by Tawny Weber
Mia would have cringed if she wasn’t frozen with the shock of hearing those words come out of her own mouth. So many times had this little scenario played out in her fantasies, and not one had included a stupid phrase like let’s see if we’re any good together.
Here she was, standing on a romantic balcony at sunset with the guy who’d starred in all of her sexiest dreams, and she dropped a lame line like that?
Her only defense was that she’d never seduced a man before.
At least not in real life.
Sure, over the last three weeks, she’d done it about a million times in her imagination. Compared to the million-and-a-half in which she’d imagined Spence seducing her.
But Spence worked for her, so she’d kept those seductions exclusively in her mind. But whether a new security gig kicked in or not, Mia knew he had no intention of continuing to work for her after next weekend’s events were over.
She’d watched him from the garden as he dealt with the caterer, as he took his phone call, and all she’d been able to think was that this was it. As busy as the next week was going to be, this was her last chance to be with him. So she’d decided that if he wasn’t going to make the first move, she would.
Her stomach churned.
What had she been thinking?
“Look, Mia...”
She held her breath while he considered his response.
“I’m flattered. And it’s not that I’m not interested. But I think that’s something we really need to think about,” he hedged. “For now, why don’t I walk you to your car? You must be ready to go home.”
Despite the thrill zinging through her at his admission that he actually was interested, Mia rolled her eyes. That was a stall if she’d ever seen one.
“I’m staying here tonight.”
“What?” That stopped him dead in his tracks.
“The mansion boasts twelve bedrooms. I have so much to do tomorrow to ensure the fund-raiser kicks off successfully that I thought it more logical that I simply stay on location so I get started bright and early.”
“You’re sleeping here tonight?”
“I have a bed here tonight,” she corrected, touching the tip of her tongue to her upper lip as that sank in. When she saw his eyes blur, she smiled and gestured toward the stairs. “Want to join me?”
“I really don’t think that’s a very good idea.”
It wasn’t ego that kept Mia from being insulted by his refusal. It was that she could see how much the words cost him. Tight jeans did nothing to disguise his growing enthusiasm for the idea of being with her.
“Are you saying you don’t want to make love to me?”
“I’m saying that there are a lot of factors that we should consider before taking that kind of step.”
“Don’t you sound all uptight and official.” Now Mia didn’t have to fake being amused. Not with all this laughter bubbling up inside her. “And as sexy as that is, I’d rather act than talk.”
She could practically see the refusal on the tip of his tongue and almost groaned with frustration. There were so many other things she’d rather see his tongue doing. But apparently offering herself up like a free sample wasn’t enough to tempt him.
Fine.
Whatever.
Unable to stop the pout from sliding across her face, she crossed her arms over her chest and gave a dismissive shrug.
“My mistake. Call it a result of testing the champagne spritzers,” she excused. “Let’s just forget I said anything.”
When she saw the apology on his face, she threw one hand up before he even opened his mouth.
“Look, I don’t want you to feel bad or uncomfortable. So, like I said, let’s just forget the whole thing.” She tried a smile, hoping it came across as friendly instead of pained. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get some work done.”
Before he could say anything, Mia hurried across the patio to escape through the French doors. She’d lock up later. Right now, all she wanted was to get as far away from Spence as she could.
She was all the way to the marble entryway when he caught her. He grabbed her arm with one large hand, swinging her around to face him. Mia’s skinny heels slipped on the slick floor, forcing her to grab on to Spence’s shoulder to keep her balance.
Before she could ask what the hell he thought he was doing, his mouth crashed down on hers.
He tasted like sunshine. Hot, edgy, bone-melting sunshine. She met the demand of his kiss with her own edgy needs, scraping her teeth along his bottom lip as her fingers dug into the rigid muscles of his shoulders.
God, what a body.
Desperate to touch as much of that body as she could in case he changed his mind, she skimmed her palms down his arms, her hands curling over his biceps, delighting in how hard they were, even relaxed.
That boded well if things went the way she wanted.
In hopes of encouraging that to happen, she shifted just a little closer, the full fabric of her skirt rustling against his jeans as she angled her thigh between his. The move brought her chest close enough to his that all she had to do was take a deep breath to bring the tips of her breasts into contact with his chest. It felt so good that, with her next deep breath, she gave a little wiggle, teasing her nipples into needy awareness.
Spence seemed to like the move, too, because he gripped her arms tighter, lifting her just a little so she balanced on her toes. Then he deepened the kiss.
Oh, oh, baby.
She gave a breathless moan when his tongue swept between her lips. Their tongues mated, dancing, dueling, delighting with wild abandon.
The kiss seemed to last forever and it ended too soon as he slowly pulled his mouth away.
Her eyes still closed to better revel in the sensations swirling through her body, she felt his shortened breath against her face. She had no idea what she’d see when she looked at him, so Mia wanted to draw this moment out as long as she could.
Then he covered her breasts with his hands, squeezing lightly as he rubbed his palms over the nipples pebbled against her bodice.
“Oh,” she keened, her eyes flying open to meet his intense stare.
“Show me.”
Her breath coming in hard gasps, Mia shook her head to let him know she didn’t understand his request.
“Show me your room.”
“My pleasure,” she murmured.
She was so light-headed from his kiss that it took her a few seconds to make sure she wouldn’t fall right off her heels. Then Mia gestured toward the staircase with a deep breath and led the way.
Hoo, boy.
Her heart pounded so loudly that she was surprised the sound didn’t echo off the vaulted ceiling as they climbed the curved staircase. Spence followed in silence, just a step behind her as she led him down the hallway to the bedroom she was using.
“Decadent,” he murmured, looking around.
She’d barely noticed the sensual décor, having chosen the room more for the attached office, figuring the desk would come in handy as she worked into the night, than for the ambiance.
Her teal overnight bag stood out like a sore thumb against the lush fabrics, slick wood and erotic art. Suddenly shy and wondering why she’d thought she was the seductive type, Mia bit her lip to keep from making an excuse for her choice.
“It reminds me of you,” he said, shifting to the side so his body angled behind hers, his breath teasing the sensitive flesh on the back of her neck. “Strong lines, sensual textures, vivid color all combined in a sexy invitation.”
“Do you think so?” It wasn’t so much his words that made her feel so bold, but the emotion behind them. She could practically feel the desire pouring off him.
Mia moved into the center of the room and turned so she faced him. Obviously letting her call the shots, he leaned one shoulder agains
t the doorframe and watched her with an edgy sort of patience that made her feel like her time in control was limited.
Like she did any time she wanted to make a big impact in a limited amount of time, Mia went for broke. She kept her smile soft, sweet even, and her eyes locked on his as she skimmed the fingers of one hand down the side of her bodice, tracing the curve of her breast on her way down to her waist. She traced the same path up, and on her way down again, she released the zipper. From there, all it took was a flick of each finger to loosen the straps from her shoulders and let gravity do its work.
He gave a low grunt of approval when the fabric puddled at her feet, leaving Mia standing there in her pale pink lace panties, matching bra and sassy fuchsia stiletto slides.
She gave him enough time to get a good, long look. Waited to see the blur of need in his eyes. Then she smiled.
“Now what do you think?” she asked, arching one brow. “Does the room still remind you of anything?”
“What room?” he asked, his words distracted as he strode toward her. In a blink, he was there, close enough to feel the desire radiating off him, warming her. His scent teased. His eyes seduced.
Mia shivered.
“I’ve wanted you since you kissed me,” she confessed with a breathless moan. “Once I realized you weren’t going to do it again, I figured I’d better take matters into my own hands. So to speak.”
“Good call.”
With that, he reached out. Mia held her breath, surprised when he only skimmed the line of her jaw with his knuckles. He stared into her eyes as he leaned closer. Slowly, softly, he brushed his lips over hers.
This time his knuckles traced the side of her throat as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding gently along her lower lip.
Mmm, so good.
He skimmed his hands down her sides, teasing at her waist and making her ache for more. Hoping to hurry him along, she opened her mouth, sucking his tongue inside. His groan rumbled through her body like an aphrodisiac.
Mia thrust her hips from side to side so the delicate lace of her panties rubbed against his soft denim jeans. Proof of his interest pressed, impressively hard and long, against his zipper.
“You do want me,” she said, releasing his mouth with a husky laugh. “I wasn’t sure.”
“Believe me, you can be sure.” He swept kisses along her jawline, whisper-soft and enticing.
“Why didn’t you show me before?” she asked, not really caring once his mouth reached the erotic softness behind her ear.
“I knew it’d be wrong if I did,” he murmured, his words a husky rumble against her throat.
“Wrong how? It feels so good.”
“You’re going to regret it. Not now,” he decided as his teeth grasped the delicate lace of her bra strap and pulled it off her shoulder.
“Probably not tomorrow,” he added, tugging the other strap down, his teeth scraping along her flesh and sending little rivulets of pleasure spiraling through her system. “But soon. Very soon, you’re going to wish we hadn’t done this.”
He sounded so serious. Even as his fingers teased, slipping in and out of her bra cups to skim her aching nipples, Mia heard the gravity in Spence’s tone. Why was he so intense?
Breath coming fast, Mia forced her eyes open and her mind to focus on something other than the pleasure surging through her body.
“Are you married?”
“No.” His fingers stilled on the edge of her bra.
Impatient that he was delaying her pleasure with this little game, Mia blew out a heavy breath.
“Engaged? Living with someone? Seriously involved?”
“No.” He shifted his head, his lips brushing whisper-soft kisses along the side of her throat.
“Are you a creeper who peeks through the windows of elderly women in nursing homes?”
“No.”
Mia shivered at the feel of his laugh as it blew a soft gust of warm air against her skin. Before she could think of any other scenarios that would make her regret finally reaching the heights of orgasmic pleasure he’d been leading her toward, Spence added, “And before you ask, I’ve never broken the law, either.”
“Well, that covers everything,” she decided. Since all that was left was guilt, like he thought he was taking advantage of her or something silly like that, Mia decided it was up to her to move things along. “Time to quit worrying and start doing.”
“You’re the boss,” he quipped with a smile.
“Indeed, I am.” And she liked it.
To ensure the talking portion of their evening was over, she shifted away from Spence just enough to reach between her breasts and unclip her bra. Her eyes locked on his, she gave a tiny shrug to loosen the lace so it fell between their bodies.
His eyes stayed on hers for a heartbeat. Then, as if unable to resist, his gaze dropped.
Pleasure poured through her as his pupils dilated, his eyes widening.
He breathed, “You’re gorgeous.”
“Show me.”
“With pleasure.”
He reached up, both hands covering her breasts and rubbing slow, soft circles over her nipples, making them ache with desire.
Desperate to touch him, needing to feel him, Mia yanked his flirt free of his jeans before making quick work of the buttons. Oh, his skin. Hot, hard and dusted with silky hair.
He felt amazing.
She couldn’t stop touching him. Sliding her palms over his chest, across those shoulders, down his waist. When he changed angles, his tongue sliding down her throat and over the mounds of her breasts, her knees went wonky and weak. Needing to hang on to something, she hooked her fingers in his belt loops.
She gasped when his teeth scraped over her nipple. Hands frantic this time, she struggled with the buckle, ripped at his zipper and shoved until she freed the glorious length of his manhood. She wrapped her fingers around the velvety steel rod and moaned. He was so hard. So big.
She was vaguely aware of him shedding his pants, most of her attention on his lips as he blew cool air over her wet nipple, then nipped, rolling the sensitized flesh between his teeth.
“Spence,” she groaned. “More.”
“Now?”
“Please.”
He pushed her panties free, sending them sliding down her thighs. As soon as they hit the floor, he swept her off her feet and onto the bed. Mia stretched out, the cool satin at her back an erotic contrast to the hot silk of his body over hers.
Mia whimpered at the feel of his body, rough and smooth and hard. His muscles bunched as he angled to one side to sheath himself.
Then he plunged.
She gasped. Oh, man, he felt good.
Mia threw her head back, her neck arched and her breasts lifted for his teasing tongue, and met him thrust for thrust.
Each plunge sent her higher; each undulation made her whimper with delight. Her body was on fire, passion burning hotter than she’d ever imagined. He reached down, his fingers sliding between her thighs, teasing and tempting.
She exploded, rays of pleasure shooting through her like stars, leaving trails of sensations in their wake.
Spence continued to slide in and out, each time penetrating deeper, harder.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her ankles at the small of his back and angling herself higher to meet each thrust.
His moves quickened. His breath grew labored. A light sheen of sweat slicked over his body as her hands caressed and fingers teased.
“Come,” he demanded, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her shudder.
She came again. And again. And twice more before his body stiffened, his back arching and arms taut.
He let out a guttural moan as the force of his orgasm shot through her body, making her shudder and gasp. Mia pressed tighter against him, her body gripp
ing him to prolong his release.
It was like floating on a cloud of sensation, every cell of her being tingling with pleasure. Mia could only whimper as he pulled away for a moment before stretching to grab a blanket from the floor. She felt it glide over her, a silky-soft contrast to the hard muscles of his chest as he wrapped her in his arms.
As if unable to stop touching her, his fingers skimmed gently down her spine, then back up again. Thrilled at his touch, she nestled into him, her legs trapped between his hair-roughened thighs, and her body sliding into oblivion.
Her last thought before she drifted off to sleep was that whatever silly regret Spence was anticipating, this was definitely worth it.
Chapter 9
Here he was, at oh-five-hundred on a Friday morning, leaning against the second-floor wrought-iron bannister of a Spanish villa, drinking coffee rich enough to own its own country, while the heady scent wafting from huge vases of pink-and-orange tropical flowers filled the air.
He watched the first floor below, where an army of worker bees scurried through the open floor plan, their feet silent on the painted terra-cotta tiles as each one eagerly hurried to do Mia’s bidding.
He couldn’t blame them. He’d quickly come to realize that he was just as eager. He jumped to do whatever he could to make her happy. Whether it was helping her with an event, picking up her favorite Thai food as an after-work treat or giving her a foot rub.
And then there was two weeks of sex.
Mind-blowing, earthshaking, heart-stopping sex.
Maybe part of the reason he was so eager to please, in and out of bed, was because their relationship was almost at its end. If asked, Spence would have said that, to date, he’d had a pretty awesome sex life. Like his career, it’d been filled with adventure, enjoyment and just enough danger to keep it interesting.
So he’d never given much thought to romance or happiness. But these last two weeks with Mia had made him realize just how limited his previous experience had been.
With Mia, the sex was hot. Blinding hot, he thought, remembering the feel of her body sliding against him as she’d wrapped her legs around his hips to anchor herself as he took her against the back door of a club with a desperation he’d never felt for anything before.