“Is that your work?”
“What?” Ashley was confused for a second until he pointed impatiently at her wrist. “Oh, yes. I designed and crafted this.” It was a gold bracelet designed to look like a carved stalk of bamboo.
“Let me see.” He thrust out a beefy hand, and she slipped the bracelet off her wrist. He examined it closely until she thought she’d faint from nerves. “Eh, why the bamboo?”
She swallowed to moisten her mouth. “It fits in with the ecology-minded trends of the day. Bamboo is a highly renewable source of home furnishings and wood flooring.”
“Gold is the most renewable resource of all.”
Ashley had to agree. Give her five minutes with the right tools and she could turn this bracelet into a hundred different things.
He handed it to her. “Your other pieces are like this?”
“Yes, mostly. I also incorporate some animal designs. Dolphins seem to sell well in Florida.”
“And you sell your own work?” He raised a bushy eyebrow.
“I have a small retail space—” she began, but he cut her off with an impatient gesture.
“No good. Are you a jeweler or a salesman?”
“A jeweler, of course.”
“You cannot do both. You spend time selling and your work suffers. Your work suffers and you cannot sell your pieces anyway since they are no good.”
Ashley sat back in the lounge chair, stunned. In his own painfully blunt way, Enric had pinpointed her problem of the past year. Her older work sold much more quickly than the newer pieces, probably because she had had more time to craft them.
“Hey.” He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I am right, no?”
She bit her lip, unwilling to admit the truth. “Maybe.”
“If you say so. But me, I know the jewelry business. I own seven boutiques all around the world. I run the boutiques and you do not see me sketching necklaces or hunching over the jewelry bench. I have men to do that for me.”
Ashley saw an opening. “And women?”
He pursed his lips. “Some. Women, of course, know what other women like.”
“Women like my designs.”
His gaze traveled to her bracelet. “So you say.”
“I do.” She repressed the urge to play with her bracelet.
He stared at her for what seemed like hours and rubbed his chin. “You have a portfolio.”
“Of course.” She clasped her hands together to keep the bamboo bracelet from trembling and giving her away.
Enric nodded. “All right. You show me your designs. No promises. I may like them, I may not. At the very least, I’ll tell you what is wrong with them.”
The first part made her want to cheer, the last part made her gulp. But it was what she’d hoped and schemed. “When is convenient for you?”
“Not today. I visit my boutique in Miami later, but tomorrow I am free for lunch at Jardin des Fleurs.” It was an extremely upscale French restaurant about twenty minutes away.
“That would be lovely.” She gave him a business card with her phone number on it, figuring he’d already forgotten her name.
He glanced at the card. “Good. We meet at one o’clock.” He stood and set his sunglasses on his chair. “And if you excuse me, I go swimming now before the children and their beach balls ruin the pool.”
“I look forward to tomorrow.” She gave him what she hoped was a restrained smile, instead of the insane grin she feared was about to burst loose.
He nodded and dived into the pool. She waited for a few minutes and leisurely strolled into the women’s changing room. She closed herself into a curtained cubicle, hung her bag on a hook and did the happy dance of all happy dances, jumping and twirling like a maniac.
She immediately wanted to run to the polo field and tell Beck her good news, but stopped. He didn’t know how embarrassingly precarious her business was or even that her store was a smoky ruin. If Enric liked her designs, she’d tell Beck and they could celebrate her success together over a bottle of champagne—her treat, for once.
“YOU’VE BEEN awfully cheerful since your swim. Did you meet anybody—mmph!” Ashley cut Beck’s question off by yanking his head to hers as soon as he had closed his front door. She was indeed cheerful after her promising meeting with Enric Bruguera and was going to spread the joy to Beck.
He responded instantly, kissing her fiercely and pulling her sundress to her waist. He bore her onto his white leather couch, kneeling next to her. She gasped as he cupped her breasts, his big hands squeezing and molding them.
A faint trace of stubble pricked her nipples as he rubbed his cheek over them. “You feel great.” He traced the circle of one areola. “I didn’t get a good taste before.” He licked her nipple and exhaled hard, the hot stream of air making her shiver.
She feathered her fingers across his pale temples, remembering how the short hair had tickled her thighs.
He grinned at her, flicking her nipple with his fingertip. “You’ve been thinking about me, haven’t you?”
“Well…”
He sucked her deep into his mouth, pulling at her with his tongue and teeth. A lightning bolt zinged to her clitoris, but then he let go. “I want you to tell me.”
She clutched him, but he shook his head, a devilish smile on his face. “Tell me, honey.”
“Yes, all right! Ever since I saw you on the polo field, your big hands gripping and controlling your gear, I wondered how they’d feel on me.”
“Right here?” He cupped her through her panties and she groaned. “You’re dripping wet and so hot already.” He licked the outer shell of her ear and caught her earlobe between his teeth.
She thrust her hips into his palm. “Have you been thinking about me?” She needed to know she hadn’t been the only one caught in the tug of attraction.
“I couldn’t breathe because I was imagining you like this.”
“Oh, Beck.” She helped him drag his shirt over his head and planted kisses on his brawny neck and chest. “This is crazy. We hardly know each other. We just met a few days ago.”
His expression turned serious as he pulled back a bit. “Ashley, we’re both old enough to know our own minds. If this seems as right to you as it does to me, why call it crazy?”
His embrace had seemed right since she’d swum into his arms at the pool. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d experienced such a wondrously scary mix of desire and tenderness. She managed a shaky laugh. “I’ve been a bit rusty at this.” That was an understatement; she hadn’t had a boyfriend since she’d been concentrating on her business.
“We’ll squeak along together. Wait until you hear my joints after a lifetime of riding—I’m like the Tin Man.”
This time, her laugh was genuine. He knew how to reassure her and lighten the moment all at once. And hadn’t the Tin Man been a man who didn’t realize how kind he was?
“Maybe I can find some oil and make you nice and loose.” She massaged his flexed shoulder muscles. He was lean but extremely strong, levering his body off her with ease. There’d be time later to welcome his full weight against her. And inside her.
“I’ll let you do anything as long as you wear nothing at all.” He yanked her dress off, leaving her in nothing but her panties and shoes.
She unbuckled his belt and tugged his pants off. “Deal.” Her hands slipped over his bottom. She loved touching his ass. It was rock-hard, with deep grooves on the sides perfect for gripping.
He thrust against her, the muscles bunching and releasing under her hands. She was even more impressed by his heavy erection, barely restrained by the thin blue-and-white-striped cotton boxers. A wave of sensual power swept over her and she nipped his collarbone, his silky chest hair tickling her cheek. “I’ll do the same to you when you’re moving inside me.”
His breath came hard and fast as he fought for control. “Have mercy, Ashley.” He shifted position so she had to release him. “Besides, a true gentleman lets the lady go first.”
He dipped his finger under her satin panties. She lifted her hips and let him wiggle them off. He slid one of his wonderful fingers inside her. “You’re so tight.” She gasped as a second finger joined the first, slipping in and out in an easy rhythm that had her clutching his sofa cushions. He found a sensitive spot inside her and played with it.
She automatically turned her face into his pillow to muffle her moans.
“No need to be quiet, sweetheart.” His fingers slowed as he smoothed her damp hair off her forehead.
She caught her breath and paused. They were alone in his house with no nosy neighbors to smirk when she saw them at the mailbox. “Touch me, Beck.” He rewarded her with his thumb against her clitoris.
He balanced on one elbow and rolled her nipple between his fingers. At the same time, he leaned over her body and lowered his mouth to her other breast.
The combination of both his hands and his mouth was electrifying, her desire buzzing in a wild triangle. He swirled his tongue around her nipple, his little hums of appreciation vibrating her supersensitive skin. The man was obviously a connoisseur, tugging at her with the perfect amount of mind-blowing suction and friction.
She ran her hands along his sweat-slicked shoulders, knowing he was holding back for her sake. His thumb sped up, rubbing her clitoris in a tight circle as he twisted his fingers inside her. She groaned deep in her throat.
He lifted his head from her breast. “Louder.” His eyes burned like golden flames. He licked around the curve of her breast, his stare never breaking from hers. He dragged his tongue down her sternum, dipping it into her navel.
Her whole body shook as he blew on her belly. He shifted position before she could protest and replaced his lower thumb with the tip of his tongue.
Her embarrassingly loud moan left him grinning. “That’s better.” He ducked his head and lapped at her clitoris, alternating the tip of his tongue with broad pressure. All the time, he kept sliding his fingers in and out. His haircut had its definite advantages, prickling the tender flesh of her inner thighs. She dug her heels into the mattress, her thighs shaking with tension. His caresses wove a shimmering web of sensation that curled from her clitoris into her vagina and finally broke deep inside her.
Startled, she tried to roll away from the powerful orgasmic surges, but he held her tight. His tongue and lips coaxed every ounce of her response. Her cries echoed through the silent house, spurring him on until she lay limp and sated.
Beck definitely knew how to use that charming mouth of his for things besides talking. And it was currently curved into an understandably smug grin as he knelt between her boneless legs.
BECK DESPERATELY NEEDED to stretch his cramping legs. He crawled next to Ashley and held her tight, his ears still ringing from her screams.
He nuzzled her silky hair, enjoying how her soft breasts pressed against his chest. Several minutes later, she stirred in his arms and caressed his jaw. “It’s your turn now, Beck.”
He shivered at her touch.
She rolled onto her side, her hair slipping down her back. A lazy smile drifted over her face—a smile that he had put there. He grinned like an idiot.
“Well, Beck? What are you waiting for?”
He shoved his boxers off and groaned with relief as he sprang free. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so desperately aroused. His usually rock-steady hands shook so badly the condom slipped from his fingers.
“Come here, sweetheart.” Ashley knelt and reached for the packet. He almost cried out when she wrapped her fingers around his erection. “Lie down for a minute.”
He flopped onto the couch, and she moved above him, her cheeks still flushed from her orgasm. “I want to learn your body.”
Without releasing him from her grip, she nuzzled his neck, licking a sensitive spot behind his ear. She moved down his body, raking her short red nails through his chest hair. She found one of his nipples and sucked it into her mouth. A blast of lightning shot from his chest to his penis.
“Do you like that, Beck?” her sultry voice hummed against his ribs.
He only nodded and squeezed his eyes closed.
“Good. I want to make you as happy as you made me.” She slid her hand along his shaft. “You’re dripping.” She rubbed the thick fluid around his head with her thumb.
He arched off the couch and dug his heels deep into the rug underneath. If he exploded over her hand and missed his chance to plunge into her, he’d be too embarrassed to look at himself in the mirror. He carefully detached her grip and propped himself on his elbows. “Honey, if you keep that up, I might be done before we start.”
“We can’t have that.” She unwrapped the condom and quickly sheathed him, squealing as he flipped her over.
He braced his hands on either side of her shoulders and nudged her thighs apart. “Ready, Ashley?”
She was so damn beautiful lying under him. How he had gotten lucky enough to find such a special woman? Her blue eyes shone as she smiled at him. She nodded and hooked her smooth legs around his calves. He sank inch by inch into her welcoming softness, fighting hard for control. She was so tight, so wet, her tiny muscles clenching his erection.
She gasped his name as he thrust deeper. His chest burned from his effort not to come right away. Her plush breasts molded to him, her nipples dragging through his chest hair. “Oh, my goodness.”
“You’re not done yet, are you?”
She shook her head, her cheeks flushed. Her plump lips parted as her raspy breathing quickened. He reached between their bodies and circled her swollen clitoris. She rewarded his efforts by gripping him tighter inside and out, her fingers digging into his ass.
He gritted his teeth as her hips ground against him. He increased the pace of his thrusts and caresses, not sure how much longer he could last.
She locked her legs around his waist, perspiration gilding her graceful neck and breasts. “Don’t stop, Beck, don’t stop.” She trailed off into a long moan muffled by the heel of her hand.
“Scream for me, sweet Ashley.” He slammed into her furiously as she stiffened for an instant and let out a yell of pure pleasure.
Her heavy throbbing gave him the go-ahead to loosen the reins on his self-control. He arched and drove deep inside her. Her hot, tight flesh pulsed around him, sucking him in until his sack slapped against her.
As if she’d read his mind, she lifted her hips slightly and cupped him. “Ah, God!” Her fingers teased and crazed him until he’d shoved her up the sofa into a half-sitting position against the arm. She slung her free arm around his neck and planted a deep, wet kiss on his mouth, her tongue mimicking his thrusts. He’d never felt so close to anyone. She literally had him by the balls and he loved it.
Her finger slipped behind his scrotum and teased the thread of his control. He broke off their kiss and bucked against her, her heels digging into his ass.
“That’s it, that’s it.” She urged him on until he gritted his teeth and erupted. He groaned almost as loudly as she had, twisting and spinning inside her, around her, as her wet depths wrung him dry.
He stayed in her as long as he dared, his body shuddering from aftershocks as she showered little kisses on his cheeks and jaw. Finally he managed to withdraw and stagger to the bathroom on shaky legs. When he returned, she was pretty much where he’d left her, a glowing smile on her face.
He collapsed next to her and gasped for air as if he’d played three championship matches in a row.
“I’ll be right back.” She stretched luxuriously and pulled on her sundress to cover herself. Her trim backside was deliciously curved with enough jiggle to make it interesting.
She fascinated him, not just with her body, but with her quick mind and sharp sense of humor. He couldn’t get enough of her. But maybe he had to work a little harder to keep her interested.
He jumped up from the couch and straightened the jumble they’d made. He was fixing the pillows and piling his clothes when Ashley appeared, wearing his w
hite terry-cloth robe.
“Women would pay a lot of money for this.”
“What?” He spun to face her, a pillow in front of his groin. “Pay for what?”
She sauntered toward him, a sly expression on her face as she ran a finger up his biceps and across his collarbones before circling his pec. “A hot, naked man cleaning house. I could definitely get used to this.”
Beck’s cock pushed into the pillow, and she noticed immediately. “Look, you even fluff the pillows.”
He tossed the pillow away. “I’ll fluff your pillows, Ashley.” He pulled her into his arms and shoved the robe off her shoulders.
Her red lips curved into a smile and she pushed him onto the couch, ripping open a packet to sheathe him before she sank onto him, her hot, wet flesh clinging and squeezing. His eyes practically rolled back into his head. Oh, yeah. He could definitely get used to this, too.
7
ASHLEY PICKED her way through the crowd at the polo tournament quarter finals to wish Beck good luck before his match started. She spotted a dark-haired man in the team’s eye-catching crimson polo shirt. “Diego?”
He turned. “Ah, it is the beautiful Señorita Ashley.” He bent and kissed the back of her hand, his dark eyes twinkling. “May I persuade you to give me a real kiss for good luck?”
“No, you may not,” Beck growled from behind them. “Beat it, Diego.”
“You see how he talks to a valued teammate?”
“I’ll let her know if I see one.”
Diego groaned and clutched his chest. “And right before a match. You wound me so, Beck.” He winked at Ashley and dropped her hand. “Until later, mi bella.”
Ashley’s laughter was quickly muffled by Beck’s hot, hard kiss. She twined her fingers through his silky hair and eagerly accepted his display of possessive affection. She dimly heard Diego’s wolf whistle and blinked hazily when Beck raised his mouth from hers. “Time for me to go, sweetheart.”
She planted another kiss on his lips. “And one more for good luck.”
“As if he needs it,” Diego scoffed. “Now, if you would so kindly join us, oh great and mighty Beckett…”
Knowing the Score Page 6