Second Skin (A 1Night Stand Contemporary Romance)

by Landen, Thea

  “Ah, so they sent me a nice farm boy.” She pursed her lips. “Though with your tan and build, it almost seems like you’d be more comfortable out in the field rather than in a stuffy boardroom.”

  Beneath the afternoon sun, his face flushed warmer. That gorgeous women like her could find him equally attractive was still an unfamiliar concept. “We all have to start somewhere. But you’re right—I was born and raised in the Midwest, right in America’s Heartland.”

  “Me, too.”

  He’d had a hunch she’d come from a similar region and his hypothesis proved to be correct. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the table. “I thought that’s where you were originally from.”

  One eyebrow shot up in question and she seemed to tense, the muscles of her shoulders tightening beneath the thin straps of her dress.

  “Your voice,” he went on. “The good old American accent. I figured you weren’t from anywhere in the Northeast.”

  The tension disappeared, and she relaxed back into the pleasant mood. Brendan detected hints of anxiety at the mention of her origins and made a note not to bring it up again until they’d learned more about each other. After a waiter brought two salads and filled their glasses with sparkling water, Samantha directed the conversation back toward him. “So, did you build your business right there in the fields, or do you work from one of the larger cities?”

  “My company is actually based out of Chicago,” he said, spearing a forkful of lettuce. “But ever since I was young, I always knew I wanted to travel, to see the world. I’m glad my success has afforded me the opportunity to do so.”

  “I was the same way.”

  Another trait they shared. “Must be that small-town mindset, always looking for something bigger.” He grinned at her. “What a pair of stereotypes we are, two kids with big dreams to run away from home.”

  She twirled her silverware with two long fingers, the sunlight glinting off her flawless manicure. “Nothing wrong with setting lofty goals.”

  “Not at all.” Discovering their common qualities filled him with optimism. “I’m sure I can guess the answer to this, as your occupation seems like it would be quite lucrative, but I’ll ask anyway—have you managed to see all the places you dreamed of?”

  Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink under his inquisitive stare and gentle enthusiasm. “Most of them, yes. I’ve spent some time in Europe and I tried to hit all the major cities and landmarks.”

  “Tell me, which was your favorite?” When she paused, he added, “You don’t have to think too hard about it. I’m just curious as to where you felt drawn to the most.”

  Samantha absentmindedly swirled the liquid in her glass. “Paris and Rome seem to be the popular choices, but I fell in love with Prague the minute I set foot inside the city. There’s just something about its culture, its charm….”

  Is she reading from a script? He gazed at her across the table, fighting back the disbelief of how lucky he was. “And here I worried we might run out of things to talk about today. Prague is one of my favorite cities, too.”

  They finished their late lunch while discussing a mutual appreciation of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and their favorite performances. Conversation flowed freely, and his date appeared to be interested in all he had to say. Samantha exemplified eloquence and worldly experience in the way she carried herself, two qualities he found just as appealing as her chocolate brown eyes and the curves beneath her snug dress.

  As they conversed, something probed his memory. She reminded him of someone, but who? Brendan pushed the thoughts aside. Her name didn’t sound familiar, and their list of planned activities didn’t include mulling over past acquaintances. And when the waiter had cleared their empty plates, Brendan pushed back his chair and offered her his hand again. That time, he didn’t let it go.

  ***

  Fingers intertwined, they descended the steps from the patio and set out to stroll around the grounds of the winery. Faint breezes ruffled the emerald grass lining of their chosen path. Anna’s arm rubbed against Brendan’s as they meandered through the spacious property and continued their conversation. The simplicity of the contact with his skin unlocked a flurry of exhilaration she’d blocked over the years, sending a tingle down through her shoulders into her chest. She craved more of his touch.

  Arriving at a bench in front of the tidy rows of grapevines, he sat first, and she joined him, pressing her thigh alongside his. Though she was grateful for the brief respite, a nagging question prevented her from feeling completely at ease.

  “I have to ask….”

  Her pulse fluttered under his attentive gaze. “Yes?”

  She studied his chiseled features and brilliant eyes. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m dying to learn what led you to 1Night Stand. It just seems to me someone like you wouldn’t struggle with finding a date.”

  Brendan let out a low laugh, a delightful sound that rumbled from deep within his chest. “Back to the topic of stereotypes. While growing up, I was the shy kid with more books than friends. I kept to myself and no one ever paid much attention to me.”

  His body, so close to hers, definitely captured her interest. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

  “Of course not. But then, years down the line, I find myself successful, wealthy, and allegedly attractive to an awful lot of women.” He scratched the side of his head. “I was a little worried about whether I’d be able to differentiate between the ones who were attracted to the public image I portrayed and those who were attracted to the person I am, so I thought I might as well turn it over to the professionals.”

  His words tugged at Anna’s heart. Never had she imagined this venture would pair her with someone with similar perceptions to her own, even if their circumstances weren’t identical. “I know how you feel. I’ve struggled with the same thing myself here and there,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t ask for too many details.

  “Oh?” The smile with the capacity to make her melt flashed across his face once more. “Are you also burdened with the mediocre sob story of a disappointing childhood?”

  “Not quite.” She searched her memory for any significant facts regarding Samantha’s early life. When she came up blank, she drew on her own history. “I’d say it was average, if not overly dull. I can’t complain, though, as it made me into the person I am today.”

  “I wouldn’t complain, either.” He draped one arm across her shoulders. “Especially since I like that person you are very much.”

  Brendan tilted his head and she did the same. Their lips met, gently at first, then his tongue mingled with hers. Cupping her face, he threaded his fingers through her hair. The taste of his kiss sent a dizzying rush through her, and she gripped his knee to steady herself. It had been so long since her last tender moment, she teetered on the brink of losing herself to a man she’d met mere hours earlier.

  The kiss ended far too soon. His ardent gaze locked on hers, and his moist lips curved upward. Before she could protest, he stood and helped her to her feet. “Come on,” he said. “I think we can make it to the lake before sunset.”

  Anna obliged. Hand in hand, they picked their way down a sloping path toward the shore. Verdant hills stretched to meet the sky on the far side of the lake, providing cover for the descending sun. The whispers of the water lapping on the rocks below them drifted to her ears as she stared up at the pastel streaks painting the clouds. She’d seen many magnificent scenes around the globe during her lifetime, but the secluded winery easily jumped to near the top of the list.

  The wind flowing off the waves grew stronger, and she shivered as it swept across her bare shoulders. Brendan wrapped his sturdy arms around her, his rock-hard abs pressed against the small of her back, the embrace shielding her from the chill. A flush of heat coursed through her. Heart pounding, she leaned back and stroked his forearm, Being with him was dangerous, yet the perfect fit against him took precedence over her fears.

  “It’s beautif
ul out here, isn’t it?” His breath danced across the tip of her ear.

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “Summers in this region are always nice, but they’re nothing compared to the autumn foliage,” he said. “Have you ever been up here during that time of year?”

  Anna continued tracing idle lines from his wrist to his elbow. “No, I haven’t.”

  His head dipped lower and his lips grazed her skin. “I realize it’s early for us, but I’d love to come back here with you. We could watch the changing colors, cuddle in front of a roaring fire….”

  Anguish stabbed at her. The images he described sounded flawless and enticing. Every part of her yearned to agree to whatever he offered, but planning a rendezvous posed too much of a risk. She hadn’t predicted the difficulties of keeping up an ongoing charade with the man she met.

  “That sounds lovely.” She swallowed hard and turned toward him. Her cheek rested in the crook of his neck, though its comfort did nothing to assuage her unexpected guilt over the upcoming lie. “Maybe we can work something out.”

  Chapter Three

  Dusk encroached upon their entwined forms, casting a gray haze over the lake and its shores. They returned to the main building to continue the lighthearted conversation before it became too dark. A private table had been set for them in the corner of the dining room, overlooking the shadowed lake from behind tall glass windows.

  Flickering candlelight bathed Samantha’s face in a sultry glow, and Brendan marveled again over the gorgeous woman with whom he shared a decadent meal. “That’s a pretty necklace.” He gestured toward the jewelry around her throat. “Is there any significance to the butterfly?”

  “This? I’ve had it for years and years.” She touched the golden pendant. “When I was growing up, my grandmother had a flower garden that everyone in her neighborhood admired and envied. With all the colorful blooms, there always seemed to be dozens of butterflies flitting about. I loved to watch them.”

  Her recollections of the quaint scene reminded him of the similar plots back where he’d spent his childhood. “Go on,” he said, loving the sound of her voice.

  “At first, I wanted to catch them and keep them as pets, but my grandmother explained to me they’d be much happier being free to explore all the gardens, because it was what they liked best. I was disappointed at first, but I understood.” Her fingertips brushed against the necklace again, caressing it. He wanted to feel those fingers on his own skin. “I’ve just liked them since then.”

  He beamed at her over the candles as a clear image of the young girl among the tulips and daffodils etched into his mind. “That sounds a lot like what I remember from my days in the midst of all that farmland.” Past, present, or future, Samantha fit into all his experiences. If he was lucky, they’d share another memorable experience after dessert. “Perhaps we can add that section of the country to our list of places to visit.”

  “Oh, I’m not sure about that.” She cleared her throat. “After attaining our fantastical dreams, we might have outgrown those small towns.”

  Brendan chuckled. Similar thoughts often drifted through his head as well. “You may have a point. I’ve always believed it’s better to keep looking ahead, rather than dwelling on the past.”

  “Agreed.”

  Reaching across the table, he stroked the top of her hand. Soft, smooth skin warmed the pads of his fingers; he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of the way she felt. “We’ve been so many places, it’s easy to grow jaded or fail to see the splendor. But whatever remains of the world to see, I’d love to share with you.”

  She gazed at him beneath her dark fringe of lashes, her berry-red lips curving into a flirtatious smile.

  Succulent meat with fresh vegetables and wild rice arrived on china plates while the wait staff kept the wine flowing. Triangles of peach pie capped off the meal, accompanied by claims the gardeners had picked the fruit that very day. He used the edge of his fork to spear the tip of his slice and held it out. Samantha leaned forward, never taking her gaze off his, and accepted the offering. Once she’d swallowed it, she laughed and fed him a morsel from her own plate.

  So far, their date had been more perfect than he could have ever expected. He didn’t want the evening to end.

  ***

  When the staff began cleaning up around them, Brendan took their cue and stood. Pulling out her chair for her, he led Anna out of the dining room and to the base of the staircase in the foyer.

  “Well, Samantha….” he began, taking her hands in his.

  Hearing him speak the false name left her cold.

  “It’s late, and I’m sure you have a flight to catch sometime tomorrow.” He pressed her enclosed hands to his chest and dipped his chin, his mouth hovering perilously close to hers. “I’ll be a gentleman and let you decide what happens from this point forward.”

  She inhaled, breathing in the musky scent of his cologne. His close proximity, combined with the scintillating ideas of how he might feel on top of her, sent her into an intoxicated daze. Fighting the sudden trembling in her legs, she grazed his lips with hers, holding on to him to prevent the flood of arousal from knocking her off balance. No way could she let him go so soon.

  “I want to be with you,” she murmured against him. “Let’s stay together until the morning.”

  Brendan’s grip on her tightened. The smile that had melted away all her resistance over the course of the day took on a wicked edge and her pulse quickened. Without removing her hand from his arm, he ascended the staircase in long strides, while she floated beside him in a haze of vulnerable lust.

  A key card materialized from his pocket, and he swiped it through the locking mechanism. Pushing the door open, he stepped aside to let her pass. Anna entered the room, her heart pounding in her ears.

  As soon as the door closed, he grabbed her around the waist and assaulted her mouth. She laced her fingers around the back of his neck, parted her lips, and his tongue delved inside. The earthy remnants of the wine they’d consumed lingered, and she drank him in, submitting to the force of their frenzied kiss.

  They stumbled backward, her shoulders colliding with the door, but Brendan dragged his lips over her neck, replacing any discomfort with pleasure. Pinning her to the solid wood, he leaned into her with his full weight, trapping an expanding erection between them. Moisture gathered in her core at prospect of having him inside her.

  He nipped at the sensitive skin above her collarbone, leaving her gasping for air. Her fingers skated down his back and fumbled with the bottom of his shirt. Before she could yank it out of the waistband of his pants, he pulled away.

  “Wait.” His harsh exhale punctuated the demand. “Let’s not rush things too much. I want to take my time with you.”

  Though her chest heaved with the loss of his contact, Anna smiled. Stepping away from the door, she left a space of a foot between them. When he kicked off his shoes, she followed suit.

  Circling behind her, he closed the gap.

  Brendan swept her hair over one shoulder. His mouth feathered kisses along her spine. Gentle lips traversed the space between her shoulder blades, and nimble fingers found the zipper of her sundress. It slid down at an agonizingly slow pace.

  He pushed the straps off her arms, and the dress fell to the floor. She climbed out of the puddle of cotton and turned around. His gaze traveled over her, cobalt eyes shining in the wan light. “Amazing,” he whispered. “I knew you would look incredible, but…wow.”

  Her cheeks bloomed with heat. “Now, this doesn’t seem fair, does it?” she teased. Another attempt at seizing the hem of his polo shirt resulted in success. He helped her pull it off over his head and toss it to the side.

  The ridges of his chest were well-defined, even in the dim light. A sprinkling of golden curls across his pecs descended in a narrow line over his chiseled abs, disappearing into his waistband. Her mouth watered at the thought of what lay beyond.

  Moving closer, she traced every line, every muscle. Wh
en she skimmed a fingertip over one flat nipple, he choked back a groan. Dancing her fingers down the front of his body, she enjoyed the voyage to the unfastened button of his pants. The khakis fell away, revealing navy blue boxer-briefs.

  Anna didn’t have long to admire her findings before Brendan scooped her into his arms. She giggled as he carried her over to the bed, and she squealed when they both landed on the mattress with a thump. His lips sought hers again while his palms roamed her every curve. One hand snaked behind her back and made quick work of the hooks of her bra. It joined the growing pile on the floor.

  Breaking the kiss, he angled back to stare at her bared breasts. “Amazing,” he repeated in the same hushed tones and caressed the side of one quivering breast. Her breath hitched and then a moan escaped when he lowered his mouth to explore the same path.

  Tender kisses whispered across her flesh. Anna arched her back in a desperate plea to get more of her breast in his mouth. Acquiescing, he sucked on a nipple, laving over the stiff peak, shooting sparks straight to her aching pussy. She squirmed, but he continued applying relentless pressure. His teeth skimmed the swollen edge before catching the sensitive bud and giving it a swift tug. Her cry of delight echoed through the room.

  When the divine torment threatened insanity, he relinquished his treasure with a loud pop. He raised his head and she stared into his eyes, plummeting into the dark hunger within. Lost in the clouds of their passion, she made a halfhearted grope at his cock. He shook his head and grabbed her wrist, steering her hand away. “Not yet,” he said with a roguish smile.

  His next series of kisses landed on her breastbone, meandering over her stomach and across her navel at a pace akin to torture. Reaching the band of her silk panties, he hooked his thumbs on either side and pulled them off with the same deliberate lack of speed. With the last impediment removed, he nuzzled her mound, nudging her thighs apart, lips sweeping against her.