Daniella knew her cheeks were crimson when heat prickled beneath her skin. If only she could go back in time and change her actions... but there was Meg, who allowed her to drop the barrier she frequently put between herself and other females.
Wait! She came to a sudden realization that part of Cruz’s statement indicated ownership. ‘Don’t want to share you with anyone.’ Did he mean to say it—were they officially a couple?
Cruz cupped his hands over her cheeks. “Look at me. It’s not you. I've acted irrational. Senseless. Stupid. Ridiculously crazy because of you.”
He held her gaze.
She shot him a smile.
He smiled seductively, and in his eyes, she could see a deep desire burning. With bittersweet fervor, he captured her lips. The sweetness of his mouth drove a passionate urge inside of her. Not wanting the emotions to end, she slipped her hands along the ripples of his abdomen, across his chest and up to his head. He stroked her abdomen and worked his way up. It wasn’t until his hands slid back down that she felt the wet droplets pierce her bare shoulders.
Rain.
A fine sprinkle turned into a downpour. It hadn’t affected Daniella because Cruz intoxicated her with sheer pleasure, unlike any she’d ever known. He wasn’t touching sensitive areas, but the way he kissed her, the way he ran his hands delicately over her neck and down along her hips…
Turbulent emotions stirred wildly inside her head. She needed to stop this craziness before she lost herself completely.
Attempting to regain control, Daniella grabbed his hand as he inched down along the inner lining of her shorts. Between kisses, she said, “We shouldn’t... not outside. I... we should... should go... before beach patrol comes round.”
“Yes. Yes, we should go now.” He held her at arms-length and his fingers trailed down the side of her face. “Let’s escape to my house, where we can be alone.”
She shivered straight down between the center of her legs.
No. I shouldn’t. But... I want to. What is he doing to me?
Daniella’s teeth chattered and her body shook. “We’re soaked. I should really go home and call it a night.”
“Come on. Let’s get to the car and get you warmed up. You’re freezing.” He wrapped his arm around her waist.
She curled her fingers around his belt loop.
They jogged back to the car.
~~~
Daniella dug through her purse in search of her keys. Cruz caught her off guard as he reached from behind and scooped her into his arms. He kicked the door open and stepped into the house.
“What are you doing? Put me down. I’m too heavy!” She twisted in his arms, but he clung tighter and carried her through the kitchen.
He didn’t grin. He didn’t say a thing. But the sparks in his eyes as he examined her face was downright sexy. After entering the living room, he let her legs loose, and pulled her down on the white, plush rug. He held her against him, her breath catching at the touch of his lips. He sucked her bottom lip into his, nibbled lightly, and traced her jawbone with his thumbs. His tongue slid along the outline of her ear and slowly down her neck, fingers following until he reached her shoulders.
She tensed.
“Sit up,” he whispered.
Cruz stood, circled around and sat down. “Come over here, in front of me. I’ll give you a massage.”
For fifteen minutes, Cruz rubbed, kneaded and pressed his fingers into her back and shoulders, massaging the tension away. His hands slid slowly around front, working each button of her shirt loose. He shifted to his knees, flipped her silky damp hair off to one side and kissed her neck in gentle circular motions. She tilted her head, allowing him full access, not wanting him to stop when he slipped her shirt off and unfastened her bra.
He licked her ear and groaned, his breath sending tingles across her shoulders. Her stomach quivered from the touch of his hands as he hoisted her up to her knees and turned her around to face him. She let her arms drop, and her bra slipped off. Her breathing labored with little pants and gasps when he lapped her nipples, sucking lightly, and then more greedily.
Pulling back, he stood, took her hands and lifted her to her feet. In one quick stroke, he whipped his shirt off and watched her as he dropped his shorts. She suddenly felt nervous. His briefs were still on when he wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close, lips nearly touching hers. He slipped his hands into the back of her shorts, firmly gripping and pressing her against him.
“Mm... I want you.” He slid his fingers along the string of her thong and unfastened her belt, released the button and unzipped the zipper.
His lips were soft and warm. She accepted them the moment they touched hers. He opened his mouth a little, teasing in a way, but not purposely, and she drew his face closer, begging for more. He combed his fingers through her hair, controlling each movement as he turned her head whichever direction he chose. He tugged on her shorts, thong included, and slid his hands down her thighs, her shorts and thong now pooling at her feet, as he kneeled, and nodded for her to step out of them. She didn't hesitate, but a quiver seized her stomach when he coerced her down on the rug and kicked off his briefs.
The warmth of his flesh against her own aroused every cell within her and she couldn’t push the thoughts of him burying himself inside of her out of her head.
She wouldn’t be able to stop him. She met him head on with passion, reaching up, running her fingers through his hair at the baseline of his neck, pulling him down tighter. She shifted her hips slightly at the sensation of his fingers sliding along the delicate skin between her thighs. Cruz slipped them lower, entering tighter depths. Daniella gasped and shuddered. Both pulled back, out of breath. She wanted him. She wanted him more than she’d wanted any man and that scared the crap out of her.
What she didn’t want was to get pregnant. “We can’t... Cruz. Stop.”
“Mm... why... not?” Cruz lifted his head and met her eyes with steady resolve.
“I’m… well, I just started on birth control a week ago—I'm not protected. I don’t want a kid. Do you?”
He stared as he slowly slid his middle finger in and out of her several times before finally pulling away.
“Mm. No, but I have a condom. Hang on.” He stood and went upstairs.
That little voice warning her not to do it just yet wouldn't quit toying with her thoughts. Do you think you know him well enough? Is he going to use you? Crap. I can’t be certain of anything. Why is this happening? Why am I letting it happen? Crap, crap, crap! Daniella pushed herself up, retrieved her clothing and slipped her shorts on. She stuffed her thong and bra halfway into her purse, and struggled with the buttons on her shirt. Clutching her purse, she marched toward the front door.
“What are you doing? What’s wrong?” Cruz asked—eyes wide, mouth open.
When she didn't answer, Cruz closed the distance and clenched his fingers around her wrist. He gave her a slight tug.
Feelings of shame washed over her for attempting to leave without telling him. She dropped her head and stared at the floor. What could she say? I’m afraid it’s too soon. Truth is, I’m scared shitless you’ll rip my heart into a million pieces if we do it and then you send me on my way. God, that would hurt more than what happened with Blake.
Cruz released his grip. “Don’t run. Wait right here.”
He retrieved his boxer briefs while keeping his eyes on her. After slipping them on, he rushed back and trapped Daniella against the wall by the door.
“Please, talk to me,” he pleaded.
“I... um.” She struggled for the right words.
“You changed your mind. Is it me? Something I did?” Cruz’s nose nearly touched hers as he held her gaze.
“No. It’s not you. I mean... it is... but it isn't.” Daniella still couldn’t come out and say what she wanted to say.
“It is, but it isn’t. Maybe you could clarify a little better.” He inched forward, pressed into her and nibbled on her neck.
; “Clarify. Um, okay. But...” He was doing it again, getting her aroused. Daniella pushed him back. “We’re moving too fast. I hardly think two weeks is enough time to know one well enough to allow full exploration of the most intimate, most personal thing a person could know. It’s not you in that I don’t want you. I do, but I can’t assume there is more to what we are about to do than just that.”
“Let me see if I understand exactly what you are saying.” Cruz reached a hand underneath Daniella’s chin and lifted upward, forcing her to look at him. “You think if you let me have all of you, that it ends there. I get what I want and bye-bye to you. Is that what you think?”
Daniella nodded.
“Seriously?”
Again, Daniella nodded.
“Go into the bathroom and finish dressing properly.” He pointed her toward the steps and she went without argument.
“Great. I probably blew it,” Daniella said in an undertone. She examined the bathroom, which was nearly the size of her bedroom. Cruz had great taste as far as the bathroom deco. The brighter colors decorating the bathroom went well with the tan surrounding the jacuzzi. If she had to redesign the bathroom, the only thing she might do; add additional colors and some out-of-the-ordinary deco. Candles surrounding the jacuzzi would be a must.
What the heck is wrong with me? I've probably just ruined it with Mr. Perfect, and I'm redecorating his bathroom? Seriously!
After dressing properly, she leaned over on the counter, turned the faucet on, and splashed her face with cold water.
Okay. He's probably pissed, but there's no way around this. Deal with it. Face him like a woman! Yeah. Right. She gently turned the handle and opened the door. Slipping out quietly, she moved forward and down the steps, scoping out the living room for Cruz's whereabouts.
Cruz was sitting on the new couch, hands clasped between his legs. He didn’t glance in her direction until she stood behind the empty sofa, uncertain of what to do.
“Come sit.” He patted the couch. She approached and sat a few feet away from him. He turned, shifted his legs and scooted up against her. Snaking his hand around her back, he gave a slight squeeze, purposely fell back into the couch, pulling her on top of him, and said nothing.
The silence drove Daniella nuts. She pushed herself up on his chest, and stared down at him. “Are you mad at me?”
Placing his lips against her ear, he whispered, “No, I'm not mad at you, but you could have told me you weren't ready instead of handling it the way you did.”
“I know and I'm sorry. I… um, I—”
Cruz pressed his lips against Daniella's and mumbled, “Shush. Want to watch a movie?”
“Um, okay,” she replied.
He handed her the remote. “You choose.”
While she flipped through the premium channels, he pulled her down next to him on the sofa. Daniella relaxed into his arms and rested her head on his chest.
7 - Butt Emergency
Daniella, Lori, and Jill walked leisurely down the street to one of their favorite café's for lunch. They sat at their usual table under the patio awning and placed their orders.
Lori rambled on about this and that, but Daniella hadn't heard a word she'd said. She was thankful that Jill listened intently so her own inattention went without notice. She was high with excitement over her new relationship, and the thought of what they had almost done over the weekend.
Daniella had just finished her lunch when her cell phone buzzed. She glanced at Lori and Jill. They shook their heads, obviously aware of who was calling. She shot them a smile, pushed her chair back, and stood.
“I'll be right back. I've got to take this call.” Daniella excused herself. “Hello?”
“Well, hello there. What is the most beautiful woman in the world up to right now? She sounds somewhat breathless.” Cruz's deep voice made her smile.
“I'm at a café with my friends, my coworkers. I had to excuse myself and rush outside to answer your call.”
“I'm flattered. Does that mean you like me, maybe just a little bit?”
Daniella chuckled. “I suppose I do, Mr. Canton. Are you calling for something specific or are you missing my voice already?”
“Both.”
There was a long pause. Daniella hadn't thought he was finished with his statement, but apparently, he was.
“Well? You've heard my voice already, so out with the specifics, Mr. Canton.”
He gave a short laugh then cleared his throat. “Stop with the Mr. Canton line. I've already told you it makes me feel old. Okay, now on to the specifics. Ms. Kurtz, I'm calling because I love your voice, but more specifically, I'd like to invite you to my parents beach home this weekend. They throw a big party every year at this time, and a lot of friends show up for water sports, volleyball and grilled food.”
“Water sports. Would that be boating?”
“Of course. Boating, skiing, boogie boarding, jet skis—you name it, we can do it. So, how 'bout it? Will you accompany me, Ms. Kurtz?”
“You can stop with the Ms. Kurtz business, Mr. Canton, if you want me to accompany you.” Daniella teased. “When do we leave and when do we come back?”
“Friday after work and return sometime Sunday?”
“Hm. I suppose that will work.”
“Great! I'll inform my parents and I'll call you later.” As usual, Cruz hung up without saying goodbye.
Daniella strolled back into the café.
“Well?” Lori asked.
“Well, what?"
“Oh, pa-lease, Daniella.” Jill waggled a finger. “Don't act like you didn't just walk out of here with your phone glued to your ear. And like your head hasn't been in the clouds.”
“More like the gutter.” Lori grinned. “Do tell us about your weekend. Did you play hide the cobra?”
“Lori”
“Rumple the foreskin?”
“Can you sh—”
“Musical flute?”
Daniella could kiss Jill for mugging Lori's mouth with her hand when she did, because she was certain they were on the verge of being kicked out of the café for obnoxious behavior.
Daniella held her tongue until they were out of the café before she informed the peanut gallery (Lori and Jill) of Cruz's weekend proposal. Thank God she waited because the x-rated expletives rolled off Lori's tongue all the way back to the office.
~~~
Friday was hell at work. Daniella had a hard time concentrating on anything other than the upcoming weekend. Cruz would be by this evening to pick her up. She bought a new bikini, but wearing it in front of Cruz and people she didn't know made her uneasy.
There was a rap, tap, tap on her door. Daniella glanced up to find Lori's hands and face pressed against the glass. She had her mouth open with her tongue circling round-and-round.
“You're disgusting! And you get to clean that mess off the glass, Lori!” Daniella shook her head. “Well, come in will you? Not that you need an invite when you normally come and go as you please.”
Lori flung the door open, and breathlessly threw herself against the counter. “I'm imitating you as I see you walking in Monday morning.”
“Breathless? Really, Lori? You're totally demented, perverted, and… and a jackass!”
“But you love me, and I'm so excited for you. This is it, Daniella. I just know it. You're going to marry him and pop out a couple of kids in the next few years.” Lori tapped her lips as if she were deciphering her next move.
“Glad you can read my future, but I think it's too soon to be planning my wedding. It's not as if he's taking me to Paris or anywhere romantic. It's a friggin' beach party, dear friend.” Daniella glanced at the clock. “Oh and look. It's time to leave.”
Lori slowly slid out of the chair and followed Daniella out of the building. “I want details when you get back.”
“Yeah, sure.” Daniella waved her off and slipped into her car.
~~~
Unsure of what the plans were for the evening at the cabin,
Daniella decided to wear a good pair of light denim shorts and a dark blue halter with a deep v cut in the back that dipped down to the waistband of her shorts. She weaved a white diamond studded belt through the loops of her shorts and slipped on a matching pair of sandals. She paced the floor and jumped at the sudden loud knocking at her front door.
After taking in several calming breaths, Daniella opened the door to greet one amazingly gorgeous man who smelled good enough to eat.
Without a word or a hello, Cruz greeted her with a kiss. It was gentle and teasing at first, and then he sucked in her bottom lip before he stepped in further, slid his hands along her neck and dove in. His tongue thrust far and urgent, sending tingling bubbles through the middle of her abdomen, down south to the junction of her thighs.
Both fought to catch their breath; Daniella stared into his blue eyes filled with lust.
“We'd better go,” he said, his voice husky. “But damn, you look amazing.”
Smiling, she said, “And you look mighty fine yourself, Mr. Canton.”
He crooked an eyebrow in obvious disapproval over her formal use of his name, grabbed her shoulders and turned her toward the door. “You can address my father that way, but don't do it with me or you'll be sorry, sweetheart.”
He leaned down and lifted her bag, giving her a big grin as he came back up.
“I might have to throw it out there a few more times, Mr.—” she chuckled, knowing he'd expected she'd finish his name, “—Canton, just to see what kind of sorry I'd be.”
She hurried down the steps with Cruz tailing right behind her.
Once they reached his car, Daniella rushed into the passenger side while Cruz popped the trunk and dropped her bag inside. She locked the door when he approached her side of the beamer, knowing he would inflict some type of torture on her. She held the lock and laughed at him as he held the unlock pad on the key fob. He leaned down and smiled big and wide with his face pressed against the window.
Of Love and Deception Page 6