Toxic

by Debra Jupe

  He took her loosely into his arms and guided her onto the floor. The song was a lively one, and Reed was an excellent dancer. Gracie struggled to keep up. It’d been years since she’d danced, and the alcohol didn’t help. Maybe younger wasn’t the way to go, especially if she wanted to avoid humiliating herself.

  She did her best to not watch Ethan and his friend, although her head seemed to automatically drift in their direction. The couple laughed and talked, while their bodies shifted together in rhythm.

  Winded by the time the song ended, Gracie pulled away and walked toward the bar with Reed close behind. No more dancing. Jealousy wasn’t worth a heart attack.

  A feather stroke skimmed across her shoulder. Gracie jumped.

  “May I have the next one?” asked a deep, smooth voice from behind.

  “Hey Ethan,” Reed said. “Thanks for the dance, Gracie. Enjoy the rest of the party.”

  Gracie stood motionless. Her gaze embraced his steely, intense stare. She wanted to say something except all words vanished before they reached the edge of her tongue. She tried to drag her stare away. He looked good in his work duds, but dressed nice shot him to the tiptop of the gorgeous benchmark.

  Not waiting for an answer, he caught her wrists and slid his palms over her forearms. He drew her close, crushing her into his body. She glided her hands over his chest, locking her fingers behind his neck. The two began to rock to the slow music.

  His dancing skills weren’t as good as Reed’s. Didn’t matter. She released a deep, unsteady gasp, then sighed, relishing in the sheer feel of being against him.

  “That boy has a fascination for you,” he whispered next to her ear.

  She wrenched her body away. “What?”

  His lips slightly curved. “Doliver. He likes you.”

  “I’m sure he’s as charming as the over processed blonde you’ve spent most of the evening with. Where is your lovely date anyway?”

  “Don’t have a date. But it’s interesting you noticed.”

  She’d given away too much. “I didn’t, ahm…you were right in front of me. How could I not see you?”

  “Then you were making a casual observation.”

  “Exactly.” Relief swept through her. He didn’t seem to be engaged or otherwise. At least that’s what he was telling her, but on the other side of that coin, she’d tipped her hand. “I don’t understand the fuss—what’s it to you if he likes me?”

  Ethan’s smile broadened. “You’re a good customer. I’d hate for him to overstep any professional boundaries and lose your business.”

  “A model employee, that’s what you are. I’ll tell Mike to give you a raise.” She abruptly broke their connection. “Thank you for the dance. Now excuse me.” She whipped around on the slick floor. One leg slid in front of her, while the other slipped behind. She struggled to regain her poise and not perform the splits in front of the entire nursery industry.

  Rough hands glided over her bare arms to steady her. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She didn’t bother to look in his direction as he set her back on her feet.

  “Might want to go easy on the margaritas.”

  She ignored his recommendation. Though grateful for stability, she wanted to get away from Ethan McCarthy pronto. She stood in mid-indignation not sure of her next move. Everyone seemed occupied, and she had no place to go. The bar caught her eye. The hell with his suggestion. Tonight the section of the restaurant was her only true friend.

  A large hand encircled her forearm. “Easy, Ms. D.” Ethan pulled her to him. “It’s an observation. I need to know the feelings weren’t mutual.”

  “Mutual feelings? With Reed? Why would you want to know that?”

  His lips curved. “’Cause, I prefer not to make a move if you’re otherwise involved.”

  “Make a move?”

  “I’m pretty sure you understand the concept, but in case you don’t.” He brushed his mouth against hers, then smiled. “Consider yourself hit on.”

  Chapter 8

  Gracie hurried to get her purse. Vivian had joined Quinn and the two were huddled together. They looked up from their discussion and eyed her curiously as she approached.

  She ignored the nosy bodies, went to Krystal, and leaned down to whisper into her friend’s ear. Krystal tilted her head, catching a glimpse of Ethan who lingered by the restaurant’s exit. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped before her lips transformed into a huge smile. Bouncing in her chair, she flashed two thumbs up with a vigorous nod. Heat saturated Gracie’s face. She swiped up her handbag and rushed to where the gorgeous man waited.

  Hand against her spine, he guided her toward his pickup outside the restaurant. “I’m over here.”

  “What about my truck?”

  “I’ll bring you back later.”

  “Seems complicated. We can leave separately and meet somewhere.”

  “If you want.”

  Gracie twisted to face him, ready to tell him she’d rather travel alone when she really wouldn’t. It seemed like something a nice girl would do. His look caught hers. Lips curved, his eyes glittered silver in the moonlights glow. His gaze glided over her, taking his time, lingering in certain places. She almost wilted. It seemed like thousands of years had passed since someone looked at her with such naked desire. Sensations of her own rushed through her, and she was instantly in a hurry to make up for lost time.

  As if knowing her thoughts, he tugged her to him. He lowered his head as she tipped her face and stretched to meet him halfway. Their lips touched for a brief moment, and then the kiss deepened. A whirlwind rocked her to the core. Intense, sizzling—dangerous. He crushed her against his truck, pressing his mouth harder onto hers. Heated tongues tangled as the growing hunger between them mounted.

  Fingers raked through her hair; he stroked her body until he reached her bottom. He gripped tight, lifting her, urging her legs apart with his solid erection. A hand skimmed her breasts and lightly edged across the peak. His palm curved around her mound and pressed.

  Gracie jerked, breaking away.

  “Something wrong?”

  “No.”

  He studied her through narrowed eyes. “Tell me.”

  “You touched me.”

  He released her and backed up, his fists placed on his hips. “We know where this is going. At some point in the very near future, I plan on touching you more.” He flashed a wicked grin. “And tasting you—everywhere.” His expression turned uncertain. “Unless you’ve changed your mind.”

  Changed her mind. Gracie tucked her bottom lip under her teeth. He’d given her a way out. She could walk away and forget about this. Forget him. When he suggested they leave the party for a more private meeting, his intentions were clear. Gracie still couldn’t believe her reaction. Instead of turning him down flat, she’d simply agreed. Now she was with him, and she had the opportunity to back out.

  She shook her head.

  He opened his truck door and reached inside to push up the middle console. “Where to?”

  “My place?”

  He stepped aside and allowed her to get in. Her dress wasn’t short but not long either and on the tighter side. Scooting across the seat was a struggle. He climbed in behind her and leaned over her to find the seatbelt, and buckled her in.

  “Leave it up.” His fingertips traced the hem and skimmed her exposed thigh. He brushed his lips over hers. “I might want to explore at stop lights.”

  Her insides trembled from the mere thought. “There aren’t any lights on the way to my house.”

  “We’ll have to improvise, won’t we?” He turned the ignition and put the truck in gear.

  Thirty minutes later, they pulled into her driveway. Her panties lay in the floorboard, the top of her dress gathered around her waist. Not that she cared. They could’ve driven all night if he continued working his incredible magic. They parked for several minutes.

  Ethan finally raised his head and smiled. “Are you ready to go in?”

/>   Eyes closed, reclined, she released a faint groan.

  “I’m about to lose control,” he whispered against her ear. “Do you want our first time to be in your driveway inside my pickup?”

  She was beyond worrying where they did it, just as long they did. And quick.

  “Let’s go,” he said quietly.

  She wiggled into the top of her dress and tugged to lower the bottom. Ethan opened the door and slid out and offered her a hand. Her legs trembled as she led him to the entrance. She stopped halfway and frowned at the truck.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I left my underwear in your pick up.”

  “So you did. And there they will stay.” He grinned. “Souvenir.”

  She struggled inserting the key into the front door. She was in such a state, she couldn’t make the connection. “You get a memento from this night and I don’t?”

  “I’ll leave you my boxers if you like.” He snatched the keychain from her and threw her a mischievous glance. “You’re taking too long.”

  “You’re awfully sure of yourself. I should make you go home.”

  “You should.” He put in the key, twisted the lock, pushing the door open, and stepped back. His grin widened. “But you won’t.”

  Gracie grabbed his arm and yanked him inside, slamming the door with a foot.

  Hands on her shoulders, he backed her into the entryway wall, his body melted into hers. A white-hot ache throbbed between her legs. She craved a fiercer bond, to be a part of him, and a need for him to be inside her.

  “I’ve wanted to be with you the second I laid eyes on you,” he said in a hoarse voice.

  “Me too,” she purred.

  He slanted his lips over hers. The kiss was slow and burning. His tongue explored the inside of her mouth. A cascade of pure heat seeped through every vessel, in and out of her body.

  He dipped his knees, slid his arms round her and lifted her so her feet came off the ground. Her fingers clasped behind his neck, instinctively her legs opened and wound around him, ankles crossed and rested on his hips. He pushed his firm penis into her softness between her bare thighs.

  A low moan escaped from his throat. “Bedroom?” he murmured against her lips.

  “Upstairs.”

  He glanced in the direction of the staircase. “Never going to make it.”

  With his hands under her butt, he turned toward the dining room, sitting off to the side of the entryway. Her legs squeezed round his middle as she unconsciously elevated, shamelessly pushing herself further against his hardness.

  He lowered her onto the table, letting his weight press into her. He pulled away, or as much as necessary to remove her dress and bra before his impatient lips clasped over a nipple. Sucking hard, his tongue circled the tip over and over. She clenched her jaw. He moved to the other side. He lifted his hips to slide a hand between her legs. Her back arched as his caresses demanded control. She clutched both sides of his head, biting her lip to keep from screaming.

  Ecstasy was near, and she was drowning in an upsurge of raw need. She wanted him, and she wanted him inside her now.

  Abruptly he rolled off her just long enough to wrestle out of his clothes.

  He braced himself above her, using a knee to urge her legs to open further. Gracie clasped his arms, her hips elevated, anticipating the incoming thrust. He lowered, with one rapid push, he was in her. A sharp pain rose throughout her inner core, her center tight. She froze with a hiss.

  “You okay?”

  “Better than I was but not as good as I could be.”

  “Let’s get you there.”

  He slowly eased deeper into her as his mouth found hers again. Her hips instinctively revolved, keeping in time with his steady movements. Together they rocked back and forth with strong even strokes. Her mind drifted into a euphoric elation. Fiery sensations pulsated between her legs twisting a vortex of pleasure through her. Then her world exploded, bursting into a blazed rapture. Her body stiffened. She released a loud breath, stilled briefly, and she relaxed with a soft moan.

  Ethan allowed her to rest but only for several seconds. He brushed his lips over hers as he pushed against her again. She flexed her muscles around him. He let out a groan. Intensity sparked and surged between them, their entangled bodies moved rapidly in a gripping rhythm. Another fierce blast ignited inside her.

  Gracie stifled a scream into his shoulder, her arms and legs squeezed, hauling him closer as she shuttered. Ethan made a satisfied sound and collapsed on top of her. She let out a long exhale as she slid her hand over the tabletop. No meal would ever be the same. And she’d never get rid of this table.

  ****

  Ethan fought to wake up. Bright sunlight beamed through a tripled set of veiled bay windows. With a hand raised to shield the glare, he propped to an elbow, trying to remember. Purple walls, lacey shades, a twisted quilt covered with hearts lay at the foot of the queen size bed. A whiff of feminine aroma combined with the scent of recent sex lingered, teasing his nostrils.

  Two glasses, quarter-filled with amber liquid stood on the nightstand next to the bed. Gracie Desoto sat next to him. He was in her bedroom. He’d spent the night with her, but this wasn’t a typical sleepover. There wasn’t much sleep involved at all.

  She placed a palm on his arm.

  “Again?” He fell back into the pillow. “My god, woman, you’re going to kill me.”

  “No. I want food. I think the last time I ate was yesterday morning, and I need sustenance.” She stopped and looked at him curiously. “You’re not hungry?”

  “I’m not awake enough to know.” He rubbed his face with a large hand. “Are you offering to make breakfast?”

  She tossed her pillow, hitting him in the nose. “It’s after two, past lunchtime, and no, I don’t cook on Saturday’s. Or ever.”

  “Watch the attitude or you’ll have to satisfy me again before I take you anywhere. You want to go out, right?” He stuffed the extra pillow behind him and lay back, stacking his hands underneath his head.

  “Unless you prefer to take over chef duties, but you’ll have to make a trip to the store. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m starved.” She gave him a meaningful glance. “For food.”

  She wanted him to take her to eat. What was he thinking? On a whim, he made a move, not believing she’d agree. It turned out to be a hell of a night. He wouldn’t mind spending more time with her, except he’d played this game before. She’d get the wrong idea if he stayed much longer. He didn’t want to be a jerk, but he needed to make a break soon. The plan; feed her and move on.

  He rolled out of bed, his feet hitting the cool floor. “Get dressed.”

  “Okay if I shower first?”

  “I need one, too.” He stretched across the mattress for her hand and tugged. “We can share.”

  Long after the warm spray turned ice cold, they exited the oversized shower stall. They leisurely dried, dressed, and headed toward his truck.

  Ethan found this lady to be amazing. Their physical connection was mind-blowing, but it was also scary. Unfortunately, there was no room in his life for her, which was too bad. Sans the frightening aspect, he enjoyed her company inside the bedroom, and he was pretty sure he’d find her exciting outside, as well. He’d relish the little time they had left, then sadly be on his way.

  Ethan backed out of the drive. “I’ll take you to your vehicle after we eat.”

  She tucked her bottom lip and nodded, staring at her panties lying in the floorboard.

  “Something wrong, Gracie?”

  She shook her head and leaned back against the seat. “Just tired.” She straightened and stared at him. “You called me Gracie.”

  “That is your name.”

  “Up until now, it’s been Ms. Desoto or Ms. D.”

  “I assumed since we’ve been naked together, we’d be on less formal terms. Unless you prefer Ms. Desoto.”

  “Gracie is fine.”

  “Will your stomach hold up if we take a side
trip and stop by my place? I’d like to change.”

  “I can manage.” She stifled a yawn and relaxed into the seat, closing her eyes.

  He pointed the truck in the direction of his house. Twenty minutes later, he drove down an obscure road leading to his small cabin. He glanced at Gracie, who was sound asleep. Setting the gear in neutral, he turned off the engine.

  Gracie immediately sat up and blinked. “Where are we?”

  “My place.”

  Gracie nodded toward the cabin that set off outwardly in the middle of nowhere. “You live here?”

  He exited from his pickup. “I call it home for now.”

  He enjoyed the secluded little cabin, surrounded by pines and live oaks. A small pond situated near the back was great for fishing. The backside of the house was mostly all glass; he always had a panoramic view of the wildlife that frequented his home, especially in the evenings. On one side, sat a small deck. Perfect for having a cold one while listening to the tree frogs sing late at night.

  Yeah, he really liked it here, and he was kind of sad the place was only his temporarily.

  “It’s cute.” She opened her side and got out.

  “Cute,” he repeated dryly. “Thanks.”

  “Is something wrong with that? Tiny houses are adorable.”

  “Men don’t live in adorable.”

  “Touchy. I’m sure you have an oversized TV with three hundred plus channels. All sports. I’m also guessing there’s enough beer in the refrigerator to guy up the place and stamp out the majority adorability factor.”

  “A stash of alcohol and a big television is considered…?”

  “A single man’s staple.”

  “You’re profiling. I suppose a readymade bag of salad, an opened bottle of wine, and near empty sack of chocolate bites signify the mantra of unmarried women?”

  “You snooped in my fridge?” Her eyes widened. “Wait. I just bought that candy. It should be full.”

  He snatched her hand and pulled her onto a miniature porch. “My stomach was empty.” A corner of his mouth lifted. “Pretty much like your pantry.”

  He released her to unlock the door and led her inside. Although dark, the room held a cozy atmosphere, the warmth enhanced by the scent of natural wood. He went to a large double window to crack the blinds, ready to bring this budding “relationship” to a halt.