by Lori Foster
He stifled a groan and followed her into the kitchen to put the bags on the counter. Josie stood with her arms crossed, facing him with an admirable show of challenge.
He looked around the condo, then nodded. "Waiting for my reaction are you?"
She lifted her chin and tightened her mouth.
Her home was interesting. Domestic. Neat and well organized and cute. Everything seemed to be done in miniature. The living room had a love seat and a dainty chair, no sofa. The dinette table was barely big enough for a single plate and there were just two ice-cream parlor chairs, which looked as if they'd collapse under his weight.
The wallpaper design was tiny flowers and all the curtains had starched ruffles. A bright red cookie jar shaped like a giant apple served as a focal point.
"In a way I suppose it suits you.."
Josie rolled her eyes. "You don't even know who I am, so how can you possibly make that judgment?"
He stepped close until mere inches separated them. Slowly, with the backs of his fingers, he stroked her abdomen. "I know you. Better than any other man."
Her eyes closed and she trembled. His fingers brushed higher, just under her breast. He was losing his grip, but couldn't stop. "Josie?"
She bit her lips and then caught his hand. "You have to listen to me, Bob. Yesterday was a mistake."
"No."
"Yes, it was." She waved a hand at the kitchen and beyond. "You see all this, and you think I'm as domestic as Susan, as conservative and contented as she. But I'm not content. I wanted—"
She broke off as he tugged her close, ignoring her frantic surprise. He tilted her chin and kissed her hard, without preamble or warning of his intent. When he thrust his tongue inside, he groaned at the same instant she did. Sliding his hands down her back, he cupped that adorable bottom and squeezed gently, lifting her up to her tiptoes and snuggling her close to his growing erection.
"You feel so good, Josie." Before she could object, he kissed her again, more leisurely this time – tasting, exploring, seducing her and himself. When he pulled back, she clung to him. "And you taste even better. Sweet and hot."
Slowly, she opened her eyes, then shook her head as if to clear it. "This will never work."
He saw the pulse racing in her throat. "It's already working."
"No." She tried to pull away, but he held her fast. "I want freedom, Bob. No ties, no commitments. I have no interest in marriage or settling down or starting a family. I—"
"Neither do I."
She frowned and her mouth opened, but he cut her short.
"And I'm not Bob, so please don't call me that again. I hate it."
Her expression froze for a single heartbeat, and then she jerked away. She stepped around the small table, putting it between them and glared at him in horror. "What are you talking about?"
He decided to take a chance on one of the little chairs. Tugging it out, he straddled it and then smiled at her. "I lied. I'm not Bob, I'm his partner, Nick."
She blinked, her lips slightly parted, her face pale.
"Thanks for the plant, by the way, but I refuse to get dumped. It's an experience I hope never to undergo."
"You're not Bob?"
"Naw. Bob is hung up on your sister. That's why he visited her this afternoon. I'm his evil partner, the no-talent, no-brain reprobate your sister took such an instant dislike to."
Her mouth fell open, but then instantly snapped shut. "You lied to me deliberately?" Her hands trembled, but it wasn't embarrassment causing the reaction. "All night last night, you let me believe you were a different man!"
"I hadn't intended to." He watched her eyes, fascinated with the way they slanted in anger, how the green seemed to sparkle and snap. Her cheeks were no longer pale, but blooming with outrage, making her freckles more pronounced. Her mouth was pulled into an indignant pout. He wanted to kiss her again; he wanted to devour her.
"Josie, I'd only gone to the bar to break the date for Bob because he wants Susan, not you. But when you showed up, looking so damn hot and sexy, my brain turned to mush and I just went for it. A typical male reaction. I'm sorry. It wasn't my most sterling moment, but it's the truth you threw me for a curve."
She took a menacing step forward. "You lied to me deliberately."
"Uh, I thought we already established that." He eyed her approach, wondering what she would do. "I'd like to get to the part about your little deception."
She came a halt. "My deception?"
"That's right. You led me to believe you were experienced when you were a virgin."
"I did no such thing."
"The way you looked, the way you spoke? No one would have guessed you could be innocent. Then you led me to believe you simply hadn't had the time to indulge your inclinations. You gave me that long story about being too busy studying and setting up your business." He looked around the condo again for good measure. "But it seems to me like you're some sort of Suzy Homemaker. I bet all your towels match and your shoes are lined up neatly in your closet. Am I right?"
The flush had faded from her face. Now she just looked angry. And determined.
Nick settled himself in to learn more about her. She sent him a wicked smile that made his abdomen tighten in anticipation. "There was no deception, not really. You see, I was busy. Too busy. But I've decided to live on the wild side for a time. I want to be free, to date plenty of men, to expound on the realm of sensuality we touched on last night. Yes, I've led a quiet life, and it suited me for a while, but that's over now. I want fun, with no ties."
He spread his arms, benevolent. "Perfect. My sentiments exactly."
But Josie slowly shook her head, her smile now taunting. "You were just my starting point, so to speak. The tip of the iceberg." She tilted her head back, looking at him down her nose. "I intend to branch out."
He couldn't tell if she was serious or not, or if she only meant to punish him for lying. Women could be damn inventive in their means of torturing a man. They seemed to take great pleasure in it. He'd learned that little truism early on in life.
When she continued to smile, not backing down, he came to his feet and pushed the chair away. He'd intended to take control, and it was past time he got started. "Like hell."
"You have no say over it, Nick."
"Like hell." He sounded like a damn parrot, but nothing more affirmative came to mind. She was mad and making him pay, and doing a damn good job of it. When he thought of another man touching her, a pounding started in the back of his skull, matching the rush of blood through his temples. It filled him with a black rage. Never in his life had he been jealous over a woman. He didn't like the feeling one bit.
Then finally salvation descended on him and he developed his own plan. He stared at her, working through the details in his mind, expounding on his idea. He nodded. "I'll make you a deal."
"What kind of deal?" She leaned against the counter, the picture of nonchalance – until he started toward her.
Holding her gaze, he stepped close until no space separated them. He could feel her every breath and the heat of her. She might be angry with him, but her body liked him just fine.
With the tips of his fingers he stroked her face, watching her, waiting for her to bolt. But she didn't even blink. His lips skimmed her forehead, then her jaw. His words were a mere whisper in her ear. "This is the deal, Josie. Are you listening?"
She gave a small nod.
"I'll show you more excitement, more sensual fun than your sweet little body can handle, honey. Every thrill there is I'll give to you until you cry mercy."
His fingers slid over her buttocks, then between, stroking and seeking before he nudged her legs apart and nestled himself between them. He levered his pelvis in, pinning her, pushing his erection against her soft belly in a tantalizing rhythm that made heat pulse beneath his skin and his muscles constrict. "I can do it, Josie. You already know that. I can show you things you haven't even imagined yet, things we both know you'll love. I can make you beg, and
enjoy doing it.
"But it has to be exclusive. Just me. For as long as we're involved, for as long as we're both interested, there's no other men. You want something, you want to experiment or play, you come to me."
He held his breath, waiting, his body taut with lust, his mind swirling with a strange need he refused to contemplate. He didn't share, plain and simple.
She touched his chest, then her hands crept around his neck. With a small moan, she said, "I think we have a deal."
~ 6 ~
WITHOUT EFFORT, Nick lifted her to the top of the counter. Josie felt his fingers on the hem of her T-shirt, tugging it upward, and she shivered. This was insane, outrageous, but she didn't stop him, didn't change her mind.
"Nick?"
"Finally." A rough groan escaped him and he squeezed her tight. "You don't how bad I hated being called another man's name." His mouth closed over her nipple through her bra and she dropped her head back, gasping. The gentle pull of his mouth could be felt everywhere, but especially low in her belly. When he pushed her bra aside, she knew she had to stop him before she was beyond the point of caring.
Panting, she managed to say, "I have a stipulation."
He surprised her by saying, "All right." Then he added, "But tell me quick. I'm dying here."
He lifted his head to look at her and she saw that the tops of his cheekbones were darkly flushed, his eyes slumberous but bright with heat. He looked so incredibly sexy, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. But it was important. He had lied to her and made a fool of her. When she thought of how she'd gone on and on about his partner Nick, she wanted to crawl away into a dark hole. And he'd let her discuss him as if he hadn't been sitting right beside her. He'd let her make a fool of herself.
She'd tried bluffing her way out of the embarrassment by claiming a determination to experiment, to experience life – and men – to the fullest. Only, he'd called her on it and made a counteroffer she couldn't possibly refuse. She knew how easily he could fulfill his end of the bargain, and knowing made her want him all the more. When he left, it would hurt; she didn't fool herself about that. But now, for at least a little while, she could have everything she'd ever dreamed of – all the excitement and whirling thrills. If she didn't grab this opportunity for herself, she'd regret it for the rest of her life.
But if she was going to play his game, then she had to have control, to make certain he would never again be in a position to deceive her. She'd take what he freely offered – but on her terms, not his.
Nick toyed with the snap on her jeans. "Is this your idea of foreplay, honey? Making me wait until I lose my mind? Believe me, with the way I feel right now, the wait won't be too long. After what I've been through today, insanity is just around the bend."
His teasing words brought her out of her stupor. "I have to be in charge."
He lifted one dark brow and his fingers stilled. "In charge of what?"
What kind of question was that? She tried to keep her chin raised, to maintain eye contact, but his slow grin did much to shake her resolve. "Things. What we're doing."
"So then this—" He dragged his knuckles from the snap of her jeans, along the fly and beyond until finally he cupped her boldly with his palm, "—is what you would be in charge of? You want to control our relationship, what we do and don't do, where we do it...how we do it?"
She gulped, words escaping her. The man was every bit the scoundrel her sister accused him of being. Too blatant, too outrageous, too incredibly sure of himself and of his effect on her, probably on all women. She could feel his palm, so hot and firm against her, not moving, just holding her and making her nerve endings tingle in anticipation. And that tingling had become concentrated in one ultrasensitive spot.
"No? Did I misunderstand?" His gaze searched her face and she could see the humor in his dark eyes, the slight tilt of his sensual mouth. With his free hand, he took hers and kissed her fingers – then pressed her hand against his erection. He no longer smiled, and his expression seemed entirely too intent. "You want to control me like this, Josie?"
He felt huge and hard and alive. Instinctively she curled her fingers around him through the soft material of his khaki slacks.
"Women have been trying to control men since the beginning of time. This is the most tried and true method."
Her fingers tightened in reaction to his harsh words. She felt the lurch, the straining of his penis into her palm, and heat pounded beneath her skin, curled and uncurled until she felt wound too tight, ready to explode.
In a voice low and gravelly, he asked, "Is that what you want, sweetheart?" His breath came fast and low. "Because in this instance, I have no objections. Just lead the way."
Frozen, Josie could do no more than stare down at her hand where she held him. She licked her lips, trying to think of what to do, trying to remember her original intent in this awkward game.
"Josie?"
"I..." She shook her head, then carefully, slowly stroked him. His eyes closed as he groaned his encouragement. "I concede to your experience."
The sound he made was half laugh, half moan.
"But I want to do everything there is to do."
"Damn." His fingers flexed, teasing her. "I want that, too. Sounds to me like we're in agreement."
She shook her head. "You called what we have a...a relationship. But that's not what I'd consider it."
His answering gaze was frighteningly direct. "No?"
She looked away. "I'd call it a...a fling. With no strings attached." When he got tired of her and walked away, she wanted him to know it was with her blessing. She was out of her league with Nick, coasting on dangerous ground. It was too tempting not to play, but she was too prudent not to take precautions.
She drew an unsteady breath. "I want – need – to be free to come and go as I please. No ties at all." He was the only person she'd ever felt tempted to do this with, but the same wasn't true of him. He'd been with many women, and he'd be with many more. She'd be a fool to expect anything else. "I can't agree to this exclusive stuff," she said. "I need to know you won't object if I decide to explore...elsewhere."
"Oh, but I do object. In fact, I refuse." His mouth smothered any comeback she might have made, not that she could think of any. The nature of his seduction suddenly became much more determined, almost ruthless. He lifted her off the counter and skimmed her shirt over her head.
"Nick..."
"I like hearing you say my name. Especially the way you say it." Her bra straps slipped down her arms when he unhooked it, then clasped her nipple with his hot and hungry mouth, sucking hard.
Her knees locked and her entire body jerked in reaction. "Nick..."
He switched to the other breast while undoing her jeans, and he hurriedly pushed them down to her knees. "Tell me you want me, Josie."
She made a sound of agreement, coherent words beyond her.
He dropped to one knee and kissed her through her panties – small, nipping kisses that had her gasping. Her legs went taut to support her, her fingers tangled in his dark silky hair. With a growl, he pulled her panties down and spread her with his thumbs, then treated her to the same delicious sucking he'd used on her nipple, only gentler, and with greater effect.
It was too much, but not quite enough, and she sobbed, pressing closer, her eyes squeezed shut. His tongue rasped and she arched her body, tight and still, then suddenly climaxed with blinding force when he slid one long finger deep inside her.
The sharp edge of the counter dug into her back as she started to slide down to the floor. She needed to sit, to lie down; her limbs trembled, her vision was still fuzzy. Nick caught her against him and pressed a damp kiss to her temple. "Damn, that was good, Josie." His voice shook, low and sexy. "So damn good. For a virgin, you never cease to amaze me."
"I'm not a virgin anymore." The words sighed out of her, laced with her contentment.
His chuckle vibrated against her skin. "Ex-virgin, then."
Limp, she let him
hold her for a few seconds, until he gently turned her to face the counter. She didn't understand what he was doing. Looking at him over her shoulder, she saw him smile. He took her hands and planted them wide on the counter-top.
"Open your legs for me, Josie. As wide as your pants will allow."
The rush of heat to her face almost made her dizzy. He was looking at her behind, his hands touching, exploring, exposing, urging her legs even wider. She struggled with her embarrassment and the restriction of her jeans.
He made an approving sound. "That's nice. Now don't move." After laying his wallet out, he unsnapped his jeans and shoved them down his hips. Josie stared at his erection, her pulse pounding. "You've seen me before, honey. But I don't mind you looking. In fact, I like it."
He clasped her hips and brushed the tip of his penis against her buttocks, dipping along her cleft. He held her tight and pressed his cheek against her shoulder. "I like it a lot. Too damn much."
With a groan, he pulled a condom out of his wallet and slipped it on. Fascinated, Josie concentrated on holding herself upright, despite the shaking in her knees, and watched him closely so she didn't miss a thing.
But with his first, solid thrust into her body, she forgot about watching and closed her eyes against the too-intense pleasure of it.
"Ah. So wet and hot. You do want me, don't you, sweetheart? Just me."
She rested her cheek on the cool countertop and curled her fingers over the edge, steadying herself. Nick's hand slid beneath her, then smoothed over her belly before dipping between her thighs.
"No..." She gasped, the pleasure too sharp after her recent orgasm, but he wouldn't relent. He continued to touch her in delicate little brushes, taunting her, forcing her to accept the acute sensations until her hips began to move with him.
He groaned with pleasure. "That's it. Relax, Josie. Trust me." He moved with purpose now in smooth determined strokes that rocked her body to a tantalizing rhythm. His forearm protected her hip bones from hard contact with the counter while his fingertips continued to drive her closer to the edge. Suddenly he stilled, his body rock hard, his breathing suspended. Josie could feel the heat pouring off him, the expectation of release.