His laugh was low and throaty. “You didn’t think I’d just drag you into the bedroom by your hair, did you? On second thought, don’t answer that.”
Summer laid her head against his shoulder as he carried her into Warren’s bedroom. She suddenly felt shy and self-conscious. He set her on the bed gently. “Would you close the blinds and draw the drapes?” she asked.
Cooper could see that she was anxious, and he tried to lighten the moment. “Afraid I’ll see some cellulite?” he said, moving toward the windows, where he did as she’d asked. The room dimmed, but not so much that he wouldn’t be able to make out every delicious detail of her body. He walked toward the bed, offered his hands, and she took them. Once he’d pulled her to a standing position, he slid his hands inside her jacket and helped her out of it, then draped it across the back of a chair. Turning her around, he unzipped her dress and peeled it from her shoulders, planting soft kisses on her bare skin. The dress whispered down her body and pooled at her feet. She stepped out of it, and he laid it across her jacket.
The sight of her standing in her slip made his mouth go dry. “I didn’t know women wore those anymore,” he said.
“I like the way it feels against my skin,” she said.
He couldn’t resist touching the gossamer fabric, and he knew enough about women’s lingerie to know hers had not come from a department store. His hands were unsteady as he raised them to the neat bun she’d fashioned at the nape of her neck. He pulled the pins free, and her thick hair tumbled past her shoulders. Then, very slowly, he turned her around so that she was facing him once more. “You’re beautiful.”
The look on his face made her feel beautiful.
Cooper knelt before her and removed her heels.
He stood and kissed her lightly before he peeled the straps of her slip off her shoulders and pushed it down, past the swell of her hips and long legs. He’d meant to put it on the chair with the rest of her things, but the sight of her in skimpy bikini underwear and a lace bra sent his thoughts into a tailspin. He drank in the sight of her. He reached between the cups of her bra and unfastened the hooks. Summer shrugged out of it and let it slide down her arms. She stared at her feet, unable to meet his gaze; but she could feel his eyes on her, making her body flush.
His black eyes glowed with passion. “Take off your panties,” he ordered softly.
Summer took a deep, shaky breath, slid her fingers inside the waistband, and peeled them away. She let them glide down her thighs and calves to the floor.
“Damn.” The word came out sounding choked. “You’re … perfect.”
She stood there as he gazed at her hungrily, and she felt her body respond. Her stomach tensed, and her nipples puckered and tightened. Cooper reached out and stroked one blue-veined breast, and Summer sucked in her breath. He stepped closer and cupped both breasts in his palms, flicking his thumb lightly across the tight, rose-colored nubs. He leaned forward and took one in his mouth, and Summer closed her eyes and gave in to the feel of his warm mouth on her. He nibbled and tugged, and the sensation sent sharp bursts of desire through her belly. He moved to the other nipple, teasing it until it quivered. He pulled her close, crushing her against him as he palmed her hips. He squeezed and kneaded her flesh, then anchored her against him.
“See what you do to me?” he whispered, his voice thick with desire. He reached for her hand and guided it to his painful erection. Summer could literally feel him pulsing inside his jeans. “Touch me,” he said.
She fumbled with his belt, her hands made clumsy by desire and anxiety. She unbuttoned his jeans and unzipped him, then tentatively slipped her hand inside his underwear. He groaned aloud and captured her mouth. His tongue forced her lips open wide.
Summer felt the rigid muscle swell as she closed her fingers around him. He was big and thick and hard.
After another deep kiss, he pulled free and swept the covers aside. Summer climbed beneath the sheets, yanked them to her chin, and stared at the ceiling as he began to undress. “Don’t look away,” he said. “It’s more fun if you watch.”
She looked at him as he pulled his shirt from his jeans and unbuttoned it, then tossed it aside. He sat on the edge of the bed, kicked off his boots, and discarded his socks. She watched the powerful play of muscles along his shoulders and back. Finally, he stood and reached into his pockets for a foil pack, tore it open with his teeth, and set it on the night table. He shoved his jeans and underwear past his hips and sturdy legs and stepped out of them. Summer could only stare at the magnificent man before her.
“Well?” he said. “Aren’t you going to invite me under the covers?”
She pulled them aside, and he climbed in next to her, scooping her up into his arms. He smelled faintly of soap and male flesh. He looked into her eyes, then took her mouth in a slow, drugging kiss. Once again he coaxed her mouth open with his tongue and tasted the inside. Her own shy tongue greeted him, and he moaned in his throat. He moved one thigh between her own and pressed gently against the honey-colored curls that covered her femininity. The pressure between her legs intensified. Desire coursed through her veins like an awakened river after a thaw. She arched against him instinctively.
Cooper broke the kiss and they both sucked in air. His hands skimmed her body, and he marveled at the silken texture and the generous curves. He gently pulled the covers aside so he could see her, and the sight of her nakedness almost took his breath away. He raised his eyes to hers. “Don’t ever try to hide from me.”
Summer watched him move over her. Once again his lips touched a nipple, drawing it into his mouth and sucking until she felt a tugging sensation deep within her womb. As his lips paid homage to her breasts, his hands caressed her, stroking her flat stomach and brushing her sensitive inner thigh. Fully aroused, she pressed against his hand. Her hands skimmed his broad back and shoulders. She fumbled with the leather tie holding his hair back, pulled it free, then plunged her fingers into the thick raven-colored mane. Cooper kissed his way to her stomach and tongued her navel until she squirmed beneath him. She held her breath as he playfully nipped her thighs with his teeth, then buried his mouth in the nest of gold curls. An involuntary shudder racked her body as he dipped his tongue inside. Cooper thought he’d died and gone to heaven the minute he tasted her. He slid his hands beneath her hips and lifted her slightly. Finally, he pulled his hands free and searched for the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue. Her soft cry told him he’d found it. He flicked his tongue back and forth, lightly at first, and then applied more pressure as she arched higher and higher to meet him.
Her increasing passion was a thing of beauty to watch, like a love song that builds and swells as it nears its crescendo. Her breathing became short; her soft cries a plea for release. Her eyes were glazed with desire as she met his.
Cooper rose up and reached for the foil pack, sitting back on his heels as he carefully fixed the condom in place. He glanced up and found her gaze fastened to his sex. “Tell me you want me.”
“I do,” she whispered.
He moved between her legs, planting his palms against either side of the mattress. As he probed, she opened herself up to him, and he plunged inside. It was an act of raw possession. Summer cried out, then bit her bottom lip to silence herself.
Panic seized him as her eyes filled with tears. He held himself rigid, afraid to make another move. “Did I hurt you?”
She shook her head even as tears ran down her cheeks. “Don’t stop.”
He moved against her, slowly at first, taking care not to enter her fully. He gritted his teeth at the way she sheathed him so tightly. Sweat beaded his brow and upper lip as he gazed down at her. Her eyes were closed, her lips wet and softly parted. Her hair fanned the pillow beneath her head, and a thick strand fell across her flushed body. He felt as though he’d explode just watching her. She ran her tongue across her bottom lip, and he jerked involuntarily. She mewed like a kitten, and when she opened her eyes he found them soft with passion. Cautiou
sly, he allowed her to take in more of him.
Desire had left her feeling less inhibited; she ran her hands lightly over his taut hips, then raked her nails against his flesh. Cooper cursed under his breath. His movements quickened, his thrusts grew deeper and more powerful. Summer raised her legs and wrapped them around his waist, and he knew he’d reached the point of no return.
He grasped her hands in his and held them against the mattress as he moved against her. She met each thrust. Her orgasm was powerful to watch; his own was a rebirth.
Cooper collapsed beside her, his broad chest heaving from exertion. He glanced at Summer, lying still beside him with her eyes closed. She’d already covered herself with the sheet. “You okay?” he asked, pulling her close, kissing her forehead. He levered himself up slightly and kissed her eyelids as well.
She nodded. “Don’t I look like I’m okay?”
“You look like an angel. I could lie here and hold you in my arms forever.”
She nuzzled him. “I’d like that. Unfortunately, I need to use the little girls’ room. Would you please bring me a bath towel?”
Cooper chuckled at her sudden show of modesty. He climbed from the bed and walked into the bathroom. Summer gazed in feminine appreciation at the wide shoulders and back, the taut hips. He returned a moment later with an oversized bath towel and handed it to her. He saw her glance away from his nakedness. Okay, so maybe the lady needed a little time to get used to him, he told himself. He grabbed his underwear and jeans as Summer hurried out of the room with the towel wrapped around her.
Cooper sat on the edge of the bed and reached for his socks. From the bathroom he could hear the sound of running water. Was she taking a bath? He was half tempted to knock on the door and insist on climbing into the tub with her. He dropped his socks on the bed as he considered joining her. Finally, he decided against it. She was obviously feeling a bit shy with him just then, and it was up to him to show some sensitivity. Not that he had a whole lot of practice in that area, but he was determined to give it his best shot. The last thing he wanted was for her to start feeling guilty over what they’d done. As far as he was concerned, it was the best thing that’d ever happened to him.
As he reached for his socks, he glanced down and felt his jaw go slack at the sight of the bright red stain on the sheet.
Cooper had pulled the sheets off the bed and put them into a cold wash by the time Summer came out of the bathroom. He was fully dressed, standing at the kitchen counter drinking a glass of water. Through the large opening in the wall she noted the hard line of his jaw. He was not happy. She hurried into the bedroom and dressed. When she stepped out some ten minutes later, there was no indication that she’d spent part of the afternoon in bed with a man.
“Gee, I didn’t know it was so late,” she said. “I’d better get going—”
“Stop right there,” he ordered, slamming the glass on the counter so hard, it made her jump.
The sound of his voice would have stopped a locomotive. Summer did as he said. He left the kitchen and walked toward her. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She arched one brow in question. “Don’t play dumb with me, Summer, you know damn well what I’m talking about.”
She shrugged. “It didn’t come up.”
He scowled at her. “Oh, I think you had a couple of opportunities to mention it.”
The fact that he was so upset hurt her. She had never felt more vulnerable in her life, and all she wanted him to do was take her in his arms and tell her how much he’d enjoyed being with her, how much he cared. She felt her throat close up and knew she was close to tears, but she was bound and determined not to give in to them. “What’s wrong, Cooper?” she snapped. “Feeling guilty? Well, don’t. At my age being a virgin can be quite embarrassing. Men think there’s something wrong with you. Like maybe you’re frigid or something.”
“We both know you’re not that,” Cooper said, causing her to blush. “So what is it? You’re a normal, healthy woman. Surely you have desires like the rest of us.”
“Of course I do,” she said sharply. “And just because I’ve never been intimate with a man doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed some heavy petting in my life. I just didn’t want to be—” She paused.
He stepped closer. He was clearly confused. “Was it because you were afraid of getting a disease?”
“That was part of it,” she said. “The other reason I put off having intercourse was because I didn’t want to risk getting pregnant.”
“There are ways to prevent that.”
“Nothing is one hundred percent safe. Except not having intercourse,” she added. She chewed her bottom lip. She was suddenly anxious. “You don’t think there’s a chance … that maybe we weren’t careful enough?”
He saw the fear in her eyes. “You’re afraid I impregnated you? I seriously doubt it.”
“But you don’t know,” she said. “You couldn’t swear on your life.”
“I can’t swear on my life that I won’t run my bike into the back of an eighteen-wheeler tomorrow, Summer.” He raked his hands through his hair, feeling more confused than ever. He wanted to kiss her, cuddle her close, and tell her how wonderful it had been. Instead, he was dealing with some irrational side of her that made absolutely no sense. “Do you have some kind of phobia where children are concerned?” he asked, trying to understand. “Are you afraid of childbirth?” He’d heard stories of how some women had suffered through labor. Perhaps Summer had heard similar stories and that’s what had her scared.
“I have to go,” she said.
He blocked her way. “Not until you tell me what this is all about.”
“Dammit, Cooper, do you have to have everything your way? Maybe it’s too personal for me to share right now. Have you thought of that?”
“I think what we just shared in the next room was pretty personal,” he said.
“For me maybe,” she said. “It’s probably just another day in the life of Cooper Garrett as far as you’re concerned.” She hated herself for saying it, for sounding petty.
“Is that what you think?” he asked.
“You’ve been trying to get me in the sack since we met.”
He nodded. “You’re absolutely right. And I’ll continue to do so. That doesn’t mean I do the same with every woman I meet.”
“How do I know that?”
“Because I just said it. That should be proof enough.” He studied her for a moment, wondering what kind of battle she was fighting inside her head. “I’ve been honest with you from the beginning,” he said gently, “and I have no reason to start lying to you now. What we just shared—” He held out his hands. “That doesn’t come along very often.”
“I have to go.”
He grabbed her arm. “Are you afraid I’ll get you pregnant and dump you?” he asked, trying desperately to understand her.
She pulled free. “Can’t you see I don’t want to discuss this right now? I have feelings, Cooper, and if you were any kind of gentleman, you’d respect those feelings and give me time to think. You can’t just come barreling into my life with both guns, expecting to wear down my resistance.” She made for the door.
He started after her, then stopped himself. She was right, he had done nothing but push her in the direction of the bedroom since he’d laid eyes on her, and now he was afraid she would end up hating him for it. Perhaps she already did.
#
Henrietta was resting in her easy chair with a book when her driver, Axel, tapped on the door. “Am I disturbing you, Mrs. Pettigrew?”
“Of course not. Please come in. Would you like some refreshment?”
“No, thank you, ma’am, I can’t stay but a minute,” her chauffeur said. “It’s about that little matter we discussed the other day.”
“And?”
“They promised to put a man on it right away.”
“Is this man any good?”
“He’s supposed to be one of the best.”
“When do they think they
’ll have something?”
Axel smiled. “It doesn’t take long to get information these days,” he assured her. “That’s the good thing about Internet. They should be able to give you the whole story in a couple of days.”
“Thank you, Axel. As always, you’re right there when I need you.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Pettigrew. I asked them to send the bill to my address once they’re done. That way you won’t have to worry about anyone seeing it.”
“You always think of everything,” she replied. He made for the door. “Axel?”
He stopped and turned. “Yes, ma’am?”
“What if we’re too late?”
“Too late?”
“Summer could have already fallen in love with him by now.”
Chapter Nine
Summer arrived home from work Wednesday with little more than an hour to shower, do her makeup, and dress for the benefit. She was in the process of zipping herself into a long sleeved, slim-fitting black crepe dress with satin lapels, when the doorbell rang. She stepped into tall satin heels and took the stairs slowly, trying to calm herself as she went. She would have to face Cooper sooner or later. Better to just get it over with. After tonight there would be no need to continue the charade. She paused at the door, took a deep breath, and opened it.
Her knees almost buckled at the sight of him.
A clean-shaven Cooper Garrett stood before her in a perfectly tailored tux. Summer gaped at his white jacket and black trousers. His black shoes shone like a new appliance. He handed her a long, slender box that bore the name of her favorite florist. Still in a daze, she lifted the lid and found a dozen long-stemmed yellow roses inside. “Oh, my!” she said, lifting a hand to her cheek and meeting his dark gaze. “You shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to,” he said, his voice little more than a whisper, “For many reasons.”
Summer almost shivered at the look in his eyes, and she remembered how he’d gazed down at her the day before as they’d made love. “You cut your hair,” she said, noting the new conservative style.
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