“Making progress on that big project?” Darlene asked archly, startling Callie out of her reverie.
She looked up at the woman standing in her office doorway and smiled insincerely at her unwanted visitor. With a blade like face to match her sharp bitchiness, Darlene looked about as unpleasant as she was and was universally despised throughout the office. She was incredibly ambitious, and thought small accounts like the one Callie was working on were beneath her. She always tried to needle her when Callie got assigned a small project and seemed incapable of understanding that Callie genuinely liked her job and didn’t mind working with a small company.
“It’s been great, actually,” Callie said with a smile. “In fact, the CEO of the company loved the preliminary ideas I did for them and told me his brother’s company would probably also use me.” Her smile widened further at the sour look on Darlene’s face.
“His brother’s company is a real estate development company with offices in four states. Isn’t that great?” Unrepentantly sinking the knife in a little deeper.
Darlene grudgingly nodded. “Yeah, sure, that’s good news.” She stepped back.
“There’s Brenda, and I need to talk to her.”
She disappeared from the doorway as suddenly as she appeared in it, and Callie sighed in satisfaction as she turned back to her screen. It was good news actually. Bringing in new clients, small or big, was a good way to achieve recognition in their type of business. Darlene wasn’t personable enough to be extremely successful at it, although her work was usually decent. As someone who had a better record of customer satisfaction and retention than Darlene, Callie was high on Darlene’s hit list. Since needling Callie was something Darlene spent a fair amount of time and energy on, Callie took petty satisfaction in being able to return the favor whenever she could. Although she took pride in doing it more subtly than Darlene’s direct attacks.
At 5:15, she decided to call an end to her in-office sabbatical day and left to go home. She stopped on the way and picked up a veggie pizza from a great little shop, her good mood continuing unabated. When she got home and Ryan’s car was not in the driveway though, it was absurdly deflating to realize Ryan wasn’t there. This should be a lesson, she thought to herself. She knew better than to get fixated on Ryan, and she was blithely running straight down that road. Or rather inching onto it sideways, she thought wryly.
For penance she went in, ate without waiting to see if Ryan was going to show up and then settled down in her room with her laptop to surf the web for a while and take care of some on-line bills. A couple of hours passed before Callie heard Ryan come in. He went into his bedroom then came down the hall and stuck his head in the door.
“Do I smell pizza?” he asked hopefully.
She nodded. “Yep, and you can have some. I left it out for you.”
“Sweet,” he said and disappeared up the hall.
His casual normalcy caused the last wisps of hope that their friendship was evolving into something deeper to evaporate. She heard the TV come on for a while, but then it went off, and Ryan went into his bedroom and shut the door.
Bored with her book and all caught up on her e-mail, Callie decided to take advantage of the living room being empty and went in to see what was on TV. As she turned the lights off and settled down in front of the TV, she noticed that there was a blanket in muted gold’s and greens thrown over the back of the sofa. She grinned and unfolded it, tucking it around herself to test it out. She found a movie she liked that was on and was feeling pretty content with how the evening was ending when Ryan came through on his way to the kitchen.
“For God’s sake,” he griped when he saw what was on TV. “Dirty Dancing?” his tone oozed contempt.
“Shut up,” Callie said without heat, her eyes glued to the screen. “Nobody looks better than Patrick Swayzee in a pair of tux pants, and I mean nobody.”
He went into the kitchen and Callie could hear him getting a drink of water although the lights stayed off. When he came out, he stood watching for a moment as Baby entered Johnny’s cabin in the woods. Callie was ignoring him, intent on watching one of her all-time favorite love scenes, but he drew her attention by suddenly turning to face her as he moved into her line of vision. She gave him a questioning look.
“Dance with me,” he said seductively, his voice low and deep.
He stood with his hands in his pockets in a clear imitation of Patrick Swayze’s stance on the screen, although he was parroting Jennifer Gray’s lines.
“What, now?” she asked cheekily, playing her part.
“Dance with me,” he repeated, this time in his normal voice but no less seductively, and held out his hand, his eyes suddenly intent and serious.
Callie felt a thrill of unexpected delight and a dozen tiny butterflies began fluttering in her stomach.
“Okay, but you seem to be a little overdressed for the part.”
His eyes drifted to the screen and she saw a hint of a smile on his lips before he pulled his shirt over his head, letting it drop to the floor. Callie felt anticipation and heat pool in her stomach at the sight of him standing there, hands in the pockets of his black slacks as he played along. He didn’t compare badly to Patrick. In fact, he was gorgeous, with well-defined planes of muscle across his chest and a washboard set of abs. He was by far the best-looking man she had ever been involved with and her heart thudded wildly in her chest at the idea that she could touch him--enjoy him.
She rose and went to him, her hands rising of their own volition to skim over his chest, testing its contours and feeling the subtle heat rising from him as she circled him, his male scent faint but pleasing. He was all muscled and masculine, and she involuntarily let out a low murmur of approval as she felt a throbbing of arousal start between her thighs. She bit him gently on his shoulder, wanting to taste, and smiled when she felt his body jolt in response. The light from the TV dimly lighted the room but she could easily see what her hands were exploring. With the faint, cool breeze coming through the windows and the shush of falling rain providing a gentle backdrop, it was like they were in a world of their own that nothing could intrude on.
She moved back in front of him and his arms slid under her shirt, warm skin against skin, as he eased her shirt up and over her head. He paused, his eyes scanning over her pink lace bra with more heat than his leisurely pace would suggest before pulling her easily into his body.
It felt right to be in his arms. As Otis Redding crooned about his lonely arms, she kissed him, long, slow and deep, their bodies swaying gently. His tongue stroked hers, and she moaned softly as she explored his mouth, enjoying its taste and texture.
He bent her back slightly to let his mouth wander downward. Arousal pulsed through her in a slow beat as he pressed warm, moist kisses to her collarbone as if they had all the time in the world. His tongue found the hollow at the base of her throat and lingering there for a long second.
Her hands found their way into his hair as his mouth dipped lower, cruising over the curves of her breasts, nudging at the edges of the lace before descending to hover above one nipple. He exhaled softly and she shivered at the heat on her sensitive skin, her nipple tightening as she felt a deeper stirring of desire. She felt his hands on the back of her bra, and then the cool brush of air over her nipples as he gently tugged it down.
He lifted his head to look at her then, and she let the bra slide down her arms and onto the floor. She exhaled with pleasure when his hands cupped her breasts, testing the feel and weight of them. His hands felt beyond incredible molding her. She looked down and the sight of them on her breasts was headily erotic. Their masculine gracefulness juxtaposed against her soft, pale skin.
His thumbs brushed her nipples, once, twice, and she arched unselfconsciously, wanting more. He bent and began licking a slow circle around one nipple, leaving a trail of coolness behind. Her nipples tightened almost painfully, and she tugged at his hair in protest when he continued his slow concentric circles then gasped as he ga
ve her what she wanted and took her erect nipple into his mouth. “Ryan,” she moaned as he began sucking strongly, and the desire that had been pulsing almost patiently within her, turned into a rush of raw need. He moved to her other breast, giving it the same attention before returning to her mouth.
The leisurely pace was gone now. He kissed her hard, his mouth needy as his tongue thrust deeply into her mouth and his hands firmed around the curves of her butt. This time it was Callie who pulled away, her breath coming as rapidly as if she’d been running. She didn’t want this to be over too fast, wanted to savor the experience.
She kissed a line along his jaw, felt it clench in response to her hand sliding into the back of his pants. When her mouth got to his ear, she nipped the lobe lightly then took it into her mouth to suck gently on it. He was rigid with tension in her arms but she didn’t rush. As her hands explored the curves she had admired two days before, she savored the feel of her breasts pressed against his chest. Then bent and sucked the small nub of his nipple with her mouth.
“Callie,” Ryan growled, his hands clenching at her waist at she teased the nipple with her tongue.
His hands moved to the front of her pants and she leaned back slightly so he could unfasten them and push them partly down. She kicked them off then gasped at the feel of his body pressed to hers as he pulled her back to him, unexpectedly turned on at being naked except for the two triangles of lace that made up her panties while he still was mostly dressed.
“You’re so goddamn sexy,” he said bluntly, his eyes intense and dark. And she felt like she was as his hands restlessly roamed the skin he had exposed and his erection grew even harder against her stomach.
He walked her backwards the few feet until the sofa was just behind her legs, and she sank onto it as he followed her down. She thought he would move on to the main event, but he seemed determined to drive her crazy first. He settled partly onto his side so he could find her breast with his hand again as his mouth met hers for another scorching kiss. His mouth was wet, liquid heat on hers, and she felt the throbbing between her legs intensify in a way that demanded attention.
“I don’t want to rush you or anything,” she said on a gasp, “but I’d kill for a hand job right now.”
He gave a startled laugh and she grinned at him.
“Pretty please with a cherry on top?”
His answer was the slow slide of his hand up her inner thigh as he held her eyes with his. She shifted her legs to give him access, and he cupped her over her underwear. His hand was warm as it slid under the fabric to slide into her welcoming heat. She was wet, and one finger slid through the silken folds to find her entrance, circling before pushing in lightly only to retreat. She moaned in protest.
“Lift up,” he murmured, and she did so that he could reach beneath her. His hands slid across the rounded curves of her bottom as he pushed her underwear down, then stripped it the rest of the way off her legs.
His hand found her again and her legs fell open to give him better access as she shuddered with pleasure.
“What do you like?” he asked huskily, as his fingers found her clit and began stroking her gently.
“Can you put two inside and the thumb on top?” she gasped.
He did and she shuddered deliciously as two long fingers pressed firmly inside, applying pressure right where she needed it, sending a rush of pleasure coursing through her. His thumb wasn’t exactly right on her clit and she unselfconsciously reached down to show him exactly where she wanted it. Her arching back and low moans encouraging him as he settled into a rhythm, his thumb going in slow, steady circles while he stroked with his fingers.
“Don’t stop doing that,” she demanded on a whimper. “Not faster, not slower, just like that or I’ll have to kill you.”
He grinned, amused but aroused by her aggressiveness.
“Not much for whispering sweet nothings, are you?” he teased, but didn’t stop the slow rhythm of his hand.
“Tell me you’ll keep going as long as it takes?” she pleaded, and the amused look left his face.
He leaned over and took a slow lick over her nipple.
“It’s barely been three minutes, sweetheart, you’re going to come. I promise. Just relax. Feel how good it feels.”
He increased the pressure of his fingers, and she whimpered with delight. He gave the same slow lick to her other nipple, then squeezed it gently between his teeth before moving up to her lips and kissing her deeply. His tongue thrust into her mouth, stroking her own and exploring in a leisurely way that echoed the push and pull of what his hand was doing between her legs.
He pulled back, his face intense and taut with lust as her hot, silky flesh began squeezing his fingers rhythmically.
“Ryan,” she gasped. “Ryan. Ryan...oh God,” she moaned.
He picked up the tempo subtly.
“Ryan.” She tensed, her legs involuntarily clamping down on his hand. “I’m going to come,” she said helplessly. She stiffened, her hands grabbing the sofa as a pleasure so strong it was almost unbearable raced through her body and gathered where his hand continued its magic. “Oh fuck,” she whimpered, then cried out loudly as the orgasm broke over her, pulsing through her with a pleasure so intense she thought she might pass out.
“Oh God! Oh God Ryan! Fuck. Please.” She cried out again as he continued working her with his hand, fast and hard now.
His fingers pressed up firmly right on her g-spot, and she felt the pleasure peaking again. She moaned, her breath coming fast and deep as her body twisted against his hand, her hips surging restlessly.
“It’s happening again, don’t stop,” she panted.
Her breath caught as he did something with his fingers and she peaked again, the pleasure so intense she couldn’t breathe for long seconds. Her hand found his arm and she gripped it tightly enough to leave a bruise as her body bowed toward his for what seemed like endless minutes.
“Ryan. Oh my God,” she said as the tension finally eased a little in her body.
Pleasure still surged restlessly through her but she was suddenly aware of the tension radiating from him. She opened her eyes and met his.
“Your turn now,” she said with a satisfied smile.
He jackknifed off the sofa, his hands frantic on his pants as his eyes assessed the sofa.
“Get up,” he said urgently. “The sofa is too damn small for what I want to do to you.”
She laughed and got up, but stopped laughing as he shoved his pants and underwear off. He was beyond gorgeous with his erection standing out from his body. She instinctively reached for him as he retrieved a condom from his pants pocket and quickly sheathed himself. He grabbed her hand when she would have helped.
“No,” he said tersely.
He scooped her up into his arms and headed for the bedroom. Her head spun giddily at the feel of being carried by him, of feeling the heat of his wanting her coming off his body and his heart pounding. He put her down on the bed, spread her legs wide and was inside her the next second. After the intense orgasms she’d just had, her body was hypersensitive, and the feel of him so big and deep inside her, jolted through every nerve she had. She clenched around him making him gasp with pleasure even as she twined her arms around his wide shoulders and her legs around his hips.
He pulled back and thrust deeper, his body shuddering, and she felt the pleasure rising again. She clung to him as he rode her hard and deep, their bodies slicked with sweat, until she was sobbing with the pleasure. He thrust harder, his rhythm increasing, and then cried out hoarsely, his forehead pressed hard to hers as his own orgasm swept over him. After long seconds, he rolled onto his back beside her, his eyes closed as his breathing gradually slowed.
Callie couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so good.
“Well, I was hoping it would be just a tiny, itsy bit better, but it wasn’t too bad,” she said judiciously and with a straight face, as if confiding something to him.
She glanced over and c
ouldn’t keep up the act as he opened his eyes and gave her an incredulous look. She giggled.
“I’m kidding.” She rolled to her side to hug him tightly. “God, that was good!” she said with satisfaction. “Was that normal for you?” she asked, and his eyes flickered open again.
“Normal? That?” He shut his eyes again as if deeming the question too silly to discuss further.
She opened her mouth to comment further but he turned on his side, gathering her to him so that her head was tucked against his chest and his body was neatly wrapped around hers.
“No more talking,” he muttered, and Callie smiled as she snuggled into him.
****
Ryan woke after a few hours feeling unbelievably good. Callie was still tucked tightly against him and he felt a wave of possessiveness and love for her that was shocking in its intensity. So much for wondering if they could make the shift from friends to lovers, he thought with satisfaction. He felt himself stirring against her bottom and couldn’t resist letting his hands begin to roam over her warm skin.
“Hey,” she said languidly.
He kissed her lightly; both of them still sated enough to not feel any urgency.
“I’m thinking a shower,” he said.
Callie realized a shower did sound good after their earlier exertions and nodded. “Yeah, I’m up for that,” she said and yawned contentedly.
He kissed her on the tip of her nose.
“Just wait here,” he said and got up and went into the bathroom.
She heard the shower come on and felt the last piece of her heart tumble at the realization that he was letting the water heat up before she went in there. On Saturday she’d wondered how it would be to have someone that lavished her with care and attention, and now she was finding out. It was utterly wonderful. In fact, it was almost scary how crazy she was about Ryan.
Stop thinking about that, she told herself, and firmly put all what if thoughts out of her mind. The future could take care of itself. This was their night and she meant to enjoy it. She turned her head toward the bathroom, and he was standing there watching her.
Sudden Attraction Page 7
