by Wendi Zwaduk
At the end of the song, Allyson opened her eyes and left the dance floor. She didn’t see a clock in the room and wondered how long she’d been lost in the music. She’d relaxed a bit. Was it the champagne she’d drank earlier? The eggnog? Or thinking about Jordy? She wasn’t sure, but as the night had progressed, she worried less about her dress and more about having a little fun. She glanced up at the main staircase leading from the elevators.
Even with the mask and the hat, she’d have known Jordy Murphy anywhere and the man stood three-quarters of the way up the stairs seeming to watch the dancers below. From the breadth of his shoulders to the narrowness of his hips—strong from so many years playing baseball—to the lopsided smile and blond hairs dusting his cheeks and chin, she recognized him. Her heart thudded in her chest. She knew every inch of his body beneath the black suit. She wanted to run to him and touch him. But how? Shit. How exactly should she approach him?
She picked at the beading on the bodice of her dress. She could stand in front of thirty kindergarteners with ease, but talking to the man she loved seemed impossible. Good Lord.
Allyson shored up her courage. The uneasiness came back in waves, but she pushed her feelings aside. She’d slept with Jordy and they’d tried BDSM together. She trusted him with a blindfold, toys and rope. Why not now? If she could bare her heart to him in such intimate ways, then she could approach him at a club.
Stop thinking and worrying. You wanted Jordy for Christmas. Get him. She forced herself forward and swallowed hard. She crossed the expanse of the massive room to the bottom of the staircase.
Jordy descended the steps and stopped three from the bottom. His Santa hat sat askew on his head, adding to his boyish good looks. He smiled, sending renewed warmth through her body. He seemed more bemused by the whole club scene than approving.
“Jordy?” she asked and surged up the steps. “You made it.” Did she sound silly? Was her low confidence obvious? “Merry Christmas.”
Jordy stared at her for a moment and didn’t say a word. When his gaze roved over her body, she shivered. She liked the predatory look and the fire in his eyes.
She kept her hands at her sides to prevent herself from crossing her arms. Damn nervous gesture anyway. She wanted to look open and inviting, not upset or irritated.
“How are you?” she managed. “Nothing like Vegas at Christmas. I didn’t think there could be more lights here in town, but then Christmas comes and boom. Tons more lights. They don’t seem so fake though—the lights.” She was babbling and needed to stop.
“Yeah.” He seemed to look right through her.
“It’s me, Allyson.” She clasped her hands at the small of her back. The more she watched him, the more she wondered why she’d thought coming to Vegas would be a good idea. Jordy didn’t seem interested at all.
“Ally?” Jordan curled his fingers under her chin. “What are you doing here?” He swiped his thumb across her chin, then wrapped his arm around her. He led her to the edge of the room to the balcony. The music wasn’t quite as loud, but the night air chilled her to the bone. “Sorry. I suck at sounding casual. I just didn’t expect to see you.”
He shrugged out of his suit coat and draped the garment around her shoulders. “I knew you talked about coming out here, but I never thought you’d show up. I figured you were trying to get me out of town so you could have a good time with your boyfriend.”
She could come up with a lame excuse and explain the nonexistent boyfriend away, but why? She hated lying—especially to him. “I didn’t want to be alone for the holidays.” She averted her gaze. “I wanted to see you and wish you a merry Christmas. Surprise?” She couldn’t face him. Tears threatened behind her eyes. The scent of him on his coat enveloped her. She felt safe in his clothes, but hardly safe at the moment. He’d told her he wanted to keep things casual. Getting together for Christmas in a destination situation was the exact opposite.
“Hey. I’m sorry.” She shrugged out of the coat. “I don’t want to ruin your chances with the gorgeous women here.” She draped the garment over his arm and inched away from him. “See you.”
So went the story of her life. She was good enough when Jordy wanted to kiss or make out, but not the relationship type. At least she’d finally figured out when to cut her losses. But why did his kiss have to be so damn addictive? Why did she want him? Because he wasn’t completely interested in her?
“Don’t leave.” Jordan snagged her in his arms. He licked his bottom lip, then mashed his mouth down on hers. He’d given her barely a second to think about what was happening before he made his move and she loved his decision. She’d locked lips with him plenty of times, but the rush was different this time.
When he broke the connection, she wobbled into him.
“We should dance.” He draped the coat back around her shoulders. “Inside or out?”
“Wait.” She placed both hands on his chest and fought back a moan. The man was all hard muscle under his dress shirt. She was nuts to be pushing him away, but she needed to be sure he wanted her. “You don’t have to entertain me. Don’t feel pressured. Find one of the hotties in there.”
The predatory look returned to his eyes. He held her closer and whispered in her ear. “No one’s pressuring me. Merry Christmas, babe. Let’s heat up the holidays so much it burns.”
Chapter Three
Allyson balled her fists. She’d heard so many come-ons from him, but this time was different. There was a new desire and edge to his voice…more passion? She wasn’t sure, but she liked it. Still, the uncertainty came back.
“I’m not convinced you want to be out there with me.” She nodded to the dance floor. “Kinda feels like I’m good enough for now.”
Jordy rested his forehead against hers. His mask knocked into hers as he bumped noses with her. His breath warmed her cheeks. “If I had known for sure you were going to be here, I would’ve come to the club a whole lot quicker.” He brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. “We probably wouldn’t have left the hotel room.”
Wait. What? Had he just come on to her again? She needed time to process, but he didn’t give her a chance. Jordy whisked her onto the dance floor and kept her tight to his chest. Yet another Christmas carol played, hopped up with a techno beat.
Jordy nestled his knee between her legs, allowing her to grind on his thigh. He slid one hand down to her ass. His lips moved, but she wasn’t sure what he was saying. Singing along to the music? She didn’t know and didn’t care.
Allyson thanked God and her dumb luck that she’d selected a dress with a slit high enough to allow her to dry hump his leg without looking too brazen. She draped her arms around his neck. Her breasts jiggled as she moved to the music. She ground her damp pussy on his trouser-clad skin and allowed him to rock her against his thigh. She’d never thought of bumping and grinding to a Christmas song, but now that she’d given herself over to the fun of the moment and Jordy, she liked it.
When the music stopped, Jordy breathed against her neck. “You look stunning.” His words vibrated in her ear. “Forgot you had all those curves.”
She smiled, not wanting to shout over the music as it began again. Instead, she kissed him. She bit his bottom lip, scraping her teeth against his skin and swallowing his moan. The taste of mint exploded on her tongue. Their masks clashed and his spicy cologne wrapped around her. Her head swam and she sagged against him. Her nipples beaded beneath her gown. Holy hell, she wanted him to play with her nipple piercing. He knew how to tug just right to make her scream in ecstasy. She glanced around at the other dancers. She and Jordy were giving anyone who happened to be watching a pretty good show. A thought occurred to her—she hoped no one was taking cell phone video. Could she get fired for her dress or her actions? More than likely not, but the fear sank in anyway.
Maybe it was time to spread the Christmas cheer in private and show him what she’d brought to fill his stocking. She couldn’t wait to have his dick in her pussy and ass. She wanted to feel u
sed and needed Jordy to be in control.
The tune segued into another Christmas song, but Jordy stopped dancing. He swatted her ass and held her to his chest.
Allyson wobbled as she regained her footing. Dancing with him had been so decadent and intoxicating. She pressed her knees together to control the overwhelming need surging through her body.
“I know we’ve paid good money to be here at this party and to dance, but I’d rather be in my room—with you. Want to get out of here? Maybe do some private dancing…and then some?”
Private dancing and allowing him to unwrap her like a package? Yes, sign her up. She’d go anywhere with him. She nodded and managed to reply, “Yes.”
Jordy kept his arm around her as he led her from the dance floor. At the bottom of the main staircase, the man who had come on to her before stepped in front of them.
“Leaving so soon?” the guy asked. “You just got here.” He swept his gaze over Jordy—or rather, he seemed to look down his nose at Jordy. “Why are you going?”
“The right partner. He showed up,” she replied. “Bye.” She nudged Jordy forward, happy to be leaving the party. Alone time sounded so much better than being surrounded by people she didn’t know.
“Wait, with him?” The man touched her arm. “How? You could have me and you chose…him.”
“He’s the right one.” She turned her back on the guy and started up the stairs. She didn’t want to waste any more time now that Jordy was beside her. Besides, the guy she didn’t know gave her a strange vibe. She’d rather be alone with Jordy.
At the top of the stairs, Jordy opened the door for her. He didn’t say anything as they stood in the small foyer and awaited the elevator. She rubbed her arms. In the brightly lit space, devoid of any kind of Christmas décor, she had nowhere to hide. Thank goodness she had the suit coat covering her torso.
Jordy eased away from her and leaned against the wall. He widened his stance and shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “What was that all about?” He pressed the button for the elevator, then put his hand back into his pocket.
Allyson yanked his coat tighter around her. “He thought he’d take me home tonight.”
Jordy nodded. “That dress is…yeah. I’m not wild about that guy gawking at you in it.”
Now he wanted to be territorial? She grasped the hem around the bottom of the sleeves. She liked him acting so possessive, but wished he would’ve done so earlier or at least told her what he expected from her. She stared at him and made a decision. Getting what she wanted wasn’t going to happen on hope. She’d have to open her mouth and say so.
“I wore this dress for you.” No more hiding what she desired, not when the man she wanted stood before her. “I wanted you for the holidays. You’re all I asked Santa for.”
“Oh?” Jordy removed his mask and tucked the bit of plastic into the inner pocket of his suit coat. His fingers brushed against her breast, sending a shiver through her body.
“On my terms—that’s how I wanted you.” She unhooked the elastic holding her mask in place. Having the obstruction off her face was freeing. She liked seeing all of his face, too.
“You mean you wanted to get away from my nosy siblings.” He smiled and gathered her in his arms. He snuggled her between his spread legs. The bulge in his pants rubbed against her hip, sending shockwaves through her system. The man knew his sex appeal and used it to his advantage. She wanted to be with him and please him. Damn, she was putty in his hands.
“Yes.” She might as well continue to be honest. She’d bared her body to him. Now she’d do the same with her soul. “I like your sister and sister-in-law, but I don’t fit in. I’d rather just be with you and do all the stuff we do.” She fought the urge to roll her eyes. She liked his sister, but Melissa was too much of a tomboy and fitness nut. Allyson’s idea of staying in shape meant walks around the playground and with her sister’s dog—not five-mile hikes and ten-mile runs. Then there was Katie, Jordy’s sister-in-law. The woman was practically perfect in every way. She oozed class and had a way of calming pretty much any situation. She didn’t swear—that Allyson knew of—and rarely drank. Allyson enjoyed a beer from time to time and could swear more than she should at a football game. Her fashion sense lacked any sort of style and most of the time she kept her hair in a ponytail or bun.
“What?” He curled his fingers under her chin. “Talk to me.”
“If they only knew how we played. They’d never speak to me.” The desire to please him battled with her sense of duty. She needed to be upfront with him and let him know what he’d be getting with her. “I’d be willing to bet they’ve never heard of BDSM except in books.”
“What does it matter if they know or care? I like our kind of fun. Can’t think of anyone better to play with—especially now.” He kissed her neck, swiping his tongue along her jugular. “You and Katie have a lot in common. Besides the gig teaching kindergartners, you’re both sweet and have everyone’s best interest at heart. Oh, and you put up with the Murphy clan. That takes guts. But I don’t see why you’d want to compete with them. You’re in your own league and that’s a good thing.” He reached over and pressed the button again. “Christ, this elevator is slow.”
“Someone probably pressed the emergency button to stop the thing so they could have sex.” She tried to sound flippant, but didn’t feel nonchalant at all. “Or it’s just slow. Too many riders.” She pieced through what he’d said. Sweet, caring and patient. She was in her own league. She’d hoped she had more redeeming qualities than just those. How about being sexy? Maybe she was a good partner and making love to her was off the charts? No, he hadn’t mentioned those things. Men…
Jordy sighed. “I wanted to wait until we were in the elevator to talk to you, but it’s going so slow.”
Waiting to talk to her? He tended to shoot straight and didn’t mince words. The fear she’d made a mistake filtered into her brain. “Look, if you’re having second thoughts, I understand. I mean, it’s Christmas and there are a ton of beautiful women back in the club. You don’t have to escort me to my room so I’ll stay out of trouble. Trust me. I know where I should be.” She wriggled out of the suit coat. “Go back in there and have some fun.”
“I never said that.” He tugged the garment around her shoulders and held the front closed with his hand. He tilted his head to the side. His brows knotted and his eyes glittered. The corners of his mouth turned down. “If you’re my Christmas present, then Santa must love me. I’ve been awful this year.”
“You’re not awful.” She didn’t understand. Why was he being so obtuse? If he wanted to leave, then he needed to say something and if she was supposed to stick around, well, he could mention that, too.
“No? I don’t know about that. I’ve been pretty rotten.” His eyes widened and a smile curled on his lips. “Well, there’s this certain teacher…good girl, killer body and tits I love to touch. Sweet nipple ring, too. When I tug on it, she squeals. I love it.” He bobbed his eyebrows. “I look into her eyes and have all sorts of dirty thoughts. Makes it hard to get through the day without wanting to pull her aside and fuck her in the supply closet. But the thing is, I keep forgetting to tell her what I want.”
“I see.” Anticipation filled her mind. He saw her as sexy? Not just a friend with benefits?
“She knew exactly how to make my holiday merry and bright with a slice of heat.” He grabbed the front of the coat tighter, seeming to use the garment as a makeshift bondage device.
“You’re corny.” She tried to squirm within the coat, but couldn’t. The snugness turned her on. He held the reins and the control. “I know how your family drives you crazy.”
“Meaning you know me pretty damn well.” He shrugged. “Here’s something I haven’t said enough. I don’t want to share you for Christmas. What do you think about that?”
“I’m—stunned.” She hadn’t wanted to share him, either, but she wasn’t sure if he saw a future for their relationship beyond Vegas. She’d
gone into the weekend with the plan to keep the pairing between them solely in Vegas. Now she knew her heart—she wanted more and feared she’d have to settle for a Christmas fucking.
“Come to my room and play naughty Mrs. Claus.” He paused. “I’m not asking. I’m ordering.” He yanked her tight to his chest. “This Christmas, you’re mine.”
She met his gaze. “When you’re possessive and bad, it’s so good. I want to be your naughty present.” She’d be anything he wanted right now. No more being hot and cold. No more worrying about whether they’d last beyond the holiday. She deserved a good time filled with tinsel and twinkle lights—and him.
“Naughty Christmas sounds like a good tradition to me. Why? It’s ours.” Jordy palmed her ass. He kept the coat around her, but slid one hand beneath the lapel and cupped her breast. He brushed his thumb across the nipple piercing, sending shivers through her veins. Her pussy throbbed. Oh damn.
The elevator door opened and a couple strolled out. Her bodice appeared to be tied together and a little torn. Her lipstick had smeared on the collar of his white dress shirt. Both smiled, then headed into the club.
“At least we know you were right. I’m sure they did all sorts of kinky things in here.” Jordy held the elevator door and nudged her into the car. “Come to my room. I’ve got presents for you.”
Presents sounded good. So did getting him naked. She sagged against his chest. “I’m in.” Like she could tell him anything else?
His laughter echoed in the small space as the doors closed. He caged her between his body and the corner. “Santa likes and he’s going to spoil you in every way he knows.”
Chapter Four
A million thoughts ran through Jordy’s mind as he kissed Allyson. Why hadn’t they gone to Vegas together? Would’ve saved them both a lot of hassle. But then he would’ve had to have told her how he really felt. Still, they’d ended up together for Christmas. She was in his arms and the best present he could find under the tree—or at least in the club.