Bet Me to Stay

by Candace Havens

  He wasn’t about to investigate why the thought of stopping seemed like the worst idea in the world.

  “Um. Okay. So, maybe you’ll be okay with the other thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I want you to teach me,” she said. “I’ve told you more than once that I don’t have a lot of experience. Sexual experience, at least not the good kind. I’m learning so much from you and it’s helping.”

  “Helping?”

  “With my writing. That sexy book I told you about. I was having some, um, trouble with it before. But since I’ve been with you… Well, don’t let it go to your head, but you’re kind of inspiring.”

  “So you really are using me for sex?” He laughed.

  She nodded. “Though, I hope, you’re sort of getting something out of it, too?”

  “Ah, lass, see, that’s where you’re confused. I am most definitely getting the better end of this deal. Fucking you is one of the highlights of my life. But don’t let that go to your head. Now, go get dressed. I want to take you somewhere special.”

  She frowned. “I thought I might go home and write. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

  He shook his head. “There you go again, thinking I might have something better to do than spend time with you. Now, go get your jacket on. It’s a bit nippy.”

  She stood staring at him as if she were ready to bolt, even though she was dressed in only a sheet.

  “Do you trust me?”

  Her eyebrow went up. “I haven’t known you long enough for that, but I guess enough that I don’t think you’re an axe murderer. Though, you did look kind of scary there for a moment in the bathroom. Like, I’d said something wrong about this being different for me. You aren’t, right? An axe murderer? Because you are kind of perfect.”

  He chuckled. “I’m no killer, and I’m far from perfect. You’ll discover that only after spending a bit more time with me. The perfect thing, that is.”

  She scrunched up her face in the most adorable way. “Is it scary whatever it is you want to show me?”

  He didn’t blame her for being hesitant. It was obvious someone, maybe several someones, had done a number on her. For that, he maybe could be a killer. She was so kind, beautiful, and smart. It wasn’t fair that she’d been made to feel less than.

  “No. There’s nothing frightening about it. It’s something I don’t normally share with anyone, but I want to with you.”

  Her face brightened, and that sweet grin of hers had his cock poking against his jeans again. Down boy.

  “Okay.”

  While she was gone, he threw some snacks into a box, along with some beers.

  A few minutes later she returned fully dressed, and with her hair up in a messy bun. Man, he’d already grown fond of pulling her hair out of those clips and watching it fall around her angelic face.

  He grabbed the Sherpa blanket from the back of his couch and the box with the food. “Follow me,” he said and then headed out the side door that led to his rooftop garden. He and Finn had set the place up for barbeques and a small garden where he could grow fresh vegetables for the pub. In winter, they put it all in a small heated greenhouse off to the side. But they had several trees wrapped in what his mom called fairy lights.

  When they reached the top of the steps, he flipped the switch and then waited for her to step up beside him.

  She gasped, and he couldn’t help but smile. “It’s magical,” she said. “Wow. I can’t believe this is on top of your pub.”

  That she loved it as much as he did gave him great pleasure, perhaps more than it should.

  “It’s just a few lights. Nothing special.”

  She put a hand on his arm. “Don’t downplay it; it’s gorgeous. It’s a little paradise in the middle of the city. I had no idea this was just acro—I mean, that places like this existed in Boston.”

  He put the box down on the table between two lounge chairs and then turned on the heaters that surrounded the seating area. As long as there was no snow, they could stay fairly warm up here thanks to the butane lamps.

  Following her to the edge of the roof, the city shone before them. Funny how much cleaner it looked from up here. He was about to make a comment about the pub across the street, when she turned toward him.

  He forgot what he was about to say. There was such joy playing across her face. “You have your own secret garden,” she said and then turned toward the greenhouse. “I love that you did this. You’re such a tough guy, and then to have flowers and greenery up here, I bet it’s gorgeous in the summer. You never fail to surprise me. It’s so unexpected and delightful at the same time.”

  “Well, my arsehole brother helped. During the summer we spend a lot of time up here.” He was about to say she should come hang out, but that was months away, and he never did anything long-term.

  Ever.

  “I can imagine.”

  He sat down on one of the lounge chairs and pulled out the small tray of snacks he’d put together. “Come here.” His voice was rougher than usual. He swore it had nothing to do with the way she seemed to have some angelic halo around her, walking his way, with the lights leaving her in a glow.

  No. Not that at all.

  She sat across from him on the same chair with the tray between them. He held up a bacon-wrapped fig. “Take a bite of this.”

  After hesitating for a second, she smiled. “You’re going to feed me?”

  He shrugged. “Yes.” Wasn’t really his plan, but when she mentioned it, he thought they might make a game of it.

  “Can I feed you?”

  “Yes, lass.”

  That smile grew, and as it did, a slow burn developed deep in his belly. What was it about her that did this to him? He didn’t understand it. He tried to remember when she first walked into the bar twenty-four hours ago in her baggy sweats and horrible sweater, but he could only see her this way.

  His beauty.

  She took a bite of the fig, her teeth barely brushing the tips of his fingers, sending sensations straight to his cock.

  And then she moaned.

  It was all he could do not to kiss her just then, but he refrained.

  When she opened her eyes, he nearly came right then and there. He loved the way she enjoyed food.

  After examining the plate for a bit, she picked up a feta-stuffed cherry tomato. And then waited for him to open his mouth. He did, and then before she pulled away, he grabbed her hands and kissed her fingers.

  Her sharp intake of breath once again sent sensations through him.

  Well, this is new.

  They played this game for several minutes, barely touching each other, and the tension building between them so taut that it was near impossible not to haul her against him.

  “Do you always have food like this on hand?”

  “I’m always trying out new appetizers and things to put as specials on the menu. But we got lucky tonight. Usually it’s more like cheese stuffed into something and regular pub fare.”

  “I like the regular pub fare,” she said. “It adds so much to the ambiance of the place. It’s hearty fare that sticks to your rib. You need that when it can be thirty degrees in April. Food keeps you warm. You might have noticed, I’m a fan. That stew we had earlier is nothing short of amazing. You have a wonderful place here.”

  A sense of pride swelled within him. “Thank you. That’s kind of you to say.”

  “It’s true. I think it’s cool you’re always trying new things. That’s one way to stay fresh in business. I mean, I’m doing the same thing with my books. This sexy one is a bit of a fresh start for me.”

  “I think it’s brave of you,” he said. “I have a feeling it’s all very much out of your comfort zone.”

  She laughed. “I’m sure you thought I was some kind of homeless person that first night. I mean, that’s an insult to the homeless. In my defense, I’d had a tough week.”

  “You’re beautiful,” he said. And he meant it. He held up a han
d. “Don’t say it. I know what you’re thinking. I’d pretend that I’m not being nice to get back in your pants, but both of us know that isn’t true. But you are beautiful.”

  She laughed and then threw a hand across her mouth when she snorted. Now he was laughing, too.

  It took her a minute, but she composed herself. “You’re right. You just have to look at me and I’m wet.” Her eyes went wide as she realized what she said. He loved that she kept surprising herself, and him. “I don’t say stuff like that or talk dirty, like ever. I don’t what it is, but you bring it out in me.”

  “I like the way your mind works.” He reached over and brushed away a crumb from the side of her lips with his thumb. Then she held his hand and sucked his thumb into her mouth, much the same way she had with his cock earlier. Using his other hand, he moved the tray to the side table and pulled her on top of him.

  Hand sliding into her hair, he pulled her head down and captured her lips. Her breasts pushed into his chest, and then he was lost as their tongues played a sensuous game.

  When had kissing ever been so hot? She pulled back and his eyes blinked open to find her watching him.

  “What?”

  “Chemistry. It’s funny. I say my characters have chemistry and that they enjoy being with each other. But this is the real thing, right? When two people are so hot for each other a kiss can set their bodies on fire.”

  A slow smile crossed his face. “Are you saying you’re on fire right now?”

  “Yes. And I shouldn’t be. We just had sex. I’ve never, uh, craved it. But I do with you. I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of scary. We barely know each other.”

  “True,” he said. “If it makes you feel any better, it scares the hell out of me, as well.” Never in his life had he said truer words. He’d dated, and even been engaged, but he’d known this woman only a few days and never had this kind of connection with another woman.

  “It’s probably one of those things that will burn for a short time and then we’ll get tired of each other, right?” she asked. “I’ve read about that sort of thing. People are red-hot for each other until they just aren’t. I feel like I keep saying this, but I’ve never experienced this sort of fire, for lack of a better word. It can’t last.”

  He shrugged. Thinking about the future made his stomach lurch because he didn’t like the idea of walking away from this. Whatever it was. It would happen eventually, though. She was right. They’d get their fill and move on.

  Two fucking days and he was wrapped around her finger. How did that even happen? “Why don’t we just see where it goes? You can feel free to use me for research as much as you want. Agreed?”

  “Anything?” She waggled her eyebrows.

  The corner of his mouth drew up and he laughed. She brought such brightness to his life. “Yes. Though that look in your eyes is scaring me a bit.”

  “I’ve never had sex on a rooftop. Do you think people could see us up here?”

  He smirked. “Do you care if they do?”

  She seemed to consider this and then went for his button-fly. “Yes— No,” she whispered as their lips met.

  Damn this woman was going to fucking kill him.

  But like she said, what a way to go.

  They made quick work of losing their clothes, and then he drew the blanket around him.

  He positioned her so that she sat with her legs wrapped around him. Sliding his cock into her, he paused and then realized he forgot the fucking condom. This was what she did to his brain.

  She seemed to realize at the same time and pulled away. He reached down and grabbed a packet from his jean pocket. He hadn’t expected to have sex up here, but he was glad to be prepared.

  “You make me lose my head sometimes,” she said.

  She smiled, and then he positioned her over his cock, wrapping her legs around him again. “Same, lass. Being inside of you is pretty much all I thought of today.”

  Then she rode him hard, getting off on his cock, and fuck if he didn’t enjoy the hell out of it. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she thrust her breasts in his face. He sucked, nipped, and teased her nipples as her sex squeezed him tight with an orgasm.

  She moaned and writhed against him, and it was all he could do to keep his shit together long enough to give her one more orgasm. “More,” she cried out. “Harder, please.”

  She was lost in sensation, and right then he would have given her heaven and earth as he pounded into her, wanting to bring her to it one more time.

  “So much,” she said.

  He understood what she meant, and then he brought her head back to his so he could kiss her as he pounded into her.

  Swallowing her screams as she came apart around his cock, he shot his load deep.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.”

  She giggled. “Yes. We did.”

  Pulling the blanket tighter around them, he hugged her.

  “This is good,” he said, not really sure what he was trying to say.

  “It is. It really is.” She sighed against him. “Thanks for this.”

  He chuckled. “I’m not sure anyone has ever thanked me for sex before.”

  She tensed against him, but he couldn’t see her face. “Well, they should.” Her tone wasn’t as light as before.

  He lifted her chin. Those eyes of hers, he swore she could see into his soul. “The only one who matters is you.”

  She blinked and then smiled. But it didn’t reach her eyes. “That was the right thing to say. You’re good at that.”

  He shifted so they were face-to-face again. “Hey. I mean it. That chemistry you were talking about doesn’t just happen for everyone. So what I said before, I meant. I say we see where this goes. If we burn out fast, then that’s the way it is. But all of this is just as new to me as it is to you.”

  This time, she was the one who shrugged. “Sure. As long as you don’t mind being research, I’m good with it. We’re having fun, right? It’s been a while since I’ve done that. I think I’ve laughed more in the last twenty-four hours than I have in years. That’s sad, right?”

  “Same is true for me.”

  Then he kissed her to prove she was the only one.

  Why that didn’t scare the hell out of him, he had no idea.

  Chapter Seven

  Tansey, who was dressed in one of her black Armani power suits, waited for Cassie at their favorite teahouse. Well, half teahouse, half British store. They came here at least once a month for the scones, which were to die for, and it was usually quiet in the afternoons, so they could actually talk.

  For the first time in months, Tansey smiled at her.

  “What?”

  “Just so we’re clear, I have my friend hat on right now.” They did this so that they didn’t let the business mess with their friendship. Not that Cassie would ever let that happen. Tansey was one of the few friends who believed in her. She was actually her only friend who knew about her career as a romance writer. Everyone else thought she worked on catalogs.

  At first the lie was to protect her creative side. Her family and some of her friends could be critical in what they thought was a helpful way. But after she started making money, it just never seemed the right time to tell them. Kind of like explaining to Liam about her parents owning the pub across the street. She had a feeling if she told him, their fun sexy stuff from the last few weeks would be over in a heartbeat. Not that she hadn’t tried, but he wasn’t really interested in anything too serious. So every time she tried to bring it up, he’d find creative ways to distract her.

  And man, was he creative.

  “Okay, friend. Why are looking at me like that? Did I spill something on my sweater?” She put her teacup down and stared down at her chest. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d done something like that. It wasn’t easy when you carried a shelf around on your chest all day every day.

  Tansey grinned. “You look amazing,” she said. “It’s the first time in years you haven’t met me looking like someon
e who has ninety-six cats and likes to push a shopping cart around and yell at the neighbors. I was starting to worry it was time to commit you, or if nothing else, to give you a bath and wash your rat’s nest of a hairstyle.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Mean. Fine. I realized a few weeks ago that I needed to up the personal hygiene game. It’s just when I’m writing, I always have the story in my head. And characters are talking to me. But lately, I’ve—” Liam’s gorgeous mug popped up in her head and she smiled.

  “Oh my God. You got laid.” Tansey fanned herself as if she were about to faint. “There is a god. You met a man, a real one, right? Did you have to pay him? I mean, I’m totally not judging, whatever it takes.”

  “Shhhhh. And why would you say that?”

  “Well, you’re glowing. You’re dressed in clothes that don’t have coffee stains, and those pages you sent me were so hot I had to leave the office early to masturbate.”

  “Ugh. Tansey! God. Could you be any more embarrassing? There are some things I just don’t need to know. TMI.” But she couldn’t help but laugh. If she could inspire someone as hard-core and experienced as Tansey to have a little fun then she was definitely on the right track with the book, right?

  “No, girl. That’s a good thing. Putting the agent hat on now, but after that, I want to hear all the details. These pages are some of the best you’ve ever written. It’s not just the sex, it’s the emotional depth. You’re reaching my soul, and it’s reading like a bestseller, like at the top of the list. You know how much I love your sweet stories, but this story—I couldn’t stop reading. Wait a second.”

  The waiter came over to see if they needed more tea or scones, but Tansey waved him away. When he was out of ear shot, she leaned forward. “When will I have more pages? And what happened? Who is he? You haven’t stopped smiling—tell me.”

  “Soon on the pages. It’s coming fairly easily to me now. And I get it. I had—I needed—inspiration. I found it. Put your friend hat back on fast before I chicken out. And I’m not telling you everything, because I don’t want to jinx it.”

  Tansey mimed putting the hat on. “Spill.”