Spencer laughed. “I bet. I, on the other hand, knew nothing else. And when I got a scholarship to go to college, it was a blessing. When Cameron followed in my footsteps a year later, my father couldn’t have been prouder.”
Raina noticed he hadn’t mentioned his mother, but the waiter returned with their drinks.
“Cheers.” Spencer held up his drink. “To a wonderful night.”
“To a wonderful night.” After clicking his glass, Raina took a sip of her Caipirinha and glanced out to the bay. The sun was starting to set and soon they saw the twinkles of lights from the whitewashed Miami buildings. “Hmm, this is so good. What’s in it?”
“Cachaça, a special kind of sugarcane rum, lime and sugar,” Spencer said, having a taste of the drink, as well.
Raina’s eyes grew bright. “I like it.”
The waiter came and she ordered a spinach, goat cheese and butternut squash salad while Spencer chose the wedge salad. Entrées of shrimp with wild mushroom risotto and applewood-smoked short ribs with white truffle mashed potatoes soon followed.
Their conversation picked up where it had left off before they were interrupted. Raina learned that Spencer’s mother had died of a brain aneurysm when he was six years old. Spencer had never gotten the chance to really know his mother, and Raina felt sad for him. His father had raised him and his brother before his death ten years ago of a heart attack. And she’d thought losing her sister to cervical cancer was a tragedy, but at least she’d had all those years with her.
No wonder he understood loss, because he’d had to endure it at such a young age. And then to lose his brother so suddenly was quite tragic. It made her see yet another side to Spencer. He was no longer the man the media portrayed him to be. There was depth underneath that bulking six-foot-four frame.
Before long, they were finishing their dinner and leaving for the auditorium. Over the meal, Spencer had informed her he had tickets for them to watch Alvin Ailey’s dance company. Raina had always wanted to see them and was amused to find out Spencer liked cultural activities just as much as she did.
The dancers were wonderful and their seats were close enough that she could see them quite clearly. Two hours later, she and Spencer were headed back to the car. The night was still young as they walked to the garage. Raina hadn’t protested when Spencer had reached for her hand as they’d walked. In fact, she was somewhat restless and didn’t understand why.
Spencer must have been, too. No sooner had they exited the elevator, than he spun her into a dark corner of the garage, backed her up against the wall and swooped down to capture her lips in a kiss that awoke all the pent-up sexual frustration she felt for him. The kiss was like the soldering heat that joined metals. His mouth covered hers hungrily, and she grasped at the lapels of his suit jacket as he masterfully caressed her lips with his. She freely gave herself up to the passion, returning his ardor. He understood her cue and his tongue dived inside to duel with hers.
Raina’s senses reeled as if short-circuited and she forgot she was making out with Spencer in a very public garage. She just knew that a delightful shiver of wanting was running through her and her instinctive response was to give in to him. It certainly didn’t help that he was grinding his hot, pulsing manhood against her and in her flimsy dress she could feel him. Her dress crept up her thighs and his hands were everywhere, touching, caressing and molding her soft curves into his hard body.
Spencer’s mouth left hers and he showered her lips, then her jaw and then finally her earlobes with kisses. He licked and teased her earlobe and she moaned in response. “Baby, we need to get out of here,” he murmured into her ear. “Otherwise, I’m going to have you right here in this garage.”
Raina’s entire being was trembling and all she could do was nod her consent. Slowly, he pulled away from her, smoothing down her dress, which had risen up around her thighs.
Later, Raina couldn’t remember how she made it to the car or the ride to Spencer’s penthouse in downtown Miami. All she remembered was the ride in his private elevator, where again they couldn’t keep their hands off each other and she succumbed to the tantalizing persuasion of his kiss. By the time they were inside his penthouse; she was burning with desire and had an aching need to be possessed by Spencer.
He swept her in his arms as if she were light as a feather and climbed the stairs to his bedroom. Raina didn’t take time to look around the beautifully decorated master bedroom. All she saw was the massive bed in the center of the room; she was sure it had been custom built to accommodate Spencer’s size.
He laid her on the bed and she watched him snatch off the tie he wore and fling it and his suit jacket across the room. He flicked his designer loafers off his feet, and Raina rose to her knees and motioned him forward.
He allowed her to unbutton his shirt, one button at a time. It seemed like an eternity before she could finally rid him of it and splay her hands across his hairless chest. His chest was broad, hard and masculine, and she couldn’t resist bending her head to flick her tongue across one of his nipples.
“Dear God, Raina.” He grasped her by the hair, forcing her to look up at him. “Do you know how much I want you?”
She didn’t want to talk. She answered him by brushing her mouth across his while her hands reached for his belt buckle. She made quick work of loosening it so she could unzip his trousers.
“Someone’s very eager,” Spencer said as he stepped away and out of his pants. He joined Raina on the bed in nothing but his briefs, and she wound her trembling arms around his neck and pulled him down on top of her.
One of his large hands rested on her waist and he drew her to him so she could feel just how hard she’d made him. Raina buried her face in his throat as he kissed her forehead and then her eyebrows and jaw before coming back to her lips.
“I don’t want to rush this,” Spencer said, caressing her cheek as he looked deeply into her eyes. “If you’re not sure...”
She knew why he was asking. She was still fully clothed and if she wanted to pull away, now was the time. It was probably completely out of character for her to act so boldly, but she wanted to be with Spencer and she was willing to take that chance. “I want you, too.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but Spencer heard her.
She heard him take a deep breath. “Then let’s slow this down,” he said. “I don’t want our first time together to be rushed. I want it to be memorable.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will be.” She smiled wickedly, just as she felt the cool air hit her back. Spencer had unzipped her dress. Raina doubted she would ever forget the dress and what it symbolized.
He eased the satiny fabric down her shoulders to her waist and then skimmed it over her hips and thighs until he was able to toss it to the floor. Raina was left in the lacy undies she’d had the good foresight to wear. Had she subconsciously wanted this to happen?
Her mind reeled because Spencer was fondling each of her breasts, massaging and molding them with his large hands. The gentle massage sent currents of desire flowing through her and when he eased the lace cup of her demi bra aside so his lips could tease and tongue her nipples one breast at a time, Raina began to pant uncontrollably. Each nipple swelled to pebble hardness at his gentle touch. Soon her bra had followed the same path as her panties.
It had been too long since she’d felt this way and it was deliciously sinful. While his tongue did wicked things to her breasts, his hands seared a path across her belly and then down her thighs. One of his hands came to rest on her bikini panties and with both thumbs he tugged and pulled them down her legs.
Then he leaned up to kiss her again. When his tongue slipped inside her mouth past the barrier of her teeth, she reveled in his glorious mouth as he tasted her completely, thoroughly. He lavished her with long, aching strokes that made her weak with need. While his mouth feasted on hers, his hands roamed her body. When
he came to the dark curls at the center of her, Raina held her breath in anticipation.
He glanced up at her. “Open your legs,” he murmured hotly against her mouth.
Raina did as she was instructed.
Spencer’s strong masculine hands were gentle at first as he parted the folds of her womanhood and stroked her clitoris. But then his dexterous fingers began to stroke her faster and faster, in and out, until waves of pleasure raced through her body. Her breath quickened as he moved deeper and deeper inside her. Her fulfillment came quickly, and Raina lost control, crying out and trembling.
“Please,” she pleaded shamelessly for him to come inside her, but he wouldn’t. His kisses left her mouth once again, this time trailing over her breasts to her stomach to the inside of her thighs. He set her afire everywhere he went. And when his mouth replaced his hands at her core, Raina thrashed against the pillows.
Her heart was pumping so hard and so fast, she was sure he could hear it. He slowly teased her again and again with his tongue, hitting the spot that throbbed for more. Pleading noises escaped her quivering lips as pleasure crashed into her. His mouth began working its way back up her body and a languid feeling coursed through Raina. A feeling she wanted to bestow on Spencer as he’d done to her.
When he tried to gather her in his arms, she pushed him backward against the pillows and sat on her knees. “Whoa, what’s going on here?” he asked huskily.
Raina didn’t answer; her fingers grasped his hard, hot length and Spencer let out a soft gasp. She lowered her head and slicked her lips over the top of his shaft. She licked him until he buried his hands in her hair and began chanting her name.
“Raina, oh sweet, Raina...”
She pulled him deeper inside her mouth and he groaned loudly. She continued teasing him with her mouth until he tugged her up by her shoulders and swiftly changed positions so she was lying flat on her back. He was gone for what seemed like seconds before her eyes popped open to see him roll a condom onto his hard length.
“I want you so much,” Spencer said, returning to the bed and covering his body with hers. He took one of her hands in his and brought it to his lips.
“Then have me,” Raina whispered.
Spencer put her index finger in his mouth just as his knee nudged her legs apart and he settled between her thighs. Raina felt pressure when the tip of his shaft nudged her core. As he moved slowly inside her, stroking her, once, twice and then out, his mouth sucked her finger.
When he lowered her finger from his mouth, Raina lost herself in the intense physical connection she was sharing with him. She’d tried to deny the chemistry she’d felt for Spencer the moment she’d met him, but nothing had prepared her for this kind of mind-blowing sex. His mouth covered hers again as he thrust deeper inside her.
“Feels so good...” Spencer growled through clenched teeth. Beads of sweat were forming on his brow as he stroked her with his tongue and then reached between her legs to methodically stroke her clitoris with his fingers.
It felt so amazing, Raina thought she might die. Instead she shuddered as her climax overtook her and spirals of pleasure surrounded her. Spencer tensed and then he let go and they fell off the end of the world together.
Chapter 7
Raina jolted awake, totally disoriented for several moments until she turned to see Spencer’s sleeping form. Oddly enough, she felt satisfied. She’d worn him out with her insatiable appetite. They must have made love three times over the course of the night. She’d never had such an instant and strong attraction to a man before, the way she had with Spencer. And she’d acted on it.
It was completely out of character; she just hoped she didn’t live to regret her actions. A lot had transpired in the past few months. She’d lost her sister, met Spencer and she’d slept with him on their first date. Athletes, even former ones, were known to love ’em and leave ’em. Look at her poor sister. Raina hoped it wasn’t the case with Spencer and that he hadn’t been eager to bed her because she’d been a challenge to him. And now that the challenge was over, she prayed it wouldn’t be a “see you later” situation.
Raina rose from the bed and pulled on Spencer’s shirt that was lying on the floor. She went into the bathroom to check herself out. Her eyes quickly scanned Spencer’s masculine bathroom with its dark marble tile countertops and double sinks. She also noted the cherrywood cabinets and plush black terrycloth towels. In the corner was a sunken tub and separate travertine shower with multiple showerheads. A fluffy white rug sat on the floor. Raina imagined herself making love to Spencer on it and quickly dismissed the thought. She had to take care of her appearance first.
She was horrified by the sight that greeted her in the mirror. Her already wild mane of wavy hair was sticking up in every direction and her perfectly done makeup from the night before was smeared across her face. She looked as if she’d been thoroughly made love to last night.
Raina smiled to herself. She had been. Spencer had been talented and giving. He’d made sure she’d come each time they were together before he did. He’d shown amazing self-restraint. She wanted to do something special for him. After finding a spare toothbrush in the drawer and brushing her teeth, Raina padded down the hardwood stairs to whip up some breakfast for the two of them. She found the kitchen on the bottom level of the penthouse.
It was modern and completely functional with tons of cabinetry. He had a double-sided stainless steel refrigerator and a flat-top stove. Next to it was a built-in microwave and oven surrounded by the beautiful marble countertops that she’d seen in the bathroom upstairs.
She opened the refrigerator and found her options were limited. Clearly Spencer didn’t shop too often. But there were some eggs, cheese, asparagus, tomatoes and onions in the fridge. She would make a quick frittata.
Opening the cupboard, she found a bowl, whisk and skillet and some coffee and set about preparing their breakfast. The coffee was brewing and she was pouring the egg mixture into the skillet when she felt a presence behind her.
Spencer was standing in the kitchen watching her and wearing only his boxer briefs. He looked devilishly handsome and Raina’s heart skipped a beat.
* * *
Spencer’s steady gaze traveled over her face and he searched her eyes for some sign of regret about how last night had ended. He found none and his breathing eased.
She happily said, “Good morning,” and turned to check on her frittata.
Without speaking, Spencer came from the breakfast bar to circle his arms around her waist and turn her around so he could bring his mouth crushing down on hers. When he finally raised his head, he said, “Good morning.” He pulled away to stare at Raina, not letting her go. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.” She patted his arm away and turned to lift her frittata slightly out of the skillet with a spatula. Satisfied with how it was cooking, she turned off the burner and placed the skillet in the oven to finish up.
“Are you sure about that?” Spencer inquired, leaning against the counter. “I know our relationship moved rather quickly last night and—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Raina cut him off. “Is that what we have? A relationship?” She went to one of his cabinets and pulled out two plates and two glass tumblers.
Spencer frowned. “Do you think what happened last night was a fluke? And that I only want one night with you?” He went to the coffee machine and poured coffee into a mug that Raina had set nearby. He took a quick sip.
“Honestly, Spencer, I don’t know what you want or what I want. A lot has transpired in the past few months. I lost my sister, tried to locate my niece’s father only to find out he’s deceased and that she now has an uncle with whom I’ve just had sex with. So forgive me if I’m not ready to analyze this just yet. I just need time to process it all, okay?”
“Of course.” Spencer held u
p his hands and walked over to sit on one of the padded stools at his breakfast nook. “I understand.” He didn’t want to push her, but he also wanted Raina to know that she wasn’t another notch on his bedpost. “When do you think I can see Zoe?”
“Why?” Raina asked. She lifted the frittata from the oven with oven mitts she’d found in a drawer. She cut two pieces and placed them on plates.
“Because I’d like to see her,” Spencer replied, taking another sip of his coffee. “And we need to tell her who I am.”
Raina spun around to face him. “No, we don’t.” She set one plate on the counter in front of him and then came and sat down beside him with the other plate.
“Why not?”
Raina swiveled on the stool to look at him. “Spencer, now isn’t the right time to spring this on her. She’s still dealing with losing Alexa. We don’t need to throw more things at her—she’s only six years old.”
He sighed and glanced at her. “I recognize that, and we should do so delicately with you and I sitting there. Zoe needs to know that she has more family than just the Martins. It might help ease her pain.” He knew what it was like to lose a parent at such a young age and knew how it would have helped him if he’d had an aunt, another woman to look to as a mother figure. He could be that father figure to Zoe.
“I think it’s too soon.” She cut a piece of frittata and took a bite.
“What are you afraid of, Raina?” Spencer inquired. “Of Zoe getting to know me? Or of me being more of a presence in your life? Zoe is my niece, and I would like to get to know her.”
“Well, I’m her legal guardian and I’m telling you now is the wrong time.”
“Why must you be so contrary, Raina?” He angrily stabbed at the frittata she’d made with his fork before pushing some in his mouth and chewing. When she didn’t answer, he finally added, “I’m not asking your permission on whether or not I can see my own niece.”
A Chance with You Page 8