“Let’s go inside.” I picked up her bag from the hallway, and she walked into the foyer. I shut the door and took her hand. She said not a word but followed. I looked back as I led her to the bedroom. “Do you need anything? Water, food?”
Her smile was mischievous. I liked this side of Melanie Parker.
“Nope. All I need right now is you.”
I stopped to lift her chin with a finger. I placed a tender kiss on her lips. Her response had made me incredibly happy.
“Only if you’re ready for all of me, love.”
Her cheeks took on a pink hue, and her pupils dilated in the coffee-colored depths of her eyes. For a split-second I was afraid I’d sacred her. I realized then I had meant what I said on every level—I wanted to give all of myself to her, not just my body. Now was not the time for a deep conversation, but I could communicate what I felt by bringing her to a pinnacle of pleasure. I was more than ready to do so.
Now her smile was seductive, her tone confident.
“I am—but only if you’re ready for all of me.”
Hell, yes.
“Let’s find out, shall we?”
I led her to the bedroom and dropped her overnight bag on the floor. In seconds, we fell onto the bed in a feverish embrace. Hands and mouths exploring in a frenzy, hot breath, skin exposed as clothing was removed piece by piece. I had meant to take my time and worship her slowly, loving every exquisite part of her body. But it seemed she wanted something rougher, wilder. Even our first time the other day had not been this passionate.
But I wasn’t complaining. Her fierce, hot kisses spurred me on. When she nipped my earlobe and then my neck, my erection lurched in response. She rose to straddle me, not breaking our kiss. I lay on my back, more than happy to let her take control.
Moving her body over mine, she brushed my chest with her lush, soft breasts. Her nipples had hardened to stiff peaks, dusky rose in color and perfectly formed. I lifted her up so I could take one in my mouth, my tongue swirling around it. Her low moan raised my arousal even more. I gave the same attention to the other breast, causing her to grind her pelvis against mine. I was afraid I was going to lose it right then, but I managed to keep control. When she pulled away, I opened my eyes to see her mischievous smile had returned. She was kissing her way down my chest, past my navel, over my hip bone, until her mouth was inches away from the hardest part of me.
I wondered how long I was going to remain in control when she placed those luscious, full lips exactly where I wanted them.
* * *
Melanie
It seemed I was possessed by some wanton sex spirit. All I wanted was to devour this man, body and soul. Taking control was my usual style in the bedroom, but this was different. The guys I typically slept with were often lackluster in their approach to sex, not even trying to turn me on. Not in the way I needed.
But something about Spencer made my blood boil, and my fantasies run wild. His focus on me was intense, making me believe I was the only woman he’d ever touched. I knew that wasn’t true, but I reveled in it, just the same.
I sensed that we had only begun to explore our mutual passion. I wanted to taste and feel every inch of him. As I hovered over his erection, my lips inches away, the look on his face was priceless. His hazel eyes had darkened to a deep amber color, and his cheeks were flushed with a dusky shade of pink. When my tongue touched the tip of his member, his eyes closed but his mouth remained open on a silent moan.
I took my time, teasing, tasting, exploring. Using my hands, lips and tongue, I varied my movements, taking note of his response. I stilled every few minutes, to be sure he didn’t come too soon. The heat in my core had increased to an almost uncomfortable level, and as much as I wanted to feel him come this way, I had to have him inside me.
This time it was I who reached into the nightstand for the condom. Ripping open the foil package, I handed it to him. The second he was sheathed, I straddled him once again, this time sinking down over his shaft in one swift movement. His eyes had flown open at the sudden shift, but his hands on my hips and his wicked smile proved he welcomed my attack. I began to move back and forth, rubbing myself against him while he filled me to the hilt with hardness. The exquisite sensation radiated out from where we joined, sending tingles up my spine. I heard my labored breathing and his repetitive moans with each stroke, sounding far away as we neared a climax.
My center burst as waves of pleasure rushed through me. I kept moving, aided by his hands gripping my hips, shoving me down upon him. He thrust upward as his orgasm exploded, sending me into another spasm of pleasure. It seemed to go on forever, finally subsiding in stages. I fell limp across his chest, sweat slickening our skin. I let out a long breath, feeling our heartbeats begin to slow.
Maybe it had been the stress of the past few days that had brought on my need for this type of joining. I didn’t know, but I loved how I could really lose myself with him. I hoped it would always be this way.
Ha. Look at me, actually hoping for a future with him.
We lay in his bed, my head on his shoulder, our hands entwined. A reverent silence, two heartbeats, no words needed. Neither of us knew what the future would hold, and for the moment, that was okay. Drowsiness came over me, and he softly snored.
A half hour later, I stirred. My eyes opened to a gorgeous view through the huge, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, which were framed by sweeping drapes. The late afternoon sun glinted on the tops of buildings in the distance, signaling the excitement of another Friday evening in downtown Atlanta to come. I hadn’t even showered that morning, anxious to get on the road. Two power bars and a bag of chips, chased by a bottle of water had been my only meal.
My stomach rumbled, so I sat up. Spencer came awake with a start.
“Huh? Oh, man. I can’t believe I slept. You wiped me out, woman.”
He leaned in for a kiss and then sat up. I knelt on the bed, hugging him from behind and resting my head on his broad shoulders.
“You didn’t seem to mind.”
“No, I did not. You can take charge like that anytime.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Right now, I’m thirsty, hungry and I need a shower.”
He turned to me, holding up a finger.
“I have a better idea.”
He told me to wait in bed while he went to the bathroom. A few minutes later, I heard water running. When he emerged, he was holding a small paper boutique bag. He handed it to me.
“What’s this?”
“For you. Open it.”
Placing my hand in the bag, I felt something silky. I pulled out a pair of crimson silk pajamas with small violet flowers on them. They were gorgeous. There was also a pair of purple lace panties, similar to the yellow ones I had worn the other day. I stood and kissed him in appreciation.
“These are awesome. Where did you find them?”
“At a boutique downtown. You can put them on after your bath.”
“A bath? At this time of day?”
He held out his hand. “Trust me.”
I followed him to the master bathroom where a large jetted tub sat on a raised platform in between two white columns. It was a bath fit for a queen. He had lit several candles in the room, and late afternoon sunlight filtered through the stained glass pattern of the window, throwing colorful shadows on the wall. He had already poured some bubble bath into the water, causing a cloud of fluffy white foam. I sighed, wanting nothing more than to sink into glorious, heated bliss.
“Get in,” he prompted. “I’ll be right back, with food and drink.”
I’m sure the look I gave him was skeptical.
“Are you for real?”
He pulled my naked body to him with one well-muscled arm.
“One hundred per cent.”
He kissed me quickly and then left the room.
I had to get my purse to find a hair tie, but soon had my hair in a bun on my head. The tub had filled, so I shut the faucet off and slipped into the water. I
nch by inch, I lowered myself into pure heaven. The water was warm but not overly so, perfect for a good, long soak. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips as I leaned back and closed my eyes.
I could get used to this in no time. Lord, give me the strength to let it go when the time comes…
Chapter Fourteen
Spencer
My plan was unfolding just as I had hoped. Melanie loved the lingerie, and I couldn’t wait to give her the other gift I’d bought on a whim that afternoon. It had been so perfect, a symbol of our time together, that I had no choice but to get it for her.
I had a whole evening planned. I had no idea how tomorrow would go, nor the days that followed, but I could make tonight perfect. Dinner was in the oven, dessert was chilling in the fridge. I put the finishing touches on the appetizer tray I had prepared and walked back to the bathroom.
Steam was thick in darkened room, and the air was fragrant from the lavender-scented bubble bath. Melanie’s eyes barely opened to look at me as I set the tray on the counter. A lazy smile graced her lips, but she said nothing. Her cheeks, dark pink in hue, had plumped somewhat due to the heat. A trickle of sweat traced a languid path down the side of her neck.
“Maybe this will cool you off a bit,” I offered, opening the bottle of champagne with a loud pop. It was a French label that I loved, and I poured the golden bubbly into two crystal glasses. I handed one to her, and she sat up in the tub so that her breasts appeared above the foam. Rivulets of water and patches of bubbles slid off, making me jealous of the contact.
Her nose wrinkled as she sipped. Her eyes opened wide once her taste buds had settled.
“My, that’s good. And the bottle is so pretty.”
Hand painted with flowers and vines, it truly was a work of art.
“You’re right. That’s why I have a section of my wine closet just for empty bottles I collect. Some of them I bought for the bottle art more than the beverage.” I picked up my glass and held it to hers for a toast. “Here’s to the future. May it be filled with love and music.”
“And great champagne,” she said, taking another sip.
Turning back to the tray, I picked up a small plate I had prepared with finger foods.
“I have another treat for you.” I sat on the edge of the tub and offered her a piece of cheese. She leaned forward to take it in her mouth.
“Now sip.”
She did, still chewing the last of the cheese.
“Mmmm. That’s really good. Is it Swiss?”
“It’s Gruyere. Now, I’m adding a slice of dried fig to the cheese. Chew on that, then sip your champagne, and tell me how you like it.”
Full, sensuous lips opened to take the morsels from my fingers. I had drizzled a bit of honey on the fig, to counterbalance the pungent cheese. Her tongue touched one of my fingers as she took the food, causing a rush of heat to my groin. I was so mesmerized watching her eat and drink, I almost forgot to partake myself.
“This is delicious. I’ve never tried pairing cheeses and fruits like this before. And I thought champagne was just for birthdays or weddings.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. This is just our appetizers. I have a whole evening planned.”
“Wow.”
I leaned over for a kiss, the scent of honey still lingering on her lips. Delicious, indeed.
After a few rounds of cheeses and dried fruits, I refilled our glasses then picked up a huge, ripe strawberry from the tray. I knelt next to the tub, dangling the fruit close to her face. With a seductive smile, she opened her mouth provocatively, nibbling on the tip of the strawberry. With my other hand, I raised her glass to her lips so she could drink.
“Mmmm. That’s heavenly.”
“The champagne elevates the taste of the fruit to another level and vice-versa.”
Her eyes glowed in the reflection of the candlelight. I swore she was looking into my soul when she answered, “Rather like us.”
It was true. It felt like I was becoming a better man every second I spent with her.
The fruit was only partially eaten, so I finished it, followed by a sip from Melanie’s glass. I set it aside on the tub, letting my hand drop into the water. It had cooled, and the foam had all but dissipated.
“Are you ready to get out, love?”
She held up a hand.
“I think so. I’m dying to find out what else you have planned.”
I took her hand to help her out, wrapping her in a fluffy, white towel. I dried her, taking my time, and yes, I spent extra time on her butt and breasts. She didn’t seem to mind. I finished by helping her into my robe and stealing another kiss.
“I’m so relaxed now. Thank you, Spencer.”
“Don’t thank me—this was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Now, put on your new pajamas and meet me in the living room.”
She went to the bedroom, and I took the tray to the kitchen. I checked the oven, and dinner was almost ready. I began setting out bread and the salad I had prepared, when my phone buzzed on the counter. I glanced over to look at the screen and my heart sunk.
Uncle John was the last person I wanted to speak to at the moment, so I let it go to voicemail. He thought I was at the conference, so it wouldn’t be unusual for me to not be monitoring my phone. Once I heard the beep confirming a message, I clicked on the speaker and replayed it.
“Spencer. I hope you’re not too busy at the conference to meet with a colleague of mine. He wants to have dinner with you tomorrow night. He owns a software company that specializes in travel websites. I’m sure you two would have a lot to discuss.”
Crap. And double-crap.
He went on to give me the man’s contact information, but I was no longer listening. My mind was racing a million miles ahead, trying to figure out how I was going to get out of this one.
There was no reasonable excuse for not meeting with Uncle John’s friend. Had I actually been there, I would have loved to talk shop with him. We had been looking for ways to upgrade our technology, and this might be a great opportunity. I was going to have to talk to Petro and see if I could salvage this situation somehow. When Uncle John made a suggestion, he was expecting you to follow through, no matter how casual it sounded.
I’d learned that the hard way. I was already going to be on his shit list when he found out I was still in Atlanta. But I had to stall the inevitable until this weekend was over.
I was so distracted, standing in the kitchen and staring at my phone, that I didn’t hear Melanie enter the room.
“Everything okay?”
My pulse had accelerated over the phone call, but now it just about stopped at the sight of her. She was beautiful in a natural, glowing way. The elegant satin pajamas fit her perfectly, and her glossy hair hung over one shoulder. Her cheeks still had a rosy hue.
“Yeah. Just a work call. I’ll figure it out later.”
She climbed onto one of the white leather barstools situated around the marble counter and laid her phone in front of her.
“I had some calls to make too. Cissy—my sister—said everything is fine. Mamma’s still resting.”
“That’s good news.”
“Yes. Then I called my friend, Mackie. He and my bandmates offered to help me clean out my apartment next week, so that’s all set.”
“Oh. That’s great.”
My face must have shown how I felt about her plans. She cocked an eyebrow and frowned. I came around the counter and put my arms around her.
“I know you’ll be leaving me soon. And tomorrow will be a tense day. So, let’s have just one night for us and nothing else. Ok?”
We shared a tender kiss, her agreement evident in the way she responded. I poured her another glass of champagne and led her to the balcony.
“Oh, wow. You really have thought of everything. It’s beautiful.”
The small table on my balcony was set with a tablecloth and some of my best china. I pulled out a chair for her, and she sat.
“Relax and enjoy t
he view. I’ll be right back with our first course.”
The second I was in the kitchen, I called Petro to discuss our dilemma. When I got voicemail, I explained the situation, asking him to clear his schedule and call me in the morning.
* * *
Melanie
I was certain I was living a dream. I had never felt so far removed from my everyday reality. Spencer was going all out to impress me, and it was working. He seemed to gain so much enjoyment from pampering me, I allowed myself to enjoy it too. Normally, I wasn’t the girl men showered with gifts and took to fancy places. I had come up from poverty and worked my ass off for everything I had. Unaccustomed as I was to the luxury around me, I decided to savor it and be in the moment. It would soon be over, anyway.
I sipped the champagne, which was the best I’d ever had. I was on my third glass now and beginning to feel woozy. A deep breath of the July night air helped, as did a bite of the French bread Spencer had placed on the table. I chewed, enjoying the slight tang of the dough.
Spencer appeared bearing another tray. He set it down on the table and sat in the chair opposite me.
“Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette. Bon Appetit.”
“Are you some sort of secret chef?”
He laughed, the sound warming my heart.
“No, I simply appreciate good food.”
We ate, chatting about neutral things, like the sights around Atlanta and how terrible the traffic was. It was nice to forget about life-changing decisions and pivotal moments for a bit. After we finished the salad, he brought out plates of lasagna—but it was unlike any I’d ever had. Fresh vegetables were layered with noodles and cheese, and it was covered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. I barely finished half of my plate.
“This is probably one of the most delicious things I’ve had in a while. Thank you, Spencer.”
He sat back in his chair, splaying his hands in a gesture of supplication.
Not So Wrong: Love Grows series, Book Two Page 14