“Tahlia, let’s drop this topic of conversation, shall we?” Maximus said brightly. “Tonight was meant to be about you and me, not the ghosts of our past, present and future.”
She smiled at his comment. “True, I just...”
She didn’t get another word out because Maximus leaned toward her and brushed a featherlight kiss across her lips. He opened his eyes and glanced at her, and when she didn’t resist him, he kissed her again, but this time he lingered, savoring the moment. When he finally pulled away, their breaths were both ragged.
“Maximus...”
“Do you have any idea how hard it is not to take you upstairs to one of these rooms and ravish you all night long?”
Tahlia inhaled sharply, and he could see that she, too, was struggling with what was the right move in this situation. They’d known each other only a couple of weeks, and although the attraction between them was strong, he wanted her to be sure before she went to bed with him. It had to be her choice. The fact that she didn’t make a move or utter her consent made Maximus’s decision easier. “I’ll take you home,” he said softly.
They were contemplative on the ride to her apartment, so much so that when they arrived, they both seemed equally shocked. “We’ve arrived,” he said, turning off the engine.
“Yes, we have.” But Tahlia made no move to go inside.
He twisted around, and his large hands grasped both sides of her face. “If you ask me in, you know what will happen.”
She didn’t speak. Instead, she wound her arms around his neck and brought his head down to her waiting lips. His entire body jolted at the contact, kicking him into high gear. Maximus pressed his lips to hers, and it was all over. In that moment, she was his, and he sealed it by sliding his tongue in her mouth and initiating a series of slow, drugging kisses, then deeper ones as he plundered her mouth.
Lust was jackknifing through him, and he couldn’t resist pulling at her leather jacket so he could touch her. His hands roamed and his thumbs sought her nipples through the sparkling top. He squeezed them between his fingers and watched them bud for him. He so desperately wanted to taste them, taste her—he had an overwhelming need to be inside her.
Tahlia clutched at him, and a smothered sigh of longing escaped her lips. It caused Maximus to slow his passionate raid and to kiss a path from her lips to her throat, to her ears and back again to her lips. He didn’t want their first time together to be a fevered coupling in a car. He wanted time to properly savor her.
“Tahlia, we have to stop,” Maximus murmured. He pulled away from her and leaned his head against the headrest of his seat while he caught his breath. When he finally asserted enough willpower over his own wayward flesh, he looked at Tahlia. “Soon,” he promised. “Soon you’ll be mine.”
Chapter 8
Maximus’s words replayed in Tahlia’s mind while she and her sister, Kaitlynn, took a yoga class midweek. Tahlia had hoped that the activity would ease some tension and allow her mind to rest, but all she could think about was how incredible it had been like to be with Max, how deliciously addictive he’d tasted, how thrilling it had felt to have his tongue mate with hers. She couldn’t wait for the coming weekend because that was when they planned on seeing each other again.
It just seemed like the longest wait ever. Tahlia wasn’t sure she could go the entire week without having him kiss her. Maximus had aroused her so much that his slightest move made her pulse quicken. She couldn’t seem to control her reaction to him. He made her crave to be held in his arms, touched by him, such as when his fingers had skimmed her breasts and brought her nipples to peaks. She’d felt safe in his arms.
“Earth to Tahlia,” Kaitlynn said, waving a hand in front of her as they wiped their sweaty faces from the workout in the locker room of their local fitness gym.
“Sorry, sis,” Tahlia said and returned to the conversation.
“You’ve got it bad,” Kaitlynn said. “I didn’t think it was possible after Paul broke your heart, but Maximus Xavier Knight has you strung up tighter than the strings on a guitar.”
“Does not.”
“Does, too,” her sister responded, “and I’m a bit worried. I saw you with him at the concert, and you seem awfully invested so soon into this relationship. Perhaps you should be taking this slower.”
“We have been,” Tahlia whispered, “so slow. We haven’t even slept together.”
Kaitlynn raised a brow. “You haven’t? I would have thought that was a foregone conclusion, seeing how into him you are.”
Tahlia spanked Kaitlynn’s behind with her towel. “I’m very conservative, you know. I don’t just sleep around. And, well, Maximus is being very patient. We’re waiting for the right time.”
“I sure hope that comes quick,” Kaitlynn said with a laugh. “Otherwise, you’re going to combust.”
Tahlia rolled her eyes upward and then laughed herself. “You actually might be right. I didn’t know it was possible to be this horny,” she whispered so none of the other women could hear her.
“You—” her sister pointed to her “—need to take care of that, stat. When’s your next date?”
“Saturday night.”
“If I were you, I’d let him know in no uncertain terms that Saturday night is the night.”
Oh, Tahlia intended to do just that. There was no way she could go through another night like last night. She’d actually ached between her thighs because she’d wanted him so much. It had taken every ounce of restraint not to drag him from the car and into her apartment building.
“And one thing, sis?”
“What’s that?”
“Just be careful with your heart,” Kaitlynn said. “I know you’re an adult and everything. And you’re feeling him all kind of ways, but remember at the end of the day, you’re also business partners. There may come a time when you’re on opposite sides of the fence and you’ll have to decide where your loyalties lie.”
Tahlia frowned. She hated that Kaitlynn was raining on her parade, but her sister had a point. Neither she nor Maximus had discussed exactly how a relationship between them would work, especially when it came to Knight Shipping. She’d been so caught up in the man that she hadn’t given thought about the business since her tour with Lucius. And Maximus certainly hadn’t brought it up during their dates together. He hadn’t even mentioned the expansion he suggested during their tour. But surely, they wouldn’t be put to the test that quickly. How bad could it really get?
* * *
Maximus was excited when Saturday finally arrived because he knew that tonight was the night. He would no longer push down his need to have Tahlia. Tonight he would unleash the passion he’d been restraining since they’d first met.
Since their date the previous Saturday, he’d made sure he had a steady diet of work, work and more work with an occasional stop for food, to work out and to enjoy his Sunday racquetball session with Griffin. When his friend had questioned him as to the status of his relationship with Tahlia, he’d remained mum and said it was progressing. He didn’t need any recriminations at the moment.
Maximus figured if he kept busy, he’d keep his mind off Tahlia, but that lasted until only midweek. On Wednesday, he’d broken down and stopped by with lunch. He’d brought her and her assistant, Faith, salads to the gallery, and they ate in the conference room, all the while gazing at each other hungrily. His body was in tune to hers, eager to feed off her passion. Because when he touched her, her reaction was instant. Her responsiveness would only fuel his appetite in the bedroom, and there was no way he would be bored.
Oh, yes, tonight she would become his.
He’d planned a romantic evening ahead for them, ending with a stay at the bachelor pad he kept in downtown Los Angeles. It was his private retreat. He’d been staying at the estate since his father’s death only because his m
other had seemed so fragile without him. Though in his mind, she’d never really had his father’s heart. It had gone to Jocelyn decades ago.
Maximus was dressed in his tuxedo and headed to the limousine parked outside the estate when his mother’s voice stopped him on the steps leading to the foyer.
“Another evening out?” she inquired.
“Yes, and don’t wait up. I’m spending the night at my place.” He didn’t wait to hear her response because he had somewhere to be.
* * *
Tahlia stared at herself in the mirror, impressed with the results she’d achieved. It was a miracle what makeup could do for you. She’d sprung for a treat and had her makeup and hair professionally done for her date with Maximus. Normally, she’d never have the money to spend on such an extravagance, but now that the gallery was hers, Tahlia figured she could splurge on a new look for tonight. When Maximus had told her to dress formally, she’d gone shopping. Now she was sporting a form-flattering gown and some strappy heels. She loved how the dress lifted her bosom and curved to her backside, giving her an hourglass figure.
He was right on time as usual, and her doorbell rang at 6:30 p.m. Tahlia reached for her small clutch and an overnight bag. She knew it was presumptuous as they’d not agreed that tonight they would take their relationship to the next level, but she suspected that Maximus was just as eager as she was to finally give in to the rampant lust that had colored their every encounter.
When she saw him, her heart did a somersault. He looked delectable in a black tuxedo with a silver bow tie. And he must have liked what he saw, because he whistled. He actually whistled when she came toward him.
“You look stunning!” He tucked her arm in his while his other grabbed her overnight bag. He didn’t say anything about it. Instead, they walked to the limo, and once he’d helped her inside and given her bag to the driver, Max slid in beside her.
Tahlia was surprised at how nervous she felt given this wasn’t their first date. She supposed it was because she’d made the decision to become intimate with him, and once sex entered the equation it changed everything.
“Relax.” He reached for her hand and squeezed, but he didn’t let go. He merely held it in his for the duration of the drive.
Tahlia began to suspect their destination as they climbed the hill and was pleased when the limo stopped and the driver helped her out of the car. They were at the Griffith Observatory.
“This place is spectacular.”
“I know,” Maximus said. “I’ve always loved the view, and since I know someone who works here, I’ve been able to arrange a little something special.”
As they walked into the observatory, an older gentleman came toward Maximus. “Max, good to see you tonight.”
“You, as well. Dennis Marshall, meet my girlfriend, Tahlia Armstrong.”
Tahlia beamed inwardly. They’d never discussed titles, and although it was early on in the relationship, she was glad he felt that way. “Nice to meet you.”
“As you know, I couldn’t rent out the entire observatory to you, but we do have a terrace that’s being refurbished thanks to your generous donation as a friend of the observatory. It’s been set aside for you both. Follow me.”
Dennis led them to one of the many terraces at the observatory. When they arrived, Tahlia was stunned to see a candlelit table for two set up along with a uniformed waiter and a harpist standing nearby.
She spun around to face Maximus. “You arranged all this?” No one had ever gone to this much trouble to impress her, and Tahlia had to admit she was blown away.
He shrugged. “For you, I’d do a lot more.”
His breath was warm and moist against her face, and Tahlia’s heart raced. She was truly touched that he would try to make this night memorable for the both of them. She didn’t protest when he took her hand and led her to one of the seats. Instead, she settled back to enjoy the evening ahead, though it was hard to do because she couldn’t tear her gaze from his face. He was so very good-looking and she was attracted to him. Tahlia didn’t know how she’d sit still without jumping his bones, but she did.
She enjoyed a delicious four-course meal that was one of the best she’d ever had as they talked about their week. Maximus shared with her bits and pieces about Knight Shipping and a new contract he’d landed. Not nearly as much as she would have liked, but they were taking baby steps. Meanwhile, Tahlia shared that she was working on her own art exhibit.
He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “You’re taking my advice.”
She nodded. “I’ve always wanted to have one of my own, but after I got rejected by several galleries, I’d begun to wonder if I was any good.”
“Don’t let others’ opinion sway you,” Maximus said. “You’re capable of great things, Tahlia. You just have to believe in yourself.”
“I’m beginning to.”
“Will you let me see what you’re working on?”
His steady gaze bore into hers, and she nodded. “If you’d like me to.”
“I would like that very much.”
After dessert, Maximus pulled her into his arms and they danced to the strains coming from the harpist. Her arms moved of their own volition, clasping behind his neck as she melted into him. Because of it, she was conscious of where his warm flesh touched hers, and her skin tingled when his thighs brushed hers.
Eventually, she relaxed, sinking into his embrace. It was a magical night, and with the stars twinkling overhead, it was a night made for romance. More than that, Tahlia enjoyed being cradled in Maximus’s arms as he rocked them back and forth. She could feel the evidence of his arousal pressed against her stomach. She could hardly believe that she was here in this moment with him, the man she’d dreamed about but never thought she’d ever meet. And now they would become lovers.
One of his hands stroked her cheek. “What are you thinking about?”
“Me. You. All of it,” Tahlia answered honestly. She didn’t know how else to be when she was around him. Whenever he was near, she was an open book, but Tahlia longed for the moment when Maximus wasn’t so restrained. She wanted to see him completely lose control. Would he do so tonight when they made love for the first time? Would he allow himself to be vulnerable?
As if reading her mind, he cupped her face in his warm hands and kissed her deeply. Her tongue tangled with his, and Tahlia pressed herself against him, wanting every part of her body to be touched by him. When he lifted his head, his eyes were riveted on hers. She could hear his uneven breathing as he held her close. “Can I have you tonight? Will you be mine?”
“Yes.”
* * *
Maximus’s control was slipping. After Tahlia told him she would be his, it had taken every ounce within him to pull away from her so he could bring their evening at the observatory to a close. He thanked Dennis on his way out before they settled into the limousine so he could focus solely on her. All night he’d been mesmerized by her, from the soft peach color of her couture spaghetti-strap dress showing off the delicate slope of her shoulders to the sexy heels that added at least four inches to her height. She’d looked twice as sexy as she ever had.
As soon as the limo door closed, they reached for each other. Maximus had Tahlia underneath him in five seconds flat, and they began kissing, touching and caressing each other.
“You are so beautiful.” He whispered a litany of praises as he tongued Tahlia’s ear, and she responded by moaning and writhing on the limo seat. He could feel his erection swell in his tuxedo trousers. If she kept this up, it would be over with quickly.
“Tahlia, slow down, babe. We have all night.”
And they did.
Tahlia had brought an overnight bag because she, too, had known that the time for waiting was over. Tonight, he wanted her hot and wet underneath him. If he could, he’d do it right now. He
’d lift her dress up and skim his hands all the way to heaven, but he had to cool things down a bit. Slowly, he pulled them both upright until they were in the seated position.
Tahlia’s hair was mussed and her lipstick barely visible because he’d kissed it clean off. By the end of the night, he intended to have her a lot more disheveled. In fact, he wanted her begging for him to come inside her.
As the limo came to a stop, Tahlia combed her fingers through her hair and he helped fix her dress back in place. He’d been desperate to taste her, so one shoulder strap had come down because he’d been kissing and nipping at the soft flesh. He exited the vehicle first and whispered to the driver to see that her bag was delivered to the penthouse. Then he helped Tahlia from the limo.
He curved her arm in his as they walked inside the building. He greeted the doorman with a terse nod and went for the penthouse elevator. He had his own private elevator that would take them to the top floor, where they would not be disturbed for the rest of the night.
Because that was exactly what it would take for him to satiate the desire he had for Tahlia.
All night.
* * *
Tahlia didn’t notice much of Maximus’s beautifully appointed penthouse when they arrived because they never turned on the lights. With the moonlight streaming through the windows, she spun around to face him. His gaze traveled over her face, searching her eyes. If he thought he’d find reticence, he wouldn’t. Tahlia had never been surer of what she wanted. And she wanted Maximus.
He stepped forward, clasping her body tightly in his, and without a single word lifted her into his arms and walked straight to his bedroom.
She wanted this man. Oh, how she wanted him. And when he laid her down on the king-size bed, Tahlia reached up to draw him down to her.
Maximus tasted so good, so deliciously addictive, that Tahlia parted her lips and allowed his bold and daring tongue to do thrilling things to her mouth. It swirled and danced and played with hers, making her want more, much more of Maximus. Every part of her ached to be touched by this man, and she clung to him, wrapping her ankles around his, eager to be closer.
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