Concealed Desire

by Eden Summers

  Instead of pushing away, trying to distance herself, she clung to him. Her hands gripped his hard triceps, her lips tilted up to meet his as he moved in to devour her mouth. Teeth clashed, tongues collided, his dominating, hers submitting as they writhed together. Water from his body and the glass seeped into her clothes, cooling her skin, yet it didn’t douse the fire in her belly, the contrast only making her hotter.

  Without warning Dean leaned back, breaking the connection. He stared into her eyes, his face contorted with a frown. “I can’t believe you didn’t beg,” he pondered, making her laugh. Heated passion one minute, cheeky flirt the next. If only he knew how close she’d been to conceding defeat.

  Stroking a lock of soaked hair from his forehead, she smiled sweetly at him. “Maybe you’ve lost your Midas touch.”

  He leaned in, his gaze sharp, scrutinizing her. If he kissed her again she would cave. She would hitch her skirt up and beg to be taken. But his face diverted at the last moment to nuzzle his nose into her neck, hitting the sensitive spot at the join of her shoulder.

  “Maybe I just need to try a little harder,” he whispered.

  His breathy declaration tightened around her heart. She chuckled. “Maybe we should go.”

  Chapter Eight

  Beth in her business suit and high heels turned him on like nobody’s business. Seeing her in casual clothes, her body on display in skintight material caused his cock to ache relentlessly. The black ruffled skirt currently hugging her fine ass finished just above her knees. It was the entire reason he’d been walking behind her as they strolled up and down the grocery aisles. Not that he didn’t enjoy the view from the front. The baby pink sports singlet fit her like a glove, showing off an impressive figure, her trim belly and small, firm rack.

  She looked completely transformed from the woman he salivated over in the office. She even held herself differently, her smile more like a devilish grin, her eyes conspiring and more mischievous than the professional businesswoman from Sutherland & Son.

  He couldn’t decide which side he loved more, the confident, sophisticated femme fatale or the playful, tempting bombshell. And holy fuck, he used the “L” word without conscious thought. Nothing shriveled up a man’s package more than the “L” word or the commitment that usually came with it. Yet he still felt as hot as a firecracker.

  Dean tried to shake it off, occupying himself with the unanswered question that had plagued him for the last few hours. Was Beth wearing a G-string or going without panties altogether?

  If he considered her modesty, the way she blushed in heated situations and the usual G-string panty line under her suits, he would guess G-string. But the damn woman was hot as Hades today. Her heated whisper of Come for me still echoed in his ears and the thought of her wearing no panties at all made him want to try all the harder to find out. He still couldn’t believe she’d watched him in the shower. He intentionally left the door open, thinking his nudity would embarrass her. He hadn’t anticipated her enjoying the performance.

  And he never knew grocery shopping could be this enjoyable. He’d spent the last ten minutes constantly staring at the firmest, most mouthwatering ass he’d ever had the pleasure of seeing.

  His housekeeper usually stocked his cupboards and fridge. He only needed to get the occasional milk or bread. This experience, however, was something he wanted to do more often.

  She stopped a few feet ahead, causing him to snap back to reality. With reluctance he removed his gaze from her delectable curves to take a cursory glance at what she would put in the basket next. Only she hadn’t paused to put anything in. She had peered over her shoulder, catching his stare as it left her butt.

  Dean waited for the indignant expression, not having to pause long before he received it. He smiled back at her attempting to seem innocent and she raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes. The slight tilt to her lips as she turned back around didn’t escape him, and she continued down the aisle with an added swing to her step. She loved the attention as much as he loved giving it.

  He didn’t know why she fought their attraction. OK, maybe he did. His reputation was an obstacle they needed to overcome. Since Jessica he hadn’t bothered paying attention to women, unless they were in his bedroom, or in an effort to get them there. His father had made him bitter—resentful—and his hatred for the opposite sex had taken a while to simmer down.

  Beth had changed him. Her unwavering kindness and exuberance made him feel like Mary Poppins or some shit, seeing a ray of sunshine at the end of the freaking tunnel.

  As he followed her past the cold section, he grabbed a can of whipped cream, feeling the need to push the boundaries one more time. When he caught up to her he held up the can and raised his eyebrows. He would have wagered good money on her blushing and telling him to put it back, perhaps even taking the time to remind him of the no-sex rule. She surprised him again. Instead of arguing, she merely shook her head in resignation and watched him place the can with the rest of the groceries.

  This could be the green light he’d been looking for. Maybe he should take a turn back down the chocolate fudge aisle and get all the ingredients to make a proper meal out of her.

  Two aisles later, Dean had his mind stuck in a strange mental space. His thoughts drifted from the human chocolate sundae to things of a more permanent nature. Could he do this every weekend? Grocery shopping with Beth like a normal couple? He had no doubt they would be great together. He enjoyed her company, she was passionate in bed, and her beauty—

  “Dean?”

  He glanced up to see Beth frowning at him. “Sorry?”

  “Are you staying for dinner? I’ll buy something for us to eat if you are.”

  Well, maybe his Midas touch wasn’t broken after all. At least he didn’t have to beg for an invitation.

  “Love to.” For the life of him he couldn’t stop staring at her as if she would be on the menu. “Don’t worry about cooking, though; I’ll buy takeout. How does Chinese sound?”

  “Dean…Dean Sutherland?” The feminine voice came from behind him, sending an unwelcome shiver down his spine. His mind couldn’t put a face to the tone, but without looking he knew he wouldn’t want to introduce the woman to Beth.

  With hesitation he put off the inevitable and turned to find not one, but two ladies sauntering forward from the end of the aisle. Not good. Not good at all. Their bright smiles and postage stamp tops greeted him while his mind began to freak out. Seriously? Seriously! When would he catch a break? Oh Beth, I’d like you to meet the two ladies who popped my threesome cherry. This is Britney and shit, sorry, what was your name? This would not go down well.

  “Ladies,” he greeted with a nod, trying to be civil while wanting to run like fuck. He couldn’t remember the other woman’s name. Not that he had plans of making introductions. He hoped the quick greeting would be sufficient before he could back away.

  Britney’s smile widened and she practically skipped toward him, big boobs bouncing as if trying to break free from her tiny top. Without a glance in Beth’s direction she ambled forward, planting a kiss on his cheek that lasted longer than the fucking bicentennial. Her roommate had the decency to stand back, content to give him seductive looks from a few feet away.

  What the hell could he say to them when they only had a threesome in common? So, how’s that flexibility of yours going?

  “What are you lovely ladies up to?” He hoped Beth would consider him more of a well-mannered gentleman for not giving them the brush-off.

  “I was just telling Stacy how boring tonight was going to be because we don’t have any plans.” A pout spread across Britney’s tacky glossed lips while she tried to work him with her innocent eyes. She couldn’t fool the blind. The woman didn’t have an ounce of innocence left. “Maybe you could come over and the three of us could have another private party.”

  Warning bells sounded, loud and clear in his skull as she stroked a finger down his chest. He glanced at Beth, wanting to explain but she had
already turned and started walking away with the basket. Great. Just when his fantasies of whipped cream and fudge sauce were about to become a reality.

  He huffed in frustration and glared down at Britney. The woman was a leech, and she knew damn well that he already had company.

  “Sorry, not interested,” he growled, biting back the need to yell in frustration.

  Her lusty expression turned to shock as he grabbed her wrist and dropped it away from his chest. No doubt this was the first time she’d been rejected because she seemed to have problems understanding the concept.

  “Look, I’ve gotta go.” He gave a two-finger wave to Britney’s friend, whose name he’d already forgotten, and started walking. Talk about your private parts shriveling. His nuts were practically burrowing their way into his gut, searching for sanctuary in case Britney caused a scene. He heard her sputter and scoff, but didn’t bother to look back as he went in search of Beth.

  After five minutes of walking the aisles he found her at the checkouts, placing items on the conveyor with more determination than necessary. She was clearly upset and didn’t bother to make eye contact when he moved to stand beside her.

  “Sorry about that.” He had nothing else to offer. What did you say to the woman you were trying to impress after running into your old threesome buddies?

  “No problem.” She focused her attention on unloading the groceries.

  He grabbed the remaining items, the whipped cream included, and placed them on the conveyor. He noticed how she watched the can, staring in a daze for a moment before she frowned and looked away.

  Back to square one again by the looks of it. He grabbed her hand, entwining their fingers as he’d enjoyed doing earlier. Her gaze darted from their joined fingers, to his eyes, before she reluctantly turned away.

  Leaning in, he inhaled the sweet smell of her perfume and let his voice whisper over her neck. “You OK?”

  Her exhale was audible and she sounded as emotionally exhausted as he felt. “Perfect.”

  Bullshit.

  They both knew she was lying. He had no plans of letting it fly. The idea of spending the rest of the afternoon in awkward silence or uncomfortable conversation didn’t sit well with him.

  “You’re upset.”

  She had already put on her indifferent mask, hiding behind a tight smile and bright eyes. This would probably be the time where any normal male would back away and give her space, but he couldn’t help appreciating her discomfort. Yep, it made him a first-rate dick to enjoy her jealousy, but it also meant she cared.

  “No. I’m just being silly.” She turned to face the checkout attendant, clearly wanting to drop the subject.

  Did he take the hint? Hell no; he was lapping up her displeasure. He squeezed her hand, giving a little tug until she turned back to face him with a huff.

  “You’re jealous.” He couldn’t contain himself; he grinned like a lunatic. Beth may have been coping with her feelings in the sweetest way possible, trying to change the subject and move on, but she was jealous.

  Her eyebrows pulled together, and she stared into the distance over his shoulder. “They’re beautiful.”

  The awe in her voice hit him like a kick in the balls. She spoke as if her own beauty was inferior.

  Dean leaned in close and placed a peck on her cheek. He ached to kiss her lips, to pull their bodies together and reassure her with actions instead of words, but he didn’t want to cheapen the conversation by turning it into a heated make-out session.

  “Yeah, they’re attractive…in a cheap and easy kind of way. You, Beth, are beautiful.” He marked his words by moving over to kiss her other cheek. “Naturally beautiful.” Another kiss to her jaw. “Remarkably beautiful.” He added a final nip to the low of her neck.

  He moved his head back and stared into her eyes, trying to convey his sincerity. Christ, she was gorgeous, the most alluring woman he’d ever laid eyes on, and she had no clue.

  Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “You’re smooth. Real smooth.”

  He fixed her with a smirk, happy with himself for making her smile. He wanted to lean in and kiss her again, on the lips this time. Before he could, the moment was broken by the checkout attendant.

  “That’ll be seventy-eight dollars and twenty cents, thanks.”

  Chapter Nine

  Hours later Beth sat on her upstairs balcony, a glass of wine in hand and a sense of cluelessness clouding her brain. The sun’s rays dwindled, the warmth of the day becoming chilly as night crept into the sky.

  She had spent the afternoon trying not to let the tall, slim, and stacked women from the supermarket ruin her day. It was a rare occurrence to sleep with the man of your dreams, or have the pleasure of watching him grease the sprocket in the shower. She’d gone too far to let reality seep in now.

  If only she could forget the comment about the three of them having a private party. The bile that had risen up her throat at the syrupy way the leggy blonde cooed at Dean still soured her mouth. The thought of him sharing himself with one woman at a time had been painful enough. She’d never contemplated him having multiple partners at once. Her ignorance proved just how far out of her depth she was.

  Although she thought her knowledge of Dean was fairly thorough, the last twenty-four hours had been a revelation. Beth had learned so much about him, yet she had no idea how he felt toward her or if his intentions were only focused on sex.

  She loved the way his teasing brought a smile to her face that she couldn’t seem to wipe off. Buying the whipped cream, for instance. While she busied herself with unpacking the groceries, Dean had scavenged through each bag. The next thing she knew, the burst of sound from the pressure-filled can had echoed off the kitchen walls. When she turned in surprise, he was right behind her, his index finger covered in whipped cream, which he then ran along her lips.

  She didn’t have a chance to move back or lick the sweetness away before his mouth was over hers, doing the job for her. They had stumbled over half-empty grocery bags as he backed her into the corner of the kitchen. Then without effort he lifted her to sit atop the counter and began devouring her mouth, his force and demanding desire making her sex throb.

  “What are you thinking?” Dean’s voice snapped her back to the present. She watched in a lazy stare while he took a swig of his beer, waiting for a reply. The glow from the tea light candles made his dark eyes appear deep and menacing. Wisps of hair were loose around his forehead, and he sat back in his chair looking comfortable and content, not only in his own skin, but in her home.

  Her cheeks heated, the gradual flame burning hotter while she remembered what she’d been thinking about, the way his tongue and lips had removed every last bit of cream.

  “Nothing,” she lied, and tried not to smile.

  “Still sticking to your no-sex rule?” He took another lazy drink from the bottle.

  Her cheeks flamed red-hot at his direct question. It didn’t help that she was blazing up from the inside out, the heat most potent between her thighs.

  “Dean.” She raised her eyebrows in warning. His sultry lips mocked her as they glistened from the beer, begging to be licked. If only she could throw caution to the wind and enjoy what was right in front of her.

  His face turned contemplative as he took another swig from the bottle, his eyes downcast when he spoke. “We’d be good together, Beth.”

  She sighed, unable to let the unease rest in her chest. They would be good together, for a time at least. But what would happen when he grew tired of having sex with the same woman? Because there was no way in hell she would sleep with him even on a casual basis without them being exclusive. Were they both adult and emotionally stable enough to return to an amicable relationship when things ended? She didn’t think so. She would be forced to leave her job, not necessarily by Dean, but by the heartache of seeing him every day.

  Beth paused for a few moments before answering, biting into a piece of cheese and taking a sip of wine. She wanted to believe h
is interest was more than sexual, more than casual, if only he had given her the words to confirm it. He was either sincere, laying his heart on the line, or doing a damn fine job playing her.

  As she chewed and swallowed, her heart fought to convince her mind, and her mind continued to second-guess. In the end she decided to play off the seriousness of his statement with a jovial reply.

  “Yes, we would be a truly great couple.” She gave a humorless chuckle. “You with your inability to commit and me with my inability to trust.”

  They fell silent, the sound of crickets and cars driving in the distance the only noise. His beauty was undeniable. Never had a man been so perfect in her eyes. And she wanted to believe him, wanted to believe in him; she just didn’t have the confidence to let go of all her doubts.

  A man proud of playing the field didn’t change overnight, yet she wanted to believe he was capable of turning over a new leaf. She wanted his feelings for her to be strong enough to change his ways. That he could want her bad enough to change the person he was into the person she needed him to be.

  Unfortunately, her life didn’t resemble a fairy tale and Dean wouldn’t be turning into her prince or knight in shining armor or whatever else her fantasies needed him to be.

  “I’ve wanted you for a long time—”

  “And you had me.” She didn’t need to hear the speech again. The words hadn’t skipped her attention the first time.

  She slipped from her seat to put distance between them. She walked to the railing of the balcony and rested her back against the wood. The extra space made speaking with him easier, to be able to look at him without his gaze feeling like a caress. “I enjoyed this morning just as much as you did. It scratched an itch we both had, but I’m not into casual sex.”

  His frown deepened as he took another stern chug of his beer. She watched his shoulders straighten and his nostrils flare while his dominant, masculine vibes surrounded her.