He raised a brow at her expectantly. “Well, then, you’d best get on with it, hadn’t you? I made dinner reservations for seven-thirty so there’s not much time to waste.”
Tessa frowned, glancing at the wall clock. “But it’s not even one-thirty, we have hours yet.”
Ian smiled meaningfully. “Ah, but I have other plans for you this afternoon as well. And you’ll likely need both a hot shower and a long nap afterwards.”
She felt her cheeks grow warm at his very pointed words. He’d made love to her again last night after carrying her upstairs to bed, but she’d been too sleepy and a bit on the sore side this morning for anything more than some cuddling. To her delight, the weather had been pleasant and sunny, and they’d been able to enjoy breakfast out on his secluded flagstone terrace. The gardens and backyard decks of his house were as beautifully designed as the interior, and Tessa was looking forward to exploring them in more detail with the approach of springtime in a few weeks.
By mid-morning they’d arrived at Neiman Marcus to meet with Marlene, who seemed very pleased to be helping them again. Tessa had struggled not to feel lost as Ian had taken her by the hand, examining an endless assortment of clothing for her to try on. Marlene had followed in their wake, tagging each item as they went along, and taking copious notes besides.
Ian seemed to have an innate sense for the styles, colors, and fabrics that suited her best, and she was more than happy to follow his suggestions. On the rare occasions that she didn’t like something he chose, he adhered to her wishes immediately. And if she spotted an item that caught her fancy, he instantly agreed with her choice. The one thing he strictly forbade her to do was even glance at a single price tag.
To give Marlene and her staff adequate time to assemble all of the items, Ian had whisked her off to the in-store restaurant for a quick lunch. Tessa hadn’t missed the way the mostly female patrons eyed him admiringly, and she couldn’t blame them in the least. He was so handsome, so compelling, that she couldn’t take her eyes off of him even for a minute. He was clean shaven this morning, but she knew that his five o’clock shadow would start appearing sooner than later. He wasn’t wearing a suit since it was a Saturday, but the perfectly pressed gray wool slacks and black fisherman’s sweater worn over a crisp white shirt were still elegant and classy, giving him the look of a 1940’s cinema star - a Cary Grant or Clark Gable. Tessa was glad she’d worn one of her new dresses - a gorgeous Donna Karan burgundy wool wrap-front, paired with taupe Jimmy Choo heels. The chic, expensive outfit made her feel worthy of being seen with Ian, and also of fitting in with the other well-dressed store patrons.
Marlene had raved about her outfit when they’d arrived this morning, complimenting the color and fit.
“But then, with your hair and skin tone you can really wear almost any color,” the personal shopper had acknowledged. “Not to mention the fabulous figure you have.” Then, in a hushed tone for Tessa’s ears only, she’d added, “It’s small wonder he’s so crazy about you, dear. He can’t keep his eyes off of you for very long.”
It was on the tip of Tessa’s tongue to reply that the feeling was mutual, but Ian had called her over at that point to look at a selection of cocktail dresses.
Now in the dressing room, Tessa glanced around in confusion. “I don’t even know where to begin,” she confessed.
Ian gestured at the far end of the room. “Just start there, darling, and work your way across. If there’s something you don’t like, you can leave it on the rolling rack they brought in.”
She sighed. “Okay, here goes. But I’m telling you right now - there is no way you’re buying me all of this stuff.”
He gave her an indulgent smile. “We’ll see.”
Tessa was very aware of his gaze upon her as she stripped off the burgundy dress and stood there in her lacy lingerie - a sumptuous bra of blush colored lace and matching lacy panties that bared half of her ass, along with the sheer, lace topped thigh-highs that Ian seemed to be fascinated with. She heard him mutter something indecipherable under his breath and glanced his way inquisitively.
“Something the matter?” she asked, reaching for the first dress on the rack.
His gaze was fixated on her breasts as he shook his head slowly. “Not one damned thing, no. You look - Jesus, it’s going to be a bloody long afternoon watching you dress and undress.”
She gave him a cheeky smile. “Hey, this was your idea. I wasn’t the one who picked out enough clothes to fill two closets.”
Ian scoffed. “Darling, what’s on these racks won’t even make a dent in the space set aside for you in my closet. Correction, our closet. At least it will be once you move in with me. And you’ll need all of these things plus a great deal more when you start traveling with me.”
Tessa shook her head in disbelief, even as she zipped up the Roland Mouret dress of jade blue wool. “This is an obscene amount of stuff. I’ve never needed more than a few blouses and skirts and a handful of dresses before.”
He gave her a quick look-over in the classy dress with its asymmetrical neckline and fitted waist before nodding in approval. “That one for sure. The color is perfect for you. And yes, I’m aware you’ve made do with a limited wardrobe before and think all of this is unnecessary. But if you’re going to live in my world, darling, you’ll have to get used to this sort of thing. Like it or not, you’ll be somewhat in the public eye, certainly photographed when we attend events, and dressing well is something of a requirement.”
She gave a reluctant nod “I understand. And I don’t want to embarrass you, Ian. I already feel awkward and completely out of your league. I’m sure everyone is wondering what in the world you see in me.”
“Tessa.” He beckoned her over and she walked to stand between his spread legs, his hands resting on her waist. His voice was stern but gentle as he told her, “You could never embarrass me. I’ve told you that already. And it’s absolutely no secret what I see in you –you’re the most gorgeous, sexy and enchanting woman I’ve ever known. On the contrary, they’re all wondering what a hot young thing sees in this old man.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but he shushed her with a finger pressed to her lips. “Let’s not have this debate again, hmm? I’m absurdly proud to have you with me, Tessa, and I can’t wait until we’re able to be seen together everywhere. Now, best move this sexy little tush along and torture me some more with the sight of you in these lace bits.”
She squealed as he gave her a swat and hurried to change into the next outfit.
After almost an hour, it seemed she’d made barely a dent in the dozens of items hanging on the racks, not to mention trying on the coordinating shoes, scarves, belts, and jackets. Marlene popped in every so often to check on the progress, offer up an opinion, fetch a different size if needed. As the second hour drew to a close, Tessa was relieved to see that only one more dress remained.
“Last one,” she sighed, zipping up the navy cap-sleeved Michael Kors sheath. “I need a cup of tea after this. Maybe one of those strawberry scones left from breakfast, too.”
“Ah, but you forgot about these. You still have to try this little pile on,” he reminded her, holding up an exquisite pink lace bra.
There were at least two dozen or more bras, chemises, and other articles of couture lingerie resting on the padded bench to his right.
“Oh.” She had in fact forgotten about the intimate apparel he’d also selected, and forced herself to stifle a yawn. “Can’t I just, um, you know, look these over and kind of guess what will fit right?”
Ian shook his head, handing her the frothy pink lace bra. “After all, this is the part of the fashion show I’ve been looking forward to the most.”
Tessa took the bra from him a bit hesitantly, not missing the heated expression in his gaze. But she only nodded, unhooked the blush colored bra she’d worn here, and replaced it with the new pink one.
She couldn’t suppress the gasp that rose up from her throat as he pulled her betwee
n his spread legs again, then ran a finger over the tops of the lacy cups before slipping under one of the satiny straps.
“Beautiful,” he rasped. “We’ll definitely take this one.”
She was extremely aware of his rapt attention as she continued to try on the remaining items, her nipples seeming to harden a bit more each time she changed into the next piece. She was grateful that she’d kept her own panties on, for she would have already soaked through any new ones she tried on - and wouldn’t that have been humiliating when it came time to check out.
She was down to the third to the last item - a sheer, lacy black chemise with attached garters that ended at the top of her thighs. It came with a matching black thong that she chose to leave on the hanger. But Ian had other ideas, and held the insubstantial piece of silk and lace out to her insistently, his hazel eyes blazing.
“We want to be sure and get the full effect, love. Let’s see how it looks with this.” His voice was raw and barely audible.
She took the tiny garment from him uncertainly. “Um, but there’s a problem, you see. I’m, uh, well, sort of -”
“Wet?” At her nod, he smiled in the most carnal manner she’d ever seen. “Ah, well, that could get a bit embarrassing, I suppose. I’ll tell you what. Since this flimsy little bit of nothing isn’t really going to cover anything up anyway, just take off your panties. I’ll be able to visualize the whole picture quite nicely.”
It was beyond ridiculous for her to start feeling shy at this point - given that he’d been avidly watching her in various stages of undress for more than two hours - but Tessa felt her whole body heat up as she slowly peeled her very damp panties off. Ian made a twirling motion with his index finger, and she turned around slowly in a full circle.
When she faced him again, her pulse was racing madly, her breasts swollen and tight, and little rivulets of moisture were beginning to trickle down her inner thighs. “Do you, ah, like it?” she asked, pulling the very short hem of the chemise an inch or so lower.
Ian’s gaze shifted reluctantly from her near-naked body to the crotch of his trousers, where an extremely impressive erection was tenting the fabric. “Does that answer your question?” he rasped. “I, ah, think perhaps the fashion show should wrap up now, love.”
But Tessa’s eyes were fixated on the sight of his massive erection, unable to tear her gaze away. She licked her lips as she sank to her knees in front of him, his widespread legs on either side of her.
“You poor thing,” she murmured in a decidedly seductive voice that sounded oddly foreign to her. “Ooh, we really must do something to take care of you. After all, it’s not like you can just walk out of here in this condition.”
“Tessa -” he began to admonish sternly. But then his head fell back against the wall with a low gasp as her hand tentatively stroked his throbbing cock.
“Let me,” she whispered, reaching for his zipper. “Let me take care of you, Ian.”
“Oh, Christ,” groaned Ian as she drew out the thick, hard length of his penis, the tip already oozing thick droplets of pre-cum.
“Mmm,” purred Tessa as she licked the pearly beads off his cock, just before taking him fully into her mouth.
“God. Fuck,” he snarled as she sucked him eagerly, his hips moving in an instinctive rhythm with her mouth.
She lifted her head, his cock slipping from between her lips while her hand continued to stroke him with the long, smooth motions she knew he liked. “Shh,” she warned him mischievously. “If Marlene or one of the others hear you come, you’ll never be able to look them in the face again.”
Ian growled as she teased him with the very same words he’d cautioned her with yesterday. “Come up here, then,” he commanded. “If you’re determined to take care of me, let it be mutual. Another rule I’m apparently breaking for you - shagging in a public place.”
She giggled as she straddled his lap, positioning the tip of his cock at the entrance to her drenched slit. “And here I thought you were the one corrupting me,” she joked.
“Wanton little minx,” he growled, squeezing the firm cheeks of her ass as she carefully lowered herself onto his erection. “You’re going to get us kicked out of this store.”
Tessa bit down on the inside of her cheek to stifle the moan she would have otherwise emitted as his cock filled her completely. As she began to ride him, she bent down and whispered in his ear, “No way would they kick you out after all the money you’ve spent. Besides, the door is locked.”
He groaned against her neck before pressing hot, fevered kisses along her throat, collarbone, the upper curves of her breast. Almost frantically, he jerked the strap of the sheer, lacy chemise off her shoulder, exposing one round, lush breast. As his mouth closed roughly over the nipple, muffling the moans rising up from his throat, she buried her face against the top of his dark head in an effort to silence her own sounds of passion.
She was close, oh so close, and could tell by the ferocity of his movements beneath her that he was, too, when a discreet knock sounded on the dressing room door. Tessa froze, but Ian evidently didn’t hear anything since he continued to piston his hips at a frantic pace. Then came the carefully modulated sound of Marlene’s voice.
“How are things coming along in there?” she asked. “Getting close to finishing up?”
Tessa had to shove a fist into her mouth to keep from laughing at Marlene’s very unintentional double entendre. Ian’s mouth was still busy sucking at her breast so she forced herself to reply in a rather high, thin voice, “Um, yes, thanks. Nearly done now.”
There was a long pause, during which Ian remained blissfully unaware of what was going on, and continued to ram his cock inside of her, bringing her ever closer to climax. Finally, Marlene murmured, “Well, just let me know if you need anything” at the precise moment Tessa’s orgasm ripped through her. Ian followed her moments later, his mouth clamping so fiercely on her breast as he did that she grimaced in pain.
He was panting like he’d just run the 400-yard dash, his hair mussed and a little damp as he stared up at her in a daze. “I swear to Christ you’re going to kill me,” he wheezed. “And in a public place to boot. You make me forget everything else when I’m inside you, Tessa.”
She smiled, tenderly brushing his hair back into place. “So much that you didn’t hear Marlene asking if we needed anything.”
He looked shocked, and then his cheeks grew red, something Tessa guessed happened to him very rarely. “Uh, do you think she -”
“Heard us? I don’t think so, especially since your mouth was - um, otherwise occupied.”
He glanced down at her still-exposed breast and frowned when he noticed the reddish mark around her areola. “Did I really do that? God, that’s how out of control I become around you, Tessa. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m just so fair skinned that I tend to bruise easily.”
Ian reluctantly pulled the strap of the chemise back up, covering her breast. “You’d better get dressed, love. Never mind about trying on the other things, we’ll just take them. I’m not sure I’d survive watching you for even one more minute.”
She gave a little wiggle, feeling his semi-hard cock still buried inside of her. “Hmm, feel like putting that theory to the test?”
He pinched her bare buttock - hard. “Not here, no. Besides, I think I’ll need some reinforcement before I’m ready to go again - an extra-large protein shake, a couple of handfuls of vitamins, the biggest, rarest steak the restaurant has available. And that nap I mentioned to you earlier - I’ll definitely need that whether you do or not.”
Tessa ran a finger over his firm mouth. “You seem to be going to an awful lot of trouble for me.”
He nuzzled his face into her cleavage. “Trust me, darling. It’s the best sort of trouble.”
***
“May I help you with your coat, madam?”
Ian frowned at the sharply dressed, overly friendly young man who had greeted them upon their a
rrival at the restaurant. With his usual discerning manner, he hadn’t missed the very interested way the host had not so discreetly checked Tessa out. There was no way in hell he would allow the would-be Lothario to put a hand on her, no matter how innocently.
“I’ve got it,” Ian bit out, and slid the brand new black Burberry trench coat down Tessa’s arms. He’d insisted on buying her a much more suitable rain garment during their shopping spree earlier today, and since the weather was cold and drizzly this evening the purchase had been very timely.
As he drew the coat away and handed it to the host, Ian couldn’t help the small smile of satisfaction that teased the corners of his mouth as he observed the younger man’s expression. He’d had the exact same reaction the host was currently experiencing when he’d seen Tessa for the first time this evening. Though he was fairly certain, at the very least, that his tongue hadn’t been hanging out of his mouth - unlike the young, suddenly silent host’s.
The alluring black dress clung to her ripe, curvy body like a lover without being indecently tight or too revealing. Just as he’d known it would, the off the shoulder neckline displayed just enough cleavage to make her look like a 1940’s screen siren. The ivory skin of her bare shoulders gleamed, and the diamonds he’d bought her sparkled in her ears and at the base of her throat. The rich fabric of the dress skimmed over the high, taut globes of her ass, and he was sorely tempted to squeeze one round, tempting cheek.
As the host escorted them to their table - the one he’d requested, in a prime location that offered up the best possible view of the water - Ian kept a hand on the small of Tessa’s back. His gaze dropped to the endlessly long length of her shapely legs, encased in black silky stockings, her feet shod in a brand new pair of black Louboutin stilettos. From his peripheral vision, his acute skills of observation didn’t miss all the pairs of admiring eyes - both male and female - that stared after Tessa in slack jawed admiration. Ian’s chest swelled with pride, both with the knowledge that she looked like a movie star or a supermodel, and that he was the one lucky enough to have her by his side.
Crave (Splendor Book 2) Page 18