Anna

“What’s it like?”

I looked at Chloe who was sitting to my left on the train. “What’s what like?”

She pulled on the strands of her long, dirty blonde hair and tucked her chin down to her chest. I knew that shy, insecure look. I’d been that girl before.

“Well, I mean, what’s it like to be so pretty? I bet all the guys love you. I see the way Adam looks at you.”

Adam was a few rows up from us, and the young guys were huddled around him, watching a live sports match on his smartphone. I dragged my gaze back to Chloe. “Adam doesn’t—”

Chloe snorted. “I may be a kid, but I’m not dumb. He’s got it bad for you.”

My face heated. “Anyways.” I rubbed my cheek as I thought about what to say. “If anyone should know how it feels, it’s you. You’re funny, smart, and very beautiful.” I didn’t want her to think the only reason why a man would like someone is because of looks . . . As much as I was guilty for being drawn to Adam’s extreme sexiness, I was more taken aback by what was inside of him, at least the parts he let me see. His smile. His laugh. His humor. His compassion.

But Chloe was shaking her head at me. Her hazel eyes flashed to her lap. “I’m not beautiful. And I’m not funny. No guy has ever even tried to kiss me.”

“Good!” I hadn’t meant to shout that. “You are too young for guys to be kissing you, sweetie. And, trust me, you don’t need to be worried about that.” I thought about what else to say, looking out the window as the rumble of the train and the soft vibrations beneath our seats lulled my mind. “And I’ll tell you a secret.” I leaned in close to her ear. “Guys might be afraid to ask you out because they’re afraid that you’ll reject them. They’re intimidated by you.”

Her head snapped up, her brows slanting down as she studied me. “I doubt that.”

“You know, I didn’t have a real boyfriend until college.”

“What? No way. You’re lying.”

I held my hands up, showing her my palms. “True story.”

“No guy was good enough for you, huh?” She smiled.

“Sure, I wanted a boyfriend. But it never worked out for me. Plus, I had other things I cared more about, like horses.”

I didn’t say what I thought—that I wished I had refrained from dating during college, as well. I thought about Jax. How did he get my new number? And why was he at it again? I was sure he’d finally given up.

“Hm. Maybe I need to find something I care about.”

I was really in no position to be giving advice, but I also didn’t want Chloe developing any insecurities because of the opposite sex. I knew how it felt firsthand to feel lower than low because of a man. “Maybe,” I said softly as I looked up, my eyes meeting Adam’s as I did.

Adam was still holding on to his phone while the boys watched it, but he was watching me instead of the game. I wanted Adam, but did that mean I should have casual sex with him? Was I capable of separating emotion from sex?

Adam was looking away from me now and back at his phone. There was a tightness in the muscles in his face, now, and his shoulders were pushed back, less relaxed.

“Anna?” I looked back at Chloe.

“Yeah?”

“Ma’s not really around, so it’s nice having someone like you I can talk to.” She exhaled a deep breath, and I wasn’t sure what to say now. “I really hope you don’t leave Ireland.” With that, she jumped up and darted toward the other three girls who were sitting at the front of the train car.

I rubbed my hands over my face, my heart breaking for her. Was it wrong of me to volunteer at the center, to drop into their lives for only a few months? The twangs of guilt pulled at my nerves like guitar strings being twisted too tight. I was close to snapping.

* * *

“I guess you’ve given up on being seen with me in public?” Adam asked outside my hotel room door. He tucked his hands into his jeans pockets and cocked his head to the right, his eyes narrowing on me.

“Maybe I was being a little paranoid.” Or maybe not? “Do you wanna come in for a drink?”

“You sure that’s what you want?”

“Well, technically, you did foot the bill for the room. Besides, it’s a drink, not a commitment to marriage.”

He laughed. “Good to know.”

I swiped my card and pushed the door open, my hand steady.

I dropped my bag next to the door and went over to the minibar. I still hadn’t touched the thing. “Beer?” I turned around, finding Adam still in front of the door, his bag at his side.

“I’m not all that thirsty.”

“Oh.” I clutched the unopened can of beer tight between my palms.

He moved my way and stopped in front of me, the air electric between us. He reached for the can, setting it on the counter next to me. His thumb touched my lips, gliding across them like a wave of fire. “Tell me to leave.” Despite his words, his hand swept to my cheek, his eyes locking with mine. “Please, tell me.”

“If you want to leave, you need to make that call.” I placed my hand over his, holding it to my cheek, and his chest shifted up as he sucked in a deep breath.

“You know I can’t.”

“Then you should never have walked through that door.” Regardless of my concern about work and what people would think, I was more worried about coming all the way to Ireland to find a man like him, only to shrink away in a corner because of my fear. I wanted my fresh start.

His hand pushed past mine to cradle the back of my neck. “You’re amazing.”

I took a step closer, my chest touching him, and I tipped my chin up so his eyes could claim mine, to own me at that moment. It was a look so honest I felt naked before him. For once, Adam could see the real me. The me I’d lost my last year in Kentucky.

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

My chest constricted as his lips came down, hovering an inch above mine. I swallowed, the anticipation killing me.

When our lips finally met, my hands swooped up and around to his back, holding on as his tongue slipped into my mouth.

What started slow and soft soon turned into something almost uncontrollably ferocious. A need like I’d never experienced pulled at me from every direction as Adam deepened the kiss, taking me into his arms.

Our lips parted, and he lifted me, my legs wrapping around his hips. He carried me to the nearby couch and set me down. I looked up at him standing before me, his eyes dark, glinting with passion as he stared at me.

My hand brazenly roamed over my breasts, dying for him to touch me, for his skin to press against mine.

“Feck, Anna,” Adam growled and dropped to one knee in front of me. He leaned forward and his lips brushed across my neck, and I tipped my head and shut my eyes, allowing him better access.

His breath near my ear had my body on edge and the hairs on my arms standing. A frantic desire moved through me as I tugged at the thin material of his shirt, pulling him closer.

Adam’s hand slipped to the buttons of my shirt, working fast to open them. His lips caressed me from neck to earlobe to cheek and back to my lips again.

Still on his knees, he pushed away and studied me as I panted. My breasts felt tight and full, straining against my white lace bra, but my stomach was now exposed, and he traced his fingers from my belly button up, laying a hand on my breastbone.

Our eyes met as he felt the beating of my heart, which was slamming hard against my ribs. Then he pulled away and tugged his blue shirt over his head. His tan, carved muscles stole my breath.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, which I knew wasn’t the thing you say to a manly Irish guy whom you’re about to have sex with. But, God, he was—inside and out. And I couldn’t keep the words to myself.

He touched my lips with his thumb again, his eyes growing a dark blue. Before I knew it, he was reaching for my arm, raising me to my feet. He slowly pushed my shirt completely off my shoulders, not losing eye contact as he deftly removed my bra.

His eyes dropped to my chest, and his large hands took hold of my breasts, eliciting a gasp from me. His grip was warm, countering the chills that raced across my skin.

My eyes were drawn to the veins in his forearms. They protruded, proof of his strength, and my eyes closed as fear tried to wedge itself inside me.

Don’t think of Jax. Don’t ruin it.

“You all right?” His voice was low, and I realized he was no longer touching me.

“Yes.” The back of my knees bumped into the couch, and I forced my eyes open. “I’m not very experienced. Could we go slow?” I couldn’t believe I was admitting this.

His brows pulled together as he dragged his hand down his jaw.

“I’ve only been with one guy, and I—”

His eyes lowered to the floor as if hearing about me being with any guy wasn’t something he wanted to think about right now. I couldn’t blame him—I wasn’t eager to conjure up images of him with women, either.

“We don’t have to do anything. You know that, right?” His voice caressed my body, and the way he spoke with concern for me made me feel safe again.

“I know that. But right now, all I want is you. I want this to happen.” I touched his naked chest, my hand slipping to his bicep, and I stepped closer, my breasts flush against his skin.

“Dammit.” He secured his hands on my hips, holding me even tighter in place. His breath staggered as I slipped my free hand inside the waistband of his jeans. I didn’t want him to think he needed to take it that slow.

He angled his head back as I found his flesh, his length already fully erect. His jeans prevented me from doing much more than touch him, so I stepped back and slipped my hands to the button, then the zipper.

I felt his eyes on me, watching me as I worked at his pants.

He kicked off his shoes and tugged his jeans down, revealing black boxer briefs, and I greedily eyed his strong, muscled legs.

He kneeled before me with a suddenness that was surprising, and I narrowed my eyes at him, not sure what he was doing. Then I realized he was going to undress me. He looked up at me as he unlaced my Nikes and removed my shoes, and then he slowly rose, his hands bracing the sides of my hips.

I gulped as his blue eyes glittered like the reflections of light on water. He removed my jeans, pulling them off with slow movements, and then he braced my thighs, lowering himself again. My hands went to his shoulders, holding on as he placed gentle kisses on my inner thighs. My core clenched as he softly nipped and sucked. The warm heat escaping from his nose was enough to do me in.

I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be able to stand. If I lost the support of his hard shoulders, my knees would buck, and I’d fall. His mouth trailed up until his teeth grazed at the thin material of my panties.

His hand slipped up to the curve of my bottom, dipping under the lace, where he gently gripped the edges before shifting the fabric out of his way. His tongue darted to my skin.

I shut my eyes, and my stomach squeezed as his mouth claimed me, his tongue moving slow and deliberately. My body shook, and my hand slipped to my breast, and then up to my throat as I tried to hang on.

And then he pulled away, and the loss of his touch made me shiver. I’d been on the brink of losing control.

“You taste so feckin’ good.” He was on his feet, and he lifted me into his arms.

Our faces were close, but I didn’t want him kissing me, not after he kissed me there. He carried me into the bedroom, using his elbow to flick the light switch.

“No. Too bright,” I cried, insecure about having my body on display.

“I want to see you.” He set me on the bed, and I crossed my arms over my chest, nervous as I watched him remove his boxer briefs.

I tugged at my lip as I stared at him. His hard thighs were muscular and toned, but not bulky. “Please.”

“You have nothing to hide. You’re stunning. Every part of you is incredible.”

I wanted to believe him—I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin—but I had never been completely naked in front of a guy with the lights on. “Okay,” I mumbled as Adam moved on top of me, bracing himself above.

The back of his hand had touched my cheek before he lowered to kiss my neck. He rolled to his side, and he pulled my body against his, and I could feel his thick and hard erection.

I tugged at my panties, longing to be closer to him, to feel him everywhere. I kicked them to the foot of the bed, and then I felt the weight of his hard cock pressed against my groin. Something like a cry escaped from my lips. The pleasure of his closeness, as his mouth seized mine, was almost unbearable. I wriggled against him and my hand slipped between our bodies, reaching for him, needing to touch him.

As I gripped him harder, the vibration of his growl against my cheek had me squirming even more against him.

“Just a minute.” His muscles flexed as he pushed off the bed, and I watched his perfect bare ass as he left the room, assuming he’d gone to get protection. I forced myself not to wonder if he was a man always prepared for sex (and, if so, why).

He returned a moment later, a warm look in his eyes as he strode toward me. He stared down at me as I lay exposed before him. I wanted to cover myself, to hide from his wandering eyes, but I bit into my lip, trying to hold on to my confidence.

“I’ve wanted you since the night I saw you in that damn thin nightshirt,” he said huskily as his fingers started against my outer thighs, sweeping up over my hip bone. These were soft touches, and yet I felt them like a pain. He was touching me everywhere but my center. My legs tightened with need, the anticipation growing as I waited with closed eyes for his next touch.

“Turn over, love.”

My eyes opened to find him staring at me. I wanted to be embarrassed, but how he was making my body feel left no room for the insecurities I had felt just moments ago.

I rolled to my stomach, doing as he asked, and it wasn’t long before his warm hands skated up the back of my thighs. I moaned when both hands caressed my behind.

“You’re perfect.” He slowly kissed his way to my side, and I writhed underneath him as he drove me insane with need.

“Adam.” My voice disappeared into thin air. I couldn’t piece together a full sentence.

“I hear you.” His hand nudged me at my side, telling me to turn back over. It wasn’t long before that same hand traveled down to my core and stroked me while his mouth came down, hot and wet against my erect nipple.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. My hands fisted in his hair, pulling just slightly.

“What do you do to me?” His voice was deep, and it turned me on even more.

The weight of the bed shifted near my head. His hand was probably there. Then his fingers slipped down my core and to the soft folds of my skin. He stroked me there, driving me wild with his deft fingers, and then I felt his hard length touch me.

I heard a faint sound—rubber, maybe. Was he sheathing himself? His hands were no longer on me, and I gripped the comforter on each side, the unknown was brutal, and yet, it was incredibly exciting.

He gently slipped inside me—only an inch or two, taking his time. He moved out and then back in a little more, and my breathing became fractured as I finally opened my eyes to find his dark blue ones focused on me. His face was close. I could smell sweat, sex, and piney cologne.

He held his weight over me as he fully plunged inside me, my back arching off the bed, my breasts jutting forward, almost touching the hard planes of his chest.

“Feck.” His Irish tongue was barely audible over my panting breath. His eyes held mine as he moved, slow and controlled. Then Adam’s hand slipped down between us, and his opposite bicep flexed as that arm supported the brunt of his weight. His fingers tortured me, adding additional sensations in time with each and every thrust.

“You’re killing me,” I cried as he picked up the pace. I was losing my mind—feeling him inside me. Filling me in every possible sense.

I couldn’t hang on . . .

The pressure started to build as I let go, coming unhinged. My toes curled, my breathing was out of control, and my body shook as I orgasmed.

“Fuck.” His head dropped forward as he jerked on top of me, coming moments after.

He remained above me, still inside me, unmoving. His eyes were back on mine, and my hand dropped down between my breasts, where a streak of sweat had gathered.

Adam wet his lips, his brows pulling together. “That was . . .”

Please don’t say a mistake . . .

“It was perfect,” he whispered as he gave me a soft kiss.

He moved off me and discarded the condom in the bathroom before he returned. I shifted the comforter down and slipped beneath it, tucking the sheet up to cover my breasts.

He was chuckling as he joined me in bed. “Now you’re shy?”

“I—” My mouth closed.

“Sweetheart, you opened Pandora’s box tonight.” He grabbed hold of the covers and pulled them down, exposing me. My body tensed beneath his stare.

Bu then, I relaxed, distracted by the slight sheen of sweat on his abdomen. It glistened in the beautifully muscled plain between his hip bones. Jeez, he was already growing hard again.

His arm banded around me and slid to my ass. Then he pulled me on top of him. I straddled him, my knees on each side of him on the bed. I pressed my hands to his chest, his heartbeat still pounding furiously.

He cocked his head to the side, his eyes crinkling around the edges as a sexy smile pulled at his lips. “Now it’s your turn.”

I sucked in a breath. Adam was giving me the control, something I’d never had before.

With the light shining above, with my body on view and Adam’s eyes piercing mine, I’d never felt more confident.

* * *

“Why is this happening?”

Adam looked up from the cup of coffee that hovered near his lips. He lowered the mug. “What’s happening?”

I secured the strap of my robe, tightening it as I came closer to the kitchen area. My wet hair lay heavy on my shoulders, and my skin was free of makeup. The way he looked at me, though . . . His eyes were still hungry, despite the hours of sex we’d had the night before . . . and this morning. It made me think of what I’d been missing all these years.

I twisted the straps of my robe, playing them between my fingers as I stopped in front of him. “I don’t regret what happened between us, but I’ll more than likely be gone come the first week in December, and I’ll never see you again. Getting involved when there’s an expiration date . . . this isn’t the norm for me.”

He set his coffee down on the breakfast bar and reached for the straps of my robe. My hands slipped down to meet his, and he tugged at the straps and pulled me to him, our faces closer. “First of all, I’m glad this isn’t normal for you. And second of all, I don’t do this, either.”

“Do what?”

“Have hot sex with an intern.”

“Good to know.” I lowered my head, wondering whom he did have sex with, but I hated the jolt of insecurity that plunged through me and straight to my heart.

“Thirdly,” he said, tipping my chin up with a fist, his eyes capturing mine, “you may stay in Dublin.”

My shoulders shrank at his words. Somewhere in my heart, deep inside me, I knew that wasn’t possible. As much as I didn’t want to be home right now, I also didn’t feel that working at McGregor Enterprises was the right fit for me, even without Adam complicating things. “Maybe,” I said instead.

“Anna.”

The beeping of the alarm on my phone gave him pause. I’d set my alarm in case we didn’t wake up in time for work, but since we’d barely slept, it hadn’t been necessary.

“I want to see you as much as possible. My schedule will be shit, but I’ll do my best—”

“What about work. What if someone—”

“I’ll do whatever you want, Anna. You want to sneak around? We’ll hide in your hotel room every night we’re together. I don’t care. But I want to get to know you.”

I laughed. “You got to know me pretty well last night.” My cheeks flushed as I remembered all the things we’d done.

He grinned at me, his eyes sparkling. “I want to know you, inside and out.”

How could a rich self-proclaimed “bad boy” be so sweet? Something didn’t add up between Adam’s actions and his aura. But this wasn’t something we needed to talk about twenty minutes before I had to be out the door for work.

“What are you doing next weekend?” Maybe we could go away again. Somewhere no one would recognize us.

He turned away from me, his shoulders going erect. His body was tense. What was that all about? “Shit, I have friends in town next weekend. I forgot. They aren’t the type of guys I would want around you.”

“Is Les back?”

He didn’t turn. “Not yet.”

“Speaking of that, um, I’ve tried to find an apartment, but no one wants to rent to me for such a short period.”

He was facing me again, shaking his head. “Please don’t worry about that. Stay here. I won’t go broke paying for the place. And you’re doing your part at the center, remember.”

“Yeah, but . . .” I had a pretty good idea that the work I did at the center didn’t come close to paying for this suite. I could always take on more days there—I loved the work. Then I thought about Chloe, about how she wanted me to stay, and then decided maybe it wouldn’t be the best idea. I didn’t want to give the kids any false hope. It would be selfish.

“The only ‘but’ I want to hear from you is about your arse.” He pivoted on his toe, swirling around with a grace that amazed me. He approached me, and his hand moved to the straps of my robe. He untied them, which had my core tightening with anticipation. His eyes were on me as he slipped both hands to my rear. “Seriously, love, if you aren’t talking about this arse,” he said, squeezing my flesh, “then I don’t want to hear it.” His eyes flickered with amusement as he pulled himself tight to me. The fabric of his jeans rubbed against me, creating a friction of need.

“We don’t have time.” I set my hands to his chest and pulled away.

“What good is sleeping with the boss if you can’t be late?”

I shot him a purposeful scowl. “Don’t even go there,” I warned.

“Sorry, love. But seeing you pissed off gets me fired up.” He pulled me back against him, stealing my breath with his kiss.