by Anne Styles
'True!' He knelt on the bed beside her for a moment, stripping off his shirt, his eyes never leaving her face when he stood, then, to impatiently shrug off his own jeans. She had seen him in brief swimming shorts almost every day, but completely naked Nick's broad build was awe-inspiring. She felt every muscle under his tanned skin as he joined her on the bed. There was no way, despite her confident boast to Ronnie, that she could fight him off - even if she'd wanted to. And now she didn't - not on her life!
Against all his baser instincts. Nick forced himself to relax and take it slowly. He moved carefully at first, touching and exploring with his fingertips, learning the shape of her body, following with his mouth, once he heard her gasp with pleasure at his gentle touch. As his lips found her breasts she remembered the sensations of the previous evening and arched expectantly towards him, her hands in his hair, moaning with delight at the new sensation as he sucked on the tips of her nipples, making them almost vibrate with pleasure.
It was as if her whole body was on fire for .him. She was feeling sensations in nerve endings she'd never known she had as his hand slipped between her thighs. Helpless with longing, she gave a low scream then, as his fingers slid into her, never still, probing for and quickly finding the delicate pressure point inside her.
He gave her no respite, bringing her again and again to the point of hysteria as she writhed and twisted under his tortuous hands. Only when she was trembling all over did he give in and roll onto her, slipping easily between her thighs to thrust deeply into her. For a few minutes he battled with his control, then gave up completely when she instinctively ground her hips against him, wrapping her legs around him as he drove into her. Despite his resolve. Nick took her more fiercely than he had ever taken any woman, but his dominance was gone as they both strove to take the maximum pleasure from each other's bodies, their breathing harsh and laboured in the last frantic seconds of climax.
Collapsing together, they lay still for long minutes, their arms around each other, their bodies still joined. Sarah had always assumed her hot body would be distasteful to a man, but Nick seemed to take pleasure from holding her close, his weight transferred to his arms in a considerate gesture, but still holding her tightly.
'One thing is certain,' he said eventually as their breathing eased, and he pressed his lips to the damp valley between her breasts in sheer, sensual pleasure. 'I could never find you disappointing! I didn't hurt you, did I?'
'No, of course not! That was wonderful. Nick, just wonderful!' Sarah realized then that she had experienced the real thing. The orgasm the books raved about - and they had not exaggerated the effect one bit. She was only too eager to try again!
His mouth was warm on hers; he still needed to kiss and touch her, with a feeling of pure tenderness that was completely new to him. And she had quite forgotten her fear of being naked as she began to return his caresses with a new confidence, her nails gliding gently over his smooth back then firmly tracing his spine with her thumb.
'Much more of that,' he commented huskily, after enduring minutes of it, 'and I'll be obliged to show you what it does to me!' Sarah looked down, and smiled with anticipation.
'I see what you mean!' she commented. 'I thought it would take much longer than that!' Gleefully she stepped up the pressure, and was immediately rewarded by the speed with which he moved over her again.
'Every single time!' he told her, laughing, catching her wrists and pinning her down to the bed as he thrust into her, teasing and playful for a while, now he was sure of her - until his passion took over.
Was this the arrogant, cold Nick she had come to know? she wondered afterwards in amazement, when they were laughing together in mutual satisfaction? Sprawled naked across his bed, she hadn't a care in the world while he was touching her. 'You're so different,' she murmured into his shoulder. 'I like this Nick Grey.'
'Give me a break! I can't be tough all the time, my darling.' Gently he tugged at the tangled honey-gold hair spread across the pillow, and slid her onto her back so he could look at her. 'If you think Friday will be hard on you, just think what it will do to me now. I shall have to be very tough with myself then. And James, the rat, will be doing his best to wind me up! He can sense weakness quicker than anyone I know.'
'Hmm.' Sarah was thoughtful. 'So this was not meant as a warm-up exercise, then?'
'For heaven's sake!' he expostulated. 'What do you think I am, Sarah?' He shook her hard, his fingers gripping her bare shoulders. 'I should really spank you for that nasty little jibe. This is tempting me, miss!' His hand came down, curving over her bottom caressingly, and Sarah jumped in alarm.
'Don't you dare! OK I take it back! Anyway, the marks will show!'
'Luckily for you,' he laughed, then looked closer at her stretched out body. 'Talking of marks, how come there are no sunbathing lines on you if you don't sunbathe nude?'
'James's idea,' she confessed. 'We both hated the thought of body make-up, so we've been using the hotel sunbed - separately, of course!'
'You mean James doesn't want Patti anywhere near his backside, he's so terrified of her!' He lifted her to a sitting position.
'Let's take a quick shower -1 think we need one - then I'll take you out and feed you.'
'Thank goodness! This has really made me hungry. I'm starving! Can I wear my jeans? My bag's in the car, and neither of us can fetch it like this!'
'There's a good little restaurant in Aldbourne, we'll go there. It's not far, and they won't mind jeans.' He moved casually around the room naked, collecting up their scattered clothes, and Sarah marvelled again at the muscular strength of his body. 'Now move, darling, before Charlie comes home and finds I've had my wicked way with you.' Even then, he could barely keep his hands from her as they stood under the shower together, not at all in a hurry, it seemed, as they dressed, and then struggled to brush the tangles out of her hair. 'Leave it loose,' he suggested in the end. 'I like it like that anyway. Heaven knows what happened to the grips that were in it.'
'The maid will find them in your bed.' Sarah looked worried.
'So?' Nick shrugged, then laughed. 'Don't worry, angel, they'll probably stick into me first, during the night!'
'Well, at least you'll think of me,' she responded, laughing back.
'I'll do that anyway.' Nick curved an arm around her shoulders as they walked downstairs. 'Sarah, I couldn't think of a nicer thing to do tonight than sleep with you, but I can't - not till the weekend anyway. Charles will be away then, apparently, and we can have the place to ourselves. If not, I'll take you away somewhere, perhaps?'
'You care a lot for Charles's feelings, don't you?'
'He is my best friend, Sarah. We've known each other since we were toddlers. I wouldn't deliberately hurt him if I could help it. I wanted to make love to you, but I just prefer not to flaunt it, I know how he feels about you. Hopefully he'll get over it.'
'But I don't feel anything for Charles,' Sarah complained. 'He's nice, but that's all.'
'I'm glad to hear it! I think I could be very selfish where you are concerned, given half the chance.' It was the nearest he had come to any declaration in the two hours or so they had been making love. Sitting beside him in the Porsche, she wondered about it as she watched him handle the car with his easy skill.
'Doesn't your wife mind about you doing this?' she asked, surprised at her own boldness. Nick's face suddenly hardened.
'My wife has nothing to do with this. I live my own life, she lives hers.'
'Meaning don't ask?'
'Something like that, I mean it, Sarah. It may sound odd to you, especially after this evening, but even though we live apart Diana is still my wife, and I prefer not to hurt her feelings.'
'Then why the hell do you feel the need to screw me? Stop the car. Nick, I want to get out!' Sarah was deliberately crude, wanting a response, and she got it. With an exclamation of fury he almost threw the car at the verge and jammed on the brake, throwing her hard against her seat belt. Before she could o
pen the door he grabbed her, his mouth hard and demanding as he kissed her.
'Calm down, you idiot,' he rasped at her, 'and leave things alone that aren't your concern. Can you do that or not?' Trembling, she stared at him, shaken by his reaction. '
Yes, Nick,' she said at last. 'I guess I can.'
'Try, Sarah,' he urged. 'You're a very special lady, but I can't and won't hurt my family, especially my daughter. If you want to get involved with me, we must get that clear first.'
'Cut and dried. Just like that?'
'It's the only rule I make.'
Sarah wanted him too badly to argue. 'I'm a big girl, Nick, I accept your terms. Don't let's talk about it again. I don't want to break up your marriage, I assure you.'
'I'm only trying to protect you - you know that, don't you? Oh, hell, Sarah I shouldn't have touched you. I should have known better! It was pure lust to start with I admit that, but now I want you so much that it's painful. It's crazy. I'm going to hurt you. I know I am!'
Reaching over, she touched his hair as he slumped dejectedly over the steering wheel, furious with himself. Nick was ruthless at times, but he was a deeply sensitive man under his hard exterior, and always had been. 'I wanted you just as much,' she whispered. 'At least you've been honest with me. I knew about you and Diana from the start, and I respect that. Come on, let's go eat.' With a rueful smile of relief. Nick put the car into gear and changed the subject as he drove the last few miles to Aldbourne. He made a concerted effort to entertain her and even managed to contain his irritation when a couple of teenagers recognized her as they crossed from the car to the restaurant, and, eyeing him with suspicion, asked if he was her father. Sarah giggled with delight at his embarrassment, and murmured that she hoped not - for his ears only.
'Perhaps it is a substitute father you are looking for?' he suggested wickedly as they sat down. 'To take you to the ballet and things.'
'Don't be so disgusting, Nicholas Grey!' Sarah kicked him under the table sharply. 'I don't appreciate jokes like that! Anyway, Peter is hardly a father figure, is he? We have a great time socially, and we do crazy things all the time - like kids, really.'
'But the rest of your relationship with him isn't so hot, is it? The fact that you couldn't overcome your problems enough to go to bed with him proves that.'
'Nick!'
'Angel, I'm sorry.' Nick reached for her hand across the table. 'But it's pretty unusual to be so untouched at your age, you must admit!'
'Is it that unusual for someone my age to be so inexperienced?'
'To me it is,' he admitted. 'But a refreshing change for once!' He looked around quickly, checking that the waiter was out of earshot. 'However, I rather got the impression that quite a few of the things we did tonight were very pleasing to you - am I right?'
She nodded reluctantly, and he smiled. 'I shall enjoy teaching you more, Sarah.'
'What a chauvinistic remark. Nick!' she retorted. 'Our feminist make-up lady would take you apart for a statement like that.'
Nick shuddered. 'Patti's a great make-up artist, but I share James's view of her as a female! She's definitely a ball-breaker! Don't let her influence you, for heaven's sake. She'll glare all the way through Friday. She doesn't approve of nude love scenes as she thinks they degrade women.'
'Couldn't we just have Cress on set with us?' Sarah wheedled. 'I know James would prefer it, and I certainly would.'
'Cress may not,' Nick pointed out wryly. 'But maybe it would keep James in line if she's around. I'll talk to her. Just her? Not Ronnie? Or James might like to have Adam?'
'He certainly doesn't want Ronnie! He feels very un-comfortable with him! I think he's teased him a bit too much.' Sarah giggled. 'I don't know about Adam, he's James's dresser. I don't mind him personally, but I think just Cress would suit us fine.'
'I'll have the union down on me if we're not careful, but we'll try.' Two sound men, three camera boys, including Lenny, a prop man, the continuity girl and Alex the list still seemed endless to Sarah, yet she knew Nick had done as he'd promised by cutting the crew to the bare essentials, and that he had banned any mention of the scene's content to the ever-lurking press-men. She realized that he really was doing his best for her. Shrugging, she decided to put it behind her, and concentrated on dinner.
She really was starving, and ate her way through the menu, much to Nick's amusement. Any adherence to her diet had certainly gone out of the window on this shoot!
'You are going to prove expensive, angel!' he joked as he drove her back to the hotel.
'Oh, goodness, do you mind?'
'Not at all! I'll happily feed you - after I've made you hungry,' he teased her. Reluctantly, he pulled up outside the hotel and turned off the engine. 'I won't come in. It will only start more gossip,' he said, and drew her into his arms again. 'I want to keep this from the crew as long as we can.'
'Is that so important?'
'At this stage, yes. Sweet dreams, darling. I'll get Alex to drive you over in the morning. Would you like to go out tomorrow evening?'
Sarah bit her lip in embarrassment. 'I did rather promise I'd go out with James and Cress,' she confessed reluctantly. 'Unless you'd like to come too?'
'Why not? I'll mention it when I talk to Cress. Maybe we'll give Charlie's tennis courts some usage for once.'
CHAPTER 9
Cress argued, but the combined pressure of the other three finally persuaded her to give in and be on set for the love scene. Ronnie and Patti were delighted to get the afternoon off, particularly as it was a Friday and they would be able to get an early start to the weekend. 'Though I'll spend Thursday evening on your hair,' Ronnie warned Sarah, twirling a long curl disdainfully in his fingers. 'There's far too much chlorine in this for it fall properly in that sexy unveiling shot.'
'Agreed.' Sarah knew Nick was going home to collect the dog on Thursday - to Cress's disgust.
'Do we really have to suffer that appalling mutt?' she asked teasingly, as they walked back to the house after playing tennis on Wednesday. 'He's dreadfully badly behaved.'
'Cress! He's a pedigree!' Nick protested, hurt at her insinuation, like any dog-owner.
'He's a delinquent,' she laughed. 'Wait and see, Sarah. He pees on everything!'
'Well, nearly everything,' James corrected her. 'He chews up the rest.'
'Better keep him off the set on Friday, then,' Sarah put in. 'You won't have much defence, James!' And she smiled up at Nick as he squeezed her hand.
'That's more like it,' he congratulated her.
* * *
By the time Ronnie had finished with her hair, it was like silk. 'There won't be a dry eye in the house when he lets this down,' he prophesied, running his hands through it as he finished drying it.
'I told you he was good,' Cress said, having sent James for a drink with Alex so that she could join Sarah. 'Have another drink, Ronnie?' Ronnie shook his head as he packed up his gear.
'I've got this nice little waiter coming off duty soon,' he twinkled. 'Mustn't get too pissed - you never know. Bye-bye girls!'
'God, he's so outrageous! No wonder James doesn't want him seeing him without any clothes on!' Cress said.
'Serves him right for teasing him. Poor Ronnie!' Sarah rejoined as the two girls settled down to watch a TV movie, comfortable together. She stretched out her legs and then looked at them critically. 'Hell!' she exclaimed. 'Do you think I should shave my legs?'
'For heaven's sake, Sarah, stop panicking,' Cress chided. 'They look fine. Just slap some cream on them.' But at that moment James burst in on them, bringing some wine and quite obviously several drinks ahead of them.
'Alex had to retire to bed,' he announced, grinning. 'He was fool enough to say he could murder a pint of creme de menthe.'
'You didn't buy him one?' Sarah was horrified.
'Lenny and I did just that! You should have seen his face, but he managed most of it. Mind you, I think he might spend most of tomorrow in the loo! It will teach him to make sarky remark
s about my bum!' James laughed gaily, totally unconcerned. 'Here, let me do that - I love massaging ladies' legs'
'And the rest!' Cress put in, giggling.
'I'm only getting some rehearsal in! Keep still, Sarah.' He was just offering to do her back, and she was quite cheerfully fighting him off, when the telephone rang.
'Oh, hi, Nick,' she cried in surprise, pushing James towards Cress. 'Where are you?'
'Halfway between Oxford and Hungerford,' he replied. 'What on earth are you up to there?' Sarah was a little embarrassed that he had caught her giggling like a teenager.
'Oh it's just James and Cress,' she excused. 'We're having a drink.'
'James into threesomes now, is he?' Nick sounded amused, then he cursed, as another driver tried to cut him up.
'No, massage,' Sarah teased. 'Is everything OK?'
'Everything's fine,' he assured her, 'except for dog hair all over my car! I simply wanted to talk to you, and to remind you to bring some clothes with you tomorrow. We'll go somewhere nice on Saturday evening.' Sarah felt her insides melt suddenly.
'It's still on, then?' she tried to ask coolly, but her hand was shaking as she held the phone.
'I certainly hope so. I'm looking forward to it! Goodnight, angel.'
'What was that all about?' Cress demanded. 'Checking up on you again?'
'Something like that.' Sarah was evasive, but almost hugging herself with renewed excitement. Just the sound of his soft, caressing drawl was enough to make her want him.
Once James and Cress had gone she spent a frantic half-hour trying to decide what to take with her, what sort of clothes Nick would like to see her wear. Or not wear, she reminded herself, and spread the lotion over the rest of her body.
* * *
With the luxury of an eight o'clock call, James and Sarah had breakfast together at the hotel before leaving for Hastings Court. Although she managed to eat, it was an effort, and she was practically forcing each mouthful, which was unusual for Sarah.
