Her breath ragged, she replied, “Bedroom,” pointing toward a closed door on the left. Never breaking contact, he twisted the knob, moved in, and kicked the door shut behind them. He wanted to feel her wrapped around him. His body ached to be buried deep within her sweetness.
He released her long enough to unbutton his shirt. While he did Sharma untied the sash of her robe and let it slip to the floor. Once again his eyes were fixated on how luscious she looked in her baby-doll nightie. I’m sure you look even better without it. He pulled her into his arms again and said, “You’re so beautiful, Sharma. It’s hard for me to keep my hands off you.”
She smiled up at him. “Then don’t.”
Claiming her lips, he continued exploring her mouth with his while his hands fumbled with the button and zipper of his slacks. He slipped them off, leaving only his boxer shorts. Bringing his hands around her, he pulled her up off the floor and into his arms. The coolness of her bare legs against the heat of his caused his cock to throb in need. He wanted this slow, tender and loving, but his body was begging to touch, taste, and give all he could.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he brought his hands down to cup her ass. The full curves that had been teasing him, teased him even more. So perfect. His fingers gently dug into her soft flesh. This is crazy. I’ve been with more women than I can count, yet Sharma has me in knots. I can’t get enough of her.
He needed to control his own desire. Pushing past the need to taste every inch of her was almost impossible, but her reaction to his touch, his kisses, made him want to give more to her. Kissing her lips hungrily one more time, he growled into her mouth.
She moaned as his kisses traveled from her lips and across her jaw, then to the curve of her neck. “I want this to be a night you’ll never forget,” he said, exploring and tasting her as he licked and nibbled his way across her collarbone. He only stopped long enough to enjoy moans of pleasure that escaped her sweet lips.
“Cole, please. I need you to . . .” Sharma begged, her hands gripping his shoulders, but she didn’t finish her sentence. He loved knowing she was as hot for him as he was for her. She might close her eyes and turn away from him, but he could feel and smell the arousal burning within her. He was sure his was matching hers.
A soft cry left her as he broke contact long enough to lift her nightie over her head and toss it to the side. His eyes roamed over her body. It was pure beauty, and she was more seductive than he could bear. “You’re more beautiful than I imagined, and trust me sweetheart, I’ve been thinking about you from the moment we met.”
Sharma reached a hand out and ran it down his chest, over his abs, and stopped just below his navel. “Oh, I’ve done my share of dreaming of you too. And Cole, you’re . . . well . . . more than I imagined.”
He knew he was endowed and in his raging desire, he didn’t want to hurt her. Stepping closer to her, he whispered in her ear, “I’ll be gentle.”
Sharma wrapped her fingers around his cock and said, “I won’t.”
Dropping to her knees, she kissed one thigh then the next. His cock wanted, ached, for her mouth. Easy, Cole. Tonight is supposed to be about her. He knew if she wrapped her lips around him he wouldn’t be able to contain himself. His raw need would take control over his heart.
You’re sexy as hell and I want this so bad, but I have to stop. He gripped her upper arms and guided her to stand up. “Not this time.” His voice was hoarse. Wildly running his hands over the silken flesh of her back, he mentally etched each curve in his mind. He needed to feel every inch of her and continued his exploration. Caressing her shoulders, he made his way over her collarbone and to her perfect breasts. Her erect nipples were begging for his attention. He traced them slowly with his fingers then rolled them between a finger and thumb. She arched her back to him, giving him full access to her luscious breasts. Taking one nipple in his mouth, he savored it, flicking it with his tongue until she moaned. He pulled it gently with his teeth and she gripped his head, bringing him even closer.
“Cole,” Sharma cried out.
Her nipples hardened into tight peaks as he licked them in slow circles. He could feel her body heating up. And it’s about to get even hotter. When he bit lightly, she arched closer to him, grinding her hips against his hard cock while moaning his name over and over again. She was so responsive. Every moan and cry enhanced his own desire. I’ve never needed anyone like this. Then again, he’d never been drawn to anyone like he was to Sharma.
His lips trailed up her throat, kissing, caressing, and nipping gently until they once again claimed hers, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth while one hand slipped between her legs and began caressing her. “Sharma, you feel like heaven.”
“Cole, your sweet torture is killing me. I can’t wait any longer,” she said, trying to catch her breath.
He wanted to explore deeper and tried to ignore his own pulsing need. There was nothing between him and her hot core. He wanted her with such intensity. Pulling her close to him, his hand urged her legs apart, running over her delicate folds. She was so hot and wet and he knew she was ready for him now, but this was not going to be rushed. He wanted her to release before he entered her with his cock. As his fingers circled her clit she whimpered, her legs wobbled, and her entire body trembled against him.
“Please, I . . .” Her voice was barely a whisper against his neck.
He wanted to watch her and leaned back so he was meeting her gaze. He slid one finger deep inside her. She sucked in her breath and grabbed his shoulders. Reaching out with his other hand, he lifted one of her thighs so her leg rested on his hip, giving him full access to all she had to offer. He continued to finger her, first with one then two fingers, as his thumb stroked her clit. Faster, deeper, until she was moaning in pleasure, begging him for more. His movements grew faster and more urgent until her body finally clenched around his fingers. She shuddered, her head thrashing from side to side, digging her nails into him as she released her hot juices on his hand and screamed his name.
He couldn’t hold back any longer. His own body was on fire. Without giving her time to catch her breath, he picked her up and laid her on the center of the bed. Before he joined her, he reached into his pant pocket, pulled out his wallet, and grabbed the condom from inside. Quickly he sheathed himself before joining her on the bed.
When he returned to her she welcomed him, wrapping her arms around his neck, trying to pull him to her. Kneeling between her legs, he took in the beauty of her body. Does she know how hot she is? Or what she’s doing to me? Her full breasts and round hips begged for his attention. He planned to continue exploring every inch of her, but his body was aching for only one thing right now.
Taking his hard cock in his hand, he stroked her clit with the head, never taking his eyes off her. Her brown eyes darkened even more as the need within her built again.
“Sharma, tell me what you want.” His voice was deep, almost a growl, as he tried to control his own need.
She opened her legs wider, wrapping them around him, pulling him to her. Then she moved his hand and took his cock in hers. He watched as she guided him inside her. Hell yeah. He entered her slowly, letting her adjust to his size. Once he knew she’d take all of him, he pulled back and reentered her with one fierce thrust. She moaned deeply and arched her hips up to him. He pumped fast and hard, driving into her again and again. She ran her hands up his chest, raking her nails gently over him, stopping briefly to pinch his nipples before moving on. Oh, fuck yes. His blazing gaze met hers. “Sweetheart you’re driving me crazy.”
As he sucked her nipples and entered her again and again she cried out, “Yes! Cole! I . . . Oh . . . yes . . .” Her hands were on his back, pulling him down to her.
“Yes, Sharma, give it to me. Give it all to me.” He fucked her harder, faster, and she cried out his name again and again while meeting his thrusts with her own. “Yeah, that’s it, sweetheart. Let go. I want to feel you come while I’m in you.” Her moans grew louder against his
neck, and her body began to tense around his cock as she came. Her pulsing release continued to clench and release around him as he plunged deeper. His orgasm burst from him and rocked him to the core. An animalistic sound came from deep within him, stronger than anything he had experienced before.
His legs trembled as he collapsed beside her on the bed. Their sweat-glistened bodies remained entwined as they struggled to catch their breaths.
Cole reached out and brushed the sweat-drenched stands of hair from Sharma’s face. “That was so . . . I don’t know how to describe it.”
“Incredible?” Sharma offered.
“When I’m not so tired, I’ll think of the right word, but incredible will have to do for now.”
Sharma smiled up at him. “Give me an hour and maybe we can work on finding a word together.”
Cole chuckled and kissed her forehead gently. “Thirty minutes sound better.”
He didn’t know where they were going, but he knew he’d never get enough of her. She was a spectacular lover, but what was between them was so much more. It wasn’t anything he’d been looking for, but then again, the best deals he’d ever made were ones that dropped out of the sky. And Sharma you sure are heaven sent.
Chapter Six
Leaving the warmth of her bed so early was hard enough. Having Cole sprawled out naked and tempting made it nearly impossible. Sharma had a job to do and calling out wasn’t her style, but if there was a day she wanted to, it was now.
She couldn’t just sneak out and leave him without saying goodbye. Sitting at the table, she began jotting down what came to her mind. When she read the note back to herself she knew it was too much. It was all about how much she cared about him and what last night meant to her. How she couldn’t picture her life without him. She crumpled it and threw it in the trash.
Grabbing another sheet, she tried again. This time she thanked him for a good time last night. She couldn’t believe how impersonal it was. That one hit the wastebasket too.
One last time. This time she closed her eyes and let the words flow. “Missing you.” It was so simple but exactly how she felt the moment she left his side. She left it out on the table so he couldn’t miss it then headed to work.
There was no time to stop for coffee, not that she wanted to after her embarrassing exchange yesterday. It sure as heck was better than that donut.
“Something funny, Sharma?” one of the nurses asked as she walked into the ER.
She hadn’t realized she was laughing out loud. Rose was the only one who’d appreciate such a comment. There was no way Sharma was going to even try to explain it to anyone else. It was bad enough Rose knew that part of her personal life. She and the entire staff at the coffee shop.
“No. I’m just in a good mood, that’s all.”
“Hope it stays that way. HR left a message for you at the desk. They want to see you in their office at ten.” Sharma wasn’t worried. There probably was paperwork to fill out regarding her resignation. “Looks like you pissed someone off.”
Sharma walked past her and headed to the desk. She told herself she didn’t care what they thought. She was going to be in Quinton for only two more weeks. Let them talk.
That wasn’t all true. Words hurt more than she would admit. Their lack of acknowledgement of her, the newbie, even being there also troubled her. She was good at putting up a front, but that’s all it was. As far as she was concerned, she couldn’t get out of there and start the next chapter in her life fast enough. I don’t know yet what that is.
She was a planner, and this was so out of character for her. Sharma hadn’t told Rose she quit her job. It wasn’t that she was worried Rose wouldn’t understand; Rose was the kindest person she knew. She was embarrassed she acted without totally thinking things through. Just like last night.
Sharma didn’t regret a thing about what she and Cole shared last night. Amazing wasn’t even close to describing it. Cole was one heck of a lover, but it was something deeper than that. Emotionally she connected to him as if their hearts were speaking to each other. Two hearts beating as one.
She wasn’t a romantic, but that was exactly how she felt when she thought of Cole. Sharma needed to shake those thoughts off right now. Although the ER was quiet at the moment, it could change in a blink of an eye, and she wanted to be focused. Not dreaming about where I wish I was. Back in Cole’s arms.
Sharma sat at the nurses station, her eyes burning from lack of sleep. It was becoming a habit since she met Cole. Sleep was overrated as far as she was concerned.
The phone rang and she picked it up. “ER, this is Sharma speaking.”
“We were expecting you in our office at ten.”
Sharma looked at the clock. She’d totally forgotten. “Sorry. I’m on my way.”
She let one of the other nurses know that she’d be unavailable for a short time and rushed up to HR. When she got inside one of the security guards was there. She couldn’t help but think that was a bit odd but there were a lot of things that seemed odd there.
“I’m really sorry I’m late.”
The woman said in a firm tone, “Please sit down.”
It had been years since anyone had used that tone with her, and Sharma knew she was about to get scolded. It was almost comical because they were all professionals. Or so I’d hope.
“We wanted to speak to you about your employment.”
“Yes, I know. I gave my notice yesterday.”
“You did. And we appreciate you are willing to work two weeks as per your contract, however we are ending your employment immediately.”
Sharma was shocked at that. If anything she anticipated them asking for more time since they were short-staffed already. “You’re letting me go now? Why? My performance has been good.”
“This is not about your performance.”
“Then what is it about?”
The woman turn her eyes away as she said, “The company you choose to keep.”
Sharma couldn’t believe it. They were firing her because of Cole. “You’re not serious, are you?”
The woman waved to the security guard who came and stood next to Sharma. “Yes, I am. Your badge, please.”
Sharma stood and handed the badge to the woman and said, “I don’t think I need an escort.”
“We believe otherwise.”
She left the office with the security guard following right behind her. “My keys and phone are at the nurses station downstairs.”
“They have been retrieved and will be given to you once we are at your vehicle.”
As they made their way through the building, she could hear the soft chatter of the other staff. They were staring at her and some even shaking their heads. One had the nerve to say Sharma was sleeping with the enemy. She wanted to spin around and tell them where they could all go but she didn’t. They were all consumed by anger about the old hospital being torn down and weren’t thinking rationally. It wasn’t as though these people were heartless. It actually was the opposite.
Sucking it up she held her head high and walked out of the building with a smile on her face. It was too bad it wasn’t reflecting to her heart.
The guard gave her the belongings they’d collected. “I’m really sorry about this, miss. It’s my job. Nothing personal.”
Sharma turned to him puzzled. “Don’t worry. Change can be a beautiful thing.”
The guard smiled at her and said, “I’m looking for that change myself. Do you think you can give your boyfriend my number? I would love to work security at the casino when it opens.”
She took the paper containing his information. “I’ll make sure he gets it.” Then she got into the car and headed back to her apartment. It wasn’t the day she expected, but it was the one she was dealt.
Once home she thought she’d find Cole there, but her apartment was vacant. She went to the kitchen and found the note she’d left him had been moved. At least he knows I was thinking of him. That didn’t mean she wasn’t disappointed he w
asn’t there. She was tempted to text him and let him know she was home earlier than expected, but she really didn’t want to explain why. Something told her he’d be pissed off if he knew the truth, and she didn’t want to lie to him.
It was a beautiful day, and she didn’t want to spend it inside. She couldn’t remember the last time she was out of work and could actually do something fun. She wasn’t sure what that was going to be. The only place she ever walked was in the park. Then she remembered there was a place that rented bicycles between the park and the apple orchard. It was cold outside, but the sun was shining bright.
She quickly changed out of her uniform and put on a pair of jeans and a sweater, grabbed a jacket and hat, and headed out. When she arrived at the rental spot she found the cutest bike with a basket in the front. She handed the man twenty dollars to rent it for a few hours. Instead of going into the park she decided to go to the orchard. She might not have made time to smell the roses over the past few years, but she was determined to make time today to pick apples and maybe make Cole a fresh apple pie. Who am I kidding? I’m not sure if my oven even works.
It wasn’t that she didn’t know how to cook. Living alone, it made no sense. Thinking about doing something like a home-cooked meal for the two of them warmed her chilly bones. As she picked a combination of Gala and Granny Smith apples she ran through a list of other things she’d need to pick up on the way home. She could die of embarrassment just picturing what Cole thought when he looked for something to eat before leaving. No wonder he didn’t stay. Mice would starve to death in my apartment.
Once her basket was full she decided to take a quick ride through the park. She received a text from Cole. Dinner?
She smiled, knowing he was thinking of her. Yes. I’ll cook. She knew that meant a much longer grocery list than she first considered, but she really wanted to do this . . . not just for him, but for herself too.
Where are you?
She thought that was odd; she should’ve been at work at this time. At the park.
The Billionaires Treat: Betting On You Series Novella: Book 7 Page 7