CHAPTER SEVEN

 

 

 

Connor looked at his reflection in the foggy mirror. “A month without sex,” he said, wiping the dampness away with a towel so he could shave after his shower. “Ha! I can do this while standing on my head.”

Rey’s edict had taken him by surprise, but he was game. He already knew he didn’t want anyone but her.

With shaving cream spread over half of his face Connor paused… “Shit.” Maybe, he’d accepted this challenge without thinking it through. This might be harder than he thought. “You idiot, McGregor. You’re going to have to see her every day.” He looked down at his cock, it was starting to harden at the mere thought of Rey. “Fuck, she smells so good.” His mind flew back to their first time. “And she’s so tight,” Connor groaned.

His cock was at full mast now. Reaching down he stroked it, closing his eyes to picture her in his head. She was so beautiful and smart. A large part of his attraction was to her brain. Rey wasn’t like the women he usually engaged with, she was powerful and strong in a way that was sexy as hell. Sure, she was gorgeous, but her looks weren’t her only appeal, Rey could hold her own in a conversation about anything and he never failed to be in awe of her.

Squeezing his cock hard, he tried to mimic the sensation of her pussy wrapped around him. “Not even close.” There was no way Connor would be able to see her at the office and get any work done. “I don’t care if I’m late,” he told himself. “I need to get this out of my system or I won’t get anything accomplished today.”

Leaning with a hand on the sink, he stroked faster, pulling on his substantial length. “At least she didn’t say no jerking off.” A vision of Rey walking into his office filled Connor’s mind. She had a stack of papers in her hand, her hair was up in a bun, and she wore a dark blue dress that screamed career woman. She looked powerful and impressive, but also soft and sensual.

Connor stroked his cock faster. In his fantasy, Rey was all business. She leaned over his desk, turning over page after page, showing him where he needed to sign. Each time she flipped a page, he caught a whiff of her perfume. With his eyes closed, he could practically smell her.

He fisted his cock harder, letting the tightening in his balls grow until he was gasping, his hips bucking. “God, I fucking want you, Rey,” he growled before emptying his balls all over the towel on the floor in front of him.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Connor frowned, trying to get his breath back. “Fuck, McGregor. Maybe a month is going to be longer than you thought.”

…The first ten days passed with Connor on the verge of insanity. If their plate hadn’t been full with plans for SXSW, he wouldn’t have made it. SXSW (South-by-Southwest) was a huge ten-day festival that celebrated everything Austin; music, film, food, and culture. McGregor Developments would have booths, displays, sponsor events, and host a major party with A list attendees.

“Do you have the guest list finished?” he asked Rey who was bent over his desk. Her shapely derriere, which was lovingly encased in a trendy leather skirt, was in full view. Not to be outdone, her amazing, long legs sported boots that laced up her slim calves. Was she trying to kill him? “Don’t you own any longer skirts?”

“Yes and no.” She straightened up and gave him a mischievous grin, tossing a long lock of her silky hair over her shoulder. “Here’s the list. Review it and make sure we haven’t left anyone off that you’d like to invite. I’ve included all the regular Austin stars: Matthew, Renee, Dennis, and Sandra. And I think I’ve got your favorites from among the out-of-town guests, but you can be sure.”

“Maybe if you wore pants,” he suggested, ignoring her comment about the party.

Rey hid a tiny smirk, she wasn’t going out of her way to tease or seduce him, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t try to entice. Being the focus of Connor McGregor’s interest was a heady thing. Perhaps she wore her clothes with a bit more confidence now, maybe she strutted in front of him and puffed out her chest a little more than usual. Rey had wanted Connor for years, yet she’d been careful to always remain totally professional on the job. This new shift in their dynamic was exciting. “Have you heard anything more from Douglas?”

“Yea, Doug is sending the final paperwork by courier tomorrow. I’ll have our lawyers review it before we go over the specifics.” Connor leaned back in his chair, then proceeded to spin it in a circle. When she didn’t say anything more, he laid his head back and stared at her. She was checking messages on her phone. “Do you own a burka?”

Rey rolled her eyes, taking a seat on the side of his desk, still on her cell. “Are you feeling okay? You seem a little jittery.”

“Withdrawals.” He was teasing, for the most part. After the initial shock and those first few days of feeling like he could crawl out of his skin when she was around, Connor had steeled himself.

While a great deal of Connor’s time and focus went into his work, he always seemed to have ample time to pursue whatever attractive female caught his eye. Since he normally liked to keep a reserve of candidates available for his delectation and his fascination with any particular woman was finite, he usually divided his schedule among several, giving each their portion of his divided attention. Since he’d foreswore all others in his quest for the fair Rey, he could focus all of that energy on the pursuit of one woman. In doing so, he spent three full days doing little but observing her. His partner was certainly no stranger to him, but the little details he used to take for granted, now seemed ultra-important. Connor studied what she ate and drank, making notes, so he could have her favorite meals prepared and brought to her desk at lunch and even a few delivered to her door at night.

“Thank you for the salad last night, Connor,” Rey said one morning when arriving to work.

Connor just kept his eyes on his computer while he typed. “Salad?”

This became their routine most days. If he didn’t escort her out on the town, he made sure she ate and was taken care of once she went home. The next day, she would thank him for the delivery, Connor would ask what she was talking about, and each time Rey would respond with a knowing smile.

“There are clinics for these type of addictions, you know.” She smirked at the thought. “I can see the headlines now, Local Lothario confesses to being sex addict, admits himself to clinic for treatment.”

Connor could hear the teasing in her voice. Their verbal sparring energized him. “You’ll be singing a different tune once this month of sexual drought is over with. Once I get you naked and underneath me, you’ll be grateful I can’t get enough of you.”

Rey trembled, flushing with desire. He was right. She was struggling with her own attraction to him. The man was magnetic. She’d seen Connor wine and dine many women over the years, but Rey couldn’t remember if she’d ever seen him lavish this type of attention on any one of them. Most days she could barely get her work done for thinking about him. “Oh, you’ll be fine. This month will be over before you know it.” Brave words from someone who was feeling the strain herself.

“I don’t know,” Connor mused, staring at the ceiling as if he were studying constellations in the night sky, “to quote scripture, every day is like a thousand years and you’ve sentenced me to thirty of those endless days. The only thing getting me through them is my daily kiss.” He turned his head to spear her with a glance. “Come here, Rey, it’s time.”

Rey quivered with anticipation. Connor insisted on ending each day with a kiss, a kiss he always reminded her was acceptable under her rules. “The day’s not over yet.”

“Who says I’m limited to one kiss a day?”

“No one, but that’s seemed to be enough to satisfy you.” She’d agreed to let him kiss her all he wanted to, but so far, he’d been the one to limit it to one a day.

“I’ll soon show you the real meaning of satisfaction,” he spoke with a low, promising tone. “Are you afraid you’ll be the weak one and give in before my probation is over?”

“Don’t call it that.” And yes, that was exactly what she was afraid of. In truth, Connor made sure he kept her on a slow burn. Every night she touched herself, thinking of him.

“But that’s what this is, isn’t it?” Connor’s tone was not condemning, merely curious. “This is a test, a test I’m willing to take. Now, come here.” He beckoned her to him.

This time Rey went, allowing him to pull her down into his lap. “I love kissing you. It’s almost as satisfying as…” Without hesitation, he caught her trembling lips with his. She slid her fingers into his hair to pull him even closer. Connor allowed her that liberty, before he took control. He began slow, brushing his lips across hers, causing Rey to crave more. When she moved in to claim the kiss, he backed off a bit, making her work for it. She didn’t give up, chasing his mouth with hers. He chuckled, loving how she went after what she wanted. “That’s it, love, come and get it.” With their mouths melded together, he felt the tip of her tongue touch his. With an eager moan, he advanced, kissing her deep, tilting his head to find the sweetest angle.

Rey didn’t hold back the small sounds of need, she clutched him close, her lips working feverishly to claim more and more of him until they were both out of breath.

Still panting, she leaned over to whisper into his ear, “If this is a test, you’ve definitely earned an A for the day.” Rising, she slipped from his lap and hurried to the door.

Behind her, she could hear Connor’s confident chuckle.

 

*  *  *

The next Thursday night, day fifteen of their trial period, Rey’s doorbell rang shortly after nine. As usual, she was working. SXSW was almost upon them and she had a million loose ends to tie up. The main reason she was behind was Connor, he refused to allow her to work on weekends. Last Friday night, he surprised her with an evening out. He’d picked her up in a limousine and escorted her to the finest restaurant in town. One of his, of course, a successful venture Rey had named Chisolm, a nod toward the legendary Texas cattle drive trail. After a sumptuous meal of lobster and filet mignon, Connor had escorted her to an exclusive club atop one of their skyscrapers, where they’d been entertained by one of the hottest bands in the business. And not for one moment did Connor leave her side, she couldn’t have asked for him to be more attentive. The only blemish on their evening were the many interruptions from women who were used to only seeing Rey with Connor in the capacity of his assistant. Assuming Connor was available, the aggressive females had pushed Rey aside, trying to monopolize his time.

To give Connor credit, he refused to put up with it. He quickly informed the interlopers of their mistake. Still, the disbelieving looks on the women’s faces, their incredulity of the fact that he could choose to be with her over them - - stung.

On Saturday night, he’d tried to make up for the confusion of the evening before. The date he planned was more wonderful than she could’ve dreamed. He’d picked Rey up early and swept her away to the airport, flying her to San Francisco for a meal on a yacht that sailed them beneath the Golden Gate bridge. They’d winged their way home on Sunday morning, her sleeping in his arms with her head on his shoulder.

While both dates were incredibly romantic, when they were over, he’d left Rey at her door with a single, gentle kiss. If leaving her wanting more was his strategy – it was working. Nothing seemed to captivate her attention over him. Not business, not even her music. She was becoming obsessed.

Now, approaching the third week of Connor’s forced celibacy, Rey sat on her couch with a glass of Pinot in her hand, trying to push away the doubts she’d been having since an order of red pepper salmon pasta was delivered to her front door a few hours earlier. Was this just a game they were playing? Rey set her glass down on the coffee table and picked up a sofa pillow, holding it to her face, letting out a muffled scream.

Knock! Knock!

Rey jumped at the sound of someone at the front door. “What now?” Could it be Connor? A thrill ran through her at the prospect. Running to the door, she didn’t even bother to look through the peephole. “What are you doing here…?” she began, but her voice trailed off with disappointment when she found no one on the other side of the door. Rey stood there for a second, wondering who would play such a prank, when she happened to notice a rose lying on the mat in front of her. A beautiful orange rose.

Scooping it up, she touched its velvety soft petals and drew it to her nose, closing her eyes at the sweet smell. “Connor,” she whispered dreamily. Before closing the door, she took one last look around, making sure he wasn’t hiding in the bushes. More than likely, he’d had it delivered, but the thought that he might have brought it himself made her smile. Whirling around, she closed the door, twirling in a circle, the flower clutched between her fingers. 

Waltzing back into the living room, Rey held the beautiful rose to her cheek. Orange was such a different color, she couldn’t say she’d seen a lot of orange roses in her lifetime. Red was usually the color she associated with love and romance, so she wondered if Connor could possibly be sending her a message. Taking a seat on the couch, she pulled her laptop to her, and quickly looked up the meaning of an orange rose. “Oh, my goodness,” she muttered when she read that the unique flower symbolized love emerging from friendship. Tears filled her eyes. Rey couldn’t be sure Connor knew the symbolism, but the idea that he might left her breathless.

Ring! Ring!

“Dang.” She wasn’t in the mood for a phone call. Picking up her cell, she saw the number had been blocked. Knowing it could be work-related, she couldn’t very well ignore it. “Just once I’d like a night off,” she sighed. “Rey speaking.” There was a long pause on the other end. “Hello?”

“Don’t you just hate it when you’re trying to relax and someone calls?”

There was an unmistakable tone to the voice, low, firm, and confident.

Her heart began to hammer in her chest. “What makes you so sure I was relaxing, Connor?” Rey asked, lying back against the cushions. “Connor? Are you still there?” He hadn’t said anything in response and she thought they might’ve been disconnected.

“Shhhhhh. I’m listening, Rey.”

“Listening to what?”

“To your shortness of breath.”

Rey settled deeper into the softness of her couch. “Now, why would I be out of breath?” Connor might not be able to see her, but even she knew the smile was audible in her tone.

“I don’t know about you, Rey, but this is driving me crazy.”

“What is, Connor?”

Hearing his voice was driving Rey crazy and she knew this was exactly Connor’s plan. He was the master of the deal. Rey had seen him get inside a rival’s head and before his opponent knew what hit them, Connor had steered things his way. Rey’s entire body felt tingly, she couldn’t keep her legs still, and a tiny groan escaped her lips, betraying her desire.

“I see I’m not the only one.”

Rey cursed her body. “I don’t know what you mean,” she lied, moving restlessly, unable to keep still. Her hips shifted, her femininity craving the pleasure only he could bring her.

“Don’t fib to me, Rey. I know you’re sitting there. Restless.” His voice dropped a couple octaves.

In the background, Rey heard the bark of a dog through the phone that she could also hear just outside her window. “Where are you?” she asked suspiciously.

He didn’t answer her question. “I bet you can’t keep your legs still, can you, Rey? Are your thighs pressed tightly together, trying to give yourself a little relief?” He gave her a second or two to absorb what he was saying. “Why don’t we just end this silly contest and I’ll come over and take care of all your needs?”

“No, it’s not silly. This is important.” Rey felt like she was being turned inside out. “You’re not playing fair.”

“No? When are you going to get it through your head that I’m not playing at all, Rey? I’m dead serious about this – and you.”

“Stop,” she whispered, not meaning it at all. Rey needed to hear this. Connor had been making her weak in the knees for years. She needed him. She needed to be taken, possessed, and claimed by the man of her dreams. No longer trying to mask it, Rey moaned, chewing on her lower lip as her whole body vibrated with anticipation.

“Are you sure you want me to? I guess I shouldn’t mention how much I’ve been thinking about that sweet, soft spot between your legs.”

Rey practically levitated off the couch.

“Do you know how much I loved touching you there?”

“No,” she whispered.

“Yes, you do. Almost as much as I love being inside you.” He let his voice drop to a whisper also. “You’re so tight,” he groaned. “I can almost feel you squeezing me now.”

“Oh, God...”

“Are you touching yourself, Rey?”

“No.” Not there. She’d pushed up her shirt with her free hand and one finger was grazing her left nipple. It was so sensitive and swollen, Rey was desperate to feel Connor’s tongue on it again. 

“There it is.”

“There what is?”

“The catch in your breathing I’ve been waiting to hear. You know it’s not polite to lie to me, Rey. Especially about touching yourself. How would you feel if I were to lie to you right now and tell you my cock wasn’t as hard as a rock and aching to be inside you?”

“You’re hard?” The thought almost set Rey on fire.

“How could I not be when I’m talking to you? Now I’ll ask you one last time, Rey. Are you touching yourself?”

Rey thought about it for a second. “Does this count as sex, Connor?”

“Oh, hell no. Unless I have this cock buried deep inside you, it’s not sex. Now I’m done asking. Touch yourself.”

Rey’s right hand couldn’t get her skirt pulled up fast enough. She pushed her panties to one side, glad she’d worn a garter belt. “I’m doing it, Connor. Are you hard for me?”

“Only you, Rey.”

What was this man doing to her? Never in her dreams could she have imagined the things they’d done together and were doing now – the incredible lovemaking, the way he was pursing her, and now this erotic teasing that was turning her inside out.

“Rub your little pearl fast.”

“Oh, yes, Connor,” she gasped, circling her swollen clit with fast hard rubs. Rey’s hips bucked, fucking the air with desperate need.

“Rub faster. I want you wet and hungry, aching for what I can give you.”

Gone was the soft, teasing tone. Connor meant business and he was giving orders, not making suggestions. “Did you take your skirt off?”

“No, just pulled up…” she muttered softly, too intent on her own pleasure to enunciate carefully.

“Good. I love the image. Rub yourself faster. Touch it like I was there with you. I want you to look across the room like I was right there.” Rey did as she was told, imagining him sitting in the chair across from her. “Can you see me, Rey? Stroking my big, hard cock while I watch you pleasure yourself?”

“I’d be able to see you better if you were really here.”

“Maybe I’m closer than you think. Maybe I can see you right now.”

Her head turned to look out the window. The blinds were just partially open. “Where are you?” She could see nothing. Only blackness. Was he out there? Watching her? She felt heat sweep over her, torn between running from the room and putting on a show Connor would never forget.

“Put your finger inside, Rey.” She did as he ordered without hesitation. “Now, take it out and taste the tip.” She blushed again, but tentatively raised her finger to her lips. “How does it taste?”

“I’m not sure.” Rey felt embarrassed. This was not the type of thing she normally did.

“I bet you taste incredible.”

“What a shame you can’t find out for yourself.” Rey’s teasing remark amazed herself. How bold she’d become!

Connor opened Rey’s door and stepped inside. He’d watched her find his rose, seen her look wistfully at the surrounding shrubbery, then waited to see if he’d hear the unmistakable click of the door being locked. He hadn’t, she’d just pulled it closed. That action told Conner more than Rey would ever know. Unconsciously, she trusted him and she wanted him.

Once he moved into the living room, he could see Rey on the couch. The sight almost brought him to his knees. She was rubbing between her legs with one hand and the other was at her breast, pulling on her nipple. The phone was sandwiched between her ear and the couch so she could hear his voice. But the most thrilling thing of all was the look of ecstasy on her face.

“Faster, baby. Rub it faster.”

Rey’s body jerked with shock. Connor’s voice was no longer on the phone, it was in her condo, coming from right beside her. “Connor!” Her eyes flew open to find him sitting on the loveseat across from her. He was dressed in all black, the sexiest prowler she’d ever seen in her life. She froze, her cheeks blooming red.

Connor couldn’t take his eyes off her. “God, you’re beautiful. Don’t stop.”

Rey fought her shyness, part of her wanted this. His nearness didn’t decrease her desire. She was so turned on, there was no going back. Locking her gaze to his, she continued to touch her clit, grinding down on her own hand.

Connor took her in from his seat. Her entire body writhed and bucked. Rey’s hand moved between her spread legs and from where he was sitting, he could see straight to paradise. “God, you’re killing me.”

From where he was sitting, Rey couldn’t miss how aroused he was, she could clearly see the ridge of his cock. Words began to form, flowing from her lips unbidden. “Take it out.” She needed to see him.

Slowly, Connor unclasped the buckle of his belt, unbuttoned his fly and slid his zipper down. The moment dragged out to an eternity and when he finally freed himself, Rey swallowed and licked her lips. The man had a big, beautiful cock. “You’re truly a man who has it all.”

He smiled and winked. “Not all, not yet.” He hadn’t planned on this, but seeing the admiration and hunger in her eyes changed his mind. “Is this what you want?” he asked, as his fist moved up and down.

She nodded her head like a good girl. With her mind, Rey tried to will Connor to rise from his seat and come to her. Licking her lips, she fantasized him standing over her and commanding her to take him in her mouth.

“Maybe I’ll let you have it.” He passed his thumb over the tip and a drop of pre-cum glistened as he spread it all over the head of his cock. “Cum for me, Rey.”

The order came out of left field and Rey was powerless to deny it. She closed her eyes and ground hard against her hand. Knowing he was there was powerful enough, Rey was afraid if she was looking at him when she exploded, she might blurt out something stupid like ‘I love you’ again.

For long moments Connor watched, mesmerized. Seeing this beautiful woman fly apart and know he was the reason for her ecstasy was mind-blowing. His own desire spiked off the charts, but he forced it down, determined to stay in control. This wasn’t about him. This was about her. Putting his cock away took some effort, he was still insanely hard and it didn’t fit back into his pants easily.

By the time she opened her eyes, he was buckling his belt. “What are you doing?” Rey wanted to know. The orgasm had been amazing, but surely that wasn’t all?

Connor stood. “Proving myself.” He walked over, took her right hand in his and sucked two of her fingers into his mouth. “I knew you’d taste incredible.” With that unbelievable statement, he walked to the door and left, leaving Rey staring after him.

Afterward, Rey lay on the couch trying to regain her breath. Her phone buzzed underneath her and a text from the unknown number Connor had called from appeared.

Night, Rey. See you tomorrow. Think about me.

As if she could think about anything else.

 

*  *  *

Battling traffic from the west side to downtown the next morning gave Rey plenty of time to think. All the way to work, she fantasized what Connor would say to her when she walked through the door. She smiled to herself, imagining him sweeping her up in his arms for a hello kiss. Try as she might, she hadn’t been able to get him off her mind. Rey clutched the steering wheel and moaned a little, remembering what they’d done. She still couldn’t believe she’d been brave enough to not only engage in phone sex, she’d touched herself in front of him!

When she arrived at the Waterloo, Rey made her way to the second floor which housed McGregor Development’s office space. Their staff was small, two secretaries, and two accountants. Every other task they needed was farmed out expertly by Rey to contractors and specialists. As the elevator opened and Rey was about to step out, Connor almost knocked her down. “Oh, sorry, didn’t see you there. Good morning.”

“No problem,” Rey held her breath, waiting to see what he would do or what he would say. “And good morning to you.”

He gave her a quick smile and pressed the down button. “Thanks, see you later.”

Rey frowned, staring at her reflection in the steel doors of the elevator. “Did I just get a brush-off?”

Shrugging, she continued to her office, admitting that his cavalier attitude hurt her feelings a bit. When she reached her desk, her disappointment deepened. Not only had there been no special greeting or kiss, there was no token of affection on her desk. How pathetic that she’d been hoping for another orange rose.

Oh well. Rey tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. They both had a lot on their plate, what with the Earle brothers, Whispering Pines, and several other projects simmering on the back burner. Just because they were engaged in some sort of sexual battle of wills didn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of work to be done. Still…his seeming indifference made Rey feel slighted and a little jealous. 

At shortly after two in the afternoon, Connor returned with a client in tow, Mrs. Monica Walters. The rich Austin divorcee, probably in her forties, wanted to renovate a stately home in one of the older Austin neighborhoods and turn it into a five-star restaurant for one of her sons to operate. Rey couldn’t miss the fact that she kept patting her elegantly coiffed hair and fiddling with her pearls. Women always wanted to look their best for Connor McGregor. 

Rey was no different. Heck, she’d been wanting to cut her hair for many years, a shorter style would fit in perfectly with her hectic life style. Rey thought a pixie cut would look cute on her, and she’d been told the exact same thing by her hairdresser. Only the endless parade of long-haired vixens who rotated in and out of Connor’s life kept her from cutting it short.

When Connor and Monica Walters came by her office, Connor stuck his head in to say something, but Rey was on the phone with an architectural designer. After some discussion with Doug Rogers, they’d decided to get plans drawn up for the resort that would include the main hotel, waterfront cabins, a golf course and four tennis courts. She wanted to see a layout of the entire property before proceeding. When she glanced up, he’d already moved on. Rey couldn’t help but think he was acting a bit strange today.

After about an hour, Connor stuck his head back in her office. “Could you come into the conference room for a minute, Rey? Bring the proposal you’ve drawn up for Monica. She’s agreed to proceed.”

“Of course, I’ll be right there.”

Connor held the door open, noticing how elegant Rey looked. “Monica, I’ll let my able assistant take over now, she’ll walk you through the paperwork and tell you what’s coming up next.”

As he watched Rey shift into business mode, he couldn’t help but feel pride. Connor could close a deal with the best of them, his bank account and little black book could attest to that fact, but it was after the contract was signed and the legwork began that Rey got a chance to shine. She dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. Her attention to detail and ability to keep a project on schedule and on budget was one of the main reasons she was so important to him.

Until he’d kissed her.

From the moment their lips touched, his world had been turned topsy-turvy. Connor couldn’t help but smile. His Rey was such a dynamo, she was not only imminently capable, she made him feel things he’d never experienced in another woman’s arms. While he’d always enjoyed sex, he’d never felt this desperate yearning before.    

“If you’ll have a look here,” Rey pointed to the budget sheet she was showing the client, “you’ll see...”

Connor watched as she put on a pair of glasses so she could see the numbers clearly. Wow, suddenly he was hit with a cross between a schoolgirl and sexy librarian fantasy. Who knew he had a fetish for spectacles? He hid a grin. Maybe he had a Rey fetish. Period.

“Oh, hang on a sec,” she said, after peering closely through the lens, “this should say seventeen thousand, not seven thousand. Let me change that.” Rey looked around the desk, searching for a pen, but didn’t see one. Pulling open the top drawer of Connor’s desk she found one, but her eye suddenly stalled. Just on the other side of the curved tray was a small gift wrapped box with a gilded card attached to a wisp of metallic ribbon. The card read: To Rey, thank you for last night. You gave me something to fuel my dreams.  “Oh, my!” Her heart began to flutter.

“Are you all right, dear?” Mrs. Walters asked, seeing the sudden flush on her cheeks and neck.

Rey fanned herself with a piece of paper. “Yes, fine. I’m sorry. Just got a little warm.” She didn’t feel it appropriate to say that the warmth started in her mind, but was fast spreading to the tender area between her thighs. The exhilarating heat flared to a bonfire when she looked up from the desk and straight at Connor.

Connor stood at the bar, mixing a drink but staring right at Rey. He knew she’d seen the gift. And while she was mildly curious as to what might be in it, the reference to their sexy encounter was what affected her the most. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Could he possibly know what she was thinking? Turning to the sheaf of papers, Rey fixed her mistake with a trembling hand, all focus stolen by the look in Connor’s eyes. “Okay, Mrs. Walters, the correction has been made.”

Steadying herself, Rey went over the budget from top to bottom again. Mrs. Walters insisted it was unnecessary, but Rey was adamant. “If you’ll just indulge me. It would make me feel better if we did this right.” The numbers weren’t a problem, they never were, Rey Cassidy knew her facts and figures inside out and backwards. The occasional typo slipped through, but she knew her budgets down to the last dollar and her timetables down to the last second. Going over this entire list again was just to give her time to refocus and compose herself.

All the time she worked, Rey could feel Connor’s heated gaze upon her. She tried to keep Mrs. Walters occupied and involved so she wouldn’t be any the wiser. How she managed to keep her eyes down and focused on the sheets in front of her she had no idea. Connor was fucking her with his eyes, she could see it any time she raised her head to glance at him. Although she knew the term, had read it in books, Rey had never expected to be the recipient of such erotic intensity.

From across the room, Connor enjoyed himself. Rey didn’t know she was doing it, but she’d kicked her left leg up behind her a few times and arched her back, leaning down deeper over the pages. The small things women didn’t even know they were doing always drove Connor crazy.

“I think she understands, Rey,” Connor said after making his way back to his desk when he heard the final numbers being discussed.

“Are you sure, Mrs. Walters, we could go over them again.” Rey wouldn’t mind having a little more time to gather herself. She’d always wanted Connor’s full attention, but after seeing the gift box and feeling his scrutiny over the past half hour, Rey was a bit nervous about being alone with him.

“Let me show you out, Monica. Tell your son that Rey and I will gladly be his first customers once everything is finished.” Connor charmed the woman and led her out of his office. When he returned, he found Rey sorting through the papers and filing them away. “Never seen you that frazzled before, Rey,” he said, walking back over to the bar. “Need a drink?”

Rey fell into the large leather chair sitting behind his desk. “Sure.”

“What seemed to be the problem? Is there something amiss with the renovation I should know about?”

“No, this will be an easy project.” How could she tell him this was all his fault? Oh, the cocky bastard, he probably knew it was him who had her frazzled. He’d teased her into doing things last night she never dreamed she’d be able to do with a man. How could she possibly go on like this? Connor was all she thought about.

Handing her a rocks glass with clear liquid in it, Connor wandered around behind the chair and looked out the window.

“The hard stuff?” Rey asked. Damn her fool mouth for giving away what was on her mind.

Connor shifted the erection in his pants. He’d managed to stifle it long enough to escort Mrs. Walters out, but it was back with fury now that he was alone with Rey. “If you only knew.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s gin. I know you’re a wine snob,” he teased. “But you look like you could use something a bit more potent right about now.”

“Potent?” Rey shot the drink back. “Oh, you mean the drink.” She frowned. God, it tasted awful, but at least it got her mind off him for a few seconds.

Connor was at her side before Rey knew it. He stood beside her, not being shy about letting her see how aroused he was. “You know this isn’t fair to me, Rey. You’re killing me.”

Rey’s eyes were drawn to the shape of his erection so prominent beneath the soft fabric of his dress pants. If he only knew how she felt. Rey was dying to go back on the deal they’d made, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it, she was still so uncertain about the future and what it would hold. Most everything had an expiration date. Yes, she knew there were no guarantees and the stakes were inexorably high. She was risking their friendship, her future in the company, and her heart – all for the exquisite joy of his touch.

Was it worth it?

The decision was abruptly taken out of her hands.

Connor wrapped her hair around his fist and bent over her, kissing her neck softly. “You did say kissing was okay, this is…just kissing.” Rey shuddered at the feathery feel of his tongue on her skin. She closed her eyes and let herself fall headfirst into the feeling.

While his lips explored her neck, taking an erotic detour to nibble on her lobe, he tugged her to her feet, letting go of her hair. “Let’s change places.” With her head swimming from the sensual onslaught, Rey found herself sitting on the desk facing him as he occupied the chair she’d just vacated. She knew she should stop him, but the pleasure she experienced at his touch was too tantalizing to resist. With lips and tongue he explored south again to the top of her cleavage. Making short order of the buttons on her blouse, he pulled the cups of her bra down with his free hand. Without a moment’s hesitation, his mouth was on her. She thrilled at the sounds he made as he feasted at her breast. Mesmerized, Rey watched as his tongue danced across the quivering orb. The feeling was sheer heaven and Rey was surprised to feel an orgasm building. Her womb was pulsing in time to each tug of his lips to her nipple.

When he raised his head from her breast, she protested with a groan. “Please don’t stop.”

“Never.” Connor pulled her forward until her hips were at the edge of his desk. “Lie back. I haven’t been able to get your taste out of my mind since last night. I need more than just a lick from your finger, Rey.” Lifting her legs high, Connor placed them on his shoulders. Her skirt rode up and the only thing that kept her from being exposed completely was a sliver of lacy, red fabric covering her pussy. “Sexy underwear, Rey. Wear them just for me?” 

“No, for the valet in the parking lot,” she keened as he licked the fabric right over her clit.

Connor chuckled. “Harold, the old dog! He’s eighty if he’s a day.” He hooked a finger into the side of her underwear and nipped the bare soft flesh of her mound. “God, you smell so good.” She bowed her back as he nuzzled her. “You’ve been to the spa, naughty girl. You’re bare.”

“You never know when a…moment…ah, God…like this…might arise.”

Rey gasped out the words as Connor rubbed a broad fingertip through her glistening lips and over her swollen clit, holding on to the edge of the desk as he dipped the tip of one finger inside of her and withdrew it quickly. “Sorry. I forgot. You said only kissing.” He spread her thighs wider and licked her slit from top to bottom, ending with a kiss right on her clit. “Kissing includes French kissing, right?”

“Connor!”

“I’m going to take that as a yes.” Connor dove right in, darting his tongue over her velvety lips, pushing it in and out of Rey’s hot opening. “God, you taste fucking incredible.”

Writhing, Rey pushed herself against his face. “Please, please,” she cried, begging him to devour her completely. Complying with her wishes, he licked harder, clamping his lips down around the pulsing button of her clit. Connor sucked with force, driving her insane.

“Cum for me, Rey,” he said through clenched lips and she did as she was told, choking back a scream and shuddering with rapture.

He nuzzled her till she quieted, kissing her thighs, and crooning to her how much he enjoyed it. Panting, Rey gathered her breath, trying to sit up.

“Oh no, we’re not done yet,” he told her.

“We aren’t?”

“I want another one.” He only gave her poor clit a moment to recover before he began again, licking and kissing, indulging in the cream of her desire.

“Stop, I can’t, it’s too much…” she whimpered.

He paused for just a second, licking his lips. “Oh, yes, you can. You said I could kiss you all I wanted and I want a lot.”

Connor was not unaffected. He was rock-hard and his hips couldn’t be still, they helplessly bucked, and his cock flexed every time he drew his tongue slowly around her pearly clit. She was the most delicious woman he’d ever tasted and the way she responded to him was amazing.

“Oh, that’s it, Connor. God, you’re good. You know exactly…oh, my God!” Rey wasn’t stingy with her praise, she told him exactly what she liked and didn’t keep quiet when another orgasm tore through her body, this time unprompted by his words.

Connor wanted more, but Rey had laid down the ground rules. He had a month to prove to her how much he cared and win her over. No matter how hard he was, or how much he was dying to be inside her, he would wait. “Okay, baby?” He knew the answer, but he wanted to hear her say it.

“Oh, yea. You…I came so hard.”

“I’m glad.” Leaning over her, he kissed her lips, allowing his swollen cock to nestle against her still naked mound. “Ooops.”

Before she could protest, he reluctantly left her to fetch a bottle of water from the fridge at the bar. By the time he returned to hand the water to her, she was sitting up.

“Thanks,” she blushed, embarrassed, “that was amazing.” Her voice was still shaky from the pleasure.

“You’re welcome.” Going to his desk, he retrieved the wrapped box. “Wear this for me tomorrow.” He placed the present in Rey’s trembling hand, claiming one more kiss before heading to the door. “Dream about me.” He gave her a wink and was gone a moment later.