The dress hugged her hips and her ass and then flared, the hem landing about six inches above her knees. The combination of her high-heeled black shoes and the way her dress clung in all the right places made her legs appear longer than they really were.
The slinky crepe bodice was cut low enough to show off a hint of cleavage, a tease rather than a show, and the silver belt was just the right finishing touch. It showed off her slender waist, her best feature.
She twisted and turned in front of the mirror, trying to find something else to like. Her breasts weren’t too small but she definitely wished they were bigger. She looked over her shoulder so she could look at her rear.
Bubble butt. That was the only way to describe her ass. She laughed. For extra emphasis, and so not to take herself too seriously, she shook her rear end. She was sure, if she weren’t a runner, her butt would completely take over her body.
Victoria, Sybil and Cyrus had tried to insinuate through the years how she didn’t measure up, which was pretty damn ironic since none of them had accomplished a thing on their own.
Still, Cadence doubted she had the goods. She applied her makeup heavily. She had never been a woman to wear a lot, preferring a natural look. She usually applied blush to highlight her cheekbones and added just a touch of color to her eyelids to enhance her blue eyes.
Tonight she needed a major renovation, especially the dark circles around the eyes. She applied ample amounts of tinted foundation, concealer and blush. She lined her eyes with a black pencil and dolloped on a quantity of mascara. When she finished, she blinked at her reflection. She didn’t look anything like herself.
Would Preston notice? Would he wonder who exactly Cadence Burke was?
Preston had beautiful eyes. Adorable eyes. And a nice, firm ass. She wasn’t the only woman to notice. She’d seen the look on Muriel’s face.
After the intense scrutiny, Cadence decided she’d glammed up in a way that would attract a sophisticated man-about-town.
For sure, she hoped Preston would like the way she looked. She knew it was silly but she couldn’t help but seek his approval. She hoped to slip into bed with his sexy self tonight for some long-overdue sex.
She looked at herself again in the mirror and wrinkled her nose at a sudden whiff of apprehension. Did she really look okay? Was the dress too old-fashioned? Too modest?
What if he showed up in a tux? He hadn’t said formal.
No, no, no, she couldn’t worry about her dress. She wished it would show more cleavage or more thigh but it was too late to find another.
Looking at her watch again, she saw it was already seven fifteen. Wow, she had taken a long time getting ready. Why was she a bundle of nerves?
What if he only wanted to talk about the case? Giving herself one last disapproving look, she grabbed a jacket and her purse. She looked fine. Everything would be fine.
With a deep breath, she opened the door and closed it behind her.
The elevator ride down to the lobby took forever. Her underarms were instantly wet as she took deep breath after deep breath to try to relax.
Sweat broke out on her upper lip. Why was the elevator so hot? Was she going to have body odor? Maybe she should go back to her room and change. What would she change into? Her jeans?
She’d said she would meet him the lobby but she needed more time to get a hold of herself. She needed to do more deep breathing. She needed—
Oh God, please don’t let me become a giant sweat ball!
* * * * *
Preston had nearly burned a hole in the floor of the hotel lobby waiting for Cadence. He hadn’t been able to get any work done thinking about her so he’d left the office a half hour early.
He’d a shitload of emails to answer and two calls to return. The deal in London seemed to be firming up. The property was a good price. He should call the real estate agent and discuss the contingencies. He reached for his BlackBerry on his belt and then changed his mind.
He should let Cadence know he’d arrived. Maybe not. He didn’t want her to think he had lost his legendary cool.
What Mom had told him about Cadence’s father was worrying. She should know the truth but telling her would be difficult. He’d much rather have his mother break the bad news.
He’d seen her reaction to bad news and it’d almost killed him. She was going to get a nasty shock. Her loyalty to the Burke family legacy was about to change.
If Cadence started asking questions, he wouldn’t be able to keep this terrible secret from her.
The elevator doors opened with a ping and there she was.
He stopped short. His mind went blank. Without a doubt, she was the loveliest female he’d ever seen, all decked out for a night on the town. He would be her ready, willing and able escort.
His heart raced. The walls began to pulse. He willed his cock to stay steady as he boldly raked her body with his gaze.
Man, did he want her.
He stood at attention, a man with a bad case of lust. There wouldn’t be anyone watching who would guess otherwise. Was his response inappropriate? He’d let Cadence be the judge.
Chapter Five
The moment Cadence saw Preston in the lobby, the small bit of confidence she’d had, abandoned her. Sweat trickled between her breasts. Her cheeks burned with a vengeance. Every erotic thought she’d had swam before her vision.
Damn! I am a giant sweat ball and now my face is brighter than a strawberry!
With relief, she saw he wasn’t decked out in a tux. He looked irresistible, so sophisticated in his Armani, his hard, muscular body showing off his sexuality from every stitch.
Her nipples tightened, straining for his touch. She nervously licked her lips then clamped them shut. She was drawing attention to her giant case of nerves, not a good move.
Did he like what he saw? Was she trying too hard? Had he expected her to wear a sexier dress? Maybe she should make up an excuse to cancel their date.
This was a date, wasn’t it?
“Hi, Cadence,” he said with a sexy smile curving his lips.
His gaze swept approvingly up and down her length. He pulled a bouquet of wild flowers from behind his back. They were beautiful. Their pastel colors and simplicity cheered her.
“Thank you,” she said with what she hoped was an equally sexy smile. “That was so sweet of you.”
All her plans of remaining calm and serene, of acting as if they were mere acquaintances, went out the window. She took the flowers and buried her face in their scent so he wouldn’t see her blush.
“I thought you deserved them after the day you’ve had.”
She wished he’d stop being a lawyer for a little while. If she could try to forget about what she’d learned this morning, he could at least meet her halfway.
“My day is just getting started,” she replied boldly.
His eyes twinkled with mischief. She so adored a man who could be playful.
“I would love to put these in water, do you mind coming to my room?” Oh God, she’d said it. Forget dinner…maybe they could order room service. Cadence, no!
“No, of course not. Those were my thoughts exactly.”
He wanted to come up… He’d brought flowers as an excuse. Her heart sped up and her mouth felt suddenly dry. Every inch of her skin tingled. He stood beside her, the scent of his cologne so tangy, spicy, masculine.
She wanted to bury her face against his neck, run her hands through his hair. Take in his scent and lick a path from his neck to his lips.
She pressed the up button, and the sweat and nervousness doubled. She was uncomfortable with this man—he made her feel on edge, as though she’d melt into the floor at any moment. Did he notice? Or did he expect her to be a basket case?
They traveled up to her floor in silence. The elevator music did nothing to calm her nerves. What would she say when they were alone in her room? Should she ask him if he’d like a drink?
She opened the door with her card and he followed her into the
room. As she placed the bouquet on the mantel above the fireplace, she stole a glance at him from the mirror. He was such a handsome specimen. His slacks didn’t show one wrinkle. The creases were perfect and the fit supreme. She couldn’t help but devour him with her eyes. There was a hint of a bulge beneath the zipper.
Yes!
He watched her with his arms crossed. He unbuttoned his jacket. Her heart pounded with that one simple task. His shirt hugged the rippling muscles of his chest.
“Make yourself comfortable,” she said.
Her blood pressure soared when he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, giving her a glimpse of the tan skin at the base of his throat. She imagined unbuttoning the shirt farther, running her hands across his broad shoulders and chest and… Maybe they wouldn’t be going out to dinner after all.
She’d been eyeing him like a hungry tiger ready to pounce, which wouldn’t be a smart move at all.
She shifted her gaze back to the flowers. “They really brighten up the room, thank you.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
Now she was at a loss for words. She didn’t want to talk. She just wanted to press her lips to his and kiss him for the next hour.
“How is your headache?” he asked.
“Much better.”
She sucked in her breath, squared her shoulders, schooled her features into a look that didn’t show her true feelings and turned to face him.
His gaze traveled to the half-empty bottle of champagne sitting next to her laptop.
“I celebrated when I got back,” she said.
He frowned. “I’d thought you’d be upset.”
“About inheriting all that money? Not a chance.”
His gaze bored into her and she didn’t look away.
She’d disappointed him. She could tell by the hardness in his gaze and the firm set of his jaw.
“I don’t normally drink in the middle of the day,” she said. Why was she making excuses?
“You’re not upset about your father’s will anymore?” he asked.
She groaned inwardly. Why did he want to talk? “I suppose, but I won’t pretend the evil trio are my favorite people.”
“That’s an honest answer,” he said with a tenderness she hadn’t expected.
“Let’s not talk any more about my family tonight. Let’s have some fun,” she said. She fiddled nervously with her purse.
“I’m ready,” he said, smiling.
She cocked her head sideways and let her gaze drop to his crotch. “Yes, I see that you are.”
She headed for the door. She’d be a puddle soon if they didn’t get a move on. She needed some air.
He quickly caught up and opened it for her. He was too close and she had to maneuver to avoid brushing against him.
Before she could walk through the door, Preston gripped her wrist. She instantly stopped—and so did her heart. Silently, he shut the door and she stood staring at him, her back against the cold wood.
It was going to happen. He would kiss her, right? She licked her lips, unable to take her eyes from his. Her nipples tightened in anticipation. Her pussy grew hotter, wetter. Every inch of her skin begged for a connection, anticipated their joining.
He was only inches from her. Gone was the indecision he had shown earlier. His doubtful expression had been replaced with a fiery look.
She opened her mouth to say something but before she could get the words out, his mouth was hovering over hers. She couldn’t think of a single reason why she shouldn’t yield to what he was offering.
She reached up and kissed him on the lips, a soft, gentle kiss. Her nerves flared and it felt as though a thousand prickles of pleasure danced over her flesh. She lingered for a few seconds with her mouth inches from his. Waiting. Wanting him to kiss her back.
He didn’t return the kiss.
When she finally pulled away, he didn’t stop her. Her body clenched in unfulfilled regret. Remorse for her actions gripped her. Had she assumed too much? How awkward was this? She looked away. The touch of his hand on her cheek stayed her movement.
She saw what she’d been hoping for. Preston’s green eyes smoldered, the color taking on the darker hue of longing. He desired her. She hadn’t been rejected. An eternity passed as she watched his face slowly come closer. Her breath quickened along with her heart as she waited agonizingly for his lips to caress hers.
Before she could draw another breath, his lips, as soft as a feather, brushed over hers. It was a fleeting kiss, nothing more, but it sent a first-class shiver up her spine. Her lips tingled where his had touched her. The rest of her body, including the slick folds of her sex, quivered with sweet anticipation.
He pressed his lips to hers again, still soft, undemanding. His tongue stroked gently over the crease of her mouth, tasting her. She parted her lips and his tongue danced inside to lightly touch hers. It was a tease. His tongue pulled back and she pushed her tongue forward, wanting to taste more. She wanted to suck his tongue back into her mouth. He lifted his mouth from hers, leaving her craving more of his touch.
She blinked, trying to clear her head. When she looked up into his eyes, she saw desire running so deep she actually shuddered. She wanted to drag him back to her bed and have him show her all the pleasures those lips promised.
“Wow,” she said. “You should patent your kisses.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
She ran her hand through her hair. “I don’t usually jump guys who are taking me out for sushi.”
“That’s good to know.”
“You’re an exception to the rule.” It was clumsily said.
He must know every part of her was on fire, tingling in anticipation. Her panties were damp with need, her nipples ached for him to touch her. She’d always been so good at hiding her emotions but not tonight. She was free from the constraints of being the mayor’s daughter. The son of a bitch had cheated on her mother. She’d no obligation to him or his precious reputation.
Tonight she would take this ride and damn the consequences.
Preston’s lips touched hers again. Feeling bold, she opened her mouth, letting her tongue trace the outline of his lips ever so gently. He growled low in his throat and deepened the kiss. His hands gripped both of hers and raised them above her head as he pressed his body into her.
Aware of the hardness of his cock against her hip, she wiggled so it would throb right against her clit. A shockwave of pleasure slammed through her. She arched into him farther to feel more of his heat. His mouth covered hers, velvety and wet as they explored each other. His fingers gripped hers and intertwined as he held her captive against the door.
Cadence secured her leg around his hip to pull him in closer. She sucked in a breath at the contact. His cock was hard, thick and pressed with just the right amount of pressure against her pussy. She shuddered.
“Whoa,” he said. “Are you sure?”
“Do I look uncertain?” she shot back. “Don’t stop.”
They moaned as he pressed his hard cock against her wet pussy, only their clothes barring them from the pleasure they both so desperately sought.
She would have been happy to shed the barrier right then and there but he stopped abruptly. Still gripping her hands above her head, he rested his cheek against hers.
As her breathing slowed, Cadence voiced what she was thinking. “Can’t dinner wait?”
“Don’t you think we’re going too fast?” Preston breathed into her ear, and the mixture of his erotic scent and the hotness of his breath on her neck caused her to shiver.
Hell, no.
“No,” she breathed back. The only movement she made was to put her foot back on the floor.
Preston slowly unwound their fingers and pressed a searing kiss to her swollen lips. Then he released her.
Unhappily for Cadence, he had more self-control than she did.
“Cadence, I…”
She put her finger across his lips. “Don’t apolog
ize.”
“I shouldn’t take advantage of…”
“A client?” she scoffed. “Could you forget about the Burkes for one night? I have.”
“We’d better go,” he said.
She shrugged to hide her disappointment. “Whatever you say.”
He reached around and opened the door. His hand brushed the bare skin of her arm. She loved what his touch did to her. She was giddy. She was lighthearted. She was ready to fuck.
Why he had backed down was the million-dollar question.
I mean, who’s taking advantage of whom?
As the elevator descended, Cadence relived the kiss over and over and fought the urge to press him against the wall until he kissed her like that again. Her entire body sang for more. She tingled all over and the ache of unfulfilled satisfaction throbbed in her pussy. He could kiss her senseless for all she cared.
She coughed and cleared her throat. When had she become a vixen? When had she become one of those kinds of girls?
Frank was waiting by the open door of the Escalade. He looked very macho wearing a leather jacket. She climbed in first and stole a glance at Preston. His gaze met hers with an invitation. He sat next to her, picked up her hand and squeezed it.
Shafts of fire ran up her arm, bull’s-eyed to every nerve in her body. Her nipples were permanently hard and her clit throbbed for more of his cock to press against her. That single act of holding hands became one of raw sensuality and she envisioned his hands holding hers above her head again and again and claiming her in the most earth-shattering way possible.
Her pulse quickened and her pussy twitched. She was a wanton hussy tonight. It thrilled her to think of herself as brazen.
Preston gave Frank an address downtown. Tribeca. Sweet.
They pulled away from the curb. Cadence sat back and rested her head against the headrest.
“I remember when you were sixteen,” Preston said.
She turned her head to look at him. His voice wasn’t as serious as his expression. “You do? That was a long time ago.”
“Almost ten years.”
“I vaguely remember you. You were a tall, skinny guy and wore wire-rim glasses.”
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