"When did you learn all this?” she asked, trying to stall the urge to cling on to him and not let go.
"When I was a kid.” But his smile disappeared and his eyes dulled. “Too many hours spent star gazing when my parents couldn't stand each other. Easier to bury my head in books and the universe."
"Arguments?"
"You could say that,” he answered. “See that one?” he said, bringing her with him. He wrapped his free arm around her waist, fingers circling her stomach through her dress.
A fluttering sigh escaped Taylor's parted lips. The night air may have cooled her skin, but her body had definitely started a slow burn.
"That one is Virgo. It's only visible through April to July and known as the Maiden. It represents almost every famous and powerful female in mythology."
"I rather like that. Being aligned with powerful women."
"Women are always powerful. They just don't know it,” Cade murmured cryptically against her ear.
* * * *
Back at their table, dessert had been served.
"This is delicious.” Taylor gloried in the velvet smooth ambrosia as it slid over her tongue. She looked up at Cade. “You want to try?"
"Sure."
A slow secretive smile curled the corners of Taylor's mouth. She may have been a wreck earlier, scouring her wardrobe for something to wear that said “sexy", but as she offered Cade her spoon, sex was definitely on her mind.
He wrapped his fingers around hers and his mouth parted. Taylor's breathing quickened. She imagined him kissing her, his tongue sliding over her skin.
He licked the spoon, dark eyes fueled with desire.
"Taste is everything,” and wiped the tip of his tongue across his top lip. The timbre of his voice had changed, charged now. It nearly sent Taylor over the edge.
Beneath the table she squeezed her thighs together.
"Do you say that to all your women?” She heard her voice. She sounded sultry, even sexy. Boy, was she on a roll. This was easy. Taylor smiled to herself. Who would have thought she could be sexy, smart, heck, even sassy?
"Are we back to that again?"
Taylor struggled to concentrate, only able to focus on what Cade did with that yummy mouth of his.
Control, Taylor. Get it. Taylor breathed, slowly. Finally, she found control, or at least a semblance of it. “Just wondering if it was one of your moves? One you've practiced, you know, to get your dates in the mood."
"Oh.” Cade's smile dipped slightly and his dimples tempted her again. “That mood. Hmm, let me see. A fine restaurant, great meal, wine, good conversation.” He took a slow sip of his wine, his gaze never once leaving her face. “Does that equal sex for dessert?” he asked.
Would it? Taylor leant forward on her seat.
"I know this is your game, Taylor, but how about allowing me to take the lead sometime, hmm? Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, now would we?"
"Spoil sport."
"Absolutely,” he laughed. He tossed his napkin aside, pushed his chair back and stood up. “Come on, I think it's time we got out of here."
* * * *
"Funny how the distance traveled on the outward journey always seemed less than the return, isn't it?” Cade said as they reached the highest span of the bridge.
Taylor, however, simply offered him a slight smile. A sweet smile, and his nether regions reacted.
His attraction to Taylor was in no doubt. Long term commitment, however, was definitely not on the agenda. Both had stated that fact.
Cade exhaled a long drawn out breath, unaware he'd been holding it. What was it about Taylor that had him agreeing to her blatantly tempting proposal?
He gave her a sideways glance. She'd been quiet for a while, lost in her own thoughts, just as he was.
Taylor Sullivan. Businesswoman. Beautiful. Sexy. His gaze lowered to her ankles. They were crossed, a very demure action, but her shoes were nothing like demure. Wafer thin heels, encasing delicate feet.
Cade's blood roared. Yep. Definitely a recipe for pleasure.
As they neared the off ramp to the northern beaches, Taylor's phone buzzed. She gave him a quick, “I'm sorry,” and reached for it.
"Babette, what's the problem?"
"Babette?” Cade mouthed.
Taylor wagged her finger at him, and he clamped down on his laughter.
"He wants what?” Color flamed Taylor's cheeks, and from Cade knew instinctively—this was one of those calls.
"What does she want to know? Come on, tell me.” Cade couldn't stem his smile, or the chuckle deep down in his belly. Boy, oh boy, this was his moment to help. “Shoot, Taylor."
Taylor covered the mouthpiece and her face took on a strained expression.
"Babette wants to know about multiple orgasms."
Chapter Four
"So he says I should be able to, you know ... at least three times a night."
"Oh.” Taylor's gut churned. How the heck did she answer that?
Cade's brows wriggled suggestively firing a heat in Taylor's cheeks burning brighter by the second. She didn't know where to look. Not at Cade, that's for sure. Looking at him made her wonder what she was missing and fired fantasies right along with her wayward thoughts.
"So what do I tell him? I mean, I love him, but, heavens, I don't want to be charted on my ‘success’ rate."
"And you shouldn't be,” Taylor affirmed, battling to get her brain cells back on track and focus on her client's problem, and not the man who sat far too close to her.
What was it about pheromones? Right now she reckoned Cade was overdosing on them.
She wracked her brains in the hope she could come up with something witty, something real to answer Babette's dilemma.
"What do I do, Taylor? How many do you have?"
"How many?” Taylor repeated, her throat strangulating.
Cade's brows rose a fraction higher, and she turned away from his curiosity.
Dear Lord. Could the man read her mind?
"Yeah, you know. Orgasms."
Taylor's mouth opened and closed several times. She couldn't find her voice. Mind you she couldn't find an answer either.
"Well, it depends, I mean ... hey, what..."
Cade yanked the phone from her grip. “Hi there, it's Cade Harper, Taylor's...” he hesitated, and his gaze slid in her direction briefly. “I'm her boyfriend."
"Since when?” Taylor elbowed him and tried to get the phone back, but he out maneuvered her and drew the car quickly to a halt at the side of the road.
"This is an important client,” she hissed.
He covered the mouthpiece. “Then let me help. You want answers, don't you?"
"From you?"
"Why not? I've got plenty of experience; you said so yourself."
A groan slipped from Taylor's lips, and she sank back against her seat. She squeezed her eyes shut.
Beam me up, Scotty, or at least couldn't she click her heels and fly away to Oz?
"Now, look honey,” Cade's tone resonated and purred down the phone line.
Taylor's eyes flicked open.
"Honey?’ she mouthed, rolling her eyes at him, annoyed that the man sounded so calm and collected, not even a tad ruffled by Babette's direct questioning.
And, damn it, the more honeyed he sounded, the more she bristled.
"You tell that man of yours it's his job to pleasure you, take you to heights you've never reached before,” he said, his gaze never once leaving her face.
Oh, dear heaven. Taylor couldn't believe what she was hearing. She went to speak, but he held up a hand, silencing her protests.
And then he smiled, and she shut right up. Just like he wanted!
"Get him to try that spot. Yeah, that's the one. Get some books."
"Books!” Taylor almost screeched.
"Play a little. Experiment."
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head then, and she could feel the frantic race of her pulse. Her blood roared in her veins. “Oh, my God.
That client is down the drain,” she groaned.
Cade chuckled down the phone to something obviously witty from Babette. Taylor wished she could hear what was being said.
"Sure, she appreciates me,” he answered. Cade reached for her hand, linking his fingers with hers and holding on tight, his serious eyes resting on her. “I'm just what she ordered."
Oh, dear heaven. Taylor squeezed her eyes closed, again and wished the moment would disappear.
"Okay, Babette, honey, you get that man organized. Tell him what you want.” Cade clicked the phone off.
Silence echoed, but only for a heartbeat before Taylor rounded on Cade.
"Babette, Honey! Oh, puh-lease. That is so O.T.T. With that line you qualify for Car Salesman of the Year."
Cade gave her one of his lop-side grins. One of those boyish ones that marked those dimples of his as sure-fire sexy. He shrugged. “She didn't seem to mind. And besides, I thought you would be pleased."
Taylor fought an internal battle. One part of her agreed with him, she should be relieved she didn't have to answer Babette, while the other part of her, heck more like ninety percent railed at her own inadequacies.
She should have been able to answer.
She shouldn't be so naïve.
She was embarrassed at her own ineptitude.
But there was no way she was going to let Cade see that. Nope. No siree.
"Why should I be grateful to you?” she challenged.
"Because I alleviated your client's worries. Good for any business, surely?"
"Alleviate? You practically told the woman to go buy every sex book in the city."
"Did not.” Cade started up the car again.
"Oh yes you did—well sort of. Experiment, then."
"Good for keeping the bedroom interesting."
Suddenly, Taylor wasn't too comfortable about where this discussion was heading.
To the bedroom, where else?
And you've walked right into it.
"I see."
"You will, Taylor. You will."
Taylor stared into the passing darkness. She was definitely drowning.
Where was that damn life jacket again?
* * * *
"Would you like to come in?” Taylor asked as Cade silenced the engine outside her house. He heard the soft breathless lilt to her voice, heard her uncertainty.
"It's late,” he answered, giving her a reprieve, but realizing in the same instant he really, really didn't want to
"Oh.” She sounded disappointed.
Good tactic—leave her wanting more. “It's not that I don't want to,” Cade reaffirmed. Man, he had a hard on and battled to stay focused, to ... What was it wanted to say?
"No, it's okay, I understand. It was a nice meal."
Cade stared down at Taylor, wondering what she was thinking. Her eyes had shuttered slightly, closing him out. But then, he realized he didn't understand any of this himself. He cursed under his breath and dragged a hand through his hair. He gripped Taylor's shoulders, and turned her in her seat toward him. He felt her silky skin beneath his fingertips, wanted to brush his hands along it, over and over. Yet he did nothing; instead, he bit back his rock-hard need. “Taylor, look at me."
She lifted her wide blue eyes to him.
A man could drown in those blue pools he thought. Hell, he had. He choked back an oath. “This is awkward. One part of me wants to rush you right into bed and bury myself deep inside you, find out what's behind that veneer you present."
"I..."
He put a finger to her parted lips and felt her warm breath rush over his fingertip.
Stupid move. His need tightened.
"Shush. Unfortunately, the sensible part of me says hold on, take it easy and the trouble is, I'm listening."
He walked her to the door then, neither of them saying anything. Outside, the automatic security light switched on, and Cade felt like they were visible for the world to see. As Taylor fumbled with the lock, he reached across and took the key from her fingers, opening the door. She turned to him, expectancy written on every feature of her beautiful face.
"Thank you for a lovely evening,” she said a sweet, tentative smile curving her delicious mouth.
"Well ... um ... yeah. It was good,” he said, stumbling over his words—words he really meant, though in truth he felt like a pubescent school kid. Hell, he'd never felt so damned tongue tied before. He shoved his hands in his pockets. Not a good idea. It only drew the fabric over his very aroused status even more. “I've gotta go. I'll ... um, see you."
Taylor didn't answer him, but walked inside and shut the door behind her, leaving Cade with his conscience, and his arousal, fighting for control.
He blew out a long slow stream of air till there was nothing left. Why did he feel so let down? Damn it.
Because you wanted her, and you know she wanted you.
* * * *
"So?” Nita questioned the moment she walked in, dumping her bag and shucking out of her coat as she made a determined beeline for Taylor.
"Here comes trouble,” Taylor muttered under her breath good-naturedly. She tried to ignore Nita's early morning excitement and carried on sorting through the list of calls she had to make that morning for the Hayes wedding. The bride wanted Cinderella; the groom wanted medieval. Taylor only hoped they she could fulfill their dreams with style.
Nita propped herself on the side of Taylor's desk. “I'm dying to know. Was he as good as expected?” She slapped her forehead. “Dumb question. Of course he was; I can see it written all over your face."
"Wishful imagination,” Taylor shot back. “Besides, I'm not sure what you think you can see."
"Satisfaction guaranteed."
The pen Taylor's hand jerked across the page. “Blast. Do you have to be so..."
"Curious?” Nita offered.
"This isn't a locker room."
"Come on, you know I've a knack for getting the low down, so give."
A weary sigh escaped Taylor's lips. Weary because she desperately needed sleep. And that was all Cade Harper's fault. He may have refused her bed last night, but he'd still kept her awake into the wee hours of the morning. Awake and aroused two nights in a row!
"Now, no more prevaricating, Taylor Sullivan. Spill."
"Prevaricate. Big word this time of the morning."
Nita gave her a wicked grin. “But it fits the bill, right? Come on, Taylor. I've been wondering all night."
"Then you'll be disappointed."
"No. Don't do that to me. I even stayed in last night and watched TV. Along with eating a half a tub of hokey pokey ice cream."
Taylor tried not to smile and failed. “And you say I need a life. Have you looked at yourself lately?"
"I was worried."
"About me?” Keep busy. Keep occupied. Maybe then, Nita would give up the inquisition. Taylor turned the page to view her week's appointments. “Thanks for your concern.” she said, hoping Nita would drop the subject. “There's no need. It was a date. That's all."
"I know it's important to you."
"Was. Past tense."
"What? You're joking. How can you give up on him? He's..."
"Not interested, that's what."
"Oh, honey, you've got it so wrong. Cade Harper is definitely interested."
"Then how come he hasn't ... we haven't ... well, you know...” Taylor's voice trailed off. What was wrong with her? She was discussing her sex life—correction—her lack of a sex life with Nita. Her assistant was a good friend and a great employee, but still, this was personal.
Taylor snapped her schedule book closed. “Damn Cade. The one time I let my guard down. I thought I could do this, and he turns out to be the wrong guy."
"That's where you're wrong, Taylor.” Nita cut her short.
"You keep saying that, but where's the evidence?"
"He took you to dinner, didn't he?"
"Yes."
"Kissed you?"
Taylor colored. “Uh h
uh.” Definitely. In fact, his taste was still there.
"Good. You at least reached first base."
"You make it sound like a competition!"
"Not quite, but it's like a game of baseball. First base, second, third, et cetera. Besides, a little competition never hurt anyone."
Taylor's eyes widened in horror. “How many bases are there exactly?” Her fingers griped her pen, twisting it. Any thing to stop her hands from shaking.
Nita shrugged and gave her a sheepish grin. “A few."
Oh, god. “This is worse than I expected."
"Okay, okay. Keep your pants on.” Nita giggled at her own joke. “Well, maybe not."
"Nita!” Taylor warned.
"Firstly, there's kissing, lip-to-lip lock. You've done that, right?"
Taylor nodded as the “kissing” video revved up in her brain. Hotter than hot. Cade Harper was one good kisser.
"Then there's the tongue. Well, his tongue and yours, actually.” Nita eyed her.
"Don't ask me."
"Honey, one look at you and I don't need to. Now, let's see. Third base is the touchy feely stuff."
"No more.” Taylor held up her hand. “That's it. Don't ask me any more; don't even look at me. I'm not sure I can do this. I mean, I want to."
Man, did she want to.
Cade set her pulses racing without a doubt.
"He's turned me down twice."
"Two times, huh?"
"What do you mean, huh?"
"It's serious,” Nita informed, her smile fading.
Taylor found herself sitting on the edge of her seat. Sweat beaded between her breasts, and her throat felt suddenly desert dry. “Bad serious?"
"Yep."
The pen skittered from her fingers and across the desk. She needed a drink. “How bad?"
"Let's look at this way. Cade's no slouch in the lady department, right?"
Taylor nodded. Definitely temptation in one hunky package.
"So all we have to do is get him into you, proverbially speaking that is."
"What do you mean we?"
"Taylor, don't they say two heads are better than one?"
"Yeah,” she agreed as a great deal of trepidation mounted to dangerous proportions with every passing second. “I'm not sure I like that look on your face, Nita. What have you got in mind?” She really shouldn't have asked but couldn't help herself.
He's the One Page 5
