by Layla Hagen
His directness and charm sliced through my anger like a machete. I turned around slowly, facing him. A few lights from the back were casting just enough light that I could still make out his features.
“Oh?”
“I have some methods to wind down after a tough day, push it out of your mind.”
“It’s not running, is it?” I teased.
He brought his mouth to my ear. “No, it’s even better.”
A shiver ran through me.
“I promise you won’t even remember why you were mad in the first place.”
“That cannot possibly be true,” I countered.
“I’ll prove it.”
He took my hand in his. The skin on skin singed me. My breath caught. My whole body was anticipating the next second. Would he kiss me? He leaned in to me but veered right. The light end-of-day whiskers brushed my cheek.
“If you prefer, we can postpone everything,” Rob said.
“What do you want?”
“For you to go home with me tonight.” His tone was seductive with a hint of bossy. Yum.
“For dinner?” I whispered. I wasn’t sure what I wanted him to say.
“Not just dinner.” He pulled back a notch, staring me straight in the eyes. “I’ve got some skills to prove to you.”
“Fine. In the spirit of neighborly relationships, you can test your methods on me.”
“You’ll love them.”
“Hey, don’t go raising expectations.”
“I promise I can fulfill every single one of them.”
I had no doubt. I tried very hard not to imagine every other expectation he could fulfill.
“Let’s go, then,” I said. Grabbing the keys and my handbag, I led the way out of the store. Rob was on my heels, almost literally. I could feel the heat of his body behind me as I locked the door.
It was a beautiful evening for a stroll. I looked around with a huge smile, enjoying that Rob was here with me.
“You really love it here.”
“I do. But I just love the city in general more than any place I’ve visited.”
“Do you travel a lot?”
“I used to. Back in college, I traveled the US with some backpacker friends during vacations. Once I was more senior at my workplace, I was paid very well, and Tess and I went to Europe twice and went on a lot of tours. Once we started from Ireland, went to the UK and then France. The second time we started with Italy and then flew to Spain. I loved it.”
“I can see that. You’re lighting up.”
“I’d actually thought about working abroad for a while, but Tess and I decided we wanted to give this business a try. So we saved and worked insane hours.”
“Tell me about the investor you almost signed with.”
I waved my hand. “It just didn’t work out. He said he’d found a more profitable option.”
“Are you searching for another one?”
“No, Tess and I decided that for now, we’ll focus on what we have.”
“Why did you want one in the first place?”
“More cash never hurts, and our initial plan was to expand rapidly, open a few more stores. But right now, our numbers tell us that we should focus our efforts on the online store. It’s where 70 percent of our profit comes from. Another physical store would just be a drain.”
“Personally, I think that working with investors is overrated. One gets caught up in the rush of expansion and investment, but the risk increases too, and the overall structure becomes tied to investors. It can tumble down like a house of cards.”
“Exactly. We got a taste of that when we had to call the suppliers and tell them we wouldn’t be sending more business their way after all. We’re happy with our decision for now. We’ll see if things change in the future.”
When we descended the stairs to the subway, Rob put his hand on my lower back. I loved it.
It was very hot in the station and then extremely cold in the car itself. The AC was freezing. I shuddered, and Rob gallantly took off his suit jacket, draping it around my shoulders. I grinned at him. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
He still had one hand on my back. The other was on the railing, which put his mouthwatering bicep at my eye level. Oh, what a view. I typically read on the train—I had a Kindle app on my phone loaded with my favorite books—but there was no way I was missing out on the view this evening.
Every time our gazes crossed, I felt as if we were back in Tris’s shop. Especially because the more time passed, the closer he leaned in and the harder he pressed his hand on my lower back.
“Should’ve taken an Uber. Then I would’ve had you all to myself,” he said in a low voice. Something in his tone made me think he was considering getting off at the next station and climbing into a car for the rest of the way. A shiver ran through me at the thought.
“You’re forgetting the driver,” I whispered.
“Details. I can’t wait to taste you again, touch that sexy-as-hell lingerie you’re wearing.”
My eyes widened. My cheeks were on fire.
“You thought I didn’t notice?” he went on in that same low voice. “Just remembering how you felt... fuck.”
Okay, that last word had almost sounded like a groan. This flirtiness was escalating quickly, and we were in a public place. I thought it was best to take a step back, put a few inches of distance between us. I grabbed a ceiling strap for support. I hadn’t been holding on to anything before, thinking that if I lost my balance I could just... grab Rob.
For the rest of the journey, he followed my lead, not even attempting to close the space between us. When the train came to a stop at our station, he trapped me with his gaze again, and one thing was for sure: tonight wasn’t going to end just with kissing.
Chapter Thirteen
Skye
Outside the subway station, I gave him back the jacket regretfully. I quite liked having it on my shoulders, being surrounded by that delicious manly smell. I took in a deep breath. The energy of the suburbs was so different to that of the city. Everything moved slower; people were calmer. Most were commuters, like me. My friends hadn’t understood why I moved to a suburb, considering how much I loved Manhattan.
Not only did I want a bigger space than I could afford in Manhattan, but after spending the whole day in the hustle and bustle of the center, I liked slowing down in the evening.
I loved opening my window wide in the summer and hearing the birds, the sound of children playing outside and the trains passing in the distance.
Right now though, I wasn’t paying too much attention to anything. I was too consumed by the gorgeous man walking right next to me.
“So,” I said once I was in front of my house. “I want to freshen up really quickly, and then you can show me all those methods of yours.”
Rob grinned. “Looking forward to it. Just don’t take too long, or I might come banging down your door.”
“I need half an hour.”
He cocked a brow. “To freshen up? It’s already ten.”
“Fine, twenty.”
I was giddy as I practically ran to my house. Please, please, please, karma, don’t let things blow up in my face, because I don’t want to dread coming home every day.
I thought I’d calm down once I arrived inside, but instead, the opposite happened.
My nerves were even more frayed than before. I took a quick shower, then wrapped a silk robe around me and retrieved a set of lingerie from my dresser when I heard the bell ring.
Oh?
There was no delivery at this time. Who could it be? I hurried downstairs with the lingerie set, which I quickly threw on the couch before fastening the robe tighter. I looked through the peephole.
Holy shit, it’s Rob! Have my twenty minutes passed? I glanced at the digital clock on my TV. Shit yeah, I was ten minutes late.
I was so not ready. My hair was wild, and my living room was a mess. But I couldn’t keep him waiting, so I opened the door.
“Fuck!” he exclaimed. One word was all it took for me to go from nervous to turned on.
My body instantly reacted to him, and my nipples turned hard. Rob dropped his gaze to my chest. His pupils dilated a notch. The look on his face was one of pure hunger. I stepped back in a silent invitation. He came in, closing the door behind him. My heart was thundering against my rib cage. I was barely fighting off the urge to press my palm to my chest.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” My voice was a little shaky, but Rob was watching me with such an intensity that I couldn’t even breathe. “Want something to drink?”
“I just came to take you to my house.”
“I know, but I’m not dressed yet. I could fix a drink for you while you wait.”
“Sure. You have whiskey?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll have some on the rocks.”
I fixed him one at the island in my kitchen. “Here it is. I’ll just take everything upstairs and come down when I’m ready.”
I pointed toward the couch, and he followed my hand with his gaze. He froze when he saw the lingerie set.
“You’re naked under that?” He pointed to my robe.
I nodded.
“Fucking hell.”
The next second, he closed the distance between us, kissing me fiercely.
***
Rob
All day, I’d been waiting for this moment, imagining it. Claiming her mouth, taking my time to taste and explore her. I wrapped a hand in her hair. It was a little damp but still felt like silk in my fist. The scent of strawberry was strong. It was driving me crazy with lust. My instincts were battling my mind, and my mind was losing. I’d wanted to take care of her, spend the evening talking, and then... then do this. But I couldn’t let go. I couldn’t bring myself to even take one step back, let alone leave the house. The knowledge that she was naked under that scrap of silk was tormenting me. I touched her neck with one hand, splaying my fingers wide, touching as much as possible, feeling her pulse, enjoying how wild it was. When I dropped my hand even lower, resting it on her chest, she tugged at my tie.
I drew back, watching her. Humming lightly, she opened her eyes.
“Take it off,” I said.
Her eyes widened, but she immediately loosened the knot, pulling the tie over my head.
“Now my shirt.”
I looked at her, straight into her eyes as she worked my buttons, taking off the shirt. Her fingers trembled, and her breath was shaky. I slipped my fingers under the hem of her robe, just a fraction of an inch. Skye gasped. I liked watching her succumb to the tiniest sensation so completely. I moved my fingers, cupping her breast, teasing the nipple between my thumb and forefinger. She curled the hand she’d rested on my shoulder. Her nails scraped my skin. I wanted to do this all night: touch every part of her, drink in every reaction, no matter how small. But then she moved her hand down my chest, going straight for my belt buckle. Once again, my rational side lost it. She took off the belt, dropping it to the floor. The sound of metal on wood echoed in the living room.
I tugged at the knot of her robe until it opened enough that it still covered her breasts but not her pussy. She clenched her legs, as if just now realizing how exposed she was.
I went around her until I was at her back. Grabbing the robe at her shoulders, I pulled it down, letting it pool at her feet. She was unbelievably sexy. On instinct, I grabbed an ice cube from my untouched glass and turned her around. She didn’t notice the ice cube, but when I placed it between her breasts, she gasped, propping her hands on the counter behind her. I drew the cube lower between her breasts before circling one nipple. Her hips bucked forward, and I leaned in, needing a taste. I drew my tongue in a figure eight around her breasts before descending even lower. My mouth came first, then the ice cube... until she had goose bumps everywhere.
“Rob.” Her voice was a bare whisper. I felt her contract the muscles in her belly when I reached her navel and smiled against her skin. I glided the ice cube right over her clit before pressing the flat of my tongue against it. Skye nearly toppled over me. I held her hips with both hands, pressing her against the cabinet. I wanted to hoist her on the stone counter and push her on her back with legs spread wide open for me, but she’d be uncomfortable.
No, this was good. This was perfect. I looked around, eyeing a stool she probably used to reach upper cabinets and pulling it toward us. I tapped it, and she perched one leg on it. I liked spreading her like this, opening her up for me. I drew my thumbs on the inside of her thighs, right up to her pussy before leaning in and pushing my tongue inside her, tasting her, driving her crazy. Her moans were maddening, so responsive. I pushed my own pants down, fisting my cock. Oh, fuck, fuck. Fuck. I focused on her clit again, alternating between nipping it with my lips and teasing it with my tongue until she came, crying out my name. I fisted my cock harder, still tasting her, right until she calmed down. Knowing I wouldn’t last one moment longer if I continued touching myself, I held her with both hands, kissing down her thighs. Her breath was even shakier than before. I skimmed my mouth up her body, rising up, kicking off my pants and boxers, kissing each shoulder before stopping at her neck, nipping the sensitive skin there.
“I need....” I lost my train of thought when she wrapped her hand around my cock, pressing the heel of her palm on the head.
“What do you need?” she asked.
“This. You. Where’s your bedroom?”
“Upstairs,” she said with a wry grin.
I returned it. “After you.”
She turned around, walking toward a narrow door near the couch. I caught up with her in no time.
“That sway in your hips wasn’t there when I came in,” I whispered in her ear, fondling her ass.
She wiggled it against my cock, and I nearly turned her around and propped her against the wall right there.
“No, but your... what was the word? Ah yes, your methods are amazing.”
She wiggled her ass some more.
Gripping her hips, I steadied her.
“Woman. Upstairs. Now. Walk.”
She glanced at me over her shoulder.
“Why? Too tempting?”
“Keep at it and I’ll fuck you against this door. The wall. Whatever.”
She bit her lip.
I stepped closer. “Later. Now, get me to a bed.”
“Yes, sir.” She went up the stairs, and I waited until she was two steps ahead before following. This had two purposes. One: I had a great view of her ass. Two: she couldn’t wiggle it against me, testing my self-control.
The second we were inside her bedroom, she walked to the vanity.
“I have condoms,” she muttered, opening a drawer.
She’d barely taken the package out when I pulled her against me, kissing her hard, losing the little self-restraint I’d shown downstairs. I’d made her come once, but that wasn’t nearly enough. I walked her backward to the bed, ripping open the condom package without looking at it. I didn’t want to be inside her just yet. I wanted to indulge in foreplay a little longer, but it was better to be prepared, just in case I lost it. That seemed very likely, especially when she sat on the bed, watching me hungrily. I handed her the condom, fisting her hair when she rolled it down my erection.
“You’re doing great, Skye, just like that.”
I climbed on her, kissing every part I could reach, then turned her on her belly because I wanted to explore her some more. Her skin was smooth and warm and begged to be licked and nipped. I moved my lips over each ass cheek, then turned her around again. I entered her, nearly losing my mind. Never in my life had anything felt so intense.
My vision was a blur. I pushed in and out, losing myself in Skye, in the way she just surrendered to me, the immense pleasure that just gripped me.
Tension concentrated behind my navel, spreading fast, gripping all my muscles until every single one was burning.
“Fuuuuck. Baby, fuck.”
I thrust even
faster, then slowed down, touching her clit, needing her to come again before I did. When she clenched tight around me, placing her heels under my ass, urging me deeper, I just couldn’t hold back any longer. I exploded, grabbing the sheets, the pillow, anything in my reach, satisfied only when I heard Skye climax again.
Chapter Fourteen
Skye
“Do you want a robe, or are you good with a towel?” I asked.
“Towel’s good.”
We’d showered quickly, and I’d fastened my bathrobe as usual before realizing I hadn’t laid out a towel for Rob. I whisked one quickly from the rack and regretfully watched as he wrapped it around his lower body, covering himself up.
“I can leave it off, if you prefer,” he said with a wink.
I shrugged one shoulder. “I get to choose? Then I vote no towel.”
He tilted his head, laughing... but also dropped the towel the next second. Now that was a treat.
When we returned to the bedroom, he looked around, frowning.
“Our clothes are downstairs,” I reminded him.
“That’s right.”
I led him back to the living room, and only when I saw his clothes lying all around the place and my silk robe in a pile next to the kitchen counter did the events of the evening sink in.
Wow, that had escalated quickly. I grinned. Lately, I was all for that.
I felt Rob behind me. He hooked an arm around my waist. Oh, how I loved feeling that muscular arm around me, keeping me hostage against an equally muscular chest.
“Get dressed,” he murmured in my ear.
“What?”
“We’re going to my house.”
“Why?”
“That was the plan before you seduced me, remember?”
I turned around. “I seduced you?”
“Did you or did you not open the door wearing a robe?”
“Why were you knocking at my door in the first place?”
“Details.”
I pushed him away playfully. “I can’t decide what to wear.”
“I’ll help you decide. Try clothes on in front of me.”
I glanced at him speculatively. “Why?”
