by Marie Harte
She raised a brow in a way that always made him want to tie her up and punish her for her arrogance. And now that he knew what it felt like to have her, he wanted nothing more than to share his fantasies with her.
“Sex between us should be my call, not yours,” she said in a tone that went with her raised brow.
“How so?” He tucked his cock back in his pants, amazed at how much he’d come, and felt ready for a nap. Stifling a grin, he straightened the rest of his clothing, loving the fact she still had nothing on but her heeled boots.
“Well, you call the shots on our ‘dates’. Seems to me this qualifies as a date, and you specifically said no sex on our dates. So I should manage our time together, to make sure you don’t take advantage of me again.” Before he could take offense, she grinned at him. “I mean, all that body and that huge cock, what’s a horny girl going to do but jump your bones?”
He smiled with her. “Tell you what. You can pick the location of our next dinner date. I promise not to have sex with you or wear tight and revealing clothing. Then you won’t be tempted to jump me again.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
This Maya delighted him. Fun, flirty, and she seemed to have let down her guard for once. Perhaps he’d do best to make love to her at every opportunity. A win-win.
He grinned.
She slowly put her clothing on, making no effort to wipe him off her skin. “Okay, we’ll meet at Polvino’s Pizza on the westside.”
He frowned. “That’s not a restaurant. That’s a pizza place. They do takeout.”
“Yes, and there’s an outdoor food court across the street. We can eat great pizza by a fire pit before walking back to my place.”
“Your place?” He gave a mock frown. “But what if you’re tempted to do bad things to me?” He stretched out, pleased when she followed his movements with her gaze. “I’m just a man. If you try to trick me into sex with you again, I’ll probably fall for it.”
She smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
“Fine.” He sighed. “If I have to.”
“Oh come on.”
“Six o’clock, Polvino’s. I’m buying.”
“Obviously.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and left him watching her.
The door closed, and she was gone.
He stared at the walls, looking at the pictures but not seeing them. I just fucked Maya. Twice. And she was beyond amazing. He grinned. Then he started to laugh.
After the joy settled to a pleasurable hum throughout his body, he realized he needed to rethink his strategy with the sexy woman. If left to Maya, she’d fuck him until he couldn’t think. He’d end up telling her how much she meant to him. Then she’d drop his ass cold and move on—no commitment, no vulnerability.
He’d have to make sure to keep her on her toes. Much as it pained him to do it, he’d have to refrain from having sex with her tomorrow night.
He picked up the condom off the floor and tossed it in the trash. No more sex with Maya? Dear God, could he do it—er, not do it? Maybe to be on the safe side, he’d get more protection.
A jumbo pack this time.
Chapter Five
Tuesday night his cousin continued to harass him all the way to Polvino’s pizzeria. “Classy date you’re going on, Dex.” Anson snorted. “You going to splurge and let her have pepperoni too?”
“Shut up. At least my date will talk to me. Your lady love dreams about staking you in your sleep.”
Anson frowned. “She does not.”
“Yeah, that’s harsh. More like a bullet to the brain. I can’t see Riley getting all up and in your face. She’s too nice for that.”
“First of all, she’s not my lady love.”
Who did Anson think he was kidding? He’d had the hots for Riley forever.
“And second,” Anson continued, “Riley is a mutual acquaintance, nothing more. We’re business neighbors.”
“Business neighbors? Dude, you had an entire city to plant a new restaurant. Why move right next to Riley? I’ll tell you why,” Dex said before his cousin could comment. “Because you’re finally sacking up. You want her, and you can’t stand that she doesn’t want you. So this is your subtle way of making your move. Only you’re a complete moron and it’s backfiring on you.”
“You can deflect all you want, but tonight has nothing to do with Riley.”
“Never said it did.” Dex grinned, always in a good mood when he could peeve his cousin. Anson was a terrific person and one of his best friends, but he was also his own worst enemy. The guy didn’t know how to be anything but the best at whatever he did. Money, work, women, Anson had it all, and he knew it. But Riley had never given him the time of day, and poor Anson had no idea how to handle that.
“Why am I doing you this favor again?” Anson asked as he turned onto Galveston.
“Because I didn’t want to drive, my love life needs help and you’re Mr. Fix It.”
“I thought I was a complete moron.”
“That too.”
“Oh, right.” Anson grinned. “So your scheme—”
“Plan.”
“Tawdry scheme is to continue blackmailing Maya into what? Falling in love with you?”
“Yep.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Sure it does. Maya hasn’t changed all that much since high school. She’s still beautiful, guarded and in control of every aspect of her life. In a lot of ways, you and she are alike.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. You’re both too cocky for your own good.”
“Please. Just because I’m self-confident and feel no need to brush off my many accomplishments, people—”
“There it is. That boasting, not that it isn’t well-deserved.”
“Thanks for that at least,” Anson said with no small amount of sarcasm. “I still don’t see why you don’t have a rational conversation with the woman. Just tell her how you feel. You’re smart, have the family looks and a big wallet. What’s not to like?”
Dex shook his head. “You dumb bastard. You have met Maya, right? She has a thing about control. Luckily for her, I do too. And I don’t mind letting her think she has it.”
Anson glanced at him then pulled into a parking spot. “Good luck. With that one, you’re going to need it. You sure you wouldn’t rather have someone else? I know a lot of people. Carla’s a great girl. Debbie too. Both independent, cute and pleasant.”
“Pleasant is boring. I like ’em a little mean.” He looked through the windshield and saw Maya waiting out front, tapping her foot. “This one’s mine.”
“My poor cousin. She’s going to chew you up and spit you out.”
“But she’ll have her mouth on some part of me, so it’s all good.”
Anson chuckled. “Dumbass. You have your own ride home then?”
“From Maya’s it’s maybe a ten minute walk. I’ll be fine.” He opened the door.
“Famous last words.” Anson shoved him out. “Talk to you later…if you’re still breathing that is.” He nodded at Maya, who nodded back.
She glared at Dex. “You’re late.”
“And hello to you too.” Dex smiled, oddly pleased when she frowned back at him. She looked cautious, and he couldn’t have been happier. Their time in his shop had meant more than a measly fuck to her if Maya wasn’t sure how to handle him.
“I want pizza.” She glanced in the window at a kid flipping dough.
“After you.” Dex held the door for her, amused when she strutted past him with her nose in the air. Then her perfume hit him and he had to contain a groan. She smelled so damn good.
He ordered with her, and they took their pizza across the street into the open food court. Tables and chairs littered the central space, while around the court several food trucks served patrons daily until ten at night
. “You want a beer?”
“Is snow white?”
He smiled. “Any preference?”
“Whatever you’re having. I’m not picky.” She gave him a look that said she included him in that comment.
He laughed and left, returning with two drafts. “Here, Ms. Picky.”
She smirked and took the cup he handed her. “Thanks.”
They ate together in quiet, watching the people around them. A few families with small children. Couples, a group of men arguing over football and a bunch of teenagers enjoying the crisp fall air. A huge fire blazed in the very center of the yard, while a few propane heaters around the outlying tables provided heat.
“I like this.”
She glanced at him and nodded. “Me too. It’s tres casual.” She smiled. “I bet you’re wishing you had your camera with you.”
He blinked. “How did you know?”
“You have that look.”
“What look?”
She finished a slice of pizza before answering. “That look, the one that’s always studying everyone. Looking for angles or lighting or whatever it is you see through a lens.”
He liked the fact she knew his expressions enough to peg him, because yeah, he’d been thinking what a great black and white shot this setting would have made. But as he stared at her, he thought how amazing she’d look silhouetted against the moon.
“Dex?” She took a healthy swig of beer. “You still with me or are you zoning out again?”
“Now how could I zone out when I’m sitting with the prettiest girl in Bend?”
She rolled her eyes. “Does that line ever work on anyone?”
“First time using it. What do you think?”
“Don’t quit your day job.”
He laughed. “I won’t, trust me. I had such a great day yesterday.” She choked on her beer. “Thought I wouldn’t mention it, huh?”
She shrugged. “Not like what we did is a big secret or anything.” She paused. “What did Anson think?”
“I don’t kiss and tell.” He held a hand over his heart, pretending she’d broken it. “How dare you think I would?”
She laughed. “Save it, Dex. We both know you’re proud of how you wrecked me the other day.”
“I did, didn’t I?” His grin widened. “What did Riley and Ann think of my performance?”
She frowned. “We’re not a bunch of magpies, you know. We don’t share everything.” He raised a brow and she snapped, “We don’t.”
“Look, I don’t mind.” He put a touch of hurt into his next words. “I’m not ashamed of what we did.”
“I’m not either. But I… You’re screwing with me, aren’t you?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He laughed at her and drank his beer. “You’re so fun to tease.”
Her cheeks darkened. “Shut up and eat your pizza.”
He razzed her some more as they ate, but when he started to ask about her day, she looked past him, mouth agape. He turned to look behind him.
“Dad?” Maya said. “What are you doing here?”
Roy Werner stood with a petite blonde on his arm. “Hello, honey. And who’s this?” His eyes narrowed. “Dexter Black? Wow, did you get big. I heard you were back in town.”
“Hey, Mr. Werner. Great to see you again.” Dex stood and shook Roy’s hand.
“Roy, please. Oh, and this is Bev. Bev, meet Dexter and my daughter, Maya. We decided to take in the great weather and the food.”
“Hello.” Bev smiled. “Nice to meet you both.”
Dex greeted her warmly, but Maya seemed a little standoffish, though neither her father nor Bev seemed to notice.
“We don’t want to bother—” her father started to say.
“Why don’t you join us?” Maya invited.
“I’m fine with that,” said Bev, “unless we’re interrupting?”
Dex glanced at Maya, who smirked at him. “No, that’s fine. Please join us. Your company is more than welcome.”
Bev, at least, wasn’t immune to his charm. She sat while Roy went to get them something to eat. “So, Maya, your father has been telling me that you’re an artist?”
Maya took a long sip of beer, watching Bev.
Dex watched the scene play out, wondering if the stubborn woman would be intentionally rude or if she’d play nice. Apparently she didn’t mean to play nice with him, inviting others into their private time.
“I’m an artist, yeah.” Maya nodded. “I work with clay, primarily. But sometimes I delve into other mediums.”
“Oh? That’s really interesting.”
“Not as interesting as Poindexter here.” She thrust a thumb in Dex’s direction.
“Poindexter? Really?” He hated that stupid nickname.
Maya grinned. “Dex is a famous photographer.”
“Don’t deflect, Maya.” He turned to Bev. “Maya’s been in art shows all over the Northwest, and she’s had pieces in a ton of galleries. The big ones in Tumalo and Sisters, Fobragios in Portland, and a few in Seattle, right, Maya?”
She stared at him. “How do you know all that?”
“I know things.” Dex gave her a smug smile.
“Really? Well did you know I’m still hungry?” She snatched his third piece of pizza off his plate.
“Predator,” he mumbled, and she laughed at him as she ate his piece.
Bev chuckled. “How long have you two been dating?”
“A billion years,” Maya said at the same time Dex answered, “Not long enough.”
Again, Bev laughed.
“What about you and my dad? You two already shacked up or what?” Maya asked.
The silence that settled over the table felt heavy, until Bev grinned. “You don’t hold back, do you? Roy warned me that I’d like you.”
Dex let out a quiet sigh of relief. Good thing Roy had chosen a woman with thick skin.
“Your father handled some business for my late husband years ago, and when I found myself needing financial advice, he was the guy I knew would shoot straight with me. Then, well, you of all people know how charming he can be.”
Roy returned with a tray of Thai food and drinks. He set Bev up before helping himself to dinner. “What did I miss?”
Roy had height, probably where Maya had gotten hers, as well as an olive complexion, light brown eyes and dark brown hair. A handsome-enough guy who looked far younger than what had to be his late fifties or early sixties. He was a financial planner for one of the big names and a whiz when it came to money. Dex had always liked him because the man didn’t tolerate nonsense—especially not from his obstinate daughter.
“Maya was asking Bev how long you two have shacked up,” Dex said helpfully.
“Maya, really?” Her father shook his head.
She glared at Dex before turning a sweet smile on her father. “Well, you never saw fit to mention her, so I thought I’d go for her intentions right away. Don’t want anyone taking advantage of my poor daddy.”
Dex choked on his beer. Boy was she laying it on thick. A little bratty for a woman her age. Her attitude made him want to take her back home and spank the hell out of her ass before sliding inside her. He shifted in his seat.
Roy just looked at her. “For your information, Bev is very comfortable, with or without me. She should be careful around me, because we all know how money-hungry I am.”
Maya suddenly looked bored. “Oh.” Then she looked at Bev. “He’s all yours.”
Bev chuckled. “You sound just like my oldest boy. He’s always staring down any man I go to dinner with, giving him ‘The Talk’.”
“It usually works. I can be very unpleasant,” Maya told her.
“She can,” Dex agreed. “Witness.”
Roy laughed. “I always liked you, Dexter. Dexter took Maya to the prom her senior
year,” he told Bev. “They made such a cute couple.”
“Beauty and the geek,” Dex said with self-deprecating humor. “I was a lot smaller then.”
“But just as geeky,” Maya added with a grin.
Roy dug into his food. “So what have you been up to? How long are you in town?”
Before Dex could answer, Maya did for him. “He’s back to stay. Apparently genius boy is setting up a photography studio downtown, on Bond.”
“That’s great.” Bev beamed at him.
“Yeah, and he’s loaded.” Maya nudged her head in Dex’s direction. “So, Bev, you can do a lot better than my dad. Just sayin’.”
“Maya.” Roy frowned.
Dex couldn’t help laughing. “But, Maya, you’re so charming and demure. I don’t want anyone but you, sugar plum.”
Roy and Bev seemed to get a kick out of that. Maya didn’t seem as amused, then he caught sight of the smile she tried to hide. “Yep. She’s the most disagreeable, pain-in-the-butt, temperamental artist I’ve ever met. And a more gifted craftsman I’ve never seen.”
Maya flushed.
“She’s not bad on the eyes either,” he added and watched her blush deepen.
“Ha. He’s got you pegged.” Roy pointed a finger at her. “Looks like her mother. Same attitude and everything. But she has my work ethic, so it all evens out.”
At mention of Maya’s mother, her expression turned flat.
“She must have been beautiful,” Bev said.
“She was.” Maya smiled, but he could tell it was forced.
Roy nodded. “I told you she passed away a few years after Maya was born. Then I was stuck handling this bundle of energy.”
Dex wanted to laugh at the description. Bundle of energy? He’d always pictured Maya as more like a cat. Sensual, slinky and devious. From what he’d nagged out of Riley, the girl liked her beauty sleep and had no problem doing nothing all day long. But once an artistic frenzy hit, watch out. She’d pounce on her work and not let up until she nailed it.
Her father and Bev turned the conversation toward how they’d met, and Maya relaxed a little. But Dex wondered about the tension he’d witnessed.
After a while, he and Maya left her father and Bev with a promise for dinner in a few weeks. As they left the food court, he reached for Maya’s hand and gripped it tight, expecting her to try and pull away.