CHAPTER NINE
“Do tell, how was your weekend?”
Finished putting away her purse and personal belongings in the closet at the station for her shift, Kerri turned to find Carly leaning against the door frame leading into Dan’s office, arms crossed over her breasts. Her expression was expectant, and her eyes brimmed with curiosity.
Kerri smiled mischievously. “Like the rest of my listeners, you’re going to have to wait to hear the details of our sexy city night date on my show—” she glanced at her watch “—in about twenty minutes.”
“Argh! No fair,” her friend complained with a pout. A few seconds later, a sly grin replaced her sulking expression. “Just tell me this…did those condoms come in handy?”
Kerri’s entire body flashed hot, and it had nothing to do with the stifling air in the room, and everything to do with all the different, provocative ways they’d used those prophylactics. “Yes,” she admitted. “They did come in handy, thank you very much.”
“You lucky, lucky girl.” Carly sighed enviously. “I supplied the condoms, so of course that makes me privy to details.”
Kerri rolled her eyes as she brushed by Carly on her way out to the hallway to get herself a snack from the vending machine before her shift started. Naturally, Carly followed, determined to get the nitty-gritty information, and Kerri realized in that moment she wasn’t willing to dish out the specifics of her physical relationship—to her good friend, or her audience. What had transpired between her and Ian this weekend in the bedroom—and out of it—wasn’t something she wanted to taint by sharing with thousands of listeners. Oh, sure, she could insinuate what had happened, but this was one time she might leave them all guessing and wondering.
She hadn’t seen or talked to Ian since yesterday evening when he’d dropped her off at her apartment after they’d spent the day with Tori and Janet. Quite honestly, and much to her surprise, she’d missed him today. She was anxious to hear his deep, rich voice, and a part of her resented that she had to share tonight’s conversation with the city of Chicago when she wanted him all to herself.
As for Carly, she’d give her friend just enough to whet her appetite and stir her interest. Pushing through the door, she glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “Let’s just say that Ian has me addicted to sex.” No doubt about it, she was addicted to him, if the light, floating, giddy feeling she’d been experiencing all day was any indication.
“Oh, wow!” Carly exclaimed in excitement, and clasped her hands to her chest. “Did you spend the whole night with him?”
“Yeah, I did.” Digging into the front pocket of her shorts, Kerri retrieved two dollar bills and inserted one into the snack machine, then changed the direction of their conversation to a less intimate topic. “And yesterday he went to the women’s shelter with me. I took some promo stuff to sign and hand out, and the women there had a ball meeting him. It really bolstered their spirits. Of course he charmed them all.” She punched a button for cheese crackers, and the package fell to the bottom slot for her to grab.
“Hmm, what’s not to love about Ian?” Carly asked dreamily, seemingly infatuated with him, too, despite her devotion to Dan.
Love. The word, in context to Ian, startled Kerri. Especially since she was battling with her own emotions when it came to him and where he fit in the scheme of things beyond her radio show. She had no solid, concrete answer.
She cared for Ian, respected him, even, and enjoyed their conversations and the easy way she could talk to him, seemingly about anything. And there was no denying she wanted him. But beyond the incredible, mind-blowing sex they’d indulged in, she’d also shared a very intrinsic part of herself with him yesterday in telling him about her painful past, and by inviting him to the shelter.
Not so surprisingly, he’d fit right in at the shelter. He’d been sensitive, compassionate and genuine when the situation called for it, as well as funny and engaging during lighthearted moments. He’d even talked to Tori about her decision to leave her husband, and tried to assuage the woman’s fear of supporting herself on her own. And while Kerri wouldn’t go so far as to label what she felt for Ian as love, the emotions and longing taking up residence in her superseded anything she’d ever experienced for another man.
As Kerri munched on her crackers, she told Carly about Ian’s suggestion to take Tori and Janet to Navy Pier for the afternoon and how much fun they’d had together. The four of them had a blast on the Shoreline Shuttle that cruised its way to the Shedd Aquarium, which was something even Kerri had never done before. They rode the Ferris wheel and carousel and visited the Children’s Museum—a high-tech playground with interactive exhibits for youngsters. And that’s when Kerri discovered that Ian was a big kid at heart and loved children. He’d played with Janet in the Waterways and Inventing Lab, and followed her through the Treehouse Trails while she and Tori sat and watched the two of them enjoy the various attractions.
The way that Janet bonded to Ian, as if she craved the kind of male attention she’d never received from her own father, gave Kerri hope that Janet wasn’t permanently scarred from her father’s abusive tendencies. Ian had showered the little girl with attention, and by the time the evening ended after an early dinner it was obvious that Janet adored him. Kerri had been overwhelmed with joy when Janet wrapped her tiny arms around Ian’s neck and hugged him tight, then asked him to come back soon to see her. Ian assured the little girl he would…and knowing Ian was a man of his word, Kerri had no doubt that he’d make good on his promise.
Carly appeared totally enthralled and captivated with her story, and Ian. “The guy is a real prince, I’m telling you,” she said adamantly. “Don’t let this one slip through your fingers.”
Done with her snack, Kerri turned toward the soda vending machine to purchase a bottle of water. Opting to take a more realistic approach to her friend’s comment, she said, “He may be a prince, but all romantic fairy tales eventually come to an end.”
Carly pursed her lips determinedly. “And some end happily ever after, if you give them the chance.”
More confusion wove through Kerri, but her opinion remained firmly grounded. Water in hand, she twisted off the cap. “I just want to enjoy the time with Ian for as long as it lasts. I really like him—a whole lot, in fact—but I can’t say I’m ready to give up my freedom to settle down with just one person.”
A frown furrowed Carly’s brows. “Who said you had to give up anything at all?”
But in Kerri’s experience, relationships meant sacrifice. And that scared Kerri. She feared she’d get so wrapped up in a relationship that she’d lose sight of her independence, her identity, without even realizing the loss until it was too late. But she didn’t expect Carly to understand her insecurities and she didn’t have the time or inclination to launch into an explanation.
“Never mind.” She shook her head, dismissing their conversation and effectively sidestepping Carly’s interrogation. “So, how was your weekend?”
“Not quite as eventful as yours,” she said enviously, and propped a shoulder against the vending machine. “But I do have a secret to share.”
Kerri swallowed the mouthful of cool water she’d gulped, intrigued despite herself. “Oh?”
Carly glanced around, making sure that they were alone, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. “It’s not official yet, so don’t say anything to the other DJs, but there’s a young group of upstarts interested in buying the station and changing the programming to a heavy metal format.”
Kerri’s stomach turned over and churned at the suddenly very real possibility of having to start her career all over again, just when she was beginning to rise to the top. “Tell me you’re not serious.”
“Unfortunately, I am.” Carly dragged her fingers through her hair, appearing just as discouraged by the news. “There hasn’t been a firm offer yet, though. From what Dan told me, Virginia is being difficult and haggling over what she believes is a fair price, and the buyers don’t want to pay what she’s asking. Yet.”
Kerri took another drink of water, hoping to calm her upset stomach. “No big surprise there, considering how run-down the place and equipment are.”
Carly nodded in agreement. “All we can do is hope the buyers back off.”
“What does it matter?” Kerri asked, heading back inside the inner offices. “It’s inevitable that something will happen to the station one way or another. Either WTLK gets bought out, or we go bankrupt, though I hate to see either happen when things are going so well.”
“I hear ya,” Carly commiserated. “Oh, by the way, I set up a personal appearance for you and Ian Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Dan got a hold of two tickets on the mezzanine level for the Cubs game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and we thought it would be great if WTLK set up a booth beforehand and you and Ian met with fans. In fact, Dan suggested that we make this your second sexy city night date to get the most out of the publicity and on-the-air promotion during the week. What do you think?”
Kerri stopped at the plate-glass window looking into the broadcasting studio, watching as Jay wrapped up his show. She had to admit that the idea held appeal. Then again, just spending time with Ian, on any terms, tempted and enticed her. “Sounds like fun.”
“Great,” Carly said, enthusiasm infusing her voice. “I’ll let Dan know it’s a go, and I’ll get moving on advertising the appearance this week.”
Five minutes later Kerri was on the air addressing her listeners, and Carly was in the booth next to hers with Ian waiting on the phone to discuss their date on the air.
“Hello, Chicago. This is Kerri McCree, and you’re listening to Heat Waves on WTLK. We had a scorcher of a weekend, didn’t we? Or maybe that was just my date with Ian that had me so hot and bothered,” she teased huskily. “I haven’t spoken to Ian all day, and I know you’re all anxious to hear how our first sexy city night date went, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.”
She pressed the button for line one, connecting Ian to the show. “Hi, Ian. How are you tonight?”
“Better now that I’m on the air with you.” His voice was low and intimate, coaxing erotic memories of how they’d spent their weekend together. And more tender recollections of how much fun they’d had at Navy Pier yesterday. “I think today was one of the longest days of my life. I’ve been counting down the minutes until I’d be on the air with you.”
Something within Kerri softened, a part of her heart that was growing increasingly defenseless when it came to Ian. “Okay, ladies, if you haven’t figured it out by now, Ian is one of the most romantic, sexy, charming men around. And now, I’ll give you a summary of our date, which was fabulous and absolutely perfect, by the way.” She wanted to be sure that Ian knew what a wonderful time she’d had with him, if he didn’t already know it. Hot, sizzling chemistry aside, they’d connected in so many ways other than physically, giving their relationship a depth she’d never anticipated. An emotional depth that was making her question her own beliefs and her outlook on the future.
She shared with her listeners how Ian had surprised her by picking her up in a limousine, and went on to describe their private, enchanting dinner at Everest overlooking the city. She described their after-dinner limo ride along scenic Lake Shore Drive, but omitted the more intimate activities that had occurred in the back seat.
She smiled at Carly as her best friend gave her a I-know-there’s-more-to-this-date-than-you’re-letting-on kind of look. Kerri merely shrugged, not admitting to anything but superficial details. “I do have to say that Ian has exceptional taste in restaurants, and I was completely wined and dined and swept off my feet. He really knows how to treat a woman and make her feel special. Now we’ll open up the phone lines and take questions from listeners.”
All the lines lit up and blinked wildly, and Kerri glanced at her computer monitor to check the name of the first caller. “Thanks for listening to Heat Waves, Pete, and for following our sexy city nights campaign. What would you like to ask?”
“This question is for Ian,” Pete replied. “I’m sure I’m not the only guy out here wondering this but…what turned you on the most about Kerri during your date?”
Kerri winced and shifted in her seat, knowing it was a hazard of her job as a radio personality that male admirers would fantasize about the woman behind the voice and wonder what she was really like. She remained quiet, just as curious as the rest of her audience as to Ian’s reply.
“Everything about Kerri excites me,” he said, making her pulse pick up its tempo. “But if I had to narrow down my choices, I’d have to say it was the sexy black dress she wore, and her hot, cinnamon-flavored lip gloss that turned me on the most. I think I admitted on the air a while back that I’m attracted to a woman’s mouth, and Kerri has, by far, the most sensual lips I’ve ever had the pleasure of kissing.”
Kerri shivered deliciously at his compliment and tried to ignore the spiraling hunger and need building within her. Especially since she knew she’d be going home to a cold, lonely bed in the early hours of the morning after her shift ended.
Stifling a discontented sigh, she introduced another caller, this time a woman, and waited for the next question.
“How did the date end?” Deborah asked eagerly.
Kerri jumped in before Ian could answer. “With a kiss…or two, or three.” She injected humor into her tone, and before the woman could request specifics, she hit line three. “Welcome to the show, James. What question is on your mind tonight?”
“Did Ian get lucky?”
“As lucky as a man can get,” Ian replied smoothly, his response subtly sexy, but vague enough to protect their privacy, which she appreciated.
“Kerri, you said on a previous show that a slow seduction turns you on,” the next listener said. “How do you rate Ian in terms of your personal fantasy?”
Kerri was amazed that the woman remembered her comment about wanting a slow seduction, but was pleased that her topics and remarks had made a lasting impact with her audience. “Let’s just say that he’s a master at mind sex and foreplay,” she said seductively. “And he made sure I was completely satisfied.”
“And vice versa,” Ian added, his tone equally flirtatious.
Swallowing light laughter, and wishing he were there with her in person so she could see one of his warm, private smiles, she moved on to the next caller. “Do you have a question for us, Candace?”
“What’s up for your next sexy city night date?”
Kerri glanced toward Carly, who gave her a thumbs-up sign to let her know that Ian had agreed to the outing. “Ian is taking me to a Cubs game this Saturday at Wrigley Field. For those of you who might be attending the game, we’ll have a booth set up beforehand to meet and greet listeners. We’ll also be giving away free promotional items, so be sure to stop by and say hello.”
“Who are the Cubs playing against?” Ian asked.
“The L.A. Dodgers, and since they’re from my home state of California, I’m afraid I’m going to have to root for the underdog this time.”
Ian chuckled, the deep, rich sound resonating through the airwaves. “Should make for an interesting game. We’ll be rivals, since I’ll be cheering for the Cubs.”
She skimmed her tongue along her bottom lip and touched the perspiration gathering at the top swells of her breasts. “I take it you’re up for a friendly wager in terms of the game?”
“Umm, most definitely,” he murmured, a tantalizing insinuation lacing his masculine tone. “I’m hoping for a lot of home runs.”
* * *
Saturday afternoon couldn’t come quickly enough for Ian. After spending the entire week without seeing Kerri because of their busy, conflicting schedules, he was anxious to be with her…to watch her eyes light up when he talked to her, to hear her laughter over something silly they said or did, and to finally be within touching distance.
He’d started their day together by greeting her with a long, deep, passionate “hello” kiss when he’d picked her up at her apartment that afternoon. The kiss left them breathless and eager for a more physical joining. There had been no doubt that they both would have taken that embrace straight into the bedroom if it hadn’t been for the fact that they had their scheduled appearance to attend. Ian considered suggesting a quickie to slake their immediate needs and hunger, but opted to build the sexual anticipation for later, instead.
Arriving at Wrigley Field, they held court in the small booth WTLK had set up outside the entrance to the stadium, and from the moment they made their presence known they were absolutely swamped with fans and listeners who wanted their autographs or a picture taken with the two of them. Others clamored for the bumper stickers, T-shirts and other promotional items they were handing out.
The people they met were enthusiastic and supportive. Most of them were avid listeners of Heat Waves and were thrilled to meet them both. And while last week’s dinner engagement had been private and intimate, this date was sexy, playful fun for everyone to enjoy and be a part of.
Forty-five minutes into their appearance Kerri excused herself and stepped away from the crowd for a moment. Her face was flushed from the heat and humidity, and her lips lacked their normal pink, glossy luster. Ian continued signing autographs and passing out trinkets while keeping an eye on Kerri, just to make sure she was okay. He watched as she took a long drink from her bottled water and knew he was in big trouble when he found even that simple action stimulating and arousing.
Her lashes drifted shut as she drank, and the way she tipped her head back made her breasts more prominent. She wore a denim miniskirt and cotton tank top overlaid with a sheer, loose blouse, and the way the stretchy material contoured seamlessly to her firm, full breasts led him to believe she was braless.
He gritted his teeth when he realized he wasn’t the only guy to notice the sensual display. He was eternally grateful when their obligation to the show’s fans was over fifteen minutes later so he didn’t have to share Kerri with anyone else for the rest of the night. Once they left the booth and a crew took over to break down the stand, Ian ushered Kerri to the refreshment bar. They ordered hot dogs, peanuts and sodas, then settled into their private seats on the mezzanine level to wait for the game to begin.
Kerri swiped a hand across her damp brow, then dug into her purse for a barrette. “Wow, that was certainly hectic!” Smiling despite being overwhelmed by fans for the past hour, she gathered up the ends of her hair, twisted the strands into a loose knot and secured the mass on top of her head with the clip.
She’d exposed the slender column of her neck, moist with a thin sheen of perspiration, and he resisted the urge to caress that soft flesh with his fingertips and see that glimmer of arousal leap to life in her eyes. Another few hours and he’d have her alone and all to himself.
He returned her grin and handed her the large diet soda she’d ordered. “That’s what happens when you become a celebrity.”
“I’m far from being a celebrity,” she said modestly, and accepted the hot dog she’d piled high with a little bit of everything from the condiment stand. “But it is nice to see the station get the recognition it deserves. Too bad it probably won’t make much difference in terms of Virginia keeping the station.”
He cast her a curious glance. “What’s up with that, anyway?”
She bit into her hot dog, chewed and swallowed. “Just between you and me, it looks like the station might get bought out by a group interested in a heavy-metal format.” Her lips twisted with frustration and worry. “And if that happens, every one of us who now works for WTLK will be out a job.”
“What are you going to do if the sale goes through?”
“I honestly don’t know.” She sighed, and when she met his gaze there was no denying the distress in the depth of her dark brown eyes. “Start sending out résumés, no doubt. I hate to see all the hard work from this campaign be for nothing, especially when we’re starting to see an increase in ratings. We’ve even got big-name advertisers finally sitting up and taking notice of WTLK, and Virginia is just going to sell us off to the highest bidder, just to make a few bucks.”
She ate another bite of her hot dog and took a long drink of her soda. “I hate to even consider unemployment right now, but a part of me knows it’s inevitable, one way or another. At least I’ll have the success of our campaign to put on my résumé. And I’ve been thinking…if I can’t find a comparable position here in Chicago, then I might see what’s available somewhere else, like Indianapolis.”
Ian nearly choked on the portion of hotdog he’d been swallowing. Indiana? She was considering moving hundreds of miles away and starting over in a different state? His belly cramped with a slow-building panic, along with the urge to blurt out his feelings for her, which he knew she wasn’t ready to hear. “I’m sure if anything happens to WTLK you won’t have a hard time finding something here in Chicago.”
“Thanks for your vote of confidence,” she said with an indulgent smile, “but as I’ve learned in life, there are no guarantees, and no matter how much I might not like the thought of relocating, I have to keep an open mind and consider all my options.”
Ian stared at Kerri, seeing that strength and determination that made her the independent woman she was. No matter what, she would make it on her own. She’d proved that many times, and at the moment he was feeling helpless and fearful of ultimately losing her. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about her decision to leave, if that’s what it came down to. He could only hope that what they had together counted for something and made her rethink her plans when the time came for her to reevaluate her life and goals.
“Enough about my woes,” Kerri said lightly, and wiped her mouth, then her fingers on a paper napkin. “I heard some very interesting news I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”
“Oh?” he asked, fairly certain he knew what she wanted to discuss. “And what did you hear?”
“I stopped by the shelter this morning, and Tori told me that you interviewed her yesterday for a job, and hired her.”
“I did.” He shrugged, not wanting to make a big deal out of his actions and the choice he’d made. “I needed a receptionist for the office, and I automatically thought of Tori. I know she was nervous about getting a job because she didn’t have any experience, and I thought this would be a good start for her. She’ll be answering the phone and doing light administrative tasks. I know she’ll do great once she gets the hang of it.”
Kerri nodded in agreement. “And not only did you start her off on quite a high pay scale with full benefits, way above the norm for a receptionist,” she pointed out needlessly, “she also mentioned that you gave her a substantial advance for her to find a decent apartment for her and Janet, with enough money left over to buy furnishings.”
He stretched his arm along the back of her chair and rubbed his thumb along the bare nape of her neck. “It’s not a big deal, Kerri.”
“Maybe not to you, but it is to her,” she said, sounding very pleased that he’d thought of Tori for the employment opportunity. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy and confident.”
Kerri’s gaze softened with adoration, and though he loved seeing that affection directed solely at him, gaining her approval hadn’t been the reason why he’d hired Tori at his investment firm. His reasons went much, much deeper than that, to his own struggle to find a place where he fit in. He remembered how the Winslows had offered him such unconditional acceptance at a time in his life when he’d needed it the most. He liked to think he’d returned the favor in helping Tori.
She glanced out to the field, where the teams were still warming up before the game started. On the lower levels, people were finding their seats and buying refreshments from the vendors strolling through the stands.
After a few silent moments passed, she turned back to him and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about hiring Tori?”
“I was going to.” He grinned lazily. “If you haven’t noticed, this is really the first stretch of time we’ve had alone since we arrived.” And honestly, he hadn’t been sure how Kerri would take the news, considering her staunch views on being an independent woman. Obviously, he’d done well with Tori, and she approved.
Unexpectedly, she leaned across the plastic armrest and placed a warm, lingering kiss on his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He tilted his head. “For what?”
Her fingers touched his jaw reverently. “For giving Tori the chance she needed to build her self-esteem. For giving her the opportunity to prove that she can make it on her own and support herself and doesn’t need her abusive husband to take care of her.”
“Everybody needs someone to believe in them, Kerri.” He spoke from his own personal experience, and knew beneath that stubborn, headstrong facade of Kerri’s she needed someone who supported her emotionally, too—whether she realized it or not. “I see so much potential with Tori, and I know she’s going to fit in well at the firm. I don’t know if this makes sense, but I just wanted to do something for someone else, in much the same way the Winslows helped me when I was starting out.”
“I understand,” she said, her gaze and tender expression backing up her simple but powerful words. “You’re very lucky to have the Winslows in your life.”
He heard the wistful catch in her voice, and wondered if she’d heard it, too, or if she didn’t even realize what she longed for. “Yeah, I am.” He made a split-second decision, one that would yet again shift the dynamics of their relationship. “You know, I’m having Sunday lunch with the Winslows tomorrow afternoon, and I know they’d enjoy meeting you—”
She was shaking her head in denial before he even finished. “Ian…I don’t know.” Insecurities infused her voice. “I mean, you and Audrey and the Winslows…”
He understood her concern but wouldn’t accept it as an excuse. “Audrey is gone, Kerri,” he said gently but firmly. “There’s nothing I or anyone else can do to change that. You’re here and now for me, and I know that the Winslows are wondering who the sassy mystery woman is that I’m debating with on the air every night.” He followed that up with a persuasive grin.
Still, she hesitated, her concern and uncertainty evident in the absent way she chewed on her thumbnail and her unwillingness to give him a verbal commitment to the very personal date.
“Last weekend you shared a part of your life with me,” he said. “Now, it’s my turn to share with you.”
That request seemed to penetrate her defenses, and she released a pent-up breath. “You make it very difficult for me to argue with you, Mr. Carlisle.”
He chuckled. “I take it that means yes?”
“Yes, that means yes.” She pinched him playfully in his side, letting him know that the choice was truly her own, not instigated by guilt or a sense of fairness she felt she might owe him.
Grabbing her wrist, he brought her hand to his mouth, pressing his lips to her fingertips. “You know, we never did nail down the specifics of our wager on the game.”
Her lashes fell half-mast and her mouth curved into a beguiling smile. “Since your focus seems to be on making a lot of home runs, the team with the highest score wins, obviously. And since a home run in terms of sex is going all the way, let’s say the winner calls the shots later—any way they want it.”
“You’re on,” he murmured, welcoming the heat of anticipation that flowed through his veins and settled in southern regions. No matter how he analyzed the bet, whether he claimed personal victory with his team or lost the wager, he’d still come out a winner.
* * *
“I demand a rematch,” Kerri grumbled, not for the first time since the game ended with a six to seven score in the Cubs’ favor. “I swear Corey Seager slid into home base before the catcher touched him with the ball. That umpire had to have been blind not to have seen that he was safe!”
“Don’t be a poor loser, Kerri,” he said consolingly, having listened to her complain the entire drive to her place about the injustice of her team losing. That third and final out for the Dodgers at the top of the tenth inning had cost them the game. The Cubs had triumphed by one run, and that’s all Ian needed to win the bet. Despite her fun-loving quibbles and claims that his team cheated, they’d both concurred it had been a close, exciting game.
“The ump called the play an out,” he said, “and I happen to agree.”
“Of course you would.” They headed up the walkway leading to her apartment, and she dug her keys out of her purse. “And you don’t have to look so smug about the fact that the ump is biased toward your team.”
He chuckled at her outlandish accusation, one of many he’d had to endure the past hour. “It’s my right as the winner to be anything I want. And just as soon as we get inside your apartment I get to call the shots, any way I want.” He was already hard and aching with wanting her, and anxious to get them both naked.
She sent him a look of mock surrender. “Then I guess I have no choice but to accept defeat and be a slave to your every desire.”
He grinned wickedly. “Nope, no choice at all.”
Unlocking the door, she entered, and he trailed behind, closing and securing the bolt behind them. It was warm inside her apartment after being unoccupied all day. She tossed her purse and keys onto the couch and walked over to an air-conditioning unit protruding from the wall. She turned the knob to high and a gust of cool air blasted her midsection. Catching his reflection in the brass-framed mirror mounted over the unit, she sighed in relief, unbuttoned the sheer blouse she wore over her tank top and let it fall to the floor.
A tempting smile teased her mouth as she inched her denim skirt high on her thighs to cool off, then pulled the stretchy material of her tank top to just beneath her breasts so the cold air hit her belly. Her nipples puckered into tight peaks, and he could see their dusky rose outline through the thin fabric.
She closed her eyes, and with loose tendrils of hair wisping around her face and her lips parted enticingly, she tipped her head back in a pose straight from a centerfold magazine. “Aah, that…feels…so good.”
His blood heated, gripping him with a need so strong he knew this first time after a week apart would be a wild, frenzied joining. And while he was enjoying her provocative show, this seduction was supposed to be his by virtue of winning their wager, and he meant to make sure she knew that.
Tearing off his own shirt, he tossed it aside and came up behind her. Grasping her wrists, he lifted her hands and placed her flattened palms on the wall in front of them, forcing her to lean into the air conditioner and arch her back so that her bottom was on a perfect level with his hips and the bulge straining behind the fly of his jeans.
The position also left her no choice but to watch their images in the mirror, and his eyes burned and glittered like chips of green coal when they met hers. “Keep your hands on the wall…at all times,” he ordered in a low, raspy tone.
Nuzzling the side of her neck with soft, suctioning kisses, he skimmed his hands down her raised arms to the hem of her tank top, which he pushed up around her chest so that her full breasts were bared. Then, he bunched her skirt up around her waist and shoved her panties down. The wispy scrap of pink silk caught and tangled around her knees and he left them there.
A moan slipped from her throat and she shifted restlessly against him as the now frigid air blew across her nipples, intimately kissed the damp curls between her thighs and chilled her exposed flesh.
He aligned the front of his body along the back of hers and moved his mouth up to her ear. Holding her hips in his hands, he slowly gyrated his hard length against her sweetly curved, naked bottom. “I’ve wanted you all week,” he murmured hotly, eagerly, sharing one of his most illicit fantasies with her. “Every night when we talked on the air, I’d get off the phone and close my eyes and continue listening to your voice. I’d pretend you were in bed with me, that it was your hands on my aroused body, your tongue replacing the stroke of my thumb over the rigid tip of my cock, your tight body replacing my fist…”
Her breathing deepened, and she dampened her lips with her tongue. “Ian…”
He ignored her silent plea and unbuckled his belt, then unzipped the front placket of his jeans, finally releasing his burgeoning erection, which pulsed and throbbed despite the direct gust of cold air on his body. “Tell me you did the same thing when you got home at night,” he coaxed in her ear. “Did you take me to bed with you, Kerri?”
Her entire body shuddered, and her hands curled into fists against the wall. “Yes,” she whispered.
He feathered his fingers over her stiff nipples, then plucked the distended tips, the play of his hands a burning contrast against her icy flesh. “Did you feel my mouth on your breasts, my teeth tugging on your nipples, and the stroke of my tongue between your thighs?”
“Yes.” She nearly wept.
Pulling his wallet from his back pocket, he withdrew one of the condoms he’d stashed there, dropped his billfold to the floor and sheathed his pulsing sex. In less than a minute he was back. “Tell me, Kerri…did your fingers slip deep inside your body like I longed to do every night? As I’m aching to do right this very instant?” His touch coasted down her quivering belly and dipped low, finding her wet and ready and drenched with passion.
Her knees buckled and he caught her around the waist, holding her tight against him. “Yes,” she admitted on a strangled groan, and widened her stance and tilted her hips, seeking to be filled.
Accepting her invitation and unable to wait any longer, he drove into her, plunging deep and to the hilt. She sucked in a breath, and he exhaled hard as his hips pumped instinctively until the rhythm of his penetrating strokes matched the frantic beat of his heart. Capturing one breast in his hand, he slipped the other between her thighs to finesse the swollen nub of flesh there. He turned his head and opened his mouth against her neck, and was overcome with the primitive urge to brand her. Finding the tender skin between shoulder and the nape of her neck, he bit, sharp enough to make her gasp and rear back, and hard enough to leave his mark on her.
And that’s all it took for that wildness to ignite and flare out of control along with an essential hunger that spiraled from the depth of his soul. The muscles in his back and buttocks flexed with each powerful, upward thrust. He heard Kerri’s panting breath and looked in the mirror and witnessed the glaze of desire in her eyes. Saw the flush of ecstasy transforming her expression as searing pleasure crested. Felt the internal contractions sweep through her and clutch at him as she climaxed and cried his name as the force of her release ripped through her. He followed right behind with his own fierce, explosive orgasm that left him completely wasted.
Seconds later he was still holding her, their bodies still joined, their skin damp with perspiration where he pressed against her from behind, despite the cool air blowing steadily from the air conditioner. “How about a cool shower?” he suggested.
“Umm, that sounds good,” she said, though she seemed content to remain right where she was.
He met her gaze in the mirror and grinned sinfully. “Just be warned, this was just the beginning, and I’m not done with you.”
She reached back and touched her fingertips to his jaw, a drowsy, seductive smile making an appearance. “I certainly hope not,” she murmured. “You’ve got a whole week to make up for.”
* * *
Tying off the belt of her cotton robe, and grateful for the few minutes reprieve Ian had given her after their shower, Kerri rubbed condensation from her bathroom mirror until she could see her reflection. Eyes a soft shade of brown stared back at her. Her skin was pink from the glow of delicious, satisfying sex and from the cool shower she’d shared with Ian that had rapidly turned into a hot, steamy, erotic romp.
She felt sensually pampered and completely aware of erogenous zones she’d never known existed. It was a wondrous feeling, one she never wanted to end. Reaching into a drawer for a comb to run through her freshly washed hair, she caught sight of the faint crescent shape of Ian’s teeth marks on her neck and shivered in remembrance. The man was an incredibly physical, earthy lover, and even though they’d already had sex twice, she was already anticipating what Ian had in store for the rest of the night. She was game for anything, knowing she’d enjoy the encounter just as much as he.
She ran the comb through the damp strands of her hair, wondering what she was going to do once their time together was over and this constant craving she had for him didn’t go away. Her need for him was beginning to overwhelm and frighten her, which she didn’t need with all the other upheaval being dumped on her with the station and possible unemployment.
Not wanting to think about the possibility of leaving Ian, and determined to enjoy whatever time they spent together now, she headed back into her bedroom and found him over by the bookcase in the corner, the towel he’d dried off with knotted low on his hips. She winced when she realized he was perusing the section with her collection of sexual manuals and volumes on every kind of erotic, sensual topic imaginable.
Her heart thumped self-consciously in her chest, and she forced her feet to move forward while scrambling for an excuse for all those manuals other than the truth—that she’d never experienced really good sex, had never truly known what she’d been missing, until he’d introduced her to the various sensual pleasures of making love. She’d learned more from him during their sexy debates and being with him than any textbook ever could have taught her.
He glanced toward her with an open book in his hand, a slow smile unfurling. “Quite a library you have here.”
She closed the distance between them. No lies. No excuses. There was no reason for either after everything else they’d shared. “Would you believe I use them to come up with hot, sexy topics for the show?”
He lifted a dark brow. “Really?”
She drew a deep breath, exhaled slowly. “I’m not the sex expert I come across as on Heat Waves,” she admitted.
“No?” Mock disbelief laced his tone.
She frowned. “You’re making fun of me.”
“Yeah, I’m teasing you.” He winked at her, and she automatically forgave him. “Actually, you sound pretty convincing on the air, but that night when we were discussing orgasms in the stairwell was a dead giveaway that you weren’t the vixen you wanted everyone to think you were.”
She ducked her head in embarrassment. “Well, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention the sex manuals to anyone, especially my listeners.”
Tucking a finger beneath her chin, he raised her gaze back to his. “My lips are sealed,” he promised, his eyes glimmering with sincerity. “Besides, you won’t be needing these books anymore.”
She strolled to the bed and sat down on the edge of the mattress, not certain what he meant. “No?”
“Nope.” He looked all confidence, all male. “Now you’ve got me and I’ll teach you anything and everything you need to know about sex.”
She laughed lightly. “Oh, and aren’t you the know-it-all?”
“Any complaints so far?” he challenged, approaching her, the book he’d been looking at still clutched in his hand.
She saw the intent in his gaze, and heat and quivering excitement blossomed within her. “No, no complaints.”
“I didn’t think so.” He grinned cockily, then opened the Kama Sutra to a two-page spread of color photographs of lovers engaged in different sexual acts. “There’s a few positions in this book that look interesting. And since I only have a few hours to take advantage of the wager I won, I want to make sure I get my time’s worth.”
She scooted back on the bed. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yep.” He tugged the towel around his hips loose, let it drop to the carpet and joined her. “Starting with this one,” he said, pointing to a photo of a woman sitting astride a man who was kneeling on the bed, his thighs spread to afford a deeper penetration into his partner. “I want you on top like that.”
Already, he was completely aroused and ready for her, and it was a heady sensation to know she affected him that powerfully. He pushed the open book aside and stripped off her robe, then easily maneuvered her into that provocative position, and she gave herself over to him and his insatiable desires, knowing the pleasure would be completely mutual.
They tried many new positions, some lusty and adventurous, and others so impossible and silly that they’d laughed over the twisted, awkward positions they’d gotten themselves into. But during it all, she felt the closeness between them grow, felt the trust between them become so intertwined with her body and soul.
After all their attempts and a few orgasms for her, they ended up face-to-face, embraced in an intimate missionary position with her calves draped over the back of his thighs and him buried deep inside her. Fun and games aside, he made love to her slowly this time. And with each heavy glide of his body into hers he filled her so wholly, moved her so intensely and made her feel cherished, yet so incredibly vulnerable, too.
He framed her face in his hands, and their gazes locked as tightly as their bodies. And there in his caring green eyes she saw raw honesty, a wealth of promises and a tenderness she’d never before known.
Then, in the barest of whispers he told her, “I love you.”
She trembled and found herself tumbling, drowning, and tried to claw her way back to the surface. He must have seen or sensed her alarm, because he immediately attempted to soothe her fears.
“You don’t need to say anything in return, Kerri,” he murmured in the velvet darkness surrounding them. “I don’t expect anything in return. The timing felt right and I just wanted you to know.”
But it was too late. His declaration changed so much. It shifted the tenor of their lovemaking, the gentleness of his long, slow kisses, and the emotional intensity of her climax. Tears gathered in her eyes in the aftermath of her release.
But most of all, his love unlocked a part of her heart that had remained closed off for far too long.