“Bossy wench.”
“Yeah, and you love it.”
Damn but she was right. He glanced around. Not a single person or car was in sight for what seemed like miles. But just in case he spread the blanket wide and tossed it over the headrest of the front seat. “Just in case.”
She giggled. “You can cover me and your lower half if you need to.”
He rolled his eyes. “And explain what I’m doing alone in the back seat of a car covered by a blanket in the heat of the day.”
“You’re a smart man. I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
In another minute he figured he’d be too far gone to utter a coherent word. He raised his hips off the seat and helped her wrest his shorts down to his ankles, freeing his erection for her waiting hands.
She didn’t waste a minute. As he watched, she cupped his length in her delicate fingers, which were warmer and stronger than they looked. His body shook and he leaned his head back and exhaled a groan.
“Watch me, Jack.”
He opened his eyes. She’d pay later for this control thing of hers, but right now he liked her being in charge too much to do anything about it except enjoy.
So he watched.
Just as she lowered her head and licked at him with her tongue. “Oh, man.” The words burst from him as his hips thrust forward and he nearly came right then.
“I’m assuming that’s a good thing?” She raised her head and asked lightly, but he sensed the import of her words.
That she didn’t do this often filled him with ridiculous male pride. That she did it now, for him, filled him with a sweeping emotion so strong he didn’t dare give it a name. Not that he could have because at that moment she took him into her warm, wet, willing mouth and Jack was lost.
Her hands worked a slick vertical gliding motion in synchronized rhythm with her talented mouth. If he was an experiment, she’d found the formula for success. His hips began a gyrating motion he couldn’t control, bucking up and down without regard to her sensual assault.
She licked and suckled, providing friction with her tongue. She pulled and pushed with her slick palms, bringing him to the peak and easing him back without allowing him the pleasure of release.
“Mallory, please—” The word burst from him in a groan. He’d never begged a woman before. But this was Mallory, and experienced or not, she was so damn good.
Without warning, her hand position changed and she pressed at the base of his penis, in a spot low and deep. “Jesus, don’t stop.” She didn’t and white-hot darts of fire exploded in every nerve ending he possessed.
Seconds before he came, he leaned forward and pulled her up and on top of him until her feminine heat aligned with his hot and ready erection.
She caught on quick, clamping her thighs tight around his and grinding her pelvis into his erection. He jerked his hips upward one last time and found the hottest, sweetest release he’d ever known.
Without being cocooned inside Mallory’s warm body, it wasn’t enough but at least when he came she was where she belonged, sitting on his lap and writhing against him, straining for her own release and helping the quaking shudders to continue wracking his body long after they should have ceased.
He closed his mouth over hers and with his palm, he cupped her hard between the juncture of her thighs. She moaned and arched into his hand.
“That’s it, sweetheart. Let me feel it.” With his fingers, he worked her the best he could through the denim barrier and her hips gyrated in time to the movement of his hands.
“Harder, more, Jack please…please…” Her breathless words caused a renewed stirring in his loins and when she started to convulse against his hand, the sounds and the feelings were as strong and intense as his own orgasm.
She collapsed against him, her chest against his damp one, her head cradled in his shoulder and her breath hot and heavy in his ear.
MALLORY TRIED to move and couldn’t. “I can’t catch my breath.”
His hands tangled in her hair. “I can’t say that’s a problem considering the reason.”
She chuckled. “Good point.” She’d meant to please him and she obviously had. He’d pleased her, too, but an aching emptiness in her body remained and Mallory understood the reason only too well. She hadn’t experienced everything he had to give.
She’d had that same thought as she’d changed from her plain gray dress into the shorts and halter top she now wore. And she’d planned ahead.
“Jack?” She pushed herself back so she could meet his gaze.
Still clouded with residual desire, his dark eyes stared back at her. “What is it?”
“I hope you realize we’re not finished yet.”
Laughing, he leaned his head back against the leather seats and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m pretty damn well spent.”
She punched him lightly in the shoulder. “That’s not what I mean.”
Though she had no intention of getting all weepy or clingy with a man who only took commitment seriously when it came to escaping one, she did plan to make her point.
She reached for her purse on the front seat of the car and pulled a silk scarf from the outside zipper.
“I draw the line at wearing women’s clothing.” His lips twitched in a grin.
She let out a breathless laugh. “Thank goodness.”
His impossibly shaded eyes darkened as his palm caressed her calf.
A renewed stirring surged inside her. “Not yet.”
She took the scarf and wrapped it around his neck like a tie, pulling down on the ends until he leaned forward, his lips inches from hers.
“Bring this to my room tonight,” she ordered.
A wicked expression crossed his features, anticipation lighting his eyes. “Not the cabin?”
“I’d like to say it’s already rented but the truth is I’m tapped out. But trust me, you don’t need the cabin for what I have planned.” She pressed her lips against his and teased him with a kiss that tantalized but her tongue never plunged into the warm recesses of his mouth.
“You’re killing me.” His lips moved against hers.
“Now why would I do that before we’ve gone all the way?” She wriggled her hips downward, feeling him begin to harden and swell beneath her.
“You feel good.”
“There’s so much more where that came from. And remember, control is an illusion. Now be at my room at eight.” She bolted for the front seat before her desire and feelings for this man overwhelmed her too soon.
12
MALLORY LAY on her bed staring into space. When she’d pleased Jack today, she’d done so knowing she loved him. When she made love with him tonight, she’d know the same. And with each step, she’d find it harder to walk away.
What had started as a game was now an important part of her life—memories she would store and treasure for always. The fun they’d shared and the feeling of having him inside her. And, she thought, recalling the scarf she’d grabbed from her drawer earlier in the day, she wanted to create those same memories for him as well.
She didn’t want him to ever forget Mallory Sinclair. Because she knew for certain she’d never forget him.
She had only a few hours to prepare her room and herself. A tremor of excitement shimmied through her as she undressed, removing the clothing she’d worn for their trip today. A hot shower, a quick dinner and some last-minute arrangements and she’d be ready for Jack.
A hard knock on the door startled her. “Coming.” She slipped into her robe then glanced into the peephole.
“Jack?” Something had to be wrong, she thought, as she unlatched the chain.
She hadn’t planned on seeing him until tonight.
She opened the door quickly. “What’s wrong?”
His jaw was pulled tight with obvious tension and unease. “I need to make a quick trip back to the city,” he said.
“Is everything okay?” She gestured with a sweep of her arm and he followed her inside. The
door slammed shut behind them, enclosing them in the small entry to the room.
“Family emergency.” He leaned back against the beige wall and shoved his hands into trouser pockets. His steely eyes were as cool as his voice.
Icy tentacles of unease swept through her. Mallory knew better than to take his change in attitude personally but his aloof demeanor hurt just the same. She curled her fingers into a fist to prevent herself from acting on impulse and smoothing the crease in his forehead or massaging the tension from his tight muscles.
He didn’t seem as if he’d be receptive to any intimate gesture right now and considering how hard her heart was pounding in her chest, she doubted she could handle an outright rejection.
Not when she wanted desperately to ease his distress. So much for professionalism and remaining detached, she thought wryly. Falling in love had a way of shattering that kind of objectivity.
She clenched the lapels of her robe tighter in her hand. “I appreciate you letting me know.”
“I didn’t want to just disappear on you without an explanation.”
Somewhere in the depths of his eyes, she sensed a softening of emotion and hoped she wasn’t just imagining things she wanted to see. Though disappointment flowed heavy through her veins, so did concern. Whatever this family emergency was, it had changed his mood and affected him deeply.
She wondered if the urgency had to do with his parents but thought better of asking. If he wanted to confide in her he would. “When do you need to go?”
He glanced at his watch. “A car’s picking me up in fifteen minutes.”
Uncertain of what to say next, she clenched and unclenched her fingers around her robe. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked, finally.
He shook his head. “Just keep an ear out around here.”
“I expect to hear from Rogers soon.”
He nodded. “I’ll check in with you when I get back.”
She sensed he was too distracted to concentrate on business. “When do you think that will be?”
“I’m hoping to catch the last plane back tonight.” He turned and placed one hand on the doorknob.
She didn’t know why this felt like such a final goodbye but the possibility freed her to act on impulse. Mallory reached out and touched his shoulder. “Jack, wait.”
He paused.
“I’ll be here when you get back.” She didn’t feel the need to elaborate.
They’d been too close for him to misunderstand her meaning.
He turned. His hand covered hers, easing her clenched fist loose until her arm dropped to her side. “It’s been my experience that women always want something.”
She stiffened at his words, but forced herself to see his side. Watching constant infidelity had jaded him, she thought sadly, as she realized exactly why he held himself back from relationships and trust.
“I wonder what’s on your agenda?” he asked.
Though she’d steeled herself for the verbal barb it stung anyway. Since she’d approached him with the first invitation, and since she had an overt agenda where work was concerned, she could see why he’d be searching for an ulterior motive now.
Yet the heart she’d lost to this man wished he could see inside her and not have to ask. She’d shared enough to give him twenty-twenty vision—if he cared to see.
She held herself upright and looked him straight in the eye. “Not a thing. Especially not partnership if that’s what you’re thinking. I could have gotten your support with less risk if I hadn’t issued that first invitation.”
She forced a smile to curve her lips, wanting to soften his mood and convince him that she cared only for his feelings, no other agenda in mind.
It worked. The painful distance in his gaze lessened, replaced by a surprising warmth instead. A fluttering heat rose in her belly, accompanied by a deeper more intense wash of feeling.
“True.” His thumb brushed over her bottom lip.
Despite the earlier tension, a moist dewiness settled between her legs, a testament to the yearning he made her feel.
His gaze never left hers. “So what do you want, Mallory?” Curiosity melded with desire in his smoky depths.
“You,” she said truthfully. Honestly. With more candor than she’d ever intended to provide. “I want you and I want your trust.”
His hand cupped her chin, tipping her head upward. “I can promise you the first.” Desire remained potent and strong, hovering between them. “No one gets my trust.”
And from the determined look in his eyes, Mallory knew he wanted to believe his words. But she also knew how fast and hot the emotions poured between them.
If he needed her on his return, he knew where to find her. But if he showed up on her doorstep, he best be prepared. She thrived on a challenge and Jack had just thrown down a gauntlet she couldn’t resist.
Not with the man she loved.
MALLORY MADE her way to the dining room, a paperback in her shoulder bag. She planned to eat a light dinner but she had an ulterior motive as well. With Jack gone, she had a prime opportunity to listen carefully for information on Lederman and poke around if she got the chance.
She’d finished her turkey wrap and soda and was about to call it a night when she caught sight of Alicia Lederman walking into the restaurant. Though Mallory kept her book open, she made eye contact and hoped Alicia approached her first.
There was no way Mallory could instigate a sit-down meeting with Lederman’s wife for a chat, but she certainly wouldn’t be rude enough to walk away if the other woman sought her out first.
As the older woman made her way into the room, she glanced around, taking in her surroundings, and Mallory guessed, assessing the restaurant’s customers and the staff’s preparations for the evening. She had a hunch her client’s wife had a hand in running things and the settlement wouldn’t be as simple as Mr. Lederman hoped.
Alicia’s gaze lit on Mallory. Instead of breaking eye contact Mallory held Alicia’s stare until the other woman had no choice but to look away…or walk over to the table.
She chose the latter. “I trust you enjoyed your meal?” Alicia asked.
Mallory nodded. “Excellent. You have a very diverse menu.”
“I worked with the chef myself.” The other woman paused a beat. “Would you mind if I joined you?”
Without showing her pleasure, Mallory shook her head. “Not at all. But you were advised to deal with your own attorneys.” She’d begun to care for the older woman and so she felt an obligation to see that Alicia looked out for her own interests.
“When the time is right I will.” Alicia pulled out a chair and seated herself across from Mallory. “Coffee?” She gestured to a waitress.
Mallory nodded. “Thank you.”
“Did you know my daughter’s in law school?” The older woman tucked a strand of short brown hair behind her ear.
“No I didn’t. Does she enjoy it?”
She smiled. “She’s not sure yet.”
“Then it sounds like she’s got a level head on her shoulders.” Mallory laughed. “Make sure you tell her law school was memorable but not an indicator of real life.”
“True.” Alicia nodded as she toyed with a silver spoon. “But then what is?”
Mallory read the meaning behind the words and knew they were talking about more than life in general. “I can’t imagine you’re having an easy time.” She felt compelled to acknowledge the other woman’s anguish.
Pain darkened Alicia’s brown eyes to a deeper, sadder shade. “I’m sure you can’t imagine. And I mean no insult. But I’m talking about nearly twenty-five years of marriage. Of partnership. I never dreamed it would end on a whim.” She clutched at a menu lying on the table with both hands, turning her knuckles white.
Her gestures communicated more clearly than her words, and Mallory made yet another mental note of Alicia’s sincere anguish regarding her marriage.
“You feel you had a solid partnership?” Mallory felt compelled to ask
.
Alicia shook her head. “Make no mistake, I knew my husband’s faults as well as my own but I did believe we could overcome anything. In fact I thought we once had.”
Mallory looked into the older and wiser woman’s eyes. Despite her obvious pain, Alicia maintained that strength of character and resolve Mallory admired. “You still believe that, don’t you?”
“If you love someone, you want to trust them. You want them to trust you.”
Mallory immediately thought of Jack. How could she not when the last few days with him revolved around that very word. Trust.
“And,” Alicia continued, oblivious to Mallory’s inner thoughts, “you want to believe that if you trust in each other you can get through anything and be together forever.”
She bowed her head and her shoulders dropped.
“But no matter how much I want to believe, I’ve got my eyes open. I’ll look out for me if it comes to that. But I know what we shared was solid even if Paul has changed.” Alicia leaned back in her seat. “Have you ever been in love?”
“No. No time.” Mallory answered quickly before she could reveal her heart to this kind woman. And before she could let her mind wrap around the twin concepts Alicia had linked together. Love. Trust. And forever.
“Then you’re missing out on life’s greatest pleasure. I can tell you that with no regrets, even if I do end up divorced. You’re too young and pretty to waste your life on the practice of law at the expense of everything else.” The woman’s eyes shone with certainty—the knowledge of a woman who’d loved and been loved.
Though Mallory ought to think of Alicia as her adversary, she’d been unable to sever the emotional connection she felt toward her. The woman had a warm, caring nature that Mallory was drawn to. But she wasn’t surprised. With her own mother a parent in name only, it was hardly surprising that Mallory connected with a mature older woman who both sought and gave confidences and understanding.
Only after Alicia had patted her hand and walked away did Mallory realize she’d blown her chance at questioning their client’s wife—in favor of a motherly chat and a lesson in love.
Erotic Invitation Page 15