by Denise Marie
His gaze, the one on her ass, roamed up again. “Yes, baby?”
She smacked his ass and passed him to open the door.
“The dress isn’t the only new thing I’m trying tonight.”
****
She closed her eyes and tipped her chin up to soak in the warm California sun. She missed Tampa. Many things about being with the Scandals reminded her of home. If the circumstances were different, she’d bring him there.
“Miss the Tampa heat?” He held her waist from behind and kissed her forehead when she tilted it back far enough.
“Mmmm, yes I do, but this is nice. Are we waiting for the limo?” When she opened her eyes, she caught sight of a flash from across the street. She jolted and placed her hand on his chest.
“Don’t worry, baby. I like being seen with you in my arms. I will forever have keepsakes of you online, in the tabloids, the paper, and whatever else they use to gossip these days. Unless it bothers you?”
She shook her head at the same time the purr of an engine and male hoots sounded behind her. Curiosity about the smile on his face nagged at her. She spun around to see Drew and Brett drive up in a candy-apple red Lamborghini.
“Cole.” She jumped into his arms, and he plunged one foot back to brace the impact.
He chuckled and held her tight. She could feel his arousal.
“Careful sweetheart, I have a lot planned. We don’t need any injuries getting in our way.” He wiggled his eyebrows with a devilish grin.
She peered up into his eyes; he was always honest about what he wanted.
“Cole, this car rocks.” Brett jumped out of the passenger seat, a splayed grin and wild gaze fixed on the car, while he forced his steps away. He inched back to it every few paces as if he couldn’t let it go.
Drew climbed out of the low to the ground car with as much finesse as a tall man could. “Seriously Izzy, your list kicks ass.”
“Hope you guys didn’t leave any drool marks.” He patted Brett’s back and pranced with a cocky stride to hold the door open for her. “If you’re good, I may let you drive later, but right now, it’s my turn. Besides, I’d kinda like to keep my man card in front of the guys. Drew is right baby, your list kicks ass.”
“Yes, it does. I regret to inform you though, with a strut like that, you won’t lose your man card. You’ll just give it away.”
His grin and lack of rebuttal caused her to follow his gaze, to the wide-eyed, speechless men.
“Hands off boys, she’s all mine too.”
Heat rushed to her face, sure to be noticeable.
Before she crouched in, she locked gazes with him, held back tears. “How am I ever going to repay you for all of this? I still don’t understand why someone like you would do so much for someone—” She let her gaze fall to her body. “—like me?”
He guided her chin with his fingertips, back up to him again. “The guys are right. You don’t realize how beautiful you are.”
He helped her into the car. As he rounded to the driver’s side, he gestured something to Drew with a slight nod of his head. Hmm. I wonder what that was all about.
The sight of him beside her in the very fine sports car was hot, but the ridiculous smile on his face, priceless. “You sure are happy.”
He smoothed his hands around the steering wheel, still focused on the road ahead. “Driving a car like this is a first for me too.”
“I would have guessed, given your success, you would own something like this. Aren’t cars like toys for grown boys?”
He smiled and reached for her hand, lifted it up to his mouth for a kiss. His lips were warm, soft. “I own it now, thanks to you.”
She bit her lip and placed her free hand on her stomach.
“I may look wild on the outside in order to maintain a certain appearance, but my priorities have always grounded me, kept me from the temptations of our success. I told you about my dad raising me and my brothers?”
“Yes. Of course.”
Still fixated on the traffic, he tilted his head in her direction when she answered. Every moment since day one, he let her know, somehow, he was with her.
“My dad sacrificed a lot, trying to keep a roof over our heads. You see what it’s like to keep us four grown men fed on the bus. My brothers and I were no different. Dad did everything for us, even if it meant he went without. He worked so many jobs to help us grow into the men we are. We are all very successful, in our own ways.”
His interpretation of his upbringing inspired her, reminded her of her own childhood. Even as an adult, she modeled her mother’s selflessness, made sure everyone else was happy long before herself. She’d give her lunch away at school to the student who didn’t have one, until she smartened up and made a little pantry in her classroom.
“Anyway. I support my dad now and give anonymous donations to a fair amount of charities back home.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s the least I can do. Drew often gives me shit for not splurging on myself. Guess he’ll have you to thank. Enough of the heavy, here we are.”
She didn’t want to leave the confines of the beautiful car, didn’t want the purr to fade. He placed his hand on her bare knee when she put her hand on the door. “Please, allow me.” He hurried out of the car, handed the keys to the valet, and opened her door. He ushered her in, with his hand on her lower back. The slight touch took her breath away.
The restaurant gleamed with elegance. She inspected the dining area while the hostess ushered them to the back. The tables glowed with the soft light of golden-colored candles arranged on top of white table clothes, each spaced far enough from the next to allow for privacy. The dark-brown chairs and floor were distinct, and captivating next to the cream-colored walls. She placed her hand to her stomach when they entered their own room. A table similar to the others sat in the center, and flames from a fireplace off to the side offered subtle light. It smelled of baked bread.
“Mr. Davies, it’s a pleasure. Your evening has been planned out to your specifications. Please don’t hesitate to alter anything, at any time.” The young woman bowed and left them alone.
“Your specifications?” She raised her brows at him and sat in the chair he held out for her.
“Yes, darling. I took the liberty to arrange things ahead of time. This night should be perfect, like you.”
She laughed, really laughed. He sat back in his chair and gave her his most annoyed smile.
“I’m sorry. I just find it hard to think of you not dating.” She waved her hands around the room. “Look at this? You could have any woman.”
The waitress chose that moment to serve their champagne and hors d’oeuvre. By the relief on his face, he held something back. He took a deep breath, accepted the champagne bottle, and poured a glass for her.
She placed her hand over his, to stop him, and glanced at the door to make sure the waitress was gone. “I can’t.”
He set the bottle in the ice bucket. With concern in his eyes, he cradled her hand in both of his and waited for her to continue.
The current of his worry traveled through their embrace. “I was feeling rough earlier and took some medication. I should avoid alcohol for now anyway.” She slouched in her chair and sighed. “I really want to drive the car.”
He laughed, let go of the unnecessary tension and relaxed back in his seat. He pointed to the food placed in front of them and smiled. “Then I guess we’d better eat.”
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Uh-huh. Caviar.”
A slight shuffle from under the table caught her attention. His leg. “Believe it or not, a lot of this I have never done before, either.” He inspected the serving platter and scrunched his nose. An image of him flashed before her, with meat and potatoes, not fine cuisine. Either way, he was perfect for her.
“One, two, three?” She shrugged her shoulders when he shook his head and laughed at her. “Hey, I teach kindergarteners.”
They stretched, with hesitation, for what appeared to b
e toasted baguettes covered in something her students would describe as turds.
“One,” they raised their delicacies together.
“Two,” touched as if to cheers one another.
“Three,” and breathed deep before taking a bite.
They chewed, and stared at one another, quiet. The moment lingered and all she could think of were discreet ways to get this offensive-tasting crap out of her mouth. She didn’t want to spit it out, how awkward would that be? She was close to projectile vomiting, which would be worse. He smiled while he chewed, as if he enjoyed it. She could too. Maybe.
Be strong.
She caved, peeled the napkin from her lap, and spit it out. “Oh my God, that is awful.”
Cole followed her lead, all but gagging. “OK, I take it back, sweetie. Your list isn’t all great. How do people like that shit?”
They both wiped their tongues off with the napkins when the waitress entered the room again at just the right moment. Neither was very skilled at covers ups, as they composed themselves and knocked dinnerware over in the process.
“Is everything all right, Mr. Davies?” She also queried in Isabelle’s direction. “Mrs. Davies?”
She sat back speechless, fixed the napkin on her lap, and laced her hands together in a white knuckled grip.
“My apologies if we were too loud. My girlfriend and I are just experiencing some firsts.” He pointed to the caviar. “It is apparent neither of our palates finds this as appetizing as we’d been led to believe. Would you mind taking it away for us? Please charge the full amount. I am sure those who desire it find it wonderfully appetizing.”
“As you wish. I will put a rush on your entrées.”
The waitress exited with a bright blush on her pale skin. She waited until the frosted French doors closed. “Girlfriend?” She swung back to him. It wasn’t the first time, but the past one was about redemption. Did he believe it to be true?
“Well, I am not opposed to referring to you as my wife, but I figured girlfriend might be a better start. After all, I do happen to think of you as a friend, and given the things I’ve enjoyed doing to you, I know you are all woman.”
He scooted back in his seat and tilted his head, patient for her reaction. Waited for her to argue? Not tonight. He’d gone to a lot of trouble, and well, what he said made sense. She waved her hand in the air and told him about her shopping trip on Rodeo Drive. Long term didn’t need to be spoken about; it wasn’t an option.
The entrées were to die for. The combination of mouth-watering goodness and the anticipation of the car didn’t bode well for lady-like manners. She inhaled every bite. “I take it you like pasta?” He held his fork half way to his mouth and stared at her with satisfaction in his gaze.
“A—” Chew. “—maz—” Chew. “—zing.” She covered her mouth with the napkin. “I’m a little excited about driving the car.”
He set his fork down and removed the napkin from his lap and placed it on the table. “I hate to break it to you, honey, but if you keep that up I may be the one driving again, to the hospital.”
She shrugged her shoulders as if to say it will be worth it.
“Well, my beautiful lady. This meal has gone by faster than I planned for, and we now have some time to kill. Whatever can we do with it?” He used his foot under the table to stroke up her leg.
“Duh.” She held out her hand. “Keys please?”
While he handled the bill, she waited as patiently as possible behind the solid engine. Her butt vibrated with its purr. She glared at Cole through the window when he wandered to the car, hands in his pockets, and a sing-song whistle from his lips.
You’ll pay.
He sat in the passenger seat in a calm fashion, took his time with the seat belt. She shrugged, braced her hands on the wheel, and peeled out from between the white lines. She giggled at him, fallen over in his seat. “That’ll teach ya.”
His seatbelt clicked and in her peripheral vision, he scrambled for the door handle and forced his back into the seat.
“Isabelle?”
He gripped the armrest between them, sure to have a frightened, wide-eyed glare as well. It was priceless. “Yes Cole, problem?”
He threw his hand to the dashboard when she swerved into the other lane. At least she signaled.
“Please slow down, honey. Death by hysterically happy girlfriend isn’t the description I want for my obituary.”
That got her to slow down, the car anyway. Her heart raced much faster. Girlfriend? I can’t. I want to, but I can’t.
She didn’t know if her anxiety showed, but it must have since the hum of the engine was all that filled the car on the way to the beach. He set the GPS, but even with its help, dusk had fallen by the time they arrived. They sat in a lot that overlooked the water, silent, taken over by the serene picture before them. The sunset glowed over the water, all the way to the beach, and the sand sparkled as if mixed with crystals. “Wow.” She let her hands fall from the wheel.
Beaches were nothing out of the ordinary for her, but this was different. Was his presence what made the difference?
“I’d say.”
He stared at her, so intensely, like he was aware of the things she refused to even admit to herself. The devotion in his gaze compelled her over the seat. She straddled his lap, a cool breeze drifted up her dress. They focused on one another, and the world, along with all of their worries, melted away. Their desperate inhales of breath echoed over the crash of the waves outside.
He placed his hands on her knees, and slid them up her thighs. He closed his eyes and moaned, clutched onto the garters Amanda swore drove men insane. “Oh, Isabelle.”
She smiled. Amanda was right. She placed her hands on the sides of his face, guided him in for a passionate kiss, and rubbed her swollen nub against his hard shaft. They had too many clothes on. “I need you.”
He broke the kiss long enough to inspect the dusk around them. “It’s not quite dark yet, are you sure?”
She clasped her hand to his, and forced him under her dress. H “Does that convince you?”
His eyes widened. She was bare, hot, wet. “No panties. Are you trying to kill me?”
He growled, freed his hand, and used his thighs to hoist her up so he could undo his zipper. His rush to get inside her, and struggle to get his pants down low enough to do so, amused her.
She leaned forward to kiss his stubble when he seized her hips, lowered her to the right height, and glided his bare shaft through her folds. The tender kiss she’d intended ended up a moan, with her forehead dropped to his cheek. He twisted his hands in her hair and tugged her head back for a kiss; her body moved in frantic need without his help. Her juices covered him with each stroke, and her legs trembled. She squeezed her thighs together, held back the fast approach of her climax.
“Oh no you don’t. I want it. Now.” He let go of her hair, grasped her waist, and lifted, guided her down to sheath him. Urgency to be embedded in her body flashed across his gaze while he stretched her, with care not to hurt her. Every vein of his girth massaged her passage throughout the slow decent. The buildup to climax lost, not necessary. Her body tightened in spasms by the time he filled her.
“Oh God, yes.”
She remained still, with him buried deep, and calmed herself down to make it last.
He tipped her chin toward his lips, kissed her as gently as he entered her. “Take what you need, baby. I’ll give you the world.” He stared at her as if his life in that moment changed for the better. Hers did.
She couldn’t hold back. Every moment with him exposed the woman inside her whom she’d searched for. His serene face glowed in the moonlight and his hands trembled at her sides. His blue eyes sparkled with passion, locked with hers and determined to go with her to the place that’d become their own.
She held on to his muscled shoulders, rose and lowered without a sound. His fingertips dug into her hips, controlled their unhurried pace. Their breath became heavy. Every moveme
nt remained precise. The friction stimulated her beyond restraint. Her tightened muscles gave, set her free. “I’m coming,” she whispered.
“Me too, baby. Me too.” He thrust his hips upward, and drew her down onto him at the same time, sealed their bodies together. He convulsed as he emptied his seed deep into her core, but he still held her gaze.
She lowered her dewy forehead to his while they descended from their high, it was too much. The moment would have been perfect to scream I love you, if they could.
Chapter Thirteen
Dear Diary,
Sometimes it isn’t what’s visible…
They sat there with their foreheads together. A trickle of sweat traveled down the side of his face, moisture coated hers. The car was silent, except for the erratic inhale and exhale of breaths.
She leaned back for distance but the air was as warm as her body. “Well that’s one way to break in a new car.”
Movement out the corner of their eyes forced their attention out the window. A young man stopped and eyed the gorgeous car. When he’d scoured the length of the vehicle with manlike appreciation and landed on the window, he stared. Within seconds, the woman at his side yanked his arm in their intended direction, yelling at him.
He eased out of her snug heat, tried not to make too much of a mess, but his laugh at the poor bastard sure not to get laid tonight made it difficult. “We better get out of here before we’re arrested for indecent exposure.”
She climbed back over to the driver’s seat, “Aren’t all rock stars supposed to get arrested for that at some point in their careers?”
He smacked her backside before she sat. “Ha, ha smartass. Are you sure you are okay to drive?”
She glared at him and smoothed her hands around the wheel. “Pfft. Try not to act like a scared little girl, like you did on our way out here.”
He shook his head and zipped up his pants, mumbled a few derogatory terms. “You will pay for that.”
She turned the key and the purr of the engine hummed, much like the strong pulse that still beat between her legs. She shifted in her seat, squeezed her thighs together and enjoyed the lingering sensation of him inside her, and because she didn’t want to ruin her dress. First stop, ladies room.