Jonah tapped the table with his fingertip. "Anna, how long have you been interested?"
She didn't pretend not to understand. "In you?"
"Yes."
"Why? What difference does it make?" For a moment, Anna resented his line of questioning. She wasn't comfortable revealing her long infatuation.
"I'm curious."
Anna's feared exposing her heart just yet. "A while."
Jonah smirked. "Eventually you'll tell me."
"Perhaps." She knew he could cajole the information from her if he tried. Right now though, she still possessed a small need to guard her heart and didn't volunteer it.
Jonah settled the bill and they hailed a cab outside. Anna relayed her address to the cabbie, and they were on their way through the darkened city. Streetlights and neon signs flashed through the windows. Anna fidgeted on the uncomfortable vinyl seat. What would happen now? What did she want to happen now?
Jonah took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. He leaned toward her and kissed her hair above her ear. Desire washed through her. Jonah. Jonah was kissing her. She couldn't wrap her mind around it yet, but her body reacted instinctively.
Releasing her hand, he slid his arm around her back. His hand delved into her cornsilk hair, grasping the back of her head as he guided her to him. Their lips met as their bodies twisted toward one another, desperate for contact. His firm, masculine mouth shifted against her soft skin and exhilaration flowed through her. She parted her lips and his tongue slid inside, running along the edge of her teeth and exploring her mouth. Tingling pleasure rampaged through Anna. She tried to rein in her response, fearful of revealing too much. Jonah didn't know how she ached for him, not yet.
Jonah's free hand found her thigh and his roaming fingers burned a trail as they dipped in between her legs, searching for her feminine secrets. The fabric of her clothing was between them, but that didn't mute her arousal. Her hips lifted, straining for closeness.
"Hey, we're here!" The driver's announcement finally penetrated, and they broke apart like guilty teenagers. Anna grasped the door handle and stumbled out onto the sidewalk. Her legs were shaking and she tried to compose herself.
Jonah paid the driver and joined her under the building's awning. "I didn't mean for things to go so far." He guided her toward the entrance.
Anna hoped he couldn't see her blush in the low light. "Me neither."
They rode up in the elevator without conversation, the air sizzling between them. Anna wanted to touch him — badly. She tensed, resisting. Confusion and sensual awareness warred within her. Was it too soon? Were they moving too fast? It was tempting to grasp for immediate fulfillment, but she didn't want Jonah just for tonight. She wanted a chance at a lifetime. She'd read enough relationship books to know that most frowned upon sleeping together too soon. Make the man work for you. Don't give in too soon. Men want the thrill of the chase. She didn't know if it was bunk or not. She'd never concerned herself before.
When they reached her door, Anna turned and tilted her face up, scrutinizing his expression. Intense arousal etched his face.
Jonah grasped her chin in his hand, running his thumb over her flushed skin. "What do we do, Anna?"
"I don't know," she replied.
"Me neither." He leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Anna turned her face and captured his mouth with hers. She kissed him, infusing her heart into the delicate brush of her lips.
"Oh, Anna. You're making me burn. My body wants me to just take you, but my head tells me we should hold off."
"It's confusing, isn't it?" Anna confessed.
Jonah embraced her for a moment and stepped back. "I'll see you at the office tomorrow."
"Yes." Her simple answer embodied a wealth of meaning. Yes, she'd see him tomorrow. Yes, she wanted him. Yes, they should wait. Yes, just yes.
Her eyes followed Jonah until he rounded the corner to the elevators. She unlocked her door and ducked inside, closing it behind her. She braced herself against the firm surface as elation sprung free within her. This was a good beginning, she thought. Well, it had started terrible but ended well. Jonah was interested — clearly interested. It had been all she could do not to drag him inside her apartment and tackle him to the floor.
As she prepared for bed, she recalled that Jonah hadn't specifically mentioned getting together again. She experienced a twinge of worry but shrugged it off. He wasn't getting away that easily.
~ * ~ * ~
Anna peered through the microscope and adjusted the knob. The slide came into view. Pinkish stain clearly delineated the walls of each cell. She switched the lens and increased the magnification. The microscope rewarded her with a spectacular view. A tiny adjustment of the knob and it was in perfect focus. She turned to her notebook and began a detailed sketch. It was an old habit that she used to supplement photographs.
Footsteps in the outer lab area echoed on the wall. Was it Jonah? The mere thought of him sent a tingle up her spine.
The door opened and Jonah stepped inside. "Good morning, Anna."
Was it her imagination or was there something particularly inviting about his voice? "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" After the words left her mouth, she realized that she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer.
Jonah moved closer. "Actually, no. I didn't sleep well at all. For some reason, I was restless. I couldn't relax."
Anna blushed. "I see."
"It's a problem with a solution, though." Jonah's studied her face.
Anna swallowed, pinned by his scrutiny. The smudges under her eyes revealed her own sleepless night.
Jonah locked the door and returned to Anna, pulling her to her feet. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled and leaned in. He kissed her, taking her lips with firm precision.
Anna trembled and deepened the kiss, opening her mouth. She flicked the crease where his lips met. Her fingertips dug into his shoulders and she strained closer.
Jonah tightened his arms around her and lifted her onto a clear area of countertop. He parted the front of her lab coat and cupped her soft breasts through her blouse, kneading the full globes. "You're so wonderfully soft."
Anna gasped as heat suffused her body. A frenzied desire to feel his warmth erupted within her and she unbuttoned the front of Jonah's shirt, sliding her hands inside. She massaged her palms over his smooth, supple skin. Coarse hairs sprinkled his chest and his muscles contracted under her touch. So many nights she'd fallen asleep dreaming of touching him this way. Now that it was happening, her fantasies paled in comparison to the reality.
Jonah grasped the hem of her skirt and pushed it up. His hands returned to her legs and glided up the silkiness of her inner thighs until he reached the apex.
Anna jerked as Jonah found her sensitive nubbin though the silky fabric of her panties. He stroked her, his fingers teasing beneath the elastic edge. He trailed his fingers over the fabric to the waistband and guided the cloth off, lifting her a bit. He pulled the panties off her legs, and she was bared to him.
Her arms wrapped around him, pulling him back to her, and they plundered each other, lips searching and bodies straining. Jonah fought to unfasten his pants and dropped them to the floor with his briefs.
Anna wrapped her fingers around him and fondled the velvety skin stretched tight by his arousal. She reveled in his male heat as she explored the textures of his erection.
Jonah's fingertips dipped into her, testing. He found her wet and ready. "This counter is too high, I believe."
Anna stared at him through a sensual haze. Her runaway response overwhelmed all reason.
Jonah grabbed the back of an armless desk chair and pulled it toward him. The wheels squeaked as he seated himself on the cushion and settled her onto his lap. Grasping her ass in his hands, he pulled her forward until their bodies met in intimate contact.
Anna's warm, womanly flesh molded around his erection and erotic wonder filled her mind. Was Jonah holding her or was it a dream? If
it was a dream, she never wanted to wake.
The slow pounding ache that had started to build with his first touch roared into flame. Want and need dueled within her. She squirmed in his lap, seeking relief.
Jonah lifted her hips and guided her down onto his rigid shaft. He settled himself deep inside, holding still. A masculine rumble of satisfaction escaped his throat.
Anna dissolved, boneless. Her face was buried in his chest as she savored every nuance, every sensation. She was joined with Jonah on every level. Her heart soared and her body rejoiced. Stretched almost beyond bearing, she twitched around him.
His hands caressed Anna's back and returned to her hips. Jonah's fingers bit into her as she writhed against him. "You feel so good, so perfect."
She wanted him beyond bearing. Without thought, Anna lifted off him and then buried him inside again. Blissful ripples of ecstasy shot through her. "Oh! Jonah …" Her head fell back.
Jonah nipped her exposed neck and then kissed the light red mark he'd left. "Don't stop. Don't stop." His urgent voice broke though the wanton mist in her mind.
Anna quivered and raised herself again. She set an even rhythm, creating continuous pulses of rapture. She didn't stop. She couldn't stop.
Jonah thrust up beneath her, his breaths coming short and fast. His fingers slipped between them, searching for the center of her passion. When he found it, he stroked and squeezed her sensitive flesh, sending tremors through her body.
Intense pleasure welled within Anna as she tumbled over the edge into sensual oblivion. She collapsed on Jonah as he reached his peak and buried himself inside her one last time.
Anna wrapped her arms around him as she caught her breath. "Did we really just do this?"
"Oh yes, we really did." Male satisfaction filled his words.
"Jonah, I don't know if I can move." She rested against him, spent.
He laughed. "Give it a few minutes." He massaged her shoulders.
Anna's muscles began to respond to her commands, but the languid, satiated feeling remained. She rose from his lap and swiped her panties from the floor. She stepped into them and straightened her clothing. "I don’t know if this was a good idea."
"It feels like it was a very good idea." Jonah pulled on his briefs and slacks.
"I mean … you know what I mean." Anna experienced a prick of heated embarrassment. What would everyone say? Would they assume she was angling for favors by dallying with a Granger?
"Nope. I sure don't." His grin didn't leave his face.
"The location. Here at the office." She didn't regret her actions. She'd wanted Jonah for so long. Whatever the cost, she'd pay it willingly.
"No one's going to come in. They know I'd bite their head off — figuratively, of course." Jonah enjoyed his reputation. It ensured privacy and cut down on requests for favors.
"I … working together makes things difficult," Anna acknowledged.
"Only if we let it. Why let it?" He shrugged, indicating he'd considered and dismissed the potential problems.
Anna marveled at Jonah. He made her fears seem so needless. She decided to follow his lead and let the future resolve itself. "Okay. Okay. I just don't want to mess up our working relationship."
Jonah caught her gaze. "It won't. Whatever happens."
Anna squirmed. How could he be so sure? Did it mean so little to him or did the consequences not worry him? "Should we … be discreet?"
"You mean don't tell anyone?" He zeroed in on her meaning immediately.
"I guess." She wanted things to work — more than anything. However, if their relationship fizzled, there was no reason to increase her embarrassment with pitying looks from everyone in the office.
Jonah made a dismissive gesture. "I have no objection. I'm not fond of being the topic of office gossip. Be prepared, though. People are bound to find out eventually."
Anna smirked. Did Jonah have any idea of the constant chatter and speculation regarding his social life?
Jonah forked his fingers through his hair, leaving furrows in the thick strands. "What?"
Anna coughed delicately. "Well, Jonah, you have to admit you lead an interesting life."
His eyebrows drew together as he frowned. "No, I don't. People just think I do. My life is completely normal."
Anna laughed. "Well, I guess it depends on your definition of normal."
Jonah rolled his eyes. "Let's change the subject. Dinner this evening? We'll leave from the office together. That way I can't be late."
For a moment, Anna's breath hung suspended. She recognized his offer for what it was — an attempt to make up for the previous evening. Jonah hadn't set out with intent to hurt. He wasn't thoughtless. But his work consumed him at times, to the exclusion of all else.
She reached out and squeezed his arm. "That sounds lovely."
Jonah grinned, looking almost boyishly pleased. "Frank's expecting me. I'd better get going." He kissed her quickly and exited the room.
Anna turned in a circle, resisting the urge to spin around dizzily. The light in the room took on a dreamlike quality. She'd made love with Jonah. Well, maybe they'd had sex from his perspective. Still, it was the culmination of a fantasy — one that she'd spun in her mind for years. The reality of it had been everything she'd imagined and more. Jonah had been both tender and urgent. She still throbbed inside. Crossing her arms, she hugged herself to hold on to the fading echo of his touch.
Sinking into the chair, Anna closed her eyes. Her head spun as she relived each caress, each stroke. She quivered as her mind replayed every sensation, every reaction.
The door clicked and her eyes flew open as she spun in the chair. Her assistant stood in the doorway. "Carrie, you startled me."
Carrie winced. "Sorry. Thought I would check to see if you needed anything in here."
Anna shook her head. "No, I'm good. Go ahead and continue on the statistical analysis."
"Okay. Cool." Carrie ducked out of the room.
Anna was alone again, but the spell was broken. She turned her attention back to her project as she pushed thoughts of Jonah to the back of her mind with determination.
Chapter 4
As the day wore on, Anna reined in her rambling mind to focus on her work. Thankfully, Jonah wasn't close at hand. She could just imagine the distraction he'd provide today, however unwittingly. Would her desire fade with time? She didn't think so. When she moved back to her own lab, that would solve many problems — at least the distraction-related problems. But that was weeks away. Would it make any difference by then? Would their relationship have run its course?
At 6:30, Jonah sauntered into the lab. "Are you ready to wrap up?"
Anna nodded. "Yes, actually. Just give me a moment to put things away.
Jonah poured the remaining coffee from the pot into the sink and flipped off the coffeemaker.
Anna checked her desk area and slipped off her lab coat. She grabbed her purse and they left, locking the door behind them. As they approached the elevators, Anna realized she needed to go back.
"Jonah, I left something out and I need to secure it. I'll only be a minute."
"Sure, I'll wait here." He slipped his phone from his pocket, glancing at the screen.
Anna hurried back to the lab and unlocked the outer door. Crossing to the inner lab, she entered and stored several samples left on the counter. She'd been careless. Her orderly mind went haywire in Jonah's presence. She'd better learn to control her reactions before it affected her work, she admonished herself. She grabbed her notebook and jogged back out through the labs and down the hall. Jonah was holding the elevator. They stepped inside together.
"Everything good?" Jonah took her hand.
"Yes." Anna smiled as warmth traveled through her fingers and up her arm.
"I have a proposal." Jonah kissed her palm and then each finger in turn.
Anna jumped and her breath hitched. "A proposal?"
"Why don't we pick up takeout and bring it back to my place? We can watch
a movie."
He didn't mean a proposal proposal, Anna thought. You are getting way ahead of yourself, Anna dear. Anna steadied herself. "That sounds great actually. I was on my feet a lot today and I'd love to relax."
Jonah hailed a cab and they settled inside. The warm summer evening welcomed the urban dwellers, and the sidewalks bustled with people. With sunset hours away, the populace didn't pass up the opportunity for outdoor activities now that the heat of the day was waning.
The cabbie negotiated through the heavy traffic until midtown skyscrapers turned into the lower profile buildings of the Village. The driver pulled to the curb. Anna and Jonah climbed out of the cab outside an Indian restaurant a few blocks from Jonah's building.
Jonah gestured toward the door. "This is a great place. I get food here all the time."
Though Indian food wasn't her first choice, she liked it well enough. "Indian food is fine."
Patrons crowded the restaurant, but the efficient staff had them on their way quickly. As a regular, Jonah's order received special attention. They walked the short distance to his apartment hand in hand, enjoying the cooling air of the evening.
Sitting on the couch, they consumed Chicken Tikka and puffy bread while Jonah shuffled through streaming programming on the television.
Jonah stopped on a comedy special. "What do you think?"
Anna glanced at the photograph of a well-known comedian. "Is that the new show? I heard it was funny. Let's watch."
Jonah punched the button on the remote, and the program buffered for a moment before the opening credits rolled. He tossed the remote onto the coffee table and picked up his plate. For a few minutes, food and laughter absorbed them both.
Anna set her plate on the coffee table. The comedian's commentary on dating and relationships hit close to home.
Jonah gestured toward the television. "Not funny?"
"It's funny." Anna took a sip of her drink, trying to put her finger on what exactly bothered her about the comedian's monologue.
"Then what?" Jonah raised his eyebrow.
Anna chose her words with care. "He's making me … think about us."
Shades of Submission: Fifty by Fifty #1: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set Page 13
