by Coleen Kwan
“What?” Sarah eyed Nina suspiciously. “How can you afford a wine like that?”
Nina noisily rinsed the glasses. “I never said I’d bought it. I just know how to, you know, sound knowledgeable about it.” She waved a hand, scattering water droplets over them. “It’s all about the elegant palate and the raspberry notes and the abundant tannin and—”
“Okay, I’ve heard enough.” Sarah walked off.
Joe continued to study Nina. He couldn’t figure her out. Had she been flirting with the president of the wine club just to get a rise out of him? Or did she really drink expensive wine?
“When you’re done here, there’re some tables in the bar that need clearing,” he said.
He left and returned to the bar, where he vowed not to let Nina affect him anymore. But that didn’t stop his neck muscles from bunching up when she entered the bar and went to clear a table where a group of men was sitting. The men started chatting with her, and she responded, looking so relaxed and friendly that Joe found himself gritting his teeth again. With a final smile, Nina picked up her tray, and as she walked off, all the guys at the table swiveled as one to check out her ass. Joe clenched his fists until they felt like boulders hanging at his sides. How dare those dickwads stare at her like that?
Still simmering dangerously, he marched over to the bar where Nina was sliding her tray across to Vince.
“Having fun?” he bit out.
She spun around at his sharp tone. Vince raised his eyebrows at him, but all Joe’s attention was focused on the maddening woman in front of him.
“I am,” she smoothly replied.
Nina was in the black denim jeans and lemon sweater he’d seen her in many times before, but despite that and the fact she’d been working several hours, she’d never seemed more luscious and irresistible. Why was it so hard to stick to his guns?
“Things are winding down,” he said. “Why don’t you quit early?”
She raised her eyebrows. “But my shift doesn’t end for another hour.”
Another hour of watching her strut around the place giving all the male customers something to pant over? His blood vessels wouldn’t survive that. “I’ll cover for you. You can have an early night. Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you for the full shift.”
She tapped her fingernails on the bar counter. “I’m not worried.”
“No, nothing’s worrying you today, apparently.”
A muscle twitched in her cheek. “That’s right. I’m peachy keen.”
“I can see that. So can everyone else. Especially that group of guys you were just batting your eyelashes at.”
Blue fire sparked in her eyes as she leaned toward him. “Jealous? Would you prefer I bat my eyelashes at you?”
Her scent filled his nostrils. She smelled of honeysuckle and hand-cut potato wedges and a hint of beer—a knockout combination that made him want to pull her to his chest. The force of his urges made him dizzy. He glanced about, wondering if anyone was witnessing his turmoil, and saw Vince had retreated to the other end of the bar counter, where he busied himself polishing a glass as if his life depended on it.
“Look.” Joe jerked his chin. “We’ve scared Vince away.”
“You’ve scared him away. I haven’t done anything.”
“The hell you haven’t. Ever since yesterday you’ve been flouncing around in front of me, wiggling your ass in my face.”
“Wiggling!” Several people looked up. Nina flung down her dishcloth, lowering her voice as she said, “Why would I wiggle and flounce at you? You’ve made it clear you don’t want my ass anywhere near your face.”
Blood thudded in his ears. Maybe holding back wasn’t such a good idea after all. For a start, it was bad for his blood pressure. And how could he concentrate on anything if he constantly had to fight his urges? And battle his raging jealousy every time Nina so much as smiled at another guy? If this frustration continued for much longer, he’d explode, and probably at the worst possible time. Better to find a safety valve and release some pressure, right?
He butted in and shoved his elbow on the counter next to her, pressing his forearm against hers. She let out a little gasp as her flesh quivered against his. He was quivering, too, the contact with her skin firing every brain synapse. Her blue eyes, big as saucers, sucked him in.
Yeah, he needed that safety valve real bad right now.
Joe bent his head toward Nina’s. “Meet me out back in half an hour,” he whispered, “and I’ll show you where to put your ass.”
A pulse fluttered in her throat as she swallowed. She moistened her lips, her face flushed and fierce. “You’d better show up,” she huffed, her voice low and hoarse, “or I’ll never speak to you again, Joe Farina.”
He gave her a brash grin. “Now that’s the kind of win-win proposition I like.”
…
This could be a disaster in so many ways.
As Nina headed for the door that led to the rear of the inn, she considered running back to her room, but her body had a will of its own, and her feet continued down the hallway.
She was setting herself up for humiliation. If she waited out back and Joe didn’t show, she’d be mortified. Joe’s reasons why they shouldn’t fraternize made sense, and deep down she couldn’t help agreeing with them…but she just couldn’t fight the attraction anymore, and if he stood her up she’d be so furious and embarrassed she’d hitchhike out of town—even this late at night—all the way back to San Francisco. And maybe put a hit out on Joe.
Just kidding. Maybe.
Hauling in a deep breath, she barged through the back door. The big spotlight above the door shone over a deserted yard. The pit of her stomach gave way. Then two piercing lights flashed on and off—headlights from a vehicle parked across the entrance to the yard. Joe’s pickup truck.
Her rib cage drew tight, and her heart began to pummel. She scampered across the concrete and jumped into the passenger seat, panting as though she’d just held up a bank. Joe faced her, teeth gleaming white in the dimness.
“Evening, sweet pea.”
Okay, no hit man required. But this could still be a disaster.
He put the truck into gear and pulled off. For a minute or so they didn’t speak, though the silence between them pulsated with surging pheromones and unsteady breathing.
Finally the tension got to be too much for Nina. “Did anyone see you leave?”
“Lots of people saw me leave, but I doubt they suspect anything. You and I seemed to have a convincing argument at the bar. Vince even muttered something to me about easing up on you.”
“Oh.”
“Just so you know, I have no intention of easing up on you.” He took one of her hands and raised it to his lips. “Especially not tonight.”
The promise in his voice sent anticipation streaking through her. She stroked her fingers over his jaw, relishing the prickle of his stubble, looking forward to feeling its rasp against her naked body. He changed his grip on her hand and eased the tip of her middle finger into his mouth. She caught her breath. The suck of his hot, moist mouth tugged at her stomach, unleashing a wave of heat.
“Oh, God.” She couldn’t deny the naked hunger in her voice.
Joe slowed the truck. They were a few miles out of town, she had no clue where. The headlights picked out a narrow road, trees, fences. Still holding her hand, he guided it to his thigh. Beneath his pants, the muscled heft of his thighs hinted at the virility about to unleash. Her mouth watered.
She squeezed his leg. “So what position do you play?”
“You mean soccer? Center midfielder.” He reached over and clasped her thigh. “In bed, I’m up for any position.”
His big, confident grasp on her leg made her laugh breathy. “I-I don’t know why I asked. I don’t have a clue about soccer.”
His eyes grew hot. “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you.” He wasn’t talking about soccer, she was sure. His hand shifted down to the hem of her plaid skirt. “You changed for me? I’m
honored.”
“I didn’t want to smell like fries and beer.”
“Men like fries and beer.” He reached the bare flesh above her knee and slipped his hand under her skirt. “I like this even better.”
His husky murmur coupled with his sure touch had her blood pumping. The truck bumped slowly over a rough section of road. She clung onto the armrest, transfixed as Joe stroked her inner thigh, his fingers creating a trail of pleasure across her skin. Her breath came out in fervid puffs. She pressed her booted feet against the floor of the cab, tense with excitement as she silently willed Joe’s fingers to move higher and discover the wet craving between her thighs. But each time he extended his reach, his fingers stopped short of her panties, tantalizing her, provoking and intensifying her need.
“Joe,” she finally gasped out, writhing against his hand. “You—you’re driving me crazy.”
He’d slowed the truck until they were inching along.
“Sweet pea, I’ve been going crazy myself thinking of all the things I want to do with you. And believe me, making you come in my truck while I’m driving is right up there on my list, but I like to do things in the right order. My first priority is to get you into my bedroom, where I’m going to take off your clothes one piece at a time, and then I’m going to kiss you all over and get to know every inch of you before we even think about orgasmic penetration.”
His words, uttered in that sexy timbre of his, almost sent her over the edge. Perspiration prickled in her cleavage, her breasts feeling heavy and straining against her bra. What was it about Joe that worked her into such a frenzy? She’d never considered herself sexually aggressive, but now she was ready to tear the clothes off him. Before she could think, she’d moved her hand from his thigh to cup his groin. The heat and size of his bulge dried her throat. He hissed at her, surprise flashing in his chocolate eyes.
“And this?” she asked. “Is this anywhere on your list?” She kneaded her palm back and forth across his swollen crotch, excited by his reaction.
The truck jerked and bunny hopped. Groaning, Joe grabbed her hand and forced it away. “Christ almighty, if you don’t stop now, I’m going to tie you up.”
She laughed from sheer exhilaration. Tie her up? Joe was giving her wicked ideas. “I’ll behave, as long as we get to your place quick.”
“We’re almost there.”
He swung the wheel and stepped on the accelerator. The truck roared down a long driveway, headlights bouncing off trees and grass before the glare picked out a long, ranch-style house with a wide veranda.
Joe brought the truck to an abrupt halt. They got out, and Joe grabbed her hand and led her into the house. As he flicked on a few lights, she saw a large sitting room with a stone fireplace and raked ceilings.
“So, this is where you live.” The comfy armchairs, rugs, and rustic bric-a-brac gave the room a homely atmosphere. Joe’s house looked like a cozy, unpretentious place where a person could relax. “Have you been here long?”
“About three years. I’ll give you the guided tour later. Right now, there’s only one room I want to show you.”
Joe swung her into his arms and strode down the hallway. He kicked open a door, walked in, and set her slowly to her feet.
His bedroom. The lights were off, but through the window, faint moonlight spilled across the king-size bed that dominated the room. In the silence, Joe’s breathing sounded deep and uneven.
“Joe.” She pressed a hand to his chest. “This…this is just for fun, right?” Before they went any further, she needed to know they still agreed on this.
“Of course,” he murmured. “No fuss, just pure fun.”
He reached for her, and the night swelled and soared around her.
Chapter Six
Nina heard the little gasping noises escaping her lips. A small part of her marveled at how shameless she sounded, but most of her was too high on the pleasure of Joe’s mouth on her to notice. He branded sizzling-hot kisses over her throat, ears, and cheeks before moving back to her lips. Lust unfurled in her as she twined her arms around his neck and returned his kisses, leaving nothing in reserve, showing him just how turned on she was.
As his tongue penetrated past her lips, the heat engulfing her arrowed straight for her center, and she wrapped one leg around him, eager to get closer to him. Pushing his hand under her skirt, Joe pulled her thigh tight around him and ground his hips against hers, the hard hump in his trousers fitting perfectly into the apex of her legs. Darkness swirled about her, heady with the scent of their musk. She ran her hands down his back and began to tug his shirt from his pants.
Joe’s shoulders bunched up as his fingers got busy with her shirt. It had a tight fit and a long row of buttons.
“Don’t want to tear your shirt,” he said as he wrestled with the buttons.
Oh, that was sweet of him, trying to preserve her cheap shirt because he was under the impression she was poor. Her breasts ached for his touch, but she waited until he was done. Finally he pulled off her shirt along with her jacket and tossed them to the ground. The sight of her black bra made him pause.
“Oh, yeah. I like this.” He ran a finger lightly over the lace trim, leaving her flesh burning.
Lava heat pounded in her breasts, gathered in a liquid pool between her legs. “Why are you waiting?” she breathed, legs trembling. “You’ve seen the goods before.”
“I like seeing them wrapped up in a pretty package.”
His eyes feasted on her as he drew his fingers over one bra cup and rested them against the peak. The way Joe ogled her breasts made her feel like a centerfold model. He curved his hands around her waist, found the zipper of her skirt, and made short work of it. The skirt fell around her feet with a soft whoosh.
Eek. Now he could see the plain beige panties she’d been forced to buy. She hadn’t minded showing them when they’d jumped off the cliff, but now they were in his bedroom, and she wished she had her usual sexy silk thongs. Suddenly self-conscious, she crossed her hands over the bargain-basement panties.
“Hey, what’re you trying to hide?” Joe tugged at her hands, grinning.
“Uh, the general store was fresh out of Victoria’s Secret.” She reluctantly allowed him to lift her hands away. “It was either this or great big granny panties.”
Joe stared greedily at her panties, and then he brushed his palm over them, making her squirm. He chuckled low in his throat. “I can’t believe you’re embarrassed over this.”
Shoot, she was in danger of giving herself away. Ordinary working-class people didn’t get hung up because they weren’t wearing expensive lingerie.
“I just want to look my best, Joe.”
His eyes flared. “Sweet pea, you could make even granny panties look sexy.”
“I’ll have to test you out on that,” she said, snickering.
He groaned. “You’re testing me right now.” Taking hold of both her hands, he eased them behind her back and lowered his head to her neck. “And I can’t resist…” His lips worked their magic on her, and she became boneless with desire as his wide chest rubbed against hers.
Holding her wrists with one hand, he used his free hand to unfasten her bra and cast it aside. He cupped one breast and lowered his head to the other, his lips closing over her nipple. Taking his time, he sucked and stroked and played until she thought she might pass out with sheer pleasure. Moaning, she pushed her leg between his to get to his pulsing heat, and he responded by pressing his upper thigh hard against her mound. Sexual heat inundated her. Her flesh quivered, rippled, engorged, and before she knew it she was on the edge of a climax. But Joe, seeming to sense this, drew his leg away. She was so jellylike she would have collapsed if he hadn’t been holding her.
“Joe,” she whispered faintly. “You’re testing my limits, too, you know.”
His rich chuckle ruffled her hair. “But I haven’t kissed you all over yet.” He returned his attention to her breasts while his hands nudged inside her panties to knead her
tight butt.
It wasn’t fair that he still had his clothes on. She tried to tear off his shirt but the darn thing was too stubborn. Eventually Joe laughed at her impatience and pulled it off. Nina gulped in admiration as she ate up the sight of his muscled pectorals.
“You’re gorgeous,” she said as she coasted her hands across his chest, the dark hairs soft against her palm. She nuzzled his nipples and licked a path over his six-pack, breathing in the heady scent of Joe that was all vigorous, lusty male. As she gorged herself on him, she heard his sharp intake of air before he took charge again and lifted her face up to devour her mouth. Taking charge in the bedroom was his thing, she guessed, and she liked it. A whole lot. Somehow his autocratic behavior didn’t rile her—instead, it turned her on. Right up to eleven.
While he was kissing her, he got rid of her panties. Now she was naked except for her cowboy boots. She went to pull them off, but Joe halted her.
“No, keep them on.” He traced his hands over her thighs. “You look like a pinup for sexiest cowgirl of the year.” His husky drawl had her reaching for him, but he held her off. “Stay there.”
His eyes never left hers as he rid himself of his shoes, unbuckled his belt, and shucked off his pants. His boxer briefs stretched taut over an impressive-sized package, and she didn’t even pretend to look elsewhere. He stripped them off, and heat saturated the folds between her thighs. My goodness, he’s packing some serious equipment there.
Then he wrapped her in his arms, exploring and kissing every inch of her just like he’d promised, and soon she didn’t know whether she was standing or floating upside down. The haze lifted a little when Joe knelt in front of her, skimming his palms down her legs while his thick black hair nestled against her belly. He nibbled his way down her stomach until he reached the patch of blonde curls covering her mound.
He breathed in deeply, hands cupping her ass, before his tongue snaked between her folds and flickered against her slit. Wet heat drenched her in an instant. She arched her back for more. His lick was measured, erotic, explosive. He controlled her, his lapping first greedy then delicate, always sure, extending her exquisite pleasure to the point of torture. His control grew as her restraint crumbled until she couldn’t wait any longer, and she raked her fingers through his hair, urging him on as she sought release.
