Our First Embrace

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

  “Very good, but I’m still not budging.”

  “How about this?” He deftly removed her bra and took a round breast in his mouth before switching to the other.

  “You’re a very talented negotiator.”

  “Am I convincing you?”

  “Mmm.” She held his head closer to her humming skin. “Yes, but I still need more.”

  “Oh, I’ve got more,” he promised, his teeth worrying her nipple. His seeking hands removed her panties, and then he pulled a condom out of his pocket and she took it from him.

  “Good, because I need all that you’ve got.”

  She scooted back on his thighs as she unbuttoned his jeans, and together they sheathed him as they kissed ravenously. His hands on her hips lifted her and set her back down on his lap, effortlessly joining their bodies into one. They groaned in ecstasy.

  The rain now pelted down on the car, echoing the frantic beating of their hearts as they scratched the ever-present itch of their combustible desire. His hands guided her hips as his mouth feasted on her breasts. Her fingers anchored in his hair, holding him close to her. Echoing sighs and groans filled the car as they gave everything they had and took all each had to give.

  They held tight, waiting for the tremors to subside, which took some time. Their harsh breathing grew steadier, and the rain was now a soft purr, its fury having been spent like the two lovers who were still pressed close.

  “Your persuasive skills are exceptional,” Nicole breathlessly said against his neck.

  “In that case, could I persuade you to...?” He whispered his demand in her ear and then pulled back to smile wickedly at her.

  “Oh, God, yes,” she groaned, meeting his hungry mouth halfway in a searing kiss.

  Chapter 15

  Sunday night came much too quickly to suit Nicole. It was the best weekend she had ever spent, and she was dreading having it end. He took her home late Sunday night, a little before midnight, as they had tried to prolong their time together as much as they could.

  At her door, Alexander pulled Nicole into his arms. His hands caressed her back while hers rested on his sturdy shoulders.

  “I don’t want to let you go,” he admitted around a kiss.

  “I don’t want to go either.” Her arms tightened around his neck, and her mouth sought out his for longer contact.

  “You’d better go in.” His actions belied his words as his arms tightened around her waist, and his mouth engulfed hers once more. “I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off you at work,” Alex confessed a short while later.

  “It’s going to be hard for me, too.” She ran her fingers through his hair as her lips played with his.

  “We need to get in our fill while we can.” His hands roamed over her familiarly.

  “I don’t think that’s going to be possible.” She pressed closer, thrilling at the feel of his hard body against hers.

  “Let’s give it a shot.”

  “Let’s,” she agreed, pressing her mouth to his.

  He kissed her silly, but pulled back before they lost control and gave the other tenants quite a show. His lips still played with hers, though.

  “We’d better stop.”

  “Yes, I know.” She pushed slightly out of his arms. “I miss you already.”

  “Miss you, too,” he echoed. But he pulled her back against him and kissed her, long, hot and thoroughly. “Good night.” He caressed her cheek before turning and leaving while he could.

  Nicole fought the urge to run after Alexander. Instead she sighed and then went into her apartment. She was surprised to see Monique curled up on the sofa with a throw over her lap.

  “Hey, roomie.”

  “Hey.” Nicole managed a small smile. “What are you doing up so late?”

  “I was watching a movie.” Monique switched off the television. “Why so sad? I expected you to be floating on cloud nine.”

  “I am.” Nicole flopped down on the sofa beside her. “I just miss Alexander.”

  “Oh, boy, you’ve got it bad.”

  “I do,” she agreed. “Monique...”

  “What?”

  “You’ll think I’m crazy.”

  “No, I won’t.” She squeezed Nicole’s hand and urged her on. “Tell me.”

  Taking a deep breath, she admitted, “I think I’m falling in love with Alexander.”

  “I think you have been for a while now.”

  “You’re right,” Nicole softly acknowledged. “How did this happen when I wasn’t even remotely looking for it?”

  “That’s when Cupid strikes,” Monique teased. “Didn’t you know that?”

  Nicole smiled but remained silent. She hoped and prayed that Cupid had struck Alexander, too.

  * * *

  Nicole had never been happier for a Monday morning to arrive because Sunday night was absolutely miserable. She’d tossed and turned, unable to sleep without Alexander. When she arrived at work Monday morning, he was walking around the designer area, inspecting sketches. She secretly suspected he was waiting for her to arrive, which pleased her very much.

  Her heart flipped in her chest when their eyes met as she made her way to her desk. He gazed at her longingly before his eyes became hooded and professional. She understood, but how she wanted to run into his arms, longing to feel his strong, warm embrace.

  “Good morning, Nicole.” To keep from touching her, he crossed his arms.

  “Good morning, Alexander.”

  “After you’ve settled in, could you get out the sketches on the cocktail dress you’ve been working on? I’d like to go over them before the staff meeting.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” He smiled at her briefly before turning his attention back to Crystal to give pointers on her sketch.

  Nicole nodded at Crystal, who coolly reciprocated, which Nicole suspected was purely for Alexander’s benefit. That woman refused to budge an inch in her dislike, and Nicole had long since stopped trying to move her.

  She had just retrieved the requested sketches when Alexander walked over and leaned against her desk with his back toward the others in the room. Nicole’s desk was pretty isolated. The closest one to her was Monique, and her office was empty presently; thus, they were afforded relative privacy.

  “I would have brought the designs to your office, Alexander.” She handed him the designs.

  “I don’t think that’s wise.” He lowered his voice for her ears only. “It’s hard enough keeping my hands off you now. If we were alone in my office...”

  “I completely understand.”

  “I think we should steer clear of each other as much as possible.” He pretended interest in the sketches in his hand.

  “I agree.” She busied her hands with unpacking her portfolio. “Trying not to touch you now is killing me.”

  “Believe me, I know.” His eyes spoke volumes before he cleared his throat and stood. “I’ll get back to you on these in a bit.”

  “I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.” She forced herself not to watch him leave, instead turning and readying her station for work.

  Nicole waited a good fifteen minutes after Alexander returned to his office, so as not to run into him, before going into the break room to get her morning coffee. After her sleepless night, she needed it. What she didn’t need was to run into her office enemy.

  “Good morning, Crystal.” Nicole sighed, walking over to retrieve a cup and saucer from the cupboard.

  “I see you’re making yourself right at home,” Crystal said in an accusing tone.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It didn’t take you long to move in on the boss.”

  “First, exactly who would I be moving in on? Alexander isn’t
dating anyone that I know of. And second—just like you—Alexander and I are business associates.” Okay, they were half truths, but she certainly wasn’t going to discuss Alexander with Crystal of all people. “I’m flattered that you find me so interesting. However, I’m at a loss to understand why.”

  “Sure you are.” Crystal sneered. “I’ve worked with women like you before—untalented, unethical and using their bodies to move ahead and get what they want.”

  “You haven’t spent five minutes since I moved here to get to know me, so I don’t understand what you’re basing your flawed analysis on.”

  “I have eyes, and I promise you I see very well,” Crystal snapped.

  “Believe what you want, Crystal. You will anyway.” Nicole poured herself a cup of coffee. “I don’t have time for high school antics.”

  “You’re so smug,” Crystal spat the accusation and fumed when Nicole laughed.

  “You’re so sad.” Nicole’s pitying statement caused Crystal’s teeth to clench. “What’s it to you who Alexander dates? Is it the fact that he’s obviously not interested in you that infuriates you so, or are you just the office busybody who isn’t happy unless she’s stirring up trouble even where none exists?”

  “I was supposed to work on the Bettina line, but you showed up batting your eyes and wiggling your tail, and lo and behold, suddenly you’re assigned to it! Your coup de grâce was talking Alexander into designing a gown with him—a novice like you, designing a gown with the boss! Do you know how many years I’ve hoped for that honor?”

  Nicole studied the other woman and felt a twinge of pity for her. At least she now knew why Crystal disliked her so, even if her reasons were unfounded.

  “I—like all of Alexander’s employees—follow his orders. If you have a problem with his decisions, I suggest you take it up with him.” Without waiting for Crystal’s response, she picked up her coffee and walked out.

  “If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to find a way to knock you off your high horse!” Crystal angrily promised as she picked up a saucer and smashed it in the sink.

  * * *

  Around 8:00 p.m., after everyone had gone home, Nicole gladly answered a summons into Alexander’s office. She found him reclining in his chair behind his desk, jacketless, with a wolfish grin on his face.

  “Come here,” he ordered.

  “Yes, Alexander.” She walked over to stand beside his chair. “What can I do for you?”

  “Quite a bit.” He took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. “I thought everyone would never leave,” he groaned against her neck.

  “I know.” She inhaled his spicy aftershave and ran her hands up and down his chest. “Tell me what you want?”

  “I just need one kiss.” His mouth sought out hers.

  “Just one?” She avoided his lips, smiling.

  “Maybe two,” he corrected, placing a hand behind her head to bring her mouth in range of his, and nipped at her lower lip. “Or three.”

  His hot mouth engulfed hers, and she felt singed to the bone. The kiss went on and on, and when they pulled apart, each was breathing raggedly.

  “Oh, God, I needed that,” he groaned against her mouth.

  “Me, too.”

  He ran fingers down her cheek. “I think I’m good now.”

  “Well.” She smiled sexily, turning until she straddled his lap. “I’m not.”

  Their mouths mated wildly once more. Her hands made fast work of the buttons of his shirt, and he busied himself unzipping her dress and unhooking her bra.

  “I couldn’t sleep last night.” He murmured against her breasts as his mouth reacquainted itself with her soft skin.

  “Neither could I.” She gasped as he took a nipple into his mouth. “Don’t stop. God, I’m addicted to you.”

  “I need your sweet mouth.”

  “Again?” She smiled teasingly.

  “Again and again,” he growled.

  She gave him what he needed, and he kissed her as if this was his last chance. His hands roamed under her skirt to caress her silky inner thighs urgently.

  “Let’s go back to my place,” he suggested against her mouth.

  “I’d love to, but first...” She unhooked his belt.

  “Nicole...” He groaned at her actions. “We shouldn’t do this here.”

  “Everyone’s gone home. There’s only you and me.” She unbuttoned and unzipped his pants and then stared at him thoughtfully. “Maybe you didn’t miss me as much as I missed you?”

  “Believe me, I did.”

  “Then show me how much,” she challenged.

  “You asked for it.” His eyes darkened, and the hands on her thighs moved higher.

  “Condom?” She moaned against his mouth and pressed closer as his talented fingers treated her to pleasure.

  “Middle drawer,” he hoarsely instructed.

  She threw the contents on the floor until she found what she was looking for. She held up the foil packet triumphantly before he took it from her, tore it open and quickly sheathed himself.

  In the blink of an eye, he was inside of her, filling her, bringing them both to the brink of bliss with each powerful stroke. They desperately tried to make it last, but their need was too great and their passion too explosive. When she began gyrating her hips against his, he lost it, and soon after so did she.

  “Mmm.” Alex’s mouth trailed across her neck and shoulder. “That hit the spot.” He raised his head and stared into her satisfied eyes.

  Nicole sighed. “It sure did.”

  “How about coming home with me for more of the same?”

  “I’d love to.” She lowered her mouth to his. “But first, I just need one more kiss.”

  * * *

  Nicole and Alex entered his house laughing and holding hands. She reached up to give him a quick kiss, which turned hot and heavy. Victor came out of the living room and coughed loudly when he spied the kissing couple.

  “Hey, guys.”

  “Hi, Victor.” Nicole turned out of Alexander’s arms and smiled at him.

  “Hey, Vic.” Alex wiped lipstick from his mouth until Nicole’s fingers took over the job. “What’s up?”

  “Well, I was hoping for a good meal, but since you’re busy...” He slowly walked toward the door.

  “Where are you going?” Nicole touched his arm. “I’ll whip something up in no time.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “Since when?” Alex chuckled. “You know you’re more than welcome.”

  “As long as I’m not in the way.”

  “You are not,” Nicole promised as they all walked to the kitchen. “Let’s see what we’ve got that’s quick.”

  In the kitchen, Nicole and Alex rummaged through the refrigerator and cabinets, pulling out fixings for their impromptu dinner while Victor watched, grinning from the butcher block counter.

  They decided on a beef stir fry. Nicole put Victor to work chopping vegetables and praised his efforts while Alex watched his two favorite people filling his home and heart with laughter.

  “Here, make yourself useful.” Alex handed a corkscrew to Victor after he finished vegetable patrol.

  “I can handle opening wine,” Victor assured them, leaving the kitchen for a few moments and going into the wine cellar. He returned with a bottle that he promptly opened flawlessly.

  “Beautifully done, Victor,” Nicole praised, and he kissed her cheek and handed her a glass. “Thank you.”

  Alex and Nicole moved around the kitchen seamlessly, as if they’d done it a million times. She handed him spices or utensils before he knew he needed or wanted them, and he volunteered to taste her creation before she asked.

  “Are we eating here or the dining room?” Alex asked.

&nb
sp; “Here,” Nicole and Victor simultaneously agreed and laughed.

  “Here it is then,” Alex agreed, scooping stir fry onto three plates before sitting beside Nicole at the butcher block.

  “Mmm, this hits the spot,” Victor said, digging into his food.

  “How long has it been since you had a decent meal?” Alex shook his head at his brother.

  “When was the last time I was here?” was Victor’s response.

  “Take the leftovers home with you,” Nicole said. “You can reheat, can’t you?”

  “Barely.” Victor chuckled.

  Alex watched the two interact with a smile on his face. He loved the way Nicole effortlessly fit in with him and Victor. If he was going to give his heart away, it would be to her. Damn, he wished he wasn’t so messed up when it came to trusting because he really wanted to completely trust Nicole.

  “Nicole, do you ski?” Victor asked.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Then you’ve got to come with me and Alex on our annual ski trip in November.”

  “That sounds like fun.” She glanced at Alexander, who was quiet. “We’ll see.”

  “More wine?” Alex found his voice and refilled everyone’s glasses, hoping they would stop the uncomfortable chitchat.

  He was aware of Nicole and Victor’s curious glances; however, neither of them commented on his sudden less-than-festive mood. An hour later, they all stood by the front door as Victor prepared to leave.

  “I hate to eat and run,” Victor began.

  “Since when?” Alex smiled.

  “Want me to stay and help you clean up?”

  “No,” Alex quickly said. “You’re a disaster in the kitchen, and I don’t want anything broken.”

  “I thought not.” Victor’s eyes danced in amusement. “Now I’m going to leave you two to do some work—or whatever.”

  “You just couldn’t go a few hours without putting your foot in your mouth, could you?” Alex sighed, and Nicole smiled.

  “No.” Victor laughed, not at all offended. “You guys have fun.”

  “We will,” Alex promised, placing a hand around Nicole’s waist.

  “That’s the spirit.” Victor kissed Nicole’s cheek. “Thanks for letting me stay for dinner.”