Strip Tease

by Karen Erickson

  Shaking her head, she pushed thoughts of her past from her mind. She needed to focus on the here and now. On the fact that Nate had a desirable woman dancing suggestively in front of him but he only had eyes for her.

  Her skin warmed at the realization. Tingles teased along her spine and her nipples hardened beneath her dress, poking against the thin fabric for him to see.

  He’d already gotten an eyeful. The performance earlier had aroused her, had aroused the both of them and she hadn’t been able to help herself when she’d begged him to kiss her.

  Maybe he thought she was a slut, but she didn’t care. More than anything, she figured she confused him. She confused herself, yet she didn’t regret it. Kissing him, touching him, feeling his hard body pressed against hers for those brief moments had been more than worth it.

  And when he’d touched her nipple, licked it, oh God, she thought she’d die on the spot.

  There was no denying she’d agree if he took her back to his place. She wanted him. Wanted to kiss him everywhere, explore his body with her hands and mouth, feel him move inside of her.

  It had been a long time since she’d wanted someone, let alone allowed someone to get close. It was a chance she rarely took, always protecting herself so she wouldn’t get hurt.

  Tonight, she didn’t care. She wasn’t going to get hurt. Tonight, she wanted to get off. And no one would be able to get her off but Nathan Banks.

  “You like her?” She inclined her head toward the dancer before them, impressed with the woman’s suggestive dancing.

  Nate’s gaze met hers, dark and fathomless in the dim light. He slowly shook his head. “Not really.”

  She smiled, not believing a word. “Don’t insult her. It’s not polite.”

  A soft laugh emitted from the dancer and she straddled Nate, her slim thighs coming around him so that her knees rested on the booth seat on either side of his thighs. “Honey, he’s not even looking at me.”

  “It’s true. I’m not,” Nate agreed.

  “This is a waste of your one hundred dollars.” Janelle’s heart tightened in her chest.

  Never had someone seemed so focused on her. She’d felt forgotten more than once, lost in the shadows, especially when dealing with an overwhelming personality such as Ginger’s.

  It felt good to be the sole focus of someone’s intent.

  He shrugged. “You’re the one who wanted to do it.”

  “True.” She slid closer to him on the bench seat, not caring that her leg bumped up against the dancer’s.

  She wanted to be closer to him. She almost wished she was the one writhing above him in a sensual dance.

  Almost.

  His hand slid across hers, fingers curling and he yanked her upper body closer to his. His head dipped so that it hovered above hers and he murmured, “Let’s get out of here.”

  “What about your dance?” She sounded breathless, her voice shaky and she realized her entire body was trembling. With anticipation and a bit of fear mixed in.

  “Forget the dance.” He nudged at the dancer’s waist with the tips of his fingers. “Sorry sweetheart, we need to go.”

  “You two have a nice night.” She disentangled herself from Nate’s grasp, shaking her head with a tiny smile on her face. “I’m sure I don’t need to bother telling you that.”

  “Thanks,” Janelle said weakly, watching the dancer go.

  “Let’s go.” With one quick yank, he had Janelle on her feet and they were weaving through the maze of tables and people, headed for the door.

  “What about Ginger? Are you sure you don’t want to try one last time to see if she’s here?” she asked. Stalling, of course. She needed to catch her breath, her thoughts. He was moving so fast…

  “We already tried.” He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze heated. “We’ll worry about Ginger tomorrow.”

  Janelle stumbled over her feet trying to keep up with his long legged stride, turning his comment over and over again in her head. Panic welled up inside her, words of doubt whispering through her mind and she tried to ignore them.

  She needed to go with her gut, not let her negative past keep her down. Only moments ago, she’d felt free and desirable, ready to seduce him.

  Now she was wary and nervous. Unsure of his motives, though deep down she felt they were true. They had nothing to do with his wanting to get closer to Ginger. He wasn’t using her.

  Was he?

  Janelle shook her head once. No. He couldn’t be. How would sleeping with her get him closer to her sister?

  The gigantic entry doors loomed ahead of them and Nate’s grip tightened on her hand. He was so strong and so warm, and his hand felt good, wrapped around hers. Their earlier kiss had been dizzying, delicious. She needed to concentrate on that, needed to focus on the way he made her feel.

  He pushed through the door, nodding toward the giant man who still stood guard at the front. The cool night air fanned across her face, chilling her heated cheeks and she shivered from the sudden breeze.

  “Cold?” Nate pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, his large hand cupping her shoulder.

  He made her feel small and protected. She absorbed his warmth, loving the feel of him walking with her in tandem, both of them anxious to get to his car.

  “Thank you,” she murmured, suddenly a little shy. Silly considering everything they had just experienced together. At a sex club, for God’s sake.

  They found his car in record time, the both of them climbing into it eagerly after he hit the keyless lock. Rubbing her hands together in the hope to warm them up, she turned to watch him as he started the engine. He glanced up, his mouth drawn into a tight line, as if he was about to tell her some grim news.

  Nerves gnawed at her gut. No way was he going to change his mind. Would he?

  “You’re coming home with me.”

  Her mouth dropped open, shocked by his commanding tone. Relief flooded through her. That was not what she expected him to say. “Okay.”

  “I’m not going to let you change your mind.”

  “I don’t plan on changing my mind.”

  “That’s a good thing.”

  With lightning quick movements, he was on her, his arms wrapped around her waist, his mouth connecting with hers. The kiss was intense, his lips nudging hers open, his tongue silky and smooth as it moved against hers.

  She felt overpowered, overwhelmed and oh, God, she liked it. She slowly slid her hands around his neck, moving up into his silky black hair. She stroked the back of his head, the soft strands curling around her fingers.

  Moaning against her mouth, his hands went for her head as well, tugging at the stupid cheap wig until it tumbled off and fell behind her and onto the floorboard.

  “Ah, thank Christ,” he whispered, his fingers threading through the ends of her hair. “Your hair is beautiful.”

  “My hair is a sweaty mess. That wig was hot.” She sprinkled tiny kisses across his face, her lips brushing against his bristly cheeks.

  “It feels good. So soft. You feel good.” His whispered words sent a delicious shiver down her spine.

  His mouth captured hers once more, his hands wandering all over her body, stroking her waist, the sides of her breasts. His fingers curled around them, thumbs reaching to stroke her nipples and she couldn’t contain the gasp that spilled at first contact.

  Nate became bolder with his every touch, and she arched into his hands, into his mouth. Her skin was on fire, her panties growing wetter and she clutched him close, wanting him closer.

  Breaking away first, he stared at her, his breath coming in rapid bursts, much like hers. The car, the parking lot was eerily quiet. The only sound their mingled ragged breathing, the windows fogged with condensation generated by their body heat.

  Janelle wanted him, wanted this. Was ready for him to take her back to his place, her place, wherever, so they could spend the rest of the night in bed. Naked and tangled in the sheets, exploring each other’s bodies… />
  “We let this continue, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to hold back,” he finally said, his voice hoarse.

  “Me too,” she admitted, liking the fact that she made him feel so out of control.

  “I don’t want the first time I fuck you to be in the back seat of my car.”

  Moving away from her, he blew out a labored breath, pushing his hair away from his forehead. He then put the gear into reverse and looked over his shoulder, backing the car out of its spot with ease.

  “It would probably be uncomfortable.” Oh, God she sounded so stupid.

  She curled her hands into her lap, clutching them tight. If she didn’t, she’d probably reach for him again, and she didn’t want to attack him while he drove.

  What if they got into an accident?

  That thought made her giggle, she couldn’t help it, and he noticed. “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing.” She shook her head, snapping her seatbelt into place as he pulled out onto the street. “I feel giddy.”

  She probably shouldn’t have said that. What if it made him uncomfortable? What if he thought she was overreacting?

  She probably was. This was nothing more than a quick one off. A little bit of fun in the sack to ease the tension of the situation the both of them were now involved in together.

  Who wouldn’t be horny for each other after that experience in the club?

  “You’re thinking too hard.” His deep voice startled her from her thoughts. “You need to follow your own advice.”

  “What advice?” She had no idea what he was talking about.

  “What you told me earlier. Don’t think. Just do it.”

  He smiled, reaching out to rest his wide palm against her bared thigh. Sure fingers stroked her skin and she parted her legs, wishing he would stroke her in an even more intimate place.

  “Like Nike? Just do it?” Her body tensed in anticipation, watching those long fingers crawl up her thigh. Breath locked in her throat, she pressed her lips together, waiting, hanging on the edge.

  “Yeah, like Nike.” His voice had softened, rumbling deep from his chest and her skin tingled at the sound.

  Everything about him turned her on. From the way he smelled to the way he sounded to the way he felt. And especially the way he made her feel. Once she had him naked, she might go into sensory overload.

  She didn’t know if she’d be able to take it.

  And then his hand was gone, both of them locked firmly around the steering wheel as he stared straight ahead, driving with overly fierce concentration.

  Janelle slumped in her seat, her drenched sex clenching with need, her frustration mounting. The man had just teased her unmercifully.

  And heaven helped her she’d loved every minute of it.

  Chapter Five

  Nate’s condo was nice but sparsely furnished. It looked like he didn’t spend a lot of time there. Janelle had a feeling if she glanced in his refrigerator, it would have a couple of beers, various condiments and maybe an old take out box inside—and that was it.

  “Yeah, it’s kind of a shit hole. I’m not home often especially these last couple of months.” He stashed a rumpled sweatshirt he found lying on the couch behind it, a chagrined expression on his face. She found it endearing, his trying to impress her with his place.

  Really, she didn’t care. She was more interested in heading straight for the bedroom and unwrapping what was surely a delectable body hiding beneath his clothes.

  “You’re a busy guy,” she said, walking toward him slowly, clutching her hands into fists.

  The overwhelming urge to reach out and touch made her edgy.

  “I guess I am. Sounds like you’re busy too, though.” He stood stock still, his giant body tense and when she reached him, she gave in to her urges.

  Smoothing her hands over his broad shoulders, she dug her fingers into the stiff muscles there, marveling at the solid strength she felt beneath his soft sweater. His hands immediately went to her waist, spanning it with splayed fingers and she stepped closer.

  “I am busy. I never take any time to indulge myself.”

  “Me either,” he murmured.

  She pressed her face into the crook of his neck, inhaled his spicy masculine scent. He relaxed beneath her touch, his fingers slowly stroking her from waist to hips.

  “Maybe we should remedy that by indulging in each other,” she whispered against his throat, her lips pressing against the warm skin. His pulse pounded beneath her mouth, matching the rhythm of her own wildly beating heart. Anticipation filled her.

  It had been too long since she’d been with a man, she hadn’t lied about that. But secretly, she was glad. It would only heighten tonight’s experience with Nate, make it that much more intense.

  That much more delicious.

  Releasing his grip on her, he took her hand in his and headed toward the hallway. “Come on.”

  Desire thrummed through her veins as she followed him, his long fingers wrapped so tightly around hers. His touch made her heart skip. His closeness made her tremble. No man had ever made her feel this way and it surprised her, threw her off balance.

  Normally she’d be leery, afraid of her out of control emotions. The old Janelle would’ve bolted rather than take a chance.

  Tonight, there was no way she was leaving. She had a feeling it would be an evening she would never forget.

  Nate’s room was dark, though the blinds on the window were cracked, allowing thin slivers of pale moonlight into the room. He led her inside, stopping at the foot of the giant bed and drawing her close.

  “We shouldn’t be doing this,” he murmured, his sensuous mouth dipping close to hers.

  “So why are you?” He was right. She really shouldn’t be doing this either. If he backed out, she’d feel like an utter fool.

  He moved closer, his breath fanning across her mouth and she tilted her head. His lids were lowered, his eyes dark and sexy as they watched her. “Because I want to.”

  Not allowing her to reply, his mouth found hers, soft and damp. She parted for him immediately, their tongues meeting, tasting.

  Janelle moaned into his mouth, unable to control her reaction. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she snuggled closer, absorbing his heat, desperate to feel bare skin. She slipped her hands beneath his shirt, pressing her fingers into the heated skin of his firm back, stroking his smooth flesh.

  A shudder moved through him and she let her hands wander around to his front, her fingers skimming the rippled planes of his stomach. Breaking their kiss, she whispered, “Take it off.”

  Nate didn’t hesitate. He yanked the shirt off with one hand, tossing it onto the floor and hauling her back into him.

  She rested her hands against his chest, testing his muscles, brushing her fingers through the smattering of dark hair that grew there. She always thought she preferred a smooth chest, but there was something so masculine, so sexy about feeling the crisp curling hairs beneath her fingertips.

  The man could kiss, too. The things he did with his lips, his tongue. Oh, and his hands. Those hands were everywhere, searching, smoothing over her backside, sliding up her waist, cupping her breasts. Her nipples ached for his touch, ached even more for his mouth and she moved against him, suddenly restless.

  “Let’s get rid of this,” he said, tugging on the flimsy fabric of her dress.

  Stepping away from his embrace, she reached behind for the zipper and tugged it down as far as it could go. She slipped the straps of her dress off first one shoulder, then the other, teasing him.

  Referring to old dance moves. So completely unoriginal.

  Glancing up, her gaze met his and she realized he didn’t seem to think her moves were unoriginal whatsoever. He watched her with passion-filled eyes, his chest rising and falling with each rapid breath. Her gaze trailed downward, taking in the unmistakable bulge straining against his fly and she stood straighter, allowing the front of her dress to fall forward.

  Without a bra to prote
ct them, her nipples puckered in the cool night air and under the heated gaze of the man who watched her. He sucked in a loud breath, his fingers flexing and a wave of power washed over her. That she could make this strong, controlled man react to her in such a way.

  Smiling, she settled her hands at her waist, playing with the fabric that rested there. Swiveling her hips, she tugged the dress down, past her waist, over her hips, along her thighs. Beneath the dress, she wore a pair of black cotton panties. Nothing outrageous, nothing too sexy.

  Though they were soaked through and through. He’d probably find that pretty damn sexy.

  Janelle released the dress, allowing it to puddle at her feet before she stepped out of it, kicking it to the side. She stood before him in her panties and sandals, and when she bent and reached for her ankle to take her shoe off, he stopped her with a muttered, “Keep ‘em on.”

  Standing straight, she kept his request and strutted toward him, deciding to play this up as much as possible. The heels, her near nakedness made her feel sexy, made her feel like a goddess.

  Circling her arms around his neck, she flattened against him, her breasts pushing against his chest, their bare skin meshing, nearly lighting aflame.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, dipping his head and pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.

  She couldn’t answer. Instead, she showed her appreciation for his sweet compliment by kissing him. It intensified in an instant, stealing her breath, making her heart thunder against her ribs.

  His hands went to her waist and he guided her, walking with her until the back of her calves hit the side of the bed and then she was falling, landing onto the mattress with an unladylike grunt.

  “Hey.” She rubbed her backside, glaring up at him. There was nothing sexy about what just happened.

  He grinned, looking like the cat that ate the canary. “I have you right where I want you.”

  And then he took off his trousers, revealing strong thighs dusted with dark hair and black boxer briefs which covered his jutting erection.

  She sighed with pleasure at the sight, propping herself on the pillows, her mouth watering. She wanted to taste. She wanted to tease.