Chapter 13
Craig turned the key and shifted the car into drive. He clutched the steering wheel with a grip bordering on desperation. He needed the firm hold to keep from doing something foolish. Like grabbing Kelly and ripping her clothes off.
From the moment she’d stepped into view, he knew he was in trouble. She’d worn a little black thigh-hugging skirt that showed off her long, gorgeous legs in strappy stilettos, and a black silky top with blue sparkles, which exposed a large amount of cleavage. With a hand on one hip and her long blond waves falling over one shoulder, she struck a pose any photographer would give his eyeteeth to feature on a flashy magazine, and any guy would want to claim. Craig lost his breath. His groin tightened. With her hourglass figure and full pouting lips that begged to be kissed, he’d wanted to carry her away and lose himself between her thighs. He’d had to visualize something else to keep from reaching out and taking what he wanted.
The vision Kelly presented nearly equaled the one of her dripping wet body, forever imprinted on his brain. He’d fought for control, mentally shaking himself, and willed his lungs to function again. Even now, his pulse raced, remembering the beautiful woman who’d stepped onto the bar to get into his truck. Her tight black skirt molded to her curves like a second skin, damn near crippling him. With her backside right in front of him, it would have been too easy to slide up against her and melt into her curves. But, he had resisted, and remained in control. Barely.
His situation only worsened as the evening progressed. Sitting across from her in the restaurant added to his torture. The candlelight reflected the highlights in her honey colored hair, beseeching him to sift the silky strands through his fingers. He wondered if the sparkle in her eyes hinted at her own attraction to him, and not a reflection brought about by the chandeliers. He loved looking at her, listening to her throaty voice as her words rolled over her plush lips. She’d ensnared him. Trapped him neatly in her web. Most of the evening, he’d toyed with his wine glass or folded and refolded his napkin, enthralled with her every move, wondering if he would survive the meal.
His instincts on autopilot, he glanced over as he drove through an intersection and saw Kelly’s tongue lick her bottom lip. His semi-erection lurched to full staff. Damn. He couldn’t wrap his mind around anything other than tasting her. He’d tried not to ogle her cleavage all evening, but now he wanted to taste.
“Where are we going?” Even her soft velvety voice drove him to distraction. He needed to think of something other than taking her to the penthouse and getting her naked.
“I thought you might enjoy another ride to the lake,” he forced the words from his throat. “The water might be soothing.” Lord knew he needed something to soothe the blood boiling in his veins.
“Or?”
Her husky lilt had ripples racing down his spine, but the simple ‘or’ caused him to glance at her again. Her eyes glowed with mischief. And yearning.
He released a harsh breath. “I really like you and I’m trying to be a gentleman. You’re hot, Kelly. A little too tempting. You’re special. I’m not going to act like some jackass and attack you.” Even though that was exactly what he wanted to do.
She placed a hand on his thigh and a jolt of fresh awareness ricocheted through him. He tried to swallow, but his throat suddenly grew dry.
“Thank you for the compliment,” she said in that throaty voice of hers. “I like you too. We’ve been attracted to each other since the first day you saw me in—”
He placed his hand over hers and grasped her fingers in a gentle hold. He didn’t need her to remind him of that day. It was a permanent fixture in his lust filled mind. “I thought you were the hottest woman I’d ever seen.” He stared at her for as long as he could without running off the road. “And just as hot with your clothes on.” He focused on the road again. “I don’t want you to think this is only about sex.”
“Craig, I’ve come to know you. I don’t make assumptions, and I’m not like other women.”
He lifted her hand to his lips. “I’m taking great pleasure in finding that out.”
Kelly surpassed all women. In the short time he’d known her, he’d seen a caring, considerate person. The way Dennis continuously sang her praises, Craig had figured Kelly too good to be true, and thought his friend had exaggerated immensely. It didn’t take long to learn for himself that an exceptional woman existed in her magnificent body.
“Take me home.” Her voice poured over him like warm honey
~ ~ ~
Kelly knew Craig held in his emotions. It was evident in the tautness of his jaw and the way his muscles tightened. His blue gaze seared her like a burning flame. In answer to her suggestion, his lips lifted into a sexy grin, causing her bones, as well as her heart, to melt.
He didn’t need to say a word. He simply squeezed her hand, then rested it on his thigh while his thumb stroked her palm. It was soothing, maddening. Every swipe heightened her anticipation.
He stopped in front of his hotel and left the key in the ignition for the valet. Opening her door, his gaze held hers as he helped her out. Her legs felt weak at the blistering heat she saw in his eyes. He placed his hand on her elbow as he guided her to the elevator. When the doors closed, he remained quiet and so did she. As if a word between them might shatter his restraint. And hers. Anticipation had to be one of the strongest words in the dictionary. She thought she might die, imagining what might happen once they reached his room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, he slipped an arm around her waist and drew her back against his frame.
“Kelly, you drive me wild. I couldn’t wait any longer to touch you.” The deep timber of his voice next to her ear started a hum in her belly that vibrated lower. His lips brushed the curve of her neck.
Locked in his arms, she leaned back into his hard strength, welcoming the warmth of his body. God, he felt so good. Curled into him, his arms wrapped around her, she didn’t want to move.
He nuzzled her ear while he held her, one hand covered her stomach while the other squeezed her hip. Her head rolled to the side while he ran his tongue along her neck, sending delicious tremors down her spine.
Suddenly, he spun her around. They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment. An eternity. He lowered his head, oh so slowly, leaning in, with his cheek an inch away from hers while those quiet, blue eyes watched her, communicating without words. Heat emanated off his skin. She kept her eyes open, lost in his, waiting anxiously, keenly aware of the sensations he created in her body. She wanted him with every fiber of her being. She needed to breach that final distance. Unable to wait another second, she stood on her toes to meet him.
The instant his lips touched hers, fire ignited. Their embrace turned as passionate as their kiss by the lake. His mouth hungry, his tongue parted her lips and stroked deep inside. His kiss was dazzling, astounding. He stroked his hands over her back, pressing her close and stealing her breath. Never had she been kissed so fully, so thoroughly, so achingly sensually. Everything around her disappeared, and she fell hopelessly into desire. He groaned, and his hands slid down over the curve of her butt, rocking her into his hard length. She shuddered, managed a gasp, and clung to him.
“Kelly. Kelly.”
The way he said her name, low and smooth, sent a jolt of longing twisting through her.
“I could spend my life kissing you.” His voice oozed pure seduction.
His lips on hers made her desperate for more. His touch scattered her sanity and chased away any self-control she may have possessed. She’d been ensnared, enmeshed completely, caught up in his lure. She needed no seduction, and had almost forgotten the surprise she had for him. After the large chunk of change she spent on the lacy black underwear, she wasn’t about to let them go to waste. Besides, she was dying to see the look on his face.
Placing her fingers over his mouth, she eased back, ignoring his confused expression.
“Am I going too fast for you?”
“Hold that thought.” She eased out of his arms, giving him a teasing smile. His mouth quirked up at one corner, letting her know he understood and was willing to play along. Standing in front of him, she coasted her hands down the sides of her tight skirt and took a sauntering step backward. His eyes followed her movements as she skimmed her palms up over her hips, then higher, stopping just below her breasts.
His nostrils flared.
~ ~ ~
Kelly looked like sin in her short skirt that fit as if it had been painted on. The way she touched herself had his heart kicking in his chest. She teased and taunted, taking the lead, to which Craig certainly had no objection. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the door. Her delightful little show captivated him.
She lifted her skirt one enticing inch at a time, ratcheting his libido up a notch with—
He nearly swallowed his tongue.
Black lace hooks? She’s wearing a garter belt.
He didn’t know women wore those things anymore.
She slipped her finger under one hook, commanding him to stare, then flicked open the silver hook on the garter, releasing the black nylon. Fascinated with her provocative exhibition, he willed himself to remain still and breathed through his nose. His eyes widened as she flipped the hook in the back, causing the flimsy silk to pout on her bare thigh.
A fist squeezed his chest at the concept of taking them off for her. His fingers ached to touch her honeyed skin, to lift her leg, reach up her sleek thigh and peel the silken nothing away. He wanted to smooth his hands up those bare legs, slide his fingers under her tight skirt, and find what gauzy thing she wore underneath.
God, he wanted to see her in nothing but the garter belt and her silk stockings.
“Let me,” he heard himself say. He couldn’t tear his eyes away.
She waved a graceful finger in a ‘no-no’ motion while taking another step back. He checked his breathing, and found his hands fisted by his sides, scrutinizing her every move. She enchanted and beguiled him. He willed his muscles to relax, and took what he hoped was a casual stance, which was extremely hard to do with the woman on the brink of doing a strip tease.
For another agonizing moment, he held himself in check while she took her damn sweet time sliding the black nylon down her thigh. His gaze fastened on her velvety skin. With sensual movements, she rolled the flimsy thing over her knee and down her calf to a dainty ankle in fuck-me shoes. She peeled back the strap and kicked one off. Using a ballet move, she hiked her leg back, pulled the nylon over her painted toes, and flung the thing over her shoulder. His erection hardened to steel.
All he could do was stand there and hope his tongue didn’t hang out of his mouth. His eyes narrowed and his concentration intensified. In a haze of lust, he watched her unhook the second stocking. Her movements slow, she tantalized. His mind raged with urgency. He willed her fingers to move higher and show him more of her hidden secrets. He couldn’t see her panties and wondered if she had any on. The thought damn near drove him crazy.
Kelly aroused him to fever pitch. Her little performance had twisted his libido into knots. He could grab her and take her right now. It would be sweet release. Too soon. In his heightened state of arousal, his dick ruled his thoughts. If he allowed it free reign over his actions, he’d be inside her in a matter of minutes.
Her head jerked, and he realized the growl he’d heard came from somewhere deep in his chest. Unable to stand still another moment, he strode forward and swept her into his arms. She gave no protest as he carried her to his bedroom and gently placed her on the side of the bed. He came down to the floor on one knee. Somehow, he still managed a thread of control.
“Will you allow me to remove this one?”
Without uttering a word, she gave a slight tilt of her head, giving him permission.
Tenderly, he seized her ankle, the tips of his fingers embracing her skin. His palms itched, urging him to slide his hands above her black stocking, under her skirt to the black, lacy garter belt. He gritted his teeth and counted to three, before the blood pounding in his temples made him forget the next number.
With unsteady hands, he rolled the delicate stocking along her smooth thigh, inch by enticing inch, caressing her soft skin, his touch intimate and seductive. Repeating her actions, he took his time dragging the nylon over her knee and down her calf. Although slight, he felt her tremble.
Enfolding her ankle, he slid the nylon over her foot, while his pulse beat like he’d raced a marathon. Unable to resist, he leaned in. His fingers caressed the flesh behind her knee as he placed a kiss on her honeyed skin. Her gasp sounded like thunder in his ears. He’d only just begun.
He ran a finger over her pouty bottom lip, thinking of rolling the flesh with his teeth. His fingertips trailed along her collarbone, then lower to the swell of her breasts. Her breathing hitched and her chest rose, causing a slight ripple over her ample flesh. He relished her response to his touch. He slid his palms down her torso to the hem of her blouse and clasped the edge. Slowly, he lifted the thing over her shoulders and off.
He damn near swallowed his tongue at the sight of more black lace. He’d guessed correctly that she’d have a matching bra. He explored with his eyes, then his fingers traced over her dips and curves. She quivered in response. He smiled, thrilled at her reaction to his touch.
Kelly. So responsive. And there was so much more to come.
Smiling, he curved his hands around her back and flipped open the clasp of her bra. His sensual girl bit her bottom lip, and blood pounded to his groin. He rested his hands at her side, feeling the weight of her breast on his knuckles. Gradually and unhurriedly, he turned his palms and cupped her fullness.
Her hiss rang in his ears. He wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to resist, but he soaked up every expression, every sigh, every tremble. He wanted to savor every moment. He’d waited too long to have her. At last, tonight, she was his.
With deliberate movements, he unbuttoned the cuffs at his wrists, then the front of his shirt. Haste made him clumsy. He’d never been so awkward before. Finally, he flung the material free and froze at the hunger and admiration in Kelly’s eyes.
After a long moment, she reached forward and placed her hands on his chest. The heat from her fingers singed him where they fondled, raising his longing. Her eyes flamed, and her expression of yearning nearly dropped him to his knees.
Unable to stand it anymore, he clasped her fingers and brought them to his lips. Capturing her amber gaze, he ran both hands up her arms and drew her against him, flesh against naked flesh, and groaned at the staggering feeling from their contact. The delicious heat of her skin doubled the throbbing between his legs. He brushed his lips softly over hers, wanting to draw out the moment. He licked hungrily, relishing the taste of her, then swept inside when she opened up.
At first the kiss was gentle, but he’d not counted on such a desperate response. She kissed him like she’d die if she didn’t, raising the heat as she met his tongue and stroked him deep inside. Vibrations shot through his blood to every part of his body. Her arms groped his neck, and her fingers twirled in his hair, while her plush breasts pressed into his chest, scorching his skin. From her powerful hold, he knew a fire blazed in her as strongly as it did in him.
He groaned and gripped her hips, standing, tugging her up against his hard body, and kissed her with all the longing he’d been holding back.
Not too fast. A tinge of reason blinked into his fevered brain. While his own needs hammered inside of him, he slowly broke the kiss and enfolded her lithe body.
Kelly nuzzled her face into the curve of his neck. He held her, unwilling to let her go. Her sweet scent floated up to him, drowning him in her essence. All he could think about was the woman he held in his arms. So lovely. So much passion. He wanted to bury himself inside her.
Kelly snuggled into Craig’s arms, reeling from the devastating kiss. A kiss that threatened to consume them both. Her heart pounded beneath her ribs.
“You take my breath away,” Craig said, his eyes darkening with his words.
Every nerve in her body skipped with sensitizing awareness. She felt like one big mass of longing. His furred chest against her naked breasts, and his groan of pleasure triggered a ball of lust in her that gave new meaning to sensual. Every nerve in her body tingled to life. He’d enjoyed their coming together, skin on skin, as much as she.
He ran his hands around the sides of her body and found the zipper at her back. The sound of the teeth slowly zipping apart echoed in the quiet. Inch by inch, he smoothed her skirt down until it fell to the floor. His seeking fingers found her thong. She smiled at his sharp intake of breath. Thongs weren’t her favorite lingerie, but she was glad she’d chosen one for tonight.
Looking up, she found his lips curved in a sexy grin. “For me?”
“Only for you,” she whispered.
He leaned back just enough to glance at her new attire. The knot at his throat bobbed as he swallowed.
“You like?” She couldn’t help but ask.
He cleared his throat, but his voice grated as if he struggled to speak. “I like.”
Noticing the huge bulge in his pants, her chest filled with pride, knowing she was the one he wanted. She tugged at his waistband, hauling him closer. She burrowed into him with her hips.
His teeth nibbled at the curve below her ear, as his hands caressed her bare backside. She rubbed her breasts against his fine chest, loving the feel of his dark, sprinkled hair.
Without warning, he caught her under her knees and lifted. She hooked her arm around his neck, excitement and anticipation spurring her on. His gaze locked on hers, she barely noticed he’d moved until he placed her in the middle of the bed. He eased down beside her, the heat in his eyes sweltering. Again, he nuzzled her ear, then nipped her collar bone. All the while, he caressed her breasts, his touch intimate and seductive.
“Beautiful. Perfect,” he whispered.
Sensations, one after another, flooded her senses. Caught up in the passion he’d created, she lost herself to his touch. When his caresses lowered to the vee between her thighs, she felt the quiver from her scalp to her toes. He skirted the area, causing her to arch, seeking his touch there.
He lowered his head to take her breast, his mouth and hands drugging her with pleasure. She held the back of his head, burying her fingers in his hair, urging him on as he lapped and laved. One hand cupped her center, a finger drifted inside. Tiny sounds of pleasure she barely recognized escaped her lips. His fingers took on an urgency and expertise that turned her insides to a fiery liquid. A slow ache began to build inside her. She forgot everything but the feel of his lips and hands, hot and demanding.
She trembled and arched, and quickly tightened with unbearable need.
“Oh Craig. Please. Please.”
“Yes, Kelly. Let go.” His teeth grazed the tip of her nipple while his clever fingers tormented.
“Oh . . . oh . . .”
A torrent of intensity stormed through her, assaulting her sanity, shaking her to her core.