Stunned, I stiffened. My heart was racing under my ribcage, partly from the waltz and part excitement from being so close to this gorgeous man. Feeling my nerves, Harley moved his hand to mine and brought it to his chest. His other pressed firmly on my low back, holding me close to him.
“How do you know how to dance like that?” I asked him, relaxing a bit.
“I know a wedding planner,” is all he said, like that explained it.
Harley guided my arm around his neck and put both hands behind me. He pulled me to him, and I could feel his breath on my face. I smelled his masculine cologne, and my body involuntarily melted against his. He held me so tightly that I could feel his chiseled abs through his suit.
Damn.
My body was betraying me. As much as I wanted to stay annoyed by the whole Cassie situation, my body was responding to Harley’s rugged manliness. And truth be told, he’d barely paid much attention to her when I was around. His hand wandered lower so it was resting just above my ass. He swayed his hips against mine, and my body answered. My breath came fast, as did his against my ear.
I felt his manhood harden, and I inhaled sharply. I wanted to pull away. It was going too far, but I couldn’t seem to stop it. My nipples hardened under my dress, and the ache between my legs grew more intense.
I was relieved ─ and disappointed ─ when the music stopped. After a quick announcement from the DJ, a fast, modern song came on.
“Don’t know this one,” Harley chuckled and led me to our table.
Back at the table, Billy and Victoria had returned. They were tipsy and talking over one another. I was glad for the distraction. If I thought too hard about what had just happened on the dance floor, I would make a really stupid decision.
Though my breathing had returned to normal, my body still ached with desire. I looked at Harley and found him watching me, his gaze intent.
Boy, am I in trouble.
But maybe it didn’t have to be so complicated. I was a grown woman with needs. Would it really be so bad to give myself to this ravishing man? To enjoy myself? It was Vegas, after all. And what was that saying?
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Harley
I was mesmerized by her beauty. Judging by the looks I’d been getting and the comments and few numbers that had been slipped into my jacket pocket at the bar, I could have a number of women in my room tonight. But I didn’t want them. I wanted her.
When we danced closely, I’d hardened for her, and I knew she felt it. I felt her stiffen. But she didn’t reject me. She didn’t push away. And that made me want her even more.
We had another drink and talked to Billy and Victoria. I was done with the meeting and greeting. Not that I minded meeting new people, but I was here to meet entrepreneurs, and most of the people seemed to know less than me. I’d have to wait for the lectures tomorrow to learn from the best.
“We’re heading back to our hotel,” Billy announced.
“But in case we don’t run into you tomorrow, we’re planning on going out on the town after the conference tomorrow night,” Victoria told us, invitation in her voice.
“Yeah, why don’t you guys join us? Meet us at our hotel lounge at, say, at nine o’clock?” Billy asked.
I looked at Emily. I would only go if she agreed. Normally, I’d turn them down. I wasn’t much of a partier, but if Emily agreed, we could spend more time together.
“Okay, I’ll go. If you want to, Harley?” she asked me.
“Sounds like a plan. Where are you guys staying?” I asked them.
“At the Triple-A Condos across the street,” Billy answered.
“Meet us at the outside lounge. It’s by the pool in the center of the condos,” Victoria added.
We solidified our plans and said our goodbyes. Many guests were beginning to leave, so it seemed like a good time for us to go as well.
I glanced at Emily, who looked like a princess adorned in the red tulle dress. And that neckline…oh, Lord, I couldn’t pry my eyes away. I was no stranger to beautiful women, but none I’d met so far had affected me like Emily did. There was just something about her that drew me in and held me.
“Do you want to go back to the hotel for a nightcap?” I asked her. I wasn’t ready for the evening to end just yet.
“Sure,” she answered with a smile.
We finished our drinks, and I offered my arm. Emily slipped her hand through and grasped my elbow. It felt natural. We’d only known each other for a day, but something just seemed right about being with her.
We strolled slowly back to the hotel. The nighttime air had a chill, and I noticed Emily shiver. “Are you cold?”
“No, I’m alright,” she replied.
Emily wasn’t wearing anything over her sleeveless dress, so I stopped and took off my jacket. “Here,” I said, moving behind her to slip it over her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Our eyes met. I wanted to kiss her sweet lips. I couldn’t stop myself and moved in. She took a step back, surprised, but I didn’t let up. I grabbed her waist and pressed my lips against hers. I paused, waiting for her to either kiss me back or push me away in outrage. Lip to lip, I felt her tremble, and I knew it wasn’t from the cold. I parted my lips to speak, but her lush red mouth smashed into mine. I kissed her deeply and passionately. Emily parted her lips slightly, and a moan from deep within invited me inside.
My tongue danced with hers. My breath was labored, as was hers. Emily stirred against my torso, and I pulled her flush against me. My cock hardened, and from the low groan in her throat, I knew she could feel it against her.
I broke the kiss to catch my breath and looked into Emily’s blue-grey gaze. Her eyes were hooded, her pupils dilated. I moved in to claim her lips again, but she gently pushed against my chest, breaking the spell.
“We should get back to the hotel,” she whispered.
“Okay.” I offered my arm again, and we continued our walk. “Do you still want to have a nightcap?” I hoped I hadn’t blown my chances by kissing her.
“Okay. But just one. It’s getting late.”
I couldn’t read her. Did she want me as badly as I wanted her? Her kiss seemed to have suggested it, but her body language had changed; she seemed closed off again. We sat at the bar, and I ordered drinks. Our conversation was light, to my relief. Perhaps she was alright with our kiss than I’d originally thought.
After our drink, I wanted more, but Emily rose and handed me back my jacket. “Thank you again.”
I nodded and stood up as well. This time, I didn’t pause. I kissed her hard. Emily responded, but not like before. Our kiss was short and sweet.
“Let’s go,” she said, as she headed to the lounge doors.
“Alright,” I said, following her without question. “What floor are you on?” I asked when we reached the elevators.
“Twenty-second.”
I pushed the button for her floor but didn’t push the one for mine. I still had hope that this evening wasn’t over. We were alone in the elevator, so I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her body close. She didn’t move. Our eyes locked.
“The night doesn’t have to end yet,” I whispered in a gruff voice. I was so turned on.
“But it does,” Emily replied, pulling away.
Disappointed, I let her go and stepped away.
“Harley, I don’t want to offend you, but I don’t sleep with men on the first date.” She paused. “If this was actually a date.”
I felt like an ass for being pushy and thinking she’d just fall into bed with me. “First of all, you could never offend me by being honest with me,” I told her. “And yes, this was a date.”
Emily’s red lips formed a smile, and I was glad to see it. The elevator’s doors opened on the twenty-second floor, and she stepped out. I decided not to press my luck and stayed inside.
“Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked her.
“Yes,” she replied softly. My eyes stayed o
n hers until shiny golden doors blocked my view.
Releasing my breath slowly, I pressed the button for the thirtieth floor. As I took the ride, my cock remained hard. I adjusted myself in my pants. It was probably for the best that she went to her room alone. Emily was much too special for my typical one-night stand.
I undressed and hung up my tuxedo. I needed a cold shower. The water was icy when I stepped in. The freezing water did nothing for my hard-on, nor did it erase Emily from my mind.
I gave up and turned on the hot water. I let it fall over my broad shoulders, down my toned pecs, and over my hard-lined abs. I grabbed the bar of soap and lathered up my cock, thinking of Emily. Of taking off that red fluffy dress. I’d unzip it from behind. Reach around and slide my hands under the V neck. I’d trace her collarbone and let my hands roam over her round breasts.
I ran the foamy bar of soap over my abs to my hard member and over my balls before gliding up my shaft. I fisted myself and began to pump as she undressed in my head.
I imagined what her soft breasts would feel like in my large hands. I massaged her tits and fondled her nipples. Emily put her head back and moaned as I moved my hands over her flat belly. I pushed the red fabric over her panties, forcing my thumbs inside to push them down as well. I stood behind her naked, beautiful body, ran my hands over her lushness, and slipped my fingers inside her.
Emily’s pussy was warm and wet. I finger-fucked her from behind and felt her quick breath as she turned her head to my neck. My dick pressed into the small of her back, hard and long. I bent my neck to kiss her red lips. She responded with a groan as she arched her body. I thumbed her clit until she cried out in ecstasy.
“Come, baby,” I whispered. Emily’s pussy contracted, and she came hard on my fingers. Her moaning was music to my ears.
I gathered more soap on my hand and grabbed my dick. Stroking my member, I imagined it was Emily’s hand. No, her mouth. Her red lips sucked my cock hard and fast. I threw back my head and cried out in orgasm as I shot streams of white down the shower drain.
I tossed and turned half the night in bed. I’d thought relieving myself in the shower would help get Emily off my mind, but I was wrong.
I wanted her now more than ever.
Emily
After a night filled with vivid dreams of desire, I awoke with a start. I squinted over the blanket at the clock on the bedside table. Seven o’clock! Why didn’t my alarm go off? I grabbed my phone and unlocked it, scrolling to the clock. I hadn’t set the damn alarm! Not too surprising, considering my mind was only on one thing last night. Harley Hunter.
The first lecture started at nine, and I wanted to call Kellan and Chloe to check in beforehand. I grabbed my undies and jumped in the shower. The steamy water splashing over my body was heavenly. I tried not to think. But, of course, Harley was still very much on my mind.
I’d made the right choice the night before for my own sanity, but my body disagreed. Even after bringing myself to orgasm twice, my desires weren’t soothed. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I was hungry for him.
I groaned. What am I going to do? I’d made that mistake in the past, jumping into bed right off the bat. Letting my desires do the thinking. It turned out so wrong; a huge mistake that cost me so much. But I always reminded myself that if I hadn’t made the mistake, there would be no Chloe.
Chloe. My sweet angel. Such an innocent soul. I saw her delicate, heart-shaped face, the dark features she’d inherited from her father. Dark, curly hair hung over her shoulders. Bronzed, sun-kissed skin. But she had my almond-shaped, blue-grey eyes. I smiled. My little girl was such a beauty.
Today I was all business. I dressed in a mid-thigh, black, sleeveless sheath dress with a white contrast-trim and matching jacket. I slipped into a pair of black high heels and twisted yellow-blond hair into a low bun, securing it to my head with bobby pins.
I carefully applied a minimal amount of makeup, just enough to freshen my face. Satisfied, I checked my reflection in the mirror. Today I was dressed the part.
After glancing at my watch, I decided I had just enough time to call Kellan, and I hoped that he was up. The phone rang four times, and I was just about to give up when I heard the line connect.
“Kellan? You there?” I asked the silence.
“Yeah. Sorry. I just woke up. Thought I missed the call,” a gruff voice responded.
“I’m sorry to wake you. I have a busy day, so I wanted to call now,” I informed him.
“It’s okay. But Chloe’s still asleep, too.”
“I figured she might be. She’s not an early riser, thank goodness,” I giggled.
Kellan chuckled and yawned. “How’s Vegas? Learning anything? Better yet, are you having fun?”
“Yes, I’ve learned a lot and met a lot of interesting people. And, yes, I’m having a great time. In fact, I’m going out with a group of people I met tonight,” I told him.
“That’s great, Emily!” Kellan’s voice brightened, and I knew he was glad for me. “Oh, wait, Chloe must have heard me talking.”
I waited a moment. In the background, a little voice asked, “Is that Mommy?” The phone crackled, then, “Hi, Mommy! It’s Chloe!” my daughter exclaimed excitedly.
“Hi, Baby! I miss you so much. How are you?”
“I’m good. I miss you too, Mommy. When you come home?” Chloe asked.
“Tomorrow night. It’ll be late though, so don’t wait up,” I told her.
“I want to wait,” she informed me in her serious tone. I smiled. When she wanted to do something, she set her mind to it and look out anybody who tried to challenge her.
“Alright, ask Uncle Kellan first and make sure it’s okay if you stay up late,” I replied.
“Uncle Kellan always stays up late.” So matter of fact.
I stifled a giggle. “I know. But ask anyway, please. He’s the one in charge, you know.”
“Okay.”
“Thanks, Baby.” I blew kisses into the receiver. Kisses returned through the line. “Love you so much. Can you put Uncle Kellan back on for a minute?”
“Okay, love you, too.” Chloe yelled so loud I pulled my ear away from the phone. “Uncle Kellan. Mommy wants to talk to you.” The TV turned on loudly and My Little Ponies sang through the phone, Friendship is Magic. A small, singsong voice joined in. I grinned proudly.
The phone rustled, and Kellan’s voice came on the line. “Hey,” he said.
“Just wanted to say bye. See you tomorrow night. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Enjoy yourself tonight. Don’t worry about us. We got a pizza and movie night planned,” he informed me. “Mini pepperoni and The Secret Life of Pets.” I could feel his smile through the phone. Kellan loved Chloe to death.
“That sounds great! Wish I was there.”
“No, you don’t. Have fun!” he emphasized.
I chuckled. “I will. Thanks, Kellan. See you tomorrow.”
“See ya.”
I placed the phone to my chest. I missed them. I hated being away from my baby for any period of time. But she was in good hands, and what I was doing was to build a better life for her.
I arrived at the conference center at 8:50. The room was filling fast, but I spotted an aisle with empty seats and took one. Don’t do it. But I looked around the massive room for Harley. I was near the top of the stadium-style seating. The stage looked tiny below. If he was down there, I wouldn’t be able to spot him with all these people. I looked for a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark, ruffled, spiked hair. Probably in a suit.
Part relieved, part disappointed when I couldn’t find him in the crowd, I opened my notebook and got ready for the first speaker. The CEO of WOD Systems, an internet security company, took the stage and spoke of his journey. The man had started multiple companies before getting it right with his current one. He’d suffered failures and had good pointers on how not to make the same mistakes.
I was busy scribbling my notes when I felt a thump beside me as s
omeone sat down next to me. I’d been enjoying the extra space in the overcrowded room. I continued writing the hot points even when I felt eyes on me. I decided not to be rude, so I put on a smile and glanced over.
Harley Hunter grinned at me. Yup, he was just as sexy as I remembered from the night before. I was perplexed. How the hell did he find me in this room?
He leaned over and whispered. “Thanks for saving me a seat.”
I opened my mouth to protest. Man, he’s so full of himself. He opened his notepad and glanced over at mine. “Mind if I copy your notes?” I glared at him. He ignored me and moved closer to see what I’d written.
Giving up, I handed him my pad. “Hurry up. I don’t want to miss anything.” Harley nodded as he read my notes.
“Oh, this guy.” He handed it back to me.
Sighing, I returned my attention to the speaker. But Harley didn’t move away. He stayed snug up against me, and it agitated me. I began bouncing my leg.
Harley put his hand on my leg to stop the bouncing. I stopped, but his hand stayed. The feel of his hand on my thigh made my heart rush. Breathe Emily, I reminded myself. I didn’t dare look at him but brushed his hand off of my leg.
When there was a break between speakers, he looked at me, and his gaze demanded my attention. Our eyes met, and sparks flew. His eyes left mine only to roam over my body. I noticed him inhale and hold it. Eyes back to mine. “You look absolutely ravishing.” His voice was raspy, seductive.
My body reacted instantly, and I inhaled deeply. If I had to spend the entire day with this man, I was in serious trouble. I allowed my eyes to roam over his body as well. He was dressed in a short-sleeved, pink polo and black shorts. The pink did him justice, accenting his dark hair, sideburns, and five o’clock shadow. Top unbuttoned, I got a glimpse of bulging pecs when he leaned close.
“And, you look...comfortable,” I told him, for a lack of a better word. The corners of his mouth twitched. He wore a casual outfit with just as much sophistication as a suit.
Take a Mountain Man Home for Christmas: A Mountain Man Romance Christmas Collection Page 62