Following his gaze, Noelle lowered her eyes only to find her nipples prominently displayed through the lace of her bra and the thin fabric of her dress. Instead of crossing her arms over her chest in an attempt at modesty, she slowly started buttoning her sweater, from the bottom up.
When her fingers reached the button at the rise of her breasts, Cash’s gaze snapped up and locked with hers. His eyes were dark and his pupils dilated. Color rode high on his cheeks and Noelle would bet it had nothing at all to do with the cold.
It didn’t matter how hard she tried, Noelle couldn’t keep her eyes locked on his. Not when the possibility of glimpsing his straining erection made her mouth water. She lowered her eyes to his fly, not even trying to hide where she was looking.
Damn!
She’d always known he was going to be awe-inspiring, beautiful even, but the sight of the thick ridge straining against the zippered fly of his jeans was just too much.
“Goddammit, Noelle! Knock that shit off.” Cash’s voice thundered through the haze of lust clouding her thoughts. Never before had he been able to embarrass her, and yet, this time he’d accomplished it without even trying.
She cleared her throat, trying to hide her discomfort then looked around her, hoping no one had witnessed her blatantly gawking at Cash’s crotch. “All right, already. I’ll come to the bar and borrow a heavier coat.”
Huffing a huge sigh of relief when Cash turned away from her, Noelle wondered for the first time since returning home if she was getting in way over her head.
Chapter Two
She was following him. Cash knew it even though he had yet to turn and see for himself. Her scent enveloped him like a gentle breeze, tickling his senses while making his cock throb to life. Knowing she had the ability to make him as stiff as a fence post without even trying irritated Cash to no end.
If Noelle ever really set her mind to seducing him, Cash knew he’d be screwed. Literally.
He opened the door to Raising Cain for Noelle. He had to hide his grin as she stomped through, making her anger known. She was a stubborn piece of baggage, that was for sure.
“Go on up and find something…warmer in my closet.” Noticing once again the peaked tips of her beautiful breasts made Cash stumble over his words.
He didn’t follow her up or offer to help. To do so would be asking for trouble Cash didn’t need. Besides, it wasn’t as if his place was so big she wouldn’t be able to find the closet, he reminded himself as he set about making hot chocolate.
Noelle returned in moments. She looked utterly adorable and devastatingly sexy all but swallowed whole by his coat. She didn’t look too happy, however.
“This is never going to work, Cash. Dammit! I can hardly move.”
Noelle flapped her arms like a bird taking flight to make her point. The sleeves of his coat stopped several inches below her fingertips. The hem didn’t stop until nearly her knees.
Perfect.
“Watch your mouth and come here so I can roll the sleeves, darlin’. Unless you want to pack up and head home?”
By the look on her face, Cash knew Noelle didn’t much care for the choices he’d given her. “I’ll be staying. Hurry up so I can get back to my post.”
Noelle kept her eyes glued to the front window. Chaos was a small Texas town, with family-oriented folks but just like any other place on earth, there was occasional theft. She’d brought her little red money pot with her but her belongings sat on the sidewalk right where she’d left them.
“You brought a duffle,” Cash commented, motioning across the street, “but not a coat?” He’d never understand women and the way their minds worked.
“It has my stuff in it and a change of clothes. I’m supposed to wear this getup while ringing the bell but I need something else for after and didn’t want to have to drive all the way home.”
Cash thought about her words for a minute. He wanted to know what she needed a change of clothes for but knew asking would raise her ire to an even higher level. She’d think he was being the bossy big brother again, when in reality, Cash was worried she might need the change of clothes for a hot date or something similarly wicked.
Jealousy won out. “What’s the change of clothes for?” Cash winced at the gruffness of his voice.
Noelle raised a perfectly arched blonde brow at his tone. Could she tell he was getting jealous? Did she have any idea what the thought of her with another man did to him deep down inside?
“Jeez, lighten up already. I’ll be job hunting after I finish my shift and I don’t think this outfit is appropriate for the occasion.”
Cash punched down the guilt threatening to choke him. He’d refused her a job because it was what was best for the both of them. He wasn’t ready for anything permanent and even if he were, Noelle, as the best friend to his little sister, was off-limits.
“Come on over after you’re done and use my apartment to change.” He made the offer while mentally kicking himself. Once finished rolling the sleeves of the coat Noelle was wearing, he took a few steps back.
Noelle opened her mouth. Cash was sure it was to argue and didn’t give her the chance. Arms across his chest, stance wide, he narrowed his eyes. “It’s warmer here than a public restroom and cleaner, so don’t argue.”
She just stood there staring at him for a minute before she gave a single sharp nod of her head. Then, instead of stomping her foot or pouting as he expected, Noelle moved impossibly close to him. Heat radiated off her voluptuous body in waves, nearly pulling him in. It was her finger poking his chest that brought him back.
Her closeness was overwhelming as was the feel of her finger touching him. Even if it was just to poke at him. Cash caught her wrist on its next pass toward his chest and used it as leverage to jerk her body against his.
She was warm and pliant in his arms, a sure sign she was more than willing for anything he cast her way. Damn, the woman was going to be the death of him. Cash wasn’t sure it was possible to get close enough to ease the ache in his groin but he’d damn well try.
Without warning, Cash slanted his mouth over hers, licking and nibbling at her. “You taste so good,” he growled against her lips. “Open up for me, darlin’.”
Noelle parted her lips, taking everything he had to give as if they were made just for each other. When Cash finally broke the kiss to bury his face in the curve of her neck, Noelle was panting.
Erotic visions of Noelle and him together danced through his mind. Cash was sure some of the things he wanted to do to her delectable body were illegal.
When Noelle pushed closer, all but climbing his body, Cash lifted the hem of the jacket she still wore then pressed a knee between her thighs. She was hot against his leg. Her heat seeped into his body causing his balls to draw up close to the base of his shaft in anticipation.
Noelle whimpered low in her throat. The contact between their bodies wasn’t enough to get her off and Cash wanted to see her fly apart. He needed to see the bliss on her face before he once again sent her off.
Just thinking about pissing her off again or even worse, making her cry, left him breathless and not in a good way. It was like a fist squeezing his insides, cruel and unusual, but there was no way around it because there was no future for the two of them together.
“Ride me, darlin’. Show me how pretty you look when you come.”
Noelle’s glazed eyes fixed on his face as he used her hips to pull her close, lifting until she was on the tips of her toes. When she gasped and rocked forward, increasing the pace Cash had set, he knew she was getting close.
“That’s it, baby. Come on. Come for me, Noelle.”
Cash dug his fingers into her hips, pulling her hard against him and she shattered. Her cry of completion as well as the scent of her arousal would haunt his nights for years to come.
Taking a deep breath, Cash tried to steel himself for what was to come. With a wealth of regret, he set Noelle away from him then, swallowing the bile that threatened to rise, he sa
id, “Go finish your shift then go home, Noelle. This is no place for you.”
“I’m not your little sister, Cash. Never was and never will be, so stop treating me like a goddamned child.”
She was pissed and hurt, that much he was sure of. Her eyes shot green lasers at him. If looks could kill, he’d be six feet under in no time.
“Then stop acting like a goddamned child.” Cash knew his words were harsh but she’d asked for it by throwing a fit. “I won’t tell you again to watch your mouth either, darlin’.”
Cash led Noelle to the door. Once outside, he turned her toward the street. She’d only taken one flouncing step away from him when Cash brought the palm of his hand down on her delectable ass.
Noelle yelped then looked around in abject horror as if being caught getting spanked was the worst possible thing in the world. Cash would have to keep that in mind.
“Watch your mouth, brat, and stop trying to push me. You won’t like the outcome.”
* * * * *
It was hard to stalk across the street as if in a huff of anger when she was so wet her cream was surely coating her thighs. Her damp panties clung to the folds of her pussy like a drunken lover.
Cash had swatted her. Making her climax had been great, the kiss so passionate Noelle was sure she’d be dreaming about it for days, but he’d actually spanked her ass! Noelle’s mind swirled with arousal even as the curve of her ass stung. Even through multiple layers of fabric, she could feel the burn. Imagining what he could do to her bare flesh made her shiver with delight.
Cash would probably head for the hills if he knew he’d just partially fulfilled one of her all-time favorite erotic fantasies, forget the fact that he’d just brought her to a raging orgasm without taking even a stitch of clothing off.
The original skirmish might have involved a job at Raising Cain but in Noelle’s mind, the only way she could truly be the victor was by claiming Cash. A dreamy smile curved her lips. Noelle straightened for a minute. She had to remember that pacing herself was the important part. If she intended to win the war, she’d have to take things slow.
A thought so brilliant it nearly blinded her flashed through her mind. Noelle studied the street, allowing her gaze to drift up one side and down the other. There were several small shops sporting antiques and collectibles but the main attraction, besides Raising Cain, was the new sports bar Dooner’s, which catered mostly to the college crowd.
It was rumored that the waitresses were all young ladies who wore low-riding jeans and tight sports-oriented T-shirts cropped at the bottom to show their midriffs.
Sounded like just the job Noelle needed to keep things interesting.
She hadn’t applied there before out of loyalty to her friend Casey and the McCain family business but she’d been left with no choice in the matter since Cash refused to hire her.
She smiled again, a knowing smile the likes of which would make the devil himself tremble in fear. Happy once again, Noelle set out ringing her bell and spreading the holiday spirit with an extra boisterous flare.
Her voice was a bit hoarse by the end of her shift but Noelle felt light and springy. After loading her work-related supplies in the trunk of her car, she headed across the street to Raising Cain with nothing more than her duffle bag in hand.
“Hi, honey. I’m home,” Noelle announced as she strode casually through the door.
Cash was behind the bar stocking bottles of beer in the cooler while talking to one lone customer. Red vinyl-covered stools stood beside the bar ready for the evening ahead, as did the chairs next to the tables. The floor had obviously been swept and mopped. On the floor, fresh sawdust had been scattered.
Noelle couldn’t help herself. She was in such a good mood, knowing damned well she’d soon have the upper hand that she couldn’t help but push her luck.
Cash had stopped working and was now just standing there staring at her, a confused look on his handsome face.
Noelle sidled up to him, happy to know she could shake him up just a bit. “Aren’t you going to welcome me?” She laughed as she went up on tiptoe to kiss the side of his jaw. She’d have preferred his lips or even his cheek but Cash was too tall.
His extremely large hands grabbed a hold of her arms. His touch was firm but gentle as he placed her away from him.
“Don’t do that again.” His voice was strangled, low and raspy in a way Noelle had never heard it before.
Knowing she had to take it slow didn’t make it any easier. Deciding to lighten things up, Noelle smiled impishly. “Hey, you invited me to change my clothes, insisted really. Remember?” She batted her eyelashes for good measure.
Cash didn’t laugh. Hell, he didn’t even smile. He thrust a hand through his hair and sighed. “To change your clothes, Noelle. Nothing more.”
Her fingers itched to feel his hair. Would it be silky soft or coarse? It didn’t matter in the least. When she finally got the chance to clutch it between her fingers while Cash’s face was buried between her thighs, she wasn’t ever going to let go.
Noelle could feel her cheeks heat. Looking away from Cash’s intense gaze damn near took an act of Congress, but finally she managed. Could he tell she was aroused? He’d probably bellow the roof down if he knew exactly what it was she’d been thinking.
“Just checking, big boy. Just checking.” Noelle waggled her fingers just the way she knew would annoy him then fled to the stairs leading to Cash’s apartment.
Once inside, she hurriedly changed her clothes. She wanted to get over to Dooner’s before it got too busy. Maybe then she’d be able to talk the owner into taking on one more waitress.
If so, she’d be killing two birds with one stone. Not only would she have a decent paying job but, if she knew Cash half as well as she thought she did, it would piss him off to no end. What more could she ask for?
Noelle skipped down the steps light on her feet, her spirits soaring. With a smile on her face, she entered the cavernous room immediately searching out Cash. She finally found him in the storeroom with Connor and Carson, his younger twin brothers.
* * * * *
“The truck ought to be here anytime. Why don’t you two head out back and wait for it?”
Cash made the command sound like a request, but his brothers knew it for what it was worth.
“Sure,” Connor started, his smile growing by the second.
“Whatever you say,” Carson finished, his gaze bouncing first to Noelle then back to Cash.
Cash still found it funny the way they could finish each other’s sentences. What he didn’t find the least bit amusing was the way they were both staring at Noelle, looking her up and down as if she were a rich and creamy desert.
“Now would be good.” This time, Cash left no doubt as to his feelings on the matter. After Carson and Connor left, Cash turned back to Noelle.
Her honey blonde hair was loose, swinging around her shoulder, framing her features in a way that made his cock throb to life. The pale green orbs of her eyes held a wealth of mirth. The vixen was playing him again.
Cash decided to continue with her lessons. He’d give her a taste of her own medicine. His mind screamed for him to retreat but his mouth insisted he move forward, just for a taste.
He’d just scare her a bit. Cash knew not all women craved their loving rough and messy the way he liked it, so he’d use that little bit to gain leverage. To make her forget she’d ever had a crush on him.
“Come here.” Noelle’s eyes widened and the smile slipped from her face. “Now, Noelle.”
Her breath quickened at the sound of his voice, causing her breasts to bob enticingly beneath the confines of her too tight T-shirt.
She moved toward him slowly. Cash gave her no time to think or react before he gathered her close. Her hair swung around her shoulders as he jerked her against his chest, causing her unique scent to waft around them. Cash inhaled deeply, taking the scent of Noelle deep into his lungs.
For a second, her body stiffened agai
nst his tight hold. Cursing himself for a fool, Cash slanted his mouth across hers, plundering the moistness he found between her parted lips.
The urge to nip her lower lip was too enticing to fight. The feel of her warm flesh between his teeth was heavenly. Noelle’s gasp at the sharp sting of pain was like music to his ears. Cash lapped at the hurt causing Noelle to all but melt into him. She was nearly purring in delight by the time he finished.
In mindless need, he clasped the finely rounded globes of her ass in his hands, pulling her close, grinding his hips against hers. Cash nearly came in his pants at the contact. The plan to run Noelle off had, in effect, backfired on him.
All thought of trying to salvage what was left of his sanity fled at the contact. Cash broke the kiss and stepped away from Noelle, but only for a moment, just long enough to lift her shirt above her breasts. The sight of her nearly naked chest made his mouth water.
Needing her nipples free for his mouth, Cash lowered the cups of her bra until her breasts spilled over the top, begging for his touch. Noelle shivered at the first touch of his tongue then groaned when he worried the erect nub between his teeth.
She seemed to enjoy the small bite of pain, a reaction that urged Cash on. He felt a bit of triumph at the dazed look on her face. Her normally clear eyes were glazed with lust and need.
Cash tried not to think of what it would be like to wake up every morning to the feel of her body snuggled against his, to take her every morning, in every way thinkable. Would she always look so luscious after he made love to her?
Cash’s mind snapped back to the present. The need to be inside of her, to feel the fist-tight channel of her pussy throb around his cock made him mad with desire. Cash, knowing he was moving beyond the point of no return, wrenched her pants open. Then, dropping to his knees, he took them as well as her barely there panties with him.
As much as he wanted to taste her, to tease and torment her every fold, Cash just couldn’t wait. He took only the time needed to unzip his fly and sheathe himself with a condom from his wallet before bending Noelle over the deep freezer sitting in the corner of the storeroom.
White Hot Holidays 9: Christmas Cash Page 2
