Capture Her Heart

by Catrina Maddox

  Emily blushed as she realized that most of the food was gone and an empty plate sat in front of him.

  “I was happy to enjoy the view.”

  “You don't mind,” Emily's tone held a hint of fear.

  “Why would I? You're a person in your own right, Emily. I don't need your attention on me 24/7.”

  “Now, why don't I feed you? That way, we can get on with the important part of the daylazing around on deck.”

  The day was a pleasant one spent lazing around on board talking about various things that interested them both; it was another side to Blake, the complex man that she'd seen over the last week. He would make a tough business rival, she thought, but he was kind and compassionate as well. Although he had wealth, he didn't flaunt it, and it seemed a means to an end for hima toolnot a passion for having it. Every little thing seemed to make her fall in love with him even more. Emily thought honestly as she lay in his arms on the front deck of the boat enjoying an afternoon nap together, although his wandering hand down towards the top of her shorts made her realize that napping was not all that was on the agenda.

  Emily wished they could stay on the boat forever; she rolled over to face Blake as he made to undo her bikini top.

  “Hey, what do you think you're doing?” Emily feigned outrage.

  “What do you think I'm doing, sugar?” Blake's tone was full of passion. He pushed his hips towards her the evidence of his arousal poking her in the stomach.

  “I'm just having some afternoon desert,” Blake kissed her neck as he undid the top of her bikini as she tried to stop him.

  “We can't do it here. Someone will see.” Emily stared around at the desert location across the lake.

  “Sugar, we’re miles away from any road, and we would hear any boat that came across. It's my eyes only.” Blake kissed her, pulling her under him, and Emily found herself letting the raw power of his kiss sweep through her.

  Blake tightened his hold on her. The fiercely rigid outline of his erection poked her through the fabric of their clothing.

  Everything about him was hard and male. His scent stirred things deep inside her. She wanted him in ways she had never wanted any man. Most of all, she wanted to leave her mark on him. His hands slid around the back of her. He was so much bigger and stronger than she; the slide of her bikini as he pulled it away, a whisper across her skin.

  “You’re perfect,” his voice was rough around the edges, and his eyes were molten.

  “You are perfect,” he repeated. “Perfect for me.”

  The words sounded more like a vow than a statement. The delight flooded her senses as she brought her arms up to circle around his neck and lower him down for a kiss.

  “Good, because I have to tell you that you are perfect for me, too,” Emily said, realizing that she meant it.

  Emily blinked as she saw the wickedly male smile that edged his mouth as he brought his mouth toward her erect nipple.

  “What the heck,” she gasped around his kiss. “You only live once,” surrendering to the passion that Blake aroused in her, the secret thrill of being caught flooding her senses and pushing her forward to the point of no return.

  She was suddenly free in a way she had never experienced. She kissed Blake's throat, inhaling his scent, and grabbed the bottom edge of his T-shirt. He laughed a little when she practically tore off his shirt and flung it aside. She flattened her palms on his chest, which was hard and warm to the touch. He looked down at her with eyes dark with hidden emotion. This man was in serious lust, and her own sense of feminine power brought home a secret thrill across her sensesshe'd got this man to this place. Dazed with excitement, she pushed him back on the cushions, reversing their positions. She shimmied out of her jean shorts that Blake had already undone, straddled his hips in her bikini bottoms, and kissed him with all the passion that raged through her.

  “That's it,” he said. “What I've been waiting for, what I need.” Blake pulled the strings of the bottoms loose while moving her further up.

  “Pull my shorts down, sugar.” His hands went to find the damp, hot, throbbing place between her legs, the warmth of the sun and kiss of the fresh breeze washing over her.

  His hand went lower, moving between her legs. He eased one finger into her, and then another. She moaned as she clawed at his shoulders, rocking forward. He found her clit tight with arousal and pressed upwards. She gasped, straining for more, demanding more.

  “Blake...” Emily was breathless; she moved backward until she was in position.

  Blake kissed her nipples and her throat. He guided himself into position. He pulled her down onto his cock, his breath hissing out of him as she sunk lower. He gripped her hips, using his greater strength to guide the pace, even when she struggled in wanting him to move quicker. He moved inside her, building the pressure up in her.

  Emily sank her nail into his shoulders, trying to move freely on him, struggling again with him.

  “Emily,” he groaned.

  He abandoned the sensual battle and let her set the pace. She rode him, gaining pace as her pleasure built. Then, she sat up again, changing the angle. He stretched her so tightly that she wondered where she started and he ended. The intense sensation hovered on the border between pleasure and pain as she increased her speed.

  “So damn good.” He bit out, his face twisted in pleasure and his back arched as he pushed into her.

  She raised her hips to take him deeper. He surged into her, again and again, his thrust pushed against her clit until she could not stand it any longer, the climax struck in a small explosion that rippled through her. She heard Blake's roar of satisfaction. He locked in place as his release spilled into her. Her senses were dazed and she collapsed onto of him, her breath slowly returning to normal.

  “My god,” she breathed out. The pleasure she felt was intense.

  “I don't think I can feel my legs.”

  A snort burst out of Blake's chest at her comment, the vibrations rippling through her. “I could conquer the world.” Blake pushed her hair off her forehead.

  “You know, making love outside is not overrated,” Emily smirked at him.

  Blake grinned as he rolled her over onto her back, looking down at her.

  “You're a special lady, Emily Wilde.” Blake's eyes blazed down at her.

  “You're not bad yourself.”

  “Some things don't need to be explained, do they.” Blake's fingers touched her cheek.

  There was a small silence as she thought about his statement.

  That evening Emily found herself sitting at a table at Jack's restaurant, looking over the waterfront in a borrowed dress, being entrained by a very relaxed Blake.

  They went back to Blake's apartment after bringing the boat back to the marina. It had been a day out of time. They were both sun-kissed and a little sticky. Blake suggested they stop at the apartment to clean up.

  “I thought we could go out for dinner in Queenstown tonight,” Blake spoke over his shoulder as he opened the apartment door.

  “But I didn't bring anything with me to change into.” Emily followed him into the lounge.

  “Not an issue. I'm sure one of my sister's dresses will fit you. Check the wardrobe in the spare room,” Blake offered.

  “Your sister won't mind.”

  “No, she would be happy that someone is getting some use out of it.” Blake pushed her towards the spare bedroom

  Emily found a blue halter-neck dress that fit her like a glove in the wardrobe. Its smooth weight hung like a dream on her. After a whirlwind shower, she found herself whisked out of the apartment.

  She was grateful that she didn't need a lot of makeup and that the restaurant catered to the more relaxed holiday dressing found in the town. She found herself relaxing and going with the flow.

  Although aware that she couldn't stop the grin on her face, she felt relaxed and chilled. She was sure that had more to do with the company than the excellent Chardonnay she sipped.

  The wall of
glass they were sitting in front of faced the sunset far out in the darkness. A thin line of molten red bled across the width of the sky, radiating the last throes of the day. The golden pink blush was touching the edge of the lake.

  “The sunsets are always so spectacular here,” Emily said, taking a sip of her wine.

  “Not as spectacular as you are,” Blake turned on the charm as the waiter left with their order.

  “Thank you for today, Blake,” she said with genuine warmth in her voice.

  “It’s something I've been trying to do more of. I haven't worked this hard not to be able to enjoy the spoils once in a while” Blake stated.

  12

  Emily woke up in an unfamiliar bed and the sound of a ringing cellphone in her ears.

  “It's mine. You stay here,” a familiar rough voice spoke in her ear.

  She was getting used to waking up next to Blake. He was a cuddler. She often woke up to find his strong muscular body wrapped around her, which made her feel petite.

  She stretched in the bed, conscious of Blake's voice in the other room as he spoke to whoever had called. The enjoyment of the day before still bubbled in her veins, an idea for her next project teased at the edge of her mind. Now that her hands were all healed, she couldn't wait to go into her studio and start on the ideas she had sketched yesterday.

  Emily sat up in the bed as she wondered if Blake would mind the time she spent in the studio. She had a tendency to forget the time when she workedsomething that had annoyed Paul when she failed to call or was late. She bit her lip. Would she need to let her art take a step back to make this work with Blake?

  Emily wandered into the en suite bathroom and got ready for the day, keen not to let negative thoughts interrupt her day. She put on a bright smile as she entered the lounge to find Blake still on the phone, papers spread out in front of him at the dining room table. He was fixated on what he was doing, so Emily petered over to the kitchen to make them both breakfast while she waited for him to finish his conversation.

  “Damn...” Blake put the phone down with leashed control. He turned in his seat to stare at her.

  “I'm sorry, sugar, I need to go to Auckland for work today.” Apology in his tone, Blake sounded regretful about the need to leave.

  “No issues, Blake. We both knew that you were on a bus man's holiday last week. Life was sure to interrupt sooner rather than later.” Emily smiled at him.

  “Come have some breakfast. I can run you through to the airport, if it helps.”

  “Trying to get rid of me already, sugar?” Blake stood the jeans he had slung on when leaving the bedroom. Sat low on his hips.

  “No... but the boyfriend might be jealous if I don't go back to him.”

  “What?” Blake's head fired up like whiplash.

  Emily laughed as she realized what he thought. He didn't know that Catherine and her called the studio her “boyfriend” as she spent more time there than anywhere else.

  “My studio. Catherine and I dubbed it the boyfriend many years ago,” Emily snorted.

  “Ahh... you shouldn't joke with a man like that.” Blake's stern tone was at odds with the twinkle in his eyes.

  “Much as I would like to stay and have breakfast, the next flight leaves in 45mins, so I need to get a wriggle on. If you could take me to the airport, that would be appreciated. Then, you can use my car. Nice excuse for you to pick me up when I fly back; something for me to look forward to.” Blake kissed her cheek on the way past her towards the bedroom, presumably to dress.

  Shrugging her shoulders, she carried on with her breakfast, pleased that he wanted her to pick him up. There was not a lot of time for talking with the fast trip to the airport, Blake having returned from the bedroom in under 15 minutes flat, his hair still damp. A charcoal gray suit and tie brought home to her that her 'tradie' was very much gone; the tailored excellence did nothing to hide the body underneath.

  His hurried goodbye at the airport with a promise to call her that night were all accomplished at lightning speed. Emily soon found herself sitting in the airport car park behind the wheel of his car, wondering where this was going; most men didn't let their new girlfriends drive their cars, let alone leave them in charge of them. Well, not in Emily's experience, anywayeven her Uncle guarded his.

  She carefully put the monster of a car in drive and headed towards Glen Point and home. Keen to have a shower and then put her ideas into play, she pattered the steering wheel. When she had set out to seduce the most dangerous man in the room, she never thought she would end up in a relationship with the man. Life takes some interesting turns when you follow your intuition, she thought, and your best friends advise to be honest. A silly grin stretched across her face.

  13

  Emily inspected the clock as her stomach grumbled. The clock in her studio ticked over to 5.00 pm. Having spent the day in the studio, the ideas she had caused her to start the initial part of her process. Having been sketching for almost the full day, only stopping for a coffee about lunchtime, her stomach finally had enough. She stretched her back, moving from side to side as her cramped muscles protested the lack of movement. She closed up the studio and moved back to the house. She had a quick snack before going running, and if Catherine was home, maybe she could convince her to dine with her.

  Emily felt better after a quick run along the lake, the fresh air clearing the fog from her head as she stopped in front of Catherine's house. She spied her car in the driveway. As she approached it, she knocked on the door, doing some quick stretches while she waited for her to answer.

  “Emily, what a surprise.” Catherine pulled the door open with a quick grin, gesturing for Emily to follow her inside, both of them comfortable in each other's houses.

  “I could do with a dinner companion. I was wondering if you had any plans.”

  Catherine laughed at her tone. “Why, yes. I'm free. I would be happy to consent to be your dinner companion tonight,” her snooty English accent caused them both to crack up with laughter.

  “Pizza at my place,” Emily suggested.

  “Done. I'll bring the wine then.”

  “Great. See you in about 30 minutes. Suit you?” She moved to go out of the French door of the living room, her spirits lifted.

  Emily and Catherine were sitting on the main deck, having demolished the pizza. Got to have your priorities straight, she thought. As the sun was setting for the evening, the heat of the day was at a comfortable level.

  “Okay so what's he like in bed,” Catherine said around her wineglass.

  Emily grinned at Catherine. “What makes you think I'm sleeping with him?”

  “Your face.” Catherine gestured to the glow on Emily's face.

  “Oh my god, Catherine. You have no idea.” Emily fanned her face, giving up any pretense of not being happy.

  “So, I was right then.” Catherine smirked at her.

  “You were right,” Emily parroted at her

  “Wow,” Catherine spurted out some of her wine. “I didn't expect you to admit that he would be good in bed.”

  “You have no idea. I had the best time, Catherine.”

  “I can see that.” Catherine toasted her with the wineglass

  “But...” Emily gripped her chair.

  “ No, but Emily, enjoy.”

  “But ... I think I've fallen for him.”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  “Well, no.” Emily crinkled up her eyebrows at the statement.

  “Again, no. 'But'.”

  “But I'm so out of his league, Catherine. How would we make it work?”

  “Last time I checked, there was no league table for dating, but I understand what you mean, and if anything, you're out of his league.”

  “You would say that you're my oldest friend. It's required.”

  “I’m scared, Catherine. I’m terrified he’ll walk away or decide that this isn’t what he wants. I mean, he moves in circles that… I mean, look at me, I’m a homebody who’s so into her ar
t that she often doesn’t pay attention to what happens around her.”

  “Emily, Blake doesn’t strike me as the type who needs a WAG.”

  “But how do we make it work?”

  “Emily! You make it work by taking one day at a time and building the foundation if you want it bad enough. WOW, I really should take my own advice.” Catherine gulped from her wine glass.

  Emily viewed her friend. She noticed that she was a little pale and washed out now.

  “Catherine, is there something I should know about? I have big shoulders.” Emily puffed out her chest while straightening her shoulders.

  Catherine puffed out a breath. “Tony called me.”

  Emily was interrupted from responding to this bombshell by the ringing of her cellphone from the house.

  “Go answer it, I've got to go anyway. I have an early flight to Auckland tomorrow.” Catherine stood up from the table.

  “Stay, Catherine. I want to hear what Tony wanted.” Emily touched her arm to Catherine's.

  “I'll come to see you tomorrow, and we can talk about it.” Catherine rushed out as she turned to leave.

  Emily rushed in through the French doors, concerned about her friend.

  “Hello?” Emily answered without looking.

  “Hello, sugar. Did you have a good day?” Blake’s familiar tone came over the phone.

  “Blake, I didn't expect to hear from you.” Emily was pleased that she was able to make her tone casual.

  “When I make a promise, sugar, I keep it. Now, tell me about your day.”

  After telling Blake about her day, just as Emily was about to hang up, a thrill shot through her. While they talked about their day and touched on nothing heavy, his gravely tones had worked their magic. Officially horny, she giggled like a schoolgirl. She moved out of the French doors to find that Catherine was already half-way down the street. As stubborn as some women can be, she needed to keep a closer eye on her best friend.

  14

  Emily pottered in the kitchen making breakfast on Wednesday morning, and the fact that she was making good progress on her newest piece lightened her mood. Blake, still in Auckland, called a couple of times, but each time he was distracted on the phone. She spent the evening wondering if this was his way of letting her down gently. Sure, it could be her own self-doubt; she'd promised not to overthink things. It hadn't helped with the sleep. She tossed and turned all night, her thoughts all a jumble.