“Um, well—”
“Or here?” He slipped his hands further down the wall, breast level to be exact, toward her waist. He had her locked in the middle of his arms.
“Hmm?”
“I like it right about here.” He suggested pleasure.
“Sure,” Daniella hastily agreed and slipped from under his arms. “Wherever you like it.”
She crouched down toward the floor, refusing to acknowledge his seductive behavior. It wasn’t because she disliked him, quite the opposite, and that scared the crap out of her.
After she set the master plan in place, Daniella picked up the scraps, gathered her things and rested against the counter. “What a day.”
She was tired, but not from working. She’d experienced an adrenaline rush every time he’d been too close.
Cruz placed a hand over hers. “Stay. Have dinner with me.”
Daniella examined his face. His look pleaded with sincerity. “Well—”
“Please?” His eyes widened, brows lifted, and the sexiest smile stretched across his lips. “Maybe have a glass of wine. Go for a walk, or we could just sit out on the deck and get to know each other. On a friendship level.”
How could she say no to him? His eyes were liquid pools of lusty passion. Okay! He’s just too damn sexy! Dare she stay? Decisions, decisions.
4 - Mr. Seduction
Daniella walked as insouciantly as she could to her car. She didn't want to seem eager to stay.
“Am I that bad?” Cruz asked. He kept at her side and carried the bag of samples to her car.
“Nah. You’re not that bad.”
He pushed the kitbag into the trunk. “Then why won’t you stay?”
“What?” She blinked.
“Stay. If just for an hour or two.” Cruz pulled the trunk down and leaned forward. He stroked her fingers. “You have beautiful hands.”
“Uh. Thanks?” Her skin tingled at his touch. What the hell was he trying to do?
“Beautiful hands... smooth, soft, no wedding ring.” He lifted his gaze.
Daniella was certain her eyes were popped open when her jaw dropped. She clinched her lips and swallowed. “What’s your point? I’m not married, so?”
“So, say you’ll stay for a while. You’ll have dinner with me. You’ll have a glass of wine, go for a walk, hang out on the deck... tell me you’re not leaving already.”
What she would give to capture his face at this very moment. But no. He. Is. A. Client. She buckled her libido and shrugged. “Are you a loser? Don’t you have any friends, girlfriends, gay friends—”
He snatched his hand back. “What? Did you really just ask me if I had any gay friends? Do I look like I would?”
“Touchy, touchy. I didn’t imply you might be gay, just including them in the circle of friends. You have a problem with gays or lesbians?” She proceeded with her charade.
“Absolutely not.”
“I’m a lesbian. Do you still want me to stay for a while... get to know you on a friendship level?”
She sucked her lower lip under her upper teeth, hoping he wouldn't really believe her.
“Uh. Sure.” He stirred and raised his right foot, placing it against his left calf and used it to scratch his leg.
Daniella sensed his discomfort. “Bullshitter.”
Cruz took a step closer. “What? What do you mean?”
“Bullshitter. You told me I could make that call, remember?” She licked her lips and smiled.
He took another step forward. “I did, did I?”
“Indeed, you did.” She itched to move backward, but stayed put.
“Since you're a lesbian, you won't mind hanging out with me. Let's knock down a few beers, stretch our legs and watch the game. If indeed you are what you say you are?” He looked into her eyes with a you're-so-full-of-shit look.
“Am I?”
He snatched her hand and coaxed her toward the house. She let him drag her inside before she let out a belly laugh.
Before she could regain control of herself, Cruz flipped her around to face him and he pressed her against the wall. He stared deep into her eyes.
“What are—” she whispered, but Cruz touched the tip of his nose to hers. The scent of his minty-fresh breath and cologne stirred her insides like mixing fuel and fire. His hot lips greeted hers, and he gazed at her steadily while gently sucking in her lower lip.
A short breath later, his tongue slipped between her parted lips. He stroked her back, his hands trailing fire that spread to delight and ignite much deeper desires.
Daniella wanted to reach up and press her hands against his chest, but she held back. Lord, what am I doing? Ugh! He pulled back, and grinned. Deviously grinned.
The alarm on her face must have been evident. He winked and said, “You’re definitely not.”
“Not? Not what?” What was he implying?
“But you are.” His eyebrows shifted, one after the other.
“I’m not what? But I am? What the heck?” She stepped uncomfortably side to side.
He leaned into her, slid his hand along her jaw then grasped her chin and turned her head to the side. Pressing his lips against her ear, he whispered, “You’re definitely not a lesbian. Yummy.”
The warmth of his breath and the seductive aura surrounding him sent a surge of flutters down her belly. She inhaled, slowly releasing the stimulating effects and said, “Uh, no.”
“Uh, yes. You little bullshitter. I knew there was something I liked about you. And that kiss… Mmm.” He slid his tongue across his upper lip.
Dang! I wish he'd quit with the sexual innuendos. She shivered and stepped away.
“Shall we dine out or have something delivered?”
“Hmm. What would we do while waiting for the delivery?” Daniella placed a finger against her lips and tapped.
Cruz’s eyes turned to slits, and he impishly grinned. “Whatever your little heart desires.”
Oh no. Absolutely not. Dirty dances in his eyes, trouble lurks in his tone, he’s totally not shy... Do I trust him? No. Do I trust myself?
Daniella crossed her arms. “Out. Definitely go out to eat.”
He cleared his throat. “I see. You don’t trust yourself.”
“Trust myself... ha-ha. You’re the—”
Cruz grabbed her hand. “Let’s go. I have a great place in mind.” He led her out to the garage and opened the car door. Daniella slipped into the leather seat of his red BMW convertible.
Nice car.
They drove along the coast, redolent with the salty smell of the ocean stirred by the evening breeze. Cruz looked ahead and didn’t say much. The silence was awkward.
~~~
“Here we are,” Cruz said as he pulled into a parking spot at The Blue Ocean, a casual place, but definitely upper class. Daniella had been to it a time or two when her boss had been in a generous mood and invited the entire staff.
“Great choice,” she said. “They have excellent food, and I love the ocean view.”
“So you’ve been here before?” He sounded disappointed.
Daniella didn’t care for his tone. She gathered he was implying she wasn’t good enough or rich enough to have ever dined here. In a defensive tone, she said, “Of course I’ve been here. Why? Does that disappoint you?”
“Disappoint? Not sure what makes you think I’d be disappointed, but, well, I suppose I am just a tiny bit.” He grabbed her hand.
She jerked her hand free. “What? Why?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise. I’m... well I thought it would be special, but I should have known someone as beautiful as you had surely been here before.”
He gave her a wink and reclaimed her hand. “I just wanted something special to be our first.”
“I’ve had dinner here before, but never strolled along the beach.” She found him amusing and smiled as she returned his squeeze.
Once they entered the restaurant, she wondered if there could possibly be any tables left or if they
’d have to wait. The place was packed.
“Hang on, I’ll be right back.” Cruz released her hand and went over to talk to a man Daniella assumed was the manager. She watched as they exchanged words. Cruz spoke and the manager looked at her. He nodded, they shook hands, and Cruz walked back, tucking his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. His faded denims, white ‘Sinful’ t-shirt, and a thick silver chain gave him a GQ look. Of course, his tan skin went right along with his rock solid body.
A chill snaked down Daniella's spine. I must be insane. Everything about him screams danger. Playboy. Hello broken heart!
“Come on.” Cruz reached for her hand and led her through the dining room. He opened the glass doors leading to the deck seating.
“You must know the manager,” Daniella said as Cruz pulled a chair for her. She sat and he took his own seat.
“Can I tempt you with some wine?” A bartender asked.
Cruz nodded at Daniella.
“Oh, no thank you. Just a glass of tonic water, please.”
“And you, sir?”
“No, but I will take a glass of tonic as well. Thanks, Brandon.” Cruz shifted in his seat, and after Brandon left, he propped his elbows on the table and cupped his cheeks in his hands.
“What?” Daniella asked, wondering why he was staring at her. It always made her nervous when a guy sat and stared.
His eyes flickered to her lips, down the center of her chest and back up again. His eyes latched on hers, dripping with sex.
“I can’t help it. I just want to look at you. Your eyes are amazing. So blue. And your hair... I want to touch it, twist my fingers in the dark waves.” His words came out heated and breathy.
Breathe in breathe out. Daniella imagined him doing this very thing, running his hands through her hair... Oh! Alright. He's running his fingers through my hair, pulling me into a deep kiss... his hands gliding slowly down my neck as he continues to kiss me, his lips following the same pattern, and.... Her stomach tingled hot and then hotter. She squeezed her legs together and shifted slightly in her seat. When she glanced up at Cruz, his eyes, aquatic pools of lust, seduced her slowly.
“Is that okay?” He bit his lower lip, brows arched high in question. “Or am I making you nervous?”
His words pulled her out of her sinful thoughts.
“Um, no. I mean, yes. I mean, no, you’re not making me nervous. Okay, maybe just a little nervous.” Daniella’s cheeks heated.
“You’re blushing. I’m embarr—”
“Are you ready to order?” A tall, thin, blond waiter asked.
“Shrimp scampi for me, with asparagus for the vegetable and nothing more,” Daniella said.
“Hey. That’s my favorite dish. How’d you know?” Cruz grinned. “I’ll have the same.”
“Asparagus for the side?”
Cruz nodded. “Yes, and nothing more.”
~~~
Dinner was delicious. Afterward, Cruz retrieved a jacket from his BMW, and took Daniella for that special walk he wanted to share with her.
“We have to take our shoes off.” Daniella kicked off her sandals and peered up at Cruz. “Well, what are you waiting for? You can’t take a walk on the beach and not feel the warm sand seep between your toes.”
Cruz chuckled. “A walk on the beach. No shoes. It’s evening and we can see the sun go down over the water caps across the sea. Very romantic.”
He kicked his shoes off and reached for her hand. They walked hand-in-hand and continued along the dampened area alongside the shore.
“So tell me, Daniella, are you an only child or do you have siblings?”
“I have an older brother, James. He moved to Canada. I haven’t seen him for two years. He’s ten years older so we were never really close, but he was always there to protect me.” From assholes like Blake.
She glanced at him and admired his smooth skin. “How about you?”
Cruz halted, and stopped Daniella right next to him. He reached around with his free hand and pulled her close, face-to-face close. “No siblings. Though I'd often wished I had one when I was growing up. My father owns a lot of property, a lot of businesses, so we traveled often. I hated it. I've never had a brother or sister to share anything with.
“I was kind of lonely, but when I entered high school, my parents decided I was old enough to stay home and I was finally able to enjoy having solid friends. That's when I met Falcon and Meg, who are still my best friends. They’re sort of like the brother and sister I never had.”
He shifted slightly, his hands gliding along the length of her jaw.
“Yeah, I suppose that would stink...” she said, “traveling, moving, and changing schools all the time.”
“Yep, it did. But I’m over it now.” Cruz pointed to a rocky area. “Let’s go over there. It’s a great spot to sit and watch the sunset.”
He lifted her hand and lightly kissed it. The rocks were set in a stepping stone pattern and Cruz led her to the top. He sat down and placed Daniella between his legs.
“I bet you’ve visited this spot a time or ten,” Daniella said.
“Ha. That sounded like an insult.” He pinched her sides, causing her to squirm. “To be truthful, I’ve never brought a woman up here... until you.”
Yeah, right. “But you hardly know me.”
Cruz ran his fingers through her hair. He pulled her back into his chest, swept the hair on the left side behind her ear and placed his lips close enough so Daniella could feel his breath against her skin. He whispered, “I know you’re an amazingly beautiful woman, but you never flaunt it. I know you're responsible. Money doesn’t make you happy. You want to be married one day, but you have high standards.”
“You sound certain of yourself—as if you’ve known me all your life.”
He leaned in closer, his chest pressed against her back. “Am I correct?”
A tingling sensation gnawed inside her gut. “I suppose I have to admit that you're assumptions are correct.”
Cruz inhaled deeply and Daniella could feel his lips near her ear. He exhaled and then said, “Look,” as he pointed toward the ocean and continued. “The sun is setting. Can you see the colors casting off the water?”
Daniella shuddered. It was the sensation of Cruz’s lips almost touching her ear. Respond you dummy! Come on, come on, gather your voice and speak!
“I-I can... and... and it’s beautiful,” she said as Cruz’s hands slipped along the length of her neck in upstrokes.
His lips caressed her skin in soft kisses and little nibbles. When he reached her ear, he ran his tongue along the edge. His breaths harsh and uneven, he whispered, “Turn around.”
Shivers trickled down her spine, arousing her senses. She turned around. Cruz moved and situated her legs, one on each side of his, pulling her tightly against him, and then wrapped his hands around her waist.
He looked into her eyes, ran his finger along the outer edge of her mouth before fully engaging his lips with hers. His tongue swept and thrust into her mouth, stroking her with sensations of sweet ecstasy. Daniella could feel the fever coiling up inside her, deep within the sensitive spots as his hands gripped her tighter with each stroke, molding her into him. Breathless, she eased back and escaped his grip. There were others in the distance and Daniella was a private person.
“Sorry,” he said.
“No. Don’t be sorry. I let you, didn’t I?”
Cruz grinned and gripped her hands. He lifted her up with him, led her down the rocky steps, and back along the sandy shore.
~~~
The evening breeze had a bite to it. Daniella wished she hadn’t worn a short sleeved shirt.
“You want my jacket?” Cruz asked.
“No, no. I’m fine. Thanks for offering.” She lied.
“You sure you’re not cold?” He observed her, his blue eyes widened underneath the wind-blown mess of brown hair.
“Positive.” Daniella shot him a smile, but her teeth chattered as a gust of wind blew past. She
clenched her arms and tried to warm herself. It didn’t work out so well. The rising network of goose bumps gave away the truth.
Cruz stood, tugged his navy-blue jacket off, and without question, he draped it over her shoulders. “You’re not a very good liar.”
Daniella slipped her arms into the sleeves. “Thank you.” The warmth of his body heat kissed her skin and his intoxicating scent tempted her to close her eyes, but she knew if she did, he'd know what she was thinking. Not such a good thing after the heated kisses on the rock.
The sky darkened. Daniella glanced at her watch, and Cruz unlocked his car. “We must come back here, maybe go further down the coast to listen to the sea. It has a calming effect, at least for me it does.”
Calming effect? That's not possible with you in all your glory surrounding me.
~~~
Cruz pulled into the garage, killed the engine, and closed the overhead door. He rotated, now facing her. “Did you have a good time?”
Daniella glanced at him. “I had a great—” She barely spoke the words when she was suddenly swept into a kiss, a deep delicious kiss. He held her head as he manipulated it every-which-way, rooting his tongue in deeper strokes.
Releasing his grip, he stared. “I like you... I really, really, like you.”
“I really like you too, but I really have to get going now.” She opened the door and slipped out of the car.
“Wait! Don’t move. Just hang on a second.” He jumped out of his seat and rushed around to her side of the car. Pressing up against her, he slid his hands up her sides and she shivered.
Why does he have to do that? Doesn’t he know how bad he’s making me want him? Or maybe that’s his plan. No, no. I can’t do that. I won’t do that.
Daniella urged him back. “I have to go.”
Cruz stepped away and hit the key fob to open the garage. She went forward as the door lifted.
“That’s it? You’re leaving... just like that?” In quick strides, he caught up to her.
Daniella stopped in front of her own car. “I need to go before you get me all wrapped up in another kiss.”
“Am I so bad that you want to rush out of here?” His eyes widened and a playful pout formed on his lips.
Of Love and Deception Page 3
