by Renee Michaels, Collette Thomas, Aspen Mountain Press Authors
Oh, she was in trouble now. In deep trouble, and the rules she used as a rudder to steer and keep her on her chosen path evaporated at the sight of him.
Her annoyance with him melted and something more evocative settled in the churned-up pit of her stomach. Then it slid south to her pussy causing it to throb, pulse, become moist and ache with an insistent demand.
There ought to be an inoculation against the man.
"I spent the last two days tying up some loose ends and clearing my schedule.” He studied her with warm probing eyes. She felt her cheeks flush under his scrutiny.
"Dante, please join us.” Tracey shifted to make room for him around the small table.
Jenna threw her friend a killing look.
He pulled up a chair and sat close to Jenna. His thigh rested against hers as he fitted his large body into the tiny slot available around the miniscule table.
She met the challenge in his gaze. “I'll be signing off on the job for you first thing in the morning. No reason for you to delay your departure."
"Accounting doesn't fall under my purview, but I'll pass the news on to my sister.” He shifted so they were aligned hip to hip. His arm came to rest across the back of her chair. The warmth of his torso permeated her already overheated skin.
She shot him a cross look. The slow easy smile, narrowed eyes, and sexually intent glitter in his eyes told her it was deliberate.
Indifference or at least the pretense of indifference wasn't going to work with him anymore. The man wasn't an idiot, he happened to be there when she rubbed herself against him with a cat's sinuous undulation.
A soft cough snapped their coupled gaze. Jenna dragged her eyes to meet Tracey's blatant go-for-it look. Dante could hardly miss it.
Sheeech. She felt like it was high school all over again.
"So Dante. This is our usual unwinding spot, but I haven't seen you here before.” Tracy rested her chin on her laced fingers and ignored Jenna's don't—encourage—him glare.
He trailed the tip of his fingers across the curve of Jenna's shoulder. “I stopped in with a friend for a drink and saw Jenna. I thought I'd buy her a drink."
"It's a good thing I dragged her out for a drink then, isn't it?"
Jenna watched the conspiratorial understanding begin to grow between them. Their smiles widened like two people who had come to a silent but complete agreement on some common goal.
Her brain wasn't firing on all cylinders. But she had to break them up before Tracey's determination to get her laid landed her in Dante's bed. As if he needed any help in that department. She was half-way there already.
"Won't your friend be wondering where you are?” Jenna's broad hint for him to rejoin his friend had as much effect, as throwing a cup of water on a forest fire.
"No.” His eyes skimmed over her with a slow intensity. His interest in the intricacy of the pin-tucked bodice cupping the curve of her breasts made her shift in her seat. “He'll be along in a minute."
"Isn't that nice. A quartet is so much nicer than a trio,” Tracey chimed in unrepentantly.
What was the use of having a best friend, if she practically shoved you at dangerously sexy men, even if you were panting to get into his pants? She was beginning to have the feeling she'd been set up.
"We were just on our way to the ladies room, so if you'll excuse us for a moment.” Jenna gave Tracey a nudge with her foot. She remained in her seat and avoided any eye contact. Finally when Tracey's gaze met hers, Jenna's silent plea made her rise from her seat.
Getting out of her seat was no easy feat jammed around the table as they were. With a wiggle and a twist, she slipped from under Dante's arm before he could tighten it around her shoulder.
Tracey sighed and reluctantly followed in her wake. When Jenna found a secluded corner she turned to face her friend. “Remind me again of the pact we made when we were fifteen and we discovered how a guy could turn us into hormone driven idiots.” Her eyes narrowed, her arms crossed under her breasts. She tapped her toe in an agitated beat on the floor.
"If at any time a participant in the pact was in danger of losing it over a man, the designated best friend will reel the losee in,” Tracey recited and rolled her eyes at Jenna.
"Tag you're it!"
"Jenna, I have some news for you.” Tracey rested her butt on the vanity behind her and crossed her arms under her breasts. “I'm a psychologist, and I read body language. Even if I run interference for you, Dante won't be deterred."
"One moment of weakness.” Jenna groaned and rested her head against the cool tile.
Tracey's eyes narrowed with suspicion at the flood of color that flooded Jenna's cheeks. “What? What happened? Have you been holding out on me, girl?"
Fair skin was a curse. Best friends, who knew you, were an even bigger pain in the ass. They'd been confidants too long for her to even try to lie.
"Well there was an encounter. And, let's just say, the rest of him is as talented as his hands and his tongue. If or when I do go to bed with him, and I'm not saying I'm going to...."
"I take it his talent isn't in budget overruns."
"Let's just say I let down my guard and found out that Dante is very skillful. Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"Short on the details, but it's enough to know you're sexually compatible. Sweetie, if you don't take what the man is offering, you're depriving yourself of a very healthy sex life. Think about it. And while you do, why not have some fun tonight and see where it all leads?"
Have fun with Dante. The words played inside her head and soon images of her hands sliding the black shirt off his shoulders, and touching the warmth of his skin under her palms, caressing the length of his back, cupping his butt, stroking his cock....
That was the problem. Her idea of fun with Dante contained the stuff of erotic fantasies.
Jenna shook herself out her reverie. She was in no condition to make this kind of a decision now. Like Scarlet, tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow she'd make a list, then decide what to do.
She looked into the mirror, checked her make-up, and turned to Tracey.
"Okay let's go. I just put a little fun on the agenda.” Jenna stalked out through the crowd, making a beeline for their table.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Four
The easy grin on Dante's face made Jenna pause as she approached the table. His teeth, a slash of white against the dark olive of his skin, evoked memories of him nibbling on her eager nipples. Wayward images crept through her mind, reminding her of the pleasure those teeth and a very agile tongue had given her.
What ever made her think she'd have been able to deny the erotic pull of the man?
The lingering memory hardened the buds pressed against the thin silk of her dress and she hoped the thin folds in the cloth would conceal her arousal.
Great. Dante's friend had joined him. She'd be meeting the man with her little soldiers standing at attention.
The men stood politely as they reached the table. Dante maneuvered her into the seat beside him.
"Jenna, Tracey. Carlo Mora."
He acknowledged the introduction and seated Tracey.
Carlo grinned at the casual possessiveness when Dante rested his arm around her shoulders. “I can see why Dante has spent so much time here.” His appreciative gaze drifted between both women. His warm engaging grin made her relax slightly. Tracey kicked her eagerly under the table.
"Watch him ladies. He's not as harmless as he appears,” Dante cautioned.
"Lies. I'm harmless.” Carlo's smile turned wolfish. Any doubts Jenna might have harbored about his harmlessness dissipated.
"Dance, Tracey?” He offered his hand. She jumped up without hesitation. The couple moved to join several couples moving slowly to ‘Do you Wanna Dance'.
The sensuous plea of the singer who had joined the trio of musicians enticed her audience to make romance.
Jenna shivered when Dante's fingertips brushed the nape of her neck. Tiny p
imples popped up on her exposed skin. Her breath hitched, and she let out a long shuddering sigh.
"Did you think of me during the past two days?” Dante inquired softly against her ear.
"I've been busy."
"Answer the question."
"Yes, if you must know. It would've been hard not to."
"Great. You've been on my mind a lot, too.” He ran a finger along her shoulder and wrapped his hand around the curve of her shoulder.
"Don't ... please."
"What's wrong?"
She turned to look at him. He could hardly fail to recognize the arousal on her face.
"I've had a few drinks on an empty stomach, and if you touch me again I might just slide onto your lap and ease the ache I've developed. Alcohol does that to me sometimes. And you're not helping one damn bit.” Jenna closed her eyes and sighed.
"You're on the edge aren't you?” He cupped her chin and forced her to meet his eyes. “If I offer to take care of it will I be accused of taking advantage of you?” His bantering tone made her relax. His laughing eyes had none of the sexual challenge she usually saw there.
"I'm not drunk. Just a little relaxed. Besides I have no intention of sleeping with you tonight."
He grinned widely. “Progress from never sleeping with me. No sleeping together tonight then. Let me take care of you a little.” He nuzzled her ear and she leaned on him.
She shivered and arched her neck. “We're in a public place, you know."
"Hmmm. This place sets the mood for what I have in mind and nobody can see us.” He nuzzled her ear and pulled her closer.
"And what would that be?” Ever cautious she waited for his answer.
"I just want to spend a little time with you. This alcove is secluded and the lights are dim. We can have a little private time, without the intrusion of work."
His hand slipped down her arm, angled away from the crowd. The gentle caresses undemanding, non sexual, but she needed more. She shifted to move his hand over to her breast.
But he evaded her.
"Behave. I'm having a hard enough time resisting you. All I can think about is the hardness of your nipples against my tongue, and how they blossomed in my mouth when you came.” The heat of his breath against her neck washed over her sensitized skin, primed by the tequila in her bloodstream. It was like the silky brush of a satin garment sliding down her body.
Lips parted. A husky mewl rose from deep inside her. Hearing that particular sound, no one would mistake its origin. It was the cry of an aroused woman.
Dante caught her mouth with his. Taking the sound as a tribute of her desire. His due.
She fell into him, and he held her against his chest.
It was a struggle to raise her lids, they were so heavy.
* * * *
His gaze fastened on her lips. He gave her a swift peck on them. “I can't tell you how many times I've wondered what your lips would look like slick with a shiny red.” He licked his lips savoring the taste. “Strawberry. Delicious."
A swipe of his tongue across her full lower lip had her reaching for a kiss of her own volition. Satisfaction flared in his eyes. It was the first move she ever made toward him. Regretfully, he couldn't take full advantage of her acquiesce.
Banked heat flared between them. His broad hand slipped into her hair, deepening the kiss. Just this one kiss and he'd leave.
It became a demand. A communication of needs, of unspoken plans. A hint of what was to come.
He shifted beside her. His cock had become an aching shaft of male need.
Her hand brushed over the bulge under the tented black silk, eliciting a tortured grunt from him. An involuntary flexing of his hips as he sought some surcease.
"Not here. Not now.” He grinned ruefully down at her. “You make me forget everything but you."
"Dante...."
"Don't say this is a mistake. I don't play games, and neither do you. I'm going to be your lover, Jenna.” He looking for the denial he'd come to expect in them.
"I don't like my decisions made for me, Dante.” Jenna sat back in her chair, putting a little distance between them.
"You made your decision when you allowed me to put my hands on you.” Dante picked up his glass and drank deeply, hoping to quench his thirst for her.
The veracity of his words made her look away. She caught her swollen lower lip between her teeth. The sight of them sinking into the soft flesh was an inadvertent invitation. Hell, her breathing hardened him.
He could almost see her mind working like a dervish. He had no doubt she would try to extricate herself from their budding relationship. She was good at working the angles, but this was too important to him to let go. He was going to have his work cut out for him stay in step with her.
"Fine, at anytime after we've signed off on the job, if you can catch me, you can have me.” The jaw dropping words made him stare at her more than a little surprised.
The feline smile of satisfaction on her face told him she tossed out the challenge, with the expectation he wouldn't take up the gauntlet.
Well he had a surprise for her, too. He was ready, willing, and able to take her when and where he found her. “Okay."
The look of consternation on her face was priceless. She'd avoid him like he carried one of the seven plagues. But, his timing was nothing, if not superb.
That he'd catch her was a surety. As to when and where was left to chance.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
Sumptuous elegance. It was lush and luxurious. Yet invitingly comfortable. And most importantly, every light switch and dimmer worked. The beautifully decorated penthouse suite was a show stopper.
Cool creams, with shots of apricot and bronze, gave the impression of serenity and warmth. Wide couches with deep cushions enticed the occupant of the room to sit, lie back, or follow. Whatever whim caught the person's fancy.
The sinfully wide bed behind a wall of etched glass was a sea of comfort under a sky light. The tinkle of water over stone was soothing to the ear.
Satisfaction hummed in Jenna's veins. Her project was deemed a success. She still basked in the praise her boss had heaped on her already giddy head.
She had been offered the VP position and she had been on cloud nineteen all day. Cloud nine was too low on her happy meter.
More importantly, she had managed to avoid Dante for the last couple of days. After her stupid catch-me-if-you-can challenge, she was sure he'd have been after her, like a woman hunting for the last pair of Jimmy Choo's on sale.
The solid thud of the door as she closed it behind her marked the end of a very full day.
Using the card to call the elevator designated for the exclusive use of the penthouse, she went over a few final details in her head. The check she'd signed with flourish earlier was worth every penny. Not one hiccup in the electrical system just as Dante had promised.
She supposed he'd call her soon. Anticipation made her impatient. She was ready to lose the rules and play a little. Well, maybe a lot.
The soft shush of the elevator doors parted to show an unlit glass fronted pod, clinging to the face of the fifty floor edifice.
She'd kill him. Dante Moretti was a dead man. “Just wait until I get my hands on him. I'm going to cut his balls off with pinking shears."
She surged into the glass box on a tide of outrage and frustration, jabbed the down button with enough force to depress it permanently.
"I hope the balls you'll be handling are mine. Minus the shears.” The familiar bass rumble came out of the dark, startling her for a moment.
"Moretti. In case you haven't noticed the only light in here is coming from the buildings beside and below us. How the hell am I going to explain this to my boss? He's planning to hold a reception in the penthouse tomorrow evening."
His large silhouette shifted in the dark and loomed over her. He reached behind her and stopped the swift descent of the car.
"The bulbs are unscrewed."
"What the hell for?” Relief dissipated her fury, like a rare shower of rain on the parched sands of the desert surrounding the city.
"The final check was delivered by messenger. So don't pretend you weren't expecting me. I'm taking you when and where I've caught you, like you said I could.” He backed her up against the Plexiglas.
"I'm too annoyed to fool around now. All I'm interested in right now is a large glass of wine and a hot bath.” She placed her palms on his chest and tried to push him back. He was crowding her and after the shock, she was in no mood have him toy with her.
"We'll get to that later.” The press of the insistent bulge into her stomach went a long way to alter her lingering annoyance.
His wide palms slid up her slim torso to cup her breasts. He jiggled them gently. He seemed to enjoy their weight resting heavily in his hands. Of course her unruly nipples reacted to the attention like an eager puppy. If the hard nubs could wag she was sure they would.
With the instinct of a man who truly enjoyed the nuances of bringing a woman slowly to the peak of arousal, he dropped a kiss behind her ear, licked the lobe, then nipped it.
Her head fell back on the transparent wall and she gave herself over to what he did to her. He had zeroed on the sensitive line on her neck that yanked her from moody dismissal to full arousal.
She gripped his shoulder for support. Her knees seemed to have lost their strength.
Knowledgeable fingers undid the long line of covered buttons down the front of her blouse. Admiration of his dexterity was swallowed in a loud gulp. He'd revealed the silk and lace she'd worn since she'd run out of her staid cotton sports bras.
They screamed fuck me. Thin silk lovingly cupped the plump mounds, offering them up for his delectation. The shadow of her dusky areolas winked at him thorough the hand-tatted lace covering them.
The underwear was made for seduction and it seduced.
The stillness on his body made her look up. His features were hardened by a hunger she'd never seen on another lover's face.
His hunger became hers. To be needed, wanted like that was heady. An aphrodisiac.