Undeniable Attraction
Page 14
She angled her head, glancing at Aaron in the darkened room. She could make out his features, see his slightly parted lips, hear the soft inhalations of his breath. He seemed content.
And how easily she could be content in his arms. But there was that niggling fear.
Did he like her?
As soon as that question came into her mind, Melissa turned away from Aaron and frowned. Why was she contemplating whether or not he liked her? It didn’t matter. She had spent these two nights with Aaron for one reason only—to scratch an itch. That had been the plan. Whether or not he liked her was of zero significance.
In fact, the goal was to forget about him once and for all. Clearly, she had a fierce attraction to him, but it was okay to be a hot-blooded female with desires. The time she’d spent with Aaron had reminded her that she was missing intimacy in her life. Why had she not yet set up a profile on an online dating site?
As for Aaron, hopefully after last night, she could purge whatever this was inside her that found him attractive and irresistible.
She glanced at him again, and desire spread through her body. The temptation to slip onto his body and wake him up with kisses under his jawline was seriously intense. Her mind and her body weren’t on the same page. Her mind told her that enough was enough; it was time to be done with Aaron already. Her body, on the other hand, enjoyed every moment that he touched her, kissed her, made love to her—and wanted more.
And then there was her heart. It was telling her that what she was experiencing with Aaron was more than just sex.
The way Aaron held her, kissed her, the way he looked at her during the act of sex...it all felt amazingly intimate. Not like two people simply getting together to fill a physical need.
Don’t go there, she told herself. Melissa couldn’t get caught up in those feelings. She couldn’t allow herself to believe that sex with Aaron was more than what it was. Obviously, a man like Aaron was used to having lots of sex with lots of women. He found her attractive; that was a given. And men like Aaron pursued attractive women and could have sex without letting emotions complicate things.
For Melissa to even begin to entertain any fanciful feelings that sex was more than just sex with him would be stupid.
He’d broken her heart once, hadn’t he? She didn’t want to give him the power to do that again.
She glanced at him again, thought of just how attentive he had been to her in and out of the bedroom, how great he’d been with the kids at the group home, and how much he cared about the Nunez family. He was a good man, one she could easily fall for again. But she had to remember that he had issues he hadn’t dealt with, issues that caused him to shut down his emotions and walk away from her. He could easily do that again.
Melissa cared easily. She wanted to love without reservation. Give her body to a man who loved her from the depths of his soul. If she compromised on what she needed from a man, she would have to deal with the devastating consequences when she got hurt. She needed a man who was going to be open and vulnerable with her.
Even lying in bed with Aaron like this was entirely too comfortable, entirely the kind of thing that made her long for something more. She eased out from under his arm and slowly got off the bed. She was stuck in the past.
Because she’d never truly had closure on her relationship with Aaron.
She shook her head as she started to pad across the room, disappointed with the direction of her thoughts. She didn’t need closure. She was over Aaron Burke. She’d gotten over him years ago.
Her dress was on the living room floor, where it had been quickly discarded when Aaron was desperate to get her naked. She wished she had something else to wear out of here, but the dress was her only option.
“Where are you going?” Aaron asked.
Melissa froze, surprised that he was awake.
She looked over her shoulder at him. “I was just going to use the bathroom and look for my clothes.”
“And sneak off again?” Aaron asked, but there was a hint of humor in his voice.
“I probably do need to get back. I’ve got work.”
“On a Saturday?”
“I typically go in on Saturday afternoons. I have some reports to do.”
“We should have time for breakfast before you leave, then.”
Did she want to extend her time with him? No. She wanted to flee. Even looking at him in the bed, his gorgeous body stretched out and the bedsheet carelessly strewn across his midsection, she felt her womb tighten with desire.
She wanted to stay here with him, make love to him over and over again, and forget the rest of the world existed.
Surely this wasn’t normal.
“And maybe we could...one more time...” Aaron said, giving her a wink.
Her center throbbed. He hadn’t spelled out the words, but it was obvious what he wanted. And good Lord, she wanted that, too.
Why was he so hard to resist? Shouldn’t she be telling him now that this was the last time they could be together, that it had been fun while it lasted, but now she was going to get back to her real life in the real world and—
“Come here,” he said, patting the spot she’d vacated beside him.
Melissa’s pulse quickened. Then she did as he’d asked and made her way over to him. She eased her bottom down onto the bed, and he leaned forward and gave her lips a peck. “You standing there, naked, teasing me...it should be a crime. You know that?” He snaked an arm around her waist. “I can’t get enough of you. Damn, girl, what have you done to me?”
Melissa swallowed. She wanted more than anything to believe that he’d never felt this kind of attraction for anyone else, that there was something special about her. That the sex between them was the best he’d ever had.
But she knew that was foolish.
She also knew that right now, she wanted nothing more than to have that one more roll in the hay with him. Before she went back to New Jersey and her life without him, she needed him one last time.
* * *
After making love once again, Melissa and Aaron had a breakfast of fruit, yogurt and granola while lazing around in bed. Melissa tried to keep a happy disposition, but everything felt bittersweet.
Soon she would be leaving Aaron, and this time she planned never to see him again.
But her heart was hurting a little over that fact. Their last time making love had been the most emotional of all their times together—slow, sensual and seemingly filled with meaning. Or maybe Melissa had felt more emotional intensity because she knew that she would soon be saying goodbye to Aaron forever.
There was no other way. She knew that. And yet, the idea that she was closing the door on him and what she’d once believed was possible made her a little bit sad.
Even more so because the sexual chemistry with Aaron had been all she could ever want with a partner. He brought her body to heights she’d never experienced. She missed kissing, making love, lying in bed with someone.
But she wanted that with someone in the context of a relationship—a real one. Not with someone who was good at scratching an itch, but not good at committing.
There was too much baggage between her and Aaron for her to believe he could possibly be the man she needed, even if on some level, somewhere deep inside her, she wished that he could be.
They’d had their chance, hadn’t they? And Aaron had blown it. They hadn’t talked over the years. Melissa had always believed that once a relationship was over, there was no going back to it.
She gazed at Aaron, who looked so darn tempting wearing only his boxer briefs, sitting on the bed beside her. She was wearing one of his T-shirts, which was huge on her. This was nice...and she would enjoy these last few minutes with him, then move on.
“I’d better get changed,” Melissa said. Just as Aaron tried to reach for her, she slid off the bed, giggling.
Thankfully, Aaron had had the foresight to have her bag with her regular clothes sent up to the room, so Melissa didn’t have to leave the hotel all decked out in her stunning gown. She was glad not to have to do that walk of shame. And the staff was nice enough to get her a hanger and a plastic dress bag to carry her gown with her.
A short while later, she was dressed and ready to leave. Aaron took her garment bag, and together they left the room, neither of them saying a word.
But once they were in the elevator, Aaron used his free hand to pull her against his body. He gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “I wish you didn’t have to leave yet.”
“You’re insatiable,” Melissa teased.
“You weren’t complaining last night.” He gave her another kiss. “Nor this morning.”
She looked up at him, giving him a bashful smile. She hadn’t been complaining, not in the least.
The elevator pinged, alerting them of their arrival on the main floor. With a groan, Aaron released her.
He adjusted the hanger with Melissa’s gown at the back of his shoulder as the elevator doors opened. He took her hand and they strolled through the lobby. Melissa felt as though all eyes were on her.
The memory of Aaron’s body tangled with hers caused a hot rush to pass through her body. Their time together had been spectacular.
Melissa glanced down at their joined hands, something she liked and hated at the same time. The hand-holding spoke of a level of intimacy between them, made her think that at least he didn’t regard her as a woman he could just bed and throw aside. And she liked that.
But she almost wished that he didn’t exhibit any signs of caring where she was concerned. Because it would be that much harder to forget him.
They exited the front doors and walked out onto the street. Aaron walked her to the Maybach and opened the back door. He hung her dress inside, then dipped his head and gave her a soft, lingering kiss on the lips. “I had a great time last night,” he whispered.
“Me too,” Melissa admitted with a bashful smile.
“Maybe we can get together next weekend.”
Melissa’s heart spasmed. Next weekend? He wanted to see her again?
Before she had time to think, much less respond, he kissed her again, this time stroking her face as well. Tingles of delight spread through her.
Aaron groaned slightly, then released her. “Let me know you got home safely.”
“Sure.” Melissa got into the vehicle, a mix of conflicting emotions flowing through her.
She knew that seeing Aaron again would be crazy, and yet as the limo driver pulled away, she turned to look at him. He stepped into the road to get a better view of the disappearing car.
He waved. Melissa waved back.
This was goodbye. It had to be.
Chapter 21
“Well, well, well,” Teresa said in a singsong voice, a huge smile on her face. “Someone had a great night.”
“I just walked through the door.”
“Yeah, and even your walk is different. Come on, tell me how it was!”
“Where are Mike and Ed?” Melissa asked, referring to the other counselors who were working today.
“It’s a beautiful day. They took the boys to the park. I should have gone...but I figured this would be the only chance we had to talk. So come on, tell me everything!”
Melissa’s face instantly flamed. She hoped her friend couldn’t see the extent of her embarrassment.
But why should she be embarrassed? She’d had the best night of her life, hands down.
“All right. Let’s talk in my office.”
Teresa squealed and hurried behind Melissa into the office. Her friend’s excitement had Melissa flushing hotly with the memory of last night. Every delicious detail flooded her mind...and a wave of sensations washed over her. Aaron kissing her, the way his fingers and tongue explored her body...
“Tell me!” Teresa said. “Because I can see it in your eyes. You’re remembering some of the dirty details right now, aren’t you?”
Melissa slumped into her chair with a satisfied sigh. “I had a great time,” she said. “It was spectacular.”
“I haven’t heard you use those words about a night with a guy...ever.”
Melissa remembered Aaron’s tongue on her earlobe, and she had to make a concerted effort to push the image out of her mind in order to keep speaking. “I needed last night,” Melissa admitted. “He’s gorgeous. The evening itself was fun and meaningful. The fund-raiser had me totally emotional. It was such a wonderful gesture for the Nunez family.”
“Hopefully that little girl survives and does well.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.” Melissa paused. “Honestly, I thought I was going to be in a room with a bunch of snooty people. People with money to burn who show up and pretend to care just to be seen on Page Six. But honestly, I couldn’t have been more wrong. They were sweet. And they really did care. I was moved. A lot of money was raised, and it was a wonderful thing to see these athletes giving back as opposed to being selfish.”
“More points for Aaron Burke,” Teresa said.
Melissa’s pulse tripped. She wondered again if she had judged him too harshly. After all, he had been wonderful to her, hadn’t he? But she didn’t want to allow herself to go there.
Teresa’s eyes were dancing with excitement. “I am so thrilled for you. When are you seeing him again?”
“I’m not sure that I am.”
“What?” The look of shock that passed over Teresa’s face could not have been more intense. “Why not?”
“First of all, we live in different cities. That’s the biggest hindrance.”
“He lives in your hometown?”
“Yeah.”
“So? He can travel, can’t he? Obviously he’s got the financial resources. If he wants to see you, I’m sure you two can make it happen.”
“I’m not trying to plan out this crazy life of fitting in sex with a guy between work and my other obligations.”
“What other obligations? Stressing over the headaches that happen here? If anyone could use a steady romantic partner, it’s you. Have you looked in a mirror? You look like a changed woman.”
And how nice it would be to have Aaron as a steady romantic partner. Melissa could get used to spending nights with him. Enjoying breakfast in bed. But that was a fantasy life, a fantasy in her mind. It wasn’t reality.
“Because I had a bit of fun, which was just what I needed,” Melissa explained. “But that’s all it was...fun.”
Teresa frowned. “Why can’t it be more?”
“Because,” Melissa said succinctly, then sighed. “Listen, there’s a lot you don’t know about him. We used to date years back, when I was a teenager. And...he hurt me. We were young, I get it. Still, you know?”
“No, I don’t know. I can’t make sense of anything you’re saying to me right now.”
“He married my nemesis from high school. He knew how much of a headache this girl was in my life. And he married her. The one person who thought she was better than every other girl. The prettiest, the sexiest, the best, period. Aaron married her.”
“But they’re obviously not together anymore...because you wouldn’t have slept with him. Right?”
Melissa made a face at her friend. “Obviously not. I would never get involved with him if he were still married to Ella or anyone else.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“I guess what I’m saying is we have baggage. Stuff I’m not sure I can fully overlook.”
“Are you serious?” Teresa asked. “You used to date, what? Twelve, thirteen years ago?”
“Twelve.
But the last time we talked before the wedding was eleven years, nine months and some-odd days ago,” Melissa admitted in a soft voice.
“Wait a second,” Teresa said, her eyes widening. “If you’re still upset about a breakup from nearly twelve years ago, that means you never really forgot him.”
“It means I don’t want to make the same mistake twice. Aaron has a way of making you feel wonderful—but when he shuts down, it’s awful. I don’t know what I did wrong, if he suddenly thought I wasn’t good enough for him—or if something else was going on. But he shut down, refused to talk to me and broke my heart.” Melissa shrugged. “Some men never let you in, and I don’t want to deal with that again. Besides, now he’s famous and used to women throwing themselves at him. He’d probably grow bored of me.”
“I doubt it.”
“But do I want to take that chance?”
“Well, you seem to have put a lot of thought into this. I wonder why.”
Melissa’s stomach lurched at the question from her friend. Why, indeed?
“Because... I don’t want to be a fool. I can be a modern woman and have a lover and not need a relationship.”
“So you want him as a lover, then?”
“That’s not what I said. I already had my fun. It’s time to move on.”
Teresa’s lips twisted in a scowl. “If you say so.”
* * *
When Aaron’s phone trilled, indicating he had a text message, he quickly scooped it up and retrieved it.
Seeing Melissa’s name on his screen, he smiled.
I meant to text you earlier. I got home safely but had to hustle to get into work, which is where I am now. Thanks again for a great night...
Aaron had hoped that she would call him, but seeing this message from her nonetheless lifted his spirits. At least she wasn’t cutting him off like she had after the first time they’d spent the night together.
Though if she did, she’d be in for a surprise. He wasn’t about to let her walk out of his life, no questions asked.
Not after the undeniable chemistry between them.