by Virna DePaul
“I can show you how to throw if you want,” he offered, a slight smile gracing his mouth.
She licked her lips, then nodded. “Sure. That would—that would be great.”
He positioned himself behind her, wrapped one arm around her waist, and cradled her other hand in his, helping her take aim. He didn’t care about the dart or the game, of course, and neither did she. He only wanted to envelop his body around hers even tighter, and eventually, he’d want hers wrapped around him. And from the way her body shivered almost imperceptibly against his, he thought maybe, just maybe, she wanted the same thing.
“All you need to do is focus. Are you focused?”
She nodded.
“Are you visualizing what you want, Jill?” he asked, his warm breath near her ear.
Because he sure as hell was. He imagined stripping her naked. Sliding those jeans right off of her. Lifting that tight, pink shirt to bare what he suspected was a gorgeous body. Running his tongue along ever inch of her. Man, it was nice to feel normal again.
She nodded in response.
“Say it,” he commanded, wanting confirmation that she was as revved up as he was.
She swallowed audibly, and he glanced down, watching as her chest hitched with her efforts to draw in enough air. “Yes, I’m visualizing what I want.”
His eyes nearly crossed when she pressed her ass against him and then pulled away. Had she done it on purpose?
“Good,” he rasped. “All you have to do is hit that target. Feel how much you want it and go for it. Ready?”
She made a small whimpering sound, and he imagined what she might be thinking. Yes, please. I’m ready for you to fuck me. I’m ready to come. She took aim and threw. The first dart landed and struck just outside the bull’s eye. She whooped in triumph.
Cole took a shaky step back. “I think I just got myself taken by a shark.” He laughed.
Jill wiggled her eyebrows. “Technically, you haven’t been taken, since we’re not playing for anything.”
Oh, how he wanted to be taken by her. “You saying you want to?” he asked.
Heat flared in her eyes, and he felt an answering warmth sweeping through his entire body. Oh yeah, his libido was back—big time. Thick, undeniable arousal throbbed through him. Hardening him. Filling him with desperation to turn her around, bend her over, and fuck her six ways to Sunday.
It must be written all over his face. Did she see it? Did she feel what he was feeling?
Jill blew out her breath slowly. “Maybe.”
“Not sure?”
“It’s just…I’m not particularly adventurous. But I’m feeling like maybe…maybe I want that to change for just one night.”
Cole wanted to tell her she was wrong. That he saw the unrestrained wildness inside her. It wouldn’t be obvious to most, but her ferocity was there, straining to be let free. She confirmed it when she stared at his mouth, then let her gaze travel down his neck and the rest of his body.
“All right,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “If you want to play with fire tonight, I’m more than ready to get burned.”
Chapter Three
Cole turned to the dartboard with a half smile, but Jill caught his own head-to-toe scan of her, which sent fire all the way up her body. The music and conversations around the bar made this space near the back feel secluded—thankfully. She couldn’t act this way if she felt like it was connected to her real life. No, this was some strange dream.
She watched as he threw his dart. It didn’t land quite as closely to the bull’s eye as hers, but he was no rookie. They met each other’s gazes for a heated moment.
He leaned close to softly say, “It’s not over yet.”
Jill lined hers up again and threw. That one hit the red bull’s eye dead in the center. “It is now!” She pumped her fist in the air, high on all the emotions raging inside her.
She pulled her darts and waited on him. When he took aim, she said, “We have a weekly dart tournament at the daycare. Poor kids are always broke when we’re done.”
Cole laughed just as he threw his next dart. It landed completely outside in the black. “No fair. You’re making up stories to distract me.”
Jill threw her next dart. Not a bull’s eye, but still good. “Me, making things up? You should see how good the kids are getting at shooting pool.”
Cole laughed again, and Jill felt giddy with her ability to make him unravel. A big, tough guy like him, smiling and laughing at her jokes. It filled her with a sense of power. He took aim on his next turn. “I don’t know if I want to win or lose. Because I don’t know what we’re betting.”
“Well, maybe we can think of a way to make us both winners.” It just popped out of her mouth. She wanted to pat her own back for flirting like a champ, but at the same time she wanted to run screaming out the door. What the hell was she doing taking on someone like Cole?
He raised his brow before throwing the dart. This time he was way off, the dart hitting the wood paneling beside the dartboard and clattering to the floor. “Whoops,” he said, keeping his eyes on her and leaning a little closer. “Since you’re the winner, I guess it’s only fair that you choose your prize. So tell me…” He reached down and gently held her hand in his own, giant one. “What do you want, Jill?”
She hoped the music covered her gasp. You. All over me.
“Another drink, maybe?” Cole asked with a wide-eyed, innocent expression.
Her entire body hurt with need—one touch from him and she’d collapse in the biggest orgasm in history. What is going on with me? Geez, get a grip, she thought. “No, I think…I want to…”
How could she tell him she wanted him badly? She had no experience with this. He watched her, emotions playing out in his eyes. She wished she could read them. If only she knew him better. But that was the whole point. She didn’t. She just knew he was gallant. Charming. And hot.
Just say it, Jill… “I want to leave. With you.”
He stared at her a full minute, making her squirm, then he nodded like she’d just confirmed what he already knew. He reached up to cup her chin in his hand. “That’s easy. And that doesn’t count as your prize. You keep thinking about what it is you want. In fact, why don’t you think of three things you want me to give you once we walk out that door?” He flashed a smile at her.
She nibbled her bottom lip. “So you’re like a genie, giving me three wishes?”
“No,” he said, reaching out and gently raking his thick fingers through her hair, a gesture that made her close her eyes to absorb the fluttery sensation it caused. “I’m a man who wants you,” he whispered, “and is going to do whatever it takes to make you scream with pleasure.”
She gasped and leaned into him, but instead of kissing her, he released her, backed up several steps, then turned and walked to the bar. Annoyance briefly flashed through her. But oh, did he know what he was doing. The way he was drawing things out just made her hotter for him. She watched him pay while she hurriedly gathered her jacket and purse. Then he returned, put a gentle hand at her back, and steered her toward the exit. She was über aware of his hand pressing against her and imagined how it would feel having it all over the rest of her body.
The door shut behind them, cutting off the music. Suddenly, they stood together in the quiet of the outdoors. Her heart beat wildly. What was she doing just leaving with a strange man like this? This was so unlike her. They faced each other, and Cole’s hand slipped behind her neck, holding her gently. He lifted her chin again, but this time he brought his lips down on her mouth.
The kiss was hot but sweet, sweeter than she would’ve expected from a mass of muscle such as him, but then again, that was what was so intoxicating about him—that blend of gentleness and hardcore, solid man. His tongue swept the inside of her mouth slowly, exploring, taking his time to know and understand her tongue and lips. Jill felt her legs weakening. Her heart hammered in her chest and her stomach was so full of butterflies that she felt like it was about to
take flight. She couldn’t breathe, but she never wanted the feeling to end. She prayed she wouldn’t crumble right on the sidewalk. She moaned, grabbing a handful of his shirt. But then, right as she leaned into him for a longer, deeper kiss, he pulled away gently, planting a softer, more innocent kiss right on the center of her lips, and another on her cheek.
Holy hell, she thought. She was a quivering mass of girl mush.
He looked her deep in the eyes. His were brown, warm, and so inviting. “Last chance. You sure you want to leave with me?”
“Are you trying to talk me out of it?”
“Hell no. I just want to make sure this isn’t about thanking me for what happened earlier. You don’t owe me anything, Jill. I was happy to help.”
“Oh, this isn’t how I thank people, Cole,” she said quickly. “This is about you making me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. Maybe never.”
“Like?”
“Wild and free. Like I can be anyone. Do anything. So yes, I still want to leave with you.”
His eyes simmered so hotly that she instinctively looked away, afraid she’d explode into a ball of fire otherwise, and her eyes caught on a shiny black and red Harley sitting behind them like a sulking bull. It seemed to whisper of danger and wild times, much like Cole. “Yours?” she asked.
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, and she noticed his hand wasn’t quite steady. The idea that she was affecting this big, sexy man as much as he was affecting her increased her already potent desire for him. “Good guess. I’m obviously not a sports sedan kind of guy.”
“Well, I know you like riding bikes and rescuing girls from obnoxious drunks. What else should I know about you?”
He rested his big hands lightly on her waist. She liked the weight of them, the way they seemed to fit there perfectly. Dear Lord, she needed more of that.
“I’m the kind of guy who likes to show rather than tell.”
“What are you going to show me?” she asked coyly, blushing at her own bravado.
“All kinds of things. You’ll just have to wait and see.” He lowered his head and lightly kissed her neck. She grew dizzy from the sensation. “Once I have you naked.”
Closing her eyes, tilting her head back, she said, “I’m definitely all for naked time.”
“And you’re okay with just one night?” he asked. He leaned back to await her answer.
His words surprised her—she hadn’t thought that far. But, of course, she didn’t want anything else from him. Couldn’t expect anything more. This was a dream. A fantasy. And the great thing about a fantasy man was that he gave you all the pleasure you could stand and then conveniently disappeared, so you didn’t have to deal with any icky consequences afterward.
Am I really going through with this? she wondered. Yes, yes, yes, every fiber of her being cried out. This guy makes you feel alive. He’s also incredibly sweet and totally into you. You’ll never get a chance like this again, so don’t pass it by.
He blew out an agonizing breath. “I want you to know…you’re amazing. I want you so much. But I have to be honest. I’m not interested in dating right now. There’s stuff going on in my life. Stuff that—”
Jill covered his mouth with her fingertips. “It’s okay. You don’t have to make excuses. I just need you to touch me,” she said, completely in awe that these words were even coming out of her mouth. “All over,” she added. “Soon. Now. One night is perfect, as long as we make it count.” And she truly meant it.
Only Cole still looked uncertain. As if he couldn’t believe that a woman like her wouldn’t want more from him, and he was probably right. But no matter if she wanted more afterward, she’d do the smart thing and walk away.
“I’m ready to make my first wish,” she said. She flashed him a quick smile. Her body hummed with need, especially when he started running his fingertips around her waistline. She noticed his heavy breathing. She was doing that to him. The knowledge turned her on even more, emboldened her. She reached out and touched him. His body jerked toward her.
He kissed her deep and hungrily. She moaned, vaguely thought she should try to be quieter, but self-control was completely out the window at this point. With reluctance, she pulled away.
“There’s a hotel a few blocks from here,” she said. “My first wish is you take us there. On your bike.”
“You like bikes, huh?”
“Don’t know. I’ve never ridden one before.”
“How come?”
“Only a few opportunities ever came, and I was always too scared.”
“Yet you’re not scared now?” He raised an eyebrow.
“No,” she breathed. “Not with you.”
“Good. Because I’m going to take care of you, Jill. I promise.”
Cole took her hand and led her to the Harley, where he handed her the only helmet. They could get pulled over, and wouldn’t that suck? But this was an exercise in being daring and carefree, so she threw caution to the wind and pulled the helmet on. He straddled the bike, started it, and patted the seat behind him. She swung a leg over the rumbling beast, got comfy, and wrapped her arms around him.
The bike vibrated under her, making her body tingle even more. She held onto him tighter; not out of fear, but because she could hardly contain her excitement. Cole covered her hands with his, checking her grip, then blazed out onto the street. The velocity pulled on her while the wind whipped around her. She felt like she was on the edge of a cliff, every nerve ending on high alert. As soon as they were cruising at a comfortable speed, the pull wore off. She felt completely at ease…until he turned a tight corner, leaning the bike toward the pavement.
Jill squealed.
Her stomach rolled and rose up into her throat and her heart hammered, but she didn’t feel at risk at any point. They ripped up one street and down another, leaning on the curves, while she pressed her breasts into his back. She was about to have a one-night stand, so why not go all out?
And such a beautiful day to boot. Though twilight was approaching, the sun still warmed Jill’s shoulders. All around them were the thin, towering palms of LA. At red lights, car passengers watched them. She daydreamed that Cole was her boyfriend, and this was just one ride of many they’d taken. What a rush!
And over way too quickly. Right when she was having the time of her life, he slowed down and came to a stop beside the Avenue Palms Hotel. She pulled the helmet off, not bothering to muffle her laughter. “I loved that!”
A wicked grin lit up his face. He gave a quick nod at the hotel entrance. “I’m going to check in. I’ll be right back.”
She nodded and used her time alone to rake out the tangles in her hair, take deep, calming breaths, and keep her courage up. Quicker than she would have thought possible, Cole was back. He escorted her through a side entrance and into a hotel elevator, then to their room.
As he slid the key card into the slot, she took another big breath and let it out slowly. The possible danger of the situation gave her a moment’s pause, but then, as if sensing her fear, Cole stopped and turned to her, giving her a sweet smile. She nodded, as if saying she was fine.
They stepped inside. The room smelled clean, and the linens on the bed were a bright, crisp white. Thank goodness. She’d have hated to spend their time together in some dingy motel.
He closed and locked the door behind her. They looked at each other for only a few seconds before he slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her to him. “Still okay?”
“Yes, I want this. Wish number two? Kiss me again. Please.”
He bent down to kiss her, and Jill’s brain turned to absolute mush as his lips gently landed on hers. Despite the kisses they’d shared outside the bar, this one was tentative and soft. Could he be nervous as well? she wondered. No, impossible. Cole was the type of man who got any woman he wanted. He took the time to breathe her in, and to slowly feel every curve of her waist and back. Cole’s hands grew more curious as their tongues tangled. He slid them up he
r sides, taking her shirt with them.
This was a good idea, Jill thought. A fantastic one. Where had this man learned to kiss like this? Wow…
She held her arms up so he could slip her T-shirt off and toss it aside. Her nipples pressed against the lining of her bra, pushing out, growing with excitement. His kiss became more urgent as his hands slid down her jeans and between her legs. She gasped slightly. He unbuttoned and unzipped the jeans. He broke the kiss long enough to pull them down, and when he got to her feet, she stepped out of them.
She felt completely exposed, like a nude statue standing on a pedestal, and given the way he gently lifted one of her feet and planted hot kisses all over it, he made her feel adored, too. She closed her eyes, trembling with desire. He caressed her legs all the way up, stopping short of her tiny lace panties. When he stood upright again, he reached back to unhook her bra, letting his lips meet the side of her neck, causing her to shudder.
Jill tugged on his shirt until he pulled back and took if off. She took a moment to soak in his body—wide and strong with well-defined chest muscles. She wanted to run her hands over every angle. Placing a hand on her back, he pulled her against his wide, warm chest, so that her breasts crushed against him. She was much hastier in her approach to getting him undressed than he had been with her. She unzipped his jeans and pulled them down, revealing his tight, lower abs and the impressive bulge in his shorts.
Shamelessly, she cupped him, relishing his gasp. She’d forgotten her ladylike manners completely now, but who cares? They were the only two people on Earth, and nothing else existed but the way he made her feel.
“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around her back, tangling his fingers in her hair to hold her head in place. His lips found hers again, and he urged her toward the bed. The heat of his erection pressed through his shorts and against her hip. She was wet and hot between her legs, aching to feel his hands explore the rest of her body.