Burn: Book 3 (The Heat Series)

by MJ Masucci

  “You could always wear it on a necklace.”

  “I could, or I can start a new chapter with my wedding ring.”

  A few hours later when they were on their way out of the office, her cell phone rang. It was a name she hadn’t seen come up for months, David. With trepidation, she answered the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Ava? Please don’t hang up.”

  “David?”

  “Yes. My mother told me the news. I’m sorry about being such an asshole. I understand that you love your husband and I want us to be friends again.”

  Xander looked at her with a frown, and her green eyes pleaded with him to not interfere.

  “I’m on my way out of the office. Can we discuss this later?”

  “Oh, well I see you’re still upset with me. Another time then.”

  Before she could say another word, he hung up.

  “David called? What did he have to say?” Xander asked.

  “Not much. He hung up. I want to talk to him so please don’t be angry with me. I’ve been trying for months to get a sentence out of him. He wanted to congratulate us on our wedding and wants to be friends again.”

  “Excuse me if I don’t feel thankful. After all, he did punch me.” His hand went to the small healing cut on the corner of his mouth.

  “Technically he elbowed you, but I want you two to get along.”

  “I’m not sure we ever will be friends as long as he continues to lust after my wife.”

  “Please, for me? Can’t you be civil?”

  “I’ll try but only for your sake and because I love you.”

  Chapter 30

  On Wednesday afternoon, Ava was told that her office would be ready for occupation on Thursday morning. The week had been trying with all the conversations she and Xander had with their families. Neither one of them had slept well, and it had been days since they had sex, with either one or the other falling asleep during attempted lovemaking.

  Her father and brother had brought up the issue of the post-nuptial and pressed her hard to have one completed. She got angry and put her foot down telling them that she would do no such thing. Xander loved her, and he didn’t want money. Brooke, Alicia, and Felice were supportive allies who told them to let her make her own decisions.

  On the other end, Gabby was elated that Xander and Ava were married, but she was upset that the family wasn’t included in the nuptials. Xander explained that no one was and it was their decision to have it that way. He appeased her by saying the wedding ceremony would be wonderful with both families involved. This seemed to calm her, and she started talking about more grandchildren. This was when he reminded her that Ava was unable to conceive and not to bring it up in her presence.

  “Mother, please do this one thing for me. It upsets Ava to talk about children that she can’t have.”

  “I’m sorry, Alexander, I didn’t realize how sensitive she was about it. I promise not to mention it.”

  “Thank you.”

  That night after a particularly vigorous workout, Ava went to take a long shower while Xander prepared sandwiches for dinner. They had both gotten off routine with the flurry of activity surrounding her new position and news of their marriage. She came out of the bedroom wrapped in her short silk robe. It left little to the imagination, and it aroused him.

  Little conversation was shared since she practically was falling asleep in her dish. The second time she started to nod off into her plate, Xander put his hand on her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry. I’m exhausted. I thought the workout would wake me, but it has just made me more tired.”

  “Why don’t you go lay down in bed, and I’ll clean up. I have a few things to do before I call it a night.”

  She yawned and rose from her chair while rubbing her eyes. Watching her walk away, he felt the familiar stirring below his waist as the silk of her robe rubbed against her bare ass. He cleaned the kitchen and went to his office, donning his glasses as he logged into the server at the firm. It must have been two hours later when he looked up to see her leaning against the doorjamb.

  “I woke up, and you weren’t next to me.”

  “I have a few more things to do, and I’ll be in shortly.”

  Ava said nothing and approached him, her robe in danger of opening as the tie hung loosely around her waist. His eyes fixed on her as she came to him. She leaned down to kiss him, and her ample cleavage was in full view. It was more than Xander could take.

  He pushed back from the desk and took her on his lap, passionately kissing her. She removed his glasses and put them behind her on the desk. Almost instantly he was hard, and a flush of heat filled her body as his lips moved down her neck.

  “I want you but not here,” he said.

  She clung to his neck as he rose from his chair with her in his arms, his work long forgotten. His lips continued their gentle movement over her face and neck as he carried her to their bedroom and laid her down. Pulling at the tie on her robe, it fell open to reveal her body. He stepped back to gaze at her.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  Ava blushed and closed her eyes as he got undressed next the bed.

  “Sit up and let’s get you naked.”

  “I am naked.”

  “I want you totally naked. Take your arms out of your robe.”

  Once she did, he lay upon her and began trailing his mouth down her body. He buried his face against her skin inhaling her.

  “Your scent is intoxicating,” he whispered.

  He sucked her nipples, and she gripped a handful of his hair, holding him to her. The sound of her moans filled the room as he continued his descent. Her breasts were tender with arousal, and she could feel herself becoming wet with desire.

  Xander kissed her belly and swirled his tongue in her navel sending small shockwaves to her core. He propped himself up on his knees in front of her. His cock was erect, and she sat up, reaching out to stroke it. He let her play with him while he kissed the top of her head and caressed her face with his knuckles. Her lips encircled him, and he gasped as she took him deep. The heat of her mouth was bringing him close, and he didn’t want to come yet.

  “Careful sweetheart. You’re going to make me come. I don’t want that yet.”

  She released him from her mouth with a resounding pop and gave him a seductive grin. He pushed her back to the bed and bent his head between her legs gently biting the soft flesh of her inner thighs. Her moans once again filled the room as he nosed her sex, then dipped his tongue to taste her juices.

  “Oh, that feels so good,” she said in between gasps.

  He continued teasing her with his tongue, dipping it into her then taking slow leisurely licks up to her clit. When he began to circle the swollen nub, she pressed his head hard against her, wanting to come. He pulled back, and she groaned at the loss of contact.

  “Don’t make me wait,” she pleaded.

  “Patience…”

  He again moved to her clit, licking and nibbling until she was arching her hips with each stroke of his tongue. Her pants filled the air and then she was releasing, bucking her hips against his face as he licked until she stilled. He sat back on his haunches to watch her as she faded down from her orgasm. Her body limp, face flushed, hands clenching the sheets and sweat dotting her brow.

  She looked up at him; her green eyes glazed with satisfaction and he smirked which bloomed into a toothy grin.

  “I do love to watch you come. It’s very erotic. Maybe one day we can have sex in front of a mirror, and you can see for yourself.”

  She looked at him with horror, “Oh no. I would be too embarrassed.”

  “What’s to be embarrassed about? You’re gorgeous. I want you to see how sexy you are when you climax.”

  He didn’t wait for her to answer but lay upon her and began to kiss her deeply. His tongue explored her mouth and she in turn sucked on it, tasting herself. She could feel his erection pressing against her hip; the head slicked with pre-cum. Her h
usband had been so generous with her, and she wanted to return the favor with an orgasm.

  She moved her hand between them and touched his cock. He shifted so she could grasp him and began to stroke.

  “I want you inside me.”

  Again, the toothy grin bloomed on his face, “I’m a gentleman and will always oblige the requests of my wife in bed.”

  He positioned himself between her legs, and she worked him through her velvety folds until he was pressed against her opening. Slowly he moved against her, and she felt his head slip into her, causing her to inhale slightly at the feeling. A little more and he was in deeper, then a fast thrust and she felt the fullness inside her.

  At first, he moved slowly. His eyes fluttered, then shut as she heard him mutter something about how good she felt. He gyrated his hips, pressing hard against her pubic bone. Shocks of electricity coursed through her bringing her closer to her second release. He pressed his mouth against hers, moaning.

  Their flesh slapped together, and sweat coated their bodies. Xander held himself from coming, but his control was waning. Then he felt what he had waited for, the familiar ripple against him and Ava was climaxing. As she did, he let go, moving furiously against her to complete his release before hers was completed.

  He collapsed upon her, kissing the underside of her chin. His legs had lost all feeling in them, and he waited before rolling onto his back, taking her with him. She lay upon his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Her heart was pounding in her chest, as was his.

  “You could have had me over your desk, you know.”

  “I’m well aware. However, I prefer to make love to you in our bed.”

  “Don’t forget; I have an office now.”

  “Are you planning on us christening it?”

  “I was hoping that eventually, we would.”

  “There is something that makes me curious.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re embarrassed for us to have sex in the mirror, but not in our place of business. Why is that?”

  “I don’t know. I just don’t want to see myself doing it.”

  “You’re a naughty little vixen wanting to have office sex.”

  “But you like it, too.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She rolled off him and turned to her back on her side of the bed.

  “We could put a mirror right up there…”

  She slapped at him and buried her head in her pillow. She wasn’t confident enough to watch herself having sex, let alone having an orgasm. An hour later she was snuggled in his arms, and they faded off to a satisfied sleep.

  The next morning, Ava woke up shortly before sunrise. It was late for them, nearly 6:15. They both had slept through the night, which was unusual. She was surprised since she had butterflies about starting her first day as an attorney. But she was also excited. All her years of work had finally come to fruition. The only downside was she wouldn’t be working with her husband any longer.

  She rubbed Xander’s arm, and he opened his eyes, yawning.

  “What time is it?”

  “Later than we usually get up. We have about an hour before we have to leave for work. I guess we were both exhausted.”

  “After last night’s activities, I’m not surprised. Do you want to shower with me?”

  “No. If we shower together, we are definitely going to be late. I want to be on time for my first day.”

  “Oh, right, right, the new attorney thing.”

  “You’re not funny. Now get in the shower.”

  He climbed out of bed, and she was given an early morning treat of his muscular body as he gracefully headed for the bathroom in all his naked glory. It made her body start to heat, and she fanned herself trying to put his perfect derriere out of her mind.

  She pulled on her discarded robe that had somehow ended up in bed with them and padded to the kitchen in bare feet. A good dose of coffee was what she needed before she got her day started. When she came back to the bedroom with the mug, Xander was just leaving the bathroom. His chest was glistening with water droplets from his hair. She once again started to feel heated. A cold shower was on the horizon for her.

  Her anxiety grew as they entered the building for her “first” day. She had chosen to wear a charcoal gray business suit with black heels. The skirt was not as body hugging as the one from the day before, but it was enough to get her husband’s attention.

  The elevator was crowded, and they moved to the back, which gave Xander enough privacy to slip his hand down to her ass and squeeze. She reached back and pinched his hand so he would remove it before anyone saw his gesture. Then she smiled sweetly at him as if he had just paid her a compliment (which in not so many words, he had).

  He escorted her to her office on sixteen and waited patiently for her to open the door. She fumbled with her keys, her hands shaking. He gently removed them and opened it. Once inside he closed the door behind them and took her in his arms.

  “Good luck on your first day. Remember, if you need anything, I’m only a couple of floors away. You’ll do great. Maybe later we can christen this office.”

  She smiled weakly at him, “Maybe.”

  “I’ll let you get to work. I love you.” And he was gone with a twist of the doorknob.

  Ava looked around her office and swallowed hard. So here it was, her first day as an attorney and she had no idea where to start.

  “Excuse me?”

  She turned to see a man that could rival Xander in the looks department. He was shorter than her husband but just as handsome with blonde hair, dimples, and sapphire blue eyes. For a minute, she lost her tongue as she marveled at his beauty.

  “Ah, yes?”

  The man extended his hand, “I’m Philip Harrison, your next door neighbor.”

  “Oh, pleasure to meet you, Philip. I’m Ava Wilder,” she said as she shook his hand which was warm and soft.

  “I hear that congratulations are in order. I met your husband, Xander, a couple of days ago. He works on eighteen, correct?”

  “Yes, he does and thank you.”

  She couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. What was wrong with her?

  “Uh, if you need any help, I’ll be next door.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  He turned on his heel and left her office. What was that all about? She had never had that reaction to a man before, not even Vance Albridge.

  She went to her desk to settle into her chair as Brian Ashburn entered.

  “Hi, Brian.”

  “I have a couple of clients for you to start with. Here are the files.”

  He handed her two folders, and she thanked him as he left her office. She paged through the folders and knew what she needed to do until she didn’t. She wasn’t sure of a zoning situation. As much as she didn’t want to ask this soon, she would need Philip’s help.

  His office was open, and he was working on his laptop when she knocked.

  “Hi, come on into my home away from home.”

  His office was the same size as Xander’s two floors above. She wished she could have had this office. It was furnished with a large plush couch, two comfortable client chairs in front of the desk and an oversized oak desk in which he sat behind. His office chair was one of those ergonomic mesh backed chairs, very different from her plush stuffed leather one.

  “I have a question about the zoning on this building.”

  “Come, let me see what you’re referencing.”

  She brought the folder to him and stood at his shoulder while he checked through the file. He smelled good, not quite cologne, but detergent and maybe soap or body wash.

  He took a slip of paper and wrote a few notes on it and explained them to her as he went over the zoning. She was grateful he was so willing to help. After he had finished, she was on her way out of his office.

  “Ava?” He said softly.

  She turned, “Yes?”

  “I was wondering if you would like
to sit and chat for a few minutes. Everyone has been kind, but it’s been awhile since I had a real conversation.”

  “Why is that?” She asked curiously even though it was rude to question.

  “I used to live in Connecticut and take the train to the city. I’m divorced now, so it made more sense for me to move here for a fresh start. I don’t have many friends since most of them were on my ex-wife’s side after our divorce.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe you can come and have dinner at our home one night or during the weekend. I’m sure Xander wouldn’t mind.”

  She felt the need to mention her husband for her own sake. The reaction she had to Philip was not as strong when she first met him, and it made her realize that it more than likely meant nothing but shock at his beauty. They chatted for awhile, and she looked at her watch and noticed it was close to lunch time.

  “I’m going to get ready to go to lunch with Xander. Would you like to join us?”

  “I’d love to if you don’t mind.”

  Forty-five minutes later, they exited on sixteen. Philip bid them goodbye as they went into her office and closed the door.

  “Someone has an admirer,” Xander said.

  “Philip? No, he is just a nice guy.”

  “I saw how he hung on every word that you said at lunch. He likes you.”

  “Even if he does, he knows that I am married. He congratulated me this morning. I like him. He was very helpful this morning with a problem I had with zoning. I hope we could invite him to dinner one night. He seems very lonely since he just moved to the city.”

  Ava looked at her husband who was sitting on the corner of her desk with his arms folded.

  “What? Say something.”

  “You really don’t know how beautiful you are, do you?”

  “He was just friendly. Don’t read into it. What is the jealousy all of a sudden?”

  “It’s not jealousy. I just want him to know that he can’t have what’s mine.”

  “Ugh, enough. I have work to do so if you kindly leave my office so I can get to it.”

  “Not before I get what I came for.” He reached out and pulled her against him and pressing his lips to hers. The kiss became passionate and intense enough for her to start to feel warm, then hot.