by Jenna Chase
When he spoke it sounded strained. “You don’t know what kind of women I like.”
“I’ve seen who you date. They’re all models and actresses with gorgeous hair and toned bodies. They don’t look like me.”
Jacob pressed closer, his muscles flexing as he came within an inch of her face. He leaned to the side, brushing his lips across her cheek. She braced for the scrape of his day-old beard but it never came.
He’d shaved.
“How long do those women stay in my bed?” The words tickled her ear with dangerous implications.
“I—I have no idea.”
“A night at the most.”
“I don’t do one-night stands, Mr. Sinclair.”
He almost growled. “Say it again.”
A thrill rushed through her and she drew the letters out. “Mr. Sinclair.”
“Mmm. That’s it.” His kiss caught her by surprise, lips locking on hers before she could close her eyes.
Hot and heavy, light and soft, he came at her like the waves rolling over her. Every touch blended with the last before Jacob nudged her lips apart with his tongue. He swiped at her lower lip before nipping the plump swell with his teeth. Oh! The man could kiss.
Up and down, over and around, tongue teasing and tasting as his lips pressed into hers with a need he couldn’t manufacture. Jacob wants me, ordinary Rachel Butler. It didn’t seem real.
JACOB
Christ, this woman. Her lips yielded to his advances like feather pillows under his head, molding to his every move.
So fucking sweet. Wine and mint and a hint of strawberries. He smiled against her lips. She’d been nervous. The knowledge turned his dick into a tent pole holding up his shorts. Fucking her would be better than signing the hotel deal that made him a billionaire.
It would be the start of something real and tangible. A chance to hold onto a woman for more than just a handful of hours. Jacob broke their kiss as he pressed closer, his chest rubbing against her tits and forcing the breath from her lungs.
Her nipples stuck out through her swimsuit like twin torpedoes and he reached for one, palming the sweet globe of her breast as he swiped across the nub with his thumb. Damn. Was that a tremble? He couldn’t wait to see her naked. Touch every inch of her wet skin. Run his tongue across her folds. Make her scream his name.
The swimsuit was in the way. Jacob grabbed the bright pink fabric and yanked it down, exposing her breast to the water and his eager lips. He bent down and feasted, suckling her tight nipple into his mouth and out of the water.
She cried out and arched for him, her nails digging into his back as he rolled her sensitive flesh around and around. Why had he waited this long? Rachel had been driving him crazy from the minute she lifted the first box off the kitchen floor and onto the counter.
Why had it taken him six weeks to break through whatever barrier was holding him back? What a fool he’d been. All those nights wasted. All those orgasms that passed her by. He reached for her other breast, but she stopped him.
“You don’t have to do this.”
He frowned against her skin. Of course he did. Didn’t she see how much he needed her?
Rachel pushed against his shoulders. “Jacob, stop.”
He glanced up. “I liked it better when you called me Mr. Sinclair.”
She frowned and yanked her swimsuit back up. “I told you, I’m not a one-night stand kind of woman.”
“And I’m not a relationship kind of man. Can’t we both ignore our tendencies for the moment?” He edged closer, his erection pressing into her soft belly. “I want you, Rachel.”
“You’re toying with me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Believe this.” He leaned in to kiss her again, but she turned her head. His lips landed on cheek. Damn it. This never happened. He groaned in frustration. “What is the problem? I want you, you want me. Can’t we talk about this later?”
They’d spent six weeks talking and getting to know each other. He’d spent more time with Rachel than he had with anyone else since she’d walked through his front door. Not even his personal assistant knew him so well.
And she doubted him? Now?
He leaned in to kiss her again, but she sank into the water. Before he could catch her, she’d kicked out of his grasp.
“Don’t run away from me, Rachel.”
She rolled over onto her back and kicked toward the stairs. “I’m not running. I’m swimming.”
“Stay.”
“No. I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” She grabbed hold of the handrail and pulled herself out of the water. All those delicious curves walking away from him.
He swam toward her. “What can I say to change your mind?”
She paused, water running down her glorious body in rivulets. “Tell me this isn’t just some conquest. Tell me you actually give a damn.”
Jacob swallowed. How could he? What if it wasn’t enough?
Rachel smiled. “Enjoy your evening, Mr. Sinclair.”
Ouch. Jacob took a deep breath and sank into the water. Rachel was the first woman to turn him down in forever. The first woman to see past his money and call bullshit on his advances.
God, she was perfect. Strong. Opinionated. Good at her job. Willing to stand up to him and tell him to go to hell.
The thought of her leaving sent a wave of nausea through him and he sank lower beneath the surface. What would he do without her?
He thought of her face as she waved goodbye. The check he’d write for her services would be the last time they’d come into contact. Fuck, no. Jacob sprang out of the water with a start.
I’m falling in love with her.
He gasped like a drowning man. He hadn’t been in love since college. It was easier to keep his distance.
But Rachel had pierced his armor. She’d worked her way into his heart without even trying. If he let her leave thinking all he wanted was her body…
He dove into the water and swam toward the stairs. For the first time in forever, Jacob would actually put himself out there. He’d tell a woman she mattered. Even if she still said goodbye.
Chapter Three
RACHEL
Going to the pool was such a colossal mistake. The flutter in Rachel’s belly wouldn’t quit as she stripped out of her soaking wet bikini. She knew Jacob only cared about satisfying his own needs. The man had built a fortune doing exactly that.
Why would she be any different? He’d tricked her with those molten eyes and those dangerous kisses. No more. Screw the rest of the job. As soon as she could throw her stuff in her bags, she would leave and never look back.
She tugged a T-shirt on over her still damp skin when a knock sounded on her door. “Go away.”
“No. Rachel, I want to talk to you.”
She raised her voice to ensure it carried through the door along with her anger. “Is that before or after you get me naked?”
“Both?”
It shouldn’t make her smile, but it did. “Still not interested.”
“Please, Rachel, I—” Jacob’s voice softened. A string of mumbles filtered through the wood, but she couldn’t make out the words.
She should tell him to go to hell and leave. But the earnest tone in his voice and the way he almost pleaded with her… She exhaled. A conversation wouldn’t kill her. Rachel opened the door.
Jacob stood there, palms on the door frame, head still down where he’d rested it against the wood.
“Are you okay?”
He glanced up and the sight knocked Rachel back. No one looked at her like that.
“I’m sorry, I haven’t really done this before.” He pushed past her and walked to the window. From her bedroom, she had a view up the hill of a million tiny houses all stacked on top of each other, teetering on the edge of the world.
I’ll miss that view. She glanced at Jacob as he pulled back the curtain. “Done what?”
He snorted out a laugh. “You wo
n’t believe me.”
“Won’t know unless you try.”
The curtain fell and he turned to face her. “I like you, Rachel. As more than a one-night stand.”
She couldn’t have heard him right. “Okay…”
“It’s been a long time since I could say that.”
Oh. She frowned, unable to put it all together until he ran a hand through his hair. It stuck up in all directions and finally she got it.
Rachel rolled her lips to keep from smiling. Jacob Sinclair was nervous about telling a woman he liked her.
She pinched her arm and yelped.
“What was that for?”
The grin spread. “Just checking. Thought I’d passed out for a second there.”
Jacob stepped toward her. “You’re most definitely awake.”
As he stared at her body, she tugged her T-shirt down her thighs. Hell, she wasn’t even wearing underwear.
His eyes found hers. “You didn’t have to run from me. I’d never kick you out in the morning.”
“What about hurt me?”
“Only if you liked it. You’ve heard about safe words, right?”
She laughed. “No spanking. I’m not into that.”
He closed the lingering distance between them. “How about orgasms? Are you into those?”
“Definitely.”
Jacob reached out and slipped his hands around Rachel’s middle before sliding down to cup her naked ass. The heat from his fingers sent bolts of pleasure through her. “Guess what? I’m into those too.”
He kissed her again and Rachel let go. To hell with it. If Jacob wanted her so badly that he’d chase her through his house still dripping wet from the pool, he could have her. It was probably all a ploy just to get her in bed, but Rachel couldn’t stop now.
Not when Jacob’s hands plumped her ass and his cock dug a path up her belly as he ground himself against her. God, the man was dangerous. She reached up, palming his chest as he circled his tongue around hers.
Thick, solid muscles. Defined pecs. Her fingers sank lower to bump over washboard abs and a trim waist. The swim trunks hung low on his hips and Rachel slipped her hands beneath the waistband, eager to give as good as she got.
Jacob grabbed her by the wrists before she had a chance. “No, Rachel. This isn’t about me. It’s about you.”
“It is?” She squeaked out the question as he steered her backward. Her calves hit her bed and she landed on the mattress with a bounce.
“Yes.” Jacob leaned over and grabbed her T-shirt in both hands. It peeled off her body like a snake shedding its skin. He dropped it on the floor and stared. “I’ve been dreaming about this body for six weeks.”
Rachel leaned back and braced herself on her palms. “You’re not the only one, Mr. Sinclair.”
He groaned. “God, the way you say my name. It’s filthy.” He fell to his knees. “But this, mmm. This is pure as fresh snow.”
Pressing close, Jacob nudged her knees apart with his torso, slipping between her legs to nuzzle her breasts. “You have amazing tits. Has anyone ever told you that?”
Rachel laughed. “No.”
“What a shame.” His nose disappeared between them and his tongue snaked out to lick a trail up her sternum. “They are spectacular.”
Palming both of her breasts, Jacob plumped and stroked Rachel’s sensitive skin until her head fell back. Wow. Her eyes fluttered shut and Rachel lost herself in the feeling of Jacob’s hands all over her. Caressing and pinching, teasing and flicking.
She throbbed in need.
“Jacob, I can’t—”
“What’s that?” He pulled back and planted a kiss on one nipple. “You can’t what?” His tongue darted out and flicked the other.
“Wait any longer.” Rachel sat up and grabbed his shorts, desperate to feel him inside her, but he merely pushed her back until her back hit the mattress.
“Patience, Ms. Butler.” He grinned and kissed her stomach, inching down a breath at a time, lower and lower until his lips hovered above her mound.
Oh, God, yes. She trembled in anticipation, but he only stared at her.
She counted to keep from begging. One, two, three. Jacob made her wait in agony, gazing up at her through his brown lashes, relishing in the torture he inflicted.
Her legs trembled, her breath came out in short, clipped gasps, and finally, he descended. Lips hot on her folds, tongue darting out to flick across her clit.
Rachel moaned and reached behind her, gripping the bed sheets and twisting them around her fingers. Again and again, Jacob swirled his tongue and Rachel knew she’d never have a better night than tonight.
JACOB
Even better than I imagined. Over and over Jacob circled his tongue, lapping up Rachel’s desire, working her body until she moaned his name. That’s it, come for me.
She came in a whimper, body seizing up as the waves of pleasure washed over her.
Damn. Part of him hoped he’d been wrong. That watching a blissed out look spread over Rachel’s face didn’t light him up with a feeling he daren’t name. But he couldn’t deny it.
Jacob wanted to wrap her up in his arms and make her dreams come true. Or lock her up in his mansion until he’d learned every single hope and fear and secret she possessed.
He eased forward, kissing a trail from her quivering belly up to her breasts. Round and full and spilling over her sides, they begged for his touch.
His taste.
He stroked and plumped her sensitive skin until she wriggled. He kissed the space between until she moaned. God, Rachel was a dream come true.
Jacob would never forget the way she came undone. “Do you believe me now?”
“Hmm?”
“That I’m not in this for a quick fuck.”
She blinked her eyes open and met his stare. “I’m beginning to.”
“Good.” He lapped at her nipple, drawing it into his mouth before swirling his tongue around and around.
A hundred different ways he’d imagined this moment. He’d watch her bend over a cardboard box and it would spur a million fantasies. Would he take her in the middle of the day on the kitchen counter? Against the wall in the hall?
Or right here in her own bed? Reality was a million times better than any daydream.
Jacob rose off his knees and leaned over Rachel as her eyes fluttered open. Beautiful. His dick throbbed inside his swim trunks and he sank down on top of her, need eclipsing all but his base instincts. He ground his hips, his cock tight against her swollen folds as he bent to taste her lips. Yes. Their tongues danced and swirled and he never wanted to let her go.
More than anything, he wanted to claim her and make her his. Ruin her for anyone else. As he pulled back, Rachel read his mind, lunging for his shorts and dragging them down his body. His cock sprang free, bobbing in the cool air as Rachel reached out. She stroked his swollen shaft as he kicked his shorts to the floor.
Jesus. One touch of her fingers and Jacob felt the familiar pull. “I need to be inside you.”
She smiled and wrapped her legs around his waist before digging her heels into his ass. “Then what are you waiting for?”
He took her on the last word, slicing through her slick heat, filling her up as she fell back on the bed. Tight and wet and so damn ready for him, Rachel gripped him as he pulled back and thrust again.
Deeper, harder, until his hips slammed into her body. The bed groaned and creaked and Jacob picked up speed, taking her in a relentless rhythm as she moaned out his name. Little slips of the tongue again and again, breaths of need and passion igniting and puffing out of her lungs.
Rachel could be his oxygen. His reason for breathing. Boardrooms and contracts, deals and sales. None of it mattered now that he’d had a taste of her.
Sweat dripped off his body and landed on her forehead. She groaned. “Harder, Jacob. Fuck me harder.”
He growled his response, pulling back to take a handful of her round ass. As he slipped free, she cried out, b
ut the sound was muffled by the mattress. Jacob had flipped her over like a page of a book. Mmm. Look at those curves.
Round and full and way more than a handful, her ass sat up in the air, begging for his dick. Jacob climbed onto the mattress and Rachel scrambled toward the headboard. Her fingers wrapped around the carved wood as Jacob spread her legs.
“You’re fucking amazing, Rachel.” He positioned himself behind her and sank back inside her slippery heat. Fuck, yes. Even better than the first time.
He grabbed her by the waist and held her up, supporting her weight with his arm as he pounded into her from behind.
The first moan was electric. The second lit him on fire. Every pump of his hips brought a cry from her lips. Every flex of his arm around her waist as he claimed a deeper angle made her groan.
Rachel’s legs shook, her knuckles turned white and Jacob couldn’t hold back. He whispered hot and urgent in her ear. “Come for me, Rachel. Come with me.”
Another thrust of his hips and Jacob came, pumping deep inside her, coating her pussy in his release. Rachel came a second later, muscles gripping his cock and milking him dry.
Forget the money and power, fame and success. This right here. Rachel’s sweat-covered, blissed out body riding a euphoric high. This is what life is all about.
Jacob kissed her shoulder and crawled up beside her. He tugged her limp body to his and nestled his face in her blonde hair. He could stay like this forever if she’d let him.
Chapter Four
RACHEL
Mmm. Six hundred thread count sheets would never get old. Rachel stretched, sore in all the right places. After passing out in her bed for the afternoon, they’d moved to the kitchen… the hallway… Jacob’s bedroom.
She’d orgasmed more in one night than she thought possible. What a man. With a grin burning her cheeks, she rolled over and reached for Jacob. Nothing.
The sheets weren’t even warm. Oh. Rachel sat up, tugging the top sheet over her naked breasts. He’s gone. After last night, she’d expected to wake up next to Jacob, his leg draped over her, arm flung across her chest.
