by Pamela Yaye
He’d left Thai Spice, anxious to return to his place to make love to Robyn, but when she mentioned how much she loved the music at Posh Lounge, he’d driven there instead. They’d had a great time talking and laughing over appetizers and drinks. While they were heating things up on the dance floor, he’d asked her again to spend the night at his place, but she’d declined. Sean was disappointed, especially in light of all the bumping and grinding and kissing they’d done in the private VIP room, but he wasn’t giving up. He reflected on last night, on how she’d responded passionately to him in the bedroom, and the more he thought about their erotic experience, the more he wanted her. Desired her. Craved her. Itched to make love to her again, and again, and again.
“Sean, is that you?”
Hearing Jolene’s voice, he abandoned his thoughts and clasped Robyn’s hand. He led her through the dimly lit dining room and into the bright and spacious kitchen. It was spotless, just the way he liked, and a rich, savory aroma filled the air.
“Hey, Sean. It’s good to see you.” Jolene peeled off her rubber gloves, dropped them on the counter, and straightened her too-tight, sleeveless dress. “How was your day off?”
“Great,” he said, returning her smile. “Jolene, this is my girlfriend, Robyn.”
“Girlfriend?” She scrunched up her nose, as if she’d just gotten a whiff of rotten milk and puckered her lips. Then, as if she’d just caught herself, she smiled. “Well, isn’t that wonderful? Welcome to the SP Grill, Robyn.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to meet you.”
“I need you to help me convince Robyn to join our team,” Sean said, winking good-naturedly at his assistant. “She’s a top-notch event planner, and we could use someone with her skill and expertise.”
Both women stared at him with wide eyes, and a long, awkward silence ensued.
“Are you hungry?” With a flick of her hand, Jolene gestured to the industrial stove. “I made salmon ravioli and left it warming in the oven. Go ahead, help yourselves.”
“We’re good. Take it home to your kids. I’m sure they’ll love it.”
Her face softened, brightened with happiness. “Thanks, Sean. That’s very sweet of you.”
“You should get going. You did a double shift today, and I bet you’re exhausted.”
Jolene shook her head. “I don’t mind staying to give you a rundown of the day.”
“No worries. We can talk in the morning.” Sean handed Jolene her car keys, scooped his up off the counter and dropped them in his shirt pocket. “I’ll be here bright and early, unless I can convince Robyn to spend the night. Then I won’t be in at all.”
Sean laughed, but no one else did. Jolene looked pissed, as if someone had cut her off on the freeway, and Robyn dropped his hand. Apparently he’d done something wrong, but what?
“Good night.” Jolene grabbed her purse off the counter and left the kitchen.
Sean opened his mouth to ask Robyn what was wrong, but she spoke first.
“Why did you tell your assistant that we’re a couple?” she demanded, an angry scowl bruising her lips. “What if Jolene says something the next time your mom drops by? Do you know what would happen if Kim found out about us? Do you even care?”
“I don’t understand why you’re upset.”
“Of course you don’t! All you care about is sticking it to Kim, but I won’t let you use me in this sick, twisted game you’re playing. I’m out of here.”
“Oh, no you’re not.”
“Just watch me.”
Robyn spun around on her heels, but Sean caught her around the waist and pulled her back into his arms before she could flee the kitchen. “I hate when you talk like that.”
“And I hate when you embarrass me,” she shot back.
Arguing with Robyn made Sean hot under the collar. It also awakened other senses. Seeing the heat flare in her eyes made him recall how she’d responded to him last night. The urge to kiss her right then was so overwhelming it was all he could think about. Lust consumed him, coursed furiously through his veins. He lowered his mouth to do just that, but she turned her face away.
“I told you I’m not ready to go public with our relationship. I love and need my job, and if we go public I could lose everything I’ve worked hard for.”
“We’re too old to be sneaking around,” he said firmly. “That’s kids’ stuff, Robyn.”
“Why do you have to be so stubborn?”
“And why do you have to be so sexy?”
A smile tickled the corners of her lips, and Sean knew if he made her laugh he’d be out of the doghouse in no time. He searched her eyes for answers and felt a tightening sensation in his chest, a rush of emotion. It wasn’t the right time to bare his soul, but one day soon, he’d tell Robyn the truth, everything that was in his heart. He only hoped when he said those three little words that she’d return the sentiment.
“I told Jolene you’re my girlfriend because that’s who you are. My girl. And I don’t give a damn who knows.”
“Well, I do. We have to keep a low profile until the police figure out who’s trying to destroy the Belleza and put the culprit behind bars, where he belongs.”
“Baby, it’s not that serious. We can openly date. It’s not like you’re in the witness protection program!”
Robyn laughed, and his chest inflated with pride. Sean loved making her smile, felt ten feet tall every time she laughed and got a kick out of spoiling her. After their scrumptious, three-hour lunch at Thai Spice, he’d treated her to a shopping spree at a ritzy Venice boutique known for its cutting-edge designs. With encouragement, she’d modeled several outfits for him, everything from lingerie to designer gowns, and since everything looked amazing on her, he’d purchased them all. Robyn protested, argued that she could buy her own clothes, but he’d given the cashier his platinum credit card anyway and carried the garment bags to the car.
“We’ll do things your way for now, but—” Sean heard his cell phone ring, knew from the ringtone that it was his brother calling and broke off speaking. He hadn’t talked to him in weeks and wanted to touch base with him. “It’s Ryan. Do you mind if I take this call?”
“Not at all. Take as long as you need.”
Sean swiped his index finger across the screen and put his cell to his ear. “Hey, bro, what’s up? It’s been a long time,” he said good-naturedly. “How’s the Big Apple treating you?”
“Not bad. How are things going at the restaurant?”
“Great. I was just about to give Robyn a—”
Robyn waved her hands furiously back and forth. “Don’t tell Ryan I’m here,” she whispered. “Word could get back to Kim.”
“Sean? Hello? Are you there?”
“Yeah, sorry, bro.” Sean gave his head a shake and tore his gaze away from Robyn’s luscious lips. She was the ultimate distraction, the sweetest piece of eye candy he’d ever seen, and he had to force himself to stop staring at her. “How was your gig in Tribeca last weekend?”
“Terrible. The club owner gypped me out of five hundred bucks,” he complained, a bitter edge in his voice. “Needless to say, I won’t be performing there again.”
“Do you need another loan?”
“No, I’m straight, but thanks for asking.”
“You’re still coming to my grand opening, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Ryan said. “My manager got me a gig in Long Beach this month, and I was hoping you’d come out. I know you’ll be crazy-busy getting ready for your grand opening, but it would be cool to see a friendly face in the audience.”
“I’ll be there.” Sean made a mental note to deposit some money into Ryan’s bank account, as well. Years ago, Ryan had been in charge of entertainment at the resort, but his dreams had always extended beyond the Belleza’s borders, and Sean w
as proud of him for finally stepping out on his own. Naturally, their parents were disappointed in Ryan’s decision to pursue a music career—especially their father—but Sean supported his brother wholeheartedly.
“I’ll text you the details later this week,” Ryan said.
“Is it okay if I bring my girl to your show?”
“Your girl? You’re kidding, right?”
“I’m dating someone.” Sean stared at Robyn, saw her eyes widen, the flicker of surprise that flashed across her pretty face. He wanted to take her in his arms and devour her but knew if he kissed her he wouldn’t be able to stop. “I think she could be the one, bro.”
“That’s hard to believe. You’re so scared of commitment you haven’t had a girlfriend since first grade,” he joked, releasing a deep belly laugh. “Bring her along. I have to meet her.”
They spoke for a few more minutes, about their parents, the resort and preseason football, but as soon as Sean ended the call, he reached for Robyn. Her radiant smile was a turn-on, her curvy, delectable figure, too. He more than liked what he saw, and he wanted her so bad he couldn’t stop from caressing her body. The chemistry between them was undeniable, an unstoppable force he couldn’t resist any longer. Consumed with desire, he ravished her mouth. Tickling her tongue with the tip of his own, he cupped her breasts with his hands and rubbed his erection against her sex.
“Hold it right there.” Breaking off the kiss, Robyn pressed her hands flat against his chest and gave him a stern look. “You promised me a tour and a slice of coconut cake, and I’m going to hold you to your word.”
Sean chuckled and gave her a peck on the cheek. He liked being around Robyn, and her saucy personality and cheeky wit excited him. “Let the tour begin...”
Walking through the restaurant with Robyn at his side made his heart race. He wanted to impress her, desired her approval and hoped she liked what she saw. Inspired by his travels abroad, he’d created a warm, sprawling space filled with chandeliers, lush tapestries and contemporary furniture, all in a burgundy color scheme. “What do you think?”
Her eyes were filled with awe. “This place is incredible.”
“You think so?”
“Are you kidding me? It reeks of wealth, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a celebrity hot spot in no time,” she predicted, running a hand along the mahogany bar. “You’re a talented chef, and once word gets out that you own the SP Grill, it’ll be packed from wall to wall.”
Satisfaction and relief flowed through his body. “Thanks, Robyn. I hope you’re right.”
“Boy, please. I’m always right!”
They laughed, and continued through the lounge, discussing the sultry ambience and decor.
“Are you planning something big for the grand opening?” Robyn asked.
“I’m working on it. I have a few ideas in mind but nothing concrete yet.”
“Is Ryan performing?”
Sean frowned, scratched his head. “Performing what?”
“With his band. I naturally assumed he’d perform, him being your brother and all.” She added, “And, a very talented musician, as well.”
“To be honest, I never thought of it.”
“You should. Ryan has an amazing voice, and he puts on one hell of a show.”
“I’ll think about it.” Taking her hand, he led her through the darkened lounge, down the corridor, and past the private dining room. Sean opened his office door, stepped inside and turned on the light. “This is my home away from home.”
Robyn whistled. “This isn’t an office. It’s a bachelor pad.”
Knowing he’d be spending long days at the SP Grill, he’d commissioned his Malaysian-born architect to create the office of his dreams. And she’d delivered big-time. It had a sitting area, complete with couches, padded chairs and end tables; a full bathroom and walk-in closet; and a sixty-inch plasma TV mounted to the wall. His eyes trailed Robyn as she moved around the office, admiring the aquarium, the sculptures and his numerous culinary awards.
“Wow, what a great shot,” Robyn gushed, pointing at the framed photograph sitting on the bookshelf. “I love this picture of you and your family.”
Me, too, Sean thought but didn’t say. The picture had been taken at the Belleza last year during the Christmas holidays, and every time he looked at it, he felt a sharp pang in his chest—especially when his gaze fell across his sister. He’d read about Kim and Jaxon Dunham in the society pages of the local newspaper, but he still couldn’t believe they were an item. Kim hadn’t had a serious boyfriend in years and was too busy working at the resort to date, so her surprise engagement to the Dunham heir blew his mind.
“I love having you here.” Sean moved closer, erased the distance between them. Coming up behind her, he kissed the back of her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I could get used to this. You, being here with me, 24/7.”
Robyn smiled and said, “Thanks for everything. I had a great day with you.”
“The night’s still young. There’s plenty more fun to be had.”
“Sean, I have to get back to the resort—”
He crushed his lips against hers and wrapped her up in his arms. They kissed passionately, made sweet love to each other’s mouths. Sean slipped a hand underneath her sundress, ran his hands along her thighs, hips and across her navel. “You feel so damn good.”
Robyn purred, groaned in agony as he stroked and massaged her flesh. He was sweating profusely, burning up. He wanted her so bad he couldn’t think of anything but making love to her. He had to have her, right then and there, before he exploded inside his boxers.
Lust covered her face, twinkled in her pretty hazel eyes. She didn’t speak, didn’t utter a word, but her body language spoke volumes. She wanted him, too. No doubt about it. He sensed it, felt it, knew it without a doubt. She knew how to move, how to rock her hips and ass, and her sensuous, erotic moves made his erection throb inside his pants.
Sean licked her bottom lip with his tongue, slowly sucked on it. “Strip for me.”
“No way! I could never do something like that.”
“Why not? You’re the sexiest woman I know.”
“And you’re too slick for your own good.”
“Come on, baby. Don’t make me beg.”
Robyn giggled and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “You’re crazy.”
“You’re right,” he conceded, his voice a husky growl. “I’m crazy about you.”
She gave him a kiss sizzling with heat as she stroked his shoulders and chest. “You’re not calling the shots tonight. I am.”
Her hungry stare and sultry tone surprised him. The first time they’d made love she’d been shy, nervous even, about him seeing her naked body, but tonight she seemed to be imbued with confidence, and her boldness made him want her even more.
Robyn unzipped his pants, tossed his belt aside and pushed him down onto his leather executive chair. She dropped to her knees, pulled down his boxer briefs, and before Sean knew what was happening, she had his erection inside her mouth. Her tongue slid down his length, tickled the tip of his shaft. Hot damn. How did she learn to do that?
Sean kept his gaze on her, felt himself harden like steel as he watched Robyn do her thing. Their eyes met, bore into each other. Her come-hither look was lethal, her tongue action unlike anything he’d ever experienced. Without a doubt, the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. She knew what he wanted sexually, and she gave him exactly what he needed, what his horny body was craving. His toes curled inside his shoes, and Sean knew that his orgasm was right around the corner.
“Do you have a condom?”
He’d come prepared, had three flavored condoms tucked inside his wallet and planned to use them all tonight. He took one out, chucked his wallet on the desk and rolled it down his erection.
S
ean watched with wide eyes, as Robyn took off her sundress and dropped it on the floor. She stood in front of him, in a purple satin bra and thong, and the sight of her creamy brown skin against the bright, shiny material made his mouth water with hunger. “Come here.” Sean pulled her to him and gripped her hips. He kissed her navel, flicked his tongue greedily against it. “Turn around, baby. I want to see every inch of you.”
Pride brightened her eyes, warmed her face, and Sean knew he’d said the right thing. As she spun around for him, Robyn unhooked her bra, twirled it in the air and tossed it at him. He loved her sensuous strip tease, ate it up. Her thong was the next to go, and as he watched the flimsy material slide down her thighs, he reached out and rubbed her ass. It was a thing of beauty. Plump, juicy, made for squeezing, and he loved how it fit perfectly in his hands.
His erection grew, doubled in length. Sean couldn’t take it anymore. He was dying for release. He pulled Robyn down on his lap, positioned his erection against her sex and sucked her nipple into his mouth. He licked it, kissed it, lapped his tongue against it as if it was a juicy piece of fruit. “Ride me hard and fast, and don’t stop until I tell you to.”
“Is that a challenge?” Robyn lowered herself onto his erection, gripped the back of his chair and got to work. Her ardor and intensity were shocking. The last thing he’d ever expected. Raising her legs, she rocked back and forth, swiveled her hips as if she was playing with a hula hoop. Their bodies slapped hard against each other, and the wild, primal sound brought out the beast in him. He nipped her earlobe, trailed kisses down the front of her neck.
Excitement built, filled every inch of his office, consumed the air. His hands explored. Robyn moaned her pleasure, told him how much she desired him. Sean found himself opening up to her, too. Everything with Robyn felt right, as natural as breathing, and the sex was so damn good he couldn’t imagine ever making love to anyone else.
