Kissing Her Crazy

by Kira Archer

  She thought for a minute, her brow crinkling. But Elliot hadn’t missed the excitement that had shone from her eyes before the frown had taken over. She liked his ideas. A lot.

  “That’s not a bad idea, actually,” she said, her voice softening a bit. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” He drew her closer for the final bars of the waltz.

  He was mildly surprised that he was enjoying offering up ideas to help her out, even though he’d only brought up the conversation to avoid thinking about sex. Her response might not have been the rousing excitement-filled celebration that he’d hoped for, but she hadn’t totally been able to hide her interest or her enthusiasm. That little spark in her eyes gave him a serious case of the warm fuzzies. And he liked it. And her reaction to his other more recreational ideas was everything he could have hoped for, so all in all, it was a pretty good dance lesson.

  The song switched to one with a slightly faster tempo, and Elliot grasped her hand. “Let’s kick this up a notch.”

  Before she could respond, he spun her out, then pulled her back in. She twirled around with a little “eep!” and ended up back against his chest, surprised and laughing.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Having some fun. Let’s dance.”

  Lena laughed again, holding on tight while he spun her, twirled her, and wrapped his arms about her. By the time the song had ended, Lena was breathless in his arms.

  “You’re crazy, you know that?” she said.

  He laughed. “Yeah, but it makes life a lot more fun.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  The instructor, apparently deciding they knew what they were doing, left them alone to dance through the next few songs while she focused most of her attention on the bride and groom. Elliot had never had so much fun in his life. He’d been to every hot club in major cities across the world. Yet, somehow, swaying to cheesy music in a hotel ballroom was easily topping his best nights on the dance floor. Because of the woman he held in his arms. Because of the happiness shining from her face as they twirled across the floor. Happiness that hadn’t been there a few moments before. Happiness she’d sorely needed and that he’d help create for her. Not that she hadn’t been happy before.

  She was delightful. Always. But this was different. This wasn’t tied up with Tyler or with their business ideas or family. It was just the two of them, enjoying each other. Hearing her laugh and seeing her eyes twinkling with happiness because of him sent a streak of joy through him so intense it was completely alien. For the first time, he felt really needed. Not for his wallet or his connections. But just for him, for who he was. He’d made her happy. And that made him…elated. He liked the feeling. Very much.

  If any one of his buddies had said something even remotely resembling the cheese-fest tumbling around in his head, Elliot would have given him a good swift kick in the balls to bring him back to earth. But he couldn’t help himself. The disappointment that filled him when their hour was over was almost laughable. He didn’t want to let Lena go. He wanted to pull her closer and kiss those smiling lips. Taste every inch of her until she was gasping his name.

  He looked down at her. The music was over, the instructor giving last minute instructions. But Lena’s gaze was firmly fixed on him, her arm still around his waist. And unless he was very much mistaken, a perfect echo of what he was feeling was reflected in her eyes. She wanted him, too.

  Her hand tightened on his waist, and for just a moment she snuggled into him. Then she stepped away, letting her arm slide along his back until she couldn’t touch him anymore. He grabbed her hand before it dropped and pulled her back to him.

  “Meet me in my room tonight,” he said.

  Her eyes flared wide, panic flashing through them. “What? No. Why? No. I can’t.”

  She tried to pull away from him, but he wasn’t letting her go that easily. Smooth. He’d been way too blunt. And after their little dance-a-thon, she probably thought he was only thinking one thing. Which, honestly, he was. But that wasn’t really why he wanted her to come over. Well, not entirely.

  He wouldn’t push her to do anything she didn’t want to do, but he really did want to spend more time with her. Hell, he’d be thrilled to sit on opposite sides of the room, as long as they could talk. Anything else they might do together, well, he was more than willing to take that as slow as she needed to.

  “Just to talk,” he assured her. “My parents are going on their yearly European vacation as soon as the wedding is over, so I want to pitch them my ideas for the foundation this week. I really could use your help getting everything organized.”

  She frowned but didn’t say no, so he pressed on.

  “I spoke with the concierge, and he said the hotel has a great media center. I can even get charts and stuff printed out so I can do a full-blown professional presentation. But I need to get it all worked out first. If I don’t do it now, I’ll have to wait until after Christmas, and I’d love to get this moving before that. Our annual fundraiser is in January, so I need everything in place by then. Come on. I promise I’ll behave, if you want me to,” he said playfully.

  Lena gazed up at him, a myriad of emotions flashing across her face so fast he had no clue where she’d end up. Her forehead creased, and he was sure she was going to turn him down.

  “I’ll need to see if my cousin can watch Tyler for the night so I won’t have to worry about him if we work late.”

  Elliot pulled her into him for a quick hug, afraid to let her see the sheer exhilaration that he knew must be shining from his face.

  She pulled away and smiled at him. “I’ll see you later then.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  His body nearly vibrated with the excitement pulsing through him. He was happy about getting the foundation stuff in order. He’d never been so excited about a project in his life. Thanks to Lena. He’d paid lip service to the charity for years. And despite his desire to do more, he hadn’t done much about it. Until now. Until he’d met her. She was the one who’d lit the fire under him. Finally, he had a chance to really do something amazing to help others and do something meaningful with his life.

  But more importantly, he’d gotten Lena to agree to spend several hours alone with him.

  Life was fucking awesome.

  Chapter Six

  Lena collapsed onto the couch and pulled out her phone. Tyler had had his lunch and was tucked up in bed fast asleep. He’d outgrown naps a few years ago, but it had been a long couple days already and when he’d curled up on the bed and passed out, Lena wasn’t about to wake him up. A few quiet minutes to collect her thoughts was exactly what she needed.

  She had a missed call from Iris, so she dialed her back. A little advice from her BFF would be good. She had no idea what the hell to do about Elliot.

  Iris picked up on the second ring.

  “Hey, Len, how are things in paradise?”

  Lena sighed and Iris laughed. “That good, huh?”

  “You know, I honestly don’t know how to answer that.”

  “Hmm. Does this have anything to do with a certain handsome brother of the bride?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Ha! Maybe, my ass. What’s going on?”

  “We kissed.”

  “What? Oh my God, girl, give me the details.”

  Lena covered her eyes with her hand and groaned. Iris laughed.

  “Oh, come on. If it’s good enough it’s got you freaking out this bad, you’ve got to tell me.”

  “You first. How did things go with your cowboy?”

  “Nash? Oh, that’s going to be a long story. A really, really good story. But long. So quit stalling and spill it already, Len.”

  “We started out just talking. He was asking me questions about some of my business ideas, and he actually seemed interested. I mean, some of my ideas have been kind of out there…”

  Iris laughed. “Yeah, I know.”

  Lena grimaced but realized Iris couldn’t see her. “Yeah, yeah. W
ell, he didn’t laugh at me. In fact, he even had ideas on how to get a few of them to possibly work. And he wanted my input on expanding the charity his family runs into a foundation. He really loved the idea I had, and we were walking around this gorgeous botanical garden, and he was so excited about these ideas, and he’s just…”

  “Hot?”

  “Oh my God, you have no idea. And then he leaned in and kissed me, and it started out this sweet, slow kiss, but then…”

  “Then? You can’t stop there! Then what?”

  Lena was glad her friend couldn’t see her because she was pretty sure there was a goofy, blissed-out smile on her face. “I have never been kissed like that in my life. My knees went weak. I mean, honest-to-God weak. I even got light headed.”

  “Oh, that’s the best. You’ve never had that happen before?”

  “No.”

  “And?”

  “I had to go pick up Tyler, but we ended up kissing again and oh my God. I’m not kidding. I was ready to rip his clothes off right there in the hallway. I totally forgot we were in public, Iris. I was sucking his face off right in front of the day care doors! What if Tyler had seen me?”

  “Did he?”

  “No, but what if he had?”

  “He’s getting older, Lena. Someday he’s going to see you kissing someone. Unless you plan on staying single for the rest of your life.”

  Lena closed her eyes and leaned her head back onto the couch. “No. I’d like to meet someone someday. But meeting someone someday in the future is a lot different than seeing your mom making out with some guy in front of everyone else.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. Does he like Elliot?”

  “Yeah. He loves him.”

  “See, no problem then. Maybe your someday is now.”

  That thought sent a quiver through Lena that made her breath catch. There were a great many things about Elliot that Lena would love to explore further. But she had one very important reason to steer clear.

  “He only loves him because Elliot is like a big kid himself,” Lena said.

  “Ah. Well, that could be a problem. But only if you want to make it one. Just because you made out with him once doesn’t mean you have to start picking out china patterns. You’re on vacation. With a gorgeous guy who is apparently the best kisser you’ve ever been with. Which probably means he’ll be the best everything else you’ve ever been with, too. You think of that?”

  Lena snorted. “Are you kidding? That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

  “Good. So, go do something about it.”

  “Like it’s that easy.”

  “It is that easy, Len. You’re both adults. Just be up front that you’re not looking for anything serious and have yourself a little fun. You are beyond overdue.”

  Lena flung her arm over her eyes. Overdue was a huge understatement. At this point, all Elliot had to do was wink at her and she’d probably come on the spot. “Yeah, well that’s my problem. He wants me to meet him in his room tonight.”

  “Yeah, girl! Just make sure you bring protection. You’d be amazed how many guys assume the girl is on the pill or something.”

  “Iris! Just because I’m going to his room does not mean we’re going to have sex.”

  “Why the hell not?

  “Because…” She sat up and curled her legs under her, rubbing her hand over her eyes.

  “Great answer. Why else would he invite you to his room at night?”

  “He wants to talk more about the ideas I had for his foundation.”

  “Uh-huh, sure.”

  “No, really. I believe him. He wants to pitch the idea to his parents, and they’re leaving right after the wedding so he needs to do it before then. He asked me to help him get things pulled together.”

  “Yeah, sounds like a great excuse to get you alone in his hotel room, if you ask me. Even if it’s legit, you’re still alone in his hotel room. At night. In a room with a bed. Be prepared. Just in case.”

  Lena’s mouth went dry. She could picture what might happen all too clearly, and her body was damn near screaming at her to let it. But wouldn’t that be irresponsible?

  Finally, she sighed. “Nothing’s going to happen.”

  “Sure. Just like nothing was going to happen in that hallway, right?”

  Lena’s stomach performed a few acrobatics at the reminder. “I don’t want to go in there with a purse full of condoms. That feels like I’m planning to…you know…”

  “Have sex?”

  Was she a total chicken if she flinched? “Yeah.”

  Iris laughed. “You can’t even say the words, Lena. You’re probably safe. But I’m firmly in the better-safe-than-sorry camp. It doesn’t take much to go from sucking face in front of a room full of preschoolers to doing a whole lot more in private. Especially, if the guy affects you as much as he apparently does, and most especially, if you are tucked away in a room at night with him. Trust me on this one. Just…be prepared.”

  Lena laid her head back on the couch. “Okay, okay, point taken.”

  “Good. Like I said, you are well overdue for a hell of a lot more to happen. You just need to get out of your own way and seize the moment. For once in your life, go enjoy yourself.”

  The thought of Elliot touching her again sent a fine tremor down her body that was only partially about nerves. The man knew how to hit all her buttons. And she wanted nothing more than to have him hit them again. Repeatedly. Until she came, screaming his name.

  She trembled as though his hands were already moving over her skin. “I’ll try.”

  “My God, woman! Go get your vacay lay before you explode. Call me later. Gotta run!”

  She laughed but Iris had already hung up. Lena shook her head and tossed her phone onto the couch beside her.

  What the hell was she going to do about her little meeting with Elliot? And where could she get a hold of some condoms? Not that she’d need them.

  But…just in case.

  Chapter Seven

  Elliot paced back and forth in front of the sofa, glancing up at the clock every few seconds. Lena said she’d be here at eight, and it was already fourteen minutes after. She might have changed her mind. Frankly, he was amazed she’d said yes in the first place. Not that he was planning anything other than business talk. Not really. Yes, they were going to be alone, in his room. But he had no intention of doing anything that she didn’t want to do. And he really did need her help.

  But if she thought he was just trying to get into her pants, he couldn’t really blame her. He knew his reputation. And really, when a guy asked a girl to come to his hotel room after the sun went down, it usually meant only one thing. What if she’d thought that was all he was up to and she decided she didn’t want him? Or what if something had happened? Maybe Tyler got sick or something? Should he call her and make sure everything was okay?

  But if everything was okay, then it would look like he was calling to check up on her. She was only—he glanced at the clock—fifteen minutes late now. She might have forgotten his room number and left her phone in her room, so she had to go back to get it and didn’t want to call the front desk because they might think something else was going on when really it was supposed to be a business meeting that, yeah, okay, would be awesome if it turned into something else. But he so wasn’t going to push that on her at all. In fact, he was going to be the perfect gentleman, no matter what, so he could prove to her that he was interested in more than that amazing body of hers. That thick, blonde hair that fell to her shoulders in soft waves. Or the gorgeous, sparkling blue of her eyes that reminded him of a really frosty Gatorade, the dark blue ones. His favorite flavor. That slender neck that was so sensitive she broke out in goose bumps whenever he touched her there. Or the gentle curve of her waist that he wanted to stroke his hand down until he met the curve of her firm—

  Knock, knock, knock.

  The sound startled him out of his mental inventory, and he jumped for the door, pausing right before h
e opened it so he could catch his breath and put his cool back in place.

  He opened the door, and Lena stood there. She seemed nervous, her eyes looking everywhere but directly into his. She bit her lip, one hand gripping a binder so tightly it was turning white. The other had a death hold on the strap of her fanny pack, which was slung over her shoulder like a purse.

  He knew how she felt. Somehow she made him feel like he had when he’d been a fifteen-year-old kid, in love for the first time. With a girl whose name completely escaped him because the only one he could think about at that moment belonged to the woman in front of him.

  “Lena,” he said, happy that his voice sounded mostly normal, if somewhat deeper than usual. “I thought you’d changed your mind. Come in.” He backed up so she could enter.

  She hesitated for a second, and he thought she might actually turn around and run. But instead she took a deep breath like she was diving into the deep end of the pool, stuck her cute little chin in the air, and marched past him. Once she’d cleared the threshold and made it as far as the couch, she seemed to deflate a little, relaxing as she looked around the room.

  “Sorry I’m late. I wanted to tuck Tyler in, and he insisted on more songs than usual. I think he was a little anxious about sleeping away from me tonight.”

  Elliot had been on his way over to her, but he froze at her words. “He’s not sleeping in your room tonight? I knew your cousin was watching him, but I thought maybe she’d go to your room. I didn’t mean for him to have to sleep somewhere else.”

  She put the large binder onto the coffee table and took a seat on the edge of the couch. “No. I wasn’t sure how late we’d be at this, and I didn’t want to wake everyone to pick him up.”

  “Will he be okay? I mean, if he’s anxious… Will he do all right?” The last thing in the world Elliot wanted was for Tyler to be unhappy in any way. But he was a little surprised that he was worried enough that he was completely ready to send Lena on her way in order to keep Tyler happy. They could meet up another night if the kid needed his mother.