Desire in a Kiss

by Nicki Night

  Being in a public place, she maintained her poise. At the crowd’s request, they played a few more songs together. When she returned to the table, Chris’s sisters praised her talent. For the next hour, they drank wine, nibbled on cheese and flatbreads, and laughed.

  One by one, the guests departed until it was just Donovan, Kent, Ray, Brynn and Chris’s sisters at the table. Chloe and Donovan were the next to leave, followed by Jewel and Jade. Serenity and Brynn chatted while the guys closed up shop. Serenity really liked Brynn and was surprised to find out that she and Ray also had met through an online dating site. She could see the two of them becoming friends.

  Finally, the men came out from the back, and they all left together, with Chris locking up for the night. Saying their goodbyes, Chris walked with Serenity to his car, parked a few feet away from the front of the wine bar.

  He opened the passenger door for her to enter and paused. Stepping close enough for Serenity to feel his breath, Chris lifted Serenity’s chin and kissed her lips again.

  “Can I take you home?”

  “Sure you can, silly. How else will I get there?”

  “Not your home.” Chris narrowed his gaze. His penetrating stare caused her breath to catch. “Mine.”

  “I’d love to go home with you, Mr. Chandler.”

  He kissed her one more time, made sure she was settled in and drove home with an urgency that followed them inside the house, causing them to leave a trail of clothes from the door.

  A blinding hunger swept over Serenity. Her skin grew hot. Chris matched her intensity kiss for kiss and caress for caress. They groped each other as if survival required their touch. Considering it was her first time visiting his home, she hardly noticed how spacious the house was. Serenity did recall the massive walk-in shower, where they made love on the floor under the pulsing jets, spraying from the nozzles in the walls. She remembered grabbing handfuls of the soft luxury linens lining his California king-size bed when their rendezvous moved from the bathroom to the bedroom. And she remembered waking to the heat of his tongue as he tasted her essence once more before dawn. Serenity didn’t know if she’d ever get enough of Christian Chandler.

  Chapter 22

  Once again, Chris couldn’t wait to get home. He’d left Serenity in his bed to do an early-morning local television interview with Kent and Ray about the rising popularity of The Reserve. He would have brought her with him but knew she needed rest after her busy week and their rambunctious night together.

  Chris planned to spend the rest of his Saturday with her. Over the past few weeks, their increasingly busy schedules afforded them few opportunities to spend time together. Most nights, however, they slept in each other’s arms, only to get up early and start all over again—bidding each other great days until they came together again late at night. Eventually, they started choosing a day during the weekend to spend together from morning till night. Today, they hadn’t made concrete plans. Staying in bed the entire time had crossed his mind, but he would consult with Serenity to see if there was anything she wanted to do.

  He wheeled the car into his two-car garage and pressed the remote to close the door behind him. He moved with urgency, craving her presence. Chris entered his home, stepped out of his shoes at the door and called out to Serenity. He even liked the way her name felt on his tongue. She’d become just that to him—serenity. With all that was going on in his life—the family business, the frenzy created by the popularity of The Reserve—Chris needed a slice of peace. Serenity had become his tranquility. He worried about nothing when they were together.

  “Babe!” Chris peeked into several rooms as he moved about in search of her. He called her again just before noticing that she was curled up on the love seat in the family room. The sight of her beautiful face while she slept peacefully made him pause. For moments, he simply watched the rise and fall of her torso. He desired to caress her cheek but didn’t want to wake her. Picking up the remote, he aimed it at the television, shutting it off. She stirred at the sudden absence of sound.

  Sitting on the arm of the chair, he listened to the rhythm of her breathing. As soft as it was, the sound was prominent against the quiet backdrop of his spacious home. He had purchased the house two years before, as an investment. It was an immediate bachelor pad until he and his friends had opened the wine bar. He began spending less time at his apartment in Manhattan. Now the house remained empty most of the time with his constant coming and going. One day, he’d have a wife and children to share it with. The family room would finally live up to its name.

  Serenity stirred once more. Could she be the mother of his kids? Chris laughed at himself for even having those thoughts. They’d only been dating exclusively for several months. Exclusive. Chris tilted his head. They’d never actually defined what they were doing. He wasn’t seeing anyone else and assumed she wasn’t either, since every minute they weren’t together was accounted for. Through the week, they took turns sleeping at each other’s homes, rarely spending their nights alone anymore. Things had progressed quickly, yet he felt like they were exactly where they were supposed to be with each other.

  Serenity’s eyes fluttered open, and that brought a smile to Chris’s face.

  “Hey.” She cleared her throat.

  “You finally got some rest, I see. I didn’t want to wake you.”

  She looked thankful. “How was the interview?” Her voice was a drowsy whisper.

  “Fun, actually.” He sat on the couch next to her. She rose to clear a space for him. “You know how it is when Ray, Kent and I get together.” He turned the television back on, set it to a music channel and lowered the volume.

  “I could imagine.” Serenity covered her yawn.

  Chris locked his gaze on her and pondered a question. “Is this moving fast for you?”

  She sat up straighter. “You mean ‘us.’” She pointed to each of them. He nodded. “Sometimes I think so, but it doesn’t actually feel that way.”

  He was glad she felt the same sense of familiarity. “Why do you think that is?”

  She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’ve wondered myself. Maybe it’s because we spent so much time in the beginning just getting to know each other. We shared so much. By the time I finally met you, I felt like I already knew you.” Serenity paused. “Well, I thought I knew Chris Mullins.”

  Chris lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes. Serenity giggled. “That’s not fair.”

  “You bamboozled me, Mr. Chandler.”

  “I had to make sure you wasn’t a mad woman!” His laugh filled the room, drowning out the music playing in the background.

  “Chris!” Serenity scolded and tossed the throw pillow she’d been sleeping on at him. “I should have used a fake name. You could have been crazy too.”

  Chris studied her when their laughter died down. “I still can’t believe I met you online.”

  Serenity gave him a pensive gaze. “Why?”

  “Because you’re perfect,” Chris said unwaveringly and stood to put the remote on the ottoman. Serenity’s mouth was ajar when he turned to sit back down.

  “Perfect?” she said softly. “You think I’m perfect?”

  “For me you are. You know the story. I was trying to get away from the same kind of person. I was sick of comparing résumés and pedigrees. You’re more than that. More than I expected, and I like it—a lot!”

  “Aww, Chris!” Serenity hopped into his lap and kissed him all over the face.

  Chris shook his head and grinned.

  “Well, I like you a lot too. You’re considerate, charming, family-oriented and pretty darn cute.” Serenity kissed his nose.

  “I am a pretty good catch,” Chris teased.

  “I should have added arrogant, huh?”

  “I’m glad you’re the one who caught me.” Chris kissed
her blushing cheeks and contemplated his next statement. “I’ve thought about how time should be considered when it comes to us, but that no longer matters. I just know that I want to be with you.”

  Serenity’s hands flew to her mouth, and then she threw them around his neck. Her response was an impassioned kiss. Her phone rang, interrupting their tender moment. They released each other and she looked down at her phone on the floor near the love seat. She hesitated a moment but answered, flashing a wide apologetic smile and then a pout.

  “Hey, Mom...Nothing, for a change...Yes.” Serenity looked over at Chris. “When?” Chris kissed the crook of her neck and nibbled on her ear. “Okay...” Serenity’s breath caught. “Of course.” Chris’s hand covered her breast. Gently, he squeezed one and then the other. “Okay, Mom. I’ll see you later. I’ve got to go.”

  Chris snickered. He enjoyed teasing her while she chatted with her mother. Serenity ended the call, laid the phone on the floor and lifted her neck, giving Chris greater access. He nuzzled closer, knowing that kissing her there made her weak with pleasure. She melted into his arms, and he desired her even more.

  “Chris.” She was breathless. His groan was his answer. “My mother would like us to come over for dinner. Are you ready to meet her?”

  Chris pulled himself from the warmth of her neck and gazed directly into her eyes. Desire heated his core. “Dinner sounds great, but I want to start with dessert.”

  Serenity giggled. He captured her lips and laid her back on the couch. Carefully, he lifted her shirt, unsnapped her bra and freed her full breasts. He took turns taking her pebbled nipples into his mouth. He shimmied her pants past her hips and planted a trail of kisses along her inner thigh until he reached her warm, waiting center. Parting those lips, he feasted on her until she screamed his name and scampered from his grasp.

  Hearing his name through her passionate cries triggered another level of heat inside of Chris. Urgency took hold of him. Covering his erection, he entered her warm canal, driving himself deep with long, rhythmic strides. Serenity moaned her delight—the sounds elevating with the heightening intensity. The cushioned heat of her suctioned him. He hissed and found himself grunting with each stroke. He pushed as far as he could go and held on. She milked him with orgasmic spasms. He lost the ability to regulate his pace, his body curled forward hard, and he bucked, pounding into her. His release was so powerful it crippled him, leaving him immobile for several moments. His eyes rolled upward as he completely gave in to the incredible pleasure. Serenity wrapped her legs around him and held him tight as they reached their peaks in unison.

  Chris had to wait to regain mobility in order to speak. “Now I’m ready for dinner.”

  Chapter 23

  Serenity was sure her parents would be fond of Chris’s attractive personality but couldn’t help fidgeting. He squeezed her hand gently and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. That put her at ease. Her mother was already excited to meet him. Avis Williams was naturally inquisitive, but Curtis was likely to interrogate Chris as if he’d just hauled him into the local precinct for a major crime.

  “Stop worrying. Your parents are going to love me.” Chris chuckled.

  Serenity shook her head and laughed. “Because of your confidence, Mr. Chandler?”

  “Wrong c word. Charming is what I was going for.”

  “I’ll admit it. You are quite charming.”

  At the light, Chris leaned over and puckered. Serenity stretched her body over the wide console separating them in his oversize SUV to meet him halfway. She kissed him through her smile. An impatient driver’s blaring horn alerted them to the changed light.

  Chris politely held his hand up acknowledging the delay. “If I recall correctly, your dad likes sports, right?” He turned to Serenity as he eased into the intersection.

  “He’s a huge football fan.”

  “Okay. And he’s a retired police officer?”

  “You remembered.” Serenity beamed. “I’m impressed. He was a lieutenant when he left the force.”

  “I pay attention.”

  “I see that.”

  “And your mom is a teacher.”

  “She taught for a few years and became a high-school guidance counselor.” Serenity appreciated his questions.

  “Got it. Any hobbies I should know about?”

  “Dad loves his grill. Mom jokes that he prefers it to her sometimes. Mom’s new hobby is working out. We used to do it together all the time, but my schedule changed all that. We lost our first twenty-five pounds together when she found out that she was borderline diabetic. She’s in great shape now and trying to get Dad on board. My father teases her about riding alongside her while she would run, like Rocky’s trainer did in those old movies.” She chuckled and turned her attention from Chris to the street. She noted they were two blocks away from the restaurant where they were meeting her parents for dinner. After a long inhale, she let the air out in a rush and prepared to see her dad.

  Serenity’s father, Curtis Williams, was protective. He never used the term stepdad and told Serenity when he married her mother that she was lucky to have two dads who loved her, even though she hadn’t seen her biological father in years. Eventually, Curtis officially adopted her, giving her his last name.

  Serenity noticed her father’s van parked outside the restaurant. “Dad is overprotective and a master interrogator. So be ready.”

  “I would be too, if you were my daughter.” Chris winked again. “It’ll be fine.”

  “If you say so.”

  Chris pulled in behind the van. Serenity stayed inside the car until he came around to her side to open the door. Taking her by the hand, he gave her a reassuring squeeze as they walked into the restaurant together. It was her parents’ favorite eatery, which they frequented weekly. She and Chris were on their turf.

  Serenity spotted her mother waving and pointed them out to the hostess. Both were standing by the time she and Chris made it over to the table.

  “Hey, sweetie!” Her mother embraced her, squeezing tight. She released Serenity, holding her at arms’ length. “I’ve missed you. When are you coming back to spin class with me?”

  “I can start back after the gala next week. With that and the wedding...” Serenity shook her head, not bothering to finish her sentence.

  “Okay. I’ll just have to wait.”

  “How’s my baby girl?” Curtis held his burly arms open wide. Serenity stepped in, nuzzled her face into his broad chest and wrapped her arms around him.

  “How’s my big guy?”

  Chuckling, Curtis’s torso vibrated against his laugh. “Great, now that you’re here.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Mom. Dad.” Serenity stepped out of his embrace. “This is...” She hesitated. Serenity hadn’t introduced him before and wondered whether or not she should say boyfriend. At that moment, she realized that Chris hadn’t officially met any of her family or friends. “...Christian Chandler. Chris, these are my amazing parents, Curtis and Avis Williams.”

  Chris and her dad exchanged a firm shake. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  Curtis scrutinized Chris with narrowed eyes and a lifted chin. “I hope it’s going to be a pleasure to meet you, as well.”

  Avis pursed her lips at Curtis. Serenity took a deep breath and held it. Her dad raised a brow and grinned. She released the breath she was holding.

  “Serenity was sure to tell me how great you are. Any hero of hers is a hero of mine,” Chris said.

  Curtis’s brilliant smile and swelled chest was a clear indication that Chris’s comeback had had a positive effect.

  “Hello, dear.” Avis reached for Chris. “It’s good to finally meet you.”

  “Serenity—” Chris pretended to look confused “—you didn’t tell me you had a sister. I thought you were an only ch
ild.” He kissed the back of Avis’s hand.

  Waving him off, Avis giggled. Chris smiled at Curtis, who lifted his brows and smiled back.

  “Glad you were able to join us this evening,” her dad said to both of them.

  “Thank you for the invitation, sir.”

  Curtis gestured toward the waiting chairs. The men sat after making sure the women were seated. The waiter appeared with water, took drink orders and disappeared as unobtrusively as he had come.

  “So, Christian.”

  “Please, sir. Call me Chris.”

  “Chris...what do you do for a living?”

  Dad’s wasting no time at all. Serenity felt like buckling her seat belt.

  “I work the family business. We own a consumer-goods company and restaurant on the pier in Sag Harbor. I also run a wine bar with two buddies of mine.”

  “A savvy investor?” Curtis nodded, seemingly impressed. “Got a degree, son?”

  “Yes, sir—with an MBA in business.”

  “Ivy League man?”

  “Yes, sir,” Chris said proudly.

  “That’s interesting.”

  “What goods?” Serenity’s mother asked.

  Chris provided a more thorough explanation.

  “Oh my! I love those Mary Kate pies. Those things will get you in trouble.” Avis chuckled.

  “Mom learned how to curb her vicious sweet tooth.”

  “I didn’t have much choice, but I’m feeling better than I have in years. But, just to let you know, we’re sharing a dessert tonight.” They all joined Avis in that laugh.

  “So, young man, how did your family get into making baked goods?”