I feel too good to be self-conscious. “Condom?”
“Yeah,” he croaks, tearing his gaze away.
He goes to his duffel bag and produces one. I watch him roll it on. He’s thick and rock hard. I reach for him, eager to finally join with the man I’ve grown to admire in all the best ways.
He returns to me and settles between my legs. I expect a hard thrust, but he brushes my hair back from my face and kisses me tenderly instead. My heart hammers, a swell of emotions catching me by surprise. I’ve never had a guy who treated me tenderly during sex.
He guides himself in slowly, bringing a delicious ache. He groans, his eyes shutting tight. “Fuck. Ya feel so fucking good.”
“You too.”
He entwines our fingers together, flattening my hands on the mattress, and rolls his hips against me. I gasp as pleasure sparks through me. He keeps going with slow rolls that have my eyes rolling back in my head. I’ve never felt anything like it, an intense coiling tension stealing my breath with every movement. It’s too much.
“Sean,” I say almost desperately.
“Yeah, I know.”
He kisses me, nipping my lower lip and soothing it with gentle suction, distracting me from the rapidly spiraling tightening within me as his body rocks me to ever higher levels of white-hot pleasure.
He lifts his head, his heated gaze on mine, and everything in me surges to the edge of release. My heart thuds, my breathing ragged. I need what only he can give. He rocks me on and on, his eyes never leaving mine. He releases his grip on my hands pinned to the mattress, and I grab his ass, urging him closer. He thrusts deep, holding himself still as his hand slips between us. My body jerks, and I break, the shock of pleasure radiating through me in a starburst, leaving me tingling from scalp to toes.
He surges forward, his mouth pressed to the side of my neck as he thrusts hard and deep, bringing more and more pleasure. I feel his groan vibrate against my neck as he lets go buried deep inside me.
I hold him close, catching my breath. Finally, I say, “Talk about a distraction.” That’s what he called me from the beginning. A distraction from his work.
He lifts his head and grins. “Best kind there is.”
“You really do have a gift.”
“Whatta ya mean?”
“Good in bed.”
He kisses me and rolls to his side. “Takes two, darlin’.”
Warmth radiates through my body, my heart dancing. I can’t help my goofy smile. He called me darling.
~ ~ ~
Sean
I lie there on the mattress next to Josie, spent. It was even better than I thought it’d be. I’ve wanted her since we met, and the tension’s been building for weeks. I held back with every ounce of control I possessed, but then she didn’t get the pilot, and she really seemed to need my comfort. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit part of me was glad. I didn’t want to get involved with someone with one foot out the door. Now she’s staying, probably for a while given the nature of auditioning, waiting, and getting rejected. I feel a little guilty that I want her to stay here in Brooklyn, but it’s not like there aren’t opportunities in the city for her. There’s theater, and a few TV shows film there. Not as many as LA, but still. I’m not saying don’t work. I’m just saying work near me.
She props up on my chest and smiles. “I feel fantastic. Endorphins at peak levels. What can I help you with today?”
I stroke her soft hair. She always means well, even if she doesn’t know what she’s doing. “You can take the cabinet pulls out of the boxes for me.”
“And install them?”
“After I predrill the holes.” No way I’m trusting her to install them. They have to be perfectly lined up.
“What else?”
“How do ya feel about weeding the garden?”
“But then I don’t get to help you.”
“That’s a help. It needs to be done to sell the place. Hafta keep the backyard looking good.”
She kisses me. “You’re just trying to keep me out of your hair.”
I stroke my thumb across her lower lip. “I don’t want to be tempted by you all day. I won’t get any work done if I’m thinking about how fast I can get inside you.”
She gives me a slow sexy smile. “Tonight.”
“Deal.”
“Or maybe an afternoon quickie?”
I pull her on top of me and wrap my arms around her. “I wish I could stay in bed with you all day.”
She presses her cheek against my chest. “Me too.” Her head pops up. “But you need to get your work done. What happens when the place sells? Where will you go?”
“I’m still looking for a place, waiting for something good to open up. If I have to, I can stay with one of my brothers temporarily. Though it’s not ideal. We get on each other’s nerves fast if we live and work together.”
She kisses me again before getting out of bed. “I’ll do the garden first. I’m not sure how vital cabinet pulls are to the renovation.”
“Terribly vital. No one could open a cabinet without them.”
“Uh-huh.” She dresses and I watch, wishing I could keep the view. She’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen, all sleek toned curves. Once she’s dressed, she claps twice. “Chop-chop. Get to work, boss man.”
I get out of bed and grab her. She squeaks and then laughs as I spin her around. I set her back on her feet.
She beams at me, and my chest swells. All that smiling goodness aimed right at me is a powerful thing. “What a great way to start my day. Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
I get dressed again and watch as she runs upstairs.
“Garden is the other way!” I yell.
“I know! I’m changing into long sleeves and getting a hat.”
I catch myself smiling for no good reason and quickly finish getting dressed. If I’m not careful, she’s going to know just how much I’m into her. I don’t want her to have that kind of power over me. I have to keep it light and casual until I’m sure of her.
I head back to the kitchen, whistling. I can’t help but think this is a very promising start.
Chapter Nine
Josie
I pour my energy into weeding and, after a while, I get into it. There’s something nice about digging in the dirt. And it’s a comfortable sixty degrees on this late April day. Sean’s right. The backyard is a big selling point because not everyone in Brooklyn has such a nice garden area. Not to mention an outdoor shower. How fun is that? My time with Sean this morning plays on repeat in my mind. Best sex of my life hands down, and I can’t wait to do it all over again.
Hours later, I finish in the garden, covered in dirt and lusting for Sean something fierce.
I poke my head in the back door. “Hey, I finished.”
He rises from a crouch, where he was doing something underneath the newly installed light wood island. “Excellent.”
I pout a little, jutting my hip out. “I’m so dirty. I’d better not come inside.” I pause. “You could though.”
His eyes gleam. “I could.”
“Meet you there.” I lift my arm over my head and point toward the outdoor shower.
A shiver of anticipation runs through me as I reach the shower, where I got my first glimpse of a naked Sean. I let the water heat and strip down, leaving my dirty clothes on the bench. I hope Sean brings towels. I step into the warm spray and wash myself with the soap in the holder. Several minutes later, I’m starting to wonder if he changed his mind. Or maybe he didn’t get my hint. Well, this sucks. Now I have to run wet and naked back to the house.
I lift my head to the sky and yell at the top of my lungs, “Sean!”
“Right here.” I startle as he steps into view.
“Were you peeping at me?”
“I was letting ya get clean like a total gentleman.”
“Hmmm, sounds like peeping to me. Did you bring towels?”
“Yup.”
“Then get in here, yo
u wonderful man!”
He grins and strips down, joining me. He pulls me close, kissing me, his big hands framing my face. I melt against him. There’s just something so wonderful about his work-roughened hands, so competent and confident. Like him. His mouth never leaves mine as his hands stroke down my shoulders and back before sliding up my sides to cup my breasts, caressing them. My nipples tighten into peaks, and his thumbs brush across them before he pinches them. Desire unfurls in a slow wave of heat.
His gaze meets mine, and my breath quickens at the intensity of feeling I see there. I don’t think I’m imagining things. He’s feeling what I’m feeling, and what I’m feeling is—
I’m falling for him.
He bends to take my breast in his mouth in a tight suction that leaves me throbbing. I tunnel my fingers into his hair, holding him to me. I want to tell him I care for him, but I can’t seem to form the words. I hope he knows this isn’t casual for me in the least. He shifts to my other breast, his teeth gently clamping down on my nipple before sucking hard.
“Sean, I need you.”
His hand presses between my legs, and then he strokes me, giving me what I need. But I need even more. He lifts his head, straightening as he searches my expression. I don’t bother to hide my feelings. I want him, I need him, I care for him more than I’ve ever cared about any other man.
His gaze shifts away, and I feel the loss as keenly as if he’d openly rejected my feelings. He’s closing himself off from me. And I know that for sure when he turns me so my back is to his front, denying me eye contact.
His hand cups my breast, the other sliding between my legs. “You’re ready for me.”
“More than you are,” I manage, trying to give my voice an edge, but I’m too breathless. I want him to be like he was this morning, letting me in.
“Doubt it.” He presses his erection against my bottom. “So ready.” He strokes me in teasing circles that bring a spiraling pleasure so intense I stop thinking about anything but his fingers and the pleasure he brings me. “Spread your legs.”
I do as he asks. He gives me a pinch, and I gasp. Then he steps away. I shift, watching him grab a condom, hoping to glimpse that intense look in his eyes that says he’s feeling what I’m feeling.
He meets my eyes briefly before shifting his gaze to my breasts.
“Look at me,” I say.
“I am,” he says before shifting quickly behind me, bending me forward and thrusting inside.
My breath shudders out. With great effort, I look at him over my shoulder. His eyes are closed as he grabs my hips and thrusts deep and hard. I miss his tender gaze.
“Sweet Sean,” I say because he is, and he’s trying to deny it. He doesn’t want me to see he has feelings for me too.
His index finger thrusts into my mouth, shocking me. His voice is gravelly, scraping against my insides. “Suck.”
I do, and I’m instantly rewarded with his fingers stroking me between the legs as he thrusts slow and deep. My mind goes utterly blank as pleasure floods me in wave after wave. I’m drenched with desire, instantly on the edge of release as he takes control. There’s nothing but sharp pleasure and his breath harsh in my ear. His finger leaves my mouth and pinches my nipple hard. I gasp. He shifts to cup my breast and leverages me up so my back is to his chest as he thrusts deep over and over.
His name is a chant I can’t stop, my need so intense I can’t manage anything more. His other hand cups me lightly between the legs, giving me soft taps in time to his thrusts, driving me insane. My release is just out of reach.
“Sean, please!”
“Please what?” he rasps.
“Give. It. To. Me.”
He gives me just a little more, the pressure of his touch achingly right. His teeth clamp onto the side of my neck, and shock ripples through me just before the orgasm crashes through me. I cry out in exultation, the rush deeper than I’ve ever felt. He releases his hold on my neck, grabs my hips with both hands, and pounds into me. I hang onto the top of the shower wall for balance against his powerful thrusts. Shock waves of pleasure rush through me with every thrust. He lets out a guttural sound and yanks me back against him as he finally lets go.
We’re both panting. I’m shaky, my legs quivering. He withdraws, and I turn to face him. His unguarded expression is fierce, possessive. He pulls me against him, enfolding me tight in his arms. That’s when I realize there’s more than one way for a man like Sean to show he cares. It’s physical, a claiming, and I want to be claimed by him.
~ ~ ~
Today’s my big day—a private meeting with the Claire Jordan. I take a few deep breaths before heading inside Luc’s Bistro in the city, where I’m meeting her in a private back room. Claire Jordan! My stomach dips, nerves racing through me. I whirl and head back outside to the sidewalk. Breathe. Breathe. Do not embarrass yourself going all fangirl over her.
I pace the sidewalk, considering texting Sean for a reality check, but it’s Saturday, which means he needs uninterrupted work time on Winnie’s place. He’s been such a dream all week. So tender, so sexy, so wildly, fiercely passionate. I flush hot head-to-toe remembering last night when he pinned me against the wall with his strong arms and powerful thrusts. Oh, this is bad. Now I’m lusting for Sean when I need to be focused on my Claire Jordan meeting.
Claire Jordan!
I force a slow deep breath, running my sweaty hands down my black pencil skirt. I’m wearing a white blouse too, with a pop of color in a red beaded necklace. I hope I’m not overdressed. It’s just, oh, Claire was incredible in the Fierce trilogy movies and, before those, I was so inspired by her performance as a gang leader in the post-apocalyptic movie Blue Haze. And she’s producing more awesome movies too through her production company, Red Jewel Films, some from scripts and some from books. She’s putting out really original stories, and I love every movie she’s ever made. Okay, I’m not going to ask her to put me in one of her movies. This isn’t an ask. She’s already gone out of her way, agreeing to meet me, a friend of a friend. I’m here to learn. That’s it.
Professional-actress face on and go!
I stride back inside and give the maître d’ my name, telling him I’m meeting Amelia Hart here, which is the name she goes by when she wants to be incognito. I heard she used to go by Jenny. Story is, that ended after she pretended to be girl-next-door Jenny for a date with a regular guy, who later became her husband. If it’s online about her, I know it. She’s my idol.
A scary-looking Hawaiian man with a shaved head and muscles so big they’re straining the fabric of his black T-shirt appears by my side. He must be her bodyguard. “Nondisclosure,” he says, handing me a paper to sign.
I glance at it and quickly sign. I would never betray Claire Jordan, but I understand her caution.
He gestures for me to follow. We go to a locked back room. He swipes a card, unlocking it, and opens the door, gesturing for me to go in. The door shuts behind me, and suddenly it’s just me and her. The other three tables are empty, and her guard stayed outside the room.
I stare at Claire Jordan sitting at a round white tableclothed table, sipping sparkling water. Her shoulder-length blond hair is sleek, her expression composed and confident. She’s in a sleeveless black and white dress, which immediately reassures me that I’m not overdressed. “Hello,” she says in her throaty husky voice. “You must be Josie.”
I walk forward with my hand extended. “I am. It’s so nice to meet you.” I take several awkward steps toward her with my hand extended, until I finally reach her to shake her hand. “I’m such a fan!”
She smiles graciously. “Thank you. I hope you don’t mind I started eating bread ahead of time.” She points to the bread basket. “I’ve got morning sickness, expecting baby number three. Keep it to yourself, okay?”
I nod vigorously and drop into my seat. “Absolutely. I signed the nondisclosure, but even without that, I swear I would never tell a soul anything we talked about. I’m just so grateful to be here.
How are Owen and Harper?” I hold up a palm. “I’m not a stalker. I just research actors with careers I admire online, and the personal stuff comes up.”
“Ah, okay. You’re a friend of Princess Silvia’s, right? Hailey spoke highly of her. Hailey’s a good friend of mine.”
I nod and then tell myself to stop nodding so much. “Yes. I’m dating—I’m with, err, I’m not sure what to call it, but Sean’s her cousin. Silvia’s cousin, I mean. I know Sean well. Very well.” My cheeks burn. Do not share sex stuff with Claire Jordan! I clear my throat. “Silvia’s been very gracious to me. I don’t know Hailey. Your kids are adorable.”
“Thank you. They’re doing well. They’re with my husband right now.” She smiles, her hazel eyes lighting up. The effect is even more striking in person than on the big screen. “Owen’s three and a half and loves playing soccer and throwing any kind of ball. He’s athletic like his dad. Harper is two. I’m afraid she has my flair for the dramatic. She’s quite a handful.”
“They sound wonderful. You must have a wonderful family.”
She smiles. “I do, thanks.”
She signals toward a door in the back of the room with a small glass window, and a waiter comes forward with menus. I take one. There’s only three options, and there’s no prices. I hope I can afford it.
She orders a salmon dish, and I order the warm spinach salad. How expensive could a salad be?
After the waiter leaves, she says, “I hope you’re not starving yourself for a certain look. There’s all kinds of shapes accepted in the industry now.”
“No, I just really like salad.”
“So tell me about you. How’s your career going?”
I let out a breath and decide to be honest. Her career took off when she was young, but surely she’ll understand how difficult it is out there. “Not as good as yours, but I’m keeping positive. I loved the Fierce trilogy and Neighborly Attraction and Pleasant Town and Blue Haze. Oh, there’s just too many to list! I try to research actors with careers I admire, so that’s how I know so much.”
She leans forward. “You seem nervous. No need. I’m like you, an actress looking to make my mark. This isn’t an audition. Just a conversation. I like to give back when I can, and I would’ve loved to have an honest conversation with an experienced actress when I was still green. Silvia mentioned you were just getting your start.”
Rogue Gentleman (The Rourkes, Book 8) Page 10