Blurring the Lines (Men of the Zodiac)

by Marisa Cleveland

  She inhaled and gripped his shoulders as she fell back on the bed. “I want to be here.”

  He bent down to kiss her collarbone and her neck, and with each lick the ache between her thighs increased.

  A bubble of laughter escaped her lips, and she pressed her mouth to his bicep. “You’re delicious.”

  He chuckled and nibbled her shoulder. “I like how your breathing increases just before I lick your nipple.” He dipped his head and opened his mouth, but didn’t taste her just yet.

  As if on cue, her chest rose and fell in rapid succession, and her breath hitched and sped up when he finally, slowly, traced the tip of his tongue around her tightened nipple.

  “Blake!”

  She gasped when his fingers found her sensitive core and instinct had her rocking into his hand. “Again?”

  As he drew her into him, she took her time exploring his body. When he tried to increase the pace, she slowed down. “Are we in a rush?”

  “You’re killing me. Cruel and unusual punishment.”

  She used one hand to stroke him and the other to cup his balls. “Good. Now you know how I feel.”

  He closed his eyes but didn’t try to hurry her along.

  Everything about him aroused her, and she inhaled his scent and kissed the light scattering of hair covering his muscles. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d enjoyed a man’s body so thoroughly, and her fingers glided over his pecs and abs, his shoulders and biceps, until he growled, shooting her a hungry grin.

  He pinned her beneath him, and from the way he licked his lips, this was going to be better than good. “I don’t know what’s worse. That I want to consume you quickly or torture you slowly.”

  “Both,” she challenged him. “Find a way to do both.”

  He dropped to his knees and his hands stretched up to cup her breasts and toy with her nipples at the same time his tongue flicked over the damp spot between her legs. Her hands dove into his hair, and she felt the vibration of his laughter against her core. He didn’t stop, even as she arched into him and her knees buckled. Wave after wave of an intense orgasm crashed over her.

  When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he stood and lifted her into his arms. “You’re gorgeous when you come.”

  Her face heated, but she refused to be shy and closed her hand over his hardened shaft, trying to memorize this exact feeling, the perfect way he made her feel, the muscles in his chest, and the playful desire she could see in his eyes.

  With Blake she felt this unfamiliar need to solidify what they were, because in the background, there was always this unanswered question of her career. Would they stay together for the rest of the year? Until her contract expired? Afterward? When she hopefully settled into a career focusing on pro bono cases and maybe landed a board position for a not-for-profit?

  “You’re lost in your thoughts again.” Blake’s voice dragged her back to him, and she absently stroked him. She stopped and stared at him. “Don’t stop. I don’t mind. But I can tell you’re somewhere else.”

  “No. I’m right here. I’m plotting my payback.”

  She sank to her knees and licked the tip of his cock. He jerked, and she gripped it more firmly then sucked the entire head into her mouth.

  “God, Kira.”

  “Just Kira,” she mumbled, using her hand and mouth to stroke him until he rocked into her one last time.

  She giggled again, watching him watch her and feeling so desirable. Then she spread her legs and welcomed him into her warmth. A thrill raced through her when he entered her.

  An hour later, she was on the computer while he did some work at his desk.

  “Interesting.” She clicked on the email’s link and scrolled through it.

  “What is?” Blake glanced up from his papers.

  “I was just looking at your spam mail, and there’s a fundraiser you should probably attend. The Fort Myers No Kill Shelter is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner.” She pointed to the screen.

  He rose from his chair and came to lean over her, and she made the mistake of inhaling his fresh scent. The aroma sent her thoughts whirling back to his bed, one of her new favorite places.

  Abruptly, she shook her head and cleared the memories. “Should I RSVP for you?”

  “Maybe you should RSVP for both of us.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at him. His offer was unexpected, and she didn’t know if he’d said it as a question or a statement. How exactly did he mean for her to RSVP? As boss/employee or as a couple? To her knowledge, he’d never asked his secretary to attend a social event with him, so this would certainly be a first.

  She blinked. Okay, so this was probably one reason why Blake never dated his staff. So far they’d kept their affair quiet, but if they attended an event together… Instead of asking what kind of “both of us” he meant, she skipped around the question. “I wasn’t invited.”

  “You could be my plus one. When is it?”

  Kira eyed him for another heartbeat and then turned back around, unsatisfied and oddly deflated, to face the computer. He hadn’t actually asked her to be his date, and he hadn’t clarified if they would be attending as Whitman-Madison representatives or as a couple.

  “A week from Tuesday.”

  “Perfect. Our first date.” She stiffened, and he must have sensed it, because he moved from behind her to rest on the edge of her desk facing her. “Don’t you want to go?”

  She chewed on her lip. He’d said it. Their first date. And now they’d be announcing they were a couple. Was that what she wanted? Was she ready to take the next step?

  No matter what, attending the Fort Myers No Kill Shelter dinner would give her a chance to speak with other interested animal lovers and see how they ran things in their county. That would help her better serve the Edgewater Bay Animal Rescue.

  “Okay. I’d love to go.”

  Blake nodded and took two steps toward his office before pivoting on his heel and returning to her desk. “I should have asked if you wanted to go with me.”

  “I do.”

  “I know, but—” He shook his head, a remorseful-looking smile tugging on his mouth. “Kira, would you like to attend this event with me as my date?”

  Appreciation for his consideration warmed her, and if she thought she’d be okay with just the sex without the dating, she realized she’d been wrong. It meant a commitment to take their relationship to the next level. Going on a public date with Blake excited her, and with genuine enthusiasm, she said, “I’d love to.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Blake eyed Kira standing across the high top table in the VIP section for the Fort Myers No Kill Shelter Thanksgiving dinner. Her red dress cupped her curves, and he’d considered begging her to skip the event and race back to his place. But she looked too good to not show off, and she’d been shy when he’d said he wanted to pick her up for their first date.

  Dressed in that dress and wearing those shoes, the sight of her teased him, and on the drive to the events center, he’d concocted wicked ways to pleasure her. She was so sexy and beautiful, and their chemistry was unlike any he’d ever experienced, but more than that, he’d come to appreciate all her other qualities, too.

  The ones she’d tried to hide. He’d fixated on her looks initially, but what caught him was the sound of her laugh, the way she brought him coffee, even when he didn’t ask for it, and the guilty look she shot him when she broke something in the office. The shy smile she’d give him when she nailed an assessment or anticipated his needs. And don’t get him started on when she’d claim his contracts and dissect the legalese—that was downright hot. Kira was the whole package, and he felt like he’d only seen a glimpse of who she really was. He wanted to challenge her and protect her and find some way to keep her all for himself.

  More than anything, despite the difficulties he’d had wrangling with the board over redevelopment, he was determined to make her vision of the revitalized downtown come true. He’d tweaked and retooled, pai
d for additional assessments and plans out of his own pocket to find some way to lower costs and persuade the dissenting members to vote in his favor. He wouldn’t let her down; he wanted her to be proud of him.

  He held up the two red complimentary drink tickets he’d been handed at check-in. “What’s your preference?”

  “Whatever you’re having is fine with me.”

  “Even if it’s Scotch?” he teased, pleased when he saw recognition in her eyes.

  She grinned and in a sing-song voice said, “Bor-ing.”

  With his lips brushing over her ear, he whispered, “What I lack in imagination for my liquor, I make up for in the bedroom.”

  Her cheeks flushed. Good. He shouldn’t be the only one hot and bothered.

  “Okay. Boring Scotch, please.”

  Their gazes locked, and the air slammed into his chest, knocking the wind from his lungs. Dear God, she could slay him with one look, and he’d be damned if she took that feeling away from him.

  Even if he’d had to readjust his plans for downtown Edgewater Bay and her building, if that was how he’d met Kira, he was glad it happened that way. He’d make sure the Board voted on preserving the historic downtown rather than the shiny, new citified plans and everything would work out just perfectly.

  Kira stared across the ballroom at Blake and watched, helpless to do anything but admire the way he moved. Powerful and with purpose, he wore his suit with the center button fastened, and the way the fabric tugged over his broad shoulders made her itch to run her hands over him. She knew what was beneath those clothes, and she appreciated every inch of his powerful frame.

  Her breath hitched. Her chest constricted. She’d never wanted a man more in her life, and the more she considered where this was going, the more she loved the idea that a charity for animals was their first date.

  Then, he was in front of her, handing her his drink of choice. “Have you ever even tried Scotch?”

  The smirk on her mouth signaled she hadn’t.

  “Well, I’ll bet you…” He swirled the liquid in his glass, thinking.

  She provided the answer, “A foot rub?”

  “A foot rub that you’re really going to like this.”

  “Oh?”

  A challenge lit his gaze, and she loved that about him. That, and his sense of purpose helped shaped her these past months. All because of Blake.

  They clinked glasses, but as she raised the glass to her lips, he said, “Don’t lie. I’ll know if you do.”

  She took a sip, cringed, and said, “I’m not going to lie. When’s my foot rub?”

  His eyebrows arched. “Really? Just like that?”

  She shrugged. “What can I say?”

  “That you like it!”

  “But I like a foot rub more.”

  That earned her a wide smile that weakened her knees. “I say we leave right now, so you can collect on the bet.”

  She took another tiny sip. The irrational part of her wanted to grab his hand and drag him out of there. Forget the foot rub. Focus on the sex. The really amazing, hot and sweaty sex. Maybe they could find a closet for a quickie? “I think it would be considered rude to leave before we’ve eaten.”

  He shook his head and sighed. “You’re right. We need to change the subject to something to help get me through this dinner.”

  She decided now was as good a time as any to bring up the building. “I saw your calendar for next week. There’s a meeting with the architect to review the newest plans. Any chance I can tag along?”

  His eyes narrowed for a second, but then he touched her arm in a way that was meant to be consolatory. “I don’t think that’s appropriate. Several board members will be there, plus the other partners, but none of the other secretaries. I’m really sorry.”

  She understood, though hearing him decline her request still hurt her feelings. She wanted to be a part of the project from start to finish. “Can we meet when you get back and you can tell me what happened? Please?”

  “Of course.” He kissed her forehead.

  She placed her hand over his. “I’m so excited about this. I can’t tell you everything that’s been running through my mind.”

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and looked genuinely interested when he asked, “What do you mean?”

  She set down her glass and leaned on the cocktail table. “Well, I know it’ll take time to refurbish the downtown, but while it’s being completed, I’m going to look into establishing a heritage museum. Other cities with historic downtown areas have them. How great would it be if the museum sold bricks for people to engrave their names as supporters of the area?”

  “That’s a fantastic suggestion.” He squeezed her hand. “You have brilliant ideas for this community.”

  She beamed. The compliment really meant something, and she wondered when Blake’s opinion started to matter so much to her. “You’re not just saying that?”

  “A museum is something people will really buy into, especially if they get their name on a brick.”

  So excited in sharing her ideas, she didn’t even cringe when she swallowed more Scotch. “So what about you? Would you pay to get your name on a brick?”

  “Why not? I missed out at the veteran’s hospital, so this will be my first.”

  For too long she’d been an innocent bystander to life and all along Blake had been doing things around town. He’d surprised her in so many ways.

  If she’d thought this date would be some kind of test to their chance at a future, it had proved that they could really make this happen. He obviously didn’t care if people knew they were more than boss and employee. He’d been sending signals all night to anyone within eyesight by touching her arm or kissing her temple.

  For once, she knew a first date would end with sex.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Blake pressed open the door to his condo with one arm, standing to the side for her to enter. Kira sucked in the corner of her lip and stepped into the darkened room. Within a heartbeat, the light flicked on, and he locked the door behind them.

  He snaked his arms around her waist and dragged her into him. Her warmth grounded him, and the way she sighed in his arms sounded like everything he ever wanted to hear.

  Her gaze captured him, and he wanted to give her everything he had to give. He caught her in a kiss that stole his breath and fed his wanting her, and as his tongue danced along her lips and deeper into her mouth, she grabbed on to his biceps with a vise-grip. Then, she grabbed at his shirt front, bunching it in her fists.

  When he dragged her closer to him, she fell into him and sighed. “Well, that was a very warm welcome.”

  He kissed the side of her mouth, her cheek, her forehead. “I missed you.”

  “It’s only Sunday, and I saw you Friday at the office.” She grinned up at him, then over at his TV. “What time’s the interview on the medical center and Morris Clinic trial? I can’t wait to watch you on the big screen.”

  He stepped back. Her tone was playful, and he doubted she understood the intensity of his admission that he missed her. That they hadn’t seen each other all weekend bothered him, and he’d done everything in his power to clear his evening so he could be with her. Ever since their first date at the fundraiser last week, they’d reverted to the work-mode at work and the sex-mode after hours.

  He’d had half a chance of staying detached when it was just sex, purely physical attraction, but when his need for her companionship matched his need for her body, well… This was the first time he’d actually rearranged a business meeting to be alone with her. So, even if she didn’t get the implications of him altering a busy schedule for her, he certainly did.

  He trusted Kira. Totally. She was exactly what she portrayed—a woman with a big heart who loved dogs and wanted to donate as much of her time and energy to the community as she could. Although he’d watched her for weeks, he’d never found evidence of any ulterior motive for hiding her education from him. She wasn’t attempting to steal info
rmation or ladder climb, wasn’t a corporate spy from Layton Industries. Unlike the women from many of his previous relationships, Kira wanted Blake for himself. Not for what she could get from him or what he could do for her. Accepting that set him free to care about her. Deeply.

  They’d connected on their date. Conversed. No more rushed evening encounters. He wanted to take her to dinner and afterward have her sleep over. He wanted a real chance for this to work, and he shook his head, astonished by what he was about to say, but he needed to prove to her the kind of man he could be. “I want to adopt Honeybear.”

  As if on cue, from somewhere deep in the penthouse—the kitchen?—the Shar Pei gave a sleepy bark. He’d taken the dog for the weekend, after he heard all the cleaning she expected to do. He convinced her vacuums and cleaner wouldn’t be the best environment for Honeybear.

  Kira looked as if he’d punched her in the gut. “You want to keep Honeybear? Why?”

  Her gaze, seductive yet vulnerable, gripped his chest. If there was such a thing as heaven and hell combined, he was there, warring between his need to drag her into his bedroom and his need to continue this conversation. He kissed the top of her forehead and tried to explain as gently but as clearly as he could. “Because I’m not fickle. I don’t just care for a week or two and send her away. If I care, I care.” He wondered if she understood his double meaning.

  She fidgeted with her slim hands under his stare and finally said, “But Honeybear is sick. She could die at any moment.”

  He slipped his fingers through hers. Was that why she liked fostering? Did this beautiful, caring woman have attachment issues? He wanted to wrap his arms around her and offer her comfort, but her fear made no sense. Most families had pets. “That’s life. The things we love don’t come with guarantees. But that doesn’t mean we should stop caring.”

  She squeezed his fingers and released his hand. “I care.”

  Honeybear ambled up next to her, and she bent to run her hand along the dog’s head. But even with her dark hair falling forward, Blake saw her blink back signs of glistening tears.