by Jamie Wesley
Noelle nodded. “I see what you’re getting at. I’m not an expert on sports teams, but I assume the people in charge do their research. Evaluate their needs and wants. Ask themselves why they want the player. What value is he adding to the team?”
He leaned in, ecstatic she’d given him the perfect opening.
“Yes, and this applies to personal relationships, as well, when trying to decide if it’s time to make a move on someone you’re interested in. How do you know if you should go for it? What do you think?”
“The frustrating thing about dating is there is no one right time or sign that works in every situation. But again, it goes back to why are you attracted? Is it only a physical thing or is there something more?”
“Let’s say it’s both.” He held his breath, waiting for her response.
She swallowed. “At that point, when you’ve come to the conclusion that you want to pursue this person, it’s time to decide the best course of action.”
Tate inched closer. “And your advice?”
“Express your interest in the person.”
“With gifts?”
Noelle shook her head. “I’ve found that honesty is the best policy. People like to hear that you’re genuinely interested in them. That you enjoy listening to what they have to say and care about what they’re doing. I imagine it’s the same way in sports.”
“True. Flattery will get you everywhere with athletes. They’re no different than the rest of us. They want to feel desired.”
Noelle’s brow wrinkled. “But isn’t it true that they place their value on how much money a team is willing to pay them?”
“Yes, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It is a business relationship, after all. But, overall, it’s too simplistic an answer. Athletes like to be courted. They want to feel like they’re more than just wins and losses. Just like women want to feel like they’re more than tits and ass and men want to feel like they’re more than the suckers who are expected to pay the dinner bill. Isn’t that how you want to feel, Doc? Valued? Desired?”
She blinked slowly, her gray eyes darkening. “Sure. What woman doesn’t?”
Exactly what he wanted to hear.
…
Noelle gaped at the computer screen, convinced her eyes were deceiving her. The “You’ve got a match!” subject line in the email from No Waiting Dating mocked her with its overwhelming cheerfulness. It could only mean one thing, but there was no way. Right?
She moved the cursor over the subject line, but snatched her hand away before clicking. Maybe it was a mistake and she was panicking over nothing. Yeah, that was probably it. She closed her eyes and clicked.
Strangely enough, the world didn’t come crashing down around her. Only the same silence that had pervaded the room before she clicked greeted her. Man, she needed to get a grip. Being melodramatic was not her thing. Her eyes popped open and zeroed in on the screen. She swallowed, the noise sounding like a sonic boom in the quiet room.
There it was. Her match. None other than Tate Grayson.
Getting a grip was no longer an option. Noelle’s brain raced. Was he seriously interested in her? What if he was? How was she supposed to handle that? Denying herself was one thing. Denying him? She didn’t know if she could. He got to her. So easily.
She shook her head to banish the ridiculous thought. More likely he’d checked the name of every woman there. She’d seen him flirting with the other female speed daters. Yeah, that must be it.
A strong knock sounded on the door. Tate opened the door before she could call out a greeting. He stepped inside, locked the door with a decisive turn of his wrist, and leaned against the frame. He waved his iPhone in his right hand. “I just got the most interesting email. How ’bout you?”
Oh, God.
Feeling her cheeks start to burn with embarrassment, Noelle jumped up and marched around her desk. “Unlock the door.”
“Not until we talk. I don’t want any interruptions.” His tone brooked no argument.
Fine. She’d play it his way for now. She raised her chin. “Why did you pick me?”
“Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing,” he answered, his eyebrows lifting.
Noelle threw her hands up. “Why am I even asking you this? You probably chose all the women in an attempt to increase the size of your harem.”
Something—anger, annoyance maybe—flashed in his eyes. “Is that what you did?”
“Of course not,” she bit out. “That’s ridiculous.”
He straightened and moved closer, stopping directly in front of her. “Good.”
She backed away from his scent, his heat. “Were you trying to distract me from the bet by messing with my head?”
His shoulders stiffened, the light in his eyes turning deadly serious. “That would be pretty shitty of me. I like getting my way, but I’m not devious.”
No, he wasn’t. For better or for worse, he was a straight shooter.
“Try this on for size,” he continued. “Right here, right now, I don’t give a damn about the bet. I marked only one woman’s name because she’s the only woman I’m interested in. Period. Could it be that you’re feeling the same way?”
The intensity, the conviction in his voice curled around her like the warmest, most-seductive embrace. Her heart skipped a beat, then resumed pumping blood at triple its normal rate.
No.
As alluring as she found his declaration, she had to deny her feelings. Getting involved with him made no sense. And she was always logical.
“Of course not,” she pushed out of stiff lips, staring at his shirtfront.
“Then why did you choose me?”
“Because, because…” she sputtered.
“Because what, Doc? You’re never at a loss for words.”
“Because Organizer Dragon Lady wouldn’t let me leave until I picked somebody,” she said in a rush.
“But that doesn’t explain why you chose me. There were nine other men you could’ve picked, but you didn’t, did you?”
Her shallow breaths filled the air, but she didn’t respond. Confessing would be too revealing.
“Did you?” His voice, usually lighthearted, demanded an answer.
She gave a slight shake of her head and finally raised her eyes. “But it didn’t mean anything. It was a crazy impulse.”
“But you don’t do impulsive. That’s my territory.” An arrogant grin bloomed across his face. “You know what I think?”
She shook her head but couldn’t tear her eyes away from his. She was going under, holding on for dear life.
“I think you did it hoping I’d mark you down as well. I think you’re as attracted to me as I am to you. I think you felt the vibe between us at game night. I think you’ve replayed that kiss in the park a thousand times in your head like I have. You find yourself wondering if it was as good as you remember and want one more taste to compare.”
Another slight head shake was all she could manage.
He cocked his head to the side. “Really? Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” she whispered. Although she knew.
“Like you want me to kiss you.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she whispered.
“Yes, you do. The pulse, right here,” he caressed the skin at the base of her neck, “tells the truth.” The touch arrowed straight through her body to the spot between her legs.
She tried to shy away, but he matched her move for move, his body so close. Close enough to touch. The back of her legs hit her desk, halting her retreat.
“I think if I kissed it, you wouldn’t move away. You’d tilt your neck, giving me better access. Not wanting to break contact, I’d slide my mouth up your neck to your lips, which would be parted as you tried to get some air. But I’d provide all the air you needed as our lips met. Don’t you think that’s what would happen?”
Noelle shook her head, even as she gasped for breath, giving credence to hi
s prediction. She needed to step away. Had to, but his seductive words flowed through her like the finest wine, enthralling her. She hadn’t been able to forget their kiss and could barely admit to herself that she wanted to repeat the experience. Desperately. She would move aside as soon as she sent the command to her feet.
But then, oh, God, but then he backed his words up with action.
He dipped his head and touched his warm, oh-so talented mouth to the jackhammering pulse point at the base of her throat. She gasped when the tip of his tongue met her eager flesh. Of its own volition, her head tilted back. He took immediate action and kissed his way up her neck to her waiting mouth. He slid his hands into her hair and gazed deep into her eyes. The desire, the determination to consummate his promise, was there for her to see. There was no chance of misinterpreting it. He wanted her. Maybe as much as she wanted him.
She stood on her tiptoes and met him halfway when he lowered his head. Bliss spread from her mouth to every corner of her body as their lips met. She hadn’t dreamed or exaggerated the awesomeness of their first kiss. Far from it.
He didn’t rush, slowly sliding his mouth across hers, sending tingles through her body, and then concentrating on her bottom lip. He tugged on it gently. His tongue made its way into her mouth, which was wholly eager to accept it.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into the kiss. Into him. She groaned when he broke away a few seconds later.
“Do you want me?” he whispered.
“Yes.” Denying the truth was no longer an option.
“Good.”
He dipped his head again. Their third kiss was different from the first two. Hunger, desire, and lust exploded as their tongues mated in a wild dance. This was no slow exploration. She wanted as much of him as she could get. Thankfully, he seemed happy to oblige.
She slid her hands underneath his T-shirt and sucked in a breath at the hard muscles flexing under her seeking hands. His skin was so warm, so taut. “Take it off.”
“Huh?”
“Your shirt.” She tugged at the hem. “Take it off.”
Amusement entered his voice. “Yes, ma’am.”
Tate retreated a step and pulled the shirt up, giving her a tantalizing glimpse of world-class abs. Her mouth watered at the thought of tracing the ridges with her tongue.
Knock, knock.
“Noelle, are you there?” Caitlin called out.
Tate and Noelle froze. He yanked his shirt down. “Get rid of her. I’m not done.”
“Noelle?”
“Yeah, I’m still here,” she answered.
Tate sent her an incredulous look. She shrugged helplessly. She didn’t know what else to say, her mind completely rattled.
The doorknob jiggled. “Why is the door locked?”
“I’ll be right there.” Noelle smoothed her hair and ran her hands down her sides. She took the two steps to the door and opened it.
“Why did you have the door locked?” Caitlin looked over Noelle’s shoulder. “Hey, Tate.” With a raised eyebrow, she said to Noelle, “Am I interrupting something?”
“Nothing that can’t wait, right, Tate?”
“Right,” he growled. “I’ll see you later.”
Noelle released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding when the door clicked shut behind him.
Caitlin crossed her arms. “What was that about?”
“Nothing. He was just upset he couldn’t get his way.”
So was she. Her body was still in utter chaos, demanding she finish what they’d started.
Chapter Eleven
A horn blared. Noelle started and jerked the drifting steering wheel to the right. What was she doing? She needed to concentrate or she wouldn’t make it home in one piece. Too bad all she could think about—no, make that obsess about—was what had happened in her office. No. What had almost happened.
She wouldn’t be disappointed that Tate hadn’t stuck around. Maybe it was for the best. They were like oil and water.
Except they’d felt more like strawberries and whipped cream, her traitorous libido whispered. Her clit pulsed at the thought. Stop. She gripped the steering wheel harder, forced the unsettling thoughts out of her head, and kept her eyes on the road for the rest of the ride home. She pulled into her driveway and turned off the ignition. The sudden silence was deafening.
Tate sat on her front porch.
She maintained a death grip on the steering wheel, needing the anchor. Their eyes met through the windshield. Still she couldn’t make the move to unfasten her seat belt or unlock the door. So she sat and stared at the man who made her burn. He stood in one fluid motion, all athletic grace. Her phone rang.
Without breaking eye contact, she dug it out of her purse. “Hello.”
One word, but it barely made it out of a throat closed up due to nerves and the desire rampaging through her system.
“Get out of the car.”
Like a moth to a flame… Why now? Why him? She didn’t know, but she did know she wanted Tate like she’d never wanted another man. Crazy. Tate Grayson, formerly her archnemesis, the man who stood for everything she didn’t. She might as well change her name to Stupid. But her feverish body was overruling her good sense. Just remembering the feel of his hard, muscled body pressed against hers made her wet. She wanted to feel his body again, the sooner the better.
Her skin burned with a fire that he effortlessly ignited in her. She didn’t love him. He didn’t love her. This was all about desire.
It wasn’t smart. But she’d done smart before, and all it had gotten her was a broken engagement.
“Doc.”
Noelle shut her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs and then releasing it. She disconnected the call, covered her racing heart with her right hand and unlocked the door with her left, gathered herself, and stepped out of the car.
His intense, amber eyes tracked her every movement until she stood directly in front of him. He tucked a strand of hair blowing across her face behind her right ear.
Their eyes met again. His, so mesmerizing, were full of unrestrained desire. For her. The same desire she felt for him. A desire she no longer wanted to deny.
She was done with smart. It was time to grab some happiness. Time to accept that doing something strictly for herself didn’t mean disaster would soon strike. If she could.
The need to touch him nearly overwhelmed her. She placed her trembling hand over his heart. Steady. Strong. Sure. “Are we really doing this?”
“Yeah, we are.” Steady. Strong. Sure. Exactly what she needed to hear.
It all clicked into place. “Yeah, we are.”
They dove for each other. He curled his arms around her waist and crushed her against him. Mouths met and clung. He swiped his tongue across her lips, demanding entrance. Desperate to recreate the moment in her office, she immediately complied. His thorough exploration of her mouth followed, unleashing a torrent of desire inside her. With his hands streaking across her body, he was everywhere she wanted him to be. His hands found their way underneath her shirt and swept up her quivering torso. As he cupped her breast, she slammed her hand over his.
He stared down at her, shock and confusion crowding his features.
“Wait. Wait. We need to go inside,” she managed to get out between gasping breaths.
“Hurry up.” His guttural tone sent a fresh wave of lust flash flooding through her body. She twisted out of his arms and jabbed the key toward the lock, but immediately forgot her task when Tate crowded against her body, nibbling at the back of her neck, his hands exploring every inch of her body he could reach. “Doc. Do it. Now.”
“I’m trying.” She made another stab at the lock and missed when he pressed an openmouthed kiss against her collarbone.
“I will make love to you out here for anybody and everybody to see.” The promise in his voice was real.
Finally, the key made its way into the lock. She pushed the door open and they stumbled
inside, the door banging shut behind them. He whipped her around and covered her mouth with his. His tongue stroked every corner of her mouth, and she matched him movement for movement.
Tate put his hands back to work, sliding them underneath her shirt.
“Why are you wearing clothes?” He sounded thoroughly disgruntled.
Noelle grinned against his mouth. “Why wouldn’t I be wearing clothes?”
“Because I want you naked, so I can kiss and touch every inch of your body.”
Heat consumed her. “Oh. Well, let me help you.” Her hands went to her shirt’s buttons.
He whipped his T-shirt over his head.
Her brain short-circuited at her first, prolonged glimpse of his torso. She’d touched it and gotten a brief glimpse in her office, true, but this unvarnished view…Yes. A thousand times yes. Sleek skin. Muscles. Everywhere. Pecs. A six-pack that moved in delightful synchronicity.
“Why did you stop?” He pushed aside her hands and turned to unbuttoning her shirt. Fine with her. Her freed hands went on a tour of his wonderful body, starting at his wide shoulders and slip sliding her way through the fine dusting of hair on his sculpted chest over his erect nipples. The hair trickled down in an intriguing line, bisecting his abs to the waistband of his jeans. The man was built, and she would be eternally thankful.
She made an undignified sound of protest when he drew her hands away from his body.
He grinned. “Your shirt needs to go.”
Oh. Right. It did. She’d gotten distracted by the perfection in front of her. She held her arms up. He undid the buttons at her wrists, drew the shirt down her arms, and tossed it aside. She immediately went to touch him again, but he stopped her.
“What?” She couldn’t keep the need out of her voice.
“It only seems fair that you go topless since I am.”
“Really?” She lifted her eyebrows, letting him know she was on to him. Then smiled. “You’re right. It only seems fair.” She curved one arm behind her.