by CJ Andrews
I struggled to keep my voice down. “And what does that have to do with you? Do you expect me to believe that had you trapped in the men’s room for half an hour? You could have called me. Or even answered your damn phone when I called you!”
My vision blurred as I fought back tears. He knew how much I hated to argue. How could he do this to me? Especially tonight.
Will reached for me, hesitating before fully extending his hand to touch me. He moved as though approaching a stray dog, testing to see if it would attack.
I didn’t step back this time.
He brushed my hair away from my face and stroked my ear. When I began to relax, he eased me closer and wrapped his other arm around me. “I wasn’t going to tell you because I didn’t want to upset you on your birthday.”
The calm tone of his voice soothed my raw nerves.
He paused to look at me, as though gauging my reaction, then skimmed his nose along mine. “There was another guy there. The two of us were able to break apart the men who were fighting, but then we had to wait for security to show up.” He placed a gentle kiss on my temple. “Security made us wait so they could talk to us. I came straight back to you as soon as I could get away. I swear.” He framed my face and looked into my eyes.
My brows pressed together as I studied him, considering his explanation. The sincerity in his expression melted my anger. How could I have doubted him? I wished I could take back my words, erase the pain they’d surely caused him.
The best I could do was try to make it up to him. “I was worried about you.” I turned to kiss his palm then reached up to caress his face. “And I missed you.” I locked my hands behind his head and stretched on my toes to kiss him. After a few seconds, I brushed my lips across his face to whisper in his ear, “Come dance with me, and then I want you to take me to bed.”
Will wrapped me in his arms, crushing me to his chest. He drew in a ragged breath and pressed a long kiss against my head.
“Let’s skip the dance.” He took my hand and led me toward the exit.
Chapter Three
Love Me Tonight
It was a good thing Will had cut me off when he did. If I’d finished that second drink, he would probably be carrying me right now. He unlocked the door then caught me around the waist as I stumbled into our suite. I braced my hands against his chest, struggling to find my balance.
A broad smile spread across my face as I gazed up at him. “Hey, handsome. It’s about time you brought me here.”
He looked awfully sexy in his tux, but I was more interested in getting him out of it. I slid my hands up his shirt as I stretched to kiss him and pushed the jacket off his shoulders.
Will’s chest shook as he chuckled. “I could’ve sworn you told me you were staying sober tonight. Come here.” He took my hands in his and walked backward, leading me toward the large four-poster bed.
“I like the way you think.” I wanted to touch him, finish pulling off that jacket—and more—but I couldn’t wiggle my hands free.
Will wrapped my fingers around one of the tall bedposts, making sure I had a good grip on it. He lowered his eyes to mine. “You alright there?”
I couldn’t wait to see what he had planned. I nodded eagerly but regretted the sudden movement as the room swayed.
“Give me a minute.” He pressed his lips to mine. “Don’t let go, okay?”
Having learned my lesson, I gave just a single nod this time.
Will crossed the spacious room, pausing to drop his jacket on a plush chair. He paired his phone with the Bluetooth speaker on the dresser then pushed a few buttons. A sultry soft jazz melody filled the suite.
He sauntered toward me, humming along with the music. In one swift move, he scooped me up and spun around, making me shriek with laughter.
I grabbed hold of his arms as he put me back down, clinging while I waited for the room to stop moving.
Will tapped his finger on the tip of my nose. “I’m going to grab a quick shower, and then we have a birthday to celebrate.”
“Not so fast, mister.” I caught his tie as he tried to step away and pulled him to me. “You promised you would be all mine when we came back to the room. It’s my birthday, and I want to open my present.”
I watched his face closely as I undid his bow tie and eased the silky fabric from under his collar. “Hmm . . . We could have some fun with this later.” I wrapped the tie around my wrist and let it slip through my fingers, daring Will to be adventurous.
He arched a brow and looked at me but didn’t say a word.
I tossed the tie on the bed then slowly went to work on his shirt buttons. “You know . . .” I kissed the warm skin exposed at the top of his chest. “I could join you in the shower.”
Another button, but this time Will hooked his fingers under my chin before I could place another kiss. He tipped my face toward his, and his eyes locked on mine. Without saying a word, he gently shook his head.
My face sagged forward, pressing the weight of my disappointment into his fingers. I didn’t want to wait. This was what I’d been working toward all evening. All week . . . or nearly three weeks, to be more accurate.
I rolled my hips against him and bit back a victorious grin. “Seems you’ve been outvoted.”
His body’s reaction empowered me. I resumed my endeavor on his buttons, fingers fumbling with alcohol-induced clumsiness. “Almost there.”
I slid my hands inside his unbuttoned shirt, caressing his warm skin, and worked to pull his shirttail free.
Will grabbed my hands and trapped them behind my back. “Patience, babe.” He nuzzled my neck. “I’ll only be a few minutes, and then I have plans for you.”
“I’ve been patient long enough.” I pouted and tried pleading with my eyes, but he didn’t give in.
He nipped my extended lip then smoothed over the spot with his tongue. “Why don’t you pour us a drink while you wait. I had some wine delivered.” He motioned toward the counter where an open bottle was chilling in a bucket of ice then chuckled. “I’m not sure it’s the best idea anymore though. You’ve already had a lot more than you usually drink when we go out. Sex will be more fun if you’re conscious.”
My jaw dropped. I must have misunderstood him.
He released me and turned to make his way to the bathroom, removing his shirt as he walked. The door closed behind him.
“You are such a tease, Will DeLaney.” I laughed and followed after him. “I know you’re just standing there. Waiting for—”
The lock clicked. I froze in place.
“Or . . . maybe not.” Another small stab of pain to my heart. It was beginning to feel like a pincushion tonight.
Will emerged from the steamy bathroom a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around his waist. He walked toward me, his casual strut back in place.
It wasn’t easy in my intoxicated state, but I’d managed to pour our wine and waited for him on a stool by the bar. I wrapped my arms around his waist when he reached me, needing the physical contact.
I leaned into his bare chest and breathed in the scent of his soap, wiggling my nose as the light smattering of hair tickled me. “I’m sorry for overreacting earlier. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Shhhh, let’s forget about that, okay?” He placed a kiss on top of my head and stroked my hair, winding the curls around his fingers. “But we do have a problem.”
Every muscle in my body tensed. One thought ran through my head. The same fear that had hit me when I’d seen him standing in the entrance to the bar—he saw me flirting with Nico. It all made sense now . . . suddenly leaving the party, wanting some time alone, making me wait for sex.
I pulled back to look at him, prepared to explain the innocence of our chat. Instead, I was greeted by a teasing smile plastered across his handsome face.
Talk about a guilty conscience, phew.
But if he wasn’t upset about finding me with another man, what could our problem be? I pushed aside thoughts of Nico and grinned
at my husband, trying to play along. “And what might that be?”
“You’re still dressed.” He picked up his glass and drained its contents. “And I want you naked.”
My smile grew without being forced. Whatever had Will upset earlier had faded, and we were back on track for a romantic evening. The first of many.
Other than a few odd moments tonight, Will had been very attentive. Loving. That had to mean he wanted to change our relationship too.
So why am I suddenly nervous?
I stroked the stem of my wine glass, waiting for the queasy feeling to pass. “I-I thought maybe you could help me.”
I’d felt good about my brazen lingerie decision when I got dressed this evening, but after seeing all the fit, glamorous younger women at the party—what if Will just didn’t find my forty-year-old semi-in-shape body sexy anymore?
“Oh, really?” Will rubbed his freshly shaved chin, his smile still in place. “Well, I think that can be arranged.” He took my hand to help me stand and guided me toward the bed. “So where shall I begin?”
He dipped me in a movie-style dramatic kiss then rained kisses down my neck and across my collarbone, knowing all the right places to nip. I squirmed and giggled under his assault, trying to keep a tight grip on his shoulders for support. Alcohol and stilettos did not make a good combination, something I should probably keep in mind in the future.
“Will, stop! I need to take off my shoes before—” Too late. We were already tumbling toward the floor.
Will caught hold of the bedpost and prevented our fall. His other arm tightened around my waist, holding me to him. “No worries, babe. I’ve got you.”
“Oh my God, Will!” I could barely get the words out through my laughter. “You’re going to put us in the emergency room if you don’t take it easy!”
He laughed and snagged the top of my dress with his teeth, giving a playful growl as he tugged at the fabric. He pouted after a moment, apparently not getting the result he’d hoped for, and settled for placing a lush kiss on my partially exposed breast.
I pulled my fingers through his hair, still damp from his recent shower. “I’ve missed this.”
He tilted his head at me, a crease between his brows. “What’s that?”
“The playing. It’s been a really long time—before tonight, I mean. It-it’s nice. The way I want us to be.” I rubbed my cheek against his chest.
He didn’t respond. Instead, he reached behind me and slowly tugged on my zipper, leaning against my chest to hold my dress in place. When the zipper was down, he pressed his lips to my ear. “Bomb’s away.” Stepping back, he allowed my dress to fall to the floor.
This was it. The moment of truth. I exhaled, pulling my stomach muscles as flat as I could get them, and closed my eyes. I heard his sharp intake of breath when he saw my lingerie.
“Well, this is a nice surprise.” He ran his fingers along the top of the black satin bustier then traced the laces along the front of it.
My skin tingled as his touch revived its dormant senses. I opened my eyes and saw a look of approval on Will’s face, his relaxed grin and heavy eyes easing my anxiety.
“Mmm . . . very nice. I feel like it’s my birthday instead of yours.”
He lowered himself, kneeling to get a closer look at the wide lace garter belt covering my hips. My muscles contracted as his hands brushed across my stomach then around to cup my bottom.
Will’s head snapped toward me, his brows raised. “No panties? The whole time?”
I shook my head, nervously biting the inside of my lip. A tiny black thong had come with the set, but I’d tossed it aside and decided to be daring. It was a desperate move, but it looked as though my decision was paying off.
“Christ, it’s no wonder you were so horny on the dance floor. I would’ve been sporting wood all night if I’d known this was under your dress.”
His hands slid down my silky black stockings as he sat back on his heels, the front of his towel jutting forward from his erection. He seemed to get lost in his thoughts as he watched me for what felt like an eternity.
I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. A crease formed between his brows, and his lips pressed into a tight line. His expression looked conflicted, and it was making me nervous.
“Are you going to sit there all night, or are you going to take me to bed?”
My words seemed to draw his mind back from wherever it had wandered. “Definitely taking you to bed.” He stood and took my hands to help me step out of my dress, which lay pooled around my ankles. As he guided me to the bed, he leaned in and brushed his lips across my ear. “Keep the shoes on.”
Chapter Four
Two Steps Back
I awoke to the morning sun on my face. As I lay there basking in its warmth, my mind drifted to the heated moments Will and I’d shared just a few hours earlier. I skimmed my hands over my body, remembering each touch. He’d even woken me during the night to make love a second time—that never happened.
A satisfied hum escaped me as I stretched my aching body and turned to face him, planning to return the favor. I opened my eyes. The bed was empty.
“Will?” I sat up and squinted into the room. He wasn’t here.
Reaching for my cell, I discovered a glass of orange juice next to a bottle of aspirin on the nightstand. The simple gesture said so much. I brushed my fingers over the tepid glass before grabbing my phone and pressing the button to call him.
Something vibrated against the empty wine bottle still on the counter from last night—Will’s phone.
Waking up alone sucked, especially after last night. I hugged my knees to my chest, fighting the empty feeling gnawing at me.
My head snapped up at the sound of the door opening. I hopped from the bed and rushed to greet Will, a huge smile on my face. We’d gotten off to a rough start, but last night had turned out to be pretty amazing. I couldn’t wait to be back in his arms.
He stepped inside, a takeout mug of coffee and a small white bag in one hand.
I didn’t care. I crashed into him, knocking him off balance, and squeezed him in a huge hug. “Good morning!” I barely recognized the bubbly voice as my own. “I was just about to go search for you.”
He reached behind me to set the coffee and bag on the table by the door. “I was up early. I didn’t want to wake you, so I decided to take a walk.”
I grabbed his face and covered his mouth with mine, skimming my tongue along his lower lip.
He was slow to respond but gradually wrapped his arms around me and returned the kiss.
“Well, I’m awake now . . .” My stomach made a loud growling noise that made us laugh. “And starving, it seems. Guess we should probably get some breakfast.”
I snuggled against Will then stretched up to nibble on his earlobe. He shivered and tried to pull away, but I didn’t release him.
“Or I could just eat you,” I whispered.
“Okay then, breakfast it is.” He picked up the bag he’d carried in and handed it to me.
I hesitated, waiting for him to crack a smile then sweep me up in his arms.
He extended the bag a second time.
No arguments, Danni. Just go with it.
The sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies greeted me when I opened the bag. “Smells delicious. Chocolate chip?”
He nodded. “With pecans. They’re from the bake shop we saw when we checked in yesterday.”
I put them aside, deciding they’d be better as dessert, and traced my fingers down Will’s chest. “Actually, I was thinking—we have an hour until we have to check out.” I took a step closer so my breasts brushed against him. “And I have a few ideas on how we can fill it.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Hate to break it to you, babe, but we need to hit the road. It’s a long drive to your sister’s, and you promised we’d be there by two.”
I tugged at the button on his jeans. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if—”
He pressed a finger to my lips
and shook his head. “Go get dressed, and I’ll finish packing our things.”
I smiled under his finger, determined not to give up.
Will grabbed my hand to stop me before his zipper was halfway down. “Babe, last night was a lot of fun.” A crease formed between his brows, and he paused briefly before shaking it off to continue. “But we can’t play all the time.”
All the time? I pulled back to stare at him. “You’re joking, right?”
He turned me toward the bathroom and gave my bottom a gentle swat to send me on my way.
“And we’re back to boring,” I grumbled as I crossed the room and shoved the door closed behind me.
After a quick shower, I threw on a sweater and jeans, brushed my teeth, then pulled my hair into a messy ponytail. Will had apparently packed most of our bathroom items earlier this morning. The only thing left was my makeup bag. I pulled out my mascara and leaned toward the mirror, pausing to scrutinize myself, tugging at the small lines visible around my eyes.
“Why bother.” I dropped the tube back into the bag and zipped it shut.
Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. I grabbed a tissue from the counter to wipe them away, but it was futile. A new supply quickly took their place. I sucked in a ragged breath, my earlier joy extinguished, and dragged myself from the room.
A few minutes later we were in the elevator, headed for the walkway to the parking garage. I stood next to Will, my arms crossed, and maintained enough distance between us to show I wasn’t happy with his mood swing. What happened to the fun, wonderful man he was last night?
“Stop it.”
I raised my eyes to him, my only response.
“You’re sulking. There will be other special nights.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me against him.
When I opened my mouth to protest, the elevator dinged, warning that we wouldn’t be alone much longer. Rather than argue in public, I closed my mouth and settled for turning my head away from him.
The doors opened. Nico entered the elevator, engrossed in something on his phone screen. With barely a glance up, he slipped a key into the panel and pressed the button for the top floor.