by Ciara Cole
How had the atmosphere changed so drastically? Emily’s constant angst seemed to fade into a puff of smoke. She felt Chace’s hard heat press her against the wall and it softened her resolve to stay in control and aloof.
There’d always been something about him. It was in the way he looked at her, looked right inside her to her very soul. He hadn’t lost that touch. Chace Hammond. How that name had rang in her heart and mind even after all this while. He’d said almost the same thing himself, about how long he’d been thinking about her. Was it possible she’d crossed his mind as much as he had hers?
Chace’s eyes were fixed on Emily’s parted mouth. She resisted the urge to bite down hard on her bottom lip and instead said, “Don’t, Chace. Just stop.”
“I want to stop. But I can’t.” His voice had a raspy thread. His hands cradled her throat, and Emily watched his face slant over hers till their lips were aligned perfectly.
“Now would be the right time to push me away, Emily,” he growled inches from her mouth. “If not, then I’m going to kiss you.”
Knowing she was weak, stupid, and possibly crazy, Emily couldn’t do it – couldn’t push Chace away. Her heart was beating too fast, endorphins on a high from the excitement of being this close to him.
It was strange how desire, smoldering and powerful, could hit you out of nowhere. It set Emily pulsing in her most secret places as her head spun from the stormy swell of it.
Chace. His hands. On her waist, then gliding dangerously higher. Emily was panting and he hadn’t even kissed her yet. His face, still tucked close to hers, had her taking cover as she squeezed her eyes shut. This isn’t happening right now.
Emily told herself those words over and over as moments stretched into breathless eons. How long ago was it she’d been grinding against some stranger’s body at the club? At least, before boredom had her excusing herself to get a drink while her friends stayed back dancing to the wild beat? It felt like it had happened in another time bubble, that moment when Chace had first stood beside her and she’d heard his unmistakably deep and husky voice.
A jolt of arousal hit her spine as Emily felt Chace slowly rub her rock-hard nipples with the pad of his thumb where they jutted through her clothes. She’d never felt them get this hard, this eager. Dear Lord. How could everything about Chace turn her on so easily, even after so long?
“Baby, you have no idea what you do to me,” rasped Chace, his sweet breath fanning her upper lip. “Nothing has changed.”
Now there he had it wrong, thought Emily. Things had changed. For one, she felt the need for him more keenly, could taste her own shameless lust on the tip of her tongue hovering at the rim of her parted lips. The woman she’d become was all too aware of the man Chace was, of his promise of masculinity and dominance. He kept her pinned against the wall with his lower length, bringing to her notice his unmistakable arousal as it throbbed against her pelvis.
“This dress…those heels. They scream sex, Emily. And I wanted to be the man to give it to you.”
Chace’s unrepentantly carnal words drilled into her pores, hitting the perfect target right at her quivering apex. In her mind’s eye, Emily could just see her wetness pooling her panties and then slowly dripping down her inner thighs.
“You…you don’t know what you’re saying,” Emily gasped, even as Chace twanged his thumbs one again against her treacherous buds.
“Yes, I do. Just like I know you and how much you loved my touch, the things I could do to you.”
Emily swore underneath her breath. Much as she loathed his confidence, she couldn’t deny he was right. Not that he could know it for sure, but he probably guessed the truth that he was the best lover she had ever had. It definitely still applied, ten years later. Damn him.
“You’re imagining things,” Emily finally let out in a voice she barely recognized, and she heard Chace chuckle softly in amusement at her bid at bravado.
“Last chance to say no, Em,” whispered Chace against her lips. “Because when I start kissing you, it’s not going to end there, but with me deep inside you again. Just like I’ve pictured it for too damned long.”
Chace was giving her fair warning it seemed – yet Emily still couldn’t get that part of her brain to function and do the right thing.
But maybe she’d been doing the right thing too long. On the outside she was all feisty and can-do about everything and had her friends thinking she had it all together.
But deep inside she was like every other woman with needs. And she needed to be touched, to feel like a woman. Even for a few stolen moments. She wanted to let go of that secret side of her that wasn’t the adventurous Emily everyone got to see. That secretly repressed Emily that never truly let go – who kept her darkest, hottest desires wrapped up tight where no one else could ever find them.
This time would be different. She knew that the moment she stood stock still and let Chace seize her mouth in a ravenous kiss. Emily decided she would let go of everything. For now, she’d hold back the memories of the past, of her recent heartbreak, and of her whole frustration with the shit life had been dealing her for way longer than she liked.
In Chace’s kiss, Emily wanted to come alive.
Hot and hungry, his firm yet sensual lips took control of Emily’s hold on reasoning. Chace grabbed her wrists and brought her hands to his chest. Emily flatted her palms against broad muscle and felt the hint of his thudding heart beneath the smoothness of his shirt.
His tongue slid into her mouth and they both groaned.
Chace tasted divine. Just as she remembered. His kiss could always give her fire.
“Bedroom,” he growled barely breaking their lips apart. His arms were already around her, spinning her in direction of an archway and backing her down a passageway till they burst through a door. Emily took note of the fact she was clutching at Chace’s lapels as their lips clung and tongues dueled.
They were both gasping when Chace finally tore his mouth from hers. They seemed rugged and raw, their mutual passion beyond primal. If he took off her clothes now and spread her on that sinfully inviting bed, Emily knew she’d let him do anything he wanted with her. His kiss, his touch had triggered an onrush of endorphins and she was surfing high.
She never, ever wanted to come back down to earth.
Chace cupped her face, and she looked up at him through half-lidded eyes. Why was he stopping? Why wasn’t he doing all the things his kisses had promised? Emily had tasted his desire, even smelled its intoxicating aroma. All that had brought her to this point where her breasts were heavy with longing beneath her layer of clothes.
Chace rested his temple against hers for a moment. “I want you. I want you in ways you can’t even imagine. I should be thrown into jail for the things I’ve imagined doing once I get you naked in my bed.”
Then what the hell’s stopping you, Emily found herself tempted to let out but didn’t. Much as she ached with a throbbing need for this. Consequences didn’t matter, not now. There was only that emptiness inside her that was hungry to be filled.
“Chace,” she moaned and heard his answering growl. His hand in the small of her back shoved her more tightly up against him. Invaded by his body heat, his sexy manly scent, and the shadowy lust darkening those ice-gray eyes, Emily lost her breath.
“Keep saying my name like that and we won’t even make it to that bed,” said Chace throatily. Held so tightly against him, there was no way Emily could mistake his burgeoning hardness, a potent reminder that this wasn’t a dream – that she was really in Chace’s arms after so long and that if she didn’t stop it, they’d reach the point of no return. He’d claim her as irrevocably as he had all those years ago – show her what true passion was like.
But that would be all he had to offer her. Never his heart, never anything worthwhile. Just this. Would Emily be willing to settle for that after all this time?
Her senses returned with those heavy thoughts. Emily’s hands resting on Chace’s broad shoulders now pu
shed away firmly. Thankfully, Chace let her go almost at once as he felt her resistance.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, eyes searching her face.
Emily shook her head and waved her hands in the air. “All this. I’m sorry, but it’s not a good idea. What almost happened just now would have been a mistake.”
“Okay,” Chace said calmly. “I guess it’s too soon. We just met again after ten years. It’s alright if you feel cautious. But you weren’t the type to second-guess things. Where’s that Emily I remember, so spontaneous and always ready to take that gamble.”
Emily had to laugh out loud. “Nice try, Casanova. If jumping into bed with you right now is supposed to count for adventurous, I think I’ll pass. This Emily has a lot more sense than the one you encountered back then.”
Was he going to try and change her mind? Emily could swear she saw that gleam of intent in his eyes, as if he knew he had enough power of persuasion to have her flat on her back before she even realized it. Much as that vision excited her, to have an aggressive Chace grab her in his arms, toss her on the bed, and ravish her while she moaned in final capitulation, Emily shook it off and stood firm.
Yes, she might be going through a dry spell and one reckless night of abandon would possibly be just what she needed. Maybe if it was some stranger guaranteeing a fly-by night of passion, Emily wouldn’t think twice. It was about time she had one of those. But it had taken getting to feel the sweet enchantment of Chace’s touch and kisses to remind her there was a piece of her still raw from the pain of the past.
“Something tells me that’s not the only reason,” Chace said thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing.
The last thing Emily wanted was Chace guessing the truth – how their past still left her emotionally scarred. So she gave what she hoped was a convincing smile. “It’s just the case of bad timing. I’ve only just recently been through a breakup. It was, to say the least, messy. As much as it was good seeing you again, I just know it would be advisable to not try to complicate things. It’s not like either of us are really looking for anything.”
“And if I was? What would you say if I told you I wanted to see you again? This doesn’t have to end here, like this.”
Emily huffed. “I’m sure you’d like another opportunity to try again,” she said while glancing meaningfully at the massive bed. Inviting as it looked and as much as she still felt a sizzle at the juncture of her thighs, she couldn’t give into it.
Emily would have turned away, but felt Chace’s hand around her wrist. She looked up defiantly. “I’d like to leave, right now. You coming into my life out of nowhere is the last thing I need. It may have been good in the past, but we both know how it ended. Let’s just keep things that way and not start something we’d both regret.”
Their eyes held for a few seconds before Chace released his hold. Emily couldn’t read anything from his face and felt a perverse disappointment when he calmly said, “I’ll get you home now.”
Chapter 3
That was a week ago and Emily could still remember every detail from that night.
She sighed heavily and decided she needed to focus. There was no doubt Chace had forgotten all about her already. After he’d dropped her home with a “goodnight,” she’d had a feeling she wouldn’t be seeing him again.
Which was just as well. She’d meant it about him being the last thing she needed.
Back then it had all been different. She’d made Chace her world – and he’d sent it crumbling to dust. He’d given her a taste of heaven only to snatch it away leaving only emptiness.
If she was truly honest, Emily knew Chace wasn’t completely to blame. So many other things had factored in, but the truth was when it came down to it, Chace had ended up hurting her. More than anyone ever had.
“Hey, Emily – you okay? We’ll be starting soon,” said one of her fellow dancers, snapping Emily out of her reverie.
“Oh. Thanks, Pat. I’ll be right there.”
Emily sighed and turned to face the mirror of the dressing room, causing her eyes to focus on her reflection. She was dressed in the costume for the fitness video. She’d got the job last week and thought it would be fun to try it and so far she loved the experience.
She and five other girls had a pole-dance routine which was to be shot today. Being on the full-figured side, Emily took pride in the fact that she stayed flexible and fit. Most of the other girls had the slender dancer physique, but the director of this video had wanted variety, hence snapping Emily up for a part.
It was certainly far more exciting than Emily’s normal job working as a waitress. It was at an upscale restaurant and the pay was good, but she liked that she could also take up unpredictable work on the side. Emily could do almost anything as long as it didn’t clash with her principles.
Much as she had a sense of adventure, there were some lines she wouldn’t cross. Something had come up a few days ago – a friend had offered to fix Emily up with an escort job. The money had been more than promising till Emily realized it wasn’t just companionship the client would be expecting. Emily might like the idea of more money, but she wasn’t a call girl.
Not that she was looking down her nose at anyone who chose such a pastime. Emily would be the last to judge. Then her mind went back to not so long ago when her closest pal, Ciara, had to get into a baby contract. It had been Emily who’d introduced Ciara to that website that set her on it in the first place. It was true Ciara hadn’t had much of a choice, but Emily had felt guilty for a long time after that. The good thing, though, that it had ended great for Ciara – she’d married her dream love.
Emily doubted such a fairytale ending was in the cards for her. Whatever she was doing wrong, she’d decided to let none of that get her down. She wasn’t going to be sitting down waiting for something that wasn’t going to happen. Sure she wanted a home and kids, but romance? She wasn’t sure that had to come with the package.
A fleeting image of a chiseled, tanned face with compelling gray eyes suddenly came to mind.
Emily closed her eyes and recalled how his dark brown hair had felt silky beneath her fingers as she clutched the locks while they’d kissed. Chace’s kiss. Emily had been so sure it would mean nothing, but even now her knees quivered slightly and a knot formed in the base of her stomach just thinking about it.
There was no doubt he still turned her on – even more powerfully than ever before. But Emily knew she was right in resisting him.
Emily’s cell rang hours later as she headed home from the dance studio. She smiled when she saw it was Ciara. “No, I haven’t forgotten about the benefit dinner. Of course I’ll make it. Um…I think coming with a date is going to be somewhat problematic.”
She shook her head at Ciara’s reply. “Absolutely no need to hook me up, girl,” Emily said firmly, but with a good-natured tone. She knew Ciara meant well, always trying to fix Emily up with her husband Zane’s friends. Much as Emily liked the idea of netting someone hot, charming, and rich like Zane, she hadn’t wanted Ciara to feel responsible for her. Ciara had enough on her plate after recently delivering her second child, an adorable boy named Jason Zander Maddox.
Emily sighed. Time to get home…to her lonely little apartment. No use daydreaming about how perfect her best friend’s life seemed compared to Emily’s uneventful one. She could fill her hours with exciting pastimes, but the truth was, there was a lot missing. Not like she was getting any younger, either.
She wondered if maybe she’d been too hasty brushing Chace off all those nights ago. It had felt good being in his arms. Why hadn’t she let things reach its logical conclusion? Why had she become too afraid? If she hadn’t, at least she’d have had something worth remembering.
Too late. Emily had pushed Chace away and he’d followed her wishes, backing off completely. Was that why she had this strange feeling of loss lingering in her heart?
Chapter 4
“You look stunning, Em.”
Ciara’s words had Emily smiling
as she came to stand beside her friend. Around them, dignitaries circulated while a pleasant hum hovered over the elegantly decorated ballroom.
Both women could almost pass for sisters, though Emily was lighter skinned and had a mass of curls while Ciara’s hairdo was a tamer, wavy look. They had similar curvy figures and both wore dresses that swept the floor. It was almost as if they’d planned it, but it wasn’t the case. Perhaps they subconsciously shared style tastes. Whatever the case, they drew admiring eyes from those around them.
“Thanks,” said the beaming Emily to Ciara who handed her a glass of wine. “Love your look as well. Only you could pull off wearing white so beautifully.”
Ciara chuckled. “You are as daringly eye-catching as ever in red. Just who are you thinking of tempting away tonight?”
Emily shrugged, burying her nose in her flute as she tried to hide a smile. “Who knows? I won’t say no to some spontaneity if I happened to meet someone…interesting. You’re sure my whole get-up isn’t too over the top?”
“Of course not. It’s perfect,” Ciara said quickly. “Most of the young men in the room can’t take their eyes off you.”
“I agree,” said a deep, resonant voice behind them. Both women turned with smiles to face Zane. He was as handsome as ever, dressed in a white tuxedo. His dashing blond hair was severely styled, yet softened by his warm blue eyes and charming grin.
He slipped a hand around his wife’s waist, kissing her cheek. He then turned to Emily with warmth in his smile. “Will I have to play protector tonight, I wonder? I have a feeling I’ll be doing a lot of fighting off unwanted admirers on your behalf.”
Both women were laughing, and then Emily said, “There’ll be no need for that. A big girl like me can always take care of herself.”
Zane gave a humorous nod, before turning to see Ciara’s pout. “No compliments for me, kind sir?”
“You’re always beautiful in my eyes, as you very well know. Even if you showed up in a paper bag, I’d still find you perfectly gorgeous,” he said with a wink.