Sam turned to her computer to save the document she’d been working on, and began wondering why Blade was here in her office. Deep down she knew the reason. She had explained it all to Mac a week ago. He saw her as the one who got away. The one he wasn’t finished with yet. The one who refused to let him get to first base. And for a man who was used to hitting home runs, a strikeout was unacceptable.
Usually she would enjoy flirting with a man, especially one who was a player and who she intended to set up for a fall, but not tonight. Blade had a way of unnerving her, and she knew she had to be on her guard around him.
She pushed her chair back and stood, deciding she needed to be on her feet when he entered her office. He was a lot taller than she was, and she still had to look up at him, but not as far.
She came around her desk and leaned her bottom against it. Too late, she realized this was the exact position he’d left her in the last time he’d seen her two weeks ago. The very same day he had kissed her senseless.
Before she could change positions or move to another spot in the room, she heard him take the final step down the hall, and when she looked toward her door, he was there. Her eyes locked on his face, but her breath took in all of him. His manly scent was forcing her to exert a degree of self-control she hadn’t had to exercise in a long time.
She allowed her gaze, just for a moment, to take in his entire body. He wore a pair of dark tailored trousers, an expensive looking dress shirt, a designer sports coat and Italian loafers. As usual, he looked far too sexy for his own good and for hers. He had a body built for whatever he wanted to use it for, and she had more than an idea just what that was.
She inhaled deeply, remembering two could play his game, and at that moment she decided that yes, she would play. And win. She had given him fair warning and he hadn’t heeded it. Instead, the last time they were together he had taken her mouth and done delicious things to it, things she was still losing sleep over. His kiss had been greedy. He’d made it wet. He had flavored it with desire and seduction and then delivered it with a tongue that should be outlawed. But she couldn’t think about any of those things now. This was war.
“Blade, what are you doing here?”
He leaned in the doorway, showcasing impressive muscles, a sleek build and a flabless, taut body that most men would give just about anything to have.
“I came to see you.”
His deep, sexy voice was as potent as anything she’d ever heard, and it sent a yearning, a kind she’d never felt before, through her. Deciding that standing on her feet wasn’t such a good idea, after all, she forced her legs to move as she went back to sit behind her desk.
“Why? And how did you know where I was?” she asked, forcing herself to breathe, and at the same time concentrate on the question she’d just asked.
He took his time answering and continued to look at her. The heat of his gaze was like a soothing caress. “I needed to see you again,” he finally said. “And I knew you were here from Mac. I was at her place when she came home. And when I asked about you, she mentioned you were working late tonight.”
Sam frowned. “She would not have told you that had she known you were going to disturb me.”
He shrugged easily. “Probably not. It wasn’t my intention to disturb you, but my hotel happens to be right up the street.”
How convenient, Sam thought, and then let her mind wander, thinking about all those things they could do in his hotel room. All those things they could do right here. Thank God Rita was up front, although the security guard was probably sitting at her desk, consumed by her novel. But if she heard a lot of unusual noises she would come and investigate. And what Rita would see with her own eyes would put those romance novels to shame.
Sam felt her knees get weak and was glad she was sitting down. Now was not the time to think of all the things Blade could do to her or all the things she could do to him. Nor should she dwell on all those things they could do to each other. The man standing across the room looking so delicious she could eat him alive was a bona fide player. He needed to be taught a lesson, regardless of the sexual chemistry between them. He was too arrogant, too sure of himself to suit her. And when she finished with him he would regret the day he’d ever broken any woman’s heart.
But she knew Blade was not a fool. If she appeared too eager, then he would know she was up to something. So she would take her time, play the part of the reluctant but horny woman, and let him work hard for her. Eventually, he would assume that he was getting close to breaking down her resolve. She, of course, would let him think that. She would tease him mercilessly, even give him a little sample of what he thought he would be getting. She would enjoy building him up, just to break him down. She would be the one to teach him the lesson he sorely deserved to learn.
Blade Madaris had finally met his match.
Blade wondered what Sam was thinking, since he knew for certain that something was going on in that pretty little head of hers.
As far as he was concerned, a one-night stand—as long as it was an all-nighter—was just what he needed to get her out of his system. He was convinced that she was feeling the same sexual tension that was gripping him all the way to his toes. She was trying to be cool, calm and collected. Other women had tried that same tactic, fearful of letting him know the depths of their desire. He hoped that wouldn’t be the case with Sam, because he wanted to know. He needed to know.
It was killing him to find out.
“Come to my hotel room with me,” he said, deciding not to beat around the bush. He had made a pit stop for one reason and one reason only. He knew it and she knew it, as well. They were adults. There was no reason to be coy or deny what just wouldn’t go away.
Her chuckle was like a kick in his groin. “Don’t hold your breath, cowboy.”
He winced, disappointed. She was still denying those needs, still being coy. This wasn’t going to be as easy as he had hoped.
“May I ask you something, Blade?”
Can we go ahead and get naked? was the question he hoped she would ask. “Yes, you can ask me anything,” he replied.
She placed her hands on the desk and held his gaze. “What part of what I said the other night at the restaurant didn’t you understand? I thought I was very clear when I said you don’t interest me.”
A smile touched his lips. “And I thought I was just as clear, Sam, when I said that you were sending mixed signals.”
She narrowed her eyes. “If that’s the case then I need to immediately make a correction.”
He slowly crossed the room toward her desk. “Don’t bother.”
When he got to her desk he walked around it and sat on the edge, facing her. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was surprised by his boldness.
“Why are you playing hard to get, Sam, when you know you want me? One night is all I’m asking for, and I’ll have you climaxing in your sleep for the rest of the week. The memories will be just that strong and powerful.”
She arched an eyebrow. “You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Yes, especially since I haven’t had any complaints, just requests for repeat performances.”
He saw the smile that touched the corners of her lips. He was not in the mood to humor her. He wanted to make love to her. Get her naked and get inside of her and stay there until he’d gotten his fill. Was one night too much to ask for?
He held her gaze and felt the air surrounding them thicken with the same intensity of his erection, and was glad that he was sitting down. But he knew she was very aware of his aroused state.
“Have you ever considered the fact that I might be a different breed of woman than what you are used to?”
Yes, he had considered it, and he believed that was one of the reasons he was so hot for her. “That thought has crossed my mind once or twice,” he replied smoothly.
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
He thought her question was odd. “No. Why would it b
other me? I’m a flexible guy. I can roll with the flow.”
“Even if it takes you on some very wild fantasies?”
He lifted his brow at the same time he felt his erection twitch in his trousers. Whether she knew it or not, she was trespassing onto his turf. Could it possibly be that they were of like minds? Did they have the same kind of wild, wicked and naughty fantasies?
He couldn’t help wondering just what she had on her mind. He would draw the line at a ménage à trois, since he didn’t like sharing. But if she wanted to blindfold him and tie him to the bed and have her way with him, then bring it on—the ropes and the blindfold. “How risqué are we talking?” he asked, now that his curiosity, among other things, was piqued.
“Not sure. Forget I asked.”
The hell he would. He doubted that he could.
“It’s late and I’ve stayed here longer than I should have,” she said, pushing her chair back to get up. He watched the movement of her hips and got turned on even more. She liked wearing those short business suits and he liked seeing her in them. She had the legs to wear them.
“And before you ask again, the answer is still no. I won’t go to your hotel with you, Blade. I’m going home. Alone.”
His gaze moved from her legs back to her face. “Are you sure you want to do that?”
“Tonight I do. Tomorrow, maybe not.”
A tightness formed in his stomach. His heart began pounding. She had just given him hope and he caught it like it was a lifeline, something he’d never done before. “Have dinner with me tomorrow,” he said, standing up.
“Why?”
“So I can convince you that I do interest you.”
She held his gaze for a long moment, as if tossing his offer around in her head, and then she said, “All right. But you won’t get too many opportunities to convince me of anything.”
He hadn’t thought that he would, which meant that he needed to use every minute of his time wisely. He stood back to gave her room to clear off her desk and to log off her computer. She was about to put the strap of her purse over her shoulder when he reached out and gently pulled her to him.
He figured he had been in her office less than thirty minutes, but it had to have been the most intense half hour he’d ever shared with a woman outside of the bedroom.
She didn’t resist when he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her even closer and stood in such a way that she felt his arousal. Every inch of it, and it felt so damn good cradled in the juncture of her thighs. “Let me give you something to think about until I see you tomorrow.”
And then he lowered his mouth to hers.
Sam saw his mouth coming and was ready for it. They had talked long enough and she needed this to take the heat off. The moment their mouths touched she could feel her heart slam against her chest, automatically causing an ache between her thighs. The way his erection was pressing against her wasn’t helping matters. But she could handle it.
Or she would die trying.
Moments later she thought she would be dying anyway, if he continued to kiss her the way he did. His tongue was greedier tonight than it had been the last time. There were no parts of her mouth that hadn’t been licked, sucked and teased. He was thorough and by the time he was finished she was moaning deep in her throat. But then she’d heard his groans, those husky sounds he’d made, letting her know his enjoyment was just as pleasurable as hers.
Once again it was the intercom that had them reluctantly pulling their mouths apart. “Ms. Di Meglio, it’s eight o’clock, and you wanted me to let you know so that you wouldn’t stay here too late,” Rita said.
Sam licked her lips, sealing in Blade’s taste. She was surprised Rita had remembered. Usually she was so absorbed in her novel that she forgot everything. Sam leaned over and pressed the button on her desk. “Thanks, Rita, I’m getting ready to leave now.”
Thankfully, Blade stood back to let her lock her desk drawers, and then he moved in step with her when she headed out the door. She bade Rita a good-night when they passed through Security. She and Blade didn’t say anything until they were walking out the door to the parking lot.
“She’s a lot nicer than that security guard that was here the morning I stopped by,” Blade said.
Sam looked over at him. “That was Frank Denson. He takes his job seriously.”
Blade snorted. “Yeah, I can tell.” He decided not to mention that as far as he was concerned, the man took her seriously, as well. He had watched how Denson had hung on to her every word. Had the man been a dog he would have been panting and wagging his tail. A low growl rumbled in Blade’s chest at the memory.
When they reached her car he waited until she opened the door and slid inside, appreciating the glimpse of her thigh. “And you’re sure I can’t persuade you to come to my hotel room tonight?”
Sam couldn’t help but grin. Blade was persistent if nothing else. “I’m positive. I agreed to have dinner with you tomorrow night, that’s a start.”
He smiled down at her. “I prefer thinking about the finish. It will be a lot hotter and steamier.”
“We’ll see.”
“No, Samari Di Meglio, get ready to feel. And because I was taught to make sure ladies get home safely, I’ll follow you.”
She nodded. There was no reason to tell him that he would only be allowed to go so far, because she lived in a gated community. He would find out soon enough, especially if he assumed she would be inviting him inside for a nightcap. It wouldn’t be happening.
“Good night, Blade.
“Good night, and I’ll pick you up here tomorrow at five.”
“All right.” And without giving him time to say anything else, barely giving him time to get into his own car and start the engine, she pulled off.
Chapter 6
Scowling, Blade sat outside the gate while Sam drove through it. She had conveniently avoided mentioning that she lived in a gated community—a very upscale one at that. The engineer in him couldn’t help but admire the design and structure of the complex—at least what he could see from the outside.
Windsor Park.
He knew the price of the townhomes in this development weren’t cheap. And judging from the fortress surrounding it, the complex looked as secure as Fort Knox. Was there a reason she had decided to live someplace that provided her such high-level security and protection?
As he drove away, he tried to remember just what he knew about Sam. Since meeting her he had asked Mac a number of questions. Some she had answered and others she had not. Luke had been just as tight-lipped as his wife, and the only thing he had said, other than a warning that Sam wasn’t the kind of woman he should go after, was that her family had money.
That was all well and good, since Blade wasn’t exactly broke himself. Thanks to the Madaris Construction Company, and his uncle Jake Madaris—not only a highly successful businessman, but one hell of a financial adviser, who had made some wise investments on Blade’s behalf—if he never worked another day in his life, he could still live a very wealthy lifestyle.
Minutes later, when he entered his hotel room, an idea took shape in his head. He would be meeting with some of Mosley’s employees tomorrow to start the ball rolling, so everything would be in place to break ground in a few months. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t remain in Oklahoma City a little while longer than planned, to make sure things were under control and on schedule—although the Madaris Construction Company had yet to miss a deadline, and certainly not on his watch.
And if he intended to hang around, there was no reason for him to remain cooped up in this hotel. First thing in the morning he would call Claire, the secretary he and Slade shared at the Madaris Construction Company, to get her to find him a place to stay. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the complex where Sam was living. He was certain there must be a unit there that could be leased on a short-term basis.
He smiled as he headed toward the bathroom for a shower. It didn’t bother him i
n the least that he was doing some things he’d never done in the past in his hot pursuit of a woman. But then a man had to do what a man had to do, and since he believed it would be well worth it in the end, then so be it. The moment she had mentioned the words wild fantasies, he had known he would not be able to walk away until he discovered just what kind of wild fantasies she had in mind.
He was in the process of removing his shoes when his cell phone rang. A glance at the caller ID indicated the call was from Slade. He clicked on the line. “Hey, Slade, what’s going on?”
“I thought I’d warn you that Mama Laverne has been asking about you. She dropped by the office today to visit with you.”
Blade lifted a brow. She was always asking about him and every other son, grand and great-grand of hers. The old gal made it her business to try and keep up with everyone. She had probably planned to read him the riot act for not showing up for church that Sunday. “And?”
“And she’s wondering why you’re back in Oklahoma.”
Blade leaned against the dresser in the bedroom. “What did you tell her?”
“That we have business there you had to take care of. I even showed her the model of the Mosley Building we have on display in the lobby. That may have satisfied her somewhat, but I suggest you give her a call to let her know you’re all right. The older she gets the more she worries.”
Blade chuckled. Slade was too nice to say that the older their great-grandmother got the more she meddled in their affairs. “Okay, I’ll call her tomorrow. How’s Skye doing?”
“My lady is doing fine.”
Blade shook his head. His twin liked getting all mushy on him when it came to Skye. He was sounding like a whipped man. Like Luke, this marriage thing evidently agreed with him.
“Do you know how long you plan to stay in Oklahoma?” Slade asked, interrupting his thoughts.
Blade shrugged. “For another week or so.”
He thought of Sam and then said, “Maybe longer. I want to be hands-on.” He wasn’t referring to the Mosley Building, but Slade didn’t really need to know that.
Sensual Confessions Page 6
