Just One Kiss

by Carole Dean

  “Prepared, huh?” Nikki teased, but she was secretly relieved. This relationship would be complicated enough.

  “I stopped on the way to dinner. Does it bother you?” He caressed her bare shoulder and tried to gauge her reaction.

  “No.” Nikki thought a moment. “But how did you know that I would ... we would ...?” She couldn’t finish.

  “I didn’t.” He pulled her to him now, and she sensed his smile. “Let’s just say I was counting on my Irish luck.”

  Or your damnable Irish charm, she thought happily.

  When the bare sleekness of him covered her, she closed her eyes and molded herself to the contours of his hard male body. The naked strength of his arousal, the sheer power of it, crazed her, softened her, melted her. He rained her body with hot, lingering kisses until she pulsed against him. She sensed his struggle for control even as her own battle was lost. She was his.

  “You feel so good,” he whispered. “Like warm silk. Perfect. God, how I need you.” He kissed her again—hard, then lifted his head.

  Nikki looked into his hungry eyes. The taut ridge of his erection throbbed against her, and she arched into him, gasping her reply. “And I need you. I’ve never needed anyone like I need you.”

  “Now?” Michael’s hand again slid downward across the curve of her abdomen to the apex of her thighs. He moved slow, sensuous fingers, probing into the heat and moisture he found there.

  Nikki groaned and dug her nails into the flesh of his shoulders. A pounding, merciless ache built within her as she luxuriated in the play of his hand on the most secret part of her. She could bear it no more.

  “Now,” she moaned, stroking him, opening herself for their pleasure. “Now, Michael.” Her low cry was urgent. She didn’t know what was happening to her. It was so good, he was so good.

  At the touch of her hand, the sound of her voice, a hoarse growl tore loose from Michael’s throat. He shifted himself to between her open thighs, entering her with one sure, languid thrust. Deeply. Fully. Nikki cried out to ease pleasure’s ache.

  Mindful of his strength, Michael held back, rotated his hips, controlled his thrust. She was small. Slowly, he began to move, his male rhythm easy, powerful, and commanding. Nikki clung to him, sensation after sensation breaking over her, unknown muscles deep within her flexing and tensing. Together they reached for, demanded, the fierce intensity of release. It came. Full and primal. An ecstasy of senses. At once emptying and leaving them full. Nikki cried out with the sheer joy of it as Michael pulled her to his heart.

  Neither of them spoke for the time it took for breath and reality to filter back. Nikki had the feeling she was returning from a long journey. A journey of delight, she thought, shifting under the weight of Michael’s body, a body still hot and damp from lovemaking. He lifted his head, looked down at her, then rolled off to her side. She shivered at the loss of his body heat, and he drew her to him, kissing her forehead and smoothing damp tendrils of her hair from her face

  She curled into him, her face in the curve of his throat. Reveling in the feel of him, she warmed herself in the lingering heat of their lovemaking. She was sated, happy—wishing this moment would last forever. But niggling doubts returned with the cooling of her body. She shoved them away. Michael had spoken of trust, but it was too soon for that—considering she didn’t know yet if she’d just made the biggest—and the sexiest—mistake of her life. If she had, for now, she might as well savor it.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  “No. I’m perfect. Just perfect,” she purred.

  “That I already know.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “That’s why I love you.”

  “Do you know what we need?” The question was mumbled into his shoulder.

  “I think we just had it, but if you give me a minute or two ...”

  Nikki pushed herself away from him and smiled into his eyes. “Besides that.”

  “I didn’t know there was a besides.” He touched her lower lip with his thumb, rubbed it softly.

  “We need two cigarettes. You should be lighting them, one for me, and one for you. I always wanted to do that.”

  “That’s a bit of a problem, isn’t it? Considering neither of us smoke.”

  “True.” She laughed. “But think about it. Right now we could both be lying back in a sexy blue haze, staring at the ceiling, each of us lost in our own thoughts. You have to admit smoking has a way of filling up awkward moments.”

  “Do you feel awkward?”

  “Maybe. A little. It’s not every day I go to bed with my boss, you know.” She pulled away from him. “To be honest, it’s not every day I go to bed with anyone.”

  “I know.”

  “That obvious, huh?” Nikki wished she’d kept her mouth shut. She was embarrassed now. Had she been so inept? She’d be damned if she’d ask. She lifted her chin a notch and tried to get up, dragging the rumpled sheet around her nakedness.

  “Come back here.” He wouldn’t let her go. “What was obvious was a lot of pent-up emotion and a woman brimming with passion—fire—and precious little patience. It was wonderful; you were wonderful. If I hadn’t been in such a hurry myself ...” His words ended in a line of feathery kisses starting at the base of her throat and ending at her lips. His mouth hovered over hers. “In one fell swoop, you completely restored my damaged male ego. For that I’ll be eternally grateful.” He grinned, kissed her softly, then pulled away the twisted sheet. “As for awkward moments, I have a suggestion.” He continued the slow torture of his caresses.

  Nikki’s mouth was dry. She felt herself slipping away again, lost in the dark, shadowy jade of his eyes, lulled by the low timbre of his voice. She could scarcely speak. She couldn’t speak. She could only feel.

  “Uh huh?” was the best she could do. His hand was on her breast now, stroking a tender nipple while his mouth spilled erotic, whispered kisses into her ear. She was losing her ability to breathe. Suddenly, he shuddered and pulled away. She could see he was shaking.

  “Damn!” he muttered to himself.

  “What’s the matter?” His sudden fierceness alarmed her.

  “You. You’re what’s the matter. I want to slow down, please you, but when I touch you—It’s impossible. The second time should be better—long and slow.” He traced her face with an unsure hand. “If I keep up this pace, I’m going to confirm your worst suspicions about me.”

  Nikki gave him a slow smile, and for a moment, relished the power she had over him. “Why don’t we try for long and slow the third time out. For now, let’s just ... go for it!”

  Chapter Fourteen

  When Nikki opened her eyes the next morning, it was only six-thirty. On a Saturday morning that time required no action, so she burrowed back into the bed. She was vaguely aware her movements were hampered, that she was cocooned in a sheet. The front of her was warm, but her back was freezing. The twist of sheet barely covered her buttocks. She groped for her goose down comforter but found Michael’s muscular thigh instead.

  The night came back in a rush, and Nikki reddened at the thought of what they’d shared—and how often! There were strange new feelings to sort out, but not now. Now she could only stare at the man in her bed. She eased herself up on one elbow for a better view.

  He had asked her if she wanted him to leave. She remembered that, and she remembered, too, asking him to stay. Now she wondered if that was such a good idea. Surely it would have been easier to wake up alone, easier to avoid the morning after. Whatever was she going to say to him? Whatever was he going to say to her?

  Michael was sleeping on his stomach, one leg bent at the knee. His black hair was mussed against her white pillow. The contrast was startling. He was almost disturbingly handsome, she thought, studying the side of his face that was visible. For the first time she noticed a pale, thin scar above his left eye. It was parallel to the line of his brow. It was the only imperfection she could see.

  Except for the part of him her body rested against, he must be
cold. She never turned the heat on in her bedroom. She groped for the comforter to cover him. It was at the bottom of the bed, and she had to lift herself away from him to reach for it. His response was immediate. He turned toward her and opened his eyes. His hand reached out and stroked her upper arm.

  “Hi,” he said, seeming unconcerned about his nakedness. Nor should he be. His body was male perfection, a play of lean hard muscle and taut skin.

  “Hi,” she stammered back, grabbing for the rumpled quilt.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to find a cover.”

  “Come here. If you’re cold, I’ll warm you.”

  “No, it’s not me ... it’s you. I thought you might be chilly.” Nikki voice sounded strange, even to herself.

  He let her go then, raised himself on one elbow and watched her. “Another awkward moment?”

  “No. It’s just that, uh, well—”

  Michael didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, but it was obvious she did. Her face was flushed, and she couldn’t meet his eyes. He wanted to pull her to him, make her talk about what was bothering her, but something told him it was the wrong thing to do. What she needed now was space. He knew instinctively she needed to reflect on what had happened between them. So did he, although for different reasons.

  She tugged at the comforter, stuck somewhere between the mattress and the footboard. Michael watched, suppressing his smile. You love me, Nicole Johnson, he said to himself. You just haven’t figured out how much or how this unplanned emotion is going to fit into your life—or your career. A shot of fear pierced him. Would she push him away again? She freed the quilt, then fussed with it, pulling it up and over them. She was careful to keep a distance between them. Yes, she definitely needed space. Fine with him as long as it wasn’t too much space.

  Michael shifted his body weight fully to his side, and placed a warm hand on Nikki’s throat. His thumb rested on its pulse. He could feel it quicken. He grazed her mouth with a light kiss and lifted his head to look at her.

  “How would you like to go skiing?”

  “Skiing! Whatever made you think of that?” She looked surprised.

  “I thought it would be a good idea to return to the scene of the crime. The place I first fell in love with you,” He smiled at her, stroked her cheek.

  Michael saw the cloud of disbelief that crossed her face when he mentioned love, but let it pass. He wondered if it was him she didn’t trust, or herself. One thing was certain, the morning had brought seeds of doubt. No way would he let them take root.

  “The cabin is sitting empty. Why not use it? Everything we need is already there, and it won’t take long for you to get your gear together. If we leave now, we can have breakfast on the way and be on the slopes by ten-thirty or so. What do you say?” He stroked her shoulder and upper arm with a careful casualness. “We can ski today and tomorrow and be back tomorrow night.”

  “I don’t know ...” Nikki didn’t know. She found it impossible to sort out her feelings. She still couldn’t believe she was in her own bed naked beside her boss. It was insane, and what was more insane was how she felt about him.

  She loved him. She couldn’t believe it! She actually loved him. But she wasn’t ready for love, and she sure wasn’t ready for loving Michael Dorado. She had goals, ambitions, worlds to conquer before she even considered falling in love. She needed to prove herself.

  While the thought of going back to Whistler was appealing, she knew it wouldn’t be smart to spend another night with him. She was at the brink now. Another night like last night and she’d be over it. Downstream without a canoe. Even the casual touch of his hand on her shoulder was inflaming her, raising her body heat.

  As if he were reading her mind, he said, “No strings attached, Nikki. There are three bedrooms in the cabin, and we both could use time to think. There’s no better place to do it. Not to mention that the skiing will be great.”

  Keep it light, Nicole, she said to herself again. “You mean you won’t kiss me unless I ask you to?” She tried to tease.

  Michael appeared to give it thought, and then the straight line of his mouth curved into a mischievous smile. “I don’t think I can promise not to kiss you. We have, it seems, gone quite a bit past that.” He raised his right hand. “But I give you my Boy Scout promise to respect your wishes about whether or not we go beyond that. Fair enough?”

  “You were a Boy Scout?” Nikki raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

  “Of course.” He gave her an innocent smile, rolled to his side of the bed, and put his feet on the floor. When he turned back to her, he was still smiling. “Besides, it’s time to start building that trust. What do you say?” He turned to look back her, briefly ran his hand down her naked shoulder.

  Her skin warmed and shivered under his hand—took her right over that edge she’d been worrying about. There was only one thing to do, smile back, and like last night, go for it. “Okay, but I’m first in the shower.”

  “We could save time and water if we showered together. Maybe help the environment?” he suggested gravely, then raised both hands at the look in her eye. “Okay, okay. You shower. I’ll make coffee.”

  ***

  Michael had been right, Nikki decided within minutes of arriving back at Whistler. It was exactly the place to be. There was fresh snow on the mountain and a brilliant winter sun. The lifts were busy, but the wait was minimal. Within half an hour, they were standing at the top of Blackcomb. As she stood beside him, she was again captivated by the endless view. It always amazed her how so few of the skiers ever stopped to look. They shot up the mountain on the high-speed lifts and then down as fast as their technically advanced skis could take them. What a waste, she thought.

  Michael felt the same. “You know I think this view is what the word magnificent was coined for,” he said.

  Nikki didn’t answer right away. She was scanning the peaks of the surrounding mountains, rapt in their towering beauty. “Someone once said great things can happen when men and mountains meet. What do you think?”

  “I think he was right. I know I already owe this mountain a debt. Where else would I have met an otherwise sophisticated businesswoman wearing the most god-awful hat I’ve ever seen.”

  She grinned. “It did make a statement.”

  “Yes, it did.” He smiled down at her, his height accentuated by the ski boots and his dark ski outfit, black relieved only by a single flash of neon lightning down the jacket’s back. “Now, how about we accomplish some great things on this slope. Do you think Cougar Chute qualifies? Or is that a problem for you?”

  She flashed him a challenging smile. “It definitely qualifies, and the only problem will be you—keeping up with me. Ready?”

  Michael pulled down his goggles and spiked the snow with his poles. “Let’s do it.”

  ***

  By the time Nikki and Michael reached the cabin daylight was fading. They were both exhausted and locked in a no-win argument about who was first down on the last run. They had skied hard, exercised to their physical limits and laughed continually. Nikki had seen evidence of Michael’s wit over the past couple of weeks, but nothing like today.

  The relaxed man she’d been flying down the mountain with since morning was good-natured and quick to laugh, as much at himself as anyone else. She delighted in his sense of humor, feeling as though she’d uncovered a hidden treasure. It was obvious he shared her love of activity and competition. And, like her, he didn’t give an inch if he thought he was ahead in the game. At least not an inch she could see.

  Nikki collapsed on the bench, the same bench she had sat on so tentatively just days ago. Now, like then, Michael bent over her to help her off with her boots. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

  “I’m zonked. You may have to carry me up the stairs. Better yet, maybe I’ll put my head down right here and you can wake me in the morning.”

  Michael was sitting beside her now, taking off his own boots. “Don’t pull tha
t frail female routine on me. After today it won’t wash. Come on. On your feet! I have just enough energy left to light a fire and scare up dinner. Please say you don’t want to go out.”

  “No. I don’t want to go out. I’ll eat a can of cold beans to avoid that, but first I want a pounding hot shower.” Michael took her hand and pulled her upright. He gave her a quick affectionate hug, took her hand, and led her up the stairs.

  “I think we can do better than a can of beans—and a hot shower. Something perfect for those skied-out muscles. I’ll show you.”

  He led her to a door that looked like it would lead outside. Instead it led to an atrium dominated by a large Jacuzzi tub. The glass room was filled with steam. He opened a window vent and flicked a switch on the wall. The water boiled to life with an inviting froth.

  “This will perform miracles, and give you an appetite for whatever I can find in the fridge.”

  Nikki stared at the tub. Never had water looked so inviting. If she didn’t go in, her muscles would never forgive her. But there was no mistaking the tub was meant for two. Did she dare? She looked at the handsome man at her side.

  One quick glance and it was as if a fist had closed around her heart. She thought about last night, the strength and purpose of his body, how it had delighted her. A curious knot formed in her stomach. She knew there would be no relief for it unless ...

  “What about your appetite? Doesn’t it need help, too?” she asked quietly.

  Michael knew his face registered surprise. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” He had promised himself not to push it, to take it easy. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Would he ever understand this woman? Somehow he hoped not.

  “I’m trying to say that this here tub ...” she placed a ski-socked toe on its edge, “is meant for two. Now where is that shower?”

  Michael smiled and took her hand. “This way, pretty lady. And this time we conserve water.”