He pushed her over onto her back. “Sorry,” he breathed, “but that's it for now."
"Did I hurt you? I wasn't sure-I didn't know—"
"You didn't hurt me. I'm very sensitive right now. I want you so badly I just can't take much touching."
Will slid down her body and sucked her right nipple into his mouth, scraping it on its release. With his hand, he smoothed a line from her neck, down between her breasts, over her stomach, and along the outer length of her leg. He brought his fingers up the inside and caressed her intimately again.
Laura moaned and closed her eyes. He removed his hand and settled his leg between hers, leaving her pulsing, desiring more. He pushed against her with his thigh and took her left nipple into his mouth. She dug her fingers into the back of his arms and arched her hips, searching for release.
He moved down her body, leaving a trail of warm, moist kisses over her stomach and thighs, and worked his way back up, parting her legs with his own. He lifted the back of her knees to cradle his hips and gazed into her eyes.
"I love you,” he whispered and pushed slowly inside of her.
She gasped.
He stopped moving. “You okay?"
Laura gave him a reassuring smile. “It's not painful. It feels full. Complete."
He covered her mouth and shared a long, tender kiss. While their lips were sealed, he pulled out of her and carefully pushed back in. They stayed that way for a few seconds, then she moved her hips, wanting more.
Will slipped his hand between their bodies and stroked her. She lifted up and blindly latched on to his neck with her mouth. He slid out, back in, continuing to caress her with his fingers. She clamped down on his neck muscles with her teeth and heard her own breath rushing in and out, then she moved her hips again, making the pulsing sensation migrate up inside of her. She moved them again, then again, until her hips gyrated to their own rhythm.
He pulled his hand from between their bodies, gripped her hips, buried his face in her neck, and thrust to meet each of her upward arches.
She dug her nails into his backside and held him in place while she pumped, desperate to satisfy the throbbing, knowing it lay right within her reach. Then it hit her, pushing her deep into the mattress. She sucked in a breath, and another, while every nerve in her body spasmed.
Will pressed into her a few more times and with a groan, dropped lifelessly on top of her. She wrapped limp arms around his back, and they lay in that position until their breathing had slowed back to normal.
Laura moved first, lifting a lazy finger to trail down the middle of his back. He jolted when she ran over a sensitive spot. She curbed a smile and skimmed that spot again. He jerked, and she laughed.
"You're doing that on purpose,” he mumbled.
She nipped his shoulder. “Yes."
Lifting his head, Will propped himself on his elbows and kissed her nose. “That was amazing."
Laura smiled and traced the outline of his dark brows with her index finger, recalling the details of the last hour. She'd responded to his love making without thinking, driven by some inner force to feel satisfaction. She hadn't any idea what to do. Her body had directed her. Had she done everything right?
Will brushed her hair across the pillow. “What are you thinking?"
She fixed her attention to a freckle on his shoulder. “Was that the way it's supposed to work?” She swallowed, feeling foolish about her question. “Did I do everything right?"
He moved his head into her line of vision, forcing her to look at him. “I can't describe to you how perfect it was. I've had sex before, but I've never made love. Loving you elevates the intimacy to a place I didn't think existed. And you,” he rubbed his nose against hers, “responded more freely than I ever expected. You have such passion hiding under that quiet demeanor of yours. And you know what the best part is?"
Laura shook her head, looking so earnest it melted Will's heart.
"It's going to get better and better each and every time we make love."
She nuzzled her face into his neck. “Thank you for saying all that."
Will bent his head and cuddled her nuzzling face. “You're welcome.” He lifted up and looked down the length of their bodies where they remained joined. The evidence of her virginity had smeared on both of them. “What do you say we get a shower?"
She nodded, and he pushed up off of her, grabbing her hand as he went. They walked across the hotel room to the bathroom.
"I can't believe I'm walking naked, holding hands with you."
He glanced over his shoulder. “Does it make you uncomfortable?"
"No. I feel desirable, womanly, special. I'm being silly I guess."
Tugging her into the bathroom, Will closed the door and backed her up against it. “You are very desirable.” He pressed his body against hers. “And womanly."
He dropped a quick kiss on her lips and turned toward the shower. While he adjusted the temperature, she piled her hair on top of her head in a haphazard knot. When the water felt right, he moved behind her and watched in the mirror as she tucked a few last strands out of the way. He moved his lips along the back of her exposed neck and slid his hands around to cup her breasts. Perfect breasts. Medium size. Enough to fill his hands and nothing more.
"I can't keep my hands off you,” he muttered against her neck. “It doesn't matter where I touch you. I love the feel of your skin."
"I like the feel of yours, too."
Will smiled at her sweet comment. He linked fingers with her and stepped into the shower. She hovered in the back, looking awkward and unsure of what to do. He wanted to hug her and rock her and kiss her and ravish her, all at the same time.
She reached for the bar of soap. He grabbed it from her. “That's my job.” He worked it between his fingers until it foamed.
He put the bar down, then smoothed his hands between her legs, keeping his eyes glued to her adorable, wide-eyed, shocked expression. A look that would forever be implanted in his brain.
After he washed away the remnants of their lovemaking, he handed the soap to her. “Your turn."
She took the soap and lathered it, then gently touched him, clearly unsure of the amount of pressure to use. Will covered her hand with his and moved it over him, showing her she didn't have to be so careful. Quickly, he grew aroused. Laura snapped a surprised look from his erection to his eyes.
Will backed her up against the shower and grasped her hips. “I think we better get out of here before I ravish you again."
"That wouldn't be so bad,” she replied in a sensual, husky voice.
He studied her face for a long moment, deciding. “There's nothing I want more, believe me. But I don't want to make you sore. Let's go drink some wine and have some strawberries."
Ten minutes later, they sat cross-legged on the bed, facing each other. Laura had slipped back into her white, silk robe. Will wore his boxers again. A bowl of strawberries and a plate of chocolates rested between them. He took a strawberry and held it up to her lips. She bit into it, and he popped the rest in to his mouth.
Laura swallowed her bite. “Your neck is bruised. I think I did that, didn't I?"
Will chuckled. “Yep, you did. And I loved every minute of it."
She laughed at that and plucked another strawberry from the bowl. They sat there for a few more minutes, munching on strawberries, sipping wine, silently watching each other. All he could think about was how much he loved her and wanted to share his life with her.
Right when he started to imagine their future together, it hit him. “We didn't use protection. Oh, shit. I can't believe I didn't even think of it. I'm sorry. I should've been more responsible. There's no excu—"
"I'm on the pill."
He cocked a brow. “When did you do that?"
"After the cabin. After you asked me to make love."
"So you went to a doctor and everything?"
She nodded.
"Well how did it go?” What a huge step for her.
/> Laura glanced away in obvious discomfort with the question.
He grabbed the back of her neck, pulled her forward, and planted a kiss on her lips. “We're lovers now. We're gonna talk about stuff like this. Don't be embarrassed."
Laura gave a shy little shrug. “I'm sorry. It's a lot to get used to, that's all."
"So, how was the doctor's visit?"
"It went okay. Better than expected, actually. I chose a woman doctor. She was real good about everything."
"Good. I'm happy.” He picked a chocolate off the plate and bit into it. “Mmmm, my favorite."
Will dipped his finger into the hollow part and scooped out some caramel. He shot her a devilish grin and parted the lower half of her robe. He smeared the caramel along her inner thigh, then leaned forward and licked it off.
"Your inner thighs are shaking.” He nipped where he'd licked and sat back.
Laura blinked a few times. “What?"
"I said you're shaking.” He squeezed her inner thigh. “One of the after effects of good loving."
Laura regarded him through narrowed eyes. “You enjoy setting me off balance, don't you?"
Will chuckled and pressed her back into the pillows. “There's nothing I enjoy more."
She poked him in the ribs. He laughed and rolled across the bed with her, sending the strawberries and chocolates to the floor.
"Daffy Duck's coming to get you."
"What?"
He peered down at his boxers. She followed his eyes. A Daffy Duck head poked out with his erection.
Laura giggled. “Oh my God, that's so funny looking."
"Hey, don't give Daffy a complex."
* * * *
A siren screamed past the hotel. Will awoke to the sound with his face lost in blond hair, Laura's naked bottom snuggled into his stomach, and his hand nestled warmly between her breasts. His lips curved into a content, sleepy smile. He could definitely wake up like this every morning for the rest of his life and never tire of it.
Will lifted his head and squinted at the shaft of light beaming through the slit in the curtains. What time was it? Seven in the morning, he noticed, locating the digital read-out on top of the television. Laura had to report to work at nine. He had a meeting with his agent at ten. Plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast.
He peered over her shoulder at her face. Still sleeping. Moving her hair aside, he pressed a kiss to her neck. “Good morning, sleepyhead."
Laura stirred and muttered something and turned her face toward the pillow. He wrapped his leg over hers and rolled her onto her back. With a low moan, she slit open one eye.
Will chuckled and stretched out on top of her, nuzzling her neck.
She rubbed her eyes. “Morning."
"Breakfast?"
She nodded.
He slid down her body, leaving a trail of quick kisses in his wake, and rolled off the bed. He padded over to the phone on the dresser and hit the room service button. While he waited for someone to pick up, Will turned and studied a very sleepy Laura. She'd moved back over onto her side and pulled the sheet up around her, leaving exposed a long leg and narrow back. His thoughts drifted to last night...
"Hello, is anybody there?” a man questioned from the other end of the line.
Will snapped back to reality. “Sorry, I'd like to order a plate of fruit, croissants, and strong coffee.” He put his hand over the receiver. “Laura, does that sound good?” She groggily waved a hand in the air. He bit back a smile and finished, “I guess that's it."
After hanging up the phone, he crawled across the bed and rolled her onto her back again. “You're very distracting.” He playfully sucked a nipple into his mouth.
Laura smiled and stretched her arms above her head. Will smoothed his hands over the entire length of her body.
She stretched again with a satisfied sigh. “I want to wake up like this every morning."
He nipped the inside of her elbow. “Now that I can do."
* * * *
Thirteen days later on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day, Will entered his Miami hotel suite and headed straight to the bathroom. Laura would be arriving soon. She'd called thirty-minutes ago to tell him she was running late. He'd sensed the irritation in her tired voice and knew she was having a bad day.
He opened the bag he'd just bought from the hotel's salon and took out a bottle of massage oil. Smiling to himself, he conjured up an image of a naked Laura stretched across his bed while he worked the knots out of her sore muscles. Of course then one thing would lead to the next...
Will chuckled as he threw the bag away and turned to get the tub ready for her bubble bath. The last two weeks had gone by in a blur. They'd made love almost every day, even though their busy schedules hadn't afforded them much free time. Laura had surprised him with her healthy sexual appetite. Last week he'd put her on top, and since then she'd managed to get them in that position frequently.
She still hadn't told him she loved him, and that bothered him more and more each day. He felt it, though, every time she looked into his eyes, or smiled at him, or touched him, or made love to him. She didn't understand the emotion. He suspected she didn't really believe in it either. Why would she? Aunt Jane had certainly never showed her love.
Will flicked out the bathroom light and made his way into the living room. Patience. Laura would say the words when she felt ready.
Plopping onto the couch, he reached for the remote and spotted a maid's cart in the corner of the room. Strange. The cleaning staff didn't usually leave their stuff sitting around like that. He walked over to the cart and pulled it across his suite toward the door. Heavy. He hadn't realized these carts weighed so—
"Surprise!” A woman popped out of the laundry bag.
"What the—” Will stumbled backward and watched as she stepped from the cart onto the carpeted floor.
He stared at her, too shocked to do much of anything else. She was dressed in a French maid's uniform, complete with black garters, hose, and heels. She gave him a seductive smile and sauntered toward him.
Will backed away from her approach. “Ho-how did you get in here?"
She shrugged skinny shoulders, tossed her red hair, and stepped closer. “Doesn't matter."
Gaining back his coherence, he stopped his retreat. “You need to leave."
She ran a red-tipped nail down his chest and stomach and pressed her body against his. “No, I don't. I'm here for you.” She fluttered her lashes coyly. “What ever will you do with me now?"
Gingerly, he grabbed her shoulders and tried to push her off of him. “Listen, stop this now. You have to leave."
She stood on tiptoes and brought her wet, red lips to his neck. “Come on, baby. I won't tell if you won't."
* * * *
Laura stepped into the hotel's elevator.
Irritable.
No, that didn't describe her mood.
Mad.
A little better.
Fired up.
Getting closer.
Downright pissed off.
Yeah, that would do it.
It had all started that morning when the rain forced her and Will to cancel their run. Then, she'd showed up at the performance hall thirty-minutes early only to discover she was actually an hour late to a production meeting, which ticked her off because she'd double-checked her calendar the night before.
By mid-morning things had worsened. One of the semis had gotten lost. Unfortunately, it happened to be the one carrying all the sound equipment. It finally arrived after lunch, but the delay had put Laura's crew hours behind all the other stage workers.
The venue's manager had been under her skin. Apparently, he wasn't comfortable with a woman sound engineer. He'd spent the whole day looking over her shoulder, questioning her work. The man had no concept of tone. Every word out of his mouth had been delivered in a scream. It'd split her head every time he spoke.
Maybe that was why she had a headache.
The elevator dinged
and Laura limped out, cursing the stupid idiot who hadn't taped down the cables. She'd been walking, looking at her clipboard and not the floor, and caught her toe under the untaped cable. Her clipboard had gone one way, she the other, causing her to sprain her ankle and bruise her wrist.
Laura came to a stop in front of Will's door. She balanced on her good foot while she rummaged in her backpack for his key. All she wanted was a hug from Will and a Jack and Coke. She found the key and took a deep breath, ready for the end of her day.
But when she opened his door, what she saw put the cherry on top of her already horrible day.
Will glanced over at her. A frantic look crawled across his face. “Laura, this isn't what it looks like."
The redheaded, French maid looked over her shoulder. “Uh, oh. I've caused a lover's quarrel.” She giggled and stepped away from Will. “Oopsy."
Laura clinched her teeth together and leveled a lethal glare on the tramp. She limped across the room, grabbed the redhead around the arm, and marched her to the door.
"Hey, ease up,” the woman whined. “You don't have to be so rough."
Laura thrust her into the hall. “Don,” she snapped and watched as the bodyguard jogged toward her.
"Come on lady.” He took her from Laura's grip. “Let's go. You've had your fun."
Laura hobbled back into Will's suite, yanked the maid's cart across the floor, shoved it out into the hall, slammed the door behind it, then limped into the kitchenette. She jerked open the refrigerator, grabbed some ice cubes and threw them in a glass, popped a can of Coke, added some Jack Daniels, pushed herself up onto the counter top, closed her eyes, and took a long sip.
"Laura, you've got to believe me. I had no idea that woman was in here."
How is it possible to have so many terrible things happen in one day? Isn't there some law of physics that applies?
"I swear. I came out of the bathroom and there she was. She must have snuck past security in that cart."
Laura rubbed her fingers between her eyes. One little thing goes wrong and that leads to another, then another, and another. God help me, the rest of my night better be good.
Laura's Secrets Page 19