He chuckled. “Okay, I’ll play along since we’re back to pretending I give a damn about seeing these rooms and the things in them.” Maxwell was doing his best to be patient and not rush anything but was failing miserably. He tried to focus on her every movement which only served to make matter worse.
As he studied her, the way she used her hands when she spoke, the little tilt of her head as Robyn explained the intricacies of a design, the way her eyes sparkled as she talked about each piece of furniture and why it was selected for a particular part of the house, it aroused him. He wanted those hands all over him. They were wasted on anything else.
She explained the different reasonings behind the decor, but Maxwell barely heard a word as she showed him around. He really didn’t care. The entire purpose for even being at this party was because he knew she would be here.
Maxwell made Robyn nervous, and that was why Robyn tried to focus on her work. Talking about it always calmed her nerves. Frustrated, by her own response to him, she raked her fingers through her hair. “What exactly is it you want from me?”
He slowly dragged his eyes from the floor to the sexiness of her legs. Then, he continued to peruse her body only to pause at the juncture between her thighs. His eyes rested there for a few moments before slowly continuing their journey upward.
As his gaze rested on the fullness of her breasts, Maxwell ran his tongue across his bottom lip. He’d give up a kidney for just a taste. After taking his sweet time admiring her, he finally managed to make eye contact. His voice was husky. “The honest answer or the politically correct one?”
He’d undressed her with his eyes, and Robyn didn’t want to admit the fact that she liked it. She bit her lower lip. He didn’t even try to hide the heat in his gaze. She was not ready for this man or this moment. He rattled her and Robyn didn’t like feeling out of control. Back away from the ledge. The man is going to have you jumping to your death. Change. The. Subject. “Tell me about your company?”
Maxwell understood what she was trying to do. For now, he allowed it. It would give him a moment to get himself under control. The pull between them was strong—much stronger than he’d anticipated at this stage. He felt it and knew that she did too. But too much too soon could ruin everything. Instead of pulling her into his arms and kissing her until her knees buckled, Maxwell responded matter-of-factly. “I’m a shark. I find small companies who are developing cutting edge technologies, and depending on how far along they are in the process, I buy them before anyone else.”
“That sounds . . . risky.”
He nodded. “It can be. Especially if the companies don’t want to sell.” He flashed his mega-watt smile. “But . . . I’ve been told that I can be very charming and convincing when I want to be.”
She didn’t mean to, but she let her guard down just a little as she attempted to hide her smile. “I would say modest too.” His energy was contagious.
He laughed. “I haven’t been accused of that in a while.”
“If you’re calling yourself a shark, I would assume you’re probably not ever modest, so I would assume no one would tell you that. According to Eva, you’re here with all the important people in the Technology World, so you must be good at what you do.”
“According to Eva? You never looked me up?”
Robyn stood frozen. “Why does it feel as if you’re fishing for compliments, Mr. Bryant?”
His head tilted ever so slightly. “Just curious.”
“Well . . .” Robyn looked around the room but not at him. She said the first thing that popped into her mind. “Do you know anything about that IPO that is being launched?”
Maxwell not only knew but had everything to do with the IPO. It was his. “I might have a little something to do with it.”
“That’s really impressive. I gather from the snippets of conversations I’ve heard tonight that it’s expected to do very well. I hope everything works out with it.”
“Expectations are always good, but not everything turns out the way I hope.” His gaze penetrated her soul. This one wasn’t filled with lust, but more like he was searching for something within the depths of her eyes.
Robyn turned away, not sure if he found what he was looking for.
The warmth of his words floated over her. “Fortunately, I think my luck is changing.”
She felt the hairs on her body stand up. Robyn had been trying to keep the conversation light but no matter where she steered it, they always seemed to be talking about something other than the topic at hand.
Robyn felt the need to try again. “You’ve seen the lower level. I should take you upstairs.”
A slow and devastatingly handsome smile spread across his face. “Upstairs? Toward the bedrooms? Please, by all means, lead the way.”
Robyn couldn’t help but think . . . maybe upstairs wasn’t such a good idea, but then again, maybe it was exactly what she needed.
Chapter 5
“This house is so close to perfect it’s unreal.” Robyn walked next to Maxwell as they made their way to the upper level.
“Close? What would make it perfect?” he asked.
She shrugged. “A touch here or there.” Robyn wasn’t going to answer that. He didn’t need to know this was the place of her dreams, and the only thing missing was her living in it and the family to go along with it.
They continued to explore the house until they came to a hallway, which had been roped off. It donned a sign that said No guests allowed beyond this point – Thank you.
His nearness made it impossible for Robyn to think straight. It had been a long time since a man had this kind of effect on her. They stood side by side, so close that their shoulders were almost touching. His cologne, a musky blend of spice and him, was driving Robyn batshit crazy. Between the wine, her sexual drought, and the man, she was liable to do anything.
Robyn chose to look straight ahead but could feel the heat from his eyes assessing her. Maxwell’s powerful gaze made Robyn feel clumsy but more than anything exposed, as if he were examining her like one would an x-ray. Was it possible that he could see right through her? Did he know her mind had turned to mush? Could he see how fast her heart was pounding? Could he feel it?
Robyn urged herself to find some control. Girl, STOP IT!
As rattled as she’d been, she did her best to hide her nerves. There was no reason to confirm her frantic emotions. She took a deep breath and spread her arms out wide like a tour guide. “This my friend is where the tour ends.”
Maxwell hoped this was where the tour would officially begin. They had long ago walked away from the noisy chatter and laughter of the party. Only a few people had wandered outside of the main room. It seemed the guests were more interested in making connections than exploring the house. Fortunately, that worked to his advantage.
This was it. Maxwell was finally going to take his shot with the famous Robyn Levy, and he didn’t plan on wasting a second.
She’d been skittish downstairs. He didn’t want to come on too strong, but this was Maxwell’s opportunity. There was no way in hell he would let it her slip through his fingers. He’d worked too hard for this moment.
Staring at her intensely, Maxwell spoke. “Incredible.” When he said the words, there was a sexy edge in his voice and a fire in his eyes that were . . . determined. Too strong? Maybe, but just right for the occasion, he thought.
Robyn swallowed. “Incredible?” She took a quick glance at him then brought her eyes back toward the hallway. She released a breathless laugh. “The house? My work? Can you be a bit more specific?” Her palms were damp.
His scrutiny was overwhelming. He was overwhelming. Electricity crackled between them. Robyn’s fatigue from earlier had completely vanished somewhere between the moment her eyes met his and when he’d uttered a few simple words to Eva. It had been replaced with an energy she hadn’t felt since she’d fallen in love that one and only time so long ago.
Robyn needed to get her bearings. She walked two s
teps away from Maxwell toward the balcony and leaned down over it.
He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath as she walked away—lavender, jasmine, and Robyn. It was a lethal combination and one that had been burned into his brain. Maxwell opened his eyes and took it all in, not wanting to miss anything.
He would not deny it. His pent-up desires were taking over as he checked Robyn out. He drank in every detail. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her legs. Hell, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of any part of her. While her back was turned to him, he let his eyes roam. Even though Robyn wasn’t very tall, she had legs for days. They disappeared underneath the black bandage-like dress, which showed them off to perfection.
They continued to drift higher toward her full hips and plump ass—he definitely wanted to put his hands all over her but especially there. Maxwell bit his lower lip hoping the sharp pain would control his thoughts. He had to reign it in.
Completely unaware, Robyn sighed wistfully. “I used to dream of owning a house like this.”
The house. Yes. Maxwell needed to focus on the house, for now. He silently released a calming breath. He was shocked as shit when sound came out of his mouth and even more surprised at the words that came out of it. “My dreams weren’t as big. All I ever wanted was a fast car and the girl, but the girl got away.”
She turned slightly, looking over her shoulder at him. “Are you sure that’s how it went down because I find that hard to believe.”
“Believe it.”
The silly young girl, she thought. “I’m fairly confident you don’t have a problem with either now. Her loss.”
Maxwell walked over and stood next to her. Just being near him made her entire body turn to jelly, but she did her best to ignore it. Her mind raced.
Standing well within her personal space, Maxwell leaned over the balcony just as she’d been doing a moment earlier. “It’s true. I don’t have a problem with either. I still love a fast car. The challenge these days is finding the right kind of car and woman.”
Genuinely interested, Robyn asked, “So . . . is that how you fill up your days? Dreaming about the right kind of cars and women?”
Maxwell lifted an eyebrow. “So, we’re done pretending on this tour? We’re being honest?”
Robyn rubbed her hand back and forth across her neck. She spoke softly. “It wasn’t pretend for me.”
His eyes challenged hers. “I just want to know that we’re on the same page. Do you really want to know what I dream about?”
Robyn found her inner Sasha Fierce and turned to meet his gaze. Her voice was saucy when she answered. “I asked so, yeah, I do.”
He held her gaze for a long stretch of time before holding his hand out to her. “Follow me, and I’ll tell you everything.”
Robyn licked her suddenly dry lips, but this time didn’t hesitate as she placed her hand in his. The butterflies in her stomach returned with a vengeance. “Where are you taking me?”
Maxwell gently pulled her along toward the roped-off hallway. Robyn realized where they were going and stopped dead in her tracks. She whispered, “We can’t go there.”
His devilish grin told her that was exactly where they were going. Maxwell put a finger up to his lips. “Shhh. You don’t tell and I won’t either. Just follow me.” He unhooked the velvet rope and stood aside so that Robyn could walk past.
Shit. Robyn wanted to be spontaneous, but at the same time, she had a reputation to protect. Robyn had worked too long to have it destroyed because this man did something to her insides. She felt like Neo from the Matrix. Should she take the blue or red pill? Was a little extra spice to her life worth the risk? She looked heavenward and said a silent prayer. Lord, please don’t let me lose everything because I’m horny as hell. I’ve been celibate for a year. Can you please give me a pass on this one?
After making her decision, she looked once more at the empty hallway before taking a tiny step forward. Robyn continued to silently pray that no one saw them blatantly ignoring the sign that specifically told them not to venture into this area of the house. Great. She thought. All I need is for this little episode to show up on the Wendell Williams show.
Once she decided to take the chance, the excitement of the forbidden began to grow. Robyn bit her bottom lip, then quickly walked past Maxwell. Without any hesitation, he followed and then replaced the rope.
She couldn’t contain her silly giggles as Maxwell captured her hand. Through her nervous laughter, she asked, “Okay, now what?”
He felt the excitement radiating from her. It was contagious, and he couldn’t keep his lips from curling upward too. “I’m taking you to a special place.”
She continued to follow him down the hall. “I’m pretty familiar with every room so . . .” She stopped abruptly because Maxwell did. It was so sudden, Robyn almost ran into the back of him.
“We’re already here.” They were standing in front of the double doors that led to the master bedroom suite.
Of all the rooms in this house, Maxwell had to lead her to this one. “Here?” she asked.
There was a flicker in his eyes that was both serious and disarming. “Yes.”
She swallowed. “The master bedroom suite?” Robyn backed up a step. There was a small hitch in her voice. “You know . . . maybe this isn’t a good idea.”
He saw the apprehension on her face and decided a charm offensive was his best shot. “Are you sure? You might be surprised by what you find behind that door.”
She pressed her lips together. “I know what’s on the other side of that door. I decorated the room. The question is how would you know?”
Maxwell caressed her with his voice. “You’d be surprised at the things I know. C’mon, you’ve come this far. Don’t change your mind now.”
She was conflicted. Robyn wanted to do the unexpected but this room? It held too many of her secrets. “Why don’t you just tell me now what’s on your mind, and I’ll decide if I’m a yes or no?”
Maxwell used his sexiest voice. “Because that’ll take all the fun out of what I want to show you.” He pointed toward the double doors. “I promise, I’ll be a gentleman . . .” His voice deepened as he continued to coax her into following him. “Unless you don’t want me too.” Maxwell ran the tips of his fingers down the length of her bare arm. She trembled.
That was all it took. Just one touch. She thought, Lord, am I in trouble. Slowly, Robyn nodded. “Okay.”
“Good. I promise you won’t regret it.”
Robyn mumbled to herself. “I hope not.”
As soon as she agreed, Maxwell placed his hand on the knob and slowly began turning it.
What the hell am I doing? Robyn wondered.
The door crept open and continued to widen until it was fully ajar. Maxwell’s smile broadened. “Let me be the first to welcome you into The Room.”
Chapter 6
Robyn stepped across the threshold and had to keep her mouth from hitting the floor. Maxwell stood to the side and watched her reaction.
Quite a few changes had been made since she’d been in the suite only a few short hours ago. The room was dim, almost dark, and the only light came from the orange glow bouncing off of the walls from the fireplace. Robyn had wondered what it would look like with a roaring fire. Now she knew—ethereal but beautiful. It crackled, and the flames danced to their own beat. Several feet away but directly in front of the fireplace was a large faux fur blanket replacing the rug she had put there earlier. It was surrounded by red and white roses. A wicker basket with two long stemmed wine glasses was nestled around the edges of the coverlet.
Robyn sighed with relief. She was terrified there were going to be whips and chains strewn around the room and a bondage sex swing hanging from the ceiling. It wasn’t a sex dungeon but a simple romantic set-up—very romantic. Robyn didn’t mind being a little adventurous, but she wasn’t into BDSM.
A table had been set up with a variety of fruits, cheeses, and wines at the foot of the four-poster bed
that was so high the occupants would need the little three-step stair to get into it. She had to correct herself. Maxwell’s six-foot-four-inch frame wouldn’t need those stairs.
Quickly, Robyn turned away from the bed as images of them wrapped up in each other’s arms flashed through her mind. Instead, she focused on his face. Her voice was barely a whisper as she looked up into his eyes. “You planned all of this.”
“Yes.” His expression was blank as if waiting for her response. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking. His hope was that she didn’t believe he was a creep.
“You know the owners?”
Maxwell nodded. “Yes.”
She chewed on her lip. “That was a stupid question. Of course, you do.” Robyn paused. “Maxwell . . . you didn’t have to go through all of this trouble. You could have simply called and asked me out.”
“Where’s the fun in that? Yes, I could have called, but I didn’t want to leave anything to chance.” He used his thumb to scratch the scar right above his brow as something resembling a half smile appeared.
In the big scheme of things, she understood why he would plan it this way. “Did Eva know about all of this?”
“No. Well . . . not until tonight, but she agreed to keep my secret.” Maxwell walked confidently over to where the refreshments were and took the wine out of the ice-filled bucket. “Would you like a glass?”
“I . . .” Robyn was tempted to say no but then thought better of it. “Please. That would be great.” Hopefully, it would help her chill out. Never mind that the glasses of champagne she’d had earlier hadn’t been able to do the trick.
Maxwell took off his jacket and threw it on the bed.
Robyn inhaled as she saw the imprint of his taut muscles through his shirt. Eva was right. It had been too long since she’d been with a man, and now she was paying for it. If she were honest, it wasn’t just any man, she was hot and bothered by this man.
The Room - A Sensuous Experience Page 4