Fair Play

by Shay, Janna

  She writhed on the sheets, then she cried out, “Jace, no more, please. I need you now.”

  His relentless exploration continued, his need to possess her body and soul urging him on. His heart pounded harder, his blood burned hotter as his hands and mouth greedily glided over her. He rained kisses over every inch of her.

  “Take me. I need you,” she moaned.

  His mouth fastened on to hers, devouring her lips until his head swam with her taste. Her body quivered with passion, yet he refused to end their torment. His need to merge their hearts overrode his body’s demands. He couldn’t settle for anything less than everything she was.

  She moved frantically beneath him, scraping his back with her nails, urging him to finish. With each stroke, he drove them higher and higher until he was crazy with need.

  She cried out his name and he followed suit as they soared over the edge.

  Afterward, they lay quietly joined as Dani caressed his back, as if still needing to touch him. He kissed her gently as she brushed the damp hair from his forehead.

  “Making love to you was always incredible. Tonight transcended anything I have ever felt in my life.”

  “I always knew it’d be like this. Why do you think I was so relentless?” He kissed her. “There is only you in my life. There will always be only you.”

  A couple hours later, Jace lay on his side, his head cradled on his hand, as he studied the perfection of her face. As his finger lightly traced her delicate features, Dani’s eyes slowly opened.

  Raising her hand, she caressed his cheek. “Can’t you sleep?”

  “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” he said in awe.

  “Or me you. Don’t ever stop wanting me,” she whispered as she wound her arms around him.

  Chapter 13

  Dani eased out of bed quietly, then grabbed a towel and jumped in the shower. As she stood leaning with her arms on the wall and the warm water sluicing over her body, her thoughts wandered to Jace. Their joining had become something ethereal, changing her forever. Fear of capture would never control her life or dwell in her thoughts again. Jace’s love had taken that fear away. As long as memories of his love remained in her mind, she could endure anything. The day would still come when she’d have to leave, but not because she feared her past. Her stomach quivered as she realized her fear was now for him.

  Her mind carried her back into the past as she remembered the reason she’d been forced into this vagabond lifestyle. What had happened could never be changed, but she could make sure that the consequences of her actions would never stain Jace. Whatever it took to prevent that, she was willing to do. Even if it meant giving him up. The truth of her past had to stay hidden, for both their sakes. His, so it couldn’t hurt him, and hers, because she couldn’t live with his hate. Hate that was sure to come once he knew her secret. The shower door opened. “Need help washing?”

  She smiled, an attempt to give no indication where her thoughts had strayed, forcing them into the deep recesses of her mind. She threw him the soap. “I need a lot of help. There are so many places I can’t reach. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “I aim to please.”

  As she was drying off, Jace hugged her from behind. She leaned back, crossing her arms over his. He gave her a quick kiss, then spied her staring at his image in the mirror.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, everything is so right.”

  He pulled her to him. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll never get to work this morning.”

  Dani burrowed her body closer. “Hmm ... sounds great.”

  Daylight streamed into the living room as Dani stood in front of the window enjoying a cup of coffee. Jace grabbed her around the waist and sat her on the couch.

  “What are you doing? I thought you had to get to work?”

  “I do, but I want to talk to you about something first.” He grasped her hands. “I want you to move in with me.”

  “I see.” Was it wise to take their relationship up to the next level so quickly? “What about the casino?”

  “What about it?”

  “You’re still my boss. Living together is a lot different than seeing each other.”

  “That’s not a problem. I want you with me, not on another floor of the hotel.”

  Her hand drifted to her stomach as it turned upside down. “I think we need to settle a couple of things before we decide.”

  “What do we need to settle?”

  Nervous, she stood up, then poured herself another cup of coffee. Legs trembling, she leaned against the kitchen doorway and faced him. “We can move in together as long as you’re aware that someday I’ll have to leave. I’m not free to make any lasting commitments.”

  He raked his hand through his hair, then stood up. “What exactly do you mean by that? I thought you wanted to have a relationship with me?”

  She crossed to him, then framed his face. “What’s between us can only be temporary. I can only hurt you by staying.”

  He frowned. “I don’t understand. How can you hurt me?”

  She pulled away, then went to the window and watched the city come to life. Maybe she’d been wrong in thinking she could make a life here with him. Why did he have to ask her to live with him? She would have been happy just seeing each other. But would he? She’d hurt him by staying and hurt him by going. He deserved a life with a future, something she couldn’t give him.

  She cleared her throat, fighting the tears pricking the backs of her eyes. “Nothing I say will help you understand. There are things about me that you know nothing about. Things that can hurt you. I can’t let that happen.”

  He walked over to her and gently turned her. “Talk to me. Don’t throw away our chance at happiness. Tell me what you’re so afraid of?”

  Sadness flowed through her body as tears swam in her eyes. “You deserve so much more than I can give. You need to forget me and live your life. It’s best if I leave.” She turned toward the door.

  He swung her around. “That’s not an explanation, that’s an excuse. An excuse for you to run again. You can’t go through life running away every time something scares you. I thought you cared about me?”

  “I do. If things were different, nothing could tear me away from you. But they’re not.”

  Dani cringed. She could almost feel the frustration running through his body.

  “You can tell me anything. Whatever you’re afraid of, I’ll help you. But you have to trust me.”

  Her nerves jumbled, making her jittery. She paced nervously, then stopped. Her voice rose in fear. “You can’t help me. No one can.” She burst into tears.

  He tugged her into his arms and let her cry. Nudging her chin up with his fingers, he said, “Come on, sit with me and talk.” He led her to the couch. “I want you to make a life with me for as long as you can. Will you give me that much at least?”

  Dani touched his face. “Won’t it be harder for you if I stay?”

  “No. If I can’t have you for forever, then I’ll take whatever time you can give me. At least I’ll have memories.”

  “When the time comes, I have to leave. You have to let me go.”

  He gave a curt nod.

  “There’s one more thing to be resolved. I’m your employee, and my living with you might cause problems. There will be talk.”

  “Do you really think I give a damn about that? Let them talk. I refuse to skulk around like we’re doing something wrong. It’s settled. You’re moving in with me.”

  “We need to ...”

  He covered her mouth with his, kissing her until all thought fled.

  “It settled. I’ll meet you for dinner at the steakhouse, then we’ll move your things here.”

  “No we ... ”

  He kissed her again until she was senseless.

  “Jace ... we.”

  He kissed her again.

  She pushed against his chest. “Are you going to use these underhanded tactics every time I don�
�t agree with you?”

  Jace kissed her deeply, until she responded. Her arms curled around his shoulders as she moved closer to him. Lifting her head, she said, “You don’t play fair.”

  He picked her up and laid her on the couch. As he followed her down, he mumbled, “I never said I played fair.”

  “How did it go last night?”

  Dani jumped. She hadn’t heard Julie walk up.

  “Never mind, your face says it all. That good, huh?”

  With a huge grin on her face, Dani grabbed Julie in a hug. “Better ... fantastic. You’re going to find out through the grapevine, so I’m telling you first since you’re my best friend. I’m moving in with Jace.”

  “Wow, he sure moves fast. Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. We have this connection I’ve never felt with anyone else before.” She paused. “Except maybe you, and I’m a straight shooter.”

  They laughed, then Julie nudged her with her shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Don’t forget your best friend in between the times you tangle in the sheets. I still want to hang with you.”

  Dani swatted Julie lightly on the arm. “Don’t be silly. Just because I’m with Jace doesn’t mean I’m going to forget you. I still need my home girl.”

  “Then it’s all right. Gotta go, don’t want to be late for my shift. See you later.”

  Chapter 14

  After moving in with Jace and settling into a routine, it was, Dani decided, a wonderful way to live. She enjoyed the dinners they ate together, the evenings when they would talk of their day, the times spent getting to know each other better, and the nights, especially the nights, where they would make love and sleep in each other’s arms. She didn’t worry anymore about employees talking. No one seemed to have a problem with them being together. Every day she grew closer to Jace. He was an incredible man and a thrilling lover. She couldn’t be happier, except when thoughts of leaving intruded. Her fear of what was to come overshadowed her happiness like a thundercloud ready to burst.

  She stood in front of the mirror as she got ready for a fundraising dinner Jace had rooked her into. Not wanting to embarrass him at this function, she was taking extra care with her grooming. It had taken two days of intense shopping to find the perfect dress. As she was on her way back to the casino, after giving up, she happened to see it displayed in a cute boutique. She twisted as she looked at her reflection. The dress was dark emerald green made of a soft shimmery material that brushed her body as she moved. She swept her hair up and was placing the last pin when Jace walked in.

  She watched him from the mirror. He stood still as a statue, carrying a bouquet of roses, while looking at her strangely. Dread filled her body as she quickly swung around. “Jace, what’s wrong? Are you all right?”

  “Nothing’s wrong,” he said, his voice hoarse. “You look so beautiful.”

  She spun in a circle so he could see how the fabric flowed around her legs. “Do you really think the dress is beautiful?”

  He walked over to her, then kissed her hard on the mouth. “It is as long as you’re wearing it.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You say the nicest things.”

  She released him, then went to the bed and picked up her purse. She stopped. Jace was still looking at her the same strange way.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine.” He held out his hand carrying the roses.

  “These are for you. Every beautiful woman should be given flowers, and often.”

  Her heart melted and her eyes misted. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you so much. These are the first flowers I’ve ever received. Give me a minute to put them in water.”

  When they entered the fundraiser, Dani was immediately overwhelmed. She had no idea there would be so many important people attending. According to one of his friends, Jace had started the ball rolling to build a new shelter for battered women and children and had also donated a generous sum of money himself.

  It didn’t take her long to find he was well liked and well respected by his peers, and also by the ladies, but not for his generous nature. She’d caught quite a few women giving him second and third looks all evening. The jealousy bug bit her in the butt a few times, when several of those women blatantly flirted with him. The only thing that saved him from being kicked by her was that he ignored them.

  Later in the evening, as she was entering the ladies’ restroom, she ran into two of the women who had blatantly flirted with Jace. One of them critically eyed her.

  “I see you drew the lucky number to be Jace’s escort tonight.”

  The other lady remarked. “Ignore her, she’s just jealous.”

  “Jealous of what?” Dani asked.

  “Every single woman in Nevada has been trying to catch him for years, and why not? He’s good-looking and rich. Good for you if you can snag him.”

  Dani applied a little powder. “How sad that everyone thinks they have to snag him because of his looks and money when there’s so much more to him.”

  The first woman leaned forward and whispered, “I heard there’s a lot more to him, speaking anatomically, if you know what I mean. I’d do him any day, even if he didn’t want to marry me.”

  The other woman looked at her. “You’d do anyone as long as they had enough money to keep you happy.”

  Dani felt her blood heat with indignation. They were talking about Jace as if he were a prize to be won because of his looks and money. It was time to set them on their asses. “Well, I’m not with him because of his looks or his money. I’m with him because he’s a terrific guy. As for anatomically, I can personally verify that he is well endowed and definitely knows what to do with it.”

  She checked her makeup in the mirror, refreshed her lipstick, then walked out, leaving them looking at her with their mouths open.

  She headed straight for Jace and hooked her arm through his. He then covered her hand with his. As they were standing there, the two women from the restroom came out and gave him speculative looks. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “What did you say to those women that they were looking at me so strangely?”

  She whispered back with a grin on her face, “I told them you’re well hung and definitely know how to please a woman.”

  He stared at her in disbelief. “You told them what? Are you out of your mind?”

  A little devil sat on her shoulder as she teased him. “I thought I was doing you a favor. Word will get around that you’re good in bed. You should have them beating down your door when I leave.”

  “Did it ever occur to you that I might have discriminating tastes?”

  With a throaty laugh, she lightly scraped her fingernail down his cheek. “For the time being, I’m pretty sure you’re safe. I intend to tire you out so you don’t have the energy for anyone but me.” She pressed a light kiss on his lips, then she sidled her body next to his and purred, “I’m starting to feel needy, big guy. You’re going to have to take me home real soon.”

  He slid his hand to the small of her back and caressed her. Leaning down, he kissed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “Keep teasing me and we’ll give them something to remember.”

  She grinned, put her lips next to his ear, then grabbed his earlobe with her mouth. She blew her breath across his ear as she spoke in a husky voice. “All talk and no action. I dare you. Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you that I’m completely naked under this dress. I seem to have forgotten to put on my panties again.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “You’re going to kill me yet. We’ll be able to leave here in about a half an hour.”

  She smiled sweetly. “Don’t make me wait too long or I’ll have to find a replacement.”

  “Try it, and you’ll have your hands so damn full you won’t know what to do.” He pinched her lightly on her waist.

  As soon as the door to their apartment closed, Jace grabbed her, then pushed her against the door
with his body, crushing his mouth on hers. He ravished her mouth as his hands moved over her body in a frenzy.

  With a moan, Dani tore at his clothes, frantic to feel his skin under her hands. She fixed her eyes on his face. “Please,” she begged, “I need you now.”

  He wrapped her legs around his waist, then entered her quickly. A moan tore from her body when he took her faster. Her nails gripped his shoulders as she lost all reason, urging him to take her higher. Hungrily he gave and greedily she took all he had, hoping it would satisfy the madness gripping her. With one last thrust, he propelled them over the summit. She screamed his name as her body fragmented then scattered in the void.

  As their pulses slowed, he caressed her gently. “Did I hurt you? You didn’t give me a chance to control myself.”

  Her eyes opened slowly. “Feel free to lose control anytime.”

  Chapter 15

  Quietly sitting on the couch in her pajamas, Dani was reading a book when Jace plopped down next to her.

  “I’ve been wondering about something since yesterday.”

  Absorbed in her reading, she answered, “Hmm ... what’s that?”

  “You said something that has me baffled. When I gave you the roses, you said that they were the first flowers you’d ever received. How is it a beautiful woman like you has never received flowers? Didn’t any of your boyfriends give you any?”

  “I moved a lot, so I didn’t have many boyfriends.”

  “Didn’t you get flowers when you went to your prom?”

  A wave of sickness rose to her throat. “Is this an inquisition?”

  “No, curiosity.”

  To avoid the questions, she dropped the book, then went to the refrigerator, hoping the subject was dropped. “Is there anything to eat? I’m starving.”