Capri stood in the middle of the darkly furnished, elegant room. Tiberius stopped a few feet in front of her and pushed his hands into his pockets and waited.
“I’ve been feeling like a real fool lately,” Capri admitted. “Especially after what happened with Avery.”
Tiberius’s expression lit with realization. “I hope you’re not blaming yourself for that.”
“I’m not blaming myself for what he did, but I do take a certain responsibility for not seeing what was right in front of my face.”
“Sounds like blame to me.”
“Just let me say this, all right?” Capri raised her hands. “I’ve spent a lot of time complaining about men and their ulterior motives, and then I couldn’t even gauge the intentions of one whose motives were clearly plastered all over him. Avery had already started to piss me off the first day I met him and I think I let some of that fuel my suspicions about you.”
“You had every right to feel that way about me. Especially after what I told you,” Tiberius offered.
“What I didn’t tell you was that I wanted more than a friendship, too, and that it terrified me,” Capri confessed. “If you don’t know by now how bad I want you in my bed, then you’re blind.”
“Capri—”
“Can I finish please?”
Tiberius pressed his lips together and took a seat on the cushiony sofa.
“I’ve asked you to be honest and I have to do the same. I’ve been having doubts. Doubts about my decision to abstain. Not knowing if it’s what I really want, and coming to grips with that is almost stifling.”
“Capri, you should know that I’m determined to have you in my life. Simple as that.”
“It’s not that simple, Tibe. You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Why? Because you’re a virgin?” Tiberius snapped, becoming frustrated by her resistance. “Is that why you’re so against getting close to me or letting me get close to you?”
Capri winced slightly at the words, and knew she had no choice but to stop beating around the bush. Smoothing her hands over her thighs, she stood up and walked around the sofa. “It’s an issue, and don’t act like it isn’t. The decision to save myself for marriage is a big deal for me.”
Tiberius closed his eyes and shook his head. “So you don’t trust me?”
“I trust you believe what you’re saying.”
Tiberius’s frown changed into a stunned look and his long, heavy brows lifted a few notches above his eyes. He sank to the armchair nearest him, as his intense gaze traveled over Capri’s voluptuous form. “You’re so sure it could never happen for us the way you want?”
Capri smiled. “The way I want? As it stands, you’d have to ask me to marry you.”
Tiberius looked as though he wanted to say something, but didn’t know what. Capri sent him a sympathetic look over her raised hand. “You don’t have to reply to that one.”
Clearing her throat, she grabbed her purse off the sofa and walked toward the living room doorway. Passing the armchair where Tiberius sat, she gave his shoulder a soft squeeze. “Good night, Tiberius.”
Tiberius, however, wasn’t about to let her go so easily. Surprising her, he grabbed her wrist and guided her until she was in his lap.
“Don’t leave yet,” he whispered against her parted lips before sliding his tongue deep inside her mouth. His hands roamed the length of her legs, stopping at the junction of her thighs where he rubbed the pad of his thumb against her femininity. He broke the kiss and caressed the smooth line of her neck, before settling to the cleft of her breasts. He groaned as his tongue traced the visible curve of one mound.
Capri uttered a weak, needy sound and threaded her fingers in Tiberius’s soft hair. She cupped the side of his face and urged his head up. Losing herself in their embrace, she pressed her mouth against his and kissed him deeply.
“I know we can work this out,” Tiberius whispered, as they kissed.
Capri wanted so much to believe that, but she knew it was just Tiberius’s passion talking. Afraid of trusting him and afraid to trust herself, she pushed away. Tiberius pressed his head against her chest in defeat. Capri kissed the top of his hair, moved off his lap and left.
Tiberius rolled along the highway in his truck. The vintage Wu-Tang CD pounded against the stereo speakers at the highest volume. All Tiberius wanted was to lose himself in the music and forget his rotten day.
He knew everyone at the hospital was aware of the terrible mood he was in. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be helped as he’d been walking under a black cloud for the past three days. After talking to Capri, Tiberius was actually at a loss for what to do. He’d never felt so confused about handling a situation with a woman in his life. Of course, over the last several weeks he’d come to realize that Capri wasn’t just any woman.
Shaking his head, Tiberius tried to dismiss her from his thoughts. He’d already spent the better part of the week thinking of the two of them in bed. What he needed was a strenuous workout to get rid of some of his pent-up frustration.
Pounding his fist against the steering wheel, he cursed his luck. He’d always considered himself a success with the opposite sex. Finally he had met his match. No sex until marriage, it was simple as that, regardless of whatever doubts she may’ve been having. Tiberius knew he wanted Capri in his life, but questioned if he was ready for the higher ground of marriage. Of course, it was becoming quite clear that Capri Timmons was a woman he’d do anything for.
The photo spread was a success and the Haize Fragrance group was thrilled. Tiberius and Capri met with everyone involved for a little celebration cocktail party at Rod’s office.
Tiberius and Capri were friendly but spent barely five minutes talking to one another. Things had been easy between them following their talk a couple of weeks prior. That strained feeling between them had definitely diminished and they’d changed courses. Still, neither seemed eager to discuss it further.
After half an hour at the get-together, Capri felt she’d faked socializing long enough. She was on her way back to her office when she noticed Rod hailing her from across the room. Not bothering to hide her agitation, she stalked over but had no time to question Rod’s sudden need to talk. He drew her into a private conference area where Tiberius sat waiting.
“Capri, Tiberius is working on a project that I think would benefit from a touch of your expertise.”
Slowly, Capri eased herself into one of the high-backed chairs at the long table. “How?”
“The project involves a retiring colleague.”
“Dr. Thomas?” Capri leaned forward and graced Tiberius with a smile. “How is he?”
He returned the smile, and obviously appreciating her interest. “He’s very good.”
“So, how can I help?”
Tiberius puffed out his cheeks and raised his brows toward Rod.
“I want you to work with him on it. Make it pop. I thought maybe something along the lines of a photographic account of the man’s career. Something positive and memorable, not sad and lamenting.”
Capri didn’t dare say no. Things were weird enough. How could Tiberius just sit there and coolly go along with this? The longer she listened to the two men toss ideas back and forth, however, the more certain she became that this had been Tiberius’s idea all along.
“How do you want to handle this?” she queried when he asked for her input.
“We still have a few months, so however you want to approach it is fine with me. You’re the expert.”
Capri’s gaze narrowed as she tried to read more into his expression. There was nothing she could draw from it.
“Well, would you want to come here or…”
“Wherever you want to do it, Capri…” He cleared his throat. “It’s fine with me.”
She stopped fidgeting with the dipping neckline of her pale-blue T-shirt when she saw his stare venture in that direction. “With Rod and Kiva’s wedding coming up it might be a bit hectic at first.”
/> “Yeah I know and that’s completely understood. I really appreciate your help with this.”
“Anytime.”
Rod relaxed at the end of the conference table and had the best time watching the syrup flow over the bed of sexual agitation between Capri and Tiberius. He’d put good money on the possibility that his two friends would be lovers before his wedding day.
Chapter 15
Capri had been up since daybreak working on a portfolio for a possible client. Unfortunately, no progress was being made on the project. She’d barely been able to get any sleep the night before, and her thoughts were muddled. The problem? She couldn’t keep her mind off Tiberius Evans. The fact that she’d never been totally intimate with a man didn’t cause her body to ache any less for him. Capri wanted Tiberius so much in the physical sense, but mainly she had to admit that she was in love with him.
Pushing the unfinished portfolio aside, Capri covered her face with both hands. She sat there motionless for a moment as though she were gathering courage. Finally she stood, tightened the belt around the ice-blue silk robe she wore and left the house.
She pressed her head against Tiberius’s front door. At that moment she didn’t know if her actions had more to do with love or with lust. The past few months, living next to him, spending time with him, working together on the Haize campaign, had only given heat to the desires she prided herself on resisting. Now her resistance was failing her and she was going to be spending even more time with him until the photo journal for Dr. Thomas was done. She’d gone and fallen in love with Tiberius Evans, and lust was a factor, too. She was so turned around by emotion and only certain of one thing: she wanted him more than she wanted to hold on to anything else.
Capri knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Tiberius’s truck was in the yard, so she knew he was home. Gathering the front of her long robe in one hand, she ventured into the backyard. The lights were on in the house, but there was no sign of Tiberius through the glass doors of the kitchen. Taking a chance anyway, Capri tried the handle on the sliding door and it gave.
“Tibe?” she softly called, her throat pounding madly in her chest. “Tiberius?”
There was no answer and Capri hoped he didn’t make a habit of leaving his door unlocked all the time. Continuing her journey though the house, she wandered into the spacious sitting room. Of course, there was no sign of Tiberius there either, but Capri did hear what sounded like metal clanging. It came from the far corner of the room.
Heading in that direction, she saw that there was a stairwell leading to a well-lit area. The harsh clanging became louder and, in addition, there was the pounding sound of music. Coming down off the last step, Capri found herself looking out into a state-of-the-art workout room. The fully carpeted gym was filled with all sorts of equipment. Several people could’ve enjoyed the place at once. However, it was all for one man.
Capri spotted Tiberius at the bench press in the far corner of the room. She hadn’t realized that she was holding her breath as she stood rooted to the spot watching him. He must’ve been lifting well over a hundred and fifty pounds. He performed several repetitions in seemingly effortless motions. When he finally finished and reached for a towel, the muscles in his back rippled and glistened with sweat.
Tiberius wiped the towel across his face, then slid it over his neck and down over his bare chest. The white cotton towel hungrily soaked up the sweat rolling down his body.
As though she were in a daze, Capri walked up behind him and reached out. Tiberius jerked around when he felt the towel being pulled from his hands. The furrow of his brow vanished when he saw Capri. He seemed speechless, and his eyes followed her every move.
Capri completed the task of wiping the sweat away from Tiberius’s body. Her dark stare followed the towel’s path over the chiseled expanse of his back. Gathering her robe from around her ankles, she stepped in front of Tiberius and knelt before him. She favored his wide chest with the same smooth strokes as his back. Satisfied with the results, she set the towel aside and began pressing soft kisses to the bulging pectorals that contracted beneath her touch. As her soft lips trailed downward across his solid abs, Tiberius leaned his head back and groaned. When Capri’s soft caress continued its path downward, Tiberius’s eyes snapped open and he grabbed her upper arms.
“Capri, do you know what you’re doing?” he asked, his voice raspy with desire.
Capri’s gaze was unwavering. “I want you. I want to make love with you.”
“I hope you mean that. I’m not in the mood to be teased right now.”
“I’m not teasing, I want this,” she said softly, sincerely.
“I only want to do this if you’re certain,” Tiberius warned her. He didn’t want her having any doubts.
Capri kept her dark gaze focused on his warm light-brown one. Untying her robe’s belt, she pushed the silky material away from her body. “I won’t stop you.”
Groaning, Tiberius wrapped his hands around Capri’s arms and pulled her up before him. She threw her head back and moaned when he took the tip of her breast in his mouth. Capri raced her hands against Tiberius’s shoulders and moaned. The expertise of his kiss pulled her into a whirlwind of pleasure.
Tiberius buried his face in the deep valley between her breasts and breathed in. Then, he slid down to glide his mouth across the flat area of her stomach.
Capri threaded her fingers though his hair and gasped when she felt him tonguing her belly button. She pulled his head closer, enjoying the delicious caress.
Meanwhile, Tiberius was thinking he’d never get enough of Capri after having her once. His large hands smoothed over her silken body, circling around to squeeze and caress her full buttocks. He tugged at her hips, bringing her down to straddle his lap. A surprised whimper escaped Capri when she felt the rigid length of his manhood pressing against her. Her small hands kneaded the heavy cords of muscle in his neck while her hips rotated slowly over his huge form.
“Capri…” Tiberius whispered, squeezing her bottom more tightly. His mouth sought hers and he thrust his tongue smoothly inside. The long strokes he applied to the dark cavern of her mouth had them both moaning shamelessly.
Wanting to feel Capri’s soft body beneath him, Tiberius stood from the bench, taking her with him. She locked her legs around his waist as he lowered her to the carpet.
Still kissing her madly, Tiberius pulled Capri’s arms away from his neck and pressed them above her head. He tore his mouth from hers and slid his lips down the line of her neck. He buried his handsome face in the soft sweet valley under her arm. The unexpected, sensual caress caused her to arch closer to his mouth.
Tiberius’s lips moved on and settled once more against her ample cleavage. Very slowly and gently, his tongue swirled around a puckered nipple. His tugs on the firm peak were so pleasurable Capri could feel herself become wetter and more aroused than she had ever been. When Tiberius pulled her arms down to her sides and his lips grazed her womanhood, Capri’s eyes widened.
“Shh…relax…” Tiberius whispered as the tip of his tongue slowly entered her.
Capri’s eyes fluttered shut as she let the mastery of Tiberius’s intimate caresses take over. His tongue delved deeply inside her and every part of her body quivered.
Tiberius let go of Capri’s arms to take her hips in a firm hold. His tongue caressed her more thoroughly and her soft cries became louder. He alternated between thrusting his tongue smoothly inside her and nipping at the satiny petals of her womanhood with his perfect teeth. He kissed the insides of her thighs, smiling when he saw the muscles contracting there.
He cupped Capri’s buttocks and pulled her toward him. The action gave his lips and tongue more room to explore. Capri thought she’d go mad from the indescribable pleasure.
When Tiberius pulled his mouth away, Capri moaned her disappointment. Ignoring her, he trailed wet kisses up the length of her body before his mouth settled over hers once more.
Capri was so entranced b
y the taste of herself on Tiberius’s lips that she didn’t notice his fingers traveling toward the juncture of her thighs. The tip of his index finger trailed her there, before he let his middle finger push ahead.
Capri tensed the moment she felt him there. Tiberius didn’t veer from his task, throwing a heavy leg across her thigh to prevent her from closing on him. His finger rotated inside her until he felt her relax just slightly. He deepened the caress and she moaned in response. Tiberius’s fingers were as persuasive as his mouth, and Capri was in heaven.
Tiberius could feel her becoming wetter with each rotation of his fingers. He didn’t want to rush things, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to hold back. Of course, he knew this couldn’t happen without protection. Though he hated to ruin the moment, he knew precautions needed to be taken. Groaning, he held her close and lifted her from the floor. Capri’s lashes fluttered open in surprise.
“Shh…everything’s okay. We’re just going upstairs,” he assured her.
Soon they were entering his bedroom and Tiberius lowered Capri to his bed. The masculine surroundings caused Capri to tense a little, but Tiberius’s touch immediately relaxed her.
When Capri’s fingers grazed the rigid bulge between his legs, Tiberius knew he couldn’t wait any longer. Capri had already begun pulling down the shorts he wore. She was eager to feel him without the barrier of clothes.
Tiberius helped her pull his shorts away. Capri opened her eyes when she felt him. His throbbing length felt like a long, steel bar sheathed in silk. She caressed him, trying to memorize every inch. Tiberius’s long lashes closed as he enjoyed the innocent caress. Before Capri could unknowingly bring an end to the moment, he pulled away. He reached for the condoms in his nightstand and adjusted the protection. Then, as he stared into Capri’s lovely face, he positioned the tip of his long shaft against her.
“Look at me,” he whispered, watching her doe eyes raise to his face. “I don’t want to hurt you, so I’ll be as gentle as possible.”
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