“Four years.”
Those words raised his urgency several notches. He caught her mouth in a kiss that deepened as he moved. She matched his rhythm quicker than any woman ever had. The heavy sound of their breathing, the soft moans she made and the liquid slap of their bodies caused him to race toward completion. He raised his head and gasped deep breaths.
“Hurry, hurry.” Her voice trailed into a sigh.
Her inner muscles tightened around his cock. Her release was near. So was his. He pumped harder and faster into her tight sheath. His back arched. He roared and emptied until there was nothing left. Tony collapsed on Lauren and caught his breath. He rolled to his side and held her as though he would never let her go. Moments later he remembered this was only a weekend affair.
Too bad it couldn’t last.
Why not?
I’m not one for the long distance.
He stroked her back and kissed her lightly. “Incredible.”
“Yes.”
She sounded as dazed as he felt. The fantasy from last night flashed in his thoughts. “Want to shower with me?”
“I’d like that.” With a sigh she slid her hand along his chest.
What he saw in her eyes signaled danger. Dreamy, satisfaction. Did she imagine she was in love with him? Her gaze drew him toward thoughts he fought.
Couldn’t happen. He couldn’t add another layer of pain to her life. Or his.
Her mouth brushed over his. Tony sucked in a breath filled with her essence. She moved away, walked toward the bathroom. A flicker of a promise startled him. No way. The promise was for sex, nothing more. He sat on the edge of the bed until he heard a rush of water.
As though a lifeline connected them, he followed and stepped into the shower. Water cascaded over her breasts. Tony stepped to her and pulled her close. Water rained on his back and matched the pounding of his pulse. The kiss continued until he was forced to take a breath. Though he was armed and ready for another session he wanted more play time.
He soaped his hands and stroked her body, sliding over her breasts. The rise of her nipples caused a similar reaction in his body. He moved his hands lower and slid his fingers over her labia. Her gasp brought a smile. She was so sensitive to his touch.
“My turn,” she whispered. She took the soap and began a slow exploration of his chest inching ever lower toward his aching cock. He was so hard his balls ached.
“You’re perfect.” For this moment he meant those words.
She slid her arm around his neck and pressed her body against him. She stood on tip-toe to let his erect member slide between her legs. He groaned. “Now. I need you now.”
“The seat,” she said.
He raised his head and glanced over her shoulder. The rear ledge of the shower had a width where he could sit. He turned them and moved carefully across the water-slicked tile. He released her and sat.
Lauren knelt with her knees on either side of his hips. She grasped his cock and positioned him. Slowly she encased him.
Damn, this felt good, felt right.
She gazed into his eyes. “Now.”
“We rock.” He planted his feet on the floor and grasped her hips. They moved in a slow sensual dance. As pressure built he slid his hand to stimulate her clit. Her moans grew louder. He felt her tighten around his shaft. She whispered his name and shuddered. Then she bent and kissed him.
Tony erupted with such force they nearly slid to the floor. He gulped deep breaths. “You…you…” He couldn’t say another word, especially the ones that ran in circles through his thoughts.
Impossible.
Why?
She brushed her mouth across his. “I feel the same way.”
“What?” His fears were about to be realized.
“Sated.”
Her answer was the right one and not what he had feared. “Any regrets?” he asked.
“None.”
Why the moment of disapproval for her answer? This was a weekend fling not a bonding time.
She stepped from the shower and wrapped a towel around her waist. “I need to check Jamie.”
“Will you return?” He wanted to smack himself. Begging? Not his style.
“Yes.” She kissed his cheek. “For tonight. No strings.”
“Got you.”
Tony dried and returned to the master bedroom. He laced his hands behind his head. Would tonight be enough to satisfy his urges for her? Whether or not, this time had to be enough. He had no room in his life for one woman. His father had taught him that lesson. Why hadn’t Jim learned the same one?
Lauren emerged from the hall. “I left the nursery door open. If Jamie cries I’ll go. Before the accident Carrie said he slept all night but that’s changed.”
Tony gathered her into his arms and gently kissed her. “Grieving is normal."
“I know.”
The kisses grew deeper and brought them to another climax. Sated, Tony held her until she slept. A troubling thought occurred. Even with a nanny, bringing women to the apartment for an evening present a problem.
Chapter Five
Lauren tried to roll over and met an obstruction. What was wrong? The king-sized bed wasn’t against a wall of the bedroom. Cautiously she opened her eyes and saw the reason she was trapped. Tony. What had she done?
In a rush of memories she knew. Last night’s dinner. Tony’s offer of joint custody. The kiss that had brought them upstairs for a night of incredible sex. Why had her barriers against sexual liaisons shattered? She had forgotten her dislike of the man she didn’t trust and allowed herself to forget her vow of four years ago. No men, no casual sex until she completed her degree and had a job.
No strings. She’d made that rule. No regrets had been his addition.
For an instant she considered a time with him beyond this moment. That idea was dangerous. Yet, a part of her yearned for a continuation of what she’d felt last night. She pushed that thought aside. What she and Tony had done was seal a bargain. Nothing more.
She moved away and left the bed. As she rounded the foot she studied last night’s lover’s face. Handsome, yes. Though his features were relaxed in sleep, he was a man used to having his way. She had no time to be his play date of the month.
After scurrying to the bathroom she slipped into the nursery. Jamie slept. What now? Return to bed where Tony slept or curl on the nursery floor. She heard a sound and saw Tony in the doorway. Her gaze drifted from his face to his jutting erection.
He held out a hand. “Come to bed.”
Lauren turned. Why not enjoy the heady sensations for the little time remaining before he left? She took his hand. “Again?”
“Looks that way.”
She ran a finger down his chest to his groin. The hair around his shaft was damp. So he had washed and that gave her an idea she felt sure he would like.
He laughed. “Shall we see where this leads?” He captured her mouth in an open kiss. “You taste good.’
Lauren paused beside the bed. “I’ve a feeling you do too. Let me taste.”
“I’m game.” He stretched out on the bed. “Have your way.”
She sat beside him and stroked his face, his neck and his chest. She felt his nipples tighten and she bent to lick them. His chest hair tickled and she laughed. She returned to his neck to lick and suck where the veins were buried beneath his skin.
He reached for her. “Kiss me.”
“Not yet.”
She tongued her way down his body avoiding his erection, moved to the foot of the bed to massage his feet and his calves. Then she kissed along his thighs.
He groaned. “You’re torturing me.”
“That’s the idea.” She fondled his sac and then grasped his penis. With a laugh she pressed a kiss to the tip. “You do taste good.” She continued to explore his erection with her tongue. Then she raised her head.
“Take me inside. I had this fantasy.”
“Bet you did.” She slowly closed her mouth over him.
/> He stroked her hair. “Turn so I can taste you.”
His husky voice made her shiver. Reluctantly she released his penis and shifted position. She drew him inside again.
He parted her labia. His touch sent tiny jolts through her. She sucked him deeper. He slid a finger then two into her channel. She began to move her tongue along his erection.
“Go slow,” he said.
His tongue flicked her clit and a burn began and intensified as he moved his fingers inside. She had to move. “This isn’t going to work.” Though she tried to hold him in her mouth she released him and gave into the racking electric jolts sweeping through her. A moan began and erupted in a shout. “Give me a minute. When her breathing slowed she took him in her hands and pumped
“We have all day.”
“Not if Jamie wakes and I have a class at one.”
She grasped his penis and began to lick the sides and the top. As she slowly drew him into her mouth he growled.
“Hurry. Hurry. I’m close.”
She took him in completely and began to suck. With one hand she touched a spot she’d read would trigger him. The books were right. He erupted. She swallowed again and again.
His shout turned into a growl. “Come here. Just let me hold you.”
She slid to his side. His arms encircled her. He brought his mouth close to hers and mumbled words she didn’t understand.
“What did you say?”
He stroked her cheek. “Just rest a bit.”
That told her nothing. She closed her eyes and drifted into a semi-sleep.
“Tee, Tee.”
Jamie’s call woke her. When she moved, Tony’s arms tightened. “I have to go to him. He’ll only get louder.”
As she rolled over him, he stroked her rear. “Will you come back if I call?”
“Can’t.” She glanced at the clock. “Wish I could but it’s already seven. He’s ready for breakfast.”
Tony groaned. ‘I hear you.”
She touched his cheek. The call from the nursery raised in pitch. “Go back to sleep.” She hurried to the nursery and donned her fleecy robe.
Jamie held his arms out. “Eat.”
“Soon.” She carried him to the changing table. “You’re soaked.”
As she pulled off the wet diaper and wiped his bottom, Tony paused behind her. “What’s for breakfast?”
Lauren laughed. “You’d better get dressed.” Though his muscular body was appreciated this was no time to indulge.”
“Will do.” He kissed the side of her neck.
Lauren carried Jamie downstairs and prepared his breakfast. She started coffee and sat to feed her nephew.
Tony appeared. He wore sweatpants but no shirt or shoes. He filled two mugs and opened the fridge and began to organize things to make an omelet”
“Breakfast?” Lauren asked.
He nodded. This isn’t my usual Sunday meal. There are several restaurants near the apartment that serve brunch. I usually sleep in and indulge.”
“Lucky you. Doesn’t happen when you have a squirt to feed.”
“I can see that.”
Lauren continued feeding Jamie. When the last spoon was in his mouth she wiped his face and put him on the quilt. She and Tony sat to eat.
“This is wonderful,” she said.
“Would be better with cream instead of milk.” He lifted his coffee cup. “You look Sexy.”
“With my uncombed hair and bulky robe.”
He finished his omelet and held out his arms. “So very sexy. Just see what you do to me.”
She looked down and saw the way his sweats tented. A moment of regret arose. “We can’t.”
“Why not?”
She held out her hands to him. “Jamie.”
“He wouldn’t understand what we’re doing.”
“I know that but when we have sex, I’m totally unaware of anything but you.”
He nodded. “You’re right.”
* * * *
Though Tony knew she was right, he drew her into his arms. “Just a kiss or two,” he whispered. “Shame Jamie doesn’t take morning naps.” His mouth covered hers. Would he ever get enough of her?
Slowly he released her. A decision arose. He groaned. This sensual madness, this encompassing desire for her had to end before he walked away and hurt her. Years ago, he had learned love was a foolish notion. His father had taught him that lesson.
Tony thought about his fiancé. Marsha had succumbed to his father’s persuasive tactics. Tony could still hear the old man’s taunting voice. “No woman can resist money and power. I have them. You don’t.”
Tony brushed a kiss on Lauren’s lips. “Another time.”
She nodded. “I’ll take my shower now. Then it’s your turn.”
He started to protest and remembered their babbling companion. Tony moved so Lauren could leave. She scurried toward the stairs. He looked for Jamie. The baby crawled toward the fireplace screen. Tony scooped Jamie into his arms.
“Young man, that is no place to explore.”
“Jamie,” Lauren said.
“I know his name but when I’m scolding him I’ll call him what comes to mind.”
“Okay.”
Moments later he heard the shower and wished he was there with her. Whoa. This time of togetherness ended when he drove back to the city. With her schedule and caring for Jamie until he found a nanny she had no time to join him for fun and games. When her life settled, this craving would have ended. They had nothing but a nephew and great sex in common.
When she came downstairs he headed up. After showering and before returning to the first floor, he packed his clothes. Once she returned from her class, he was gone. Though he’d considered spending another night, the word danger flashed in his thoughts. Love had no place on his agenda. His father’s taunting voice rolled through his thoughts.
Why hadn’t Jim listened to the old man? Jim had friends not mere acquaintances. Jim had a wife he had adored instead of a series of lovers.
Who had been the fool? Tony wasn’t ready to answer the question.
He reached the living room. Lauren had Jamie dressed in his jacket. “We’re going for a walk. Then lunch and class.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“To class?” She grinned. “We're working on gross motor control skills today.”
He tapped her chin. “The walk.”
They took the long walk around both clusters of the complex. Several times they stopped while people offered sympathy and to admire Jamie.
This stunned Tony. In four plus months his brother and sister-in-law knew more people in their neighborhood than he did in six years in the same apartment building.
After lunch Lauren left for class. Tony carried a sleepy baby to the nursery.
“Cool, Cool.” Jamie patted Tony’s face.
“I’ll see you soon. Then you’ll come to live with me four days every week.”
“Tee.”
Tony shook his head. He stood by the crib while his nephew’s eyes closed. Hazel eyes just like Lauren’s. Tony’s hands clenched. He strode to the bedroom for his bags and carried them downstairs. In the garage he put the luggage in the trunk. As soon as Lauren returned he would leave.
Tony returned to the living room. A chunk had been torn from the wall he’d built to keep his distance from forming long term relationships. Could the breach be repaired? Maybe he should let Lauren have full custody. She could live with Jamie in the condo and he could help with expenses.
Impossible. He’d made a promise. Jim had named him as one of the guardians. Though in the past other promises he’d made to his brother had been broken, Tony vowed to keep this one.
His plans had been made. He would follow them. No matter that Lauren was a sexy woman and the lover most in tune with his rhythms he’d ever found. The moment she arrived he was gone. He would call and give her a choice of days. The right nanny could work weekends with three days off instead of two.
Cries fro
m the nursery made him dash upstairs. Jamie stood clutching the crib bars. Tears ran down his face. “Dada.”
Tony lifted his nephew. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Just Uncle Tony.”
As soon as Jamie’s sobbing stopped Tony changed his diaper and carried him downstairs. He stretched on the couch and tucked the infant against his chest. He drifted to sleep and woke when a door closed. He rubbed his eyes and tried to focus.
Lauren stood behind the couch. “Carrie said she used to come home from her evening class to find Jamie and James asleep like this.”
He rose and handed her the child. “Something came up. I have to head back now.”
“A problem?”
He looked away. One he couldn’t explain other than he needed distance from her. “Client. I’ll call you and we can discuss which days will be best for you to have Jamie. I’m thinking of Monday through Wednesday would be good for you.” He pulled on his coat. “Oh, I won’t put the condo up for sale right now. You can stay here with Jamie.”
“That would be great but I don’t think I can handle the rent.”
“There’s none. Jim paid cash for the unit. Taxes are handled.”
“Utilities.”
“We can work that out.” He reached the door into the garage. Like a man fleeing a disaster, Tony stepped from the house. He used the opener and started his car. He looked up. Lauren and Jamie were framed in the doorway. They waved. He waved back and put the car in reverse. Ten minutes later he was on the road leading to the George Washington Bridge.
He drew deep breaths. Slowly his panic ebbed. He chewed on the why of his reaction as though gnawing a bone. What had spooked him? The possibilities or the impossibilities? Did it matter? Until he released the guilt he felt about being a distant brother he couldn’t think of the real reason for his flight.
When he reached his apartment building, he left the car in the underground garage and rode the elevator to the penthouse. There, he dropped his luggage in his bedroom and strode to the living room. He filled a snifter with brandy. Notes of Beethoven’s Fifth interrupted. For a moment his heard raced. He answered. He realized the woman wasn’t Lauren but one of his playmates.
“Sorry. Not tonight. I’ll give you a call. Ciao.” He disconnected. He sipped the brandy. Why hadn’t he accepted the invitation?
Surprising Seduction Page 4
