Instant Enticement

by Samanthya Wyatt

“I hope not.” He made a sound like a cough.

  “Some unlawful ones?”

  “None I care to share. I’d rather talk about you, not my youthful escapades. Tell me about yourself.”

  “I told you so much last night.”

  “I want to know everything,” he said in a lazy drawl, the deep resonance sending a delicious hum through Kelly’s blood. His intense blue eyes captivated her. She wanted to drown in their mystical depths and lose every one of her inhibitions.

  Once Craig learned Dennis had no claim on her, the change in him was dramatic. He made his desires clear. Awareness sizzled in the air. Sexual tension enveloped them. She wondered if they’d make it through dinner before giving in to their desires, rushing somewhere more private.

  Mentally shaking herself, she said the first thing that popped in her head.

  “Mom said I was a cute baby. Although, how she knew was beyond me.” Immediately, Kelly realized what she’d said. What she’d almost revealed. Divulging family secrets was not on the menu tonight. Before Craig could question her comment, she hurried on.

  “I was a smart kid in school. Not many friends. Would you believe I was shy?”

  “Not for a minute.”

  His deep voice, so calm and gentle, lulled her, but his hot scrutiny made her edgy. Delightful shivers danced down her spine, forcing her to remember their kiss, which set the blood in her veins humming with expectation. She struggled to concentrate on anything but the attraction rebounding in waves between them.

  “Uh, yes. I was. Very shy. Then I met Dennis.”

  “And you were never shy again.” His smile assured her he was teasing, but the crook of his lips aroused her. His eyes promised so much more.

  She shifted in her seat, hoping to relieve some of the frustration that was quickly building “Sorry. I know you don’t want to talk about him.”

  Craig shook his head. “It’s not that I don’t want you to talk about him. I’m more interested in you.” He traced along her fingers while her hand rested on the table. She felt his sensual caress to her very core.

  Dennis was a safer topic than the emotions Craig created while stroking her fingers. Thoughts of heavy breathing and sweaty bodies suddenly ran rampant in her mind. She clutched her flute, hoping the champagne would get her mind off the sexy man seated across from her. She took a sip of her bubbly and gulped it down, desperately trying to evade the sexual pull smoldering between them.

  What had they been discussing? Oh yeah.

  “I was horribly shy until I met Dennis. I told you a bunch of boys bumped into me and knocked my books out of my arms? Dennis made the jerks pick them up. He was the first boy ever to talk to me.”

  “I can’t imagine that. You’re too beautiful to overlook.” Her bones liquefied. She was in way over her head.

  “Well, he was. He gave me confidence. Now he’d probably tell you there wasn’t a shy bone in my body.” Why was she talking about Dennis? She had to set this straight once and for all.

  “Craig.” She placed both hands in her lap and stared at him with purpose. “Dennis and I really are just friends. In a quirky kind of way. And I want you to know. We’ve never—”

  “There’s no need to say any more.” He straightened in his chair.

  “I want you to know. I like you. A lot. Dennis and I have never been lovers.” There. She’d said it. Taken the bull by the horns and laid it out there for him.

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Well, just in case.” She lifted her glass, needing something to hold in her hands. She held his gaze. “We haven’t. Ever. I wanted to clear the air.”

  “You feel the need to clear the air? I thought we had things settled last night.”

  “That was before Dennis punched you.”

  “I deserved it. For treating you badly.” He reached for her hand just as the waiter appeared, killing the moment. The young man delivered their food, refilled their glasses, and after seeing they needed nothing else, dashed away.

  “This looks good,” he said.

  “Smells delicious.” She glanced up, only to become lost, once again, in a sea of blue. The man had the most resplendent eyes.

  “Are you cold?” he asked.

  “No,” She lifted her fork. “I’m fine.”

  “Do I make you nervous?”

  She set it back down. “Yes. And I don’t know why. This isn’t the first time we’ve been alone.”

  “But it is the first time we’ve been together without barriers.”

  “Barriers?”

  “I’ve never had to watch my words so closely. Maybe I should use the term awareness. I’m attracted to you, Kelly. I’m sure you know that. Before tonight, I fought my attraction because I thought you were with Dennis and I wouldn’t cross that line. You set me straight. Dennis was the barrier. Our friendship was the barrier. Now it’s gone.”

  Kelly could hardly breathe.

  “You have no idea how tempted I was, plenty of times.” His voice shook with emotion.

  “Really? When?”

  “Every moment you were in my sight.”

  Kelly giggled, thinking of how she had deliberately tantalized him, wondering at the time why he had not acted on his attraction.

  “Your actions make sense to me now. I practically threw myself at you to get your attention. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.”

  “There was nothing wrong, and you had my attention from the first moment I saw you.”

  Remembering the shower scene, she blushed. When his eyes darkened to lust, she knew he was remembering too.

  “Barriers, huh?”

  “No more,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her mouth. Suddenly, he sat back as if they had not nearly undressed each other with their eyes. “Enough of that. I’m starving.”

  She was too, and it wasn’t for food.

  She picked up her fork and took a bite of her chicken alfredo. The delicious tang of cheese and garlic on her tongue incited her taste buds.

  “Mmm. Heaven.”

  ~ ~ ~

  By the end of the meal, all Craig could think about was his arousal, and how much he’d like to give Kelly a taste of heaven. Her moans of delight as she tasted her food had nearly driven him to the point of abandoning their meal, grabbing Kelly and running off to the closest private corner he could find. He had more control than that.

  Craig learned at an early age that if he wanted something badly enough, it was worth the wait, and taking the proper route to get it. Kelly was worth any price he had to pay. He was willing to wait. Willing to go about the right way of winning her. He reached for her hand and rubbed his thumb over the back. “I’m very pleased you came out with me.”

  She glanced at his hand holding hers and spoke softly, raising her gaze back to his. “Thank you. I really wanted to be with you.”

  He couldn’t keep from staring at her mouth, wishing he could do more than hold her hand. Being in a public place prevented that. He could hardly wait to claim her, but the lingering anticipation made the prize so much sweeter.

  He signed for the bill, escorted Kelly outside, and waited for the valet to bring his truck. A gentle breeze carried her elusive perfume to him, stimulating his already attuned senses. He’d had a hard-on all evening. The thought of being alone with her in the comfort of his vehicle intensified his desire.

  The Tundra rolled to a halt, and another valet opened the passenger door. Craig waited until Kelly fastened her seatbelt before strolling to the driver’s side.

  The cab filled with Kelly’s essence, made it difficult to concentrate on driving. All he’d thought about since picking her up was sex. He’d already made up his mind to abstain tonight. With the amount of electricity sparking between them, there was no doubt the idea had been in bo
th of their minds. That didn’t mean she would willingly jump into bed with him. Whether she would agree or not, he needed to show some restraint. And respect. No matter how much he wanted to devour her.

  He thought about a drive to the lake. An hour down the road would be safe. Unless he spotted a turn off leading to a private spot for some necking. The seats in his truck reclined to be almost flat, so there’d be no problem. Damn. He shoved a hand through his hair.

  “Craig? Do I make you nervous?”

  Her question threw him a curve, then he recognized it to be the same one he’d asked her when he’d noticed her tremble at the restaurant. He released a breath, somewhere between a grunt and a soft laugh.

  “I guess, in a way, you do.”

  She turned, facing him. “How so?”

  He glared at her. “Do you really need to ask?” He held her gaze for a long moment. He saw the same blazing emotion, the same longing in her eyes, before jerking his gaze back to the road. “I really like you. All I can think about is that kiss and how soon I can get my hands on you again.”

  Like? He was smart enough to know the allure he felt for Kelly went way beyond mere attraction.

  “I see. Well, then. How soon?”

  “What?”

  “I was wondering if you meant that as a question or if you were warning me in advance. So, I was asking how soon.”

  He clutched the steering wheel with both hands. All of his good intentions flew out the window. “I’ve been having a hard time controlling myself. Say the word and I’ll turn this vehicle around and head straight to my hotel.” He glanced over to find her chewing her lip. “No. Never mind. I promised myself I’d take you to dinner and keep my hands to myself. This time.”

  The silence was deafening while he waited for her response.

  “This time?”

  He heard the smile in her voice. “If you say I’m assuming there will be a next time, I’ll give you the same answer I gave you in the restaurant.”

  “Don’t. Because it’s my turn. I can assure you,” she teased, throwing his words back at him, “there will be another. I’m looking forward to the next time.”

  He felt the aching need throbbing between them. Anticipation. He too looked forward to their next date. But it sure didn’t ease his frustration on this one.

  He had her within reach. He knew she’d be willing. The air crackled with desire. In that moment, he realized he wanted more than sex with this woman. He knew an extraordinary gift when he saw one, and he needed to show Kelly how important she was to him. He could satisfy his craving, but he wanted her trust. More significantly, he wanted to prove to her that she needed him in her life. Love at first sight? Some believed. He thought it was too soon for such feelings. But, whatever had assailed him, it had grabbed him by his gut. There would be more nights, more dates with Kelly. But not if he bungled this one.

  “Our date’s not over,” he said. “I thought we might drive up to Lake Norman. The water is beautiful with a full moon reflecting over the water.”

  “I’d like that.”

  As she leaned her head against the high back, Craig longed for a bench seat. Where he could pull Kelly close, his arm draped over her shoulder while she snuggled into his side.

  Chapter 11

  Just as Craig promised, the moon’s glow glistened over the lake, giving an image of light dancing on the water’s surface. The warm breeze created ripples that frolicked with the celestial luminosity. What a beautiful sight to share with such an alluring man.

  He held her hand as she kicked off her shoes.

  “Well?” She held his fingers while she tilted her head.

  “Well, what?”

  “Your turn.” She pointed to his feet. “Are you going to take off your shoes?”

  “I hadn’t planned on it.”

  “Come on. You don’t want to ruin them.”

  He arched a brow. “I don’t plan on getting them wet.”

  “Mother earth,” she said, digging her toes in the grass. “Feels good.”

  “You like going barefoot.”

  “I love it. I’m no tenderfoot.”

  “Tenderfoot?” She loved it when he cocked his brow like that.

  “I spend a lot of time outdoors. Even in the city, I find time to go to the park, kick off my shoes and walk in the grass. I have a friend whose father lives on a farm. I’ve only been there a few times, but there’s a stream close to his house and we’ve walked barefoot along the creek bed. Her brothers go swimming in the deep part. They have a big rope tied to a branch in a huge tree. They swing out like monkeys.”

  He laughed. “I have this image of you swinging out on a rope and splashing into the water.”

  “You should do that more often.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Laugh. It sounds so deep and rich. And your face. You look so relaxed and carefree.”

  “Your personality is rubbing off on me.” He laced his fingers with hers and tugged her along the water’s edge.

  Listening to the tranquil sounds of the dark, she clasped his hand tighter.

  “I’ve never been here at night,” Kelly breathed. “This is beautiful.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” His voice rumbled close to her ear. “But not as beautiful as the woman sharing it with me. You’re absolutely stunning.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “You say that like you really mean it.”

  He stopped, circling her to him. “I do.”

  Even in the dark, she saw the desire and longing in his scrutiny.

  “Don’t doubt it for a minute.” His fingers grazed her cheek. “You are beautiful. Did you notice at dinner how I couldn’t take my eyes off you?”

  “You were pretty intense,” she managed to say over her pounding pulse. She’d been conscious of his gaze on her all through the meal. Now, her nerves danced in apprehension. Exhilaration. Anticipation.

  He cradled her cheeks between the palms of his hands. “You are so lovely. Your eyes glow, your lips beg me to kiss you.”

  “What are you waiting for?” She held her breath while he stared at her, as if he were trying to memorize every feature. Then, finally, oh so slowly, he lowered his head.

  “Kelly,” she thought she heard him whisper, just before his mouth found hers. As soft as a butterfly’s wings, he brushed against her, his tongue sweeping over her lips, slowly drawing her in. He nipped and nibbled, then rolled her bottom lip into his mouth, teasing, running his tongue over the plush surface, then slipping inside.

  She welcomed his entry, embracing his need. Desire flowed through her limbs as she lost herself in the taste of him. She slid her arms around his waist, stepping into him, pulling him closer. Passion drew her deeper into his kiss. Hunger blazed, creating a fire of craving. She kissed him with all the emotion swirling through her.

  He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, pressing her curves into his hard strength. Straining against each other, the kiss went on and on, until finally he drew back, dragging in gulps of air.

  “Oh, Craig,” Kelly sighed. Melting into his body, she snuggled her face in the curve of his neck. “I knew . . . it would be . . . Wow. Just plain wow.” She’d waited years for a kiss like this one.

  “God, Kelly.” His voice teeming with passion, he dropped his head against hers. “If I’d known what I was missing.”

  She gave a little giggle, then relaxed into the pressing comfort of his arms. Safe, heaven, delectable. So many sensations floated through her. She snuggled deeper into his embrace, wanting this moment to last forever. Who knew such deep emotion could come about after only one incredible kiss.

  His arms tightened, and she felt his groan more than heard it. His chest rumbled, his breathing slowed, and the hands on her back soothed her to a state of enchantm
ent. Surely this could not be real. The sensations Craig created in her were made from dreams.

  “As much as I like holding you, I suppose we can’t stand here forever.”

  He released her long enough to drop his arm over her shoulder. She placed her arm around his waist. Swaying together, they continued their walk in silence. Perhaps each was pondering their embrace, maybe not knowing what to say after an earth-shaking moment. Unwilling to douse the mood, she simply relived the delicious ambience of their kiss. All too soon they were back at his car.

  When he opened the passenger door, a sting of loss prickled her chest. She thought he might take her in his arms and kiss her again. Instead, he helped her in, fastened her seatbelt, met her gaze for a mere second, then closed the door.

  With the volatile reaction from before, perhaps he’d been as stunned as she. For her, the earth moved. The world tilted.

  She’d never felt such desire, such power, so fast.

  ~ ~ ~

  Craig circled his truck. With every step, he called himself all kinds of a fool.

  He raked his hand through his hair and sucked in great gulps of air. Christ! He knew the woman would be hot. He had no idea she would burn him to cinders.

  That kiss shook him way more than it should have. When his lips touched hers, an explosion tore through his body. He’d lost himself in her taste. White hot need had rushed through his veins. The long walk had done nothing to cool his ardor. He could still feel her hands on his body, her breasts crushed against his chest.

  Kelly responded with a yearning that went beyond hunger. Beyond anything he’d ever felt or known. She’d melted, flowed into him like warm honey and he’d eagerly soaked up every drop. Hot and full of intensity, everything else had disappeared. There was only that moment and the woman in his arms.

  He couldn’t wait to have her there again. But he knew if he touched her, if she responded to him again with abandon, he wouldn’t stop until he’d tasted every sweet her body possessed.