by Reese Ryan
“You’re right.” Wes chuckled, pulling her tighter against his growing shaft. “Because I’ve been wanting to do this since the night we met.”
Wes splayed two fingers and slipped them back and forth over the hardened nub. Bree sucked in a deep breath and looped an arm around his neck, her hips moving against his hand.
He slipped his other hand beneath her dress and gripped her waist, pulling her tight against him. His eyes drifted closed as he reveled in the delicious sensation of her moving against his shaft.
His mouth pressed to her ear, Wes whispered sweet, filthy nothings in it. She rode his hand, her movement growing frenzied as he related every dirty deed he had planned for their night together. Including how he planned to worship that world-champion body of hers with his tongue.
What was it about Bree Evans that made him crazy with want?
“Oh, my God, Wes.” Bree was close. Her knees trembled. Her breath came in short, hard exhalations that made his already taut member hard as steel.
He’d wanted to take her from behind. Keep it impersonal. Like two strangers in the dark. But there was something about the way she said his name. Something about how she felt in his arms. He wanted to see every inch of her. To stare in her eyes while she shattered, his name on her tongue.
He gathered her in his arms and carried her to bed.
* * *
Bree’s heart raced as Wesley set her on her feet beside the bed and started to remove his shirt, one painstaking button at a time.
“Thought we were keeping it quick and dirty.” She’d been disappointed that he’d wanted to make their first time together feel impersonal. Transactional. But she thought she’d done a relatively good job of hiding it. After all, that’s what she’d agreed to. A no-strings fling.
“Changed my mind.” He tossed his shirt and removed his pants without offering further explanation, then growled in her ear, “Now take that dress off before I do.”
“Sounds like fun.” Bree couldn’t help the grin that curled the edges of her mouth at the thought.
Even in the limited light of her darkened hotel room, she could see that she’d surprised him again.
She squealed when he lifted her and tossed her onto the bed. Suddenly, the dress was off, he’d removed her bra and they were both down to their underwear. Wes trailed kisses down her chest and belly before slowly dragging her panties down her legs.
Before she could react, he’d pressed his open mouth between her legs, his tongue lapping at her sensitive clit. Bree moaned with pleasure at the incredible sensation, calling his name before she could stop herself.
He slid his large palms beneath her hips, gripping them and pulling her closer to his mouth as he pleasured her with his tongue. She writhed as the warm sensation of ecstasy built at her center and her legs started to shake.
Wes pulled away and rummaged on the floor, then she could hear the tearing of the foil packet and make out the silhouette of Wes sheathing himself in the dark. He gripped the base of his length and slowly glided inside of her.
Bree sank her teeth into her lower lip, reveling in the sensation of Wes entering her, inch by inch, until he was fully seated. She cursed, her fingertips pressed to the strong muscles of his back, her fingernails digging into his skin.
Wes held her gaze as he moved his hips. Slowly. Precisely. The friction he created with each thrust of his hips was both torturous and delicious. She arched her back, desperate to heighten the sensation.
Her breathing was rapid and shallow as the pleasure building rose to a crescendo. She came hard, her muscles tensing and her legs shaking as she dug her heels into the mattress and her fingernails into his skin.
The hard muscles of his back tensed as she called his name, her body writhing in ecstasy. His gaze intensified as he moved his hips harder and faster until he’d reached his own edge. Wes’s body stiffened and he cursed, his breathing labored. He tumbled on the bed beside her, both of them struggling to catch their breath.
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Bree turned on her side, facing him. This was her idea, so she should be the one to break the awkward silence.
“Wes, that was...” She pressed a hand to his warm chest as she forced her eyes to meet his. “Incredible.”
The edge of his mouth curled in a soft smile as he cupped her cheek. “No, you were incredible.” He pressed a kiss to her mouth.
Her racing heart slowed just a bit and her shoulders relaxed. His compliment seemed genuine. Maybe he had enjoyed it as much as she had. Wanted her with the same intensity with which she wanted him.
“I know you’re worried that I can’t handle casual, but I can.”
“Have you ever been in a casual relationship before?” He gave her a knowing smile that indicated he already knew the answer to his question.
“No.” Her cheeks heated as she remembered how he’d teased her earlier about being a good girl. “That doesn’t mean I’m incapable of being in one. I just hadn’t encountered the right opportunity...until now.”
Wes pushed a strand of hair off her face. “I want to believe you.”
“You can.” She kissed his mouth, then trailed kisses down his chest. Convey strength and confidence. She looked up at him and smiled in a manner she hoped was seductive. “But by the time I’m done with you, you won’t want to walk away from me.”
“Maybe you’re right.” He stroked her hair. “But I will walk away, and I need to know that you’ll be okay with that.”
Bree swallowed her disappointment and forced a big smile. “Don’t worry. I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine.”
She resumed kissing her way down his hard chest and his tight abs, reminding herself that they were only having a little fun. Enjoying each other’s company. That she shouldn’t be falling for Wesley Adams. And ignoring the fact that she already was.
Chapter 13
Bree studied Wesley’s handsome face as he rubbed his stubbled chin. They sat at a little table by the window. The sunshine warmed them as they chatted over their lavish breakfast, ordered via room service.
Neither of them had wanted to leave her room. They’d barely wanted to leave her bed.
“This is good.” Wes took a bite of his eggs Benedict. He cut and speared another bite and held it out to Bree. “You have to try it.”
She smiled, but was still shy about what felt like such an intimate gesture. Even after everything they’d done last night.
Her eyes not meeting his, Bree tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned forward, allowing him to slip the forkful of food into her mouth.
“Mmm...” The rich, flavorful hollandaise sauce melded with the flavors of the forest ham, spinach and tomato. Her eyes drifted closed as she savored the food. “That is good.”
His eyes were dark and hooded when her gaze met his. As if he was reliving the sights and sounds of their night together.
Her cheeks filled with heat at the possibility. She tried to push the vision of them together in bed from her head.
“Try my fruit cup.” She speared pieces of strawberry, blueberry and banana on her fork and held it out to him.
Wes accepted the offering, his gaze still on her, as if he was waiting for her to say something.
“So, about last night.” She dragged the words out slowly as she surveyed his expression.
“Last night was amazing.” He sipped his double espresso, his gaze locked with hers.
“It was,” Bree agreed, her cheeks stinging. She dropped her gaze as she sipped her decadent mocha cafe. “And I know you planned this spectacular trip for us, but I’d love it if we just...spent the day here in bed.”
She laughed nervously in response to his stunned expression. “Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting that this means anything. I’m just saying that I enjoyed our night togethe
r and I can’t think of a better way to spend the day.”
Wes set his mug on the table and shifted in his seat. He tilted his head slightly. “Sounds fantastic, but—”
“The rules we established last night still apply.” Bree forced a grin, burying the hurt that simmered in her chest. Last night hadn’t changed his feelings. “You made that crystal clear.”
It was unlike her to be so forward. She’d been the shy wallflower who spent most of her school dances hovering in the corner, hoping not to be noticed. But there was something about Wesley Adams that eased her inhibitions.
Something deeper brewed between them, whether Wes acknowledged it or not.
“Now that that’s all settled...” Bree strolled over to Wes and straddled his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck.
Wes chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Who knew that America’s volleyball sweetheart is a tempting seductress?”
“Not my usual MO.” She shrugged. “But then my life usually doesn’t leave much time for...this.”
“Then I guess that makes me special.” There was an uneasiness beneath his smile.
“Don’t flatter yourself, playboy.” She forced a grin. “I just happen to have some time on my hands.”
Wes laughed heartily. He seemed to relax for the first time since they’d begun this conversation. “Then I guess I’m just lucky. Like the night we met.”
Something about his statement—that he was lucky to have met her—warmed her chest and made her feel things she shouldn’t about Wesley Adams. Feelings she should best ignore.
She kissed him and concentrated on all of the things she should be feeling. His hardened shaft pressed to her sensitive clit. The tightening of her beaded nipples, pressed against the hard muscles of his chest. The graze of his whiskers against her skin. The heat rising between them and the electricity that danced along her spine.
Bree wrapped her long legs around his waist as Wes carried her to the bedroom. He made love to her, and she lost herself in the heat and passion between them. In all of the physical sensations that it was safe to allow herself to feel. While ignoring the nagging insistence that, regardless of what either of them claimed, this was the beginning of something more.
* * *
Wes strode back to bed and sipped his beer as he watched Brianna sleeping. He should’ve returned to his own room last night. Maintained some space between them. But he hadn’t. And since they’d chosen to stay another day, they’d only reserved one room. So tonight he had no room to which he could retreat.
He turned on the television with the volume low and studied Bree in the flickering television light. Her hair, loosened from the ponytail and still damp from their earlier shower, was everywhere. Mouth open, one foot hanging off the bed, makeup ruined, and still she was adorable. Probably as much a product of his unsettling feelings for her as her natural beauty.
Bree rolled over, throwing an arm across him. Wes sighed softly and slipped his arm beneath her head, cradling her against him. He stared at the ceiling, listening to the sound of her breathing, and hoped this wasn’t a mistake they’d both regret in the weeks ahead.
His phone vibrated on the nightstand beside him. Drake. It was late for his brother to be calling. After sunset, Drake was usually preoccupied with a gig or a groupie he’d met during said gig.
“Isn’t this the time of night vampires usually hunt their prey?” Wes smirked, teasing his younger brother.
“Usually. But we make an exception when our mothers stumble and fall down half a flight of stairs.”
“What happened? Is she all right?” Wes slid his arm from beneath Brianna and climbed out of bed, pacing the floor near the window.
“She got tangled up in the bedding she was carrying downstairs to the wash. Damn lucky to have only have fractured her ankle and sprained her wrist.” Drake’s gravelly voice was that of a man who spent his nights in smoke-filled clubs.
Wes cursed, running a hand over his head. “This happened tonight?”
Drake hesitated before responding. “Last night. We’ve been trying to reach you, but your phone was off.”
“My phone died last night. I’ve been...preoccupied.” Wes glanced back at Bree. “Started charging it about an hour ago.”
He’d always been the reliable son. The one who’d drop everything to help out his mother. But he’d failed her when she’d needed him most, a mistake he wouldn’t make again.
“Thanks for being there, Drake.”
“She’s my mother, too.” His words were laced with resentment. “Maybe I’m not always there physically, but I do whatever I can for Mom, no matter where I am in the world.”
“Didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Like I said, I’m just glad you were able to be there.” Wes sighed, kneading the tension in his neck. “Is she still at the hospital?”
“Yes. Her doctor wants to hold her one more night for observation, in light of her Parkinson’s.” His brother cleared his throat. “When do you think you can get here? I’d love to stay, but I have to catch a plane in the morning. The band’s got a gig in Germany in a few days.”
“I’m in Asheville, but I’ll leave first thing in the morning. I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon. Is Mama awake? Can I talk to her?”
“She’s resting. The pain meds knocked her out. I’ll be leaving shortly, but between Aunt May, Dallas and Shay, she’s in good hands. So don’t worry. And Wes...” Drake’s tone had softened, the tension gone.
“Yeah?”
“Don’t beat yourself up over this. There’s nothing you could’ve done to prevent this. And no one blames you for taking a little time for yourself. Certainly not Mama.”
Wes wouldn’t commit to not feeling guilty about allowing himself to be distracted when there was so much on the line professionally and personally. Still, he appreciated his brother’s assurance.
Chapter 14
Bree awoke just in time to see Wesley striding out of the bathroom, freshly showered, with a towel slung low across his waist. As he bent over his luggage, the beads of water on his brown skin highlighted the strong muscles of his shoulders and back.
“Good morning.” She sat up in bed, pulling the cover up around her.
“You’re up. Good.” He turned to her, a grave expression tugging down the corners of his mouth. “I’m afraid I have to bail on the rest of our trip. I have a family emergency. I need to be back home in New Bern as soon as possible.”
“What happened? Is it your mother?” Panic bloomed in Bree’s chest on his behalf. She knew how close they were.
“My mother tripped down the stairs. She fractured her ankle and sprained her wrist. I know the injuries might seem minor, but I’m afraid it’s part of a larger problem.” He paused as if there was something more he wanted to say. Something he wasn’t comfortable sharing with her. Wes sighed. “She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s six months ago. I only learned about the diagnosis when I went to visit her after our first meeting about the tournament.”
“That’s where you spent the night.” Bree’s cheeks warmed the moment she blurted out the words.
“I stayed to accompany her to the doctor the next day and to help out around the house.” A knowing smirk curled the corner of Wes’s mouth.
“Sorry to hear about your mother. About the fall and the diagnosis.” Bree forced her eyes to meet his rather than take in the brown skin stretched over his muscles. “I’ll jump in the shower so we can get out of here as soon as possible.”
“I’d appreciate that.” He rummaged in his suitcase and produced a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “And I hope you don’t mind me stopping by the hospital to get my mom and then getting her settled at her place. As soon as I’m done, I’ll get you back to Pleasure Cove.”
“Of course not.” She wasn’t Wes’s girlfriend, so why d
id she feel uneasy about meeting his mother? He’d probably introduce her as a friend or a business associate.
In little more than half an hour, she’d showered, dressed and tossed everything back into her suitcase. They ordered breakfast sandwiches to go and piled in the car.
“So your mom fell last night?” Bree asked between bites of her breakfast croissant.
Wes frowned and sipped his coffee, returning it to the cup holder before responding. “She fell the night before. My phone was off. My brother was finally able to reach me last night, after you’d gone to sleep.”
“Oh.” She nibbled on more of her sandwich. “So that’s why you’re...distant this morning. I’m the reason you missed the call about your mother.”
“It’s my fault. No one else’s. Between my mother and the tournament... I should’ve made sure my phone was on. That I was available.” Wesley narrowed his gaze, his eyes focused on the road and his jaw tight. She’d definitely struck a nerve.
“So maybe it isn’t my fault directly, but it was me that distracted you.” Bree echoed the sentiment clearly written on Wesley’s face and implied by his words. “I’m sorry about that. If I’d known your mother was ill—”
“It wasn’t your business to know. I only told you because...” He sighed, then muttered under his breath. “Don’t really know why I told you. So I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention it to her when you meet her.”
“Of course.” Bree nodded, staring out the window. Hoping to hide the deep flush in her cheeks.
Wes was silent for a moment, his tone lower and softer when he spoke again. “Just so we’re clear, I’ll be introducing you as my friend and business associate.”
“That’s accurate. The business-associate part, I mean. The friendship...that’s still a work-in-progress.”
Wes chuckled. “I guess it is.”
* * *
Bree clutched a vase of flowers as she approached Mrs. Adams’s hospital room. She’d suggested that Wes go up ahead of her and make sure his mother was up to meeting someone new. She tapped on the partially open door, her heart racing. Bree stepped inside when a voice called for her to come inside.