Forbidden Desires

by Jenna Hartley

  My hands are firmly clasped around her midsection, holding her by the waist before they wander to her breasts, exploring them. I sigh, loving the fullness in my hands before kissing my way up her neck, to her ear, and finally around to her mouth.

  Her head is tilted back, and she captures my lips hungrily, wrapping her hands around my neck to pull my face closer.

  “Carter,” she moans breathlessly when we pull apart a few minutes later. “I’m all for foreplay and taking things slowly, but I can’t wait much longer.”

  I couldn’t possibly want this woman any more than I do right now, and I remind myself that we have plenty more time to slow things down later.

  My hands move away from her breasts and under her dress. Pushing her underwear to the side, I sink my fingers into her wet heat. “Is this what you want, Jules?”

  “Yes . . . please.” She pushes her body against mine, circling her hips in an almost hypnotic motion. “That feels so good.” Her voice is barely more than a whisper as her breathing picks up.

  “Fuck, you’re hot.” I’m about to lose it at any second just from watching her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more sexy in my entire life. Her full lips are parted, her eyes closed. Her head rests on my shoulder, and I cherish the contact.

  Since we never bothered to turn on the light, the room is only lit by the city below us, the vast floor-to-ceiling windows giving us a perfect view of the buildings outside while no one can see inside.

  It almost pains me to take my fingers away from her slick skin, but I don’t want any more layers between us. By sheer luck, I manage to unzip the dress in one swift move. Less than a minute later, not only is her dress on the floor but her underwear and the rest of my clothes too, and I managed to put protection on.

  “Wow.” She turns around, and we stare at each other for a moment before we both spring into action. We’re a blur of lips, teeth, and hands as our bodies hungrily rub against each other, the room filled with our moans and groans.

  Just when I think I can’t take it any longer, Julia grabs my hard-on and pulls me even closer to her, almost painfully so. Standing on her toes, she wraps one of her legs around my waist while she guides me toward her entrance.

  I pick up her other leg and carry her to the window.

  “Now, Carter. I need you inside me. I can’t wait another second.”

  The words almost do me in as I press her against the cool glass, making her gasp out loud.

  When I sink into her a moment later, I pause for a breath, wanting to make this last for as long as possible.

  “Oh my gosh. This is . . . you . . . can you—” Her whimpers get more desperate by the second as she presses her head back into the glass.

  Her whole body arches back with the movement, her breasts on full display right in front of me. Leaning down, I greedily take one nipple into my mouth. The moans get louder, the breathing more desperate, and soon I’m pumping in and out of her at a frantic pace.

  My body is on fire, and if Julia’s flushed face is anything to go by, so is hers.

  “I need to touch you, Jules.” Without waiting for a reply, I carry her to the bed as she crushes her lips to mine, sucking and nibbling so hard, I’m going to go crazy soon.

  I lay her on the bed as gently as I’m capable of, squeezing her ass once more for good measure. The second she’s on the mattress, my hands move to the front of her body, touching and rubbing every inch I can reach, resuming my thrusts until I’m convinced I might never recover. While my one hand is still busy playing with those gorgeous breasts, my other one moves lower.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” I groan as my movement speeds up, getting a little sloppy when she starts clenching around me.

  Her head thrashes back and forth on the bed, her parted lips swollen from kissing. “I’m so close.”

  I increase the pressure on her sensitive nub with my thumb while stealing a few more hungry kisses.

  When she tightens around me, I pull back enough to see her, not wanting to miss the look on her face when she comes. It’s a sight to behold just like I thought it would be. Her moans still fill the room when I follow her over the edge, unable to hold on to my control for another second.

  Endless waves of pleasure shoot through my body during one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever had, until I collapse on her, our sweaty bodies fitting perfectly together in more than just one way.

  A moment later she giggles into my ear. “Can’t breathe.”

  Shifting back, I put some of my weight on my elbows.

  Looking down, her eyes hold me hostage as I play with the silky tendrils of her hair. I stare at her like she’s a freaking miracle because, right now, she absolutely is.

  “Hi.” Her voice is all husky, the smile on her face huge.

  And so damn gorgeous.

  “Hi yourself.”

  “I’m hungry.”

  Only Julia would say something like that right after having sex. “Oh yeah? Hungry for what exactly?” I wiggle my eyebrows, teasing her as I run my hand down her body.

  “Food.” She giggles and squeezes my butt. “And then some more of you, of course.”

  I chuckle, my body high on endorphins. “How about a shower, food, and then some dessert?” I wink at her and she laughs.

  The sight of her so close to me, not to mention under me, is pretty damn perfect. We’re still connected in the most intimate way, and Julia looks so beautiful with her hair fanned out around her and her face still flushed.

  Regret works its way into my chest at this being only one night, but I push it away.

  I slide out of her, and after depositing the condom in the trash, I lift her up and carry her to the adjacent bathroom.

  “Maybe we should have more dessert first after all.” Her mouth attaches to mine hungrily as I put her down in the big shower and turn on the spray.

  “Hell. Yes.”

  Chapter 13

  Julia

  “You don’t think it’s creepy to stare at me while I’m sleeping?” I ask the same question Carter asked me last week, the corners of my mouth twitching.

  Since it’s completely silent, I know he hasn’t moved since I last peeked. After a moment, my curiosity wins and I open my eyes. Just a teeny tiny bit.

  He’s still standing at the foot of the bed, a huge, cocky grin on his face as he watches me, his fingers busy putting the cufflink on his right shirtsleeve. “You’re a little brat sometimes, but you already know that.”

  There’s that same sexy undertone in his voice I heard a whole lot of last night, and my body immediately starts to tingle in all the right places. On second thought, I’m actually surprised my body is capable of feeling anything after last night.

  After the sex marathon we had, I thought I might be out of shivers and orgasms for the next year or so.

  I pull the sheet up and over my head when my cheeks heat from the memories, knowing I’m as red as a tomato.

  So much for playing it cool and not letting him know how much this affects me.

  Footsteps echo around the room, and a moment later, the bed dips on my side.

  “Don’t hide from me, Jules. I want to see your pretty face.” His voice is gentle as he brushes his fingers over the sheet, all the way from my calves to my shoulder. Tantalizingly slow, raising goose bumps across my skin.

  Before I can look over the rim of the sheet, Carter has taken matters into his own hands, giving it a rough tug. Since I was just about to lower it myself, the sheet slithers down my body, pooling around my hips. Which leaves my whole upper body exposed.

  My naked upper body.

  “So beautiful.” Carter brushes his fingers over my side, making every skin cell tingle. “I hate that I have to leave.”

  “Is it that late already?” The words come out a little breathy, talking not at the top of my priority list right now.

  My body is on fire, and all I want to do is give in to his touch and pull him down onto me. But I don’t want to make h
im late for his business meeting and screw up the deal.

  He nods, his eyes still glued to my body. “I really wish we could have some more time.” Then his gaze flicks back up to mine. “I promised you some sightseeing too.”

  I lift my shoulder in a half shrug. “Don’t worry about it. I can always come back another time.”

  He takes the sheet from around my hips and pulls it back up to my shoulders, an almost tortured look in his eyes. “Or . . .”

  Those two little letters make my mind reel, impatiently wondering what he’ll say next.

  When he stays quiet, I ask “Or?”

  “Well, I know we said this would be a one-time thing, or I guess I should say a one-night thing, but we could stay until tomorrow?” He looks at me with an unidentifiable, almost nervous, look in his eyes. “You could sleep in your own room if you prefer that. I’d like to stick to my word though and show you around.”

  “Carter.” I sit up, not caring the sheet just dropped to my hips again.

  Somehow I gained some sort of uber-confidence last night, at least when it comes to this man and my body. I’ve always enjoyed sex, but nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to what I experienced with Carter. No one has ever taken such good care of me while driving me absolutely crazy at the same time. The desperation and need he brings out in me are both new and oddly thrilling.

  I go up on my knees to be eye level with him. “There’s nothing I’d rather do than stay another night with you.”

  He swallows, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. If the strain in his jaw is anything to go by, I’d guess he not only has a hard time keeping his eyes on my face but also to keep his hands to himself. “I’ll take care of the rooms and flights.” His gaze flicks toward the nightstand and he groans. “Damn it, I really have to go.”

  I lean forward and press my lips softly to his before slipping out of bed to slowly saunter toward the bathroom. I still wonder who this new me is when I reach the door and look back over my shoulder. “Hurry back, big guy. You know how to reach me if you need anything.”

  Maybe I’m enjoying the utter look of disbelief in his eyes, or the slack jaw a little too much, but I’m unable to wipe the grin off my face as I walk out of view and into the bathroom to turn on the shower.

  Carter: I’m finally done. Are you still out or already back at the hotel?

  Me: Still out. Decided to get some ice cream and enjoy the nice day.

  Carter: Sounds yummy. Where are you? I’ll come to you.

  Me: Just out front by the fountain. Let me know when you get here, and I can meet you at the entrance. Probably easier than trying to find me out here.

  Carter: If you lick your ice cream like that one more time in public, I won’t be held accountable for my actions.

  I gasp, my eyes snapping up from my phone, wildly searching the crowd around me. It doesn’t take me long to spot him as he makes his way toward me. His hands are casually tucked into his dark pants, his suit jacket open, the top few buttons of his white shirt unbuttoned. If I’m not careful, I might melt into a puddle. Gosh, that man is sexy.

  “Do you realize you ruined the whole meeting for me today?” He stops in front of me but doesn’t touch me.

  I point toward my chest, not sure what he’s talking about. “I did?”

  He nods, his eyes scanning my face as if he’s forgotten what I look like. “I couldn’t get you out of my head and was barely paying any attention. The client called me out several times on it.”

  “That’s awful. I’m sorry.” Even though I didn’t really do anything, I feel bad about it. I mean, that client is the sole reason he’s here. I’m sure my brother wouldn’t like the fact that his partner screwed things up because his mind was otherwise occupied either—specifically with me.

  Carter winks at me. “No worries. He was more amused by my daydreams than anything.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. “Good. I’m glad. I was a bit scared there for a second.”

  His gaze is so intense, the crowd virtually evaporates around me, my brain unable to focus on anything but Carter.

  Averting my eyes from him, I focus on my treat for a moment, trying to get a grip on my thoughts. “Soooo, what exactly were you thinking about?”

  His eyes bore into mine. “You and me, and the naughty, dirty things I want to do to you.” He whispers the last part, causing an involuntary shudder to surge through me despite the blistering heat.

  He leans in with a huge grin on his face. When I think he’s going to kiss me, he grabs my wrist and lifts it to his face so he can take a giant mouthful of my ice cream. “Delicious. Just like I know you’ll taste later.”

  I blink, unsure if my mouth can hang open any farther as I watch Carter lick his lips. Slowly. Deliberately.

  Pressing my legs together to ease the ache, I close my eyes to calm my almost feverish body.

  Carter chuckles, knowing exactly what he’s doing to me.

  What a tease.

  Being teased by Carter is no hardship. I’ve always loved his sense of humor, and well, just him really. We’ve always been compatible. But knowing him sexually? Boy. Talk about compatible. In every dang way. This man knows his way around a female body, and I’m fairly sure sex will never be as sensual, as perfect, as sublime with any other man. And nothing feels awkward. Whether that’s because he promised another night, I’m not sure, but it’s . . . easy.

  And I feel insatiable.

  Being the epitome of composure, he casually props his elbows on the railing next to me, totally ignoring the fact that he just set my body on fire. “So, what do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon? We still have a few hours before dinner.”

  I rub the base of my neck where my pulse beats in hard spasms, pulling myself together as much as I can. “Oh. Uh . . . I don’t really know. We can just walk around and explore, I guess.”

  Wow. Very put together, Jules.

  Thankfully, Carter doesn’t comment on my odd behavior, probably silently enjoying that he’s driving me bonkers. “Sounds good to me. What about dinner? Do you feel like eating anything specific? There are a lot of good restaurants out here.”

  The cold ice cream has started to slide down my hand, and I bend to lick it off.

  When I look back at him, the now familiar heat is there. The blue liquid around his pupils is darker than I’ve ever seen it, silently promising another pleasure-filled night, turning my knees a little weak at the thought alone.

  Who knew a look could do that?

  But two can play that game.

  “I don’t know. Right now I’m not even sure I feel like eating out.” I take another lick of my ice cream, this time keeping my gaze steady on his as my tongue slowly swirls around the cold delicacy. “How’s the room service at the hotel?”

  His gaze swings back and forth between my eyes and my mouth as one of his hands goes to his throat to find his already opened shirt. “I’ve heard it’s exquisite, and I can’t wait to ravish everything that’s on the menu, you included.”

  “That’s exactly what I was hoping for.” The desire to erase all distance is too strong to resist, and I lean up on my toes to suck in his lower lip before ending it with a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

  He groans, his hands briefly clenching before he releases them. “Sounds like we have a plan then. Let me show you a few sights before I haul you off to the room. I have a feeling we won’t emerge until tomorrow.”

  I link my arm with his and squeeze it once as the lightness in my chest makes me giggle.

  Then, I let him whisk me away, because I want everything Carter is willing to give me. This time is ours, and I’m more than ready to make more spectacular memories with this delicious, sexy man.

  Chapter 14

  Carter

  After paying the cab driver, I get out of the car and walk around to the other side to help Julia out too. She’s been more quiet than usual since we left the hotel in Las Vegas several hours ago. I can’t really blame her though,
because it does all seem a bit odd.

  I think we both expected it to be awkward, but neither one of us could really know how awkward it would be in reality.

  It’s not regret, because there’s no way I’d ever want to undo the time I had with her. It’s more that I’m having a hard time looking at her without imagining us walking hand in hand, teasing each other with food, with touches, spooning, screwing raw and hard.

  Last night was even more mind-blowing than the night before, and even though I haven’t had my fill of her yet, this is what we agreed on. As much as I want to ask her for more time together, I know she’s not the girl who does casual relationships. And since that’s all I can offer, I’ll try my best to be happy with the time I had with her.

  “Home sweet home, huh?” We walk up the driveway, the distance between us too big for my liking. Usually, I can read her pretty well, but she’s put on a mask that makes it almost impossible to know what’s going on in her head. Something’s definitely off.

  “You okay, Jules?” My mouth feels dry, and I’m really bugged that it takes her several long moments before she finally looks at me.

  When she does, she blinks a few times as if to clear the fog in her mind before giving me a small smile. It doesn’t completely reach her eyes, but I decide not to press her on it, at least not right now.

  Her head dips in a quick nod. “Of course. Just exhausted from the flight.”

  “I’m sorry.” I’m not sure what I’m apologizing for but the words come out nonetheless. All I know is that I hate seeing her like this. It’s not like her. She wasn’t in the best frame of mind when she came here last week, but at least she wore her emotions on her sleeve. Now, that seems to be the last thing she wants to do, to show me what’s going on inside that beautiful mind, and it feels like a punch in the gut.

  “You didn’t do anything wrong, Carter. I’m sure a relaxed evening and a good night’s sleep will do wonders. I’ll probably be as good as new tomorrow.” She smiles at me wistfully before we walk up the rest of the walkway.