Already her body shivered with anticipation. The way his tongue lavished her, their game felt like the roulette wheel, not knowing which strike would be the big win. She sank her nails into his shoulders.
Holding on wasn’t an option.
Holding back couldn’t be done.
The force of her climax rushed like a raging river pushing through dams, over-running obstacles, crashing through with momentum that continued building. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Her teeth gnashed together. Each breath sizzled through the barrier.
Her pussy creamed with strong pulses, answering to the wild call that his tongue delivered. Why wouldn’t it? They were in sync. He gave and she received. She offered and he took…and sucked…and fucked with a killer tongue until she was drained.
Only then did he lower her, a return to land with the solid ground under her feet. Her chest heaved as if she’d run a marathon. Under her hand, his heartbeat pounded against his chest, a sure sign of survival between them. An experience that they started together and from which she re-emerged with an awareness that left her trying to think coherently.
“I can’t go back,” he blurted.
“You can’t stay here.” Melissa couldn’t imagine another round in the supply closet.
“No.” He chuckled. “I meant that I don’t want to return to what we were…before this.”
“I haven’t thought that far.” It was a major lie said in a small voice. There wasn’t a night that she hadn’t thought about Jack. In some of her dreams, she thought about Jack and Chang. Both taking their lovemaking to a high level of team effort. The complete visual made her throat dry.
Jack kissed her softly on the mouth. “You’re not going to disappear again.”
Although he spoke in a soft tone, he didn’t sound as if he asked the question. While she had a re-entry strategy, she really hadn’t considered an exit. How to slip back into her life of building her business during the day and sipping on diet coke and eating jelly beans at night? Because what she wanted more than anything wasn’t Lee Chang Sun or Jack Vincent.
Her heart demanded both men.
Her pussy wanted to serve both men.
Her mind craved both men.
Melissa gently rested her forehead at the base of Jack’s neck. Her eyes remained closed. The monumental, emotional confession to herself rocked the rules and inhibitions. Her knees almost buckled over the idea of such freedom.
“Are you okay?” Jack’s arms tightened around her.
Between his cologne and the tight embrace, he offered a haven. Away from his arms, she’d have to admit to what bothered her. So far, Jack didn’t have a clue.
“Is it Chang?” His perceptiveness couldn’t be avoided.
She nodded. “It’s not what you’re thinking. I have no regrets.”
“That’s not what I was thinking.” This time, he stepped away from her and raised her chin. “Know one thing. I’m here for you. Whatever you want, I will do. I will commit.”
“What are you saying, Jack?” This entire experience wouldn’t stop producing the unexpected.
“Whatever is in your heart, is in mine.”
Melissa couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “In my heart I see two men. Men who will pleasure me. Men whom I can pleasure. The perfect sandwich, so to speak.”
“Sounds delicious.”
He started kissing her again. But this time, she listened to her inner voice that she still had a job to do. “Keep that thought. It’s time to head back to reality.” She pushed away from him and slowly opened the door. Seeing the hallway empty, she adjusted her skirt and headed out.
Chang emerged from the staff break room in time to see Melissa walk out of the supply closet. She turned into the hallway where he stood, but headed away from him in the opposite direction. That quick sighting was enough to punctuate his longing.
To watch her ass move in her close-fitting skirt was beautiful. Hanging back, he slowly strolled toward her. His body reacted like a kid waiting for Christmas. Using every effort, he tried to erase the grin. They still technically were on non-speaking terms. What she’d done in his office earlier had definitely been nonverbal.
There would be no more of that. His balls tightened in protest.
He was about to summon her for a random task when the supply closet door opened, again.
Jack walked out, completely preoccupied with fixing his tie and then tucking in his shirt.
Chang stepped into a vacant office. Possibilities erupted in his mind to soften the blow—they both needed writing pads; Melissa needed help with a heavy item; Jack had mistakenly stepped into the supply closet instead of the nearby restroom. Each reason carried the ugly truth that no such thing happened.
From his hidden place, Chang observed Jack passing the doorway, still making the effort to fix his clothing. He had no clue that he had been caught. Instead of following Melissa and flirting with her, Chang wanted to perform close surveillance. On her lover.
Instead of feeling jealous, he felt protective toward Melissa. Jack had the reputation of throwing many women into a swoon of lustful madness with his sensitive, caring routine. If she had tumbled down his self-serving path, then Chang would step up to intervene to save her from that definite heartbreak. He followed Jack’s direct path to his office. The meeting would resume whenever they returned.
“Consider it a rescue mission,” he muttered.
Chapter Five
12:30 p.m.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Chang hadn’t bothered to knock on Jack’s office door. He swung it open with fury and slammed it shut, ready to go ballistic.
Jack looked startled. But Chang had to give it to him. His friend was the picture of calm. And that familiar expression conveyed his disdain—as if he was above such emotions.
Chang tried to control his breathing. “I saw you come out of the supply closet.”
Jack held up a writing pad and pen and tossed it back onto the desk.
“I saw Melissa, too.” Chang walked around the desk and grabbed Jack by his shirt and pulled him straight out of the chair.
Jack only looked at him. He hadn’t spoken, yet. Eyes narrowed to a squint. “You’re all twisted over Melissa. I knew it was bad. But you are all the way drunk over her.”
Chang shook his head in denial.
“But so am I.”
Chang dropped his hands. He couldn’t help but study his hands and fingers curled into his palm. Weapons that could end a friendship.
Ice entered his veins. Cold. Hard. Unforgiving. Even destructive.
“She is the only one to take you out of your stoic, nerdy boy existence.” Jack wasn’t backing down with his scathing assessment.
“What does that have to do with you?”
“She’s the only one who has taken my heart into her hands and healed it.”
“Right after you fucked her.”
“Don’t. Cheapen. Her.” Jack’s voice turned low and heavy with the threat. “You lost her once because you wanted things your way. Wanted her to love you according to your rules. You didn’t let her breathe and be allowed to love you in her way.”
“What makes you the expert, Jack? Tell me. Should I call Vonetta? Crystal? Jamie-Lynn? LaToya? Did they heal you, too?” Chang wasn’t going to let Jack’s slick talking ability turn things around in his mind.
Finally, the slight droop of Jack’s shoulders let him know that he’d found the mark. Seeing the hurt and resignation in his friend’s face didn’t bring him any joy. Now he didn’t know how to repair what he’d so brutally destroyed. They’d never gone head to head, pushing against each other, ready for blood.
Chang turned to leave, disgusted with his own attitude.
“Don’t put your fears on her, Chang. Don’t suffocate her with your insecurities.”
“What makes you so damned perfect? Doesn’t anything pierce that god-status you wear under your Armani suits?”
“Far from it. I’m always seeking that quiet, c
ontentment. Feels a bit like looking for a unicorn, though.”
Chang shoved his hands into his pockets. “I know what you mean.” But he had no answers. And nothing had been resolved. “So, you’re into Melissa.”
Jack raked his hand through his hair. “Can’t help it.” He added a shrug.
A knock on the door interrupted. “Gentlemen, the meeting…You were supposed to conduct a working lunch.” Laila tapped her watch.
“Sorry. My fault.” Chang held up his hands in surrender.
Laila shook her head and stepped in. “Look, I’m only going to say this once. Get your heads together.”
She launched into a speech that could rival any given by a politician, coach, or motivational speaker. Chang had no plans to interrupt. A sideways glance at Jack showed that he wasn’t going to interject his usual dry wisdom.
Laila was holding court.
3:30 p.m.
Melissa was surprised the day’s meeting ended ahead of schedule, albeit only by thirty minutes. Still, they hadn’t started the working lunch on time. At the time, the attendees looked to her for answers as to where Chang and Jack were holed up. She didn’t have a clue. Not even Laila had been around to help. For her part, she kept them entertained with news bits of the day, since some came from outside of the area. They were all laughing and talking when Chang and Jack entered the room.
They apologized and the meeting was underway again. But she noted a difference. The prickly tension that had been present that morning was nowhere in sight. A few times Melissa made sure not to look at Chang with his quiet anger or to Jack with his open hunger. She stuck to her job. That would have been fine with her.
Jack, it seemed, had other ideas. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for a good meeting. Laila has provided you with dinner options and tomorrow’s schedule. Any questions?”
No one spoke. Many had already packed their briefcases, ready to take advantage of the early release.
“Good. Then, before we head out, I want to acknowledge Melissa’s assistance today.”
Now, many of the executives shared his enthusiasm. Her cheeks grew hot over the unexpected attention. Though Jack turned the spotlight on her, she couldn’t look at him. Much more than gratitude would be revealed. And she was too considerate of Chang to show her feelings without initially talking to him about her tremendously deep feelings for Jack.
“Jack is absolutely correct. Melissa, I know this wasn’t how you planned to spend your day. But I appreciate that you stepped in to help.” Chang clapped and everyone joined in.
Melissa offered him a small bow. “Thank you. It was my pleasure.” She quickly exited. Not only was she floored by the compliments, but the open switch in Chang’s treatment had her doubting herself and him. She didn’t imagine his anger when he saw that she was the one standing in his office. But would he be so cruel as to fool everyone with niceties before turning into a brooding ogre?
The executives left, passing her in the hallway, continuing to express their gratitude. Everyone left except Chang and Jack. She waited outside the conference room, sometimes pacing. Still, they didn’t leave. Considering her so-called operation a failed attempt, she just wanted to head home. Drown her sorrows in a bottle of pinot grigio, snack on nachos, and watch a tear-jerking romantic movie.
Unable to wait them out, she entered the conference room. They were in deep conversation and she was ready to back out.
“Come in.” Jack motioned for her to approach.
Her feet didn’t comply. It took Chang gently leading her to Jack. Now she was truly unsettled. The seemingly simple action had more symbolism to her. And Chang, of all people, to hand her to Jack. She wanted to confess right there.
“Chang knows about us.”
“What?” Melissa quickly removed her hand from Chang.
“It’s okay.” Jack reassured.
Melissa shook her head. “I wanted to be the one to tell Chang.” She couldn’t help the note of accusation aimed at Jack. Looking innocent wasn’t going to save him from her wrath.
“It’s okay. I found out on my own,” Chang said. “I think that I already knew. Didn’t want to face it. Thought that your feelings for Jack were the worst thing ever.”
Melissa touched his cheek, stroking his face with her thumb. “I’m sorry that you’re hurt. But I can’t apologize for what’s in my heart.” His beautiful eyes were shutters to his soul. She tried to read his thoughts. “I’d rather leave now than see you in pain over this.” She kissed him and fought back tears.
His arms encircled her. “Gajima! Stay! Please, don’t go. I couldn’t bear if you walked out my life, again. Je salme dangshini pilyohamnida.”
“And I also need you in my life.” Jack hadn’t moved.
Melissa stepped away from Chang’s body, warm and welcoming. “What are you saying?”
“We want to be in your life. Together,” Chang spoke. His voice was clear. He didn’t avoid eye contact. Sincerity underscored his statement.
Jack didn’t add anything. But his body leaned forward, tense and wary. All his feelings and wishes were plain on his face.
They both waited for her answer.
Melissa smiled. Her response didn’t need words. But just in case, she said with as much gusto, “Yes!”
Chapter Six
7:01 p.m.
“Welcome to your home…away from home.” Laila smiled a broad welcome as they entered the presidential suite. “I had your luggage for the trip brought up for change of clothes. Melissa, I bought you a few items. Figured this wasn’t on your itinerary.”
“This is beautiful.” Melissa hugged her dear friend for more than reserving a special place for them to celebrate. “But I’ve got a business to run.”
“That you can run over the Internet. It’s not as if you’re out of the country.”
Leave it to Laila to put things in perspective. Melissa’s priorities hadn’t shifted, merely been tweaked. Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself to relax, enjoy, and be pampered by her men.
Early tomorrow, they would fly from Washington, D.C. to Colorado on the company plane. The next seven days would be activities, breakout sessions, hours of brainstorming for the executive retreat. Tonight, however, was what mattered. Right now, the three people of consequence in her life stood in this room with her ready to embark on an adventure.
“I knew there was a reason why I hired you,” Chang teased.
“Yeah, well, remember that when the bill comes in. It’s your credit card,” Laila replied with her trademark cheek. Instead of the usual dark somber suits that she wore, tonight, she’d changed into a colorful maxi dress, bright matching stylish shoes and her hair lay unpinned and bouncing past her shoulders. Obviously, work wasn’t on her mind for the night’s activities.
Jack walked past them, heading further into the suite. With his back to them, he stood at the window. Then, suddenly he spun to face them wearing the biggest grin. “We need to toast this occasion.”
“Champagne already cooling.” Laila pointed toward the bar. Several bottles sat in silver buckets of ice.
Chang stepped up to take care of the task. Melissa flopped into a couch and kicked off her shoes and then snuggled deeper into the cushions to wait. A few minutes later, Chang and Laila distributed the filled flutes. She joined them in their circle of raised glasses.
Jack looked at each of them, pausing at Melissa who couldn’t help the deep blush caused by his intense gaze. Words weren’t necessary, at that moment, to know how much he cared. He cleared his throat and began, “This morning, I had no expectations of the day beyond our traditional first day recap of the quarter. It was all about work, the company. My personal life…well, nothing there.”
“We were there,” Laila interjected softly. Melissa knew she saw Jack and Chang as her sons, a motherly role that she never experienced.
Jack nodded. “Laila, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for guidance, your characteristic tough love, and loyalty.”
&nbs
p; “And I echo those sentiments,” Chang joined in. “But I also want to say thank you for saving me.” Melissa took his hand and gently squeezed it. She understood and accepted his more reserved personality.
“It’s difficult to describe what I feel. Satisfied. Happy. Loved.” Melissa bowed to Chang, and then Jack and Melissa.
“Cheers!” Laila raised her glass. They followed suit, clinking each glass, before sipping.
They finished off several glasses of champagne in between the lively discussions and remembering earlier times.
“I hope that you’ll be pleased with everything. A dinner service will be delivered by eight o’clock. A very light breakfast will be at your door at six because you’ll need to be in the limo on the way to the airport no later than seven.” Laila grabbed her pocketbook. “Time for me to roll out. I’ve got my own special thing going on with a baby executive.” As a personal matter of selection, Laila never dealt with men her age. Her favorite saying was that she liked them “young, not too broken in, and willing to be short term-ers.”
“Yes, Madame Cougar. Go for it.” Jack saluted.
Melissa accompanied her friend to the hotel door and wished her well. Earlier today, she’d have been envious that Laila was off to get her groove on. That was the past. She rested her forehead against the door, sighing with deep contentment.
A gentle hand swept her hair off from her neck, guiding it out of place to her shoulder. The touch brought her back from musing. A soft kiss made contact at the base of her neck. She moaned, desire already unfolding and opening up to the probability of more to come. She knew who it was from the way he touched her. His lightly scented cologne always made her want to inhale and think of lush forests. Her body immediately reacted as he wound his arms around her waist and pulled her against him.
“Chang,” she whispered his name.
Her first love had staked his permanent place in her very soul. His chest cradled her back and head, as they welcomed a peaceful vibe to settle over them. They swayed together for several seconds before she realized that music now played.
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