Lane kicked off her shoes and toed off her socks. Tyler watched her. His body reacted with amazing swiftness, and when she reached for the hem of her sweater, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her. Hungrily. Wildly. He held her so tightly he brought her off the floor, his hands fisting in her sweater. His mouth crushed hers, and his hands dived under the fabric and palmed warm, smooth skin. He wanted to touch every inch of her, taste her, hear her cry out and tremble in his arms.
He'd never needed anything more than this, with her.
He backed her out of the bathroom, soft carpet and quiet greeting them. He kept kissing her, almost afraid she'd vanish. Then she drew back, crossing her arms and pulling off her sweater. Tyler's gaze raked her as she shimmied out of her slacks and stood still.
He looked his fill as she unpinned her hair. Silky, dark-red hair spilled onto her shoulders, and Tyler wondered how any man could miss this sleeping beauty. She took his breath away, with her narrow waist, and her breasts nearly spilling from the lace bra designed to drive men crazy. And when she leaned back against the bedpost and unfastened the bra, he swallowed. The garment fell, discarded, and Tyler was there, his arms closing around her, his kiss ferocious. The tips of her breasts burned into his skin, and he filled his palm with one soft mound, kneading it gently, loving the sounds she made. That she covered his hand and offered him more.
And he took, lifting her, closing his lips around her tender nipple. She inhaled sharply, bowing in his arms, and Tyler licked, suckled and toyed, and she squirmed in his arms.
"You taste so good."
"It's the body wash," she teased, her hands molding him everywhere she could reach. He chuckled, hooking her knee and pulling her more tightly against him. It wasn't enough. Not till he was inside her. Feeling her body wrap his.
Her touch was silky and strong, and when she reached the towel, she gave it a tug. "I don't think we need this."
Skin met skin, his arousal pressed to her softness, and Tyler felt his control slipping. He stepped back suddenly, shoving his hands through his hair.
"Tyler?"
"Gimme a second. I want you so badly and I want to take my time…"
"There is always later, you know, for the patient side of you."
His gaze flew to hers. She smiled and turned, pressing a knee to his bed. Tyler's throat closed, blood rushing from his head. He got the sexiest view of her behind in a black thong. She reached into the nightstand, flashing him a smile, and grabbed condom packets, then faced him on her knees. She let the condoms rain down over her, then crooked a finger to him.
It took everything in him not to leap on her and shove himself inside her. But he crawled onto the mattress, his weight sinking her toward him. He dragged her between his spread thighs, trapping her, kissing her deeply, trailing his mouth down her throat and bending her back to taste her breasts. Again and again, he nibbled and licked, his hand smoothing down her hip and sliding under the band of her panties.
"We don't need these," he said, and with a sharp twist, he snapped the delicate threads.
Lane laughed, meeting his gaze. "So much for patience."
"It's vastly overrated."
Naked, he pressed her to him, the contact dashing him with heat and untapped energy. She was like a storm and he was about to feel a strike of lightning.
Lane ached, the dull throb she'd experienced when he was near turning to a raging clamor of sights, smells and tastes. She smoothed the hard contours of his chest, and her mouth followed, her tongue slicking over his flat coin nipples. His fingers dug into her hips, his groan like a purring tiger's. The heat of him pressed to her belly, and she closed her fingers around his arousal. In a flash, he captured her wrist. He met her gaze, his eyes hooded with desire.
"I'm already coming apart." He swallowed hard.
"I want to see you shatter," she said, and her fingertips slid heavily over the silken tip of him and down his shaft. He slammed his eyes shut and his breath trembled. She tasted it, sliding her tongue over his lips, then dipping inside. He cracked, devouring her mouth and dragging her onto his lap and spreading her thighs around him and breaking her hold. As much as he was enjoying her touch, he couldn't take much more. He needed to be inside her.
He leaned forward, pushing her onto her back, her hair spilling like cherry wine across his pillows. She smiled up at him, lifting her hips, inviting him to come to her now, and he searched the bed for a condom. She took it from him, rolling it down and didn't let go, opening for him. Braced above her, Tyler trembled as the tip of him pressed to her softness. She was hot and wet, squirming beneath him.
She lifted her hips. "Now, Tyler, please, now."
He entered her with unforgiving slowness, smiling when she begged for more. He pushed deeply, filling her to the hilt and she wrapped her legs around his hips. Braced on his elbows he stared down at her, smoothing her hair back, dropping a kiss on her forehead.
"You're so beautiful."
She smiled. "Flattery will get you anything you want."
"I have what I want right here."
Her eyes misted with tears. "Tyler…"
"My heart's in this, Lane."
"Mine, too, handsome."
He withdrew and plunged, her body closing tightly over his, capturing him, stealing more than his desire. Feminine muscles flexed and clawed, and their tempo increased, a pumping madness that fused them with every stroke.
A match, a perfect fit.
He watched her eyes. He'd seen it once before and it had stolen through his blood, the fire that sparkled, the primal side of her he wanted to unleash.
Lane thought she'd break apart, her heart was pounding so fast. Wanting him all over her, wanting him to explore and taste and stroke and never stop. She felt the connection to him grow and fuse, her body capturing him in a slick glove and taking him deeper into her. She couldn't get enough of him. It was rapture and agony when he left her fully, then plunged home.
Flesh met flesh, muscular and sculpted meshing with soft and yielding. They danced in quick rhythm. Eyes locked on each other, tingling heat spiraled through her like a tornado, gaining speed and power.
Then it came, the exhilaration only he could give her. The passion she'd waited so long to feel. His arousal throbbed inside her, slick muscle and tender skin quaking with pleasure and sending it streaming through her body.
"Tyler, oh, Tyler."
"I know, baby, I know," he whispered huskily, his gaze locked with hers as his climax roared up his spine like an animal cut loose from a cage. He threw his head back, shuddering, his body flexing against her like a bow strung too tight. Lane gripped his hips, pulling him harder to her, the pulse and throb thrashing them over and over until they never thought it would stop. Then didn't want it to.
The crest shattered him, and tears filled her eyes again, the shocking power of their loving leaving her weak and breathless as the haze faded to a delicate hum in their blood.
Tyler peppered her face and hair with kisses before his mouth settled warmly on hers. He thought his heart might explode, the power of their lovemaking stunning him to the core. When he caught his breath, he rolled to his back taking her with him, pulling her leg over his hip and keeping her close.
Lane gazed into his soft blue eyes and smiled. She loved him. If she'd doubted her heart before, she didn't now. It should make her terrified, but it didn't. It was as if a door tightly locked had been opened in secret. Little by little parts of her poured out and Tyler stole them. Kept them private for her. As much as he pestered and pursued, he was gentle and determined. She wouldn't think of the lies she'd told to protect herself. She'd only think in the here and now. This moment.
"Lane."
"Hmm?"
"You're amazing."
She blushed and kissed him. "I won't tell you what great hip action you have, darling. You'll get conceited." He grinned and toyed with her nipple, then palmed her breast.
"You starting something?" she asked, and he loved the playful lo
ok in her eyes.
"I never said I was done."
The phone rang and Tyler glared at it, then reached over and answered.
Lane slid on top of him, folding her arms and watching him.
"Ah, yes, Mom, I'm okay."
Lane covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
"No, it's not broken." He held up his finger, wiggling it. It was still swollen. "No, Lane is with me."
Her eyes flew wide.
"We'll see you tonight on the beach." He hung up.
"I can't believe you told her I was here."
"She can't see us, you know."
Lane started to move away, and Tyler tossed the phone aside and grabbed her, throwing her on her back. "You can't keep hiding, baby."
"I'm not."
"Oh, yeah? Then tell me about your family."
"I did."
His disappointment was written on his face. "Sure. Names and that's it."
"They come with the package, but they aren't me," she said, throwing his own words back at him. "Right now I want you, only you and me."
"Yeah?" His hand slid over the swell of her hip.
"Once is never enough with you, McKay. You're addictive." Straddling his hips, she sat up and wrapped her fingers around him, his eyes flaring as she stroked him. Then she guided him inside her, sinking down onto his hardness till he filled her. She was slick and incredibly hot, and when she thrust her hips against him, Tyler lost all thought, except one. Lane. And that it would take a lifetime to have enough of her.
* * *
They'd had to shower and dress, then rush to the beach party before his mother called again.
"Am I wearing a guilty look?"
He frowned down at her, slinging his arm over her shoulders as they made their way down the beach to the bonfire. "No." He kissed the top of her head. "And neither am I. I don't feel the least bit guilty."
"But we're late."
"I needed medical attention." He waved the sprained finger.
"And I needed your attention," she said, and he looked at her, a sexy smile twisting his lips. "Which was wonderful."
He tipped his head toward her and whispered, "There's always tonight, darlin'."
Her insides ignited like the fire on the beach, and the thought of waking in his arms was like a treat she'd win if she behaved like a lady in public. Because she didn't want to behave with him in private.
Family and friends greeted the race winners with a loud cheer, and Lane and Tyler were torn apart by people wanting to recap the contest. Over the next couple of hours, they had little time together, but she caught him looking at her when they weren't. She was just as guilty, and when Kate moved up beside her, a baby girl on her hip, Lane turned her attention from the man who'd made love to her this afternoon.
Kate shifted the baby and Lane ached to hold her. When she stroked the child's hair, the baby smiled. Definitely a McKay, Lane thought, and held out her hands. The baby practically leaped into her arms and wrapped her tiny arms around Lane's neck.
Lane rubbed her back, staying near enough to the fire to keep the infant warm.
"You like my brother, don't you," Kate said.
She glanced in Tyler's direction briefly. "Yes, I do." I love him.
"I'm glad. It's about time he started dating seriously again."
Lane frowned.
"He didn't tell you about his wedding?" Kate asked.
Lane felt cold dread move up her spine.
"Well, almost wedding. Tyler learned his bride-to-be was marrying him for his money a week before the wedding."
"That's awful."
"Do you want him for his money?"
"I have my own, Kate." She had a trust fund and stocks that would keep her comfortable for a while. But she admired Tyler's sister for looking out for him. "In fact, I didn't want his attention because he had wealth and power."
Kate blinked. "Okay, that's a first."
"I've seen what it can do to people, the unsavory types it can bring out of the woodwork."
"Butt out, Kate," Tyler said from behind them.
His sister stuck her chin out. "I'm just watching out for you, big brother, and you should have told her."
"What goes on between Lane and me is private." Kate took her daughter from Lane and faced her older brother. She gazed at him, then smiled softly. "I love you, Ty."
His shoulders sank.
"I'm sorry," Kate went on, "but now that the door is open…" She let the sentence hang and strolled away.
Lane looked at Tyler. "Your ex-fiancée must have hurt you very badly."
"Yes."
"I think I can understand her, though."
"What?"
"She wanted what being married to a McKay would give her, not what being married to you would give her." Lane shrugged, shoving her cold hands into her jacket pockets. "She was looking out for herself, her future, and she hurt you in the process." She looked at Tyler and saw anger. "I'm not defending her, believe me," she said quickly. "But if she thought material things were what made her happy and mostly made her feel worthy, then that's where her judgment started. Money and comfort were her highest priority."
Tyler thought about that, and realized she was right. Clarice had been her own worst enemy.
"Did this guy who betrayed you have rotten judgment?" Tyler asked softly.
"Oh, yes, he was out for himself from the start. He said he loved me and that he wanted the same things I did, when it was the farthest thing from the truth. He only wanted what he could get from me."
In her eyes, Tyler saw that the wound was still there. And fear. Was she afraid he'd do the same to her? "And what was that?"
"To hurt my family."
He lifted a brow and was about to ask her to elaborate when she asked, "Did you love her, Tyler?"
"I thought I did. But she was too easy to get over."
"And did you get over her?"
He strolled closer. "I wouldn't have kissed you if I hadn't."
"Ah, a man of honor."
"You're so damn distrusting, you know that?"
"I'm working on that, like my two smiles a day."
Tyler drew her into his arms. "I saw a few of 'em a couple of hours ago." He pushed his fingers into her hair, dislodging the ribbon holding it back. She hurried to redo it, but he grasped her hands, bringing them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles. "You're so beautiful, Lane. Stop hiding and trust me."
Her gaze searched his. He knew there was more to her past and he deserved to know.
"Tyler … you don't know what you're asking."
"Is it that bad, your past?"
"No, yes … it's hard to explain."
"Don't you know by now that I'm not going to hurt you? That I'm not him?"
She nodded, her throat tight. "I'm not her, either."
"Oh, that I know."
"Just keep remembering that," she said, and held him tightly. "Just keep remembering that."
* * *
Chapter 10
«^»
Lane felt like Cinderella going to the ball. Her prince arrived wearing a black tuxedo and escorted her to his coach, a sleek black limousine waiting at the curb. The night was crisp and dark, the moon high in the winter sky. Twinkling lights still wrapped the lampposts and laced the trees, brightening the night like stars trickling down from a midnight heaven. A glorious night for a ball, she thought as they neared the limousine. The driver opened the door, gawking at her as she ducked inside.
Tyler noticed and sent the young man an annoyed look.
The chauffeur murmured, "Hey, I'm a guy. It's hard not to look, sir."
Tyler climbed in beside her and realized as they rode the distance to the country club that he was possessive. Not something he was used to, but he realized he was enjoying the new feeling. He took Lane's hand and immediately she laced her fingers with his.
"Thank you, Tyler. It's been a while since I've been out like this."
He only smiled, his gaze moving over t
he dark-green hooded cloak she wore. That she'd concealed her gown from him piqued his curiosity. She's changed, he thought. Before his eyes, she'd shed the dowdy appearance she'd used to keep him and everyone else back. He'd been with her almost every night since the sailboat race, and waking with her in his arms left him content and at the same time scared as hell. The thought of not having her with him had outweighed the barriers he'd erected. He admitted that they'd crumbled pretty easily the minute he saw her, anyway, and he'd decided he was ready to give up not trusting women. Especially when he found a woman that trust came so hard for.
The limo drew to a halt, and Tyler slid out, turning back to offer his hand to Lane. He caught a glimpse of long, stockinged legs as she slid gracefully from the car. He wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her close, and her gloved hands rested on his shoulders.
"Remember me sometime tonight."
"Oh, Tyler, I could never forget you." She stroked his cheek with a gloved finger.
"You say that now, but my friends can be pretty persuasive."
She rose up on her toes, kissing him. "So can you."
Smiling, he escorted her inside. The gathering was alive with color, and dancers were already filling the floor. A band played softly from the stage, and elegantly decorated tables rimmed the ballroom. Christmas was hinted at in the boughs of greenery, and the history of the town showed in liveried waiters serving champagne and canapés. It was beautiful and she smiled.
"Lane? Your cloak."
She looked at him, then loosened the braided frog before pushing back the hood. Velvet pooled on her shoulders briefly before he pulled it from her shoulders. Her hair cascaded down her back in a long tumble of auburn curls.
"Wow." His gaze roamed the deep-green beaded gown that fit her like a second skin. His heart did a quick hop, and pride spread through him. She was definitely one of a kind.
She smiled, blushing, something she did a lot around him. "I'm glad you like it."
"And I'd like to get you out of it right now."
She leaned into him, her hand on his chest. "Can you wait a few hours?" she whispered for his ears alone. "Because I'd rather be alone with you than with people staring at me."
"Then you shouldn't be so pretty."
AWAKENING BEAUTY Page 11