee, Harriet. She’s looking a mite tired. A jolt of caffeine might wake her up.”
Alarm heightened. They weren’t being nice—this was a mass attack.
“Alice, sit here.” Joseph waved her to a seat beside him.
Feeling like a mouse facing a nest of snakes, Alice moved toward the empty chair and perched on the edge ready for a quick get away. A cup rattled in its saucer when Harriet placed a black coffee in front of her. Ben handed her the milk and sugar, and she set these down in front of Alice too.
“She might enjoy a cinnamon bun,” Katarina said.
Okay, those eyes were definitely predatory. “What is going on?” Alice made eye contact with Rita, Ben and Harriet. Her stomach roiled when her gaze moved on to Joseph. Why did they have to pick on her? At least she knew it wasn’t condom related since they didn’t have any of those handy-dandy penis models on the table. At least she hoped it wasn’t condom related.
“Isn’t James here?” Joseph asked with a glance at the door. If Alice weren’t mistaken, his face held disappointment.
It was something about the two of them. Oh heck. It was condom related.
“James shouldn’t miss this,” Ben agreed, springing to his feet. “I’ll go and get him.”
Perhaps she didn’t feel like a mouse after all. No, she felt like a special exhibition at the Auckland museum. Heat crept into her cheeks. Alice wanted to fidget but forced herself to reach for her coffee instead. She added milk and half a teaspoon of sugar. Her hand trembled a tad, although she didn’t think it was too noticeable. She took a sip of her coffee and waited for the oldies to spring their trap.
Voices sounded in the passage outside the boardroom. Several voices. Alice wondered who else Ben had rounded up to witness whatever humiliation the board wanted to heap on them.
“After you,” Ben said in a loud voice.
They all straightened, a signal the show was about to begin. Alice darted a glance at the door and set her coffee cup down with a thump. “Steven. What are you doing here?”
“He’s come to set your wedding date,” Ben said in a gleeful tone.
Alice jumped to her feet. “I think we’ll have this discussion in private. Come through to my office.” She seized Steven’s arm and tugged but Ben blocked their way.
“Have a coffee and some cinnamon buns,” Katarina suggested. “No need to hurry. James, here’s your coffee.”
Alice glanced at James. He didn’t give a hint of his emotions, and she could only guess at his thoughts. When he neared a brief flicker of emotion darkened his eyes, disappearing almost as quickly as it had appeared. He stepped past and dropped into an empty seat at the far end of the boardroom. Meanwhile the board members shuffled along a seat so Steven could sit
next to her. She muttered under her breath and stomped back to her chair.
“You’re in the local paper today,” Joseph said, breaking the uneasy silence.
Alice’s stomach flipped uneasily, a version of butterflies but ten times worse. Her gaze darted to James. His blue eyes widened briefly and his head moved in an imperceptible shake. He had no idea what they were on about either.
“James, you’re mentioned as well.”
“Stop prodding and tell us what you’re talking about,” James snapped. “We’re both busy and don’t have time for your shenanigans.”
“Not too busy for a little rumpy-pumpy,” Harriet said in an arch tone.
“You know we’re testing the condoms.” James vibrated with anger, his eyes glowering and his mouth compressed into a flat line. His gaze scorched when it flitted across Steven before grazing over her face. He thought she’d lied to him.
“Testing condoms? You? And Alice? Together?” Steven’s brows rose toward his retreating hairline.
“Yes.” Irritation built inside Alice at James for his lack of trust—although why it mattered when he intended to leave anyway—at Steven for turning up and telling everyone they intended to get married and at the board members for stirring up trouble. Their board powers had zapped to their heads. They thought it was fun to play with other people’s lives.
“Oh well. What’s done is done. Alice will return home with me. I’ve booked the church and ordered your wedding gown.”
James ignored the pompous idiot sitting beside Alice and concentrated on Harriet. It was either that or hit the man. “What the hell are you talking about? What have Alice and I done to hit the headlines again?” He cast about for a plausible reason. Everyone set alarm bells ringing. The oldies were up to something. Time to cut to the chase. James glowered at each of them in turn. “Tell us now.”
Fancy Free Page 18