Frank lowered his lips to hers and she tipped up her chin in anticipation. The kiss was sweet, sensual, drawing a rising tide of response that threatened to sweep her away. He stroked his hands down her back until they rested on the curve of her hips and he dragged her firmly against him. The swell of his arousal pressed against her stomach and she stiffened.
This was not the right time. She needed to think, to know if she was really ready. She eased away from him. "Frank, I…"
He put a finger to her lips, making a shushing sound, then tapped the tip of her nose. "I know, Angel. The evening was fun, but it ends here. I know the rules. And I know why they’re important."
No bitterness tinged his words, only regret. She wished she could reach out to him, tell him she loved him… tell him she wanted him… but she knew now wasn’t the time. When she made love to Frank, she wanted to be sure it was a logical decision, not based on too much wine and an overdose of hormones.
As he turned away, she grabbed his arm and pulled him back to face her. Her hands flew to his cheeks. She popped up on her tip toes and joined her lips to his in a short burst of a kiss. She slid her hands to his shoulders for support — and because she was reluctant to stop touching him.
"Frank, thank you, I… It was a lovely evening. You did a great job… acting the loving husband and all."
"An easy role with you as my co-star, Angel."
He smiled that half grin of his and she knew if she stayed any longer she’d be lost. She slid her hands off his shoulders, reveling in the feel of the soft, finely-spun wool of his suit jacket.
"Good night, Frank." She turned and marched to her room before she changed her mind. Closing the door snugly behind her, she leaned against it for a few moments while she caught her breath.
She took off her makeup with cold cream and brushed out her curls, then put on her favourite red plaid, flannel night shirt. Once she noticed the strip of light under her door darken, she slipped into the bathroom to complete her night time ritual.
I’m turning into a coward, she thought. Afraid to pass Frank in the hall for fear of falling into his arms. I definitely have a bad case of… Of what? Of love, yes. Of wanting Frank. Of a need she’d been nurturing subconsciously for years. She wanted… needed… everything with Frank. Marriage — a real one. Love. A home. Forever.
But she couldn’t have forever.
Still, why did that mean she couldn’t have now? They both knew they would have to part when the case ended. Frank wasn’t about to stay in his cover role. No way. But they were together now, and they were husband and wife. Why not allow herself a little happiness — the happiness she could find in his arms? Frank had made it clear he wasn’t averse to making love, even though theirs was a marriage destined to end.
It seemed so clear now that being with Frank — giving Frank all that she was capable of giving under the circumstances — was the best way to express her love. Maybe they didn’t have forever, but they had now, and each other, and the memories they would make together would last a lifetime. And somehow Angel knew it would be her only chance at love.
* * * *
Frank settled under the blue-flowered quilt that had been his only comfort since he’d been living with Angel. It smelled faintly of the sweet herbal fragrance she wore. Saying goodnight to her had been almost impossible tonight. He sensed something different in her. The way she’d looked into his eyes, as though she’d wanted to reach out to him. Maybe it was just the party and the drinks making her let down her guard, but he felt as though she were trying to make a decision. About him.
He heard her door open quietly and he feigned sleep, knowing she’d been waiting for him to turn out the light so she wouldn’t have to face him. He watched her with lids barely lifted as she tiptoed into the bathroom. Even in a long flannel nightshirt, she managed to look deliciously sexy, her curls tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. He had a feeling that if he were to lift his covers and invite her to join him, she just might say yes. But he wouldn’t. If they made love it had to be her decision, with no pressure from him. He couldn’t live with anything else. So, he’d wait patiently. Forever, if he had to.
* * *
During the long hours of the night, with moonlight caressing her sheets, Angel came to her decision. She wanted Frank and she was going to let him know.
In the morning, when Frank told her he had a number of errands to run, she volunteered to do the grocery shopping. While at the mall to pick up the ingredients for her special Chicken Cacciatore with Caesar salad and fresh baked bread, she passed by the Naughty Lady lingerie store and decided to be a little naughty herself and indulge in something new.
Something special for tonight.
Because she was going to seduce her husband.
Tonight.
Chapter 9
At six-thirty, Angel heard the door open and Frank whistling a happy tune. She washed the last of the dishes used in preparing dinner and placed it in the second sink, then dried her hands on the kitchen towel hanging on the stove handle. Dinner was well in hand, the chicken simmering, the salad ingredients ready in the refrigerator. All she needed to do was make the spaghetti and assemble the salad once they were ready to eat. She ran her fingers through her hair to fluff it up, then hurried into the living room to greet her husband.
"Hi, Frank," she said, smiling shyly, suddenly nervous about her plan and exactly how to carry it out.
Frank produced a bouquet of pink roses from behind his back. "For you, Angel."
She could see the warmth and tenderness in his eyes as he smiled at her. "Oh, Frank, they’re lovely." She took them and breathed in their sweet fragrance.
"Not nearly as lovely as you," he said, taking in the soft lines of her floral sun dress. The wrap style bodice was cut low and outlined her generous curves. He pushed a strand of hair behind her ears and let his fingers trail down her neck. His gaze dipped below her face and followed the arrow of her deep neckline to the soft swell of her breasts, then slid back up to her lips.
Breathless in anticipation, she placed the flowers on the nearby coffee table then turned back to him. She stepped close and raised her face to gaze up at him, expectant. Tonight would be the night. Her first time. Could he read it in her eyes?
Frank knew something had changed. The way Angel was looking at him made his breath catch. Her eyes, the colour of dark chocolate, were simmering with heat. His fingers slid over her shoulder and under her hair, stroking up and down the nape of her neck. His hand opened to cradle her head as he brought his lips down to hers. He could hear her draw in a breath just before their lips touched, a sign of anticipation that accelerated his blood flow. He wanted her so much, and he’d been patient, because she’d needed time, but he didn’t know how much longer he could wait, how many more sleepless nights he could spend tossing and turning, thinking of her only a few feet away. She was responding to him now, her tongue answering the dance of his with her own sweet, delicate movements. Her body pressed against him, her breasts crushed against his chest and he could feel the hardened nipples through the soft cotton of her dress. God, didn’t she know what she was doing to him?
He pulled back from her gently, putting inches between them. She needed time and he couldn’t give it to her if they kept this up. She whimpered as their bodies parted.
"Angel, I only have so much self control. If we keep doing this, I won’t be able to stop."
"Then don’t." She stared up at him, desire shining in her eyes.
He examined her expression, trying to gauge if she’d said it in the heat of passion or if the decision was premeditated. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "Very sure."
She felt his arm tighten around her back and drag her against him. His lips landed on hers with a ferocity that frightened her, suddenly demanding. His arms were like steel around her. She started to struggle and the pressure of his lips immediately gentled, his hand sending shivers through her as it moved slowly up her spine in slow circl
es. His other hand stroked her neck, then cupped her chin in his palm while his fingers curled around her ear. She felt her zipper slide open, the slow, rasping sound intensely erotic. As the sides of her dress parted, it slipped off her shoulders. Frank eased it over her elbows and let it fall to the floor.
He pulled back to look at her and she watched him suck in a breath. His fingers trailed down the strap of her purple bra, an underwired push-up that she’d picked out because it accentuated her curves and gave her generous bosom a needed boost. The matching lace trimmed panties were sheer decadence. She’d bought them with exactly this in mind.
"Angel, you know how to drive me crazy."
His gaze traveled the long expanse of her legs, then roamed back to her breasts. His finger reached the lace-covered cup and traced along the top edge of the skimpy garment. She closed her eyes as he lowered his mouth to the overheated skin at the base of her neck. His lips felt cool and subtly erotic.
Frank felt the hot silk of her skin scorch his lips. His body ignited in response to Angel’s quick indrawn breath and the quickening of her pulse. He forced himself to move slowly, not to rush her again. Frightening her was not what he wanted to do, and he’d already done it once tonight. His lips moved down from her neck until he reached the valley between her breasts. The cut of her sexy bra left it almost bare. Only a small satin bow crossed between. One of his hands slid over her right breast. His fingers dipped under the lace to discover the hardened nipple beneath.
"Darling, I love your choice of lingerie — and it looks stunning on you — but do you think we could take it off now?"
"Yes," she croaked, then cleared her throat and tried again. "Yes, you open it like this… Oh!"
She’d been reaching forward to show him the front closure, but he had already found it and released the clasp. In awe, he leaned forward and captured one nipple in his mouth and sought out the other with his hand.
The waves of sensations swept her away, into a sea of pleasure. His fingers circled and twirled and when he moved his head to the other nipple, the dampness on the first left it feeling erotically, almost uncomfortably, cool. His palm closed over it, warming and soothing, yet stirring. Somewhere along the way he’d slid the straps off her shoulders and discarded the scrap of purple lace.
This was ecstasy, being loved by Frank. She had dreamed of it so often, wanted it forever. Her legs felt rubbery and she didn’t think she could stand much longer. He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She felt the cool sheets on her back and realized that he’d somehow pulled the covers back before he laid her down.
He pulled off his clothes quickly, then stood looking down at her.
"You are absolutely beautiful."
"So are you," she said timidly, not able to slide her gaze away from the strong, masculine lines of his body, thinking how it would be when, in just a few moments from now, his body would merge with hers.
She opened her arms to him and he lowered himself into her embrace. He kissed her lips, then her ear. He trailed kisses down her neck, then blazed a path between her breasts. He paused at her belly button to tickle and cajole with his tongue, then continued down until he reached the lace of her transparent panties. He lifted his head slightly and looked at her face, grinning.
"These are absolutely sinful."
She smiled back at him.
He ran his hands around her body until they were under her, following the lace edging the top of the filmy fabric, then pulled them over her bottom, and down her thighs. Soon they slipped off the edge of the bed and became a pleasant memory.
She stiffened a little, shy at being totally naked. Her uneasiness ebbed as he kissed his way back up her legs, starting at her ankles, lingering a while on her knees, while his hands caressed the backs of her calves, then continued up her inner thighs. He parted her legs as he moved so she hardly noticed it was happening. His lips were doing wonderful things to her, sending electric tingles throughout her entire body. His hands left her legs and she felt them flatten on her stomach, then one swept down to stroke the curly hair covering her most intimate part. She gasped a little in surprise and he glanced up at her, concern shadowing his features.
"Are you okay, Angel? Am I moving too fast?"
"No," she breathed and urged him on by arching up to his hand.
He stroked a few times, then trailed his fingers down between her thighs and around behind until his arms hugged up and around her hips. His mouth moved over her throbbing womanhood and she gasped in dismay as she felt him give her the most erotic kiss she’d ever experienced. Her whole body leapt into motion, arching and quivering. She couldn’t seem to keep still. It was as though his mouth was a pulsing source of electric joy. Her hands found his head and she raked her fingers through his hair. He kept her hips still enough so he could continue his pleasurable plundering of her body. She felt an urgency rise within her, compressing her essence into a taut little ball, accelerating toward inevitable release. Suddenly, time stopped on a catch of her breath, then slowly, as a moan erupted from her depths, sensations cascaded over her in expanding waves of rapture. She fell back on the bed, still and exhausted.
He lifted his head and smiled up at her. She was so exquisitely beautiful and so beautifully responsive. He stroked his hands up her body, very slowly, from her thighs to her breasts. He gently caressed them, then crawled up to lay beside her. Her eyes were closed, but she opened them and smiled.
"Wow."
His finger wandered over to trail along her collarbone. "We can stop now, if you want, Angel."
Her eyebrows drew together and she looked confused. "Do you want to?"
He picked up her hand and guided it to the proof of his arousal. Her arm tensed, but she didn’t pull back. "Absolutely not, but I don’t want you to do more than you feel comfortable with."
She touched his erection with a single finger, trailing down his length and back up, then she curled her fingers around him and squeezed. His quickly indrawn breath made her smile in satisfaction. He was giving her a choice, and she loved him for it, but she wanted him inside her. She wanted to be his wife in the fullest sense of the word.
"I want more, Frank. Much more."
She tugged open the drawer of her bedside table and pulled out a cellophane package. She handed it to him and he grinned as he ripped it open.
"You are prepared, aren’t you?"
Yes, Frank saw that her decision certainly was premeditated. He rolled the condom into place. Kneeling beside her, he rested his hands on her shoulders and massaged for a moment, then stroked down her body to her knees. His fingers stroked back up her inner thighs, parting them as he went. Then he moved between them. He lowered his body to hers and started to press into her slowly.
She was so tight. He eased in gradually, letting her body adapt to him. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to have stopped breathing. He felt the resistance of her maidenhead, reminding him that he was the first man to ever love Angel so completely. That knowledge gave him more pleasure than he thought possible. He eased forward.
He felt her body stretching around him to conform to his unaccustomed entrance. Angel stiffened beneath him and he could tell she forced herself to continue breathing normally.
"You okay, honey?"
She opened her eyes and smiled up at him. "Yes. Better than okay." She seemed to relax a bit and in a moment he was fully inside her.
"Oh, Angel. You’re incredibly soft."
The feel of her naked body beneath his, of the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed erratically, of the soft mewing sound she made when he stopped moving, threatened to send him into a quick, pulsating explosion before he could carry her through to completion. He took a deep breath and forced his body under control. He wanted her with him all the way — to experience the climax of their loving together. Slowly, he started to move inside her, sliding within her warmth.
Angel rode a dizzying wave of pleasure. He moved slowly at first, then increased his pace,
their breathing synchronized as they moved as one in their quest for bliss. This was what she’d always secretly hoped for. Ecstasy in the arms of a man who loved her. A man she loved. Her whole abdomen seemed to contract as she reached a mind shattering climax. She moaned his name at the peak and he echoed hers back as he followed her to overwhelming joy.
His head dropped down on the pillow beside hers, while he held the bulk of his weight on his elbows. She kissed his neck and stroked her hands up his back. She reveled in the feel of his strong shoulders under her fingers and then the silk of his dark hair. She gazed up into his eyes and saw such tenderness that it made her want to cry, awed that she could elicit such warmth.
Frank smiled, soaking in the sight of her all rumpled and rosy with her hair rippling over the pillow. He didn’t want to move away from her, not yet. He wanted to savour the feel of her under him and around him.
His sweet Angel had taken him to heaven.
He felt her tighten newly found muscles around him and he groaned at the sweet agony. "Angel, sweetheart, don’t do that. Not that I don’t love it, but…" He pulled away from her and, at her unhappy sound, he kissed her soundly and murmured, "I’ll be right back."
He discarded the condom and was back in seconds, laying down beside her, nestling her into the warmth of his arms. She snuggled against him and sighed happily. She fell asleep in the warmth of his embrace.
Frank woke up to a delicate harmony of sensual awareness. He gazed down at the woman sleeping in his arms, loving the feel of her warm body against his and the soft, feather-like wisps of hair tickling his cheek, breathing in the delicate scent of her herbal shampoo, hearing the gentle whisper of her breathing. Morning light drifted in the window and shone on her hair, sending dazzling highlights dancing across her curls.
Morning Angel.
He smiled, thinking of the sweet devil she’d been last night.
The honesty in her love-making, the fact that she’d given him the gift of her innocence, tore away the last threads of doubt he’d had about her. No way would he believe she was informant.
Undercover Blues Page 14
