Glimpsing a reflection of Tempest in the window, his thoughts turned to her and their date in a couple of hours. Regardless of what Ryan decided, if anything, Rogue would still pursue Tempest. She soothed him, offered peace and humor, and set his body on fire with longing for her. He wasn't about to give up such a treasure. For anyone.
Chapter 13
Tempest found herself at an upscale restaurant, spending an evening with her boss. Correction. Rogue. When he asked after their first luncheon, she couldn't turn him down, even though she'd had a splendid time with Ryan and scheduled another date with him the day after next. Still unable to choose just one, she told herself to take a bit more time, they would separate themselves with another date or so, allowing her to pick the better fit. Until then, they kept her on her toes.
Good thing she kept a daily calendar in her purse. Keeping up with work and seeing two men at the same time bordered on insanity at times. Her already complicated schedule filled up even more with the addition of the two men.
"How's your chicken?"
"Pretty good, actually." Tempest forked another piece of the grilled chicken. "I was afraid it might be too spicy, but it's perfect." Placing the food in her mouth, she chewed. "Your steak must be good, considering how much you've inhaled so far."
Rogue shot her a grin. "Delicious." Swallowing, he watched her from across the table. Her long sable hair was normally in a ponytail. Tonight she left it free, the ends tickling her shoulder blades when the light breeze didn't send the locks to dancing. More than once, he caught her green eyes appraising him, raking over his body and settling on his face, a bewildered look crossing hers now and again. As if she was trying to figure out some puzzle in her head. It didn't take a detective to figure out what she pondered over.
"I'm seeing Ryan." She tossed out of the blue.
Sitting back, Rogue used his napkin to blot at his mouth. "I know."
"I need to be honest with you both. Transparent. No games, lies, or deceptions," she rattled on before taking a sip of her tea.
"I would prefer that. A relationship based on anything less than the truth is bound to fail."
Her emerald eyes flashed as she met his gaze. "Then would you answer me something."
"Sure."
"Why did you ask me out now? After two years? Is it because you don't want Ryan to have me? Am I a bone in a big dog tug of war?"
"Whew." He leaned in, resting his elbows on the table. He ducked the questions before, but knew he would have to eventually face the music. Tonight the song played clearly. "I know you're a bit confused. Let me try to explain things. First of all, you aren't a bone in a tug of war game. I will admit Ryan's appearance and his asking you out prodded me into action, but I wanted you long before he arrived."
She blinked but remained mute. He ran one hand through his short dark hair. "Ryan and I are adversaries, yes. But don't question whether I want you or not. I want you for you. Always have. I'm sure he feels the same."
After all the time they'd worked together, he finally stepped forward, asking her out on a real date. A clown could see Ryan prompted him into action, like laying a cattle prod to his rear. He wouldn't deny the facts. Yet, he needed her to understand she meant more to him than an employee, more than a trifle belonging in an ongoing rivalry.
Reaching across the table, he took her smaller hand in his. "Tempest. Whatever you decide, whether it's me or him or some other option, I will respect your wishes. Until then, I only want you to see the man I am and how I feel about you before you make your final decision."
A long pregnant silence passed, filled with only the murmurs of the evening restaurant crowd and the clanging of silverware. Rogue held his breath, waiting for her response, the words that would bolster his spirits or send them crashing into a fiery ball to earth.
She met his gaze and slowly smiled. "Deal."
Sighing in relief, he brushed his lips over her knuckles before releasing her. "Thank you. I promise you won't be disappointed."
"How could I? I have this primitive, yet hunk of a caveman, wining and dining me, pampering and entertaining me, before he drags me back to his cave." Her eyes flashed with mischief.
"Cave? I'll have you know it's a decent house. Clean and respectable." Picking up on her teasing, he threw out a pitch. "I even have a king-sized bed. Much more comfortable for caveman pastimes." He waggled his eyebrows.
"Uh huh." She giggled. "And what pastimes would those be?"
"For me to know and you to find out." He took a long drink of his soda, trying to quell the throb in his engorged cock. If a simple conversation at a public establishment tightened his groin into a pounding erection, she would be hell on wheels with his libido. He couldn't wait.
"What's next on the agenda," she asked before taking another bite of her dinner.
"Well, that's up to you."
She looked up at him.
"Either we return to my cave for you to discover some interesting and exciting pastimes…"
"Or?"
"Or we head over to the circus."
A sincere smile lit up her face. "I'm a sucker for the trapeze artist men in tights." She sighed dramatically. "Such bodies. And their endowments. Breathtaking."
He met her with a grin of his own. "They don't have anything on me, baby."
"Was that a line?" She cocked her head to the side.
"The truth. Honest truth."
Her stomach began a delicious slow somersault. My, oh my. She couldn't wait to inspect his manhood for herself. When did I step into the mud puddle of hussyhood? Two dates didn't a round of sexcapades make. Darn it. Forcefully pushing the naughty images aside, she focused on the man across from her. Plenty of time for the physical side of things. After she solidified his reasons and expectations.
She wasn't innocent, nor loose. Instead, she considered herself a modern woman with a healthy sexual appetite with the right man of the moment.
Who was the man of the moment now? Rogue or Ryan? Both. The thought slipped in. Maybe, just maybe she wouldn't have to choose after all. Not outright discarding the idea, she filed it away for later. Definitely something to consider. At another time.
Chapter 14
"It's not much, but it's home." Ryan ushered her in and closed the door behind them, clicking the lock.
She glanced around, finding a neat, orderly home. A sofa and recliner made up the living room furniture, both facing a large screen television. To the left sat a kitchen complete with a wooden dining table and four matching chairs. Dark brown tiles mimicked natural rock for flooring, bumping up against carpet a few shades lighter. On her right a hallway led to presumably bedrooms and perhaps a bathroom. "Very nice." She gave him kudos for tidiness. In all reality, he probably spent little time here, but managed to keep everything looking lived in, yet clean. Most men probably weren't neat freaks with their bachelor pads. Ryan proved an exception. Perhaps years of Army life created a habit he clung to even today. "Love the TV." She shot him a saucy grin.
Ryan chuckled. "Yeah. My big splurge last year. You want something to drink?" He gestured toward the kitchen.
"Water?" Her mouth was dry, probably a little dehydrated from dancing the past hour and a half straight.
"Coming right up." He walked to the fridge, opened the door, and pulled out two bottles of water. Ambling closer, he handed one over.
"Thanks." She took the offered item, twisted the cap, and took a long drink. "Dancing dried me out."
He took a swallow. "You're an excellent dancer, you know."
She grinned over at him. "I do okay. You're the surprise. Who knew a former Army Ranger could tango? You should've seen the women's faces. They were drooling. Their partners were nearly green with envy."
"Other women? I didn't see any beautiful woman but you." His eyebrow arched as he softly spoke the words.
Her stomach clenched delightfully while parts lower down sat up and took notice. Heck, they paid rapt attention all night long as Ryan wrapped his arms aroun
d her tightly, pulled her flush against that magnificent body, then moved with the sultry Latin music like a pro. Each movement a caress, each song a step higher on her ladder of desire. By the time they stopped, she was ready to tear his clothes off and find a vacant room for a fast and furious ride on the Ryan express.
"Where did you learn to dance like that? Like"—she waved her hand—"a smooth, flowing, well-oiled machine."
"My mother. She studied ballroom dancing in college. Made sure all of her children could hold their own in any of the traditional dances."
The admission made Tempest smile. A family full of rough and tumble military types with hours on the ballroom floor. The mixture piqued her interest and pulled her all the closer to Ryan.
"She'll be proud of you. You're exceptional."
He sat his water bottle on the nearby kitchen countertop. "You're the exceptional one. Beautiful. Smart. Gutsy."
Her gaze met his. The sparking in his blue eyes sped her heart and stole her breath. She placed her bottle on the floor and stepped closer, not stopping until she stood in his embrace. He leaned in, his soft lips covering hers in a gentle exploration that quickly caught fire.
Finally. After a night of tempting, teasing, and downright sensual torture, Tempest had Ryan alone and all to herself. Hot and hungry, she put everything she had in the kiss while furiously working at the buttons on his shirt. Ryan assisted by tugging his shirt from his pants before he started working on her clothes, seeming just as eager as she.
His hands smoothed over her back, then dipped underneath the blouse, making a beeline for the clasp on her bra. With a quick twist of his wrist, the garment fell open. Almost immediately his large, callused hands cupped her breasts, weighing them, while flicking his thumbs over the sensitive tips.
She moaned into his mouth, busily tongue wrestling in a haze of need and fiery passion.
Ryan pulled back, grabbed the hem of her blouse and lifted. Tempest squirmed out of the unwanted covering, letting Ryan toss both items aside while she focused on opening his shirt, quickly learning the feel, the hills and valleys of his sculpted chest and six pack abs on her trek. Her fingers flew over the buttons of his tight jeans, the same pair that molded his remarkable ass all evening long, kicking her womanly needs into high gear with the demand to see him naked. She couldn't get him nude fast enough.
"God, Tempest." Ryan muttered against her ear where he nipped her earlobe before laving it with his tongue, his hands still fondling her swollen breasts.
Succeeding in flipping his fly open, she dove in, gently wrapping her fingers around the treasure she uncovered, measuring him once, twice, before brushing her thumb over the sensitive tip, spreading the droplet of moisture. She took a moment to tug his shirt upwards, allowing him to finish stripping while she helped him to shimmy his pants down. Ryan tossed his shirt to the side, pulled his shoes off, and stepped out of the pile of garments at his feet. Standing nude, he glanced down to find Tempest caressing his sensitive flesh lovingly. The sight drove him higher.
Sucking in a breath, Ryan reached for her skirt, giving the light material a sharp tug, enough to send the cloth to the floor, and leaving her wearing only her pink satin bikini panties.
She stepped out of the wrappings around her ankles, and toed off first one shoe then the other, still holding on to Ryan's erection, unwilling to let him go for even a moment. His body called to her, begged her to run her hands over every delightful inch, to explore and discover, to take all he had to offer in an act of sheer pleasure. Leaning in, she licked his collarbone, then dipped lower, laving his nipples with her tongue and earning a low groan for her efforts.
"Damn, baby." Ryan met her lips, once again the conqueror in a heated kiss, coaxing, demanding, and insisting on every ounce of passion she could give. His hands wandered freely over her body, rubbing and caressing, driving her to burn hotter, before his mouth followed, his lips wrapping around her pebbled nipple and sucking.
Pleasure speared through her. "Ryan…"
"Hmmm?" he answered as he shared the attention with the other orb.
She dug her fingers in his short blond hair, holding him in place, encouraging him to continue with his ministrations. His hand cupped her femininity, rubbing through the slick material, before tugging the garment downward. Softly, his fingers delved between her thighs, separating her folds, and coating in the moisture before one digit sunk in deep while his thumb pressed down, sending a jolt through her. Her knees wobbled as she clung to him for support in the building waves of rapture.
"I need you. Now." The words whispered from her dry mouth.
Ryan took her hand, leading her to the side of his king size bed after she removed the final garment with a quick kick. With one more brush of his lips over hers, he sat down, scooted over, and stretched out on his back after plumping pillows to give his upper body a definite tilt. His eyes smoldering with sexual want as his gaze raked her bare body. Appreciation lit up his face.
"Then take me, baby." The words and sexy tone set her stomach into a slow, delicious somersault.
For a long moment, she visually feasted on the prime male specimen before her. His wide chest sprinkled with a few hairs, leading down into a flat stomach. Arms bulged with power and ripped thighs spoke of conditioning and strength. His lovely cock, in full glory, drew her attention as he lightly stroked his fingers over the granite hard thickness. She licked her lips as another bead of moisture appeared. What would he taste like? She would find out. Soon.
"Tempest?" He called to her. "Come on, honey. I'm all yours. Ride me."
She loved the cowgirl position. Just the thought of hopping on Ryan for a round of bucking bronco made her mouth water and belly clench in excited anticipation. Too long she waited, needing Ryan's touch, his kiss, his body covering hers as they both flew in those fleeting moments of ecstasy.
Walking to the bedside table, she plucked a condom from a box, tossing it to Ryan. As she watched, he ripped the foil open, pulled the rubber out, and quickly slid it over his large cock. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the wrapper to rest on the small wooden table, then reached out with his hand.
Unable to wait any longer, she climbed on the bed, crawling on all fours until she reached his side. Once there, she shifted over, straddling his supine body, her hips and shoulders level with his, allowing her arms and knees to support her position. As much as she longed to lower her body over his, to connect them, she held herself several inches above him in an attempt to slow down in order to regain control of her stampeding libido and savor this first time together.
Lazily, she leaned down, her breasts brushing across his chest, her hair tickling his shoulders, as she licked the column of his throat.
He molded her breasts once more, gently squeezing and plumping, sending tiny sparks straight to her pelvis.
She arched her back, brushed her mound against his cock, and grinned when she felt his erection jump against her lower belly in response to the direct stimulation.
Ryan snaked his hand lower, found her sensitive nubbin, and lightly plucked.
Tempest whimpered and mewled.
"Come on, baby. Climb aboard," he whispered against her ear, tonguing the lobe.
Sitting back, she met his gaze, reveling in his bedroom eyes and the tensed jaw, signs of his level of excitement and need. Taking his erection in hand, she rubbed him against her. Once, twice, watching as he threw his head back with a needy groan.
Ever so slowly, she lowered herself over him, slipping his manhood into her wet channel. The stretching sensation and fullness added to her pleasure, urging her onward until she seated him deep within her body.
"Damn, you feel good." The words tumbled from her mouth as she began a lazy rocking motion before lifting. He fit perfectly, rubbing against every sensitive spot, spurring her to greater heights.
He thrust.
She moaned and leaned forward, bracing her hands on his chest, splaying her legs wider. Pushing back, she met his next stroke, quic
kly picking up a steady rhythm, which rapidly accelerated.
More. She needed more. Tempest slammed down against him, rolling her hips, while throwing her head back. She couldn't get enough of him, deep enough, fast enough, hard enough. Riding like a woman born in the saddle, she matched his stride, pushed him higher, demanding all he could give.
She panted, unbridled need driving her to a faster pace, nearly reckless in her attempt to reach the pinnacle. Bouncing and jerking, her mouth fell open with a cry of need.
Ryan reached between them, his fingers centering on her clit, caressing with light brushstrokes. Gently at first, he exerted a bit more pressure with his thumb, the circular motion growing more frenzied with her movements.
"There, baby. Right there."
Tempest saw stars. Her muscles drew taut as she felt the first tingling twinges. "Yesssss."
Ryan's fingers fluttered over her, then ever so lightly pinched.
Rapture overcame her. Strong contractions encompassed her core while her mouth opened on a silent scream, her pelvis ground against his, locking his delectable cock deep inside. Belatedly, she heard him grunt, his hand digging into her hip, holding her in place while he jerked under her. Rapid breathing filled the otherwise quiet room.
"Can we do that again?" Tempest gasped out as she eased her nails from the muscles of his chest.
Ryan chuckled, bracketed her hips with his hands, and pushed upward. "Until one of us cries for mercy."
"It won't be me," she promised with a wicked smile and clenched her inner muscles around his deflating cock.
"Beautiful and insatiable. Damn, I'm lucky." He pulled her down for a kiss. "Good thing I have a whole box of condoms. We're gonna need them."
She grinned, flicked his nipple, and smiled impishly.
Oh, yeah, they were going to need them. And maybe more if she had her way. With Ryan, she could make love all night. All day tomorrow. Into next week. Forever. Making love. In her experiences with a handful of boyfriends, never had she labeled their bedroom activities more than just sex. Ryan made it all different. New. Sharing and caring. He turned a physical act into a whirlwind of pleasure with something in addition.
Blue Blood's Trifecta Page 6