AT LONG LAST (The Playas Series - Book 4)

by Brenda Jackson

  “I’m ready, Logan.”

  So was he.

  A couple of hours later, Logan took Claire’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. Dinner had been great and after leaving the restaurant, they headed across the street to Club Temptation. A couple they’d met at the restaurant had told them it was the place to go for dancing.

  It was obvious that downtown Albuquerque was perfect for anyone who enjoyed the nightlife. Logan hadn’t known what to expect, but luckily, they’d arrived early enough to snag a table. Although the festival didn’t start for a couple more days, a lot of people seemed to have come to town early. The place was packed.

  On the flight to New Mexico, Claire had talked a little about the bad dream she’d had and expressed her desire to relax and have fun while they were in Albuquerque. He intended to make sure that happened.

  They started off with a fast number and although he wouldn’t consider himself a great dancer, he was able to keep up with Claire on the dance floor. He liked the way her hair would move in a glossy mane around her shoulders, drawing emphasis to her long slender neck and the smoothness of her cocoa-colored complexion.

  “You’re good, Logan.”

  He laughed. “Why? Because I’m keeping up with you?”

  “That, too. But you’ve got great moves.”

  He decided not to mention the moves she hadn’t seen yet. “You’ve got great moves, too.” Lord knows she did. Her limbs were loose, graceful and fluid and her symmetrical abilities were astounding. He could see her being a professional dancer in another life. He loved seeing how her body moved around to the beat of the music, both regal and wild. She looked like sex walking and danced that way as well. He had noticed the way other men were looking at her and then at him, with envy in their eyes.

  The song came to an end and a slow tempo began flowing through the sound system in the huge room. One thing Logan liked about this particular night club was that in addition to the huge inside dance floor, there was another one on a huge outside patio, if someone was inclined to dance beneath the stars. He intended to make sure they did before leaving.

  He pulled Claire into his arms, not giving her a chance to protest. He had cut a few moves with her, but now, he needed to have the warmth of that curvaceous body close to his. The last time they’d come this close, chest to breast, had been when she’d cried in his arms. Now, he wanted her there for another reason. He wanted her there just because he could have her there.

  Claire tipped her head up and gazed into his eyes. He wondered what she saw. Did she see the love shining there, or the need that had begun building inside him since the day she’d opened her door for him in DC? As she gazed up into his eyes, he couldn’t help but look into hers. What he saw there was…curiosity. He wasn’t a complicated man--he loved life and he loved his work. And though she didn’t know it yet, he loved her.

  Deciding to get conversation started, he asked, “What are you thinking?”

  Claire wished Logan hadn’t asked her that. There was no way she could tell him that, at that moment, she was overwhelmed by how good-looking he was. Being held in his arms was sending all kinds of sensuous vibes through her. She’d discovered his muscular physique had made him the perfect dance partner. They had connected on the dance floor and a part of her couldn’t help wondering if that connection would extend to the bedroom.

  Knowing he was waiting for a response, she said, “I am thinking how lucky I am to be here with you. You’re giving me an opportunity of a lifetime, to see several things on my bucket list. I was also appreciating what great company you are. A girl couldn’t ask for better.”

  That was the truth. When she’d needed a shoulder to cry on, he’d given her his broad ones. When she needed to have fun, he had found ways to make her laugh. And when she’d needed to relax, unwind and express herself, he’d come up with scenarios that allowed that, too.

  She really enjoyed having dinner with him. When they dined together, they talked. She was getting to know him better and hopefully, he was starting to understand her, too. He’d told her about his complex feelings regarding his mother, and she’d shared how forlorn she’d been when she’d lost her father when she was a little girl.

  Claire had enjoyed taking “girls’ trips” before, but being with Logan offered something totally different. In fact, she was beginning to regret being attracted to him since there was a chance that it could ruin their time together. She had no reason to believe that just because she had the hots for him, he’d feel the same about her. Other than the time she’d caught him checking her out from behind, he’d acted as a friend would.

  “You smell good.”

  “Thanks.” He’d told her that before, a number of times. “So do you.” And he did smell good.

  Was she imagining things, or did he just tighten his arms around her. Imagining or wishing. “Dinner was nice,” she said, liking how in tune they were with the music.

  “I thought so, too. Once again, you selected a nice place for us,” he said, his voice low and husky, close to her ear.

  “Umm.” She placed her head on his shoulder. For some reason, she liked it there, whether she was crying or not. But she was caught off guard when his hand began stroking her back in slow, gentle caresses. She could feel her breasts beginning to swell while pressed against his chest and wondered if he could feel them as well.

  “So, what are our plans for tomorrow, Claire?”

  She lifted her head and met his gaze. Immediately, she wished she hadn’t. Just looking into those eyes at such close range was sending all kinds of sensations through her.

  When it came to men, she’d never reached a crisis point. Like most single women, she kept a boy-toy handy and that was good enough for her. Granted, she’d never thought it was a good replacement for the real thing, but it had been satisfying enough to suit her needs. Now she was beginning to wonder about the real thing…and how it would be with Logan.

  She drew in a slow, calming breath. Why was he staring at her this way? Surely, he could feel the intense simmering awareness between them. Suddenly, she felt hot.

  “Are you okay, Claire?”

  How could he honestly ask her that? She searched his face for any sign that he knew what he was doing to her, see the sensual longing he was making her feel. “It’s getting pretty warm in here, don’t you think?” she asked, doubting he had a clue just what kind of heat was consuming her.

  “Then let’s finish the dance outside.” Taking her hand, he led her out to the dance floor on the patio. There was so much greenery surrounding the area, it reminded her of a tropical rain forest. Only one other couple was outside with them. But they were so wrapped up in each other, Claire doubted they noticed their space was being invaded.

  “It’s a beautiful night,” Claire said, as Logan pulled her into his arms. Only the change of venue didn’t bring any of the relief she craved. There was something about his closeness, of being held in his arms under the beautiful night sky that caused a sense of longing to flow through her bloodstream, drugging her senses, lulling her into a state of yearning she’d never felt before.

  “Look up.”

  “What?” she asked, trying not to focus on the shape of his lips whenever he moved them.

  “I want you to look up.”

  She did and saw the stars dominating the darkened New Mexico sky. “Umm, what am I looking for?”

  “Twinkling stars. You recall what I told you about them when we were in Arizona?”

  How could she forget? She had expected and wanted a hot and steamy kiss, but all she’d gotten was a peck on the lips. “I remember.” She switched her gaze from the sky, back to him. “Can I get another kiss, Logan? For lasting prosperity?”

  “You definitely can.” He then lowered his mouth to hers.

  16

  This was the moment Logan had been waiting three years for. This time, he was going to give her a kiss that she not only remembered, but one that would seep deep into her system.

/>   The instant their lips touched, she surprised the hell out of him by darting her tongue inside his mouth. Her brazen move was all the incentive he needed, and he didn’t hesitate to capture her tongue with his own. Was that a shudder he felt passing through her?

  Logan wasn’t sure, but he did know that there was something about her taste that immediately heightened the beat of his pulse and caught him completely off guard. He tried to retain control but it wasn’t easy with the way her mouth was mating hungrily with his. If she had all this passion in her tongue, he could just imagine what the rest of her had to offer.

  The kiss was making his heart pound and body throb in a way they never had before. He couldn’t help wondering if she thought this encounter might compromise their friendship. Did it matter to her? It definitely didn’t to him, not when he could feel the essence of their kiss in every pore of his body. In every nerve.

  The music had stopped playing moments ago, but he hadn’t wanted to stop. Finally, breaking off the kiss, he slowly eased his mouth away from hers, but refusing to release her just yet, he grazed his jaw against her ear and whispered low in his throat, “I do wish you lasting prosperity, Claire.”

  He then took a step back and when he looked at her--and saw the way she was looking at him--sexual hunger clawed at his insides. He tried like hell to reel in his desires. He didn’t want to move too quickly. There was no way he could get her to fall as deeply in love with him as he was with her during the time they had together. That wasn’t his goal. What he wanted, before she returned to Algiers, was a commitment that they would be in an exclusive relationship.

  That would be a start. And since she already had plans to return to the States, he could handle a long-distance romance. He figured if he turned up the heat now, she would realize his intentions--to be the only man in her life—by the time their trip was over.

  Slow music began playing again and he noticed they were alone on the patio. At some point, the other couple had left. Logan could only stare at Claire and feel the sexual chemistry building between them, making them fully aware of what was taking place. He also knew their minds were whirling as to how to handle it. Acting on that chemistry would be a major game-changer in their relationship and they both knew it. More than anything, he wanted to take that step. But did she?

  As if they reached the same decision at the same time, they both took a step forward. Wordlessly, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, this time, even more passionately than before. From the sound of Claire’s moan, she liked it.

  Whether she was aware of it or not, he was putting all the love he felt for her in this kiss. Of course, he wanted her to enjoy it, but more than anything, he wanted her to feel it, let it seep into her bones and subsequently into her heart.

  They weren’t dancing anymore, and weren’t even pretending to. Tonight, they were crossing a threshold, and as far as he was concerned, there was no going back. Moving forward, he intended to seal the deal, turning up the heat in any way he could. All was fair in love and war. And he was waging a fight for love. Her love.

  He finally, reluctantly broke their kiss, whispering against her moist lips, “I’m ready to leave to finish this elsewhere, are you?”

  She nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.”

  Taking her hand, Logan led her back inside to gather their belongings. This night was only going to get better.

  Claire shifted in the car seat to study Logan. His eyes were focused on the road and his expression was unreadable. Was he having second thoughts? According to Asia, Logan wanted something permanent. That was not for her. All she wanted to do was seize the moment. She wasn’t looking for anything lasting forever.

  Maybe this would be a good time to reemphasize that. But then, hadn’t she done that, several times? She’d been upfront and honest with him. Nothing was different. It would take more than a couple of kisses to make her change her mind about something like that.

  And speaking of kisses…

  Her toes were tingling just thinking about them. Over the past few days, she’d tried to imagine how it would feel to be kissed by him. But nothing had prepared her for the real thing. The kiss he’d given her their last night in Arizona, when she’d had a bad dream had been for comfort, as a way to console her. She’d felt his heat but he’d held back.

  Tonight Logan hadn’t held back on anything. The moment he’d touched his mouth to hers, she’d been a goner. All she’d wanted to do was take everything she could get from it. And he had delivered. Passionately so. He had kissed her in a way she’d never been kissed before. Expertly. Skillfully. Proficiently. Even now, her bones felt like mush just remembering it.

  The skin where he’d held her around the waist was still branded from his touch. Her whole body vibrated in anticipation. Would he follow through with the promise of that kiss? Or would he come to his senses and leave her in her cold bed alone, once he realized that marriage wasn’t on the table? She’d soon find out.

  When they finally pulled into the driveway, she knew it was time to broach the subject. She had a feeling, especially if his thoughts were running along the same path as hers, that once that door closed behind them, they wouldn’t want to talk. They would start kissing again, and that would lead to…other things. Thoughts of those other things had intense heat spreading up her legs and made her nipples pressing against her dress feel like tight buds.

  He brought the car to a stop. After turning off the ignition, he released his seatbelt and then reached across to release hers. The brush of his arm against her chest sent sparks of heat racing through her. When she gasped, he asked, “Having second thoughts, Claire?”

  She wished his deep, husky voice didn’t have the ability to make her shake in eagerness. “No, I’m not. Are you?”

  He smiled. Why did he have to smile at her like that? It was different from any smile he’d ever given her, and there had been plenty of them over the last two weeks. This smile seemed to hold a wealth of longing and lust. But then, there was something else in it, as well, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  “No. Not in a million years will any second thoughts creep into my mind.”

  That was a good thing, right? she thought. Just to be certain, she said, “So you have no problem with us indulging in an affair, just for the rest of our trip?”

  No, Logan thought. He didn’t have a problem with that, as long as it was more than an affair once the trip was over. He knew what he wanted…and it was more than just some time with her between the sheets. He wanted forever. But there was no need to explain his wants or his ultimate goal now. Starting tonight, he intended to break down her defenses, get rid of any roadblocks and pave a way to her heart. He would not settle for anything less. He loved her and no matter how long it took, he would ensure that she loved him, too. He was a patient man and he wouldn’t give up on her. He believed in his heart that she was meant for him. Now he just had to make sure she knew it as well.

  Reaching out, he took her hand in his. “No, I don’t have a problem with it. I want you. And in the morning, we’ll still be friends. However, our friendship will be even more special, Claire.”

  He leaned over and placed what would have been a chaste kiss on her lips, only temptation got the best of him and he swiped a lick across them as well. He heard her release a sharp breath. “Come on, let’s go inside,” he said.

  He got out and walked around to her side of the car. Opening her door, he extended his hand out to her. She took it and the minute their flesh connected, he felt intense desire surge through every part of his body.

  Walking hand in hand, they headed toward the front door. He glanced over at her as he inserted the key into the lock and opened the door, then stepped aside for her to enter. Once inside, he closed the door behind them and locked it.

  He watched her glance over at the fireplace and wondered if she missed those nights in Arizona. “We can build a fire if you want,” he said.

  She switched her gaze to him and in
a voice that was velvety soft, she said, “Or we can build a fire of our own.”

  Her words painted a picture that was maddeningly sexy. A long, pulsing silence ensued between them. When he couldn’t stand it any longer, he began moving toward her. With every step he took, his muscles became tight with desire.

  Tonight, he intended to brand her. No matter where she went, she would know she was his, just like he was hers. Suddenly, an intense need to bind her to him had blood pounding through him. He came to a stop in front of her, completely mesmerized by the beautiful dark eyes staring back at him.

  Although she wasn’t fighting her desire for him, Logan was certain she didn’t intend to let that desire go any further. He, on the other hand, was determined to make sure the total opposite happened. They had a few more weeks to spend together. He was going to make every day count.

  He held out his hand to her. It was important to him that she took it, that she agreed to this without hesitation. The beginning of their affair had to be something they both wanted. There would be no turning back. But she surprised him by not only taking his hand but by lifting it to her lips and placing a feather-light kiss on it.

  The moment she released his hand, he pulled her to him and crushed his mouth down on hers.

  17

  Claire reached up and wrapped her arms around Logan’s neck the moment their tongues tangled in a heated exchange. And when he intensified the kiss, she helped him, bringing her hand up to the back of his neck to hold him to her mouth, not wanting him to stop kissing her.

  She’d never kissed a man’s hand before, but she was very glad she’d done it. Something deep inside of her wanted to taste the texture of his skin. It had made her own skin tingle. She couldn’t resist him…not that she was trying to. She’d already made up her mind—she wanted Logan, and intended to have him.