Every morning, he had a foamy milk heart for her. He’d made her laugh, given her hope, and flirted with her, made her feel wanted, special.
The memory of that long kiss in the tunnel under the Bay gave her goose bumps. Every word he sang was true. She’d left him when she moved out. She hadn’t given him a chance to explain and worst of all, she hadn’t let him know how she felt about him.
She leaned her chin on the rail and closed her eyes, waiting for the evening to pass. The boat motored slowly around the bay among other small craft, and the movement lulled her into a daze.
“I want to take you to the highest mountaintop and kiss the air out of your lungs.” Dylan’s voice hovered above her.
Was she dreaming? How long had he been standing there? Carina’s eyes snapped open and her pulse quickened. Moonlight framed Dylan’s brown hair and his eyes pooled dark blue, earnest and yearning. She reached for him as he closed his arms around her.
“I missed you,” he whispered in her hair.
“I missed you too.”
The sound of fireworks shooting into the air drew her attention, and explosions echoed in her heart. Flowers of fireworks dazzled the night sky, red, white, and blue, arcing straight up from the pier.
Chapter 18
Dylan held Carina close and breathed in her sweet, intoxicating fragrance. While fireworks lit the sky, she rested against his chest, like a cuddly kitten. The past two weeks had been torture—telling himself she was better off without him, wondering why she flipped his heart upside down, why he’d want to care for a woman in the financial industry, a cold, ruthless world where money was the only measure.
The fusillade of blasts increased in tempo and intensity as the show neared its apex. Carina swept her hair back and looked into his eyes. The blush on her cheeks displayed her innocence, and her lips were plump, begging to be kissed.
A swell of male pride made him stand taller. He still had that effect on her, putting color on her face and revving her pulse.
“Happy Fourth of July,” she said as she snaked a hand around his neck and tickled him. He already had an erection from holding her in his arms, but her fingers feathering the back of his neck made him want to bend her over and …
The crowd around them ohhed and ahhed to the crescendo of explosions, but Dylan closed his eyes, desperate to feel Carina’s lips on his.
Her body arched into him and her lips tickled the corner of his mouth. No longer able to restrain himself, he melted into a lush kiss, exploding with possibilities. If they weren’t on a yacht surrounded by partygoers, if he didn’t have to go below deck and pick up his guitar for the after party, if he could whirl her away, he’d have her on her back fulfilling her darkest fantasies.
“Get a room.” Zeke, The Licked Blues keyboardist hooted, followed by the raucous laughter of his other band mates.
Nico nudged him. “Hate to break it up, but we got to get back on stage.”
“Two minutes,” Dylan said, but Carina was already backing away.
Her date walked over and wrapped his jacket around her shoulders. He kissed the side of her face and acted as if Dylan didn’t exist.
“Wait.” Dylan reached for Carina, but her date, a hard looking fellow with a jutting jaw, blocked him by turning her around.
She looked briefly over her shoulder and disappeared into the crowd.
Dylan clenched his fist, hating himself for letting her walk away. But another thought loomed, crushing his chest and tightening his gut. She obviously picked her date because he was higher up in the bank and had the connections to be invited to the party as a guest.
“Come on, let’s go.” Nico punched Dylan’s shoulder and clamped an arm around him as they approached the stage. “She’s not the first piece of ass that comes with a price tag you can’t afford.”
“Screw you.” Dylan grabbed his guitar and twanged the strings hard.
~ ~ ~
The lights were off at the main house when Rob drove Carina to the in-law unit that served as her apartment.
“I’ll see you at work.” He left the engine running and gave her a pat on the thigh. “You have a lot to learn about this business, but I’ll cut you some slack, since you’re obviously a baby.”
“I strive to be a professional.” Carina swung the car door open and stepped out. “And I’d like to respect you as a professional too.”
He tipped his head, his lips pursed. “Not bad of a comeback considering you suck as a date.”
“Sorry. Thanks for driving.” She wasn’t sure whether she should slam the door or wait for him to reach over to close it, so she stepped back and waved.
“Can’t you get the door? Never mind. Be at your desk by seven tomorrow morning. We have a lot to catch up on.” He leaned over and pulled it shut, then drove off, his tires screeching.
Carina’s hands were trembling by the time she found her keys. How dare he say she stunk as a date when it was supposed to be a friendly coworker outing? But what could she do about it now? He was her boss and he was mad at her for embarrassing him in front of his superiors.
But at the same time, who could blame her for her reaction to Dylan? He’d swooped down on her like a phantom, and when he’d reached for her, it felt like she was dying and he was on the other side of a gulf, beckoning to her to get off the treadmill of pitch books, financial reports, filings, and research websites.
A hot bath would definitely help her relax. She filled the tub and peeled off her clothes. Thinking about Dylan’s passionate kisses electrified her body. His scent, the touch of his skin, the hardness of his muscles, his flavor, bold, lusty, dangerous.
Would he ever be more than a dare to be savored, a thrill to be tasted? Their lifestyles were too different, and she could never feel secure with a guy who lived from moment to moment without solid plans for his future.
Stirring the bubbles in the water, she slipped into the warm embrace of the suds, calmed by the floating sensation and soothing fragrance of lavender and mint. She closed her eyes and imagined Dylan standing over her, feasting his eyes on her nakedness. She’d seen the desire in his heated gaze, felt the waves of magnetism, drawing her closer.
She turned on the jets, allowing the water to massage her back and sides like fluid fingers. Sliding her hands over her body, she circled her breasts and brought her nipples to a peak, quivering for Dylan’s hot tongue to wrap around them.
The words of his song trailed through her mind, bringing a smile. Could he really be sweet on her? No one had ever written a song for her. Her hands roved around her breasts and over her belly, sliding down her waist and circling her hips. But in her imagination, it was Dylan’s hands exploring her contours, squeezing her curves, and going where she wanted him to go.
Under the privacy of a tub full of suds, she stimulated herself lazily, building the tiny ember around her moments with Dylan, savoring the memory of his lips nibbling behind her ear, his tongue gently tangling with hers, and his fingers running up and down her back.
The motor of the jets hummed, simmering in white noise as excitement mounted. Carina struggled to imagine the feel of Dylan inside of her. Long and strong, he’d be able to reach places her tiny fingers couldn’t delve. Her body tightened with pleasure at the thought of him pounding into her.
She threw her head back and water lapped over the edge of the tub. In the dark, Dylan would cover her with his prime body, know her inside and out, and bring her to the pinnacle of earthly love. Her body tensed, hovering at the precipice before erupting into a million stars strewn across the galaxy, the sparks dancing from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toenails.
Turning off the jets, Carina floated in a cloud of bliss, whispering Dylan’s name and seeing his tender face, full of love, the way it was always meant to be.
~ ~ ~
Dylan entered his apartment and pulled out his cell phone. During the long walk home, he’d debated calling Carina, hoping to interrupt her date. But it’d be stupid and earn her dis
respect. An hour had gone by since the party had ended. Would she have gone home, or was she currently in bed with that man?
No, can’t think about it. She’d shied away from her date when he tried to dance too close to her. She wasn’t attracted to him. But what if he forced her? Or pressured her? Carina wanted that job badly. Would she compromise her convictions?
Dylan checked the time again. It wouldn’t hurt to text her. Just a friendly message. He brought up her contact and texted: Happy July 4. Did you enjoy the fireworks?
If only she were here, he’d show her real fireworks, the kind that would make her toes curl and his name to hiss between her teeth. Setting the phone on his dresser, he dug under his bed for the superworms to feed his pets. The minutes ticked by without a reply. Disturbing images of Carina being groped by the banker raised the hair on the back of his neck. He shouldn’t have let her walk off with him. The thought of the banker’s mouth slobbering over Carina’s dainty lips turned Dylan’s stomach and ground sand in his throat.
He stomped to the bathroom and cranked up the shower. He had to stop thinking about her. After Rebecca did him dirty, he hadn’t cared for another woman. He’d shielded his heart and taken on his happy-go-lucky philosophy. Women came and women went. None had gotten under his skin. They’d stayed friends or drifted apart, and if one played games or wanted more, he stopped calling and moved on to another playmate. And he definitely didn’t get jealous if one went on a date with someone else. So why was Carina different?
His mother’s words rang through his memory. Someday, when you least expect it, you’ll find your missing rib.
And he’d ask, How would I know who she is?
She’d always tickle him and poke his ribs. She’s the one who makes you hurt until you can’t eat, sleep, or breathe without her.
Dylan peeled off his clothes and jumped into the shower. Water, almost scalding, reddened his skin with pinpoints of pain.
After he used up the hot water, Dylan shut it off and scrubbed himself roughly with a towel. His cell phone had no new text messages.
There was no way he could sleep. Not until he knew if Carina was okay. He plodded into his room and stacked weights onto his barbell. He might as well feel the burn and work off the stress.
The weights clanked as Dylan killed his thighs with the leg extension attachment. He bent over and picked up dumbbells to tire out his biceps. Then he held onto the bench and did sit-ups and leg-lifts.
But after an hour of exercise, he was still wired, as if he’d drunk a double espresso and chased it with Red Bull. Dylan pulled out a jump rope and skipped and hopped in double time. He puffed his cheeks, forcing the air from his lungs as sweat rolled down his face.
His cell phone chimed with an incoming text message. Yes!
Dylan dropped the rope and grabbed the phone. It was a message from Carina: I enjoyed the fireworks.
This was a start in the right direction. He texted: It was good seeing you.
Carina: You too. What are you doing right now?
Dylan: Exercising. What about you?
Carina: I took a nice long bath. Getting ready to go to sleep.
He groaned, picturing her smooth, silky skin naked in a fluffy bubble bath. Was she flirting with him? Trying to turn him on?
Dylan: Is everything okay?
Carina: Yes, you were incredible.
Wow, she was coming on to him. By text message. Maybe she was more comfortable this way.
Dylan: So were you.
Carina: Are you alone?
Dylan: Definitely by myself.
Carina: Good. Do you want to go to my bed and see if anyone’s on it?
Dylan swung his legs off his bed and walked to Carina’s old room. He lay down on her bed.
Dylan: I’m in your bed now, but I can’t find you.
Carina: Did you look under the covers?
Dylan: If I pull them off, would you be naked?
Carina: What do you think?
He wasn’t thinking anything as the blood escaped his head and flooded to his groin. Dylan lowered the waistband of his boxers and groaned, wanting her hands on him.
He thumbed back: Wish I could see you.
The cell phone beeped with another message: Get on the webcam.
Holy moly! This was getting better. His little Carina was turning out to be quite the vixen.
Dylan: Okay, getting on.
~ ~ ~
Dylan grabbed a beer and propped his laptop on the nightstand.
“Hey, Dylan.” Carina’s image popped onto his screen.
He leaned forward, rubbing his eyes. She was dressed in a business suit but wearing the sluttiest makeup: bright red lipstick, dark smeary eyes.
“Hey, Car. Is that you? Where’d you get that costume?”
“It’s my executive girl design.” She wiggled her chest and raised her chin. “Like what you see?”
He looked closer. She had a rhinestone choker around her neck and something slinky under her blazer.
He swallowed another gulp of cold beer and wiped his lips. “I love it. But I thought you said you were going to be naked.”
She peered into the camera. “Do you want me to be?”
Heat flushed his chest, and his erection perked up. “Heck ya. Let’s see what you have under that business suit.”
“I don’t know, I’ve never done this before.” She stuck her face close to the camera. “Don’t laugh.”
“Promise I won’t. Maybe you should put on some music.”
“Okay.” She dropped her gaze. He noticed the blush on her cheeks and almost let her off the hook. But his body was primed and he was curious to see how far she’d go. It meant she was getting comfortable with him.
“Here, crank up the speakers.” She sent him a link to a playlist.
Britney Spears? Dylan shook his head. He wouldn’t get caught dead listening to it, but he was a good sport. Was this really Carina? Oh heck, might as well enjoy the show. The beats of the song, “I’m a Slave 4 U,” pulsed through the speakers.
Carina lip-synced the lyrics and pushed her hair over her face, whipping her head back and forth as she wiggled her shoulders and rose to her feet. Her hips gyrated, popping back and forth, her long skirt swishing just above her spikey heels. Slowly, she turned, unbuttoning her suit jacket.
Dylan’s jaw dropped as the jacket slid off her shoulders. Carina blew him a kiss and ran her hands over the stretchy top she wore. Shit. She was killing him. His erection raged, hopefully out of range of the webcam.
Where had she learned to dance like that?
She ripped the shirt over her head, exposing a bikini top. Moving closer to the camera, she rotated her hips to the beat. Her belly button jewel glittered seductively under the light. Hooking a finger in the waistband of her skirt, she rubbed her hips, still bopping provocatively, doing everything the lyrics suggested.
She tilted her head and arched her back, kicking off the skirt. She wore a matching bikini bottom. Her legs, ass, hips strutted closer to the camera until all he could see was the sweet jewel teasing him from her belly.
“Take it all off.” Dylan hooted, then remembered to add. “Just kidding.”
Right before the music ended, Carina picked a sarong from her bed and wrapped herself. She seemed flustered, her eyes downcast.
“Hey, you were great.” Dylan clapped.
“You sure?” The uncertainty in her voice tugged his heart.
“Yes, I’m surprised, but wow, I was going to bed all sad, thinking you were, never mind, but now, I know you didn’t forget about me.”
“I felt bad walking off with Rob, but he’s my boss. He asked me out as a coworker and I thought it was a good chance for meeting the fat cats up top. I didn’t know you’d be there.” She hugged the wrap around her and shivered.
Her words doused him with ice water. She had gone out with Rob hoping to advance. “Why did you put on the show for me?”
“I wanted to make you happy.” She smiled shyly at hi
m.
His gut clenched and he ground his teeth. She thought the show would placate him, but he wasn’t in the mood to criticize her. “That was sweet of you. Do you have to work tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but I’m kind of scared to go in. Rob said I sucked as a date. I made him lose face.”
Chapter 19
Early the next morning, Carina exited the elevator and dragged herself to her cubicle. There was a note taped to her monitor: Come to my office as soon as you get in. Rebecca
Carina’s blood turned to ice, and she ran her fingers through her hair. She glanced around the corner at Rob’s office. It had been emptied out, and Rob’s nameplate lay in the wastebasket. Carina swallowed the sinking feeling in her gut. Was this how it felt to lose all your dreams over a single, stupid decision?
She stopped by the ladies room to check her mascara. No sense looking frantic for her big exit interview. She tucked a few stray strands of hair in place and straightened the waistband of her skirt, turning a quarter way to make sure her blouse was tucked in.
A beehive of jitters stirred in her chest, and she heaved her shoulders, taking a deep breath, before exiting the restroom. Bright light shone through the corridors even though only a few analysts, associates, and interns were around. The bank couldn’t care less about saving energy; the air conditioner ran full blast keeping the temperature cool and crisp, everything designed to ensure people were awake and productive at all hours, even over a holiday weekend.
Rebecca looked up from her laptop and tapped her finely manicured fingernails on the tabletop.
Carina smiled, but Rebecca gestured to the door. “Shut it behind you.”
Adrenaline rushed into Carina’s bloodstream as she closed the door and perched on the edge of a chair.
“I suppose you’re wondering where Rob is this morning.”
“Yes.”
“He resigned. Voluntarily. He’s a big loss to this company. A big one.”
Carina clasped her hands tightly but kept still as Rebecca studied her. What did she expect her to say?
Whole Latte Love (The Jewells) Page 18