by Lulu Pratt
Still, it makes me nervous. I’m going into this alone, and I have no back up. I steel myself and smile, “Yeah. There’s so much to think about!” I laugh, trying to keep up the light-hearted vibe, the happy bride-to-be who is planning her wedding.
“I can’t even imagine.”
“Your wife didn’t have to go through this?” I find myself teasing him.
“I’m not married.” He smiles – I can hear it in his voice.
“No? A catch like you is still single?” I know that I am flirting. It feels different with Adam than it does with Cade. But it comes so easily with him. It’s so difficult to resist it. Anxiety swirls in my stomach at the thought of being alone with him. I’m going to blow it completely. I bite my lip and try to be more careful.
As if on cue, Adam answers, “I don’t want to offend your fiancé.” He’s teasing me in return.
I smile, “Oh don’t worry, I’m one hundred percent taken. I’m sure there are plenty of girls for you, Adam.”
When we finally put down the phone, I am left feeling shaky and a little breathless. I know that I need to be careful, but I find myself getting caught up in this web further and further. The more I struggle, the more tangled I become.
I need to be careful. My heart is pounding in my chest, but I’m not sure if it is from excitement or fright. I get up and go change.
I pick my outfit carefully – trying not to be too revealing. Professional, polished and pretty – that’s what I am going for. I change, slip into my heels and spend a few minutes on my hair and makeup. I also make sure to wear the ring. It only takes me a few minutes to gather up my paperwork and get it all ready for the meeting.
I glance guiltily at my phone. I’m doing the right thing. Cade would approve if he understood, but I don’t think he trusts me enough. Not yet.
The thought sends a pang through me as I step out of the door. I’ll show him. I’m making the right choice and I’m not about to mess up just because I’ve met another flirt.
Those kind of men are a dime a dozen, and I have had more than my fill.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ADAM JONES
I am sitting at the café waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ellen is staring me down and I swear it takes all my strength not to reach across the table and pull her into my arms.
She is frustrating – I never expected that. All sweet exterior and smiles that could make you melt. A pretty dress and delicate taste, and she makes you think that it’s going to be easy.
But it’s not. She has every single one of her facts straight. A cross examination couldn’t unsettle her. She stares at me with a smile as sweet as candy and eyes that challenge me to keep going, to seek out a chink in her armor. I’m confident that I won’t find anything. I’m confident that she will be the last one standing if we continue this battle of wills.
It’s an unusual feeling and I can’t deny that it thrills me. I haven’t had a worthy opponent in a very long time and this one just happens to be sexier than anyone I have met recently. She leans across the table and I consider giving up the fight – for now. There must be an easier way in than through her.
“Are you fishing for an invitation, Adam?” Her voice is low and soft and I feel heat creep up my skin. She’s teasing me.
I smile back, “That would be unprofessional, Miss Cassidy.”
“Ellen, please.” She smiles and her fingers brush mine as she reaches for the sugar, “I’m just curious why you’re asking all these questions.”
She blinks at me and I swear she could melt butter. If she’s faking this, she’s damn good at it. What did she say she did for a living? A hairdresser? You wouldn’t know it just looking at her.
I shake my head, “The dates were just for business purposes. The rest? Well, I though ladies liked to talk about their wedding plans.”
She laughs and it’s a beautiful sound, her hair shimmering in the low, four o’clock sunlight. We’ve already been here about an hour and I have learned a lot, but at the same time, I’ve learned nothing about the case.
She leans back and takes a sip of her coffee. Her movements are easy and as our eyes meet, the familiar flicker of electricity seems to pass between us. She’s beautiful and she looks at me in a way that she doesn’t look at Cade. I’m sure of it.
They’re faking it, but there’s not a single crack in her performance that can prove it. She looks at me with those smoldering eyes and I wonder if I could make her melt. I’m usually good with the ladies, when I bother. Could I seduce the fiancée of my enemy?
Do I dare finish the job that way? If I do that, I’ll lose her afterwards. But it might be one hell of a ride. I decide I will take it one day at a time. “Thank you for your time, Ellen.”
She blushes when I use her name and I take her hand. It’s intimate and for a moment, it feels like it is only the two of us in the room at the little street café.
“I’d like to meet with you again.” I murmur.
“You would?” She’s sounding a little breathless now, as if she is caught in the storm.
I press my advantage, “Yes… yes, I would.” I gently stroke her hand and I feel her shiver beneath my touch.
So there is something here, after all. It’s not all smoke and mirrors. I can feel my body responding and I lean in and kiss her hand, pressing the soft, perfumed skin to my lips. The blush creeps further up her neck, flushing her cheeks in the most beautiful way.
“You don’t need to bring the documents next time.” I murmur, barely a breath away from her hand. I notice the ring that glints on her finger and gently drop her hand, a hint of a smile on my face as our eyes meet.
“You are, of course… welcome to invite your fiancé.” I add, but the professional tone has dropped right out of my voice and she knows it.
I can see her swallow as she mulls it over, and the tension between us is palatable, “More business meetings?”
“In a way.” I smile, low and soft, “But we can always personalize it a little…” I lean forward, “Office blocks can be so soulless, don’t you agree?”
She’s lost in my eyes and I can’t say that she’s the only one. We linger like that, our gazes locked across the table, the only sound the hum of the coffee shop behind that and the sharp little breaths that she takes.
“That would be perfect.” She straightens up a little and the spell is broken. She’s all smiles and professional niceties again, but I can see something lingering behind her eyes, and the way she crosses her arms over her chest suggest that my body is not the only one interested.
The thought thrills me and the way she shifts, self-conscious, hints at good things to come. Excellent.
“Thank you for coming.” I stand and slip on my coat. She does the same and pulls it closed quickly. I pay for our meal and escort her to the door. When she turns to say goodbye, I want nothing more than to kiss those lips that are only a few inches from mine.
Instead, I lean in, brushing her hair back from her face. Her eyes widen and we stay like that for as long as I dare. “Take care, Ellen. It was a pleasure.”
“Thank you.” Her voice is soft and my goodness, I think I could get lost in those eyes, so knowing and so sweet at the same time.
“I’ll call you.” I let my hand drop, give her a polite smile, and turn away. I don’t need to look back to know that she’s still staring as I walk down the street.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ELLEN CASSIDY
I walk down the streets feeling conflicted. I’m not sure why I am feeling so unsettled, but I am. Adam is charming in a very disarming sort of way. All sincere smiles and polite gestures, but the undercurrent that runs between us is fierce and I don’t know how to stop or silence it.
Flirting with him. That was a bad idea, no matter how I try to swing it. He is purposefully trying to find an error, to catch us in a lie and I am giving him more ammunition. I bite my lip. I hope I was subtle. I thought that I was, but you never know. He seems to be quite the perceptive man.
What’s worse is I can’t deny that I want to see him again – I sincerely do. I love the way he looks at me, the way the tension sparks between us, the way he stares into my eyes like they are the most important thing he has ever seen.
I’m so lost in thought that I almost don’t see Cade at first. I find him standing at the bottom of my apartment block. He looks agitated and I suspect that he would be waiting outside my very door if he wasn’t too polite for that. His arms are folded and there is thunder in his eyes.
And suddenly I feel sick to my stomach. I’ve gone behind his back on something – even though it’s something I felt was right. If he caught me out, he’ll be furious and he’d have every right to be.
I steel myself and stand at my full height, preparing for an argument. Anger bubbles just below the surface – I have the right to see whoever I want and besides, I did it in his best interest, not in an attempt to hurt him. I make my way to his side.
“Cade? Is something wrong?”
He smiles and turns to me and I can see the danger dancing beneath the surface of his eyes. He keeps his distance from me. “Can we speak in private?” He smiles, a low, soft smile and I shiver.
“Sure… is something the matter?”
“No, no…” He shakes his head as he wanders to the elevator. I join him and we step into it. It’s full of people. “I just wanted to pay my beloved a visit.”
I check that my phone is in my pocket, taking comfort in the fact that if something happens, my neighbors and security will hear. I frown at my own thoughts. I don’t doubt the anger between us, but no way would he ever hurt me – I’m letting my thoughts run away with me.
We head down the passageway in silence. When we reach my apartment, I unlock it and we step inside. The moment I have shut the door, I expect him to start yelling at me. Instead, he turns almost casually, “I was walking down the main strip today during my break.” He begins, and I can feel my blood run cold and hot at the very same time.
“Oh?” I answer. I can see he expects me to confess, to grovel, but I will be doing none of that. I did nothing wrong.
“Yes.” The dangerous tone is back in his voice and he smiles, “And what do I see but you and Mr. Adam Jones getting cozy over coffee.” His smile drops, “Care to explain that, Ellen?”
I narrow my eyes, anger blooming between us, “Yes. A business meeting to discuss our wedding happened.” I shoot back, “Talking about the dates – the dates and details that you and I agreed on.”
I narrow my eyes further, “Something wrong with that?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” His anger hasn’t softened and I can see the tension in his shoulders.
“Because you’re not my keeper!” It bursts out of me, “We’re not even in a real goddamn relationship!” The hurt that I have been holding back comes flooding out of me in a sickening rush.
“Because I’m playing the part you want me to play, but that doesn’t mean you own me. This isn’t even real.” My breathing is short and sharp.
Cade’s eyes darken, “I’m not the only one benefiting from this.” He hisses, “You’re getting just as much out of this as I am, so don’t go acting like you don’t.”
I ball my hands into fists, “I went to a business meeting to help you, you selfish bastard.” I stare him down and the tension rises between us like a fog. “I did it to keep up the ruse. You know, most couples are independent in some way.” I glare at him, “Not that you’d know the first thing about being in a real relationship.”
“Oh, and you do?” He sneers, “Somehow I doubt that. You think you’re being subtle, but you couldn’t be more obvious.”
It’s hurtful and my chest aches. “Then you can go ahead and leave. Forget you and your money!” I need the money, I need to do this, but it’s hard to think straight when he’s pushing every single one of my buttons.
“Well, forget you and your help.” He shoots back with equal animosity.
Before I know what’s happened, his lips are on mine and he’s kissing me. My back hits the wall and I scrabble for purchase, twisting my hands in his jacket, unwilling to let go.
Our tongues collide and I feel like I am on fire, the searing feeling burning through me. Anger and desire twist together to form something out of this world, something that feels all-consuming and vast. It feels like it is drowning me and I don’t know how to breathe.
All I can feel is his tongue, his lips. The smell of his cologne clouds my senses and I dimly register that he smells good. Really, really good.
His body feels hard against mine, even through the soft silks and cotton of his shirt and jacket. I can feel my breathing catching in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me. I feel dizzy and hold onto him tighter.
Furiously I grab at his hair and am satisfied when he gasps and pulls away. Then his hands are on the hem of my dress and I’m shivering, a gasp slipping out of me. My hands move from his hair to his tie and I fumble to pull it off, the silk moving easily within my hands. I tear at his buttons and hear him groan as his free hand moves to my zipper.
Without preamble, he’s unzipping my dress and I find myself shimmying out of it. I let it tumble to the floor in a heap and I am struck by the fact that he is seeing me in nothing more than my lacy underwear.
I undo the last of his buttons and push his clothing off his shoulders. He shrugs it off obligingly and he’s left wearing his dress pants and little else. My eyes widen at the sight of his cock.
He’s toned, gorgeously so. His abs are tight against his stomach and he’s nothing like I imagined. I always knew he looked good beneath those suits, but I had never imagined how good.
Before I can make a move, he’s grabbing me and carrying me to the couch. I gasp as he pushes me down. There’s something predatory in his eyes and when his lips find my neck, I melt.
He sucks my skin, his hands circling around my back and finding the clasp of my bra. He unclips it before I get the chance to protest and he pulls it off in one quick motion. I look up at him in nothing but my panties.
My breasts are exposed to the cool air and I feel my nipples harden, tighten with desire. He notices it too and he says, “So you do want me.”
Then his lips are on mine again, his hands roaming over my body. I’m writing beneath him, his skilled hands tweaking my nipples, palming my breasts, and claiming my body. He feels so good and I think that the world is spinning. I grab him, clutching onto him tightly, my fingernails digging into his skin.
He lifts me off the couch cushions, pulling my panties down my thighs. I part my legs and let him pull them off me. There’s a deep heat that burns in my center and I moan. My heels push against the couch as I groan and squirm.
When Cade fumbles with his belt, I know that he’s not going to wait, not going to hold back and I feel a thrill tingle down my spine, sending a searing dampness to my opening. This is incredible.
I can feel his breath on my skin, his low groans. My own skin feels slick with sweat and I am shifting beneath him, moaning and grinding my hips. I moan deeply as I shiver. My body responds, I part my thighs. Cade doesn’t hesitate, his fingers exploring the heat of my opening, pushing slowly within me and making me gasp with desire. I bite my lip to hold back the cry.
I shiver, arching, hands reaching for his pants, forcefully undoing them, fumbling as I undo the button.
I gasped, bucking my hips as his fingers push deeper within me. My breathing is shaky as the burning pleasures rise inside me.
“Cade… more.” I moan despite myself. I feel like my whole world is spinning and I want more, want to get lost in the pleasure that is Cade, in the way he touches me so perfectly.
He shifts and I hold him tightly, wrapping my arms around him, holding on for dear life. He is warm against me and his eyes are as electric as they have always been. My head is spinning and I bite my lip.
Cade groans and I feel his cock pressing against me. He’s impressive, hot and big. Oh so, so big. I’ve never felt anything l
ike this and I groan deeply, shifting against him. A gasp leaves me as he slowly, slowly pushes his cock inside of me. I feel as if I am about to pass out, the heat that started at my opening has spreading to every inch of my body.
He is gasping and the sound thrills me, sends shivers down my spine. One arm is braced against the couch and I feel his tense muscles as he begins to rock slowly within me, entering me further. It’s all consuming and I find myself gasping for breath. My hands clutch his skin and I gasp. Sweat trickles down my skin and I squeeze my eyes shut.
The only thing left is the feel of him. The anger has faded away to a burning kind of lust, to a shiver that just won’t quit, to a low groan in my chest and the fact that all I can feel is him. I hold onto him tightly as he thrusts into me. I gasp. So strong and confident and better than I could have ever imagined.
I writhe beneath him, squirming and bucking and arching my hips in time to the rhythm that shivers down my spine and into my soul. It’s everything I could have ever hoped for and more. He moves faster and harder. He pushes within me deeper and suddenly, I feel terribly light headed. The pressure is building, the heat threatening to overwhelm me completely. Pleasure blinds me and I groan. The feel of his cock, the friction against my opening, the strong thrusts.
I’ve never felt this amazing and it’s all I can do to hold on as my climax rips through me, strong and fast and deep. I’m holding on for dear life, moaning as I gasp. Wave after wave crashes down on me, blinding me to anything else. Cade shudders with release soon after, holding me tightly as he shudders and grunts. It feels incredible, and I can’t think straight. It’s perfect, all consuming, dizzying. I love every moment of it.
I never want this to end. The glow that fills me is warm and comforting and settling in a way that I hadn’t understood before now. Sure, I’ve found pleasure, but never like this. So I just hold onto Cade and he holds onto me in return.