Did her feelings show so clearly or was Sean that good at reading her? “I’m just not sure why you’re interested in me when you could have anyone.”
In a near angry tone he announced, “You’re going to make me mad with talk like that. Are you making me a cliché again? I can’t imagine why a woman who’s capable in so many diverse areas, and beautiful to boot, could possibly wonder why me or any other man wouldn’t want her. Fear not, you satisfy me both in and out of bed.”
A feeling she didn’t want to put a name to filled her heart.
“The problem now is mine. How will I ever get enough of you?” Sean asked, as if he needed her to take pity on him.
Cynthia’s heart was near to bursting. “Doctor, I like your bedside manner. You sure know the right thing to say.”
* * *
Sean smiled. Cynthia made him feel as if he were the most special man in the world. He should have known he would be tempting fate to bring her to his bed. There was no way he wouldn’t want more of her. He’d never felt for anyone the way he cared about her. Even now his mind and body wanted more. What was going on with him? He felt edgy, as if something were happening that was out of his control. He needed to figure this out. Rein in his emotions.
“Hey, what time is it?” Cynthia exclaimed.
Sean looked over his shoulder at the alarm clock on the bedside table. “Nine fifty-two.”
Cynthia leaped up and grabbed her clothes. “I’ve got to go. The boys are going to be wondering where I am. I’ve never been gone this long without checking in.”
He sat up and caught her around the wrist as she turned to walk away. “You do know they’re not boys any more? I’d bet they know all about the birds and the bees.”
Her cheeks went red. It was refreshing to find a woman who could still be self-conscious about sex. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I have to make a show of not being there. Me sleeping over with a man for any reason is highly unusual.”
Sean let go of her and stood. Taking her hand, he brought her up close and gazed into her eyes. “What you’re saying is that I’m special?”
Cynthia’s gaze didn’t waver. “Very. You’ve been that from the moment I first heard your voice.”
He brought his mouth close to her ear, lips skimming it. “So you like it when I whisper sweet nothings in your ear?”
“Yes.” She lightly pushed at his chest. “Now you’re trying to distract me. I’ve got to go.”
“I’ll let you go for now but only if you’ll tell me more about how much you like my voice later.”
She huffed. “Men and their egos. I promise. Do you mind if I get a quick shower?”
“Not at all. Make yourself at home.” In the short time she’d been in his house she’d already managed to make her mark on his very personal spaces. His chair, his bed and now she wanted to leave him memories of her in his bath.
While he picked up his clothing she headed to the bath. Seconds later he joined her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, eyes wide when he entered.
“Nope. I just thought I’d join you. I need to drive you home, remember? Also, I have patients to see in the office this afternoon.”
“I can wait until you get through in here.” She reached for her clothes.
Sean lightly caught hold of her wrist. “I thought we could share the shower.”
She looked anywhere but at him. “I don’t know.”
He reached in and turned the water on. “I’ll even let you have the spot under the showerhead.”
She looked at his large tile shower and then back at him. “I guess we could do that.”
And much more if he had his way. He fingered the hem of his T-shirt she still wore. It fell to the top of her thigh. “Don’t get me wrong and I don’t care that you’re wearing it but would you mind telling me why you have on my favorite T-shirt?”
Cynthia shifted and the shirt pulled against her breasts. His body twitched in awareness. He’d not taken the time he should have to appreciate the gifts hidden beneath the tee.
She looked down as if she’d forgotten what she was wearing. “I got my shirt and bra wet. I needed something to wear while drying them. I borrowed your shirt and fell asleep before my clothes were finished drying.”
“It looks far better on you than it does on me.” He studied the shape of her breasts and the outline of her nipples pushed against the material. Unable to resist, he touched one.
Cynthia drew in a breath and went still. Her eyes widened. That was enough to encourage him. He cupped her breast, tested its weight. “Perfect.”
His hands found her hips. “As fetching as you look in my shirt, I know I would enjoy what’s beneath much more.”
Sean ran his hands along her curves until he had gathered the shirt around her hands raised above her head. Her beautiful full breasts were completely exposed to him. Unable to stand it any longer, he took a nipple into his mouth. Cynthia inhaled with a hiss. His tongue circled her nipple and he tugged gently with his teeth before releasing it.
He removed the shirt to find her staring at him with desire-glazed eyes. He grinned, already responding to having her naked. She shivered. “Come on. The water should be warm. I know you’re in a hurry to go.”
“Not that big of one,” she murmured.
He chuckled as he followed her in under the water. No woman had been as responsive or open to his lovemaking as Cynthia. She seemed to bask in wonder and pleasure at his every touch.
She was under the water with her face up when he closed the glass door behind himself. Sean stepped up behind her. Placing his hands on her small waist, he pressed against her backside. He wanted her to know what she did to him. She shifted back to press herself against him. Once again she amazed him. Clearly she didn’t mind letting him know she wanted him. There was nothing timid about her lovemaking. It was open and full on.
Was that what this was? Sex had always been enjoyable but with Cynthia it went to a high level. But love? That he’d never been a part of before. It scared him. He liked what he and Cynthia shared but was it more than two people who really connected?
Sean kissed the top of her shoulder. She shuddered. His hands slid up her torso to cup both of her breasts. She leaned back against his chest giving him full access. Her hands came around to grip his thighs. He gently pulled and teased her breasts as he placed little kisses along her neck and jaw. “I have to taste you.”
He slowly turned her to face him. She looked at him as if he were the most amazing man in the world. Somehow he was going to see to it that she always believed that. Bending, he took a wet, swollen nipple into his mouth. She whimpered so sweetly he was afraid he might not be able to last. Gaining control, he moved to the other nipple, giving it the same attention.
With one hand, she hung onto his shoulder while the other slipped over his thigh up to his hip. There she hesitated before she took him in her hand. His blood boiled and his body throb unbearably. He’d never been set on fire so soon after having a woman. It was usually once and done and he was on his way home.
He had to step away or lose his mind. She deserved her pleasure as well. If she continued to move her hand he’d detonate. As he stepped back, her hand slowly slipped over him, which was worse than her earlier administrations.
Cynthia raised her worried eyes to meet his. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No. If anything it was too right. I want to give you pleasure this time. Nothing rushed. If you kept that up it would end up being all about me. I want this time to be about you.” He dropped to a knee. Reaching around her, he grabbed her supple behind and pulled her to him. Kissing her stomach as the water ran over them. “Put a leg over my shoulder.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t—”
“Please. For me.”
She delayed ano
ther moment before complying. His arm went around her waist as her hand went to his shoulder. The other fingered his hair.
Sean dipped his tongue in, finding her hot center. A moan of pure animal pleasure rolled out of Cynthia. Lust rocked like thunder through him. She pressed forward. He gave her what she desired. Her grip on his shoulder tightened. She went up on her toes. He stroked his tongue against her again. She tensed and her hand left his shoulder to brace against the wall while the one on his head brought his mouth more intimately against her. She stiffened, then shuddered before becoming pliant. Seconds later he hurried to support her. Her forehead rested against his chest, as she breathed deeply.
They stood that way until Sean could stand it no longer. He opened the shower door and led her out.
“What about you?” she mumbled.
“Don’t worry. We’re going to see about me.” His hands came to her waist and lifted her to the bathroom counter. “Scoot to the edge.” She did as she was bid. He stepped between her knees and in one swift, smooth move he entered her. Cynthia cupped his face and kissed him as he sank deep. He was so hard for her that he feared the first contact would be all he could stand. He managed a couple of plunges before a white-hot explosion gripped him.
His forehead came to rest on Cynthia’s shoulder.
“How do you expect me to walk after that?” she asked as her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Sean looked at her with what he was sure was a foolish grin on his lips. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“That was amazing, Doctor.”
He wanted to let out a caveman roar.
A quarter of an hour later, they were finishing dressing when Cynthia said, “I forgot to ask how your patient is doing. Obviously there were more problems than you anticipated.”
“She’ll be fine but she’ll have a long recovery period. It was an ugly accident.”
“I’m glad to hear you could help her. You have a real gift.” She grinned. “For more than one thing.”
She had one as well. Making him feel like the most special person on the planet. That was something he had missed in his life. Would he ever be able to let her go?
CHAPTER EIGHT
CYNTHIA WAS A little worried about arriving home to find Mark waiting. She wasn’t prepared for his interrogation right now. As Sean pulled into the drive she was relieved her brother’s car was gone. Thank goodness he had to work. She wasn’t in the habit of answering to her brothers; usually it was her asking the questions.
Sean reached across the seat and took her hand. She still tingled at his touch, which was amazing since their morning had been so personal. He affected her like no one else. She wanted to throw her hands up in the air and spin around. It was as if she were young again and had dropped all the responsibilities and worries she carried when she was with him. She liked herself. Believed anything was possible.
Sean’s smile was sad. “I’d really like to see you tonight but I’ve got to work on the grant.”
She shifted in the seat to face him. “Is it something I can help with?”
“I can always use your help.”
“Why don’t I fix dinner and you come here? We’ll tackle it together.” She didn’t want to miss a minute of time she could spend with him.
“So I don’t feel guilty about making you work every night, why don’t you let me get takeout?” he asked, perking up.
“Darn, I forgot. I promised a friend I’d help at the community center tonight. We are feeding the disabled veterans and playing bingo.” She never forgot things like that. What was happening to her? Sean was taking over her life. And she liked it.
“Then we’ll try for tomorrow night.” There was a hopeful note in his voice.
“I’m sorry but Rick has a makeup game.” She hated letting Sean down. Hated more not getting to see him. “You could always come.”
“I may need to work on the grant. Let me see how much I get done tonight and I’ll let you know.”
“I should be helping you.” Her guilt level was rising.
“You’ve already done a lot. You can’t be everywhere for everybody.”
But she wanted to be there for him.
His hand came to rest around her neck, bringing her close. “You know I’d like to have you to myself again.”
Warmth radiated out from her heart. She smiled. “I wouldn’t mind that at all.”
His slow kiss made her toes curl. “How about we try for day after tomorrow? Just us.”
“Sounds perfect to me.” She was already looking forward to it. “See you then.” Minutes later she stood on the porch watching until he drove out of sight. The hours wouldn’t pass fast enough until they were together again. She entered the house as if walking on a cloud.
The rest of the day went by while she completed her transcription jobs. There were none from Sean, but she now had the real thing instead of just a voice in her ears. Actual kisses, touches, looks and his body over hers as his fingers worked magic. There was also the laughing. Sean with his quick wit, smiles, and patience. The flesh-and-blood Sean who went with that beautiful voice was so much better than the one she’d imagined.
Would the clock change time soon enough? She was trying to concentrate on work, but her thoughts kept coming back to her fear that her hopes had risen too high about their relationship. Or if they could make one work. She still knew so precious little of what Sean wanted out of life outside of financial security. Was their fledging affection strong enough to last? Did he want it to? Did she?
Just before she was going to stop work for the day she checked her emails. With a quiver of excitement in her core she saw there was one from Sean.
Hey Cyn,
I just wanted to say I’ve been thinking about you. You are amazing.
Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Sean
If she wasn’t crazy about him before, she was now. Cynthia reread the note until she had to force herself to get to work.
Finally it was time to get ready to go to the center. At least she would be busy and not have as much time to think about Sean. No grown woman should act as moonstruck over a man, but she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t get enough of Sean or keep her anticipation at bay.
Humming a tune, she took an unhurried shower. Memories of their time earlier that morning had her hotter than the water temperature. Every day should start off as wonderful.
She had never considered herself a very liberated person in the bedroom, but with Sean her inhibitions faded away. After a long time of holding back, she’d let go and been herself. Not the woman responsible for her brothers, the house, a job and all the minute details of life. Instead she was Sean Donavon’s lover. Being unrestrained was freeing. Liberating. Fun.
An hour later, dressed in a simple light blue blouse and jeans, Cynthia entered the one-story cement block building. As she made her way across the tile floor toward the kitchen, she spoke and joked with several of the men and women already seated at tables. Though her exchanges were upbeat some of the enjoyment had been taken out of the evening. She missed Sean.
Reaching the kitchen, she checked in with her friend, Rose, who was in charge for the night. “What do you want me to do?”
“I’d like you to run the bingo game. The veterans seem to appreciate the special flair you add when you call the numbers.”
Cynthia hmphed and picked up the box containing the bingo cards. “I’m sure my occasional use of uno, dos, or eins, zwei is very entertaining.”
“Maybe not to you, but to them it seems to be,” Rose retorted before turning back to the food she was placing in large serving pans.
Forty-five minutes later the meal had been served and Cynthia was standing in front of the room calling out numbers. She was preparing to announ
ce another one when she looked up to see Sean’s smiling face. Her heart skipped. Unable to do little more than stare at him when she really wanted to fling herself into his arms, she managed to get the next number out.
He grinned as he took a seat next to an old, grizzled-looking veteran named Mr. Vick sitting at the back table. One of the veterans had to prompt her to call another number because she couldn’t get over Sean being there. He looked incredible dressed in his knit shirt and navy trousers, appearing every bit the well-to-do urban male. It should be against the law to look as fabulous as he did. Was he as glad to see her as she was to see him?
Calling numbers as quickly as she could to end the game, she declared a break before the next game and hurried to where Sean sat. He stood as she approached, a hand already out waiting on hers to slip into it. His fingers curled tightly around hers. Breathlessly she demanded, “What’re you doing here? You’re supposed to be working.”
He beamed down at her. “I was. Really hard. But I thought a little bingo might help me unwind.”
She gave him a narrow-eyed look. “You came all this way for bingo?”
“That—” he gave her a quick kiss “—and that.” He said softly, “I missed you.”
“Hey, buddy, are you hitting on Cynthia?” Mr. Vick asked with a wheeze and a cough.
She and Sean looked at him. “Sean, I’d like you to meet Mr. Vick.”
To his credit Sean offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Mr. Vick nodded and took it.
“I have to go back to the game. Can you stay until I’m done?” She looked at Sean. “You are welcome to play.”
“That’s okay. I’ll just sit here and watch,” Sean said when she pointed to an unused card on the table.
“Come on, don’t be a stick in the mud. You might just have some fun,” she quipped with a grin.
“I’m no stick in the mud!” He took the card offered, but looked at it as if he had no idea what to do with it.
“Have you ever played bingo before?” She managed not to laugh.
Stolen Kisses with Her Boss Page 12