Fair Play

by Shay, Janna

  Jace knew the moment she surrendered. He reversed their positions and placed her against the door while he turned the lock. Kissing her throat, he felt her pulse race as he tasted the sultry heat of her. The need to make her his grew with every kiss, every touch, every taste. A gnawing hunger raged through his body demanding respite, making him groan with its intensity. He slowed the tempo down as he felt himself losing control. The compulsion to bring her pleasure overrode his own need.

  Growling deep in his throat, he removed her dress, impatient to feel her silken skin beneath his hands. His body pulsated with his need as he bent and picked her up, taking her to the bed. He laid her down as he knelt beside her.

  “I want to see you,” he said, reaching over and turning on the light. His eyes pierced her as he removed the small silken barrier that veiled her secrets.

  Dani covered her nudity with her hands at his penetrating gaze. Grasping her hands, his voice husky with desire, Jace pleaded, “Please don’t hide yourself from me. You’re so beautiful.”

  He tormented her with his hands as he molded her flesh and methodically explored every inch of her body. Her breasts were full and firm, making him ache for the taste of her. He ran hot kisses down her neck and over her breasts, causing her to arch toward him, begging him to take more. His mouth caressed her flesh, trailing down her trembling stomach, over the silken skin of her inner thighs.

  Dani cried out as she implored, “Please, Jace, make love to me. I can’t take anymore.”

  Desire became need, and need became desperation as he ignored her plea. A desperation to taste her, a desperation to devour her, a desperation to possess her body and soul. A madness-like compulsion drove him to bring her higher as he ignored her plea. He continued his assault, making her muscles quiver as he mercilessly nibbled, then soothed, her aching flesh. Her heady taste consumed him as he brought her over the first peak with his hands and mouth. She screamed and bowed off the bed sending his desire rocketing. His forehead beaded with sweat as he restrained his passion.

  Her body shuddered and exploded into a million particles as he propelled her over the edge. As she struggled for every ragged breath, he kissed his way back up her body, searing and branding her with his mouth. Her naked flesh trembled as he rekindled her desire and pressed his body down on hers.

  Dani strained toward Jace, craving the feel of his hands, the taste of his mouth, and the fire of his passion. He imprisoned her with invisible strands of sensation as he awakened a need that terrified her with its power. He wrenched moans from her as he continued to drive her higher. The need to feel him inside her drove her to desperation as she clung to his body.

  When he plunged inside her, she clenched his hips and arched toward him, urging him on. She was insane with need, not knowing if she wanted him to prolong this exquisite agony or bring it to an end. Her blood spiked to a fever pitch, making her heart hammer uncontrollably in her chest.

  “Open your eyes,” he demanded. She obeyed, and met his passion-filled gaze.

  “Come with me. Let go, Dani. I won’t go without you,” he declared. Her eyes became opaque as she soared up, making his control snap as he launched them over the edge.

  Dani was still as her breathing slowly returned to normal. Her hands caressed Jace’s back as she absorbed the various sensations, tiny pulses and contractions, still playing inside her.

  He raised himself to his elbows to ease some of his weight off her, and kissed her softly.

  She gazed at him with a look of wonder. “I had no idea. You must think I’m an idiot.”

  Smiling, Jace teased, “Never, I’m just really good,” he said on a laugh. Moving, he shifted back, drawing her with him.

  She immediately sat up and asked, a frown creasing her brows. “What are you doing?”

  He tilted his head to the side. “I’m trying to hold you. Is something wrong?”

  “Well, yes. We’re all done.”

  He bolted upright. “What are you trying to say? You aren’t seriously asking me to leave?”

  What was wrong with him? Rolling her eyes, she asked, “You mean you don’t know? You’re supposed to know these things. You’re the experienced one.”

  He shrugged. “Know what? What are you talking about?”

  She shook her head. “You’re supposed to get dressed and leave.” Frowning at his incredulous expression, she asked, “Isn’t that what men always do?”

  Jace couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Rubbing her arm, he asked gently, “Sweetheart, are you trying to tell me you’ve never been held after making love?”

  “N-no. I’ve never been held.”

  He pulled her down with him as he lay back down. “There are obviously a lot of things I need to teach you, but for now we’re going to rest. Put your head on my shoulder and relax.”

  Instead of relaxing, Dani’s heart spiked as she thought of Jace. Her body still hummed from his lovemaking. She’d been foolish enough to declare she didn’t like sex. Boy, did Jace prove her wrong! She still wanted him as much, if not more, than before. What was she going to do? Was there a chance for a relationship with him or would her past make that impossible? That was a question for another day. She refused to let her past intrude on her night with Jace.

  She nuzzled his neck as she drew circles on his chest.

  Putting his hand over her fingers to stop her playful action, Jace made a face. “You’re not going to let me rest, are you?”

  Silently happy that he was still awake, she feigned innocence. “Sorry, am I bothering you? I’ll just get up and go in the other room so you can rest.”

  Before she moved an inch, Jace had her flat on her back while he leaned over her.

  “You’re not going anywhere until you admit you were wrong.”

  She gazed at him and grinned. “What do you mean? What am I supposed to admit to being wrong about?”

  “You know exactly what you were wrong about. But if you need a reminder, I’m sure I can give you a detailed explanation.” Jace raised his eyebrow.

  “Okay, you win. I was wrong.”

  “Not good enough. What were you wrong about?”

  “Damn! You’re not going to be happy until I spell it all out for you, are you?”

  Jace shook his head and Dani continued, but not before she narrowed her eyes at him. “Okay. I was wrong about not liking sex, and you were right. Satisfied?” Dani’s eyes widened as his erection pressed against her thigh.

  Leaning down to kiss her ear, Jace whispered, “Sweetheart, I’m nowhere near being satisfied. We’re just getting started. We have all night.”

  Dani awoke the next morning cuddled up next to Jace. She eased out of his arms and slid slowly out of bed, being careful not to wake him. Turning on the shower, she stepped in, stretching and purring at the blissful feelings of contentment, then felt the soreness of muscles that hadn’t been used for some time. She got goose bumps and shivered from the memories of the night of passion they’d shared. She soon found her desire for him rekindled. She had no idea that making love to Jace would feel so incredible. Now she knew how truly inexperienced she’d been. Jace had taught her things she had no idea were possible, and she’d loved every minute of it. Closing her eyes, she let the water run down her body, reminding her of all the sensitive places he had found.

  The shower door opened and Jace walked in. “Do you need help scrubbing your back?” Jace gazed at her naked body with heat in his eyes and lathered his hands.

  She grinned, then turned and faced him. “There are a few places I’m going to need help with, if you think you’re up to it.” Rubbing soap on her body, Dani shivered with pleasure as Jace helped her wash. She lowered her eyes and commented in a sultry voice as she reached for him, “I see you’re definitely up to it.”

  Chapter 7

  For the rest of the day, Dani couldn’t tear her thoughts from Jace. Their night together played in her head like a movie. With every fiber of her being she wanted a relationship with him. Was it even p
ossible? She’d been lucky so far to have found the anonymity she needed here in Vegas, but knew it was a matter of time before she’d be forced to leave. What then? Would the rest of her life be plagued with thoughts of him? Was she a fool for not taking the opportunity fate had placed before her? She wanted to take what Jace offered with both hands and never let go. Should she grab what happiness she could while she still had her cloak of obscurity, or should she be responsible and not start something she knew could go nowhere? Wanting him with a hunger that never seemed to end, yet at the same time knowing that she shouldn’t allow him into her life, was tearing her up.

  Trying to get her feelings in control, Dani tried to look at her situation objectively. She was hopelessly attracted to Jace, not only because of his looks, although that had been her initial attraction. But he was also sexy, intelligent, interesting, and a good person, not to mention that he turned her inside out when he made love to her. He had a quiet strength that promised to be everything she needed, and an innate gentleness he wasn’t even aware he possessed. On the other hand, she didn’t have anything to offer him, but the probability of disaster that could change his life for the worse.

  All through the night, Dani found no relief. She tried reading, drinking milk, and even took a sleeping pill, but nothing worked. All thoughts turned to Jace and their time together.

  The day was turning out like yesterday. She had a headache, no appetite, and found herself straying toward Jace’s office twice. She needed to get a grip. She’d been perfectly fine before him, and she’d be perfectly fine now.

  When the day was done, she decided to go up to her apartment for some much-needed sleep. When that didn’t come, she picked up her book, the latest romance from a best-selling author. After reading the same paragraph six times and not remembering what she read, she put the book down in disgust. What’s wrong with you? You have no self-control where that man is concerned. It’s obvious you’re not going to get any sleep tonight, so you have two options. Either you go to his apartment and seduce the pants off of him, or you lay awake sulking and feeling sorry for yourself all night.

  Dani jumped out of bed, slipped on a pair of slippers, put on a coat, then left the apartment. Determined, she rode the elevator to Jace’s apartment, and almost lost her nerve outside his door. What if he wasn’t alone or didn’t want to see her? What if he didn’t want her anymore or didn’t want to make love to her? That was too damn bad. She was going to knock on that door, and he could throw her out if he didn’t want her. As she stood in the hallway waiting for him to answer, she changed her mind. Just as she was turning to leave, the door opened. Jace stood there in a pair of slacks and nothing else. She’d never seen a sexier or more inviting sight in her life.

  “Hi, Dani, what do you need?”

  “Are you busy?”

  “No, but it’s been a long day. If it’s business, can it wait until tomorrow? I’d like to relax and have a drink before I go to bed.”

  “It can wait. Sorry to have bothered you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Jace’s hand shot out and stopped her before she turned to leave. “Would you like to have a drink with me?” He was bone tired but happy to see her.

  “If you’re sure you’re not too tired.”

  He shut the door, noticing she was in slippers. He wondered what was so important that she came to see him dressed as she was. He was under no illusions that she came to see him because she missed him. He poured her a drink, then handed it to her. “Would you like me to take your coat?”

  She felt her nerves jump. “No thanks. I’m fine.” She sat down on the couch.

  “So what did you need?” Jace sat on the other end of the couch.

  Dani took a big gulp of her drink and started choking.

  “Are you all right?” He reached over quickly and patted her back.

  Wheezing, she answered, “Couldn’t be better.”

  “What did you come up to see me about?”

  “Would it be all right if I finished my drink before I told you?” She’d be in a world of hurt if he rejected her, but knew she couldn’t leave without trying. The good thing was if he didn’t want her, she didn’t have to try again.

  “Sweetheart, whatever it is, you can tell me. You don’t need a drink for courage. I’ll try to help you if I can.”

  Not trusting herself, she downed the rest of the drink in one gulp. Her eyes watered as she choked. She put the empty glass on the coffee table, then stood up and faced him. “I came up here to ask you a question.”

  “What do you want to ask me?”

  “I know you’re tired and all, but by any chance do you feel like making love to me?”

  Jace had just taken a sip of his drink, and it was his turn to start sputtering. Dani saw his choking as a sign the answer was no. Tears stung her eyes, threatening to fall, making her abandon her resolve to seduce him. Spinning quickly, she dashed to the door, but she wasn’t quick enough.

  Jace grabbed her, drew her into his arms, then kissed her. He gazed into her eyes. “I never thought I’d hear you admit you wanted me.”

  “I’ve been going crazy with want. I’ve tried everything to get you out of my mind, but nothing works. Please make love to me,” she pleaded.

  He crushed his mouth to hers, then picked her up and carried into the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, he untied the sash to her coat, then stopped.

  “Dani, why don’t you have any clothes on? Are you crazy walking around the hotel in nothing but a coat?”

  Dani grinned with a wicked smile. “I was going to seduce you if you said no, but I chickened out.”

  Laughing, he eased himself on top of her. “That isn’t playing fair.”

  “Who said I played fair.” Dani pulled him down for a smoldering kiss. “Now keep quiet and make love to me.”

  Chapter 8

  Dani walked on air over the next week. She and Jace had become serious lovers, spending their free time together and making rapturous love every night. She found Jace to be a tender, considerate lover and couldn’t believe her good fortune. Still having the ability to melt her with just a touch or a kiss, Dani was sure that would never change.

  Today was her 25th birthday, and Jace was taking her out to dinner to celebrate. She went shopping and bought a new dress for the occasion and some sexy new lingerie for afterward. She was excited about going out and was dressed and ready before 6:00 p.m.

  Prompt as ever, Jace was at her door exactly at 6:00. He wore an Italian suit with a mint green shirt making him look more handsome than ever, if that was possible. She pulled him in her arms for a steamy kiss.

  He stepped back, then took a good long look at her. “Damn, you look good enough to eat.”

  “So do you,” she answered wickedly.

  “Dani, I know that look. You always have something up your sleeve when you look at me that way.”

  Throwing her arms around his neck, she said, “I want another kiss for my birthday.”

  Jace started to move away, but Dani didn’t release him from the embrace. “If we stay here kissing much longer, we’ll never make it to dinner.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m not hungry ... for food anyway. Let’s stay here and get naked.” She caressed him through his slacks.

  Jace grabbed her hand. “You’re insatiable. If you want me to have the energy to make love to you properly tonight, then I need to eat some food or I won’t be any good for you.”

  Dani grabbed his tie, then led him out the door. “Better eat a lot, because you owe me big time, and I intend to collect.”

  After dinner, Jace gave her a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet for a birthday present. Though the gesture took her breath away, she couldn’t accept such an extravagant gift from Jace. They were still arguing about it when they got back to her apartment.

  “Damn it, Dani! I wish you’d just accept my present with good graces.”

  “Oh, Jace, I don’t mean to imply that I don’t appreciate your present. I love it. It�
��s the most beautiful present I’ve ever received, but you didn’t need to spend all that money.”

  He put his arms around her from behind. “I wanted to give you something special.”

  She rotated in his arms and snaked her arms around his neck. “You give me something special every night.”

  “I aim to please. I do have some really great skills,” he joked.

  Dani lowered her arms, then shook her wrist making the bracelet shimmer. “You really shouldn’t go to such extremes to get laid. You could’ve had me with earrings.”

  Jace swatted her butt playfully as Dani tried to get away. “Just for that, you’re going to have to sweet talk me if you want any loving tonight.”

  “I’ll bet you fifty bucks I can get you to make love to me without my having to say one nice thing to you.”

  “You’ve got a bet. But no grabbing of body parts because that’s not fair.”

  “Agreed. Before I bring you to your knees, I’d like to have a drink. Could you please make me one while I go change?”

  It was time to play her winning card, a sexy, red, silky semi-shear nightgown with slits on the side. And to set the mood, candles flickering around the room. She walked sensuously into the living. When Jace looked up, he bobbled the drink in his hand. Score one for Dani.

  “I knew you had something planned when I saw that wicked look on your face earlier. Deal’s off. You don’t play fair. I don’t stand a chance.”

  “Well, if you don’t like it, I’ll just take it off.” She bent to pull the nightgown off.

  Jace jumped up, then stopped her before she could finish. “Not on your life. That’s my job.”