by S. L. Scott
I have plenty of friends back home and in Manhattan, my brothers being two of my best, but Winter feels too good to be around not to consider pursuing a friendship. Or more . . .
The bottle of wine is empty, a pitcher of OJ half full, and a plate that has only cookie crumbs remain. With the robe hanging off one smooth shoulder, she points at the TV with a lollipop. “I think you won that round.”
“You managed to use ass and apartment fumigation in yours without a thought. I’m saying you won.”
“I’ll take it,” she says, and then pops the lollipop into her mouth. “Who knew a fancy hotel would deliver candy? I think I’m sugared up. Want to go for a run?”
“It’s three in the morning. And you don’t have running clothes or shoes. That’s the candy talking.”
Rolling her eyes, she falls back on the pillow. “Where’d your sense of adventure go, Monsieur Everest?”
“You’re definitely drunk on sugar. I think you’ve had too much.” I reach for the stick, but she smacks my hand and laughs.
“Maybe.” Pulling the lollipop from her mouth, she points it at me. “You know what I think?”
Slipping lower on the bed, I angle her way. “What do you think?”
Her smiles fades, and her lips part as she takes a breath. “I think I’m ready for you to kiss me again.”
“You know what I think?”
“What do you think?”
“I think I’d like that.” I maneuver closer and lower my voice. “How do you want me to kiss you?”
She’s very still like a statue. “I’m good like this.” Interesting.
I try really fucking hard not to laugh. She’s adorable. “Okay.”
Her gaze darts to me. “I thought you were going for great?”
Taking her candy, I drop it in a glass of water, and smirk. “Always.” I kiss her, not continuing a conversation I know neither of us intends to finish.
12
Bennett
Soft and welcoming. I love her mouth.
Her hands wrap around my bicep and then slide up over my neck. There’s an insistence in the way she moves against me as if she can’t get close enough. I give her what she wants and do what feels good, moving forward until her back is flat, and then separate her knees with mine.
As I press my body down, a little moan escapes her, making me harder than I was already. Fuck.
She holds me close as our tongues embrace, and our bodies begin a slow dance. One hand disappears from my ass that she was appreciating and tugs the robe open, revealing herself to me. Lowering to kiss her neck and then her shoulder, I whisper, “You’re so fucking incredible, Winter.” While she tries to slink out of the robe, her leg wraps over mine, holding me there. I finally sit up, so she can. “Let’s take this off.”
As soon as I give her space, she slips her arms from the robe and lays it on the bed under her. She lies back down before me in a light pink bra and matching thong. The pale color of the lace highlights a sheen as if the sun kissed her skin, and I can’t stop myself. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.” The smile I receive in return is magnificent. Her surprise at my compliment shocks me, though.
A whispered, “You’re so hot,” leaves her lips. Her hands on my sides urge me back on top, so I move, kissing her again and appreciating the taste of her mouth, her skin, and the way she moves under me. Her body begs for more, and I start to memorize what makes her moan.
A kiss to the lips.
The spot behind her ear.
My hands on her waist.
Fingertips dipping under the lace and teasing.
Her breasts are firm and a good handful. I’d venture to guess a cup size, but it doesn’t matter.
It.
Doesn’t.
Matter.
The thought races through my veins, and I start to digest it. The size of a woman’s tits has always been something I catalogued for entertainment, out of curiosity, and to engage my brain and not just my body. It’s the same as every woman staring below the abs I work so hard to maintain to check out what the good Lord gave me.
But with Winter, it’s different.
Like our time together, this just feels good. She feels good. With her, it’s not a race to the finish. She’s savoring my kisses to her neck and taking the time to kiss mine. She doesn’t want a quick fuck before she ducks to catch a cab home. No, this is different.
New.
Better.
I don’t want this feeling to end although I don’t think I can wait much longer before I explode. I ache to be inside her, so I whisper against the round of her breasts, “Do you want to—”
“Yes. God, yes. Please.”
Lifting my head up to see her face, I smile. “I like you begging for me.”
“I’d like you between my legs.”
“I thought that’s what we were talking about?”
“Your mouth first.”
“First, huh?” She drives me fucking wild. As if I couldn’t get harder, she opens that sexy mouth of hers and makes a request. Confidence is a turn-on. “I can arrange that.” I slip under the covers and tug her legs until she’s flat on her back.
Through laughter, she says, “You’re so bad, Bennett.”
“But I’ll make you feel so good.”
She takes a jagged breath when I pull her panties down. I admire the beauty before me. Soft and so wet already.
I spread her legs, and fingers weave into my hair, nails scraping lightly along my scalp. While I kiss the inside of her thigh, she gently nudges my head for more. I move to the apex of her legs and kiss her gently before I realize she’s still, like a statue. Again. “Breathe, Winter.”
Once I hear a loud exhale, I dip my tongue, tasting the forbidden—her salty-sweet essence. Her legs buck, and I hear a whimper. Checking on her, I look up, but she pushes my head right back down, causing me to chuckle against her softness.
Bold.
Confident.
Sexy as fuck.
Winter Nobleman has captivated me in every way—mentally, physically, emotionally. And when she moans again, I’m a goner.
I enjoy this late-night snack, leaving her breathless and wet as she clamps her legs around me. Trusting me with her body and pleasure, I take it all from her as she trembles beneath me.
I did that. I’m the one who gave her every fucking thing she needed, and in return, she lies there, pulling me to her, kissing me, and through hitched breaths, she whispers in my ear, “That was the best orgasm I’ve ever had.”
“More to come,” I reply, “including me, ma chérie.” I get out of bed, my briefs tenting. “Condom.”
“I’m glad you came prepared,” she says.
“I haven’t come yet, but it won’t take long with you looking that good.” Grabbing a condom from my toiletry bag, I take my sweet time meandering back.
Winter’s lying on the bed, arms wide, staring at the ceiling. “That felt so good.”
Standing next to the bed, I ask, “Not great?”
“You and your ‘great.’ I already gave you the best orgasm award.” Propping up on her elbow, she says, “If you must know, it felt amazing. You do not disappoint.” Her gaze dips to my briefs. “Do not disappoint at all.”
Now that I have her attention, I am not inclined to lose it. “I want you to undress me, Winter.”
“With my eyes? I did that the first time I saw you.”
I’d blame the wine, but her eyes are clear. “You’re a bad girl.”
“That’s why I’m in Paris, but that’s a story for another day.”
“I like when you talk about other days we’ll have together.”
She sits up and runs her fingers under the top of the elastic waistband of my underwear. “It’s tomorrow already.”
“How about staying until daylight?”
A smile forms as she starts to take my briefs down. Peeking up at me, she says, “I’d like that.”
“I like you,” I reply, lifting her chin with my finger.
<
br /> “Do you want me to . . .?” She leaves the question unfinished and looks down while running her hand along my erection instead.
“Only if you want to.”
“I do.” She slides my briefs down and licks her lips. Leaning forward, she touches the tip of her tongue to my hardness, making my stomach muscles clench in reaction. When she flattens her tongue and slides back up . . . Fuck if that’s not the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
She takes me into her mouth, sliding down and back up several times, before I stop her. When her eyes connect with mine, I say, “I want to be inside you. I want to make love to you.” I want to make this last all night yet race to the finish line. I take her bra straps and peel them over her shoulders. “I’ve tasted you. Now I want to see all of you.”
Reaching behind her back, she unclasps her bra, and then slides the straps down her arms. She drops it on the floor, not embarrassed and not hiding herself from me, but shyness colors her face. Bending down, I kiss her, wanting to erase anything she feels that’s less than spectacular.
She pulls me down onto the bed with her, and we move to the middle. Just as she’s about to tuck under the covers, I lay my hand on her leg. “I want to see you the entire time.”
Glancing at the nightstand, she asks, “Are we leaving the lights on, too?”
“Yes.”
She sighs, not in disappointment but more adapting to the idea.
I start kissing her neck and moving to cover the spots that make her moan again. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Taking a second, I slip on the condom and then move between her legs. Hovering above her, I realize I’m sort of nervous again. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Winter runs her hands up my chest and to the back of my neck. “Are you okay?”
I nod. I’m more than okay and that’s what’s wrong with me. I more than like her. Lowering down, I kiss her to settle my racing heart and find the peace I’m seeking. I move my hips forward, connecting us.
My breath escapes me as the heat of her body embraces mine. We move together, our eyes fixed on each other. The warmth of her sweet body feels so good that I start moving faster. I steal kisses but then rest my head down and let my body run off instinct.
She whispers in my ear, “So great, Bennett,” making me smile. She’s great for the heart.
I start kissing her again and then stop to push up enough to see her face. “You feel . . . so amazing.”
Reaching up, she kisses me. The right side of her mouth slips up. “You feel incredible.”
Her hips gyrate against mine, and we move, making love, and beginning to fuck because sex with her doesn’t just feel good. Seeing her eyes bright with happiness, her body blushing across her chest, and sweat dusted across her skin. Steady becomes erratic, and we lose ourselves to the sounds of our bodies bonding.
Her voice builds with each yes she utters. When her head digs into the pillow, her back arches, and I help her chase the sensation. Winter’s body tightens around mine, and her nails sink into my back as my name comes out on a moan.
The sight of her coming sends me over, sinking with her while murmuring her name, “Beautiful.”
I don’t lie there long before I roll to the side. She exhales loudly and even though her eyes are still closed, her hand finds mine between us, and our fingers entwine. I like watching her come back to the now. Her lids slowly lift, and she looks at me. Biting her lip, she rests her hand on her chest. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Slipping my arm under her, I hold her close and kiss her head. I tighten my arm around her, not ready to let her go, especially since she fits perfectly to me, all sticky sweet from the love we made.
Lifting up, she leans over and kisses me. “Of all the bistros, you walked into mine. It’s not quite Casablanca, but Paris will do.” I could stare at her all night, lying just like this next to her, and listen to her stories. “Did you ever see that movie?” she asks.
“No. We should see it sometime.”
“Yeah, we should, but after some sleep and food.”
“Deal.”
“But first, do you mind if I clean up and take a shower?”
“Do you mind if I join you?”
She climbs out of bed, naked before me and not shy at all. “I was hoping you would.”
* * *
We made another mess of ourselves in the shower. Fortunately, we soaped up afterward, which led to a whole other round of fun.
Exhausted and clean, we lie together in the dim light of the hotel room, our world contained for a few more hours. Winter’s breathing deepened and steadied a while ago, but as I hold her, I don’t want to fall asleep and miss this peace I’ve found.
We’ve slept together. I have to tell her the truth, but will she hate me when she finds out why I’m in Paris? I turn off the lamp and then work my way back into the center of the mattress again, enjoying the feel of her snuggling against my side.
In the dark, she asks, “Can I ask you something?”
Surprised she’s awake, I rub her side, and say, “Anything.”
A pause filters in, but then she adds, “Something’s been bothering me, and instead of letting my mind spin, I thought I’d just ask.”
All right. “Ask away.”
“How did you know my last name is Nobleman?”
Fuck.
13
Bennett
Lying under the weight of her question, we’re motionless, our breath the only sound in the room. I hate myself for doing it, but I do it anyway. “What are you talking about?”
“You said my name in the elevator earlier.”
“Yeah . . .” Please let it go. Please let it go.
She sits up, but in the dark, I can only feel the motion. I can’t see her silhouette until my eyes adjust. I miss the crinkles when she smiles. I prefer them instead of the glare I’m now getting, giving me the distinct impression that she is, in fact, not going to let this go. “I never told you my last name.”
Grabbing an invisible shovel, I start digging myself into a deeper hole. “Sure you did. You must have.”
“I didn’t.”
I sit up and rub her arm. Please stay. Whether she does or not, I owe her the truth. Just give me the chance to say it. “Winter—”
She moves out of reach when she climbs out of bed. “I think I should go.”
“I think you should stay. We need to talk about this.”
Although she showed no signs of shyness when we made love, she sure is now. Her pants are pulled on before I can get out of bed. “Winter, please.”
Her hands go in the air, stopping me from taking another step closer. “No. I’m leaving, Bennett.” She tugs her shirt over her head. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but I don’t want to stay a second longer to listen to your lies.”
“You stayed long enough for us to make love.”
“Love?” She rolls her eyes. “I didn’t trust my instincts when you said it. I questioned myself, that maybe I had slipped.” Her gaze lands hard on me again. “I didn’t.”
“Let me explain.” She’s rushing, not running, so I seize the opportunity to reason with her. “It’s going to take longer than thirty seconds. Can you please give me a few minutes?”
She grabs her jacket after slipping on her shoes and then glances to me. “No.” Spying her bra on the bench, she snatches it and shoves it into her purse. “Everything about this situation is a warning for me to go.”
“You’re safe, Winter.”
“I’m not safe if sirens are going off around us. Whatever you have to say must be pretty bad if you can’t fit it into the time you’ve already been given.” The silver chain of her necklace dangles from her pocket as she heads for the door. “Those lies must be eating you alive to suddenly have the need to confess your truth.”
Trailing behind her, I ask, “Why’d you have sex with me if you questioned if I was lying?”
“I didn’t know you were lying. You just confirmed it
.” After the rise and fall and a shaky breath, she doesn’t look back, but says, “And sadly, because I’m lonely.”
“Then stay and don’t be. I like you, Winter. That’s the truth. We can go back to New York together—”
“Oh, my God! That’s it!” Spinning back, she points at me, her eyes piercing mine. “Are you working for my father?” She closes her eyes, and says, “Did he hire you to sleep with me and torture me more than he already has?” He’s tortured her? What the fuck does that mean?
“What you know about me is true. I work with my brothers. I’m from Texas—”
“I’m such a fool. You’re probably some detective he’s hired.”
“I’m not,” I reply, but she knows her father well since I know he did.
When I move toward her, she opens the door wide, and says, “Don’t follow me. Please. Just leave me alone.”
She starts down the hall, but I catch the door before it closes. “This is not what you think,” I call after her.
“Tell my father . . .” She pauses and looks down at her feet. When she turns back, she adds, “You know what? Don’t tell my father anything. I have nothing left to say to him.” The elevator door opens, and I watch as she steps inside. Her eyes meet mine just before the door slides closed, leaving me standing naked for the whole floor to see. Fortunately, everyone’s asleep at this hour.
The door closes behind me, and I stand there. What the fuck just happened? How could I let what was a tiny lie blow up to mass proportions? No one wins when lies are involved. I know this. I was taught better than I’ve been acting. Now I’m paying the fucking price for it. Fuck.
I have no idea where she’s staying, but I sure as fuck don’t want her leaving. I have to go after her. I pull my suitcase out from the bench and grab clothes to get dressed, pulling on underwear. Underneath a shirt, I find it—the file!
Shit. Should I really be using a file that an investigator provided, unbeknownst to her, to fix things?
