Nick was understandably cautious; he learned the hard way that his wealth was more a liability than an asset in forming personal relationships. The knowledge hadn’t made him bitter, but it had colored his perception when it came to women.
Christine had known about him, but in a vague, I-read-in-the-newspaper way that seemed to have no connection with them in her mind. With her, he felt that he could just be plain Nick, and not Nicholas St. Claire.
Christine had no such qualms. She had only the haziest idea of Nick outside what was going on between them, and she meant it when she said she liked to live in the moment. She also felt she had a good thing going with Nick; unlike him, she didn’t look beyond tonight.
Nick looked down and returned her smile. His arm felt good around her shoulders, and he was seized by a fierce desire to keep her there forever. He unconsciously tightened his grip, making her stumble a little, and they both laughed as they broke apart. Nick caught up her hand instead.
By then they had entered the hotel lobby, and were just crossing the foyer to the elevator when Nick heard his name called. Paula walked up to them, her arm threaded through the arm of a much older man, a beaming smile on her face.
“Nick! I was looking for you,” Paula swept her gaze over Christine, and she was suddenly conscious of her casual clothing, comparing her well-washed jeans to the slinky silk number of the other woman.
“Hi, Paula. This is Christine. Christine, this is Paula,” Nick introduced them.
Paula nodded her head in acknowledgment, her eyes closely scrutinizing the face devoid of makeup, the casual ponytail and the linked hands. Her gaze sharpened, and she turned to the man standing patiently by, a wide smile on her face. “Darling, this is Nick, an old college boyfriend. Nick, this is my husband Tony.”
The men shook hands politely, and Christine couldn’t help but think that the two were polar opposites. They were the same height, but the older man stooped a little, making him look shorter, he had a distinct belly, and he was balding. No wonder the woman was looking daggers at her!
“It was nice running into you again, Nick. We have to go, but Kate has my number. Call me sometime,” Paula said, smiling sweetly at Christine as she reclaimed her husband. “It was nice to meet you, Christine.”
She glided away, swinging her derriere molded admirably by the silky material as she did so. Christine looked up at Nick, eyes twinkling in amusement. Nick rolled his eyes, and ushered her into the elevator.
“She’s very pretty,” Christine said primly as they were carried up to their floor.
“She’s a pain in the ass,” Nick said bluntly, his look so grim that Christine began to laugh. Nick began to grin at her merriment as he slid in the keycard to their room.
“She can’t have been all bad if she was your girlfriend,” she pointed out reasonably, dropping her purse on the table before sinking into the armchair in her favorite position, pleasantly full and tired.
Nick shrugged. “What can I say? I was a horny college kid and she had a killer body. The deal breaker was when she thought she owned me, and started dissing my friends.”
Christine shook her head in commiseration, finding it a perfectly reasonable objection. She couldn’t imagine letting anyone tell her what to do or who to be friends with. Nick took the opposite chair, and looked at her.
“Why do you do that?” he asked suddenly.
Christine was feeling sleepy, her eyes half-closed. She opened her eyes wider at that and looked at him quizzically. “What?”
“Tuck your feet in.”
Christine laughed a little, unfurling one leg and showing him her foot. It was a narrow one, and her second toe was longer than her big toe, an aberration her sister shared. “I literally have cold feet, so I keep them warm under my butt.”
Nick caught hold of her exposed foot, and his hands were warm. She tried to withdraw it, afraid it might smell, but his grip was strong. He started to rub his thumbs over the sole and Christine felt herself relaxing.
“That feels so good, Nick,” she murmured, watching him under drooping eyelids. He was studying her second toe with some fascination, and she wiggled it for his benefit. He caught it in his mouth, and Christine’s breath stopped in mid-laugh as she felt his teeth clamp lightly on the pad of her toe, and his hand slipped under her pants leg to massage her calf.
Christine was horrified to see her toe in his mouth, thinking of germs; at the same time, she was straining for his hand to go up higher, where the skin was much more sensitive. She cursed her jeans for being such a tight fit, and suddenly remembering the bag in the closet. She reached out to him, gripping his hair to pull his head back. He looked up at her, and she was fascinated to see his eyes dilated.
“I have something for you,” she whispered, and reluctantly he let her go. She walked a little unsteadily to the closet, very conscious of her wet toe and warm calf and retrieved the bag before slipping into the bathroom.
Nick stayed a moment in his seat, and then started to take his clothes off. Whatever Christine was up to, he knew what he wanted to do.
He stripped the comforter from the bed and slipped between the sheets, the bulge impossible to hide under the thin sheets. He grabbed a corner of the comforter on the floor and threw it across, feeling somewhat ridiculous with a hard on with no one else in the room. Just as he did so, the bathroom door opened, and he saw her silhouetted against the bright light, her arms gripping the doorway high on each side, pulling her full breasts higher.
“Oh, baby,” he breathed, hand gripping the comforter he still held. He forced himself to lay still, watching her in anticipation.
She was wearing something really short, billowy and see-through, doing nothing but enhance the body beneath it. Nick’s eyes widened as he took in the curve of her waist as it flared to her hips, then tapered to her long legs encased in strappy high heels. Suddenly, the comforter was much too warm and he brushed it aside.
Christine walked forward slowly, her heels giving her hips an exaggerated swing that was completely sexy. As she came into the light of the lamp, he saw it was a white negligee that opened in front, held together by thin ribbons. Underneath she was wearing a white low-cut lace bra that provided tantalizing glimpses of her nipples and matching panties. She reached the bed and leaned forward, placing her hands on either side of his legs. She lifted her leg. Placing her knee one after the other on the bed, she crawled forward until she was straddling him, her crotch a mere inch from the bulge under the blanket.
Christine had kept hair in a high ponytail, and it fell to hang between her breasts as she leaned forward to kiss Nick.
He met her lips with a barely suppressed hunger, and his hands reached down to grip her ass under the negligee, and encountered nothing but bare skin. Christine gasped against his mouth at the contact, and when his fingers explored the pieces of string holding her panties together, she felt the slow heat start to build up in her pussy. His hands forced her hips down, and she was in full contact with his body, only the thin sheet between them. His hands went up to her back, holding her close, and her breasts were crushed to his chest.
Christine had felt nervous as she slipped on the provocative clothing; she had never worn anything so revealing before. His ardent response to her outfit made her feel it was worth the effort. I’ll have to start a collection she thought naughtily.
Nick’s lips moved from hers, trailing down her chin to her neck. Christine moaned as Nick’s lips travelled down her throat, and she arched forward to give him access to her breasts. He bit her nipple through the cloth, and the pain was intense and highly erotic, and her thighs gripped his waist convulsively as she cried out. Her scantily clad crotch was now rubbing directly on his erection, and she could feel the intense heat he was generating even through the cloth.
He darted his tongue forward to soothe the assaulted flesh, intensifying her pleasure before turning his attention to the other breast. Satisfied, he pulled down the cups to release her breasts and started to kne
ad them, his thumb moving against her hard, sensitive nipples, watching her as she writhed in reaction. Desperately, Christine lifted her body enough to slip the blanket off him, and she pushed the thongs aside. She gripped his dick which had sprung up at its release, guiding him into her, and he gasped as she sank down, her thighs flexing as she accommodated his girth. His hands flew to her hips, gasping at her tightness and gripping her as he helped her move up and down his length, eyes closed as he grunted with pleasure.
Christine sat upright, letting her legs do the work as she cupped her own breasts, throwing her head back as she bounced up and down, letting her mounting tension take over, murmuring, “Oh, yes! Oh, yes!” as he penetrated her again and again. She climaxed as his shaft throbbed stronger inside her and she sensed his own climax. She moved down and gripped his shoulders as he tried to stop her from moving, pumping him harder as her orgasm washed over her, ignoring his agonized, “No, wait!” and he clamped her butt against him as he shot his come into her, letting out a harsh breath at the release.
Christine collapsed on top of him, panting as her pussy continued to throb after the assault, and he cried out as her groin muscles gripped his shaft convulsively. He rolled her over and pulled out, and Christine protested weakly as a sense of loss washed over her. Nick smiled at her reaction, tapping her nose with a slightly trembling finger.
“Give me a minute, I don’t think I can stand much more,” he told her, gathering her into his arms, and their pants slowly eased into regular breathing. Soon they were both asleep, legs tangled and arms around each other.
Chapter Seven
Nick awoke from a dreamless sleep, and he opened his eyes to Christine’s sleeping face inches from his own, one hand tucked under her cheek. He lay still, watching her, and knew she was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
As if awakened by his scrutiny, Christine’s eyes slowly opened, and a smile curved her lips. “Good morning,” she mumbled.
“Good morning,” he replied, overwhelmed by his sudden realization, and he touched her cheek. She nuzzled into his hand, turning her face to plant a kiss on his palm. His flesh tingled at the feel of her lips, and he pulled her to him, running his hands down her body. She inserted her leg between his and felt his shaft against her stomach starting to wake up. His hand stilled, and he groaned as he pulled away and sat up on the side of the bed, his head between his hands. Christine sat up in alarm, her ardor rudely dampened.
“What’s wrong, Nick?” she asked, wanting to place a hand on his smooth back, but not quite daring to.
He twisted around to look at her, saw her breasts were still exposed, begging to be touched, and he closed his eyes. He willed himself to quit being such a horny bastard, they had to talk, and had almost tamed the beast when she finally got the courage to touch his arm. She was closer now, her eyes filled with concern, her body clearly asking to be taken. He lost the battle.
He pushed her back, pulling her panties off and saw that she was as bare as a baby down there. Nick hadn’t noticed earlier, being preoccupied by other…things. He looked up, and she was watching him, breathing in short, quick breaths, and her mouth slightly open. He bent down, holding her legs apart, and licked the side of her slit, savoring the smooth feel of the skin. His nose filled with the scent of her sex, and he saw her starting to get wet. He licked the other side of her slit, and watched tiny muscles in her inner thigh jumping, and felt his own organ responding. Keeping his eyes on her, he slowly extended his tongue, just touching the opening of her pussy, and Christine shuddered in anticipation, moaning his name. He flicked his tongue up, brushing against her clit, and then plunged it deeper, filling his mouth with her excitement.
Christine felt she was about to die. Lucid thought ceased; she centered on the feel of Nick’s tongue tasting her, teasing her, the stubble on his chin rasping against her thighs. She grabbed her breast, moaning as she pulled at her nipple, her hips moving to get her even closer to his mouth and tongue. He placed his thumb on her clit and started rubbing as he continued to invade her with his tongue, and she grabbed his hair to pull him off.
“Stop!” she panted, feeling his breath on her bare skin still sensitive from the waxing. “Nick, oh, baby, stop!” she groaned.
“What do you want, baby?” he asked huskily, his mouth wet from her sex.
“I want your dick inside me, oh hurry!” Christine said, trying to pull him up.
“Don’t you want to come like this?” he said, placing his mouth on her sex again.
Christine moved her head from side to side, wanting to scream. “I—I don’t know. Oh, please Nick…!”
Feeling desperate as well, he lifted her legs and put them on his shoulder, holding her thighs like a harness as he entered her, riding her hard. He hurt her, but she liked it, and the thought of her bruised sex excited her even more. “Harder!” she urged, and he dropped her legs so he could lift her hips and penetrate deeper. Christine gripped the headboard as she bent her legs, closing her eyes as he pounded into her, riding her climax so she could come when he did. A second later, he did, his hands slick with sweat on her waist, He uttered a low cry as he came, and she wrapped her legs around him to feel his throbbing balls against her ass. She sighed as she felt him relax, and opened her arms to him, cradling him as he collapsed against her.
Christine found his weight on her soothing, and she brushed his hair back with loving fingers. He lifted his head to look at her, and she gave him a quick kiss. Her mouth turned down a little when he pulled out, but he stayed with her, shifting some of his weight to the side to keep from crushing her. His head settled against her breasts, and she continued to brush his hair with her fingers until his breathing settled down. Long moments later, Nick said, “I think I’m in love with you, Christine.”
Christine’s hand stilled, and Nick looked up. She was looking down at him, her eyes wide. “Is that a problem?” he asked when she didn’t say anything.
“Well, you hardly know me,” she said. “I know you’re attracted to me, and the feeling is heartily reciprocated, but in love? I think you’re being a bit hasty.”
“I know how I feel,” he said, raising himself on one elbow to look more fully into her face. “I can’t stop thinking about you, and I want you.”
“I want you, too,” Christine said, touching his face. “We’re good together.”
“Yes, we are, and I want you to be always with me.”
Christine’s hand dropped away. “What do you mean?”
“I want us to live together.”
Christine shook her head. “I can’t do that, Nick.”
“Why not?”
She searched his face, thinking he must be joking. He was undoubtedly, incredibly in earnest. She was floored by the unexpected turn of events. She liked him very much, but she couldn’t imagine sharing a house, let alone a room, with someone else other than family on a long term basis.
“I’m not ready for that kind of commitment,” Christine finally said, unable to believe she was actually mouthing that male standby.
Nick pulled away, and she made no effort to detain him. He was feeling rejected, and he needed time to pull himself together. He grabbed his overnight bag and slipped into the bathroom.
Christine got up, feeling physically sore, and thoroughly confused. She enjoyed Nick’s lovemaking, and had found him great company, but he was too distracting. He was liable to turn her world upside down if she wasn’t careful. She wasn’t prepared to commit to anyone; she was enjoying her life much too much to do that right now. She had thought that Nick would feel the same way.
She considered the last two days, and thought that maybe things had gone a little too fast between them. She shouldn’t have agreed to spend the night, but the temptation had been too great. She had allowed her physical needs to override her judgment, and that was not a good thing.
She wrapped herself in a robe, bundling the provocative clothing and shoes into her knapsack, and sat down to wait for Nick.
He came out looking fresh in a blue shirt and cream slacks, his expression stern.
Nick saw Christine sitting upright, feet planted on the carpet, an anxious look on her face. His expression softened.
“It’s okay,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I guess I got carried away.”
Christine breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t relish the ride home with an angry Nick. “I guess so. But I really enjoyed our time together,” she offered tentatively. He nodded, not smiling.
“Me, too. Take a shower if you want, I’ll go check on Kate, then we should get a move on,” he nodded, getting up and leaving the room.
Christine showered quickly, wincing as the hot water and soap hit sensitive spots, but she wasted no time. She was just slipping into her topsiders when Nick came back in.
“Kate’s going back down with a couple of friends,” he announced, “so I guess it’s just you and me.” His mouth twisted. “I guess she thought three was a crowd.”
Christine looked at him uncertainly, trying to gauge his mood. “Nick…” she began, then faltered at his inquiring brow.
“Don’t worry about it, Christine. It’s all good,” he assured her, smiling slightly. Christine hesitated a moment longer, then mentally shrugged, shouldering her knapsack and leaving the room ahead of Nick.
The trip back to the city was uneventful, but slightly strained. Nick handled the car well, going fast but never recklessly. Watching his hands on the wheel, she remembered what they had done to her, and resolutely banished the thought. Sexual tension was not going to make their present situation any better.
Nick had been quiet, replying to her conversational gambits politely but not keeping the ball rolling, and Christine had finally subsided into silence. She mused how seven little words could ruin a perfectly nice relationship.
She had been surprised at his declaration, but firmly believed that he didn’t really mean it. She wanted to continue seeing Nick, but she hadn’t been planning anything long term. He had gotten under her skin, and she thought sleeping with him would break his hold on her thoughts. It had done the trick, and now this!
Good Girl Gone Wild: When Lust Turns to Passion... (Good and Wild) Page 6
