“I was just trying to be a friend. I care about you…I always have.”
“And I you.” He guided her lips to his in another kiss that started off fast and eventually slowed, then he was breathing heavily and in no time sleeping like a baby. Mackenzie smiled as she closed her eyes and did the same.
SEVEN
At the end of the first week, Ryan decided his relationship with Mackenzie had become complicated. His mind drifted to Saturday morning when Mackenzie made him breakfast. A short robe had fluttered around her thighs teasing him with glimpses of her bare bottom. All he could think about was her naked body and filling her again, bringing her the ultimate release. He’d grown so hard his appetite for food had fallen to a distant second behind his hunger for her. Seated on a kitchen chair, he’d pulled her to straddle him and they’d teased and tantalized each other, holding back even when he was inside her, driving each other crazy until he knocked a carton of orange juice onto the floor. He wasted no time, lifting her to the table and pushed inside. Mackenzie encouraged his hard thrust by her breathy pleas. After breakfast, he carried her back to bed where she’d slept against him.
Even this morning, she had made the first move, rolling atop him and telling him how much she enjoyed riding his dick.
How could any man be expected to let go of waking up to that?
He turned off the water then reached for a thick towel, wrapped it around his waist and then walked across the shower room. As soon as he stepped into the locker room, he was greeted by the smell of smoke and sweat. A pile of discarded towels littered the floor. As he stepped around the corner, he spotted Don sitting on a bench beside his locker. “Good job tonight.”
The redhead looked up and gave him a lopsided grin. “Thanks, but everything I’ve learned, I got from you.”
Ryan scowled. He never had learned how to take a compliment. “Nah, I never taught you how to climb a tree.”
He laughed. “Maybe, but you taught me to stay calm for both me and the victim.”
He walked down to his locker and turned the combination. “Marcia would be proud.”
A slow lazy grin curved the young man’s mouth as he regarded his supervisor. “Can you call my wife and tell her that?” he drawled.
While Ryan chuckled with laughter, Don grabbed his towel and soap then headed toward the shower.
He smiled thinking about the newlyweds. They were so competitive. The last company picnic the two had competed in the relay race and came in as a tie.
They had fun together the way love was supposed to be.
As he dried off, Ryan thought about Anika. He and his wife had been the same way. Inseparable. Competitive, but yet so supportive, he had loved her with his every breath. But now those memories were rapidly dimming. For years, sex had just been a way of getting by, of temporarily forgetting the woman he had lost until sex had become about sexual gratification and nothing more. But now that he’d slept with Mackenzie, things were different.
While he dressed, his mind wandered back to his first night with Mackenzie. He still couldn’t believe what was happening between them. Ever since the night of Kaelyn and Ashton’s engagement party, Ryan hadn’t been able to get her off his mind. And now that he’d tasted her, had her succulent breasts in his mouth, her thighs wrapped around his waist, he knew there was more going on than sex. He just wasn’t prepared yet to deal with it, although his dick throbbed at the memory.
And to think he actually thought that by making love to Mackenzie, it would finally simmer his desire for her. He had been very wrong. Now that he knew how her body felt, fitting like a glove around him, he couldn’t think of anything else except for tasting her again.
* * *
The fundraiser was just as Mackenzie expected. Glitz and glamour and an evening of Who’s Who. The formal affair was held at the Beaumont Hotel in the Princess Ballroom. Crystal chandeliers glistened from the ceilings above dozens of elegantly decorated tables with beautiful candle centerpieces. Waiters in white jackets served exquisite looking hors d’oeuvres on fancy trays. There were at least two hundred of the area’s most influential residents in attendance. Political. Community leaders, and businessmen. Mackenzie spotted the mayor sitting at a table near the stage. The Beaumonts had a long table. She knew the handsome family anywhere. There were so many beautiful people. She was so glad she had bought a brand new black gown that accentuated her curves and clung like second skin to her body. She had paired it with red pumps. And even more pleased she was hanging on the arm of eye candy.
A jazz band had been hired and a sultry slow tune was being played. Already couples were on the marble floor dancing slow and tight.
There was assigned seating so Ryan took her arm and led her across the ballroom to the large round table they would share with four others for the rest of the evening. She watched and admired how charismatic he was as he shook hands and introduced the two of them as a couple. Her mouth salivated as she took in his appearance. Ryan looked like he belonged on the cover of Ebony. The tailored tuxedo fit his tall, muscular frame to perfection. Oh my! No man had a right to look that damn good.
The stunning woman sitting to their left held out a perfectly manicured hand. She was batting her eyes and falling all over her words. Mackenzie couldn’t blame her. When Ryan had arrived at her door, she was practically speechless. Ryan looked impeccable in a dark tuxedo.
“Nice to meet you both,” he murmured in polite greeting.
The couple to their right shook hands and Mackenzie noticed the way the dark-haired young woman looked to her husband with her brow bunched.
“Forgive me, but last year there was this firefighter who saved a woman from a burning car. That wouldn’t be you would it?”
She noticed the way Ryan blushed. “That would be me.” He winked. “Just doing my job.”
There was now a broad smile on her pretty face. “I knew it! Honey, I told you I thought that was him.”
Her husband gushed, eagerly shaking his hand. “That woman you saved is my sister.”
Mackenzie couldn’t believe the way the two of them were beaming, especially the woman. Was there anyone on this planet immune to Ryan’s charm?
The lady beamed. “Mind if I take your picture?”
She took pictures of him with the couple and felt a sense of pride being with him. Ryan was amazing. She listened to the sound of his deep masculine voice as he inquired about the trapped woman, showing genuine concern. Something in her chest shifted and she was unprepared. Why had it taken her so long to realize how wonderful he was? She spent so much time thinking of him as a heartbreaker that she never took the time to admire his professionalism and the selfless contribution he made as he saved lives and made a difference in their life. At that moment nothing could have prepared her for the emotion that flooded her heart. Ryan had begun to surprise her in more ways than one, and it frightened the hell out of her.
When they finally took their seats, her heart was banging in her chest. “You’re a superstar.”
He leaned over close enough so that his lips brushed her ear. “I’m the one who feels lucky having such a beautiful woman sitting beside me.”
“Thank you,” she replied. Something hot and wicked flashed in his eyes before he reached under the table and placed his hand on her knee causing a slow burn between her legs.
“What charity are we supporting tonight?” he asked and leaned closer to hear her reply.
“Cities Against Domestic Violence is a national organization that’s working to end domestic violence. You have no idea how bad the problem is in this state.”
Ryan reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out his wallet, then wrote a check and handed it to her. When she stared down at his fine penmanship, she gasped at the sizable amount. “You’re generous.”
“It’s a good cause. And I want to do whatever I can.” He took her hand in his and stared in her eyes so intensely, she felt the warm wash of blood rise in her cheeks.
Moments late
r, she had gotten her emotions under control. They laughed and flirted throughout the entire meal and while Ryan engaged in a conversation with the couple to their right, Mackenzie took her time listening and admiring him.
Plates were cleared and chocolate cake and coffee were delivered to the tables. Ryan’s hand rested on hers most of the evening.
The president of the regional chapter of CADV finally stepped out onto the stage and stood in front of the microphone. Mackenzie forced herself to forget about what she was feeling long enough to focus on the program. She was thankful for the distraction as there was one speaker after another talking about the rising epidemic, citing statistics, and finally encouraging everyone to dig deep. The presenters were so compelling, her throat tightened with emotions as there wasn’t a dry eye in the ballroom. It came as no surprise when, at the end of the presentation, there was a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Baskets were passed around and Mackenzie wrote a check of her own.
After the presentations, there was a flurry of questions that followed until a final round of applause. The lights were dimmed and the band went back to playing. Ryan rose from his chair and held out his hand. “C’mon babe. Let’s dance.”
She noticed the looks of envy as he clasped her hand and they made their way up to the dance floor. Ryan walked to the center and drew her tightly into his arms. “Don’t look now, but your little boyfriend is watching.”
His mouth lowered to her temple as he swung her around and sure enough Allen was glaring in her direction. Mackenzie was not at all surprised to see him out with someone other than his wife. Maybe they are getting a divorce, she thought and then decided who cares. There was nowhere she’d rather be right now than in Ryan’s arms. Following his slow lead, she pressed her cheek against his chest and nuzzled in his male scent combined with a light scent of cologne. The side-to-side sway of their bodies sent his solid chest against her sensitized breasts and she gave a long shudder.
“You okay?”
A slow, lazy grin curved her mouth as she stared up into his magnificent eyes and nodded.
“What are you looking at?” he asked.
“You,” she said boldly and felt her defenses softening and slipping away.
“You always know the right thing to say,” he murmured against her ear as the music floated softly around them. The music was intoxicating and she felt herself being pulled into a spell. Ryan’s hand was low at her back and the other planted at her waist pressing her against his hard body. His chest brushed her breasts and she swallowed, exhaling slowly. Her nipples ached and clit pulsed as her mind drifted to another sensual dance. He locked her hands behind his head and dipped his head so he was giving her his undivided attention. Needing to feel his mouth, Mackenzie dragged his head lower and kissed him on the mouth, then drew back slightly allowing her lips to dangle still close enough for her to feel his sweet warm breath ruffling her nose.
Ryan slid a finger down her cheek and left a heated trail. “Was that for lover boy?” he asked, while his dark eyes danced with amusement.
She managed not to flinch as she admitted with a flirtatious smile, “No, it was for you.”
“In that case…” He sunk his hands into her hair and captured her lips in a deep kiss that was so swift it stole her breath away. With a moan, she opened her mouth and allowed his tongue to slip inside. Ryan tasted of chocolate and rich coffee. He drew her closer, deepening the kiss, then tilting his hips so she could feel his hardened cock. Mackenzie wanted nothing more than to be naked with him. To feel his large dick thrust in and out of her wet core.
He finally came up for air, dragging his mouth from hers just as another slow number began, and he kept her locked to his tall body.
“I can’t get enough of you,” he whispered.
Neither can I. She swayed against him. Ryan leaned back drawing her weight upon him, his thigh prodded between hers, and his crotch was warm and hard. His mouth was firm against her temple and he made no effort to disguise he was aroused.
Mackenzie sighed as his jaw grazed her cheek and then she was purring. Her hands were sliding up and down his back while his were at her hips, drawing her tightly to him.
Her hand came up to caress his face, first along his jaw and then across his cheek and neck. When she rubbed her thumb along his mouth, his lips closed gently on the pad and she stared at him. There was no denying the desire burning in his eyes.
The singer’s last notes faded into silence. Ryan took her hand and was leading her off the floor when Allen stepped into their path.
“So you decided to come.”
She had hoped to have gotten through the entire evening without a confrontation, but she should have known Allen would want to make sure she saw his lovely date.
Mackenzie straightened her posture and turned to face him. “Why wouldn’t I be here? This evening has nothing to do with you.”
She noticed the slim beauty standing beside him, sizing her up in a single glance. Allen smirked and dragged his arm tighter around her waist. “And I see you haven’t wasted any time flaunting around your latest conquest,” he retorted coolly.
His words cut through her like a knife. How dare he!
Then, behind her, a voice cut through. “Speak to my girl again and it will be the last thing you ever say,” Ryan warned, the tone chilling.
Mackenzie placed a hand to his chest and felt the muscles contract as if he was ready to react.
Allen stuttered but remained silent; his fist jammed into his pants pocket.
Her mouth curled into a mocking half-smile as she regarded the two. “At least he isn’t married, which unfortunately I can’t say the same about you. How many kids did your wife say the two of you have… four?”
The woman’s catlike gaze narrowed on her face before turning to Allen in horror. “What is she talking about?” she asked.
Mackenzie released a cynical laugh. Smiling, she shifted her eyes to Ryan and said, “Come on sweetheart, let’s get back to our table.”
* * *
“You seemed very passionate about helping the cause tonight. Thanks again for donating.”
Ryan turned his vehicle at the corner and headed down Main Street, one of the main attractions of Sheraton Beach. The area boasted mom and pop stores, entertainment and restaurants. There was something for just about anyone.
He glanced at her briefly, then turned and gazed out the window as he maneuvered through the evening traffic. “When I was eight, I lived in a battered women’s shelter with my mother and sister.”
“What?” Mackenzie startled and turned on the seat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t…” Her voice trailed off as she reached over and squeezed his hand. “Was it your father?”
He stared at the road, trying to scale back the overwhelming emotion he felt. Tonight’s cause had brought back so many painful memories for him as a child. A time in his life he had tried so hard to forget.
“I don’t remember my father. He had a massive stroke when I was four,” he began. “By the time I was eight, my mother had married my sister Delilah’s father, Clayton Cole.” Ryan made a right at the corner and then continued at a moderate speed as he remembered the devil he had once called his father. “He knocked my mother around for just smiling at him the wrong way. We never knew what kind of mood Clayton was going to be in when he got home, so we would do whatever we could to make sure the house was clean, and Mom always had dinner ready on the table.” He paused and gave a lackluster laugh. “But it was never good enough. Sometimes I think he just looked for an excuse to hit us. I remember one time he beat me so bad I couldn’t go to school for an entire week.”
“Oh no,” Mackenzie wailed. “Did you ever tell anyone?”
He gave a rude snort. “Who could I tell? It was just my mom and us and besides it would have only made matters worse. He took his anger out on her enough as it was, that I couldn’t bear to see him hurt my mom anymore.”
“What made her finally leave him?”
&nbs
p; His gazed narrowed on her face. “When he broke my sister’s arm.”
“Nooo!”
Ryan nodded and pulled into the parking lot to her complex. While turning off the car, he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes. “He wouldn’t even let my mom take her to the hospital, so she waited until he left for work and took us both.” He hated that his voice was heavy with emotion. “I remember the lady from social services walking in and telling Mom either she did something or she was taking my sister and I into protective custody. Mom said no one would ever separate us, so she packed a suitcase and we moved into a battered women’s shelter.” His heart clutched painfully at the memories.
“Good for her,” Mackenzie said in a shaky voice.
Ryan reached out and brushed away the tears he saw running down her cheeks.
“Clayton came around begging and trying to get us back, but somehow my mother found the strength to divorce him and move on with her life.”
He closed his eyes and the two of them sat there for the longest time not saying anything, instead just listening to their steady heartbeats. It had been a long time ago and yet he couldn’t believe how shaken he was. He felt like that eight-year-old little boy again, trying to protect his mother, crying for his little sister. Back then he had no control over his life. Now he did. Ryan dragged a hand across his bald head with disbelief. He couldn’t believe he had shared something he had tried for years to forget. But what scared Ryan most was he couldn’t think of ever telling anyone about that part of his life, but with Mackenzie, he wanted to share everything.
Finally, their eyes met and held in the dimly lit parking lot and Mackenzie was the first to speak. “Did your mother ever marry again?”
He shook his head. “No, she has a hard time trusting again.”
“What about you?”
He pinned her with his gaze. “I trust you.”
She gave him a smile that caused his stomach to flip-flop. He reached across for Mackenzie’s hand and brought it to his lips, then kissed her fingers, one at a time. She was a godsend. She understood him. Not many women did, or maybe he just never allowed anyone to get close enough to him so he could find out. But Mackenzie had always been different.
For Her Pleasure (The Pleasure Series Book 2) Page 7