Never with a Rich Man

by Tina Susedik

  Hogan put the keys into the ignition and glanced at her. “Are you all right?”

  “Oh, Hogan,” she said. “I wanted this night to be memorable.”

  “It certainly was that.”

  Cassie snorted and smacked Hogan on his arm. “You know what I mean. I wanted to be suave and sophisticated for once.”

  “But, you are, Cassie. You’re that and so much more.”

  “Think about it, Hogan,” she went on as if she hadn’t heard his last comment. “We’ve seen each other only a few times. So far I’ve been covered in carrots, so tired I could hardly see, wrapped up in an old robe and big yellow slippers, wearing paint-smeared clothes, and now covered in steak sauce.” She stopped when she saw Hogan staring at her hair. “Oh, yes, let’s not forget using an old sock for a rubber band. Tonight I wanted to be my best for you so you wouldn’t think I was a complete dolt.”

  Hogan kissed the tips of her fingers. “You could never be a dolt. I like the way you look, no matter what you’re wearing.”

  The gleam in his eyes made Cassie wonder if he wanted to see her wearing nothing at all. She could live with that.

  The silent ride home went quickly. Cassie kept her eyes closed and figured Hogan was thinking of ways to leave her at her door and make a run for it. When they stopped in front of her house, he was out of the car, around the back, and at her side before she could reach the handle. She was surprised when he took her hand, helped her from the car, and then reached in for the food. “C’mon, let’s go in.”

  Once inside, Hogan helped remove her coat. “You go clean up, and when you come down we’ll finish our supper.” When she hesitated, he nudged her toward the stairs. “Go on. While you’re gone I’ll set the table and re-heat the food. I’m hungry.”

  She was sticky and smelly. “Okay. I won’t be long. There’s a corkscrew in the left-hand drawer.” She heard him rattling around as she trudged up the stairs.

  Before the bathroom door clicked shut, Hogan was in the living room seated at Cassie’s desk. The shower came on, masking the sound of drawers opening and closing. Even though he’d searched them before, he checked each small drawer in the top part of the secretary. Nothing more than the usual desk items: pens, paper clips, pencils, Post-it notes, markers, a screwdriver, a few romance novels shoved into the larger drawers, and a green sock.

  Sock? Hogan chuckled, wondering if it was the match to the one she’d worn in her hair.

  He ran a thumb over the sock, then stopped. To hell with orders. He couldn’t do this, not with her upstairs and not with wanting her so bad. Besides, he didn’t have a search warrant. If she were guilty, anything he might find wouldn’t be admissible anyway. Unethical all the way around.

  The shower shut off. He figured he had a few more minutes before she came down, yet he remained seated, weighing his options.

  Cassie was so damn sweet, yet sexy. She aroused him like no other woman. His job was to get close to her and find out what she knew about Tony’s activities. Her skin was soft. He wanted to run his fingers through her silky hair. His boss would go ape-shit if he didn’t get something on her. His penis twitched.

  A hair dryer briefly whined, then stopped. Time was ticking.

  Silence surrounded him. No shower, no hairdryer. A cupboard door slammed. Hogan glanced toward the stairs, shut the desk drawer, and made a beeline for the kitchen to try and make himself presentable.

  Chapter 12

  Cassie sniffed her hair. Even after washing it three times, the scent of steak sauce still clung to the strands. Maybe it was just her imagination, but the odor was driving her crazy.

  Not wanting to take the time to dry her hair completely, Cassie set the hair dryer on the counter. She put makeup remover on a cotton ball swiped off the remaining raccoon-like traces of mascara lingering under her eyes.

  “Should I put on more makeup?” she asked her reflection in the mirror. “Ah, hell. Why bother. I’ll just ask him to leave. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to stick around after this fiasco.” Disappointment washed over her as she put on her robe and knotted it tight against her waist. He was going to leave anyway, no sense in getting fully dressed.

  “Oh, but he’s such a hunk!” she muttered and left the room.

  Cassie stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Hogan was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine. His suit jacket was thrown over the back of her rocker, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, shoes off, and his hair was wet. He jumped when she spoke.

  “Did you wash your hair?”

  He remained seated, but his gaze smoldered. Could he tell she was nearly naked under the robe? Her stomach muscles quivered.

  Hogan ran his fingers through his hair and pushed up his glasses. “Just ran some water through it trying to get rid of the smell.” Then he tipped his head at her bare feet and smiled. “What, no little birdies tonight?”

  Cassie grinned at his joke and wrapped an arm around her stomach, hoping to stop its aerobic activity.

  They stared at each other for a few moments, the electricity between them sparking. Cassie grasped the top of her robe, then opened her mouth to speak. Hogan put out his hand.

  “Don’t say it, Cassie.”

  Cassie was confused. He certainly couldn’t be reading her mind. “Don’t say what?”

  Before she blinked, Hogan was across the living room, standing before her. His breathing was ragged. He licked his lips. If her legs cooperated, she’d back up away from the heat emanating from him.

  A bead of moisture rolled from her still wet hair slid down her neck, under her chin, into the hollow of her neck, and finally disappeared into the robe. His gaze followed. She visualized his tongue following the path of the water.

  “Please ask me to stay.” He put his hands on her shoulders and lowered his mouth toward hers. “Please don’t tell me to leave, because I can’t,” he whispered just as his lips touched hers.

  The heat of his lips on hers dissipated any thought of making him leave. In its place, a thousand bolts of pure sexual delight ripped through her. His tongue stroked her lips. She opened her mouth and joined her tongue with his. The electricity increased. If her slippers were on right now the poor birds would be naked because all the feathers would have burned up. She almost smelled the smoke.

  Hogan increased the pressure of the kiss and held her against his chest. Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted to get closer, wanted to meld her body with his. She raked her fingers through his hair. Even wet, it felt thick and soft. Hogan moaned and pressed the proof of his desire against her pelvis. Cassie whimpered in return.

  He stepped back. Cassie’s rapid breathing kept cadence with his. Hogan placed both hands on the side of her face and gazed intently into her eyes. She didn’t think it was possible, but her heart pulsed faster. His smoldering look became a question. Cassie nodded.

  “Are you sure? We’re moving pretty fast and if you’re not ready, tell me now before we go any further.”

  Cassie nodded again.

  Hogan rubbed the pads of his thumbs against her cheeks. “I know we’ve only known each other a short time. I don’t usually move this fast, but I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before. If you say no, I may die.”

  Cassie smiled at his ridiculous comment. “I don’t think you’ll die, Hogan.” She placed her hands on either side of his face. “And if you’d pay attention, you’d know I’m saying ‘yes.’ Yes, Hogan, I want you to stay.” She pressed her lips against his and whispered, “Stay.”

  Hogan’s heart skipped a beat at her words and no matter what she thought, he would die if she changed her mind. He needed to make sure this was what she wanted. Her eyes sparkled with desire kicking his heart in gear again. He didn’t think she would, but before she changed her mind, he took her hand and raced up the stairs into h
er room.

  A small dresser lamp gave the room a soft, warm glow. Hogan embraced Cassie, letting the sensation of just holding her wash over him. He wanted to savor every moment of loving Cassie. Like dancers moving to a love song, they rocked back and forth, Hogan rubbing the small of her back, Cassie stroking the back of his neck with her thumbs.

  How could he be so aroused to the point of explosion, yet feel peaceful like he was where he belonged? Earlier, when he’d kissed her, he remembered thinking he felt like he was being propelled into space. Instead, thankfully, he remained rooted to this spot, holding on tight to a woman he never wanted to let go.

  “Oh, god, Cassie, you feel so good,” he murmured into her hair.

  “I know, and we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff, yet,” she responded quietly.

  “Speaking of which . . .” Hogan chuckled, as he stepped back and started to undo the tie at her waist. “A double knot?”

  “Habit,” she answered, smiling. She pushed his fumbling, shaking hands away and untied the belt herself.

  Little by little, she slid the robe down her shoulders and past her waist until it dropped to the floor in a whisper. She held her breath, waiting for his reaction.

  Hogan stared. “My imagination didn’t do you justice.” His voice hitched. His gaze went from her rounded breasts with hardened nipples, past her small waist, then down to her red pubic hair. “You’re simply beautiful.”

  Cassie’s knees went weak. His gaze fixed on her too long. She moved to cross her arms and hands over her breasts and stomach.

  He held her hands.

  “No, I’m not. I’m too . . .”

  Hogan pressed a finger against her lips and slid his hands down her arms. “Don’t. You’re perfect. In fact, I think I lied earlier tonight.”

  Goosebumps beaded on her arms. She waited for her pulse to slow before reaching for the top of his shirt. “I think we need to even things up here.” As if they had all the time in the world, she undid the buttons one-by-one until she reached his pants. “What were you saying about lying tonight?” she asked, yanking the shirt from the waistband.

  He ran his hands down the sides of her ribs, over her waist, and rested them on her hips. “Earlier I said something to the effect that you couldn’t look better than you did then.”

  Cassie smiled when he sucked in his breath as she unbuckled his belt. The sound of the zipper being lowered echoed the ripples of pleasure running across her skin.

  “I was wrong. This is definitely better. You. Are. Gorgeous.”

  The way he spaced out the last comment emphasized the truth of his words, bringing out a long-buried boldness Cassie didn’t know was there. She’d never been this brazen with her ex.

  She eased his zipper down, then slipped her hands into his pants and over his rear end, reveling in the feel of his smooth skin across her palms. She slid his pants and boxers down together, joining in his chuckles when his boxers stuck on his erection. His belt buckle clunked on the floor when he stepped from his pants.

  Blood surged through her when he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. With one arm, he cleared the bed of throw pillows. Cassie reached out and whipped back the blankets as he balanced her in his arms.

  Lips joined and tongues swirled together as they landed on the bed, bouncing when they hit the mattress.

  Eager fingers squeezed a nipple. His tongue licked the hardened tip. He suckled, molded, and shaped. His free hand skimmed over her stomach, reaching the curly hair between her legs. He moved his mouth to her other breast as his fingers separated her already wet lips. Never before had she had such intense sensations, like she was going to lose her mind with desire.

  “Easy, sweetheart,” he groaned against her breast when Cassie bucked her pelvis against his hand. “I wanted to take this slow and easy, honey, but I don’t think I can.”

  Through half-closed eyes, she saw the fire of need in his. She took his penis in her hand, the size, heat, and velvety smoothness causing her breath to hitch. Its hard ridge pulsed in her palm.

  “I need you inside me,” she moaned, arching her pelvis against his hand.

  “You’re so hot and wet,” he said, finally slipping a finger inside her.

  Lights flashed behind her eyes. Her body exploded as she reached a peak she knew she’d never reached before tonight. He removed his finger. With her hands on his ass, she urged him on top of her, wanting more, more of Hogan, more of what he’d done to her.

  “Don’t wait, Hogan. I need you inside me now!” she urged, guiding him home.

  Hogan concentrated on not coming before he was fully inside her wet opening. His cock was ready to explode. She was hot and tight. In his sex-fogged mind, he realized he hadn’t used protection.

  “Cassie, wait!” he groaned, rising from her body.

  She grabbed his taut buttocks with both hands, bucked her hips upward, and wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him farther inside.

  “Cassie, you have to wait. I need to . . .”

  “I. Can’t. Wait.” Her hot breath vibrated in his ear. “You’re so hot, so big. Don’t leave me now.”

  It was too late. There was no way he could stop now, but he had to. Had to protect her. Holding her in place, he reached down and grabbed his pants and tried to reach into a pocket. Cassie’s movements became frantic. One hand pumped his cock up and down as her nails from the other dug into his ass. He needed protection and he needed it fast.

  Hogan clenched his teeth. Sweat rolled into his eyes as he finally hit pay dirt, nearly toppling them to the floor with his erratic movements. “Damn it, Cassie, I need to put a damn condom on.”

  She sucked on his neck. His orgasm was so close that if she did one more thing to him, it would be over.

  “Wait, Cassie.” He tore open the foil package, slipped it over his swollen penis, and rammed his way home, her hot, tight sheath sending him spiraling into his orgasm.

  “Wow.” Cassie sighed against Hogan’s shoulder a short time later. He was getting heavy lying on top of her, but she welcomed the weight. She now knew what he meant earlier when he said he would die if he had to leave. She was certain that death would be at her door if he did.

  Hogan rolled from Cassie, snuggling her against his side, nestling her head into the crook of his neck, where she belonged.

  “Wow is right,” he murmured against her hair. “But I believe more like stupendous, colossal . . . Wow.”

  She lay contentedly in his arms, relishing what had just passed between them. She’d never known such passion. Never realized this cosmic reaction could happen between a man and a woman. But now was not the time to analyze things. She just wanted to savor the moment. A low rumbling sound rose from beneath the sheets Hogan had spread over them. She stifled a giggle.

  Hogan kissed the top of her head. “You’re making me hungry.”

  “Already?” She giggled. “I thought it took men a while to recuperate. You are insatiable.”

  He smiled into her eyes. “I’m flattered you think I have such stamina, but what I meant was you’re making me want to eat something.”

  “All that energy we just used up?”

  Hogan chuckled. “No, your hair. I can smell steak sauce, and it’s making me hungry for my steak sitting in your refrigerator.”

  It might have been the lightweight feeling of her heart after loving Hogan, or simply pure joy, but suddenly the silliness of what happened at the restaurant struck her again. Laughter bubbled from her like spring water from the ground.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked, his voice ringing with confusion.

  “Oh, Hogan. I was just picturing that steak sauce shooting from the bottle and the shock on Hans’ face when he came to our table.”

  “Hans’ face? You should have seen your face.�
� He chuckled. “You looked like Godzilla had just entered the room and was ready to grab you and carry you up the side of a skyscraper.”

  Tears ran down her face. “When you started licking the sauce from your lips, I thought I’d die. You were so calm and dignified looking through your sauce-streaked glasses. Then when you went cross-eyed, I thought I would die trying not to laugh.” A snort erupted.

  “Laugh? You were trying not to laugh? I thought you were trying not to cry.”

  He tightened his hold as her breasts pressed against him. He finally let go and turned to his side to face her.

  “Think of the stories we’ll have to tell our children.” He wiped his wet eyes with the back of his hand.

  A bucket of ice water couldn’t have brought Cassie out of her revelry any faster than his comment. Children? I thought we were laughing about steak sauce. He quit laughing. Shit. She needed to get back to their silliness. Giving him a smack on his bare behind, Cassie jumped from the bed.

  “I’m hungry, too. Let’s go heat up our ill-fated meal.” She slipped on her robe and left the room.

  Hogan rolled over onto his stomach and buried his face in a pillow. “Stupid, stupid idiot. Children. Why the hell did I mention children?”

  He got up and sat on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees. Earlier exuberance was replaced with self-condemnation. What must she think of him? One date, a round of lovemaking, and, even though it was fantastic, he shouldn’t have jumped to the conclusion she would have his children. He sighed, slid his fingers through his hair, and flinched when they met resistance in a matted clump.

  “Damn.” Not only had he mentioned children, but he broke a cardinal rule of undercover work—never become involved with someone under investigation. If his boss found out, he’d be in deep shit. He glanced around her bedroom, hoping for signs of where a safe might be hidden.