Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  A half hour later I’m hair-free in most places, and searching for a sexy underwear ensemble. Smooth fabric combined with cool metal and straps confuse my fingers as I search. I’m miserable at caring most days, and finding a matching set is like hoping the missing sock is hiding in the dryer.

  I give up and settle on a black lace bra and a red thong. Pulling on my low-rise jeans, I realize the underwear comes too high especially since my pants are sitting a little lower than usual. I could really use a smaller pair of jeans. Oh, hell, who needs panties, right?

  I put the thong back in my drawer and go commando. The denim is rough against my silky folds, making me deliciously aware that I’m on the edge of arousal.

  Torn between a belly shirt to show off my cut abs, or something low that reveals cleavage, I’m walking around in just my bra and jeans when I hear the familiar thud of the front door shutting.

  “Casey! Come help me.” A hint of a whine is in my voice, and I imagine she’s smiling at my pathetic plea.

  “Coming.” Her eyes get wide when she enters my room. “Did a bomb go off? Or were we robbed?”

  She’s referring the clothes strewn about, and I glare at her. “Cute, but I recall seeing this very scene in your room more than once.”

  She nods. “True. So what’s the problem?” Her gaze moves from the mess to me. “Jesus, Gretch, eat a cookie. You did get skinny.”

  “I know. I wanted to be cut for the photo shoot. I’ll fatten up, don’t worry.”

  She purses her lips and taps one with a finger. “Okay, let’s focus on something other than your ribs.” Hangers screech across metal as she flips through my shirts. “Here, put this on and let’s see how it looks.”

  I slide into a shiny, sea-foam green, silk blouse that falls below my butt. The softness is sensual, and I shiver a tiny bit at its caress. Casey comes at me with a skinny metal belt. Connecting it low around my waist she pulls the fabric up to billow over.

  When I glance in the mirror, I like it. “Nice. I’ve never known what to do with this shirt. You made it work.”

  She cocks her head at me. “I know. I have a gift. You plan to wear your hair down, right? Because it looks great with this color.”

  “Thanks. What would I do without you?” I blow her a kiss.

  “Hang on. I have the perfect earrings for you.” She jogs out of my room, and her musky scent is left behind. I love my friend, but the odor makes me crinkle my nose. She returns with long metal earrings in the same rosy pink shade as my belt.

  When I put them in and move my head from side to side they make a small jingling noise. I snort. “I feel like Tinker Bell.”

  Casey shakes her head. “Nope, you’ve got a boho chic thing going on. Derrick won’t be able to resist touching the silk, and after he does, he’ll spend the night thinking about that shirt on his bedroom floor.”

  “Bedroom? Who says we do it in the bedroom?” I chuckle as Casey rolls her eyes.

  She says, “I’m off to the shower but you should do some navy eyeliner with a swoop at the end.”

  “Will do. Thanks for being my stylist.”

  She calls out as she walks across the hall. “No problem. I do it in the name of true love.” The bathroom door slams before I can give her a smart reply.

  When I’m done getting ready, I head to the kitchen to find Casey is wrapping the pie in tinfoil for me. Surveying me, she licks her lips. “You’re a tasty little morsel. Which is a good thing since Nika will probably want the pie for herself.”

  I chuckle. “I’m so telling her you said that.”

  Casey grins. “No you won’t, but I would say it to her face. I’m telling you, the girl eats like a horse. You’ll see.”

  Wrapped in my warm fleece, I take the pie. “Thanks. Wish me luck.”

  “Nope, I’m wishing you let things happen and don’t overthink this. Let love find you, Gretch. You deserve it.”

  I smile and give her a wave before closing the door. Frosty vapor comes out as I exhale, and my nose prickles when I inhale deeply. I love winter, and the chill in the air makes my heart beat a little faster.

  When my Land Rover smoothly accelerates on the road, I glance at the stars twinkling in the newly darkened sky. They appear magical and I plead with them to share. Because my heart is ready to let Derrick in.

  CHAPTER 34

  The evergreen trees surrounding Derrick and Nika’s house breathe life into the brown November landscape. Snow can’t come soon enough for me because I think this time of year is ugly. I long for a bright white backdrop to green forests and deep blue skies.

  The dogs are barking, and their excitement is muffled when I walk up the path. Nika opens the door before I get there, and the animals bolt out to greet me. Well trained, they don’t jump, but I hold the pie up high anyway.

  Nika gives me a big hug. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “Me too.”

  She removes the dessert from my hands so I can crouch down and pet the dogs. “Hi, guys, I missed you.”

  We walk inside while the dogs churn around us for attention. Derrick comes toward me with a glass of red wine. He leans down and kisses my cheek. His voice rumbles in my ear. “You smell wonderful.”

  “So do you.” He’s wearing the cologne that makes my knees weak and my nerves hum.

  He hands me the goblet and then wraps his hands around mine as I hold it. “Let me know what you think of this merlot. It’s one of my favorites.”

  Nika has seated herself on a couch and pats the leather next to her, indicating I should sit. She’s like a child, and I can tell she’s dying to chat, but trying hard to let Derrick have first dibs.

  I sip the wine and stroll toward to her as I let the flavor roll over my tongue. I swallow and sit next to Nika. Derrick seats himself on the other couch. I say, “I love the blackberry tones in this. So warm and perfect for this time of year.”

  His smile tells me I said the right thing. “I knew you would like it. It should go nicely with our steak tonight. I’m afraid dinner isn’t terribly clever. I’m grilling filet mignon, and we’re having baked potatoes and steamed broccoli.”

  “It sounds delicious to me. I brought apple pie, which seems like the perfect ending, don’t you think?”

  His eyes are mischievous, and I guess dessert isn’t what he has in mind for an ending. I avert my eyes, but my lips twitch in a small smile I know he sees.

  I turn my attention to the wiggling body next to me. “Nika, Casey tells me you’ve discovered the joy of cake at the Baked Bean.”

  “Oh, my God, yes. I could spend all day eating in that place.” I grin at her reaction, and she leans back to pat her stomach. “Look, I’m getting fat. Isn’t it great?”

  I chuckle. “You aren’t even close to fat. But you do look good like this.”

  “Don’t I? I even have boobs. See?” She pulls her neckline down to show me. “Cleavage.”

  I shake my head at her lack of modesty. I love that she’s comfortable with her body.

  Derrick says, “You look beautiful like this, Dannika.” He raises his glass for a toast and we join him. “To curvy women who like to eat.” Scooting forward, we touch our stemware, and the thin glass clinks before we drink.

  Nika stands and says, “Speaking of which, I’ll go get the appetizer ready.” Her bare feet move noiselessly toward the kitchen, and I notice her curvy ass in her jeans. She is prettier like this.

  When her back is toward us, I mouth to Derrick, “She can cook?”

  He grins. “Nika, tell Casey what the appetizer is.”

  Light illuminates her as she opens the refrigerator door. “Shrimp cocktail!”

  I wink at Derrick, because I guess she thawed frozen shrimp and mixed a sauce of horseradish and ketchup. I say, “One of my favorites.”

  Nika returns with small plates she must have arranged ahead of time. Shrimp is laid out in a circle around a small bowl of cocktail sauce. She hands me one with a napkin, and says, “Eating these with your fingers
is the only way to go. I have lemon you can use to clean off the smell later.”

  She climbs on the couch next to me in a cross-legged fashion, and eats as if she’s picnicking on the sofa. Her moan of pleasure after she sucks the first tail clean is contagious, and I do the same.

  I notice Derrick’s gaze and his eyes are dark. I purposely suck on my finger a little longer than necessary, and send him a smoldering glance. His eyes close for a second and he slides to the edge of the couch.

  Oh, man, he looks ready to pounce, and I’m tempted to cower behind Nika. I just sent him an invitation, and my memory of what that means is quite vivid. I flash back to my orgasm at the garage door as my insides quiver with desire.

  I focus on my shrimp as a way of retreat. Nobody speaks as we finish our appetizer. Nika breaks the silence. “Can I take your plate?”

  “No, I’ll carry it. I need to wash my hands.”

  I get up with her and take Derrick’s dish before he stands. He smirks at me and says, “More wine?”

  “Yes, please.” I peruse his body with my eyes, taunting him further. Knowing he won’t do anything in front of Nika, I’m enjoying myself.

  He chuckles and pinches my ass when I turn to walk to the kitchen. I jump and stifle my squeal.

  Burgundy liquid splashes into our glasses, and he empties the bottle. Nika takes it from him and says, “Gee, Derrick. You should probably go get another one. And take Gretchen with you to your wine cellar.” She grins at us.

  I ask, “What?” Although my flushed face tells her I know exactly what she’s up to.

  “Please, I see you two dying to touch each other. Go make out, and get it out of your system so I can enjoy my friend at dinner.” She waves her hand at us in a shooing motion. “Go! Now.”

  Derrick grabs my hand and moves quickly toward the basement. The dogs try to follow, thinking we’re going somewhere fun, but Nika calls them to her side. I giggle behind him as he rushes us down the stairs.

  He brings me to a door at the end of a big room. I get a quick glance at a pool table with a wet bar behind it. But I don’t have time to give it much thought before he pulls me into a cool, dark space with a musty odor. A single light bulb clicks on when Derrick pulls a string and he flicks the door shut.

  Pressing me against the hard wood of it, he kisses me with desperation. I struggle to breathe as he sweeps me away. Lust pulses through my body, and I can barely think as we taste each other.

  Breaking away, his panting is hot on my neck, and his hands glide down my body. “I could take you right here.” His cock grinds against my belly.

  “Fuck me, Derrick.” I reach for the button on his jeans, but he stops me.

  “No condom. But I’d rather eat you.” He grabs my button and practically tears my jeans off me. “No panties? You’re killing me.”

  He’s on his knees before he finishes speaking, and the last word reverberates through me as he licks my slit. So ready for him, I thrust toward his mouth and tremble. I languish in his attention, and when he adds his fingers I climb to my peak. Shattering, I shudder and sink down before him.

  “Damn, you do that well.” I grab his face and kiss him, tasting my musky flavor makes me want to suck him dry. “Derrick, it’s your turn. I want you to fuck my mouth.”

  A low sound comes from the back of his throat and he stands. “Do you have any idea how sexy your words are to me?”

  I nod as I fumble with his button. He helps me and shoves his pants down to his shins. “Suck me, darling, suck me hard.”

  Taking him in my mouth, I do as he asked. Derrick’s hands hold my head, but it’s a gentle grip. He’s willing to let me take control and make him come.

  Minutes later we’re both spent and giddy as we stumble up the stairs with two bottles of wine. I know my hair is a mess, and while avoiding Nika’s gaze, I excuse myself to the bathroom to collect myself.

  Glancing into the familiar mirror of their guest bathroom, I recall the last time I did this. No bruises, and a hell of a lot happier, I grin like a fool. My body gives an involuntary quake as I rearrange my clothes. So much for dating like regular people.

  CHAPTER 35

  When I’m sure I can form a coherent sentence I return to the family room. Nika sends me a knowing smile and asks, “Tell us about your photo shoot. Casey told me you’re Burton Board’s poster girl.”

  “Yeah, it’s part of my sponsorship. I get free equipment and clothes. In return, I pose for their marketing poster that goes to board shops, and I attend various promo events. It’s a good deal for me.” I take a sip of my wine and suffer a flicker of regret when Derrick’s unique flavor is replaced.

  Cleo lets out a sigh as she lies down by Derrick’s feet. Nika says, “I want to see the poster that gave you your nickname.”

  Derrick asks, “Nickname?”

  I snort. “It’s not very clever. Some of the guys at the local tune shop call me Poster Gretchen.”

  His dark eyes simmer. Oh, no. Time to diffuse this before it explodes.

  “Don’t go there. I get my picture taken, and then an art department turns me into an impossibly beautiful figure to sell product.”

  He sits back and crosses his arms. “I don’t like you doing it any more than I liked it when Nika did. It explains why you’re so skinny. I should have known.”

  Anger flickers on the edge of my vision, and before I can stop myself, I speak. “You don’t have a say in this. And my weight is never up for discussion. If you find it so unattractive, then maybe you should find a way to keep your hands off me.”

  Energy surges in my muscles, and I can’t stay still. I get up and pace. Jake rises, too, and shadows me while Ollie and Cleo lift their heads to watch. I say, “If you’re the jealous type, we’re going to have a serious problem. So my likeness is on a bunch of posters. Deal with it.”

  Derrick throws his hands up as he stands. “That’s not what bothers me. I hate to see you care what people think of you, and starving yourself because you think you’re fat.”

  My anger dissipates. “Oh. I don’t really care what people think about me. And I don’t starve myself. I get cut.” I raise my arm and flex even though my bicep isn’t visible under the loose silk.

  He rakes a hand through his hair. “So you’re okay with guys looking at you like you’re naked?”

  “Some of them. Want to see my rock-hard abs?” I walk closer to him and his smile threatens to break loose. “I can’t help what people think when they see me any more than you can. In case you haven’t noticed, women fall all over themselves looking at you.” I drag a finger over the outline of his pecs.

  Nika pipes in. “It’s true, Derrick. It gets old. Seriously.”

  He sighs and asks me, “Are you going to eat tonight?”

  I smile. “Hell yeah. You should’ve seen how much greasy pizza and beer I had the night after the shoot.” I step a little closer. His scent surrounds me, and the hint of mine mixed in intoxicates me. How is it my mood does a one-eighty so quickly around him?

  He presses against me, and his hands land on my shoulders as I wrap my arms around his waist and gaze up at his beautifully chiseled face.

  He asks, “Even dessert?”

  I turn to his sister. “As long as Nika lets me have some.”

  Derrick kisses the top of my head and says, “I’ll make sure of it.”

  Nika says, “Okay, now that we’ve cleared that up, this fat girl wants dinner. Go turn on the grill, Derrick.”

  He releases me and pokes Nika in the stomach. “Nope, not fat enough. I’ll get to work.” He winks at me.

  I say, “You poke me with that finger and you may not live to tell the story.”

  He leers at me, and throws a sideways glance at his sister as he walks to the kitchen. “If I poke you, it won’t be with my finger.”

  Nika says, “Eewww, Derrick. You’re disgusting.” But she smiles, knowing he said it for her reaction.

  He grabs the steaks from the refrigerator and calls the dogs
. Once he’s outside, Nika says, “Okay, tell me all about the shoot now that the prude is gone.”

  I giggle because prude is hardly the word I would use for the Derrick that was in the wine cellar. The deck is off the windowed area where the kitchen table is set up, and the back yard is illuminated with a motion-activated light. Brightness floods the yard, and I watch the muscles ripple along Derrick’s back when he throws a ball for the dogs.

  I tell her about the shoot. When she tells me a funny story about a male model she worked with having trouble with his arousal, I share the Xander story.

  The odor of roasting meat wafts in the door when Derrick enters to the two of us laughing so hard tears stream down Nika’s cheeks. He grins at us and asks, “What’s so funny?”

  Nika tries to say something, but all she can do is crook her finger, which makes me laugh too hard to speak either.

  Derrick shakes his head at us, and refills his wine glass. “Nika, when you recover, please start the broccoli.” He chuckles and goes back to the grill.

  We walk to the kitchen and I say, “I don’t think I’ll be sharing this with Derrick.”

  Nika nods as the cutting board lands on the counter with a thud. “Yeah, somehow I don’t think he would find it as funny as we do.” She snorts and breaks into laughter again.

  I nudge her out of the way with my hip and take the knife from her hand. “I wish he wasn’t so hung up on the model thing.” I bring the blade down with a satisfying crack against the plastic cutting board.

  Metal clangs as she rummages in a cabinet for a pot and lid. “I know. But it’s because of me. I have issues with people pleasing. I’m sure it’s because we lost our parents at such a young age.”

  Dying to know the story, I figure this is my opening. “I’m so sorry Nika. How old were you?”

  “Thirteen. My dad had a single-engine plane and they went down over the ocean.” Water splashes into the pot.

  “That had to have been awful.” Tears fill my eyes as I remember my fear of losing my dad not so long ago.

  “It was. We went to live with my aunt and uncle. They were nice enough to us, but I was horrible to them. So was Derrick. We were both mad and took our anger out on those that loved us enough to take us in. That’s how we ended up at Phillips Exeter Academy.”