Drew was photographing her with his eyes. The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes only elevated her own desire.
Reaching one hand behind her back, she unhooked her black lace bra and let it drop, exposing her full breasts. His hand reached out to touch them, but she stopped him, not breaking their gaze. KJ put a thumb on each side of her matching lace panties and bent over seductively as she removed them.
When she stood upright she stepped closer to him. This time he didn’t attempt to touch her; he waited, watching. Each time they had been together he’d given her so much. This time she wanted to be in control and give equally to him.
Her hands ran gently over his shoulders, down his arms, and back up again. With just her fingertips, she traced her way across his chest and over his solid abs. Sweet perfection. Dropping to her knees, she wrapped her fingers around his hard shaft. With the tip of her tongue, she licked him slowly, deliberately, from the base to the head and back down again, loving the taste and smell of him. Her lips curled as she heard a low husky growl escape him.
Drew tangled his fingers in her hair, moving it from her face so he could watch everything she was doing. “Are you trying to kill me?” His voice was husky with need.
Opening her mouth, she guided him between her lips. A passionate fluttering arose between her legs as she sucked him, pressing her tongue hard around him then flicking it before taking him deep within her throat again. God, he tastes so good. Her own moans vibrated around his pulsing shaft. Taking her free hand, she cupped his firm butt bringing him even closer to her.
“Oh, that feels so damn good.”
His words encouraged her to suck harder, take him deeper, increasing her pace hungrily. The more he moaned the bolder she became, almost losing control herself. His body tensed and his hands pulled her away from him. “If you don’t stop now . . .” he gasped, his breaths coming quick as he struggled for control.
Looking up at him she could tell he was on the brink of losing control, and she loved the power it gave her to drive him crazy like he had her. She had never done such things before, but she wanted him, wanted to taste more of him. Once again she guided him back to her mouth, her head tipped enough to watch him while he watched her. His hands gripping her hair no longer fought her, but he now pumped his hips to meet her mouth. The faster she went the wilder it became.
“Oh God, baby, that feels so good.”
She could feel his body tensing again. Yes, give it to me. Let me taste you. He held her head to him, her tongue pressed firmly against his shaft. Her own moans were muffled by his cry of her name, “Katherine. Katherine.” His body shuddered and jerked as he released his hot juices into her mouth. She swallowed everything he had to offer. When there was no more, she released him from her hold. Drew, you have a way of breaking down all my inhibitions. And I’m loving it.
Drew swept her easily into his arms and laid her on the edge of the Jacuzzi’s adjoining table. “That was . . . amazing. Now let me repay the favor.” His hands on her hips leisurely caressed their way down her outer thighs then to her knees where he urged them to open wider, giving him access to her most private parts. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders, slowly and seductively drifting downward. Her pulse quickened in anticipation. Kneeling down between her legs, his gaze as soft as a caress, he blew on her inner thigh. A brief shiver rippled through her.
“Please, Drew.”
He didn’t stop. “Please, what?” he asked, blowing again, this time on her core. “Tell me what you want, Katherine.” You, she thought immediately, surprised by the intensity of her thought. She knew it was more than just a physical need growing within her.
She reached for his head, but he pulled back just out of her reach. The intensity of the need was unbearable. KJ needed to feel his lips on her now. “Please. I can’t take it. Kiss me, Drew. Kiss me there. Now.” Her voice trembled with a want so great it hurt.
Drew fulfilled her request placing a soft kiss on her folds. Each kiss exploring deeper. His tongue entered the slit and flicked her clit sending shivers of delight through her.
“You taste so sweet,” he murmured against her hot flesh.
His strong hands clenched her buttocks, pulling her closer to him while his tongue teased her more intimately, darting in and out. Oh God, this feels so good. When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he slid a finger into her hot center while he sucked her clit. She inhaled sharply at the contact, her heart thudding wildly. “Drew, I need . . .”
His tongue increased its assault, nipping, and licking while he fingered her with two fingers. He had taken her to heights she had never known, and the sweet torture of holding her there prolonged the prize till it was almost unbearable. When she thought she would die from pleasure, she tightened around his fingers. Arching her back off the table, her body shook with uncontrollable waves of her climax. “Drew. Oh God, Drew.” Her cries echoed through the cool night air as she grabbed his shoulders trying to wiggle free. He didn’t stop. Instead his fingers stroked her faster, harder. It was sweet torture as he circled her clit with his tongue again and again in a rhythm that brought her to a second orgasm, then a third. Tears of absolute pleasure rolled down her cheeks. She was gasping for breath. He removed his fingers and kissed her lightly on her inner thigh. Never had she been devoured so intimately nor had she let a man take complete control of her satisfaction. You’re the only man I’ll ever let do that.
Every ounce of strength was spent. She couldn’t utter a word. Lying there, only his name echoed in the black stillness of her mind. Drew. KJ remained absolutely motionless for a moment. I couldn’t move if I tried.
Drew must have sensed she was spent. Gently he picked her limp body up into his arms and stepped into the Jacuzzi. Her heavy lashes that shadowed her cheeks flew open as her body came in contact with the hot bubbling water. “Trust me, your body will thank me in the morning.”
Trust him? KJ wasn’t exactly sure why, but she had done so from the moment they’d met, a connection to him like she’d never experienced before. Quickly she chastised herself for actions this past week so out of character for her. What did she really know about him? They’d only met a month ago and here she was traveling almost three thousand miles to stay with him in his penthouse. And loving it. Her mind was a crazy mixture of hope and fear as she reminded herself that no matter how mind-blowing the sex, or how sweet and thoughtful Drew could be, it was all going to end in two short weeks, and she and Blossom would be back in Napa. Alone.
Drew pulled her to sit on his lap so the jets of water didn’t hit her tender flesh. “Close your eyes and relax. I’ve got you.”
For now. Whatever it was about him, she had to conquer her involuntary response to the tender loving care he continued to bestow on her. Tonight she had no such strength. Resting her head on his shoulder, her lashes fluttered and closed.
Drew didn’t want to move. Having Katherine asleep in his arms was a damn good way to end one hell of a great night. Gently with the back of his left hand, he traced her high cheekbones, exquisitely dainty nose, and lips soft and delicate like a rose. As he did so, the corner of her mouth turned upward. She stirred slightly, snuggling up closer to him, but she didn’t wake. Sweet perfection.
She was so much more than her beauty. Katherine wasn’t like the other women he’d slept with. He’d never entangled his emotions like he had with her. She spun a delicate web, and he found himself trapped in it. Being with her was like playing with fire. It was dangerous, and someone was going to get hurt. Yet I can’t stop myself. He had never had a female guest over before, never mind for two weeks. When he’d invited her, it had been a spur-of-the-moment decision. He could have easily gotten out of it by not bribing the Chief of Staff, but once the invitation was given, he wasn’t about to let anything or anyone stand in the way of her joining him. It didn’t mean anything. He tried telling himself again and again it was only a physical attraction. He could acknowledge that her independence and lack of needines
s appealed to him. She hasn’t asked me for anything. Perhaps I’m reading this wrong and she can see this is only a physical thing too. Yet there was no denying it, there was more. I’m not looking for more. That didn’t please him at all. He may have let her into his home, but his heart was another matter—not up for negotiation.
He hoped she was going to enjoy herself during the time they weren’t spending together. Drew was getting together with the guys for the bachelor party tomorrow night, and having spoken to Lizette, Katherine could attend the bachelorette party the night after. It’s going to be a hell of a week.
When Drew called Jon and Lizette to let them know Katherine would be attending the wedding with him, their response was exactly as he’d thought: Jon’s simple answer of “Great,” and Lizette’s over-the-top excitement, “Wonderful, now we’re all paired up.”
“It’s just a date,” Drew had responded, but Lizette had no problem telling him it was going to be one of many. He would’ve corrected her but the soon-to-be bride wouldn’t hear anything he had to say at that point. Good luck, Jon, you’re going to need it.
It was amazing that in twelve months his three closest friends had all fallen into the tangled web of love. It was like a contagious disease. Good thing I’m immune and always will be.
Katherine stirred in his arms again. If he didn’t get them out of the hot tub they would be wrinkled for a week. Standing up, he boosted her higher in his arms and headed back inside the penthouse. Blossom, who had stayed by the pool, followed them inside. As they approached the bedroom, Drew turned to her giving her a warning look. She let out a soft whine then laid down outside the bedroom door.
Once he laid Katherine on the cool sheets she began to wake. Sliding under the sheets with her, he pulled her into his arms. She threw a leg over his and placed her head on his chest. He tried to fight it, but there was no denying it. It felt nice. Damn, this was not going to be easy.
Chapter Nine
‡
“Bachelorette party? Tomorrow night?” KJ was barely able to control her gasp of surprise. She was Drew’s date to the wedding, but he hadn’t said anything about her going out with the girls for whatever they had planned. Spending most of her time overseas, there hadn’t been any time for such parties. If one of her friends got married, they did so back home, and she only was able to enjoy the picture, not the actual event. “Sounds wonderful.”
“I knew you would say yes,” Jill exclaimed. “The guys are going out tonight, so do you want to get together for dinner?”
And yet another thing he failed to mention. I wonder what else Drew hasn’t informed me of. “If you don’t mind picking me up, I would love to go.”
“I will see you at eight,” Jill said before saying goodbye.
KJ placed the phone back on the nightstand and rolled back over, resting her chin on his bare chest. She looked at him with a bemused smile on her lips.
His left eyebrow rose. “Did I miss something?”
Snorting, she said, “Maybe I should ask you that question. That was Jill, and she was going over the details about the party tomorrow night.”
Drew smirked. “Would you believe I was going to tell you about that this morning?”
With a shake of her head she said, “I’m listening now. Is there anything else you may have failed to mention?” Beside the two things I already know.
“There may be a few things. How about we discuss it over breakfast?”
KJ wasn’t about to argue with that. One thing about his penthouse, it didn’t seem to have any food in it. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
Though she absolutely loved lying in his arms, her stomach seemed to be in control at the moment. She kissed him on the cheek, hopped out of the bed, and headed for the shower. Twenty-minute showers were the norm, but today it was all business, no time to enjoy the multi-head shower jets. Spending too much time, he might change his mind and try delaying breakfast by joining her in there. Would be enjoyable, but even better after I’m fed.
Drew had called for his driver to pick them up while she got ready. Waiting, he noticed how bare his place looked since breakable items had been removed. Doesn’t even look like anyone lives here. Drew could only imagine what Katherine thought of the place. Probably doesn’t believe it is mine.
He hadn’t thought it totally through when he invited her to stay. Drew wasn’t used to having anyone over except the guys so he had what he considered necessities: milk, cookies and beer. What was I thinking bringing her here? There was no reason to have anything beyond that because he ate out every meal. But then he remembered her home. It was stocked with cooking supplies and food. And God, she can cook. If she was staying with him for the next two weeks he better make her feel comfortable. Of course, food shopping in New York wasn’t something he had ever done, and he planned on keeping it that way. Calling his housekeeper, he gave her instructions to fill the house with all the supplies a woman would need in the kitchen as well as anyplace else. Fuck. Dog food too. He’d have to find out from Katherine what Blossom eats. Jon and Ross would have a great time razzing me about that last phone call. Supplies a woman would need in the kitchen and anyplace else? Seriously? It was only for two weeks, then everything will return to normal. Any leftover feminine junk can go to Lizette or Elaine. He wouldn’t need it anymore.
With that settled, he was confident Katherine would feel more comfortable being able to cook at the penthouse, and he would reap the benefits of home-cooked meals. A win-win.
Surprisingly, she finished long before he thought she would. Any other woman he had been with needed a minimum of an hour to get ready, and that was if he asked them to hurry. It shouldn’t surprise him that Katherine didn’t fit the mold of anyone else and was out of the shower and dressed in fifteen minutes. Must be the Marine in her. She looked fantastic, as though she belonged on a cover of a magazine. If he didn’t know any better he would have thought she had a crew who had spent hours applying just the right amount of makeup to cover her flaws, yet she wore none. And doesn’t need any. Her natural beauty was mind-blowing.
If he didn’t stop thinking of her looks he wouldn’t leave the penthouse for breakfast or anything else.
“You were quick.”
Not stopping to chat, she headed for the glass elevator and pushed the button. “I’m that hungry.”
Point taken. His last-minute fantasy of spending another day in bed enjoying all she had to offer abruptly ended.
Chapter Ten
‡
The waitress took their orders and scurried away. An awkward silence lingered between them. KJ didn’t like to ask a lot of questions. Being a very private person, and never wanting to be put on the spot herself, she spent most of her time doing the listening. Things with Drew were different. Had it been just his timing or was it something more, deeper? Did he encourage an inner need to open herself up and share with him more of the person she was, not who she pretended to be? In the short space of time she’d had with him, she’d been more at ease within herself. Refreshing. She recalled how easy he had been to talk to at the fundraiser, which was why she had been keen for him to call her in the first place. Why had he not called me? He’s definitely interested now. I wonder what changed? She wondered if she should ask, but maybe she didn’t want the answer.
She had put herself out there for him, but he hadn’t shared much of anything with her. Odd, because he was so easygoing, and easygoing men are usually talkers. When she thought back over the last few days it dawned on her. He always answered her questions with a sarcastic comment or a joke. What are you holding inside, Drew, that you don’t want anyone to know? There was only one way to find out.
“Drew, I have met some of your friends and they are wonderful. You haven’t spoken about family, though. Do you have any?”
Lines of concentration deepened along his brow and under his eyes. It was apparent she hit a topic he didn’t want to discuss. It was tempting to bypass it, change the subject, and ask him someth
ing different, yet she clamped her jaw tight and stared, waiting. He looked around as though hoping the waitress would be approaching with their food so he could avoid answering. Drew was out of luck. She was heading in the opposite direction. KJ felt a sweet satisfaction knowing he had no way out.
When his gaze finally returned to her his answer was short. “I have parents.”
Not the breakthrough I was looking for. Come on, Drew, spill it. “I assumed you weren’t hatched or delivered by aliens.”
Drew’s left brow lifted a fraction in amusement yet his tone was dry. “No such luck.”
His comment left the door wide open, and she wasn’t about to miss the opportunity. Mr. Easygoing had issues like the rest of the world. Now she had a starting point, and if she played her cards right, he would confide in her as she had done with him. “And why is that?” KJ rested her elbows on the table and leaned in closer, her eyes studying his face intently.
His mouth thinned with displeasure and his eyes darkened. “Like many people, we are not a tight-knit family. Nothing more.”
“Tough childhood?” she prodded.
With a heavy sigh he shook his head. “You’re really not going to leave this alone, are you?” Her response was a simple sweet smile. “I’m an only child and my childhood was great or so I thought. When I turned sixteen my eyes were opened to the truth, and it wasn’t pretty.”
“What changed?”
“I realized that my happy home was anything but. My parents had stayed together because neither of them could afford to survive alone financially. It had seemed petty at the time, but I later understood they fought over everything they didn’t have and blamed each other for the hardship. Once money was no longer an issue, you would have thought things would have improved, and they would’ve finally been happy. Things did change but they weren’t for the best.”
The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four Page 7