CHAPTER SIX

 

 

 

Hearing Rey’s voice, Connor pushed Karin away, abruptly breaking their lip lock. When his eyes met hers as she stood a few feet away, all he could see was the hurt on her face. “Rey...”

Rey whirled around and ran for the steps.

“Wait!” Connor called out. He took Karin by the arm and pushed her down onto the wooden bench. “Look what you’ve done,” he said with disdain. “I don’t want you, Karin. There’s zero chance with us, so leave me alone or I’m telling your husband everything and you lose your meal ticket!” Running in the house, he called out, “Rey, wait!”

As Rey returned to Doug, she pressed her hand to her stomach. “I’m so sorry, Doug. I’m not feeling well at all. Could we do this tomorrow?”

“Sure, of course. Was it the fish?” Doug asked with concern.

“No, no, the fish was incredible. Everything was great. I think I just drank too much wine. Alcohol has this effect on me from time to time. My stomach feels like someone just punched me.” The wine hadn’t been the culprit and she knew it, but Rey hadn’t been lying when she said it felt like someone punched her in the gut. That someone was Connor when she witnessed him hooking up with Karin. “I’m going to go to my room to lie down.”

Connor caught up with her as she was leaving Doug’s study. “Rey, please, wait.”

“Don’t even talk to me,” Rey pushed by him and headed to their room. She would not cry, she refused to cry.

“I didn’t do anything, Rey!” he stage-whispered, shutting the door behind him.

“Keep your voice down. We are on the verge of landing this deal. The last thing we need is Doug catching wind of you fucking his wife.” Hearing the words come out of her mouth made Rey feel even sicker. She debated what to do. Change rooms? Leave the house altogether? For the moment, she’d have to settle for the bathroom. At least she could close the door and not have to look at Connor. When she tried to walk past him, he took her by the arm. “Get your hands off me, Connor.” Her tone was laced with ice.

“I didn’t do anything, Rey. You know what she’s like.”

He pleaded with his eyes, but Rey was too angry and hurt to hear him. “The worst part is that I believed you when you said things would be different. You told me you weren’t interested in her and I was stupid enough to take you at your word. The moment the sun comes up tomorrow, I’m out of here. You can seal this deal yourself, or not, that’s up to you.”

Connor still held her by the arm. “Don’t leave, Rey. Please. I can’t do this without you.”

“Why? Doug has all the information he needs from me. You’re McGregor Developments, I’m just the hired help.” She dashed some traitorous tears from her cheeks.

“No, you’re essential to me. I don’t want Karin. I don’t want anyone but you, Rey.” She was breaking his heart. He had to make her understand.

“Yea, that’s what you said last night.” Rey didn’t know what to believe. It was hard for her to admit, but she’d been waiting years for him to really see her. “This is just a game to you; a game I don’t want to play anymore.” 

Catching both of her hands, he held them tightly in his own. “No, this isn’t a game. This is real. I only want you.”

“I don’t know what to think.” Rey felt her resolve slipping. “How can I trust you?”

Connor brought her right hand up and pressed it to his chest, right over his heart. “We’ve known each other for a long time and there’s one thing I can say for certain - I have never lied to you and I’m not about to start now.”

Rey hung her head. She wanted to believe him so much. “I know.” Rey didn’t think he was lying to her now, but she knew Connor’s history as well as he knew it himself. Connor lived by the words from an old rock-n-roll song, love the one you’re with. Rey just didn’t know if she could survive the inevitable when he moved on to someone else.

Should she risk it? Would she forgive herself if she didn’t? “I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Her breath was coming fast and she was powerless to slow it as his sensually curved mouth moved nearer.

“Shhhhh, stop thinking so much.” Connor squeezed her arm, pulling her close.

Rey’s heart was hammering as she closed her eyes, surrendering to his kiss. She nearly swooned when he wrapped his strong arms around her, engulfing her with his muscular frame and drinking from her lips.

 Instinctively, her hands found their way to his face, her fingers brushing his cheeks. With wonder in her heart, Rey held him, kissing Connor as if her life depended on it. When she couldn’t hold back, Connor captured her moans in his mouth, her nipples tightened into hard buds, and she shivered with unfulfilled need.

“You are incredible, Cassidy,” he murmured between kisses that moved from her lips to her throat. “Your skin is like silk, I can’t wait to kiss you all over.”

His praise and the promise of his words caused her sex to pulse with need. She’d never felt so empty. Rey needed to touch him, so she grasped the biceps of his muscled arms, greedy to learn their firmness and power. Leaning on his hard, solid chest, she kissed him with abandon, sucking on his questing tongue.  

Connor walked her toward the bed, yanking her dress up and over her head. With urgent hunger, he pushed aside the cup of her bra with his nose and licked at the puffy, distended nipple.

“Oh God, that feels so good!” Rey arched her body and let her head fall back. His tongue was like sandpaper on her breast and the day’s growth of beard on his face rasped delightfully across her skin. When Connor sucked on her nipple, gliding his tongue over it languidly with fluid licks that sent Rey into a frenzy, she couldn’t keep her hands still. “Connor, I need to touch you too.” 

He kissed a path back up to her right ear and bit her lobe. “Be my guest.” Taking her hand, he tugged it down to the front of his jeans. Rey whimpered when she felt his erection hard and huge against her palm. Instinctively, her fingers molded him. When he groaned, she tried to pull back, but he held her hand still, pressing it firmly against him. “Don’t stop.” He held her gaze, as he rubbed her hand up and down the full, long length of him.

Rey’s whole body tingled with sensation. How many times had she touched herself, imagining doing this very thing? While she pleasured him, becoming familiar with his shape, Connor’s hands were not idle. He cupped her breasts, kneading him, milking the nipples between his fingers. Desire tore through her. “I don’t think…” she keened.

“Don’t think. Just feel,” he whispered, his voice low and urgent.

Rey had no choice, all doubt fled. She couldn’t help but obey. Coherent thought was beyond her capabilities, she was powerless to do anything but feel. Everything within her – heart, body, and soul – pleaded with her to stay. She fumbled with the zipper, pushing at his underwear. 

Connor gasped with pleasure when Rey’s fingers curled around his thick shaft. She slid her hand up and down, he felt impossibly big and she grew wet at the thought of taking him inside of her. Glancing down, her eyes widened, his cock was large and heavy, making her hand look small as he thrust it back and forth in her grip. A drop of pearly pre-cum beaded on the tip and she used her thumb to soothe it into his skin.

“See, he’s weeping to be inside you.”

“I want you so much, Connor,” she whispered. An urgent throbbing began between her legs as she realized her fingers couldn’t close around him. “I’ve wanted you forever.” Rey couldn’t have held the truth back if she tried.

Her admission did something to him. He’d always known Rey was smart and confident, but since that first kiss, he was seeing her anew. She wasn’t just beautiful and sexy, Rey was exquisite and ethereal. Connor wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman in his life.

“Let me.” He helped her out of her panties and unclasped her bra. “Now, I can touch you,” he whispered, letting his hands roam over her body.

As he caressed her, his palms gliding over her skin, Rey continued to rub and stroke his cock. He seemed to be enjoying her touch, but Rey’s sexual experience was limited. She might’ve been a fool to do so, but Rey had been saving herself for Connor. Could she please him? Her doubts became overwhelming. “Maybe, we should stop.”

Connor leaned his forehead to hers, chest heaving, his manhood pointing straight up out the top of his boxers. “Why, baby?” His voice was hoarse with need.

“Because this is a bad idea. We work together, Connor.”

“This won’t change a thing. I promise. We’re partners, we’re a team. This will only bring us closer.” He framed her face. “Please give yourself to me, Rey, I want you so much.”

His soft plea melted her heart and her reservations faded away. Yes, she could be making the biggest mistake of her life, but she couldn’t stop herself. She’d wanted him too long and too much to let this moment slip through her fingers.

Taking her silence for the permission he craved, Connor slipped out of his clothes and stood before her. Every muscle of his perfect body was firing. Arousal was consuming him, he was so hard and hungry, Connor thought he might combust with need. “Are you ready?”

“God, yes.”

“Let’s see how much,” he murmured as he covered her mound, sliding his fingers between her legs. “Are you safe?”

Knowing he meant birth control, she nodded. As he massaged her wet folds, Rey cried out, trembling in his arms, heat rushing to her sex. Her clitoris throbbed against the heel of his palm, it’s rhythm synced with the beat of her heart. His kiss captured her moan as she clamped down, riding his hand as he thrust his fingers into her over and over.

“You feel so good. You’re so tight, you’re going to strangle my cock.” Pulling back from her, he studied her face. “How long has it been, beautiful?”

“Forever.” Rey reached for him, putting aside every thought except how much she wanted this to happen.

“Fuck this. I can’t wait.” Connor stepped closer and picked her up in his arms, carrying her to the bed and laying her down gently.

“Come to me, Connor.”

Rey held out her arms and he went into them. The feel of her soft body against his was driving him mad. “There’s so much I want to do with you. You were made for passion, Rey Cassidy.” 

After having denied her sensual nature for so long, Rey could only hope he was right. “I hope I please you.”

In the dim light, Connor could see her cheeks brighten with a rosy blush. “You excite me, you thrill me, you have me so turned-on I can’t think straight.” Slowly, he lowered his head and took her uplifted mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. Holding himself up on his knees and forearms, Connor rubbed himself on her. Everywhere he touched Rey, her skin felt like warm silk, caressing and warming him, her stiff little nipples tangling in the hair on his chest.

“Oh, God,” Rey whimpered, sinking her teeth into his shoulder. “I love the way that feels.” She arched her back, pushing her breasts harder against his pecs. He moaned, thrusting his hands into her hair, eating at her mouth, his kisses feverish and wild.        

Shyly, Rey lifted her legs to lock around his waist, wanting as much contact with him as she could get. “Will you kiss my breasts again?”

Hearing her sweet request, he tore his mouth from hers, took a gasping breath and gazed into her expectant, uplifted face. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and her eyes were shining. “I’ll do anything you ask me to.” Easing down her body, he sat back, raising slightly so both hands were free. Possessively, he palmed both breasts, plumping them, kneading the soft globes. Staring into Rey’s eyes, he marveled at her response as he massaged her nipples, tweaking and pinching them. “You like that?”

“Oh, yes,” she whimpered, her hand coming up to caress his erection. He was huge, swollen, his cock almost looked angry. “Are you hurting?”

“In a good way.” Bending his head, he began to nuzzle the soft swells of her breasts, licking and nipping. As she’d asked, he kissed circles around one nipple, teasing her until she grasped his head to still it. With a chuckle, he zeroed in on the tender peak, opening his mouth wide and drawing as much of her womanly flesh into his mouth as he could. The act of pleasuring her this way fueled his own hunger, he began to suckle hard, rhythmically, loving the way she writhed beneath him. While he feasted on one breast, he played with the other, pulling on the nipple, playing with it until the movement of her hips told him she was ready for more. “God, you’re sweet. Open your legs for me.”

Rey was too aroused to feel any inhibition. Eagerly she parted her thighs, moaning with ecstasy when he rubbed the whole length of his cock and balls up and down the valley of her sex. Her hips bucked and she pushed her swollen, eager pussy hard against him.

Leaning down, he crushed her lips with his, moving his body so his erection slid up and down the folds of her pussy. Quivering in his arms, she lifted herself to him, begging wordlessly for his possession.

“Rey, I can’t stop now.”

His words were almost a warning, but any doubt or concern she had was overshadowed by a craving unlike any she’d ever known. “Don’t you dare stop.”

A smile came to his lips at her sassy comeback. Canting his hips high, Connor took his cock in hand and guided it to where they both needed it to be. Fitting himself to the small well of her sex, he pushed just the head into her wet heat. “You okay?” he asked, doing his best to maintain control. He didn’t think Rey was very experienced and he had no desire to cause her any discomfort.

Rey was trembling, her hands moving restlessly over his strong arms. “I’m good. I want you, I don’t care if it hurts.” She planted her feet on the bed and lifted her hips in supplication. She’d been so empty for so long.    

Connor closed his eyes in ecstasy as he began to work himself inside of her. Sliding into her tight warmth was incredible. He worked it in slow, letting Rey grow accustomed to his invasion.

“Don’t hold back,” she said, clinging to his shoulders, “I love this, Connor.” When he thrust in, she cried out, the relief and perfection of the moment overwhelming her. She was filled, stretched, the nagging aching emptiness was gone. As her needy flesh pulsed around him, Rey knew she never wanted to be anywhere else but in his arms.

“Hold on to me,” he ordered and she complied as he upped his pace, sliding in and out, propelling her to heights she hadn’t known existed.

God, Connor!” she cried, pressing her teeth into the flesh of his shoulder once again.

“You’re good, baby, oh so good.”

The rasp of his scruff on her neck teamed with the rasp of his voice in her ear sent her spiraling out of control, the exquisite pressure inside of her building and building. She tightened around him – greedily, protectively – her very soul unwilling to consider she might have to give him up or share him. For this single moment, Connor McGregor belonged to her.

From the way she was clutching him, shaking, pressing up against him as hard as she could, Connor knew she was about to shatter. “Look at me,” he commanded, and when she did, he ordered. “Don’t hold back. Let it go, baby. Cum for me.”

With her eyes locked to his, she obeyed. Rey broke, her entire being convulsing in violent spasms. “Connor!”

With a primal growl, he pumped harder, driving her body up the bed - in and out, over and over – lifting, impaling, demanding all she could give. And she gave all she had, her tender flesh clenching and caressing his cock.

“Rey! Fuck! Fuck!” A guttural groan of pure bliss erupted from him as hot cum jetted from his body with each wrenching thrust. He came so hard, so long, Connor didn’t think the pleasure would ever end.

Holding Connor close, Rey wrapped herself around him. She could still feel him throbbing deep within her. “Thank you,” she whispered. This was how it was supposed to be. Rubbing her face on his chest, she kissed him, soothing him, telling him wordlessly how much this meant to her.

Connor rolled to his back, taking her with him, never breaking their intimate connection. “Thank you, beautiful. This was my pleasure.” He kissed her tenderly. “Incredible, mind-blowing pleasure.”

“I’m glad,” she sighed, nuzzling his chest, rubbing her nose against his skin. “You smell so good.”

“Hold on.” Connor leaned over and turned on the bedside lamp. When the light came on, he took her hand. “Sit up. I want to look at you.”

She started to lift herself from his body. “Okay.” The room felt like it was a million degrees and she was perspiring.

He stopped her from moving. “I want to stay inside of you.”

“I’m a mess,” Rey protested, imagining her smudged makeup and tangled hair. She buried her face in his shoulder, not wanting him to see her.

Weaving his fingers into her hair, he forced her head up. “You’re beautiful, you’re perfect, you just made me come harder than I’ve ever cum in my life.”

“Really?” She framed his face, gazing into his eyes. “You’re the beautiful one, Connor. There’s not a woman in the world who could say no to you.”

“I’m not interested in any other woman.” He flexed his hips. “I’m right where I want to be.”

Pushing aside her fears, Rey indulged in the moment. Taking his hands in hers, she placed them over her breasts. His big palms completely covered them. He seemed to understand what she needed, because he began to rub her, massage her, pulling on the nipples and milking them between his fingers. And as he did, the pleasure caused her sheathe to tighten rhythmically, caressing the spent flesh she still cradled within her body.

“God, baby,” he breathed, feeling his cock come to life. “What you do to me!” He couldn’t take his eyes from her. She bit her pretty bottom lip and he leaned forward and helped her, nipping the same sweet spot, then soothing it with his tongue. “I need you again, Rey.” Placing his hands on her hips, Connor began to move her back and forth on top of him. His body was still hungry for her, he hadn’t had enough. 

Rey ground her hips down on him hard, undulating her body wantonly on top of him. Connor couldn’t keep his hands off her. Pushing the mounds of her breasts together, he feasted on the succulent nipples. He pulled on the tender tips with his lips and teeth, loving the way she pressed them into his face, hungry for more of his loving.

“How can I want you so much?” Her question needed no answer. She cradled his head to her as he hungrily latched onto a nipple, sucking it hard. “I can’t get enough of you.”

“Let me give you more.” He slid a hand between them, finding her clit to play with. It didn’t take but a few strokes and she was moaning again.

“Oh, Connor, I’m gonna cum again, I can’t help myself.”

When she turned her face away from him, he tore his mouth from her juicy nipple. “Look at me.” Rey turned back, her eyes glazed with desire. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Do you hear me? I want you just as much as you want me.” Pulling her the least bit forward, Connor gained himself a little room to move. With hands at her waist, he thrust up – hard. His dick was made of steel and he pierced her softness over and over. Every time he buried himself to the hilt, he was assaulted by soul-searing pleasure.

Before, she could press her face to his chest. There was no hiding here. She knew everything she felt was reflected on her face. Afraid he’d see too much, she dipped her head and closed her eyes, giving herself over to the pleasure swamping her very soul.

“Not happening, Rey. Look at me, baby,” he repeated his earlier command. Reaching a hand around her head, he wound his fingers in her hair, gently forcing her to look in his direction. Connor could feel the impending eruption building in his balls, his whole rod throbbed. “I want to see your face when you cum.” 

She let him guide her. The growl in his voice drove Rey crazy.

“Good girl.” He plunged up again, filling her to the brim, grinding the head of his cock into the deepest recesses of her body. The look on her face and the pants coming from her lips spoke to her approaching orgasm. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Connor gripped her hips so hard he knew he’d leave bruises.

Rey lost control. “I love you, Connor, I love you so much.” Her eyes closed and she gasped, her climax tearing through her body. Her channel convulsed around Connor’s cock so tight he saw stars. His whole body was ablaze and he wanted to burn forever. Pumping up into her – time and time again, the exquisite pressure of her glove-tight pussy milked him of every drop of seed. Breathless, he wrapped her in a tight embrace. His legs shook and he was blinded by ecstasy. 

For long minutes they held one another, Connor stroking her back, her face buried in his neck. She’d told him she loved him, but he hadn’t said it back. “Did we just make a mistake?” Rey asked.

Connor stood with her in his arms, kissing her gently on the lips. “The future is what we make it, Rey.” Carrying her to the bath, he sat her on the vanity while he turned on the shower tap. “If you consider what we just did a mistake, I’m all for making it again.”

“You’re right.” Throwing caution to the wind, Rey held out her arms and he lifted her under the spray with him. “Tomorrow can take care of itself.” Maybe he hadn’t heard what she said, they’d been in the throes of rapture. How could she regret taking a chance at happiness?

They made love twice more during the night, each time more earth shattering than the previous. But once the lights were out and she lay in the dark, cradled in Connor’s arms, her mind wouldn’t let her sleep. Every time she shut her eyes, the doubts and anguish came.

...When the morning light stirred Connor from sleep, he rolled over and wrapped his arm around the soft figure lying beside him. “Sleep good, baby?” She’d rocked his world last night and he’d fallen for her hard – head over spurs. “Rey?”

Pulling back the covers, Connor realized he’d been snuggling with a pillow. Rising, he looked for her on the balcony and she wasn’t there. “Rey?” He hurried to the bathroom, flinging open the door. “Rey?” Damn! Her makeup and other toiletries were gone. When he looked in the closet, her clothes and suitcase were gone. “Fuck!”

Dressing quickly, Connor headed downstairs and found Doug sitting at the kitchen table.

“Morning, McGregor. Coffee?”

“No, thanks. Have you seen Rey?”

Doug looked decidedly uncomfortable. “She left this morning. Hollis drove her to the airport.”

“Airport?” Connor ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Struggling to compose himself, he took a long breath. He had no idea what was going on, but he needed to put his game face on. “Oh, I forgot. Too much wine last night, I guess.”

“She came to find me bright and early this morning and asked if I could arrange to have Hollis drop her off at the Shreveport airport this morning. She said you needed her to go somewhere at the last minute and she’d booked a flight.”

“That’s right. Last minute business.” Connor knew he didn’t sound convincing. “We’re trying to do a deal with some guys down in Houston.” He was lying through his teeth, but better to do that than admit he didn’t know she’d walked off and left him without saying goodbye.

Doug produced a piece of paper from his pocket. “She said to give you this.”

Connor could tell Doug had an inkling of what was really going on. He took the note, but didn’t read it. “Thanks, Doug. I’m sorry, I need to be heading back too. I’ll call my pilot and tell him to get ready.”

“No problem. You go pack your things and I’ll make sure the car is ready to take you down to the landing strip.” Connor turned to leave, but Doug stayed him with a hand. “Listen, Connor. I am well aware of my wife’s tendencies.”

Right now, neither Karin nor the resort contract was his highest priority, but he let the older man talk. “I’m listening.”

“After this weekend, she might not be my wife for much longer. I apologize for her behavior, I want you to know I don’t blame you for any of this. I also want you to know I think you’re a gentleman and that partner of yours is a pretty special lady.”

Connor smiled faintly. “You’re right. She is.”

“I want to go ahead with this deal. I look forward to working with you and Rey on this project.” He offered his hand for a shake.

Connor accepted the gesture. “Great. I’ll get in touch with you next week and we’ll get the ball rolling.”

As quickly as he could, Connor made his escape and headed upstairs to pack his things. As soon as he was behind closed doors, he opened the note, reading it in the room he’d shared with Rey.

Connor,

 I don’t have regrets and I refuse to call what we did last night a mistake.

But I do know I can’t work with you anymore.

I’ll have a letter of resignation on your desk first thing tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Rey

Stunned by what he read, Connor crumpled the note in his hand and threw it across the room.

 “Oh, hell no!”

 

*  *  *

Once the plane was in the air, Rey let the tears come. Had she done the right thing?

Maybe walking away from Connor was the biggest mistake of all. Burying her face in her hands, she stifled a sob. Rey was so confused and so in love.

“Ma’am, would you like something to eat or drink?”

Wiping her face, Rey straightened up and gave the flight attendant a tremulous smile. “No, I don’t need anything. Thank you.” Turning to face the window, she stared out at the expanse of fluffy clouds. She needed to think. She needed to decide what to do. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander to the night before. Making love with Connor had been incredible. She’d never known it was possible to feel such bliss. Over and over again he’d taken her to the mountain top, he was an amazing and unselfish lover – just as she’d known he would be.

But when they’d finally lay exhausted in one another’s arms, reality had come creeping back, like the rising tide of fog after a storm. Connor would never change. He didn’t view relationships the way everyone else did. Connor made every woman he was with feel like she was the only one. At the same time, just like with her, he made no promises. But those other women could walk away. They weren’t reminded day in and day out of what they couldn’t have.

Not working with him would be almost too painful to bear, but the alternative wasn’t something she could even begin to deal with. Once he returned, Connor would expect things to go back to normal – him chasing new women and her keeping their business going.

For the life of her, Rey couldn’t see a path for them that didn’t lead straight into despair.  “I can’t do it, I just can’t.” No, this was for the best. Once she was back in Austin, she’d make other arrangements. Maybe it was time to change careers, there was always the letter detailing the offer Dr. Schumann arranged tucked in her desk. 

With the decision made, Rey rested her head against the thick glass of the window. Shutting her eyes, she tried to make her mind a blank. Maybe if she could forget how it felt to touch him, how it felt when he kissed her, how it felt… “No!” she whispered. “Stop! You’ve got to let this go.” She knew Connor McGregor as well as she knew herself. There was so much good in him – a kind heart, a compassionate spirit, and an indomitable will to achieve. His only failing was loving too much…and too many. Trying to change him would be like trying to hold a wild tiger in a small cramped cage. It would be cruel – for him and for anyone who made the mistake of trying to tie him down.

…Winging his way home, Connor figured he’d arrive only an hour or two behind Rey. As soon as the Lear was in the air, he left his chair, pacing the full length of the cabin – back and forth. He couldn’t be still. He relived every moment they’d spent together since that accidental kiss in his hotel suite. Rubbing his chest, he tried to ease the ache that was beginning to make breathing difficult. “How the hell did I make such a mess of this?”

What had gone wrong? His whole world was crumbling around him. He would be willing to try existing without some things – food, water, air – but managing without Rey Cassidy was unthinkable. Why, he’d be lost!

The short flight came to a quick end. When the attendant informed him to take a seat and fasten his seat belt, he was still in the throes of indecision. What was the best way to handle this? How could he convince Rey he couldn’t do without her?

As the plane landed and he made his way to his car, Connor understood that the landscape of his existence had changed. The poles of his world had shifted. For years, he’d gained satisfaction and comfort by garnering as much affection and admiration as he could from as many as possible. He’d collected women like some people collect fine art. His pleasure came from the acquisition, from the chase, not from the keeping.

With Rey, everything was different.

The other women in his life had been decoration, amusement, sources of satisfaction. But Rey was necessary, his sounding board, his other half.

He’d had sex with countless females…he’d only made love with one.    

Once behind the wheel, he turned the engine over and listened to it roar to life. He wouldn’t delay by going home first, he had something important to do – make sure Rey Cassidy realized that walking away from him wasn’t an option.

…Over at Rey’s condo, she was typing up her letter of resignation. When she finished, she planned on emailing one to Connor and taking one to his office in person. The quicker she made it official, the quicker she could put all this behind her. She composed one letter, then deleted it. Rey composed a second one and did the same thing. Nothing sounded right. One version was too formal, the next one too casual. After her fourth try, she slammed the lid of her laptop down. Rising, she walked away from the computer. She’d try again later. Dashing tears from her cheeks, Rey admitted she was kidding herself. One didn’t get over a man like Connor McGregor easily. For the first time, she felt a tinge of sympathy for the women who’d loved him and lost him.

The end of a relationship is sort of like the end of a life. Rey couldn’t help but look back in retrospect. So much had happened between them. So much good. They’d built his company from a dream to a reality. Hotels, condos, malls and high-rises bore the brand of McGregor Developments. And while the company belonged to Connor, he’d never denied the important role she played.

Rey also couldn’t refute the fact that Connor’s mystique with the ladies enhanced his reputation. In all the circles that mattered, his name bespoke power. Sexiness. The man behind the brand was a source of endless fascination and whispered speculation. And part of his reputation was due to the endless stream of beautiful women who vied for his attention.

Connor’s name had been linked with movie actresses, rock stars, and supermodels. Rumors ran rampant that he’d dated a couple of the same women as the heirs to the British throne. Of course, Connor didn’t discriminate. He also dated working women, regular women, women he met at the gym or while running along the jogging trail next to Lake Austin. Connor really was an equal-opportunity playboy. The only thing his romantic partners all had in common was unparalleled beauty.

And that single fact was why Rey questioned what really happened between them at Toledo Bend. Regardless of the pretty words Connor had whispered to her – Rey wasn’t beautiful. No matter how many airs she put on, no matter how many designer gowns she wore, Rey was still an ugly duckling. 

In truth, there was just one explanation and it wasn’t one she particularly cared for.

Rey Cassidy presented a challenge to Connor McGregor, a challenge he couldn’t resist.

“Oh, God,” the thought made her feel sick. Maybe in her determination to guard her own heart against loving him, she’d built a thorny wall of snark and banter that made him wonder how she managed to resist his charms. She could even remember him asking how she remained immune to him. The very thought that all of this could be a game to Connor filled Rey with tumultuous uncertainty.

Rubbing her forehead, Rey tried to calm down. She was getting a headache from all the stress and strain of unsettled conjecture. “What I need is a run,” she muttered. “Maybe if I get some fresh air, I can clear my head and finish that damn letter.” Going to her knees to pull running shoes from the back of her closet, another thought popped in her aching noggin. “Or…” she growled, because this particular theory really put her in a horn-tossing mood, “it might’ve been because I was…handy!”

“Arg!” she huffed, rising to her feet and chunking a pair of shoes toward the bed.

It made a warped kind of sense, Karin Rogers had been off limits and the only other woman besides Rey was the cook, Bettina, who was almost fifty years old. Rey had been his only logical choice of entertainment. “Crap!” If Connor McGregor pursued her because he was bored she would…

Knock! Knock!

Rey jumped. “Oh, no. Surely not.”

Knock! Knock! “Rey!”

The familiar voice caused Rey to freeze in her tracks. All anger and mental deliberations ground to a halt. “Connor?” 

At first, she considered pretending not to be home. “No, I’ve had enough pretense to last a lifetime.” They should’ve just gone to Toledo Bend and been honest. Rey could’ve been a panty-shield for him without the make-believe.

“Rey! Let me in! We need to talk!”

We need to talk. She hated that phrase.

Knock! Knock! “Rey, I know you’re in there, I can hear you walking around. Do I have to break the door down?”

“Go away! I’ll bring my letter of resignation to the office in the morning!”

Connor didn’t say anything else, instead he started jiggling the door handle. Her eyes widened. What if he did try to break her door down? “Hold on! I’ll let you in. Dammit!” Starting toward the door, she abruptly stopped. God, she was a mess! Racing to the bathroom, she checked her reflection in the mirror. Her tear streaked face and tangled hair made her groan. There was nothing she could do to fix herself in the next few seconds. “Damn, if I just had a bag to put over my head I’d feel better.”

“Rey! For pity’s sake, open the damn door!” He jiggled the handle again, louder this time.

“All right. I’m coming. I’m coming!” Her answer made her frown.

She probably wouldn’t be cumming again anytime soon.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to find him standing there with one hand on his hip, looking devastatingly gorgeous – which just made her madder. “Why are you here, Connor?”

Connor blinked his eyes. Why was he here? “You left me.” He stated the obvious with censure in his voice.

“Yea, I did.” She couldn’t argue with the truth. “Did Doug back out of the deal? If he did, I’m sorry about that.”

“No.” He shook his head. “But the deal isn’t important.”

The deal wasn’t important? “Are you ill?”

“No, I’m not ill. Are you going to invite me in?” He kept up the tone, but his eyes searched her face. His heart was still beating a mile a minute.

“I’d rather not. I told you I was resigning. Wasn’t that explanation enough?”

“Not by a long shot.” He pushed past her. “Why did you leave?”

Rey stepped back, putting a settee in between them. “Do you want something to drink?” Changing the subject was a good delaying tactic.

“No, I damn well don’t want anything to drink. I want an explanation.” He pulled a piece of paper from his back pocket, then ripped it in half. “And I need to you to throw away this garbage away for me.”

“Connor!” She took the remnants of her note and wadded them up. “Just because you tore that up doesn’t mean I’m going to change my mind.”

Connor began to move toward her. “Why did you leave? Why did you resign? After that amazing night we spent together, why did I wake up alone?”

Rey backed up a few more steps. “Because we made a mistake. How could we work together? I’m not made like you.”

“Thank God!” Connor’s eyes raked down her body, making her warm all over. “Vive la difference, as the French always say.”

“I can’t go back to the way we were. I can’t just be your partner anymore. I couldn’t stand to…”  

“No one asked you to.” Another step or two closer. “I felt something with you last night that I’ve never felt before. From that first kiss in the penthouse, I’ve been unable to do much more than plan how I was going to get you in my bed. The trip to Toledo Bend served two purposes. First, I thought we could seal a helluva deal, but more importantly, you and I could have a chance to explore things between us without risking everything we have.

“Wait.” Disbelieving, Rey held up her hands. “You planned this?”

Connor started to say something, then stopped. Rey had to plant her feet firmly to keep from going to him. He looked like he was suffering and this confused her even more. “Talk to me, Connor, make me understand.”

“You make it sound so underhanded. It wasn’t like that at all.” Frustrated, he rubbed a hand over his face and then up to ruffle his hair, making it stand on end. “Tell me, Rey. Did that slip of our lips do anything to you? Did it take you by surprise? Did it make you question the order of the universe?” He paused for a second, but didn’t give her a chance to respond. “Well, it did me. It rocked my world. It knocked my socks off. How could one random little kiss shake me so much that I couldn’t think of anything else?” He took one step toward her, stealthily, like a big cat. “Damn right, I planned it. The situation with Karin was fortuitous, nothing I told you about her or the situation was a lie. What it did was give me an excuse to test the waters with you, to see if the chemistry between us was as explosive as I thought it would be.”

He moved another step toward Rey. “Connor…”

“And you know what I discovered?” He looked deep into her eyes, unwilling to look anywhere else.

Rey was speechless. Waiting. Her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest. She tried to remember all the reasons she ran. At the moment, she couldn’t think of one.

“Every time I touched you, I felt more alive than ever before. The kiss wasn’t a fluke. Holding you, kissing you, loving you is like coming home. From the moment I kissed you, it was like taking a full breath for the first time. I discovered that I’m attracted to you like no other woman. There’s no way I’m letting you walk out of my life.”

Rey put her hands behind her back, trying to keep from reaching for him. “Are you sure?” Now, it was her turn to move a step closer to him. “This is me, Rey. I’m nothing like the women you usually date.”

“That’s right, Rey. You’re like no one else. You’re irreplaceable and this is why…” Connor snarled as he reached for her, pulling her tightly to him. Crashing his mouth to hers, he kissed her passionately.

At first, she struggled, trying to get away from him before her traitorous body betrayed her. He was saying all the right things…but this was Conner. She knew him too well to think he would suddenly transform to a man willing to be true to any one woman.

“Kiss me back,” he demanded against her mouth, catching his breath, but not relinquishing her lips.

Rey tried to resist him, but her heart wasn’t excited about the decision and her body out and out rebelled. With a sigh of surrender, she gave herself over to him, twining her arms around his neck. Arching against him, her hand crept up to his neck while the other cupped the hard angle of his scruff-laden jaw. Parting her lips, she accepted the sweeping quest of his tongue, kissing him back as if she needed him to breathe.

Her acceptance of him lifted a burden from his soul. He didn’t stop, continuing to kiss her with desperation. But when his hand lifted to brush against her breast, she stopped him.

“Wait.”

“Don’t put up any more barriers, Rey. Please.”

“Connor, listen…” She clasped his hand to her chest. “Like I tried to tell you earlier. I can’t go back the way we were…not after…” Rey swallowed nervously and dipped her head.

He bent his head, endeavoring to make her look at him. “I don’t want to go back, I want to move forward with you, together.”

“I know you better than anyone and I know you could never be satisfied with…just me.”

Incredulous, Connor struggled for the words to convince Rey of his sincerity. “I can and I will be. Everything is different with you.”

Rey shook her head. Her lower lip trembled. “I’m afraid to trust you. Women aren’t going to leave you alone and I can’t compete.”

“Oh, you underestimate yourself, Cassidy.” Connor ran a hand beneath her hair, lifting it and winding it around his hand. “Do you know what I want to do to you?”

“What?” This new Connor was hard to fathom.

“With the least bit of provocation, I would rip the clothes from your body, lift your breasts to my lips and suck on your nipples until they are hard as diamond points.”

“Connor…” She tried to move back a step, but he held her in place.

He ran the tip of one finger down the vee of her shirt, making chill bumps rise on her skin. “I want to kiss my way down your body, inch by inch, and when I reach the sweet mound between your legs, I want to tease your clit with my tongue. Licking it until you can’t be still, then suck on it until you scream.”

“Stop.” Rey was shaking, partly from the conflict, but mostly from arousal.

“You’re already wet, aren’t you?” He looked triumphant.

“This isn’t helping your case, Connor.” Rey tried to move aside, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

“What can I do? I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. How can I prove it to you? What will it take to get you into my bed?”

Rey wanted to accept what he offered more than she wanted to breathe – but she couldn’t. “The only thing that would convince me is the one thing you’d never be able to do.”

“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

“I would want you to be faithful to me. I could never share you with other women, Connor.”

“Okay. I’m in, I’ll do it.” He was emphatic, his hand was gliding up and down her arm, as if he couldn’t bear to not be touching her somewhere.

His quick response wasn’t convincing. “You’re just reacting. You’re not thinking this through.”

Framing her face, Connor stole another kiss. “As long as I have you, I’ll be more than satisfied.” He dipped his head and ran his lips along the side of her neck.

Rey clasped both of his wrists in her hands. “I’m afraid to believe you, Connor.”

With a snort and an affronted look, Connor began to argue. “Hell’s bells, Cassidy, do you have any idea how many women have tried their damndest to snare me? And here I am, offering to be mono…monogamous for you.”

“See?” Cassidy glared at him. “You can barely say the word, much less live up to it.” At his hurt look, she softened her tone. “Connor, you’ve been the Don Juan of Austin for years and you’ve loved every minute of it. Why would you want to be someone different than who you are?”

“Because of you.” A hint of desperation filled his voice. “I know I’ve been promiscuous, and yes, I’ve had a good time doing it. But that was before you made me see the difference, you showed me how much more wonderful sex can be when you’re with someone you care about.”

Rey still wasn’t convinced. This was just too important. “The stakes are too high, Connor. I know how this will end. You’ll break my heart and we’ll lose both our friendship and our business.”

“But wasn’t that what you were doing? You were walking away before we even had a chance to try and work things out.” He pulled her to the couch. “Let’s sit down and think about this thing. We’ve built a business together, surely we can figure out a way to give us both what we so desperately want.” Connor locked his gaze to hers. “And you want me, don’t you? Enough to try?”

Rey couldn’t deny the truth. “I want you too much. Walking away from you is breaking my heart.”

“Then, don’t do it.” He shrugged. “It’s as simple as that. Tell me what to do. Anything. Do you want me to take out a billboard in downtown Austin and announce I’m giving up women? I’ll do it. Do you want me to take a vow of celibacy until I’ve earned your trust? I’ll do it.”

Rey went completely still. One of his suggestions made complete sense to her. Everything had always come easy for Connor, especially women. Whatever and whoever he wanted, all he had to do was give that sexy, crooked grin and his heart’s desire fell into his lap. In the area of business, Rey had taken pride in making this possible for him. But could he want her enough to prove it or would he decide she wasn’t worth the trouble?

“Actually, I think that’s the answer.”

Her response took him aback. “What, the billboard?”

“No.”

Watching his face, she saw the moment when comprehension dawned. “Celibacy?”

He said the word like it was the scariest thing in the world.

She smiled at him. “Would it be so bad? We’ve been business partners. We’re friends. We’ve made love. But we skipped a few steps. Would you mind dating me?”

“Well, no, of course not.” He still looked highly disturbed. “To date you, I have to do without sex? Why can’t I sleep with you? You do know abstaining can be dangerous for a man, it’s bad for my prostate.”

Rey rolled her eyes. “I’ve gone without. Before you, I’ve only had sex one other time in twenty-five years.”

“Yea, but I made up for it. I gave you at least eight orgasms.” He grabbed her hand. “Come with me to the bedroom and we’ll make it an even dozen.”

Rey refused to be pulled. “Stop. I want this time with you. I need it. You told me I could have a prize for pulling off the deal at Toledo Bend. Although…I didn’t really stay long enough to see it through.”

“You impressed Doug. I think you’re more than half the reason he wants to join forces with us. He also told me that he’s probably not going to be married to Karin too much longer.”

“I hate to hear that,” Rey muttered. “Divorce is never easy.”

“Doug will be better off, believe me. So, you don’t want a new car? Diamond earrings? Wouldn’t you like for us to go to Paris or Hawaii together?”

“No. None of those things mean a hill of beans to me. We’ve pretended. Now, I want the real deal. I want to know what it feels like to be your girlfriend.”

“I would have sex with my girlfriend.” He looked like a sullen little boy who’d just had his favorite toy taken away. “Celibacy? Seriously?”

“Hey, McGregor, this was your idea.” She gave him a tender look. An hour ago, she thought she was walking out of his life. Now…they might have a chance. “How long have you ever gone without making love?”

“I’ve never made love except with you…so, less than twenty-four hours.”

“Connor. You know what I mean.”

Connor looked guilty. “I don’t know.” He looked sheepish and dry-scrubbed his face. “Ten days, maybe.”

“A month, all I ask for is a month.” She went to him and laid her hand on his chest. “Let’s work together, spend time together, and do couple stuff for thirty days. If you find out I’m not worth it, the bet’s off and you go back to the way you were before.” And she’d leave. “But if you woo just me for thirty days, I’ll sleep with you whenever you want.”

Connor took a long moment to let his eyes rove over her body. He made sure she could read his mind. The look of lust on his face made her shiver. “Fine. Piece of cake. But I have a condition too.”

Uh oh. “What kind of condition?”

“I get to kiss you all I want. Anytime.”

Kissing? No big deal. Rey was just relieved he’d said yes. “I accept your terms.”

“Thank God.” Connor tugged her to him and claimed his first kiss.