Chapter Sixteen
Tessa couldn’t help the rather awestruck reaction she had as Ian drove up beneath the porte-cochere of the hotel. The mountain lodge in Lake Tahoe was of a much different design than either the opulent high-rise hotel in San Francisco, or the sprawling Mission-style resort in Tucson, the only other two Gregson properties she’d ever set foot in. Situated high on top of a mountain, the lodge was majestic and grand with its stone façade and high windows. Pristine banks of carefully groomed snow surrounded the property on all sides. Tessa had read on the lodge’s website that it offered ski-in/ski-out accommodations, as well as a ski valet and highly rated ski shop on premise. She had never been on skis before, and the only time she’d ever seen actual snow had been one winter years ago when she had lived in Sedona with her mother. She knew Ian was an accomplished skier, and that he had plans to get her out on the slopes this weekend, a prospect that she was admittedly a little nervous about.
The drive up from San Francisco had been smooth and relatively traffic-free. Ian had rushed home as soon as his meeting had ended, and was behind the wheel of his sturdy, four-wheel drive Range Rover by late morning. It had been just past three o’clock when he’d exited the highway for the lodge.
Tessa was more than a little amazed at the way the hotel staff mobilized so swiftly, evidently having been informed to expect Ian and his guest. In quick succession, a valet had taken his car keys, a bellhop unloaded their luggage, and the doorman held the massive front doors leading to the lobby open for them. Ian kept a hand on the small of her back as they walked through the sprawling lobby with its vaulted, wood beam ceilings, flagstone floors, and imposing stone fireplace. Tessa didn’t miss the way almost every single person passing through turned and stared at him, the admiration evident on both female and male faces. She was beginning to get used to the effect her handsome, debonair lover had on people, how he attracted attention no matter where they went, and also how he seemed to be so completely nonchalant about it. For her part, she couldn’t help the thrill she felt at knowing this magnificent man was really hers, and that for reasons she couldn’t really fathom as yet, he’d chosen her out of the thousands of other women around the world who’d give anything to be by his side right now.
The pretty brunette desk clerk who checked them in appeared to be as susceptible to Ian’s charm as anyone else, staring up at him with unabashed interest as he signed in and took the card keys to the owner’s suite. Tessa gave the brunette a tiny frown before sidling up closer against Ian’s side, silently staking her claim. He smiled down at her, dropped a kiss on top of her head, and slid an arm around her waist. Tessa’s frown quickly changed to a very satisfied smile, and she was pleased to note that the clerk was suddenly all business, averting her gaze as she finished the check-in process.
Tessa’s jaw dropped open again as the private butler assigned to their suite opened the double doors and ushered her inside. She could Ian speaking to the man in a low tone as she stared in disbelief at the splendor of the lavishly appointed rooms.
Here, too, were the vaulted wood beam ceilings, and a huge stone fireplace, though these floors were covered in a thick, plush carpet. Floor to ceiling picture windows offered a breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains outside, and French doors opened out to a private patio where she could see a fire pit and hot tub. The furnishings were a combination of rustic comfort and understated luxury.
A quick inspection of the suite revealed a spacious living room, separate formal dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. There were two bedrooms, each with their own en suite bathroom. The suite was easily large enough to live in comfortably for days or weeks at a time, and it suddenly dawned on her that this was exactly the sort of opulent lifestyle she could expect to live when she moved in with Ian permanently. And as thrilling as that idea was, it also gave her renewed cause for concern, bringing to the surface all of her fears and insecurities that she just didn’t fit into this world of privilege and extreme wealth.
“Does this meet with your approval?”
Tessa turned to face Ian, who was just now closing the door to the suite. Her heart caught in her throat as she thought of how handsome he looked, how mouthwateringly sexy. He was more casually dressed than usual, clad all in black – wool slacks, a turtleneck sweater and a heavy leather jacket worn in deference to the cold weather. He looked dangerous and sophisticated at the same time, an irresistible combination.
At his urging, she’d dressed in a similarly casual manner – dark skinny jeans, black cashmere sweater, black ankle boots and a black knit cap pulled over her ears. Tessa didn’t want to think about how much money such a seemingly laid back outfit like this had cost, though she knew from performing a quick Google search that just the little cashmere cap had cost over a hundred dollars.
She walked over to Ian, sliding her hands up his chest to clasp around his neck. “Are you referring to this room or to yourself? Because if it’s the latter, I would have to say a very emphatic yes.”
“Is that right?” he asked lazily, his hands sweeping down the sides of her hips to cup her buttocks. “Well, I’d say you also have my wholehearted approval. Especially the way your gorgeous arse looks in these tight jeans.”
Tessa smiled, burying her face against the strong, warm column of his neck and inhaling deeply. “Mmm, you smell even better than usual. Must be the added touch of the leather.”
He kissed her temple, his hand keeping her head pressed to his shoulder. “Would you like the butler to unpack for you, or would you prefer to do it yourself?”
She looked up at him in surprise. “He would do that – actually hang my clothes up and put my shoes away? Not to mention unpacking all my – ah, more personal stuff. I think I’d rather do it myself, actually.”
He grinned, giving her a playful chuck on the chin. “To answer your question – yes, Tyson would certainly be happy to perform that task for you. You’ll begin to see as we travel together that each of our hotels offers this sort of private butler or concierge service for occupants of the larger suites. You’ll need to get used to them doing things for you and letting yourself be pampered. It’s one of the many perks you’ll enjoy as my companion.”
“Okay. It’s just – well, it might take some getting used to. I never thought I’d let a complete stranger – a male one at that – unpack my underwear for me,” she admitted shyly.
“Ah, well, that I understand. You could consider packing all of your lacy bits in a separate bag from now on, and simply instruct the butler not to touch that one.” His lips caressed the soft spot behind her ear. “In fact, I’d probably prefer that. Hell if I want another man to touch your lingerie.”
Ian lifted his head and took her firmly by the hand. “Come, let me give you the grand tour. I gave Tyson instructions to bring up an afternoon tea service in a few minutes, so we don’t have much time.”
As he showed her around the grand suite, she belatedly noticed the beautiful vases of roses arranged in several different locations – the showy red ones on the coffee table; the delicate pale pink blooms in the dining room; a gorgeous arrangement of rich apricot blossoms filled the master bedroom with their fragrance; and the exotic lavender bouquet that had been placed in the en suite bathroom.
Tessa sniffed appreciatively of the last bouquet, which Ian told her were officially called sterling silver roses.
“How beautiful they are,” she murmured. “Did you arrange for all of these?”
He smiled, seeming pleased at her reaction. “I did, yes. I didn’t know which color you preferred so I ordered several different one. Of course, red roses are traditional for Valentine’s Day but – well, the lavender ones in particular reminded me of you.”
Tessa touched the delicate petals with care. “And these just happen to be my favorite of all of them. Thank you, Ian. Once again you’re spoiling me rotten.”
“Ah, and the weekend is just beginning. I have a whole string of surprises planned for you.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his chest to her back, his voice husky in her ear. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”
She caressed his hands where they rested just above her belly. “I’m sorry my little gift to you was so – simple. I had no idea what to get you since you already seem to have everything.”
“Shh. I already told you that having you here with me is the best gift I could ever hope for. And a batch of homemade cookies is icing on the cake, so to speak. Especially since they’re my favorites.”
She had fretted over what to buy him for Valentine’s Day, knowing that she couldn’t possibly afford to buy him anything extravagant, given that he wore two hundred dollar Hermes ties, had a library bursting at the seams with first edition volumes, and a well-stocked wine cellar where the cost of even a single bottle would likely make her shudder.
But she did know he liked snickerdoodles, since Mrs. Sargent had left a bakery bag for them after a recent shopping trip. Fortunately, they’d been easy to bake, given her tiny kitchen and limited cooking skills, and Ian had seemed genuinely thrilled when she had presented him with the festively beribboned bag filled with three dozen cookies.
Having skipped lunch, they both ate hungrily of the sumptuous afternoon tea service that Tyson delivered to their room. Tessa couldn’t quite stifle a yawn, however, despite the twin jolts of caffeine and sugar her system had just received.
“Sleepy, are we?” asked Ian in amusement.
She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry. It’s just – well, we didn’t get much sleep last night what with - ”
“I know,” he interrupted. “I hope I wasn’t too – that it wasn’t - ”
“No.” She shook her head firmly. “You were perfect. It was perfect. I needed you just as badly, Ian.”
Tessa had been waiting for him in the library when he’d returned home just after ten o’clock the previous evening. By now she was becoming use to the hungry, almost desperate way he made love to her, the blatant carnality of his kisses and caresses, the all-consuming manner in which he possessed her body. But when he’d strode boldly into the library last night, she’d been left breathless and unable to even think with the fierce, primal way he’d taken her right there, bent over the arm of the leather sofa. He’d tossed off his suit jacket and unzipped his trousers before yanking the hem of her robe up past her waist and literally ripping the fragile silk and lace panties from her body. He’d surged into her with one powerful thrust, wrenching a cry from her throat and leaving her helpless to do anything but willingly submit to his domination of her body. They had both climaxed within minutes, the entire encounter having taken place without either of them uttering a single word. She had been shaken to the core at such a display of raw, undisguised passion on his part, and astonished that her body could so readily respond to his without even the slightest amount of foreplay.
He’d carried her upstairs to his bed then, and this time had made love to her with exquisite thoroughness, prolonging the ecstasy for what had felt like hours. And then he’d woken her again towards dawn, already imbedded deep inside of her, and wrung another shattering orgasm from her exhausted body.
She was grateful she’d taken the day off from work, because she’d been far too drowsy and pleasantly sated to do more than give him a sleepy kiss as he’d left for the office just before eight a.m. She’d slept until ten, a rare luxury for her, and had had to scramble a bit to shower, dress, and eat breakfast before he arrived home.
But Ian still didn’t look convinced at her assurance. “That first time – in the library – I was like a rutting bull, Tessa. No finesse, no control. I was - ”
“Wild.” She swiftly straddled his lap, twining her arms around his neck. “Like a beast. Or a barbarian.” She nipped his earlobe lightly with her teeth before whispering, “And I loved it. I like it when you lose control.”
He growled, shoving his hand up beneath her sweater and roughly groping her breast, making her gasp as his fingers slid inside her bra cup to pinch the nipple. “You make me lose control just by being in the same room,” he rasped. “It’s never been that way for me before, not even close.”
“Good.” She caressed his cheek, which was just beginning to show some dark stubble as the day began to draw to a close. “I like that I’m the only one who can make you do that. And,” she added playfully, “let’s make sure to keep it that way, hmm?”
He gave a short laugh. “Darling, I’ve told you on multiple occasions that you’re far more than I can handle as it is. Why on earth would I notice other women when I have all my heart desires right here?”
The sweet, wildly romantic things he seemed to have a knack for saying made her feel all gooey inside. Still, she couldn’t resist teasing him a bit more. “So you’re telling me you didn’t notice the way that very pretty front desk clerk was checking you out?”
Ian frowned. “Unless you had just mentioned it, I wouldn’t have been able to remember if the clerk had been a man or a woman. That’s how little attention I paid. But since we’re on the subject, I should mention the very interested stares you were receiving from the valet. And the bellhop. Not to mention the doorman. Ah, and I’m forgetting the dozen or so – at least – admiring males who were staring at your very sexy body as we walked through the lobby.”
“I didn’t notice any of them,” she murmured. “Nowadays, the only man I ever notice is you.”
He smoothed her sweater back down over her belly. “Well, let’s make sure to keep it that way, darling,” he said, teasing her with her own words from just moments before.
A knock sounded on the door to the suite, and he deftly lifted her off his lap. As he stood, he gave her a little wink. “That will be the next in the string of surprises,” he told her as he walked towards the door. “And this one is for both of us.”
The next surprise he’d arranged was a couple’s massage. Ian had whispered to her as the two masseurs were setting up their tables and equipment that he’d specifically requested a female to work on Tessa and a male on himself, adding that he wasn’t about to let another man put his hands on her, whether it was in a clinical manner or not. The folding massage tables were set up over by the grand picture windows so that they could look outside at the snow falling as the sun gradually began to set. One of the masseurs turned on the state of the art sound system and some relaxing classical music filled the room softly. A candle was lit and the subtle fragrance of bergamot scented the air, lending to the atmosphere of complete relaxation.
Tessa had never enjoyed the pure luxury of a massage before, and couldn’t suppress a little moan or two as the masseur found a tight spot here and there. She turned her head in the direction of Ian’s table, and gave him a sleepy smile as their eyes met. She thought blissfully that she could easily get used to this sort of pampering, and wondered if he indulged in massages on a regular basis.
When the massage ended an hour later – far too soon for her liking – she felt boneless and limp and so relaxed that Ian had to help her tie the belt of her robe.
“Hmm, I hope the next surprise is a nice long nap,” she mumbled sleepily.
He chuckled, wrapping her in his arms and dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I didn’t realize I’d worn you out quite so badly last night. I can loan you some of my vitamins,” he teased. “And you might want to consider ordering an extra- large portion of protein with your dinner this evening. Speaking of which, our reservations are in just over an hour and I’d like to have a cocktail with you first. Trust, me, you’ll like where we’re going.”
Tessa yawned, stretching her arms wide. “Umm, okay. But it’s not my fault if I suddenly start nodding off. That massage was incredible. I’ve never felt that pampered before.”
“That was the general idea, darling. To have you feeling relaxed and pampered all weekend long. Though I didn’t intend for you to be quite this relaxed,” he retorted. “Perhaps I should order you a triple espresso – or two.” He leaned forward to murmur huskily, “After all, I plan to keep you awake for hours tonight. Another part of the surprise.”
She couldn’t help trembling just a little at his heated words. “I can’t wait,” she told him a little dazedly. “Maybe we should just get room service and, ah, stay in.”
He grinned at her, shaking his head. “And ruin all of my plans? Hardly, love. Besides, the anticipation will enhance the pleasure ten times over. Trust me on this. Now, time for the next surprises. Come with me.”
Ian led her into the master bedroom, where several boxes of varying sizes had been laid out on the huge four poster bed. She looked at him expectantly, not sure what she was supposed to do next.
“And where did all these just materialize from?” she inquired. “They weren’t here earlier when I unpacked my things.”
But he only gave her a mysterious smile before telling her, “I’d like you to wear all of the items you’ll find in the boxes to dinner this evening. I’ll leave you in here while I change in the other bedroom.”
Tessa regarded him curiously. “There’s plenty of room in here for both of us, you know.”
Playfully he tugged at the belt of her robe. “Yes, but if I watch you put on some of the items you’ll find in the boxes we’ll never get out of here this evening. You might not even get to order room service. Let’s just say it will be much safer all around if I use the other room.”
His rather cryptic words suddenly made perfect sense as she removed the lids from each box and spied their contents. Her mouth dropped open in a round “O” as she drew out the gorgeous bustier of cream silk and lace shot through with red satin ribbons. There was a matching pair of tiny white silk panties tied with red satin ribbons on the sides, and sheer, silky stockings that would attach to the bustier’s garters. She now understood why Ian was changing in a separate room.
She gasped when she drew out the beautiful cocktail dress from the largest box. It was of red lace, with an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline. The label read Marchesa but of course no price tags were attached to anything. She shuddered to imagine how much it had cost.
She struggled a bit with the back hooks of the bustier but eventually managed to get them all fastened. Once she pulled on the panties and hooked the stockings to the garters, she glanced at herself in the bathroom’s full-length mirror, her eyes widening at the image that stared back at her. The wired bustier pushed her breasts up into even more generous proportions than usual, until they were nearly spilling out of the low-cut garment. The undergarment nipped in at the waist, making it look tiny, and the silky stockings made her legs look longer than ever.
The alluring red dress fit her perfectly, as did the red patent leather heels. The final two boxes held a stunning bracelet of rubies and diamonds, and a matching pair of drop earrings. Tessa touched up her makeup and brushed her hair until it shone, placed a few items into her clutch bag, and then tentatively walked into the living room.
Ian was sending a text and didn’t hear her come in, so she was able to look him over at her leisure. He was wearing a dark gray suit and a crisp white dress shirt opened at the neck, but no tie. His five o’clock shadow was more prominent now, giving him a dangerous look. He was so sexy, so mouthwateringly male, that her new panties immediately grew damp as she imagined running her hands up his body or pressing a kiss to his cheek.
He looked up then, and his gaze upon her was so smoldering that she could almost feel it burning into her skin. He stuck the phone in his jacket pocket and walked towards her, never breaking eye contact. He threaded a hand into her hair, tilting her head to one side, and brushed a kiss on her cheek.
“Hello, beautiful,” he told her huskily. “You look sinful.”
She toyed with the open neckline of his shirt for a moment before unbuttoning one more button. “So do you.” She nuzzled her nose against the exposed skin of his throat. “And you smell even better.”
He trailed his fingers up her bare arm. “I assume everything else fits – er, adequately?”
Tessa smiled. “It does, yes. Though I almost had to call you in to help me fasten up one of the – ah, items.”
Ian’s hands grasped her hips, yanking her up against him. “I trust you were able to take care of the matter yourself?”
At her nod, his gaze dropped to her cleavage, which was partially bared by the cut of the dress. She whimpered as he traced along the neckline of the dress, his long finger brushing her bare skin.
“I can’t wait to see you in it,” he rasped. “I’m guessing it makes your gorgeous tits look even bigger than they already are.” He replaced his fingers with his lips, kissing the exposed upper curves of her breasts. “I almost bought you the necklace that matched the other jewelry, but then decided I didn’t want anything to mar the perfection of these perfect breasts.”
“Please.” The throaty moan escaped her lips as he brushed his thumb over her nipple. Her hands clutched handfuls of his shirt as she tried to mold her lower body against his.
“Easy, love.” He dropped a kiss on her the bridge of her nose before taking her firmly by the hand. “Remember what I told you earlier – anticipation only enhances the ultimate pleasure. So, come now. Time to start anticipating what’s to come.”
***
The cocktail lounge was on the top floor of the lodge, and offered up a stupefying view of the snowcapped mountains. They sipped one of the special Valentine’s Day cocktails – a pomegranate margarita – and took turns feeding each other salted almonds and mini-pretzels.
As she popped an almond into his mouth, Ian clasped her wrist, holding it still as he sucked her finger between his lips. Then it was his turn to feed her a pretzel, and she mimicked his actions by licking his index finger suggestively.
His eyes darkened. “Are you imagining something else in place of my finger inside your mouth right about now?” At her nod, he removed his finger and brushed his thumb over her lips instead. “Naughty girl.”
“I like being naughty with you.”
“Jesus.” He shifted a bit awkwardly in his leather chair. “You’re making me forget all of my good intentions, you little flirt. Finish your drink now, love, it’s nearly time for dinner.”
Once again Tessa marveled at the way the wait staff at the very upscale hotel restaurant catered to Ian, very obviously knowing exactly who he was, and going out of their way to make sure he had a satisfactory dining experience. They easily had the best table in the place next to the window that afforded another fabulous view of the mountains.
He had taken her out to equally posh restaurants often enough over these past weeks that she was more at ease with scanning menus and ordering. They shared a Caesar salad that the waiter hand tossed tableside, as well as an order of black truffle risotto. She chose the sea bass for her entrée while Ian ordered a beef filet, giving her a wink as he did that made her squirm a bit in reaction. He was not so subtly passing along the message that he needed the red meat for what was yet to happen tonight.
He ordered champagne – a Ruinart Brut Rose – and she was delighted to discover it was pink as the waiter poured it into flutes.
“For Valentine’s Day,” Ian told her. “I hope you like it, my love.”
As Tessa took a sip, she realized this was the second time this evening he’d called her “my love” as opposed to simply “love”, and wondered at the significance – if any – at this slight change. But she soon forgot about it as the meal progressed, far too intent on listening to him, gazing at him, desiring him. Everything he did, no matter how subtle or seemingly insignificant, seemed to arouse her this evening – the way his long fingers held his champagne flute; the movements of his strong jaw as he carefully chewed a bite of food; not to mention the glimpses she was afforded of his tanned throat and the very beginnings of the dark ribbon of hair that bisected his chest. She knew he hadn’t worn a tie very intentionally and could only assume – or, rather hope – that he was planning for this to be the night they played out the fantasy dream she’d described to him.
The deepening hunger she felt must have been obvious in the way she kept staring at him, for he took her hand in his at some point and drew it to his lips.
“That look on your face – God, you have no idea what it’s doing to me,” he told her in a husky voice.
“Oh.” She glanced down at her plate, suddenly shy. “Sorry. I just – I guess I just like to look at you.”
“Hush. Don’t look away from me, Tessa. Ah, there’s my girl,” he crooned as she lifted her gaze to his. “I wasn’t complaining, darling. Far from it. I love that I can put that particular look on your face – the one that tells me how much you want me. It’s so honest and open. I don’t ever want you to pretend with me, or try to hide your emotions. Understood?”
She nodded, spellbound by his deep voice and the way his hazel eyes glittered almost dangerously. “I won’t,” she breathed. “And I do want you, Ian. So much that it’s all I’ve been able to think about all day. It’s – too much at times, I think.”
“No.” He shook his head emphatically. “Never too much. You have so much passion, Tessa, far more than we’ve even begun to uncover as yet. I knew it the first time I kissed you, when you came so easily and so quickly. We’re really just beginning to awaken you sexually. But I’ll warn you now – I’m the only man who’ll be assisting you in that particular endeavor.”
She cupped his cheek in her hand. “I don’t want anyone else, just you. You know that.”
“Do I? Sometimes I’m not always certain. That’s still one of my greatest fears, you know,” he admitted. “I’m terrified that you’ll wake up one morning and realize you’ve made a huge mistake, that you’ll want your freedom to meet other men, younger men, play the field a little and have the sort of fun girls your age ought to be doing. You never had the opportunity to do that, after all, and I’m worried that you’ll regret passing it all up.”
“Why in the world would I want to do that?” she asked in bewilderment. “That doesn’t sound like much fun to me.”
“Try telling that to your friends,” he replied darkly. “Yesterday it felt like some sort of bizarre conspiracy theory was unfolding – one that involved all of them setting you up with other men.”
Tessa was startled at the note of desperation in his voice, the way he looked and sounded so insecure – he, the most confident, self-assured man she’d ever met. “If you’re worried about what Kevin said – please don’t be. He means well but he’s a total airhead most of the time. I hardly ever take what he says seriously. And,” she added gently, “I have no intention or any interest in letting him fix me up with anyone.”
“It wasn’t just Kevin. That was bad enough but then scarcely an hour later I had to bite my tongue when that little scamp Julia asked my opinion about setting you up with a friend of Nathan’s. How did you manage to fend off that very persistent little mischief-maker anyway?”
“What?” Tessa couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Julia? She didn’t say one word to me about meeting any friends of Nathan’s. This was at the office yesterday you’re referring to? All she really talked about was the new pair of shoes Nathan was going to buy her.”
A slow smile spread across his face, and he shook his head in exasperation. “I think I’ve been had by a very devious interior designer. And I believe Nathan is quickly discovering he’s got his hands full with that little devil he’s engaged to. Not to mention several hundred dollars poorer after buying the aforementioned shoes.”
She was more perplexed than ever now. “I really have no idea about any of that. But I’ve got no interest in dating other men. Why would I when I’ve already got my Prince Charming?”
Her answer seemed to please him tremendously, as well as relieve any doubts he might have still been harboring. “Well, every princess deserves a prince, darling. And I’m going to work very hard to make sure you’re every bit as pampered and cherished as a queen.”
She let him coax her into sharing dessert, even though she was already full from the superb meal. He fed her bits of warm chocolate lava cake and salted caramel ice cream, while they both sipped coffee – an espresso for him, a foamy cappuccino for her. She didn’t drink coffee very often, but was already beginning to feel a little drowsy from all the champagne and rich food, and decided the extra caffeine would be a wise idea. There was no way she was going to fall asleep before they had the opportunity to play out her fantasy.
“Are we going back to our room now?” she asked hopefully as he finished signing the guest check.
“Impatient, are we?” he asked in amusement.
“Yes,” she replied in a breathless voice. “The – ah – anticipation is getting to be more than I can bear.”
He slid his hand to the back of her head and brought her mouth to his for a soft kiss. “Good. I want you wild with need, so aroused that you’ll come at the lightest touch.”
Tessa groaned. “I’m already there.”
“Are you wet?”
“God, yes,” she whispered. “So much that I think I might leave a spot on this chair.”
Ian closed his eyes, muttering something beneath his breath, before standing abruptly and pushing his chair back. “Let’s go,” he said roughly, stepping around the table to pull her chair out. “Otherwise, I’m going to kiss you right here in front of all these people and it will take an awful lot to make me stop.”
She was certain he would take her back to the suite after that, but gave a little sigh of frustration when they stopped at the piano bar in the lobby instead. He noticed the little huff she made as they sat at one of the tables and smiled at her.
“Remember what I told you earlier, love? The anticipation builds the pleasure,” he reminded her gently. “Don’t pout, Tessa, it won’t sway my decision. Trust me, darling, this will all be worth it in just a very short while. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy the music for a bit, hmm?”
He ordered them each a brandy, the Camus label she know he preferred. She still found the taste of the fine liqueur a little bitter for her taste but nonetheless sipped her drink daintily. Ian held her hand loosely in his as they listened in companionable silence to the vocalist and her accompanying pianist. Several couples in the bar were dancing in the small space in front of the piano as Ian pulled her to her feet and out onto the dance floor.
He held her close, one arm banded about her waist, the other hand clasping hers where it rested on his shoulder. He danced as smoothly and effortlessly as he seemed to do almost everything, and it was the easiest thing in the world for her to follow his lead.
“I wanted to dance with you so badly at the Christmas party,” he murmured close to her ear. “Especially when I saw you there all alone. But of course, I couldn’t, not without revealing my hand – and my feelings – to everyone else there that night.”
“Including your date, of course,” she replied teasingly.
He gave her waist a little squeeze. “Behave. I’ve already explained to you about Rebecca. And you were the woman I wanted that night, not her. When you told me as you were getting ready to leave about your divorce – you have no idea what I felt to learn the news. I couldn’t go back to the party for a while – I needed some private time to fully absorb the reality that you were finally going to be free.”
She nestled the top of her head beneath his chin as they kept dancing to the next song. “You were so kind to me that night – getting me a taxi and paying for it. But I just figured you were only looking out for one of your employees.”
“No.” He rubbed his cheek against her head. “I wanted to be the one to take you home that night, to take you home with me. Instead, I sat in the bar of the hotel and began to plot exactly how I was going to seduce you. It was all going to start with you filling in for Andrew during his vacation. I think I gave the old boy quite a shock on that Monday when I shared the news.”
She laughed. “That must have been something to see. Andrew doesn’t shock easily. I always wondered, you know, why I was never asked to substitute for him before then. I just assumed you didn’t think I was capable.”
“Not even remotely close to the truth,” he assured her swiftly. “The real truth is that I didn’t trust myself having you in such close proximity. I’m not sure I could have remembered you were a married woman – or gave a damn – after a while. And you are far more than just capable of doing the job, Tessa. You did a brilliant job filling in for Andrew, far better than any of the others ever did.”
She was ridiculously pleased at his praise. “That means a lot. And I’m very glad to know it wasn’t my ineptitude that made you reluctant to have me fill in. Speaking of Andrew, there’s something else I’ve always meant to ask you about him.”
Ian grinned playfully. “He’s not gay, even though he may act like an uptight bastard most of the time.”
She gave him a little swat on the arm. “That’s not what I was going to ask you. And I’ve met his girlfriend so I already knew he wasn’t gay. Isobel is – well, very different from our Andrew. The saying about opposites attracting could have been invented with the two of them in mind. No, what I was going to ask you concerns – well, Jason, I’m afraid. And why Andrew always seemed to be around when - ”
“When that prick was trying to harass you,” finished Ian. “Why do you think that happened, Tessa?”
She shrugged. “I always assumed it was because you didn’t want another sexual harassment lawsuit on your hands.”
“Wrong. Oh, not that the possibility wasn’t a valid concern. But my primary motivation was to make damned sure that son of a bitch kept his filthy hands off of you. And it worked for the most part, until that day in the office gym.”
Her cheeks grew warm when she recalled that very unpleasant encounter. “You sent him away because of me, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” he replied, without the slightest hesitation. “I would have gladly shipped him to the Arctic Circle if I could have, anywhere to keep him away from you.” His hand squeezed hers a little tighter. “I’ll never allow him to harass you again, Tessa. Not Jason nor any other man. What’s mine I protect. And you are mine, aren’t you, love?”
In response, she touched his cheek and pressed her lips to his softly. He groaned beneath her kiss, and she quickly forgot there were other people in the room. All she was aware of was the warmth and hardness of his body pressed against hers, of the gentle caress of his lips on hers, and of the stirring lyrics the vocalist was crooning. The song was Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You, and the beautiful words about not wanting or needing anything else if she couldn’t have the man who held her against him so tenderly made tears shimmer in her eyes. She turned her face into his chest, her heart so filled with emotion that she feared it might burst.
“Come, darling,” he whispered to her. “I think the anticipation has finally reached the boiling point.”
They were silent as they made their way back to the suite, his hand at the small of her back their only physical contact. Once inside the suite he led her directly to the master bedroom, where in their absence the thick duvet had been turned down and a soft bedside lamp left on.
“Let me,” he urged, his hands on the zipper of her dress.
She didn’t resist as he carefully eased the delicate lace fabric off her shoulders and down past her hips. As she would have stepped out of her shoes, he gripped her by the ankle firmly.
“Not yet,” he instructed. “I want to see you first. I’ve been trying to picture how you’d look in this very fetching ensemble all night long.”
Tessa forced herself to keep her eyes open as Ian’s heated gaze roamed over her body. But it was nearly impossible to stop her pulse from racing or her legs to keep from shaking when she saw the raw, almost feral desire stamped on his face. His hands clamped tightly around her waist as he gazed down at the decadent display of her breasts as they very nearly overflowed the bustier.
“You look – ” he swallowed with some difficulty, his voice cracking a little. “You look like a naughty Valentine, all cream lace and red satin.” He slid his hands up beneath her breasts, squeezing them through the wired bodice. “Like an extremely desirable, very fuckable Valentine. And if I hadn’t already committed to fulfilling your fantasy this evening, you can be damned sure we’d be satisfying about a dozen of mine instead.”
She gasped as his thumbs brushed over her nipples. “There’s – there’s always tomorrow night,” she replied in a thin, high voice.
Ian smiled dangerously. “I like the way you think, darling. Maybe you’ll consent to wearing this fetching garment for me again, hmm?”
“Yes, yes,” she breathed. “I’ll do anything for you, Ian. Anything at all.”
He grasped her chin roughly and kissed her, a savage, open-mouthed kiss that left her struggling for air. “This probably isn’t a good time to tell me something like that,” he hissed. “Not when you look like every forbidden fantasy I’ve ever had about you come to life. So let’s get on with this before I forget I’m a gentleman and go back on my word.”
Ian dropped to his knees, holding her steady as she stepped out of the shoes. His fingers trailed up either side of her silk-stockinged legs, until they reached the frilly garters attached to the tops. He unhooked each side before carefully easing the delicate hosiery off her legs. He hooked his thumbs in the side of her panties, but before he peeled them off her body he nuzzled his nose into her damp cleft.
“I can smell how aroused you are,” he groaned, his hands squeezing her buttocks before removing her drenched underwear. “Small wonder, given how wet you are. Ah, if you wear this for me again tomorrow, we’ll have to buy new panties, won’t we?” He stood and moved behind her where he slowly began to unhook the bustier. “Or perhaps we’ll just buy a whole new set like this one. Black this time, I think. As you know, I like you in black lace.”
The wired undergarment fell away, leaving her nude and so aroused she feared she would come at even the slightest touch of his hands on her body. But instead of touching her as she longed for, he merely led her over to the bed and indicated she should lay down.
“You know what comes next, Tessa,” he told her in a deep, seductive voice. “After all, it’s your dream we’re bringing to life tonight, isn’t it? Show me what you want, love.”
She watched through half-lidded eyes as he carefully removed his suit jacket without ever taking his eyes off of her prone body. Just like she remembered from her months-old erotic dream, her arms and legs began to move in opposite directions into a spread-eagle position. As she continued to watch him, he walked over to the dresser and opened the top drawer to remove something. When he approached the bed, she saw he was carrying several long strips of red satin fabric.
With almost maddening slowness, he bound each of her wrists and ankles to the bed, making sure the satin strips were securely fastened.
“Not too tight?” he asked her as he stood.
She gave an experimental tug before shaking her head. “No, they’re okay.”
“Good. We want this to be pleasurable for you, but never painful. Let me look at you like this. Ah, what a delectable picture you are, Tessa – naked, spread and bound for my pleasure. You are what every man craves, what they dream of. Only you are so much more beautiful than any dream could possibly be.”
She closed her eyes, her lower body already starting to bow off the bed, so desperately aroused and needy for his touch that her skin felt like it was on fire. “Please,” she whispered weakly.”
“Yes, love. I intend on pleasing you very well. Look at me now and tell me, Tessa – is this how it was in your dream? Except, of course, that you’re lying on a very comfortable bed instead of a cold, hard table.”
She gazed up at him, almost recoiling from the naked passion in his eyes. “Yes,” she murmured. “Everything’s the same except – your shirt. You need – undo two more buttons, I think. Then, yes, it’s just like in my dream.”
He complied, his shirt gapping open now to reveal more of his beautifully muscled chest. She longed to touch him, to run her hands over every inch of his hard, sculpted body, but the bonds she’d asked for prevented her from doing so.
And then Ian was beside her, sitting on the bed as he bent his head and kissed her softly. His mouth took hers again and again in a series of long, leisurely kisses. She groaned beneath the pressure of his warm, firm lips, and the feel of his tongue sweeping thoroughly through her mouth over and over. He grasped her jaw between his long fingers, holding her head still as his kisses grew deeper and more demanding, and she felt dizzy from the continued force of his attentions.
Tessa was gasping for breath as his lips finally began to move down the side of her throat, caressing the tender flesh beneath her ear. She gave a little squeal of surprise as he sucked hard on that spot, marking her, only to soothe the sharpness of the love bite a moment later with his tongue.
Ian took his time with her, seeming in no rush whatsoever, and it was both torment and exquisite pleasure for her simultaneously. He lingered over her breasts, lavishing attention on them until she was moaning loudly and moving her pelvis restlessly beneath him. His tongue laved each nipple with maddening slowness before he closed his lips around the areola and sucked hard. His hand cupped the other swollen globe, his fingers plucking at the nipple and coaxing it into an even harder peak. She could feel each lick, each tug, each squeeze of her flesh all the way down to her womb, and she wondered wildly if he could possibly make her come solely by stimulating her nipples.
By the time he finally lifted his head from her breasts, she was so fully aroused – every nerve ending in her body so highly stimulated – that it only took the tiniest flick of his thumb on her clit for her to climax wildly. She felt the satin bonds pull tight as her body bucked up in reaction, and she sobbed his name as the tremors continued to rock her from head to toe.
Ian’s big hands bracketed her hips, holding her down on the mattress as the bonds continued to strain. “Poor darling,” he crooned. “I made you wait too long, didn’t I? Let’s see if we can make it up to you somehow.”
He kissed his way down her torso, his dark head disappearing between her legs, and proceeded to wring several more orgasms from her seemingly insatiable body, using his lips, tongue and fingers to bring her over the edge more times than she could keep track of. She was so aroused that she could feel the pearly drops of her vaginal fluids trickling down the insides of her thighs and still he kept at her, until her arms and legs were quivering uncontrollably and she feared she might pass out from the pleasure.
And when his thumb began to circle her over-sensitized clit one more time, her head thrashed back and forth on the pillow as she pleaded with him weakly, “No more. Please. I can’t, Ian. It’s too much.”
He slid back up her body, kissing her softly and letting her taste the muskiness of her own juices on his lips. “All right, love,” he acquiesced. “Shall I untie you now?”
She was too wrung out to do more than nod, and he deftly unfastened each of the soft satin bonds. As the last strip was untied, she rose up on her knees and slid her arms around his neck, pulling his face down to hers for a kiss.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “My turn to return the favor tomorrow night.”
He chuckled, holding her close against his half-bared chest. “But the pleasure was mutual, love. And if you plan to tie me down you’ll need something much stronger than these scraps of fabric. I wouldn’t be able to control myself if you touched me that way. As it is, I have no idea how I’ve managed to stay in control this long.”
She slid her hand down between their bodies, her palm opening over the massive swell of his erection. The groan he made was the sexiest, most erotic sound she’d ever heard. “Then come to me, Ian. Don’t hold back any longer. “
He tore his shirt off, the rest of the buttons flying haphazardly around the room, before unbuckling his belt. Tessa ran her hands greedily over his naked chest, pressing fevered kisses to his heavily muscled chest and rock hard abs as he yanked the rest of his clothing off. In two swift movements that left her gasping, he tumbled her onto her back and thrust deep inside of her, burying himself in her soft, yielding body as far as he could possibly reach.
Tessa wrapped her arms around his neck and locked her legs around his hips, holding him as close to her as she could, and glorying in the feel of his hard, thick cock thrusting in and out of her with increasing ferocity.
“Ah, God, it’s so good,” she cried, the tears tracking down her cheeks as he continued to move in her body with long, powerful thrusts. She buried her damp face against the side of his throat, her lips caressing his skin as she tried to pull him even closer against her.
She gave a little cry of protest as he lifted his chest from hers, sweat pouring from his body as it mingled with hers. He captured both of her hands in one of his and drew them over her head, holding them in place as he continued to fuck her with ever increasing speed. The look in his eyes was smoldering and dangerous as he stared down at her, his lips parted as his breathing grew ragged.
“I want to watch you when you come,” he told her in a guttural voice. “Look at me, Tessa, don’t close your eyes. I want to see it when the pleasure takes you over, see how much I can make you feel. You have no idea what it does to me, knowing I can give you that, my love.”
She struggled to keep her eyes open as he’d bid her, half-afraid of the intensity she saw burning in his gaze. Maintaining eye contact became increasingly more difficult as he kept stroking his big cock in and out of her body, until she felt yet another orgasm approaching, and knew this one would be by far the strongest of them all.
She was beyond rational thought, was all feeling right now, and as the orgasm hit full force she could only sob out her pleasure, the words tumbling from her lips as naturally as breath. “Ian, ah, oh, God, I’m going to c-come again! Oh, God, I love you!”
Her eyes did shut then, her body too consumed with sensation to even be aware of her actions. Dimly, as if from a great distance, she heard him groan loudly just before pistoning his hips into her body at a breakneck pace, his thrusts almost savage. When he came, he gripped her by the hips as he reared back onto his haunches, and emptied himself fully inside of her. She peeked up at him through half-lidded eyes, enthralled at his spectacular, primitive male beauty – a fine layer of sweat covering his entire body; his dark hair damp and disarrayed; his eyes tightly shut as he continued to fill her with his hot, sticky semen.
And then he was grasping her under the arms, pulling her up to straddle his lap while remaining embedded inside of her. She almost cried out at the ferocity of his gaze, and at the way he fisted a hand in her hair, holding her head still.
“Say it again.”
She knew exactly what he meant. “I love you,” she whispered, cupping his face between her palms.
Ian’s own eyes filled with tears, and she brushed one away with her thumb, staring at him in disbelief.
“God, do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say those words?” he uttered brokenly. “I never, ever, dreamed you would actually do it, though. I’ve loved you since the day you walked into my office, Tessa. I am completely, insanely in love with you, my darling girl, and you have just made me the happiest man on earth.” He kissed her softly. “And I have never, ever, told a woman that before. So you see, you are my first in many ways as well – my love.”
“Ian.” She was overcome with a whole flurry of different emotions right now – amazement that this proud, regal man had actually been brought to tears by her whispered confession of love; disbelief that he’d loved her that long; and then there was simply all the love she felt for him, the tenderness and the passion. Everything combined was almost too much to take, and she felt like pinching herself to make sure this wasn’t another dream she had conjured up.
But she was reminded – in a very, very pleasurable way - that he was all too real, and that what had happened was definitely not a dream. He made love to her again, this time with a gentleness and devotion that brought tears to her eyes. A long time later, they were physically and emotionally exhausted, and finally drifted off to sleep, both whispering “I love you” to the other as they did.