****
Simone was surprised when Enrique arrived at her bungalow at six-thirty. The bellhop’s mother must be feeling better. Berto is either planning something really nice or running late. She hoped for nice, but at the same time, it would make saying good-bye so much harder. She hadn’t planned on falling for anyone during her two weeks there —after all, she’d sworn off men. Well, she thought she had. Yet, the night before she left this paradise, she fought back tears at the thought of never seeing Roberto again.
Not wanting to spoil the evening, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She took in her surroundings as Enrique drove them to a part of the resort she’d never seen. “Where are we going?” she asked, unable to help her curiosity.
“It is a surprise, señora. You will see shortly.” Enrique’s patient tone indicated she wouldn’t get any more information from him.
She didn’t bother with any further conversation as Enrique concentrated on navigating the twisting road. After several moments they started going uphill. Interesting. The lush foliage thinned at the top to reveal a sprawling cottage. She took in the architecture. The one story wood home blended perfectly with the surroundings. It looked like Mother Nature herself had placed it there. When she got out of the golf cart, she turned back toward the water. What a spectacular view! The sun lazily approached the horizon, and pinks and purples spread across the pale blue sky. Given the remote location and different architecture, Simone guessed this had to be Roberto’s home. What would it be like to live here?
She heard Roberto address Enrique in Spanish. Then, the sound of the golf cart faded as she took in the waves below.
Simone wouldn’t have heard Roberto’s approach if not for the gravel surface. Warm arms surrounded her, pulling her against a solid wall of muscle. “You look amazing tonight, querida.” His breath tickled her ear before his mouth kissed his way down her neck.
Simone gripped his arms and sank back into his hold. She let her head fall to the side, giving him greater access to her neck. “That feels so good, Berto.”
He paused in his ministrations. “I’m glad you like it. Don’t worry, there is more to come.”
More to come. I can definitely live with that. Roberto had driven her crazy with limiting their contact to kisses. Her body demanded full naked contact, the sweatier the better. Dear Lord, what is wrong with me?!
“Everything okay?”
“I’m sorry, just a bit distracted.”
He took her hand and pulled her toward the cottage. “Let me show you my home.”
She followed, but found she couldn’t stop gaping at the place. Roberto’s home radiated masculinity and warmth. He explained that his mother had added her feminine touch. He had allowed her to choose the fabrics, but he picked all the furniture and the artwork. The furnishings weren’t ostentatious but were well-made; the artwork looked to be all original pieces, likely very pricey. Simone had no doubt the man didn’t hurt for money.
His bedroom reminded her of a magazine spread, something out of the pages of Architectural Digest. The windows to the right side of his bed offered a view of the western sky. While that was impressive, the four-poster king-size bed grabbed her attention. The bed dominated the spacious room. She skimmed her hand over the navy sheets as Roberto explained about the home’s design. They had to be some ritzy Egyptian cotton blend! What would it feel like to have them clenched in my fists as Berto tortures my body with his tongue?
Roberto must have noticed her lingering gaze. His deeper, lust-laced voice asked, “You like what you see, querida?”
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly withdrew her hand. She knew he meant the bed, but the question applied to the man as well. Simone nodded, not trusting her voice.
He pulled her into a hug. “All in due time. First, dinner.” Roberto led her out a side door, past a hot tub, and into a brick courtyard.
“Berto, this is gorgeous.” Candles and little white lights lit the area. Even the potted plants were decorated with lights. A small bistro table was set for dinner with white linens; a single red rose laid across what she guessed was her plate. Soft, smooth jazz music filled the space. She swooned at the thought of sharing an intimate, romantic dinner with the handsome Latin man.
Roberto picked up the rose and presented it to her. “For you, mi querida. I hope you enjoy the evening I have planned for us.”
She felt a smile spread across her face that radiated warmth and light like the sun. The man was too freaking perfect! “Thank you. I have no doubt I will.” Her body applauded his words. She wouldn’t let her brain second guess things tonight.
He helped her into her chair and served her the most delicious dinner she’d ever eaten. Well, Simone amended, you didn’t really taste the salad of baby greens or any of the varieties of grilled seafood that graced the oversize platter. You were too busy stealing kisses and sharing champagne. The caramel-topped cheesecake was the best ever! Well, it probably tasted so good because Berto fed it to you!
Simone folded her napkin next to her plate once they’d finished the cheesecake. He can feed me anytime, she thought. “That was delicious! Thank you!”
“I’m so happy you enjoyed it, although, I must confess that Juan Carlo, my top chef, prepared our food. I’m not much of a cook.” Roberto took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“No matter. The company was what made it taste so good,” Simone said with a wink. She could have cared less. Under the setting sun she concentrated on the handsome Latin man who’d wormed his way into her heart.
“I’m happy to hear you say that.” Roberto helped her from her seat. “Come, let us move to some place more comfortable.” He led her to a teak settee covered in plush cushions. Roberto sat and pulled Simone into his lap. She curled against his body, reveling in the warmth that radiated from him.
Even if they spent the rest of the night cuddling, Simone would be satisfied. She desperately wanted to make love with him, but being this close to him left her heart beating a quicker, but steadier pace. It just felt right to be here in his arms, not forced or awkward. They were like two pieces of a puzzle connected to complete the whole picture.
But what will happen to that picture once I go back to D.C.? It will be missing a piece.
“Querida, you are awfully quiet. What’s on your mind?” Roberto twirled a lock of her hair through his fingers. She liked the feel of his hands on her, even something as simple as running them through her hair.
“I’m sorry. I’ve had such a good time here . . . with you. I’m not sure what to expect when I return to D.C.”
“Ah, Simone, don’t think of such things tonight.” His other hand found hers. She eagerly twined her fingers with his. “If I may be so forward, you are welcome to make my home your home.”
Her stomach flip-flopped at his words. Simone felt overwhelmed by his offer; her head spun much like an amusement park ride. Did he really just say what I think he said? “That is such an amazing offer, but what about my life back home?” Yeah, girl, what about it? Most of your friends are Asshole’s friends. Not like you are going to miss them. Jenni, your best friend, would support you. Hell, she’d probably do backflips when you tell her about Berto’s offer after yelling at you that you were crazy to even return.
“I can’t tell you what to do, Simone. Just, well, give my offer some consideration.”
So tempting . . .
With that thought tucked away, Simone decided to get back to enjoying the sexy man seated beneath her. She figured a good way to bring his mind back to the present would be to play and tease. Roberto had his linen shirt unbuttoned lower than normal. She slid her hand inside the shirt, enjoying the feel of his smooth chest under her fingertips. Once she found a nipple, she tweaked it until Roberto shifted her.
“My naughty vixen, you are rushing my plan.” His chuckle sent shivers up and down her spine.
“Berto, it’s such a beautiful night. We deserve to be spontaneous.” She continued her exploration, tuggin
g on his shirt until it was free of his pants.
His answer: to guide her head up and capture her lips in a possessive kiss. Simone returned his kiss with gusto. The kiss, however, was cut short when Simone jolted at the sound of an explosion.
“What on earth . . .?” Simone’s voice shook. The sound reminded her of a car backfiring.
“Turn around, querida,” he said, grinning.
Simone shifted in his lap so she could look out over the Caribbean Sea. Another explosion sounded and rewarded her with a shower of red and blue fireworks. Another soon followed, lighting the sky in white sparkles.
“Happy Fourth of July, Simone.” Roberto nuzzled her neck. “I hope you like my surprise.”
“This is so beautiful.” Simone’s eyes remained focused on the private fireworks show lighting up the night sky.
After several minutes, Roberto spoke, “Querida, are you ready? They are going to start the finale.”
She snuggled back into his arms. “I can’t wait.” Her voice dropped when she whispered, “I hope you’re ready. These won’t be the only fireworks tonight.”
A low growl preceded Roberto’s comment of “forget the finale.” He quickly stood and gracefully tossed her over his shoulder.
Simone laughed, giddy with the champagne and Roberto’s caveman-like behavior. Her laughter died when he swatted her firmly on her ass. “What the hell was that for?” she mumbled.
“For causing us to miss the finale.” He barged through the front door of his home before he kicked it shut with his foot. He then confessed, “And for being so darn cute and sexy.”
“Well, then, I suppose that was all—” Her sentence went unfinished when Roberto threw her on his bed and pounced, landing on top of her.
“What were you saying about fireworks, Simone?” His hand roughly grasped her breast through the sundress she wore.
She moaned at his touch, her body moving beneath him. “No talking, Berto, kiss me.”
He rewarded her with a breath-stealing kiss. Their tongues twined as their hands tugged and pulled, sloppily shedding clothing. She heard her dress tear in the process. The man was so impatient! And admit it, girl, you love every minute of it! Once they were naked, Roberto’s lips skimmed down Simone’s neck and placed a love bite at the base.
“Yes,” she gasped as she twined her fingers in his hair, holding him to her. Simone’s heart overflowed with contentment, and the feeling of being appreciated and loved. She didn’t mind the bite. She would proudly wear Roberto’s mark.
“So beautiful,” he breathed before taking her nipple between his teeth.
“Yes, more,” her voice deepened. The things his teeth and tongue did to her body drove her wild with need.
Roberto took his time suckling each breast, teasing each of her pale pink nipples until they stood, swollen. When he stopped, he commanded, “Simone, look at me.”
She pried open her eyes, trying to return to Roberto’s bed instead of flying above it. “Hmm . . .” Simone blinked a couple of times before she was able to lock eyes with him.
“Are you wet for me?” His hand slid down her stomach and stopped. The man was a tease. Simone moaned, letting him know she wanted his fingers to continue.
When they didn’t move, she shifted, trying to bring her body into contact with his fingers. When that didn’t work, she admitted in a huff, “I am.”
His hand left her stomach and tickled the back of her knee. His fingers then skimmed up her inner thigh. She shivered as he found that place. She moaned again in further pleasure. She wasn’t just wet, she dripped for this sexy Latin god. Roberto raised his hand and sucked her cream off his fingers, taking his time to clean each one thoroughly.
“You are killing me here . . . please . . . I need . . .”
“What do you need, querida? Tell me.” His hand went back to her, and this time his fingers skimmed the lips of her sex, gathering more of her juices.
Simone’s tongue skated out to moisten her lips. Damn you, Roberto! Get on with it — now! She needed him to fill her, to claim her and make her his own.
“Ah, do you want a taste?” Roberto brought his fingers to her lips.
She hungrily lapped her own juices from his hand surprised at her enjoyment of the taste of her own body. This sort of thing was new to her. Asshole had never done anything so . . . erotic. Excitement raced through her; she craved more. She desired the adventure and hint of danger that Roberto offered, knowing she’d never be happy with anything less.
Simone’s mind drifted back to Roberto’s question. The one she had yet to answer. What do you need? She needed Roberto. Not just tonight, but every night. The realization made her gasp with fright and excitement. But I’m leaving tomorrow? Simone pushed the thought from her mind. Tonight she would act like the sexy red-headed vixen he teased her so much about.
Roberto started to speak, but she reached up to put her fingers against his lips, silencing him.
“Fuck me, Berto. I want that large, wonderful cock filling me.” She smiled what she hoped was the enticing smile of a vixen. “Make me come.”
He didn’t hesitate, thrusting into her with a firm yet gentle stroke. Simone latched onto his shoulder with her teeth, wanting to mark him as hers. She met him, stroke for pleasurable stroke. Yes! Oh my, yes! The electricity cracked between them as their bodies rocked together faster and faster until they created an incredible explosion of fireworks, one that made the outside display pale in comparison.
Simone realized she had never experienced such a hard, furious joining that left her body completely and totally sated. She felt like even her bones had liquefied under Roberto’s attention. The man had not disappointed. She lost track of the number of orgasms he wrung from her body.
After the initial fucking and a short nap, Roberto woke her with his erection prodding her stomach. This time he made sweet, tender love to her. They drifted off to sleep before Simone woke him, teasing him to life with her mouth. Simone enjoyed the control she had over their love-making that time as she climbed on top and set a gentle, almost leisurely pace, which lasted only briefly. Before long, her hips rocked furiously as she ground her clit against him. That brought her a mind-numbing climax, but only served to tease Roberto. In one smooth motion, he flipped them and pounded into her, quickly reaching his own release.
After that last time, they were both thoroughly spent. The couple slept wrapped in each other’s arms. Simone woke first in the morning. After briefly lounging in bed, Roberto carried her to his shower and made love to her one last time. Despite her aches and soreness, his taste and touch were completely branded onto her body and into her brain. She would never forget Roberto Vargas.
Three months later
Roberto cursed as his desk phone rang. Grumpy didn’t begin to describe his mood. He was buried in paperwork and extra cranky since he hadn’t heard from Simone in nearly a week. Ever since she’d left, his staff had been giving him a wide berth. Simone promised to return, but Roberto had his doubts. He believed that once she returned to the States, her new life would take off. She left the island a confident and secure woman.
He shook his head. He never should have let her go—that was mistake number one. Phone calls and emails didn’t make up for having her in his arms. When he ignored the persistent ringing of his desk phone, his cell began to blare. At his wits’ end, he picked it up and snapped, “Qué?” He wondered what his staff wanted. Something major must have occurred. Otherwise, they would have figured out a solution on their own.
“Señor Vargas, lo siento . . .” Nina’s voice trailed off after the spoken apology.
“Go ahead, what do you need?” He tried to temper the gruffness of his voice.
“Ah, there is a woman here who is most unhappy with her accommodations. Could you please come to the front desk?
“Fine. I will be there momentarily.” He punched the “off” button harder than was necessary. Roberto would offer Nina an apology after he handled this issue.
&nbs
p; He paused at his office door. Get your act together! You cannot let one woman ruin what it has taken your family decades to build. Besides, if you would just trust Simone, you could quit torturing yourself and your employees. He barked out a laugh. Simone was so different, so American, and so fiercely independent. Trust wasn’t something that came easy for him anyway. Roberto had no way to compete with American men—especially not from an island in the Caribbean.
He straightened his shirt and smoothed down his suit jacket before pasting a smile on his face and walking briskly to the lobby.
The resort was fairly crowded. Several couples lounged in the lobby. Others, who had just finished lunch, strolled casually down the tile walkway. He rounded the corner to approach the front desk when he stopped in his tracks, frozen.
Before him stood his vixen, his querida.
Nina leaned over the front counter and spoke, “Señor Vargas?”
Her voice broke the spell. Roberto strode to Simone and wrapped her in his arms. “I have missed you,” he murmured into her red locks.
She pulled back and kissed him passionately. “I’ve missed you more, Berto.”
“Mi querida.” He kissed her again thoroughly, barely registering the looks and grins directed at him by his staff. Roberto traced her cheekbone with his fingertips. “Is there really an issue with your room, or was this a ploy to surprise me?”
Simone looked down and nibbled on her lip. “Well, I don’t have a reservation . . . I had hoped your previous offer still stood.”
He tilted her chin up. “Of course it still stands, silly woman.”
“Well, if you’ll have me, I’d like to make my home in your home, making my heart one with your heart.”
Roberto didn’t answer in words. None conveyed the elation and joy that filled him. After he’d kissed her soundly, he swept Simone into his arms and carried her to his personal golf cart. He would start immediately with welcoming his querida into their home, joining their bodies and their hearts.
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Latin Heat Page 3
