Harold gleamed ear to ear. “And who be this goddess?”
Tabby shook her head. “I knew you were a silver-tongued devil.” She hugged him.
“You look beautiful, lassie.”
“Thank you.”
When the remainder of their party began to gush over her transformation, Sky became uneasy. She wasn’t used to all this attention nor did she want it, so she excused herself from the table.
Disappearing into the bathroom, she placed her palms on the counter, leaned forward and stared at herself in the mirror. “This was a mistake,” she whispered. “One drink, and then I’m out of here.”
As she exited the bathroom, a slow, dreamy country song played on the jukebox. Tabby and Reece were out on the dance floor along with Katy and her husband, Trent. Everywhere she looked she saw couples in love.
“Love,” she huffed. What did she know about love? She’d never experienced it in her own household.
“Can I interest you in a Screaming Orgasm, a Hole In One, Sex at My House, a Dick the Halls, or a Piña Cock-a-lada,” the cute little waitress with a nametag that identified her as Aimee asked as Sky approached the table.
“I’ll try Sex at My House.” With a redheaded policeman. She left the last part unspoken.
Leo eased back in his office chair, his gaze trailing the red stream of color in the Sommerso figurine he’d purchased at the tree ceremony. It was almost time for his shift to end and he still hadn’t decided what to do. He was dying to know who Tempest Sky really was. The tool stood before him, that is if her fingerprints were in IAFIS, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. He glanced at the clock. It was ten o’clock, time to make a decision.
Picking up the telephone, he dialed the crime lab, which was a one-man operation. When the answering machine picked up, he started to speak. “Billy, when you get to work tomorrow I need you to pull the fingerprints off a glass figurine I’m leaving in lockup. Let me know what you find out.” He set the telephone back in its cradle and pushed away from his desk and stood. Carefully he picked up the sculpture and carried it to the small room they used to secure evidence and whatever else they deemed needed protecting.
Retrieving his duffle bag, he slipped into the locker room and changed his clothes. Harold had asked if he’d stop by Seaside Pub and give him a ride home. He and his friends sometimes drank a little too much. The people of this town took care of their own. It wasn’t the first time he’d taxied someone home.
As he headed out the door, he yelled, “Good night, Marg,” over his shoulder.
A gathering of gray clouds hid the moon. It looked like another storm was heading their way. The scent of rain hung in the evening air. Of course, the weather was fickle. One never knew if it would rain, snow or the clouds would lift and the sun would shine bright.
Getting into his SUV, he turned it on and cranked up the radio only to be serenaded by Jimmy Boyd singing “I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus”. He didn’t change the channel because so close to Christmas all he seemed to hear were Christmas carols.
As he neared the Seaside Pub, there wasn’t a parking place in sight. The place seemed to be hopping. He pulled down a side street, parallel parked and got out. The chill in the air forced him to slip his coat on as he walked around the corner.
The minute he stepped into the pub, he confirmed what he already knew. The placed was packed. Half the town appeared to be here, including Brody and Andie. So why did Harold call him?
The second the elderly man saw Leo, he waved him over. “’Bout time, lad.”
“Are you ready to go, Harold?”
“Bah.” He wove his fingers together and laid them across his big belly. “Take a seat. Relax.”
One drink. If Harold wasn’t ready, then Brody could chauffer his grandfather-in-law home.
Leo shrugged out of his coat and took a seat near Reece.
“Just off work?” his friend asked.
“Yes. It was a long day.” Even longer when Leo thought about last night, Tempest, and the kiss they had shared but had ended so abruptly.
Reece raised his hand. “Let me buy you a beer.” He twirled his index finger, signaling Aimee for another round. She nodded and headed to the bar.
Leo leaned back in his chair and scanned the dance floor, watching Brody and Andie, then someone caught his attention. A woman he had never seen before danced with Byron. The slow waltz made her look as if she floated on air in Byron’s arms. She was absolutely stunning. Her long hair glistened beneath the lights. Her body was near perfection, an hourglass wrapped in shiny gold material that showed off each curve.
“Like what you see?” Reece asked.
“Huh?” He glanced at his friend.
Reece nodded toward the dance floor.
“Oh.” Leo turned back to the dancing couple. “New in town?” Damn. The woman had a nice ass.
“No. She’s been here over a week.”
“Who is she?”
Tabby chuckled. “You don’t recognize her?”
Now Leo was confused. “Should I?” If he had met a woman like that, he wouldn’t be forgetting her anytime soon.
The music ended and the dance floor began to clear. Byron and the stranger headed for the table. When they neared, her gaze met Leo’s. Blue-green—familiar eyes, but it couldn’t be.
“Lad, pick your jaw off the floor and say good evening to our Tempest.”
Heat crawled up Leo’s neck, flooding over his face. Was he so obvious?
“Quite the beauty,” Reece whispered for Leo’s ears only, but Tabby heard and walloped him playfully in the chest. He chuckled, taking his wife into his arms.
“Good evening, Tempest.” Yay. Leo finally found his voice. Now if he could get his eyes back into his head he’d be doing all right.
Byron pulled out her chair and she sat next to Leo. “Leo.”
Her sweet perfume was like a web weaving itself around him. “You look lovely tonight.” What he really meant is she looked sexy as hell. Good enough to eat and he was a hungry man.
“Thank you. I feel stupid.”
“You shouldn’t. You’re beautiful.”
Now it was her turn to blush. The prettiest pink dotted her cheeks. She picked up her drink and took a sip.
“What are you drinking?” he asked.
“Sex at My House.”
“Is that an invitation?” Devon asked as he approached the table.
“Back it up, Romeo,” Reece said. “It’s a drink that Aimee renamed. I think we know it as Sex on the Beach.”
Devon pulled up a chair and took a seat. “I liked my way of thinking better.” He winked at Tempest.
“I bet you do.” Reece laughed, but Leo didn’t. No, he wasn’t happy at all. In fact, if he had to admit it, he felt the stirrings of jealousy raising its green head and he didn’t like it a bit.
When the music started again, he knew exactly what was on Devon’s mind. So without hesitation, Leo reached for Tempest’s hand. “Let’s dance.” He got to his feet, pulling her to hers.
Placing his hand on the small of her back, he guided her out onto the floor. Then he drew her hard against him, chest to chest, hips to hips. At the right beat in the music he moved, dancing her around the floor. On a turn, his knee slipped between her thighs. She gasped as they whirled around and around. By the time they came out of the turn he felt lightheaded. His mind—his body—still spun. The woman intoxicated him.
Light on her feet, she followed as if they had practiced their dance moves night after night instead of this being the first they had come together. She felt so good in his arms. He didn’t want to let her go even when the music ended, so he didn’t. He held her quietly. No words exchanged.
The next song was a slow one and he took advantage of it, holding her closer, feeling her body move against his. Between his thighs the stirrings of arousal rose. He couldn’t have hidden it even if he wanted to. He wanted her—and he wanted her to know it.
He stared int
o her eyes, watching the blue-green darken like a stormy sea. She held herself aloof, in control, but he could sense a fire simmering inside her. The same fire that burned bright in him. When her arms tightened around him, electricity shot through him clear to the soles of his feet.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said softly.
She didn’t speak, only nodded.
Making their way off the floor, they returned to collect their jackets. Only Harold, Errol and Byron were at the table sipping on their glasses of rum.
Leo began to help Tempest with her coat and then put on his own. “Harold, can you catch a ride with Brody? I’m dropping Tempest off on my way home.”
“Don’t be worrying about me. Just take care of our lassie.”
Tempest kissed Harold gently on the cheek, whispering, “Good night.”
“You have a good night too, lassie.”
When she turned her back, Harold flashed Leo a wink. Judging by the grins on the three old men’s faces, rumors would be flying tomorrow.
Escorting her out of the pub, his cock grew hard with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to touch her, kiss her. The minute they walked around the corner of the building, out of sight from wandering eyes, he took her into his arms. His mouth descended upon hers. She leaned into him, her fingers curling in his coat as she held on to him, giving as much as he gave.
The desperate cry she released thrilled him. Backing her up as he kissed her, he pinned her against the brick wall with his body. Then he dragged his lips down her neck, nibbling on her silky skin. “Your place or mine?”
“Mine,” she breathed. “Now. Please.”
Chapter Nine
The second the lock clicked free and she opened the door, Sky found herself in Leo’s arms again. He kissed her like a starving man, which in turn aroused her beyond good sense. When he had suggested, “Let’s get out of here,” an incredible sexual hunger that seemed to rise from a dark, hidden part of her soul broke loose. Tomorrow she would deal with the fallout, but tonight she would take what he offered.
When his fingers fumbled with the hem of her dress, she inhaled sharply and anxiety rose unexpectedly. “It’s been a while.” In fact, it had been a really long time.
“Same for me.” His Adam’s apple dipped as he swallowed hard.
Was he as nervous as she?
For a moment he stared deep into her eyes. “Are you sure you want this?”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. Instead, she pulled him to her, pressing her lips to his.
His tongue probed her mouth, stroking and tempting her to do the same. She tasted beer and the spicy flavor of his masculinity. When their mouths parted, he released a growl that came from somewhere deep in his throat.
“I can’t wait to strip you out of that dress and kiss every inch of your skin.” His low, sexy voice slid across her body, releasing a flood of desire that dampened her panties and set her on fire. As his fingers bit into her waist, inching up her dress in the process, cool air whispered over the stockings she wore. Heat and cold were intriguing sensations when thrown together. She squirmed against him and his cock sprang alive, swelling against her belly.
In seconds she stood before him in nothing but her black bra, thong, thigh-high stockings and heels. He took a step back. His dark gaze swept across her skin like a brushfire.
Male appreciation burned in his eyes. “You’re beautiful.”
Having him look at her like that made her breath catch. “Now you.”
He reached for the back of his sweater to tug it over his head and toss it aside. The sight of his tanned and rippling muscles, his biceps, chest and washboard abs made her nipples tighten until they stung. She took a step toward him. Her hands trembled as she smoothed her palms over his firm body.
“Bra.”
She didn’t wait for him to ask again. With a twist of her fingers, she unfastened the clasp and let the bra slowly fall to reveal her heavy breasts. His nostrils flared. He didn’t speak, just took the bra from her hands and pitched it to join his sweater on the floor. The intensity in his eyes warmed her through and through. She couldn’t help it; she arched into him, wanting him to touch her, needing him to ease the ache. When his warm hands smoothed across her flesh, a tremor snaked up her back. It had been so long since a man had loved her. Even longer since she had really desired someone like she did the one standing before her. She gasped as his fingers plucked at her nipples.
“What do you want, baby?” he whispered with a wicked sexuality that nearly did her in.
She wanted his mouth where his fingers were. Wanted to feel his lips and teeth tugging at her nipples, sucking and making those little streaks of pleasure pain tighten in her womb.
“Tempest?” The way he said her name was so sensual a million fluttering wings were let loose in her belly.
“I—I want your mouth on me.”
“Where?”
“Everywhere,” she groaned.
He cupped the back of her head and gazed into her eyes with so much intensity… His expression prickled her skin, giving her the feeling she was on the pinnacle of being loved like she’d never been before.
With a feather touch, he smoothed his mouth over hers, sucking first on her top lip and then the bottom, before parting them to slip inside. Languidly, he caressed her mouth from side to side, flicking his tongue against hers. She responded in kind. When he thrust more firmly against her tongue, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, their tongues began to duel. He built her arousal flame by flame, while below he played feverishly with her nipples, twisting and pinching. When she felt like she would explode, he broke his caress and his lips trailed the path of his hands. His tongue followed, dipping into the hollow area and moving lower to place small kisses upon the beginning swells of her breasts.
“Oh my God.” The words slipped from her mouth as she tossed back her head.
He didn’t stop there. Instead, he proceeded to lavish her cleavage with hot, wet kisses that made her breasts heavy with need, her nipples screaming to be next in line for his attention.
The area between Sky’s thighs was wet and ready. She needed him inside her now. But he took his time licking and nibbling on her skin and torturing her with long, slow caresses.
When his hot mouth finally circled a nipple, his tongue laved the small bud with warm strokes that turned cold in the evening chill. Sky was close to coming apart at the seams.
“Leo, please.”
He paused. “Say it again.”
“Please.”
“No. My name.”
“God, Leo, please.”
Achingly slow, he removed her stilettos. Strong palms stroked her inner thigh, rolling the silk stocking down her leg until she was free of it. Then he did the same sexy process to her other leg.
“I want to take these home. Hang them from my mantel.”
But she couldn’t think clearly, because he tugged at her thong, sliding the satiny material down. Standing naked before him, she inhaled a tight breath as him moved to his knees and knelt before her. When he stared up at her with such desire in his eyes, a cry pushed from her lungs.
He chuckled softly, making no attempts to hurry his seduction as he rubbed his face against her thighs and her belly. When he kissed the small patch of hair between her thighs, her knees buckled. She grabbed for the wall just to keep upright. All she could think of was the blistering need slamming through her veins. Then his hot tongue licked over her flesh like a flame.
A fiery rush of sensation shot through her body, tingling her flesh, electrifying her. Her gaze glazed over as she fought to breathe. He growled, a low animalistic sound as he buried his face between her thighs. His tongue flattened across her folds, and then he circled her clit. The need for release was so overwhelming she couldn’t move—couldn’t think. When his teeth scraped over the tender bud, her body shattered.
She choked on a cry as her climax struck hard and fast, releasing a streak of lightning that burst through her, nearly burning he
r alive with pleasure. The force was so intense she couldn’t breathe. Instead she bathed in the conflagration tightening her body.
Sky’s legs felt like rubber when she came down from her high.
“You liked that?” The husky satisfaction in Leo’s voice rang through.
She smiled and released a content sigh. “Oh, yes. I liked that.”
He stood and took her in his arms, his mouth crossing hers. Sky had never tasted herself and she found it a little odd, but strangely arousing. She teased his tongue into her mouth and sucked, hard and long. Again, he released a growl, picked her up so that she wrapped her legs around his waist. Making his way through the narrow hallway, he carried her to the bed and laid her gently down upon the comforter.
Watching her, he unfastened his belt. His pants followed. When he revealed his raging erection, Sky’s eyes widened with delight. The man was hung.
“Come here,” she groaned.
Quickly, he kicked off his boots, socks, and then stepped out of his jeans. Eyes hooded, like a predator, slowly and sensuously, Leo crawled up her body. His muscles rippled with each move. She parted her thighs as he neared and he moved between them. Chills raced across her naked skin as he pressed against her center and rocked so that he slid along her crease, caressing her clit.
Smoothing her palms down his back, she traced every muscle and tendon. When she reached the full curve of his ass, she couldn’t stop herself from squeezing them.
“You keep this up and I won’t last long.”
A giggle slipped from her mouth.
“Really, Tempest. I want to be inside you so badly the back of my teeth ache.”
“Then what is stopping you?”
“No condom.”
Her eyes widened. “No condom?”
He shook his head. “If I go to the drug store, everyone in town will know what we’re doing. Well, they probably already think it, but purchasing a condom will seal it for them.”
Great. That’s just what she wanted to hear. “Wait. Look in that side dresser drawer.”
He leaned over her and shuffled through the items in the dresser. When he extracted a condom, he smiled.
Stockings (Whispering Cove) Page 10
