by Krista Ames
He approached quietly. She stood, arms hugging around her middle, and holding her shoes while the gentle waves splashed up and over the seawall. Damn, he wanted to reach out and touch her. It had been so long. He couldn’t deny the growing ache pushing against his heart, and a sudden tightening of his groin at the sight of how well that dress fit her curves. He shook his head. This definitely wasn’t the time for his libido to come to life.
He longed to hold her in his arms and nuzzle her beautiful neck just below her ear like she’d always loved. Would it still make her tremble? Maybe it wouldn’t. God, he wanted this woman. He had to apologize for hurting her, and to explain why he had left. She’d probably flinch at his touch. He was certain of it. She’d likely administer a low blow, which he’d totally deserve, and then bolt again. Dana was unpredictable that way. He loved that about her too.
Her body stiffened as he neared. Careful not to scare her, he stepped closer and slowly ran his fingertips over her bare shoulders and down her arms. She shivered at his touch before moving away. “Don’t, Nicholas,” she said in a low, shaky whisper.
Damn it. She wasn’t just pissed, but hurt as well and rightfully so. He could be such an idiot. He needed to tread lightly and choose his words carefully. God, he missed her so much. He didn’t realize just how much until he saw her. She still had that power over him after all this time, and she probably wasn’t even aware of it.
“I’m so sorry, baby.” There was no easy way to dredge up the past five years—of his walking away from her. If he could just hold her, to ease her pain.
She shook her head, yet didn’t say anything. She muffled a cry, and his heart broke all over again. He never thought she would run into his arms, but didn’t expect her to be so distraught over seeing him. Now he questioned his motives to approach her tonight. What had he done?
Chapter Three
Oh, God, what was he doing here? Had Amy deliberately done this to her? She must have known about Nick and had plenty of opportunity to let Dana in on the secret.
She had wondered, for five years, what it would be like to see him again, but figured she’d never have the chance. Now, after all this time, her dreams were actually coming true. He stood right behind her, more handsome than she remembered, and more than he had a right to. The way he filled out his uniform, defining the male persona, he could pass for a Greek God.
She rehearsed her speech so many times. She’d greet him pleasantly, with her ever-popular warm and witty charm, never showing any tears or talking about the hell she went through after he had left. She wouldn’t show her anger. Oh, the anger, there was plenty of that. Her jaw clenched just thinking about it. Dana was so angry with Nick she wanted to slap that smug grin she knew was shadowing his face. If she reacted in any way other than indifferent, he might think she still cared. She wanted him to know that she was over him and had a great life.
Anything she told him at this point would be a lie. She was afraid to look at him, fearing the hurt and anger would wash away in a single moment, replaced by the longing to be in his arms.
Her breath escaped her as he gripped her shoulders and turned her toward him.
“Dana, look at me.” God, even his voice, husky and sincere, did awfully wonderful things to her insides.
“No!” She stared at the ground. “I can’t do this, Nicholas.”
He curled his finger under her chin, gently tilting her face to meet his. Fresh tears flowed down her cheeks. Her face warmed at the touch of his fingers wiping her tears away. She willed her feet to run.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
She sucked back a sob, her fight slipping away. “I’ve wanted to be mad at you for so long.” She rolled her eyes. “Why do you have to look so damn good in that uniform?”
He chuckled and cupped her face in his hands, lowering his head to brush his lips gently against hers.
Instant ignition.
“Oh, God, please don’t.” She placed her palms to his solid chest, feeling his muscled pecks under all that uniform. Her body trembled from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. Startled by her immediate reaction to him, she pushed him away. “This can’t happen, Nicholas. I’m not young and naïve anymore. You broke my heart once. I won’t let you do it again.” Whew. She hadn’t been sure she’d actually be able to say those words out loud.
His hands dropped to his sides, not stopping her when she stepped away.
“Dana, we need to talk. There’s a lot you don’t know about the night I left.”
Too little too late. She needed to flee, but couldn’t think beyond this moment. She wanted this man so much it hurt, but too much pain had been suffered. She turned, shaking her head. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
He reached for her arm. “It does matter, damn it. At least to me.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Please stay, Dana. You’re here and this night is about our friends and their wedding. That’s the most important thing right now—being here for our friends.”
She hesitated. Damn him, he was right. She was here for her friend, even though she was really pissed at Amy for purposely leading her into this mess. Amy knew full well Dana would be a wreck, but she would deal with her friend later. She avoided Nick’s eyes and just nodded in agreement.
“Thank you.” He kissed the top of her head, and then placed his hand across the small of her back, guiding her to the house, where the party could be heard going full speed ahead.
****
As Nick escorted Dana to his house, he said a silent, thankful prayer for her decision to stay. He’d just been handed a miracle of all miracles.
He knew she wanted to run out the door and get far away from him. It was crappy of him to use Dave and Amy as an excuse to keep her here. She’d come to Seattle for the wedding, and couldn’t go home, no matter how mad she was at Amy or him. Nick had a whole week to scheme a plan to spend as much time with Dana as possible.
Once they were inside, Dana shrugged his hand from her back and quickly walked away. He would have asked her to dance, but figured he had a million-to-one chance she would actually agree. As the night crept on, he stayed busy mingling with the guests, while Dana made herself practically invisible.
She also avoided Amy throughout the evening as much as possible. He saw Amy approach her once or twice, and while Dana smiled civil enough, her smile was forced. Obviously pissed at her friend, she wouldn’t intentionally ruin such an important night for Amy and Dave. Dana was nothing if not tactful, but there’d be hell to pay later.
As the crowd thinned, Nick hoped her anger did as well. She stood just in front of him, by the bar with a drink in her hand, glancing around the room. When Dave and Amy walked toward her, mischievous grins on their faces, Dana’s back straightened. Nick stepped beside her.
“What are you two up to?” Dana asked.
Amy glanced around the room, grinning from ear to ear. There were a few guests lingering. “We were hoping to sneak out, but we didn’t want to leave you stranded,” she whispered.
Nick cut in before Dana could utter a word. “I’ll make sure Dana gets home.”
Dana stiffened and retorted. “No. I’ll call a cab.”
Nick wasn’t about to let this opportunity of alone time with Dana pass him by. “It’s okay. You two go. I’ll make sure Dana gets back to your place. It’s the least I can do. Besides, I could use some help cleaning up.”
She glared at him. “I thought that’s what the hired help was for.” She tried to pull away when he put his arm around her waist and drummed his fingers on her hip. Dana squirmed, but he kept her firmly next to him.
He shook his head, smiling down at her. “Look at our friends, such a happy couple, so much in love and anxious to spend time alone. Do they really need us thwarting their plans tonight?”
“Okay. Fine.” Dana pushed Nick’s hand away and hugged Amy. “You two go and have fun. I’ll be fine.”
Winning this round, Nick smiled.
Chapter Four
&
nbsp; Nick and Dana stood in the doorway watching Dave and Amy practically run down the front walkway. Nick placed his hand comfortably on Dana’s hip, like it belonged there, pulling her closer as he shut the front door.
“Dance with me,” he whispered, gently nibbling her earlobe. She shuddered and then roughly pushed his hand from her hip. She turned, staring straight into his eyes.
“No!” She shoved his chest, pushing him backward and hurried to the other side of the room.
He grinned and shook his head. She sure was feisty. He grabbed a cloth and wiped down the bar, chatting with the few people left milling around, but never letting Dana out of his sight for more than a moment at a time.
The stunning black, strappy dress she wore hugged her every curve almost as good as he could. He would definitely reacquaint his hands with those delicious curves. He remembered the warmth of her skin and the smell of the pineapple and coconut scented soap on her body just like it was yesterday. The way she would weaken in his arms as he gently smothered her lips with kisses, while his hands rubbed over her mound. She’d arch into his touch as his hands caressed every part of her body.
Good God. He pushed the sexy thoughts from his mind, knowing full well if he continued, he’d be saying goodbye to his guests from behind the bar to hide his obvious arousal.
One step at a time. Dana was barely even talking to him, let alone allowing him to touch her for more than a few seconds. He had to have patience. This could be a long night.
****
Dana leaned on the railing of the balcony, gazing out onto the bay. She turned, hearing Nick saying goodbye to his last couple of buddies. Music still played from the stereo—a slow, soulful ballad. He shut the door and dimmed the lights. They were alone.
Nick walked toward her, like a lion stalking its prey. He stopped just inches from her, reached out, and gently touched her bare shoulders with his fingers, stroking from her neck to her elbows, pausing along the way to increase the intensity. Nick removed the slight distance between them, pulling her against his solid torso. Her breath caught in her throat as his lips trailed along her neck to below her ear. “Dance with me,” he whispered.
Her heart was beating so loud and fast, she almost didn’t hear him. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. He stood just above her at six feet tall. His dark, brown hair, in a military cut, brought his roguish facial features to the forefront. His eyes, heartbreaking and seductive, melted her in an instant, creating a burn deep in her soul, among other places as well.
It really pissed her off that he had this affect on her after all this time. Of all the nerve. Does he think I’ll strip naked and fall at his feet just because he’s irresistible, and I’m a sap? She cursed, wondering if she’d ever be able to stand up to him. Dana fought for inner strength. She wouldn’t let her world tumble around her that easily…not again.
She pushed away from Nicholas despite how good he smelled. She could be strong. She’d been waiting a long time for her chance. She faced him, shaking her head. Five years of built up fury guided her actions, surprising even her. Her hand shot out of nowhere and slapped him hard across the face. Her fingertips trembled. She’d never done anything like that before.
Nick rubbed the red spot on his cheek, his mouth dropping wide open.
“You’re an ass!” She proceeded to move toward the door. “I’ll walk home.”
His hand quickly snaked out and grabbed her wrist, whirling her about-face so fast she almost tripped over her own feet. “I don’t think so, little lady.” He then smothered her lips with his until she couldn’t form a coherent thought. She sighed in consent. Damn.
Her hands instinctively moved to his shoulders, running her fingers in small circles on the nape of his neck and up into his clean-cut hairline. They fit together like they’d been made that way. Nick finally released her lips and brushed his cheek against hers. Through an enticing haze, she breathed in his very distinct scent, intoxicating her senses with a mix of the salty air, his spicy musk, and pure male.
As he nuzzled her neck, right below her ear where he knew would make her crazy, he whispered, “I missed you.”
Dana inhaled a deep breath, knees wobbling as she took in more of his scent. His lips caressed her neck. She exhaled. “I missed you, too.” Her voice was a mere whisper.
“Really?” He raised his head.
She snickered. “Yes, really. Don’t look so shocked. I always told myself I didn’t miss you, and I figured I’d never see you again, so I forced myself to move on. I thought I’d put thoughts of you behind me.” She sighed. “Then I saw you tonight and—”
Her words were cut off by his hard and intense lips, drowning out any other reasonable thought she had except how good he tasted as he devoured her. Heaven help her, this wasn’t just any kiss…more like a homecoming. She had often lain awake at night trying to remember what his kisses felt like against her lips and skin.
The kiss doesn’t mean anything. It can’t. Too much water under the bridge, and I’m not sure if I can ever forgive him.
Dana struggled with her thoughts until Nick wound his fingers into her hair, tilting back her head while his tongue pressed against her slightly parted lips, demanding entrance.
Live for the moment—just the moment!
Her lips parted without hesitation, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His tongue delved in search of hers, eliciting a moan from deep within her throat and encouraging him further.
With his other hand against her lower back, he pressed her closer yet, her full breasts tight against his chest. He pushed his arousal to her stomach. She ran her hands frantically over his shoulders, gripping his biceps as his fingers moved over her hips and down the silky satin covering her thighs.
Nick’s lips left her whimpering mouth to trail hungry kisses down the length of her neck and over her bare shoulder. He fidgeted with the hem of her dress, as if hesitating. Did he want her to stop him? She had no intention of stopping him. She couldn’t. She wanted him so bad. When Dana didn’t cease his wandering hands, he continued. His hands slipped under the hem of the black satin and pushed her dress up her hips to grasp her firm, round bottom—bare except for a thin strip of lace.
“Damn, woman! A thong?”
He found her mouth again as he gently kneaded her bottom. He pulled her snug against the heat straining his zipper, pushing firmly into her pelvis and making her aware of his need.
A gasp escaped her lips as a cool breeze swept through the patio doors. Nothing covered her backside but his warm hands.
He gazed into her eyes as he smoothed her dress down over her bare skin, before running his fingers up and down her spine. He took her hand and guided her toward the kitchen.
Chapter Five
They walked into the kitchen, Nick maneuvering Dana around him so he had her backed up against the cold, marble counter. Momentarily startled, she wondered how they’d gotten there so fast. She could have sworn she had been floating on a cloud. What power this man had over her. She snagged all the sanity she could muster and reluctantly pushed away.
“Nicholas, we shouldn’t be doing this.”
God, was she stupid? How could she say that when his touch felt so right? Damn.
He laid a finger across her moistened lips.
“I know I owe you a huge apology and an explanation, but right now I need you really bad.”
Oh, she wanted him too, but she couldn’t forget the hurt, as much as she wanted to. He couldn’t walk back into her life after all this time and expect her to have sex with him five minutes later. Even if that sex would be great.
“No! Nicholas, I can’t.” She tried to wriggle away from him, avoiding his eyes. “What we had was a long time ago. We can’t go back…I won’t go back.”
His hands rested on the counter’s edge, pinning her from an escape. Tears clung to her lashes. He caressed her waist, running his hands along her abdomen. Her eyelids fluttered closed, causing the tears to run down her face. His lips touched her eyelids a
nd then her flushed cheeks, tasting her salty tears. Dana heaved a sigh of resignation as she turned slowly toward her destiny. He nibbled at her bottom lip and down along her jaw.
Her hands crept up to anchor his face and dragged his lips back to hers. She could control her mind, most of the time, but her heart and hormones were quite another story. They were overruling her this time. She couldn’t take the torture any longer. She wanted this man so much, even if just for this one night. She’d think better of her decision tomorrow and probably hate herself, but tonight she needed this—needed him.
She ran her tongue along his lips, in invitation. He accepted without hesitation, exploring with his tongue. His hands slid up her thighs, pushing her dress higher. He gripped her hips and lifted her on top of the counter, eliciting a squeal from her as she clutched his shoulders. His thumbs rubbed along the edges of her thong and then underneath in search of her wet heat.
She sucked in a gasp, dropping her head back against the cabinets. His fingertip brushed across her sensitive flesh, forcing her blue eyes to drift shut. When his thumb moved on her, rubbing and lightly pinching, she squirmed on the counter. Dana met his sensual gaze, pushing against him and wanting more.
With her eyes locked to his, he continued the pressure until her breathing quickened, and she couldn’t sit still. She was close. When the moment peaked, she squeezed her eyes shut and bit her bottom lip to not scream.
He held her close and kept up the pressure while she contracted and pulsed around him. Nick kissed her hard and then gently suckled her bottom lip, soothing where she’d bit into it. He gradually slowed his rhythm as her tremors eased, and her breathing returned to normal.
“You are absolutely beautiful,” he whispered against her swollen lips.
Dana smiled, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and rested her forehead against his. His labored breathing increased. He wouldn’t be able to hold his own need much longer. She had always loved that about him. He always made sure her needs and pleasure were put ahead of his own. She focused on his eyes, gazing into his soul to see his desire for her. She reached down, caressing his arousal through his pants. He gasped. “Honey, stop now, or I won’t have a chance to get my pants down.”