by Jill Monroe
She tongued the curve of his ear. Sucked his earlobe into her mouth. “This is what I’m going to do to your cock later.”
His big beautiful body shuddered. “You can do it now.”
She couldn’t stop the smile on her face. “True, but you already have the condom on. Don’t want to waste it. I like to be environmental like that.”
He thrust his hips against her, his cock grazing against her sensitized clit. “This is environmental?” he asked.
“It’s definitely elemental,” she replied, and without notice she lifted her hips and sank down the length of him until he had no more to give.
“You just killed me, Hayden.”
“Then you’re really going to miss out when I do this.” And she raised herself along his length then descended.
“Yes. Just like that, babe,” he told her, his voice tight with need. His hand sought her breast and he brought her nipple into his mouth. He laved and sucked until all thought fled her mind and it was filled only with delectable sensation.
She rode him with no restraint until every muscle tightened and the pleasure grew too much. “Now, Tony. Come now.”
He thrust up and she tumbled over the edge, her climax more intense than all the others before it. He roared as he came, his cock pulsing inside her.
Spent and sated, she dropped her forehead to his shoulder and licked at a spot below his ear. “That was incredible,” she murmured, and then she could no longer keep her eyes open.
* * *
HOW LONG HE dozed on the damned uncomfortable couch in his hotel room, Tony couldn’t say, but the soft weight of Hayden in his arms felt right. How could that be? He’d known her for less than twenty-four hours, correct that, he remembered her for less than twenty-four hours, but he’d never wanted a woman the way he desired Hayden.
The fantasy of her in no way competed with the reality of her. Mind. Blown.
They’d never made it back to the bed, and by her steady, even breaths, they wouldn’t be stretching out across that big king-size mattress anytime soon. Hell, he didn’t really want to move anyway. He liked her just as she was, worn out from their hot and heavy sex and wrapped across him. So instead he tucked her head into the crook of his neck.
Hayden pressed her lips to the column of his throat and kissed him in her sleep.
If the sex had blown his mind, that almost dropped him to his knees.
Twenty-four hours and already he had feelings for her. That was a prospect that loomed heavily. But one he’d face later. In two weeks he’d be gone. Back to California and half a country away from Texas.
Sex fatigue made his arms and legs heavy and he fought his drooping eyelids. Tony reached for the spare blanket the maid had draped on the back of the couch. They might still be sweating from their bout around the hotel room, but the air would chill her skin soon enough. He rotated his shoulders so he could lie lengthways on the couch, drawing the sleeping woman tighter against him. He fell asleep with the sweet scent of her filling his senses.
* * *
THE DELICIOUS AROMA of coffee teased her nose. Hayden stretched and smiled because last night she’d had the most amazing night with a man, and she actually remembered it. Dependable orgasms. Oh, yeah, baby. She’d been right about him all along.
Okay, she could stay on this really uncomfortable couch and gloat about how good Tony had made her feel last night or she could find that dang coffee. Coffee always wins.
The blanket he’d tucked over her shoulders dropped to the carpet as she stood. She stooped to pick it up and wrapped it around herself, catching his scent. Tony stood behind the breakfast bar, brewing her a cup. Apparently he’d been playing his own version of Project Getting To Know The Woman You Plan To Romp On Later. Coffee first thing in the morning? He made it really tough for her to think of him as someone who’d be out of her life soon.
But their lives were definitely headed in different directions. He was a California filmmaker and she hoped to be getting a final offer from Hastings Engineering, headquartered squarely in Texas. Remember that.
He’d tugged on a pair of jeans, but hadn’t bothered to button or zip them. All the better. She padded barefoot toward him. He turned as she approached and flashed her a smile that blasted heat all the way down to her toes. Tony handed her the coffee mug.
“You remembered.”
“I’ve witnessed the carnage of an uncaffeinated Hayden,” he teased.
“It’s true. I can’t even be mad you called me out on it.” She wrapped her hands around the warm mug and breathed in the roasted nutty scent, part of her morning coffee ritual.
“I stopped by the drugstore next door and picked it up before you got here.”
She tapped her finger on the ceramic. “That must have been why you didn’t answer your room phone. I called yesterday to tell you I was running a bit late.”
He leaned across the bar and kissed the tip of her nose. “That call would have saved me a ton of anxiety after the first hour of waiting.”
“I don’t actually have your number, and I bet you don’t have mine.”
Tony advanced to the ergonomic workstation where his phone was charging. He unlocked the screen, pressed the contacts button and handed her his cell. “Plug it in,” he invited.
“I dunno, this is a big step,” she said, but couldn’t manage to keep a smile from spreading across her face.
“I’ll risk it.” Then he watched as she followed the dating ritual and punched her number in. “I ordered some room service. It should be here in about thirty minutes.”
The man really needed to stop being so perfect. “I have an idea for what we can do while we’re waiting.”
His eyes darkened again and he glanced toward the open door of the bedroom with the unused bed. “Not sure we’ll have time. I want to savor you this morning. That’s why I ordered the provisions. Have to keep my strength up.”
A new batch of shivers chased down her spine and pooled between her legs. Savoring. She liked the idea of that. “Tempting, and something I will definitely be taking you up on later, but I really want to watch one of your films.”
Tony straightened and shook his head. “You don’t need to do that.”
“I want to,” she reassured him.
He tugged her hands into his. “Hayden, I like you. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than spend these next two weeks I have in Texas with you, but—”
“Wait, what? You want to spend the next two weeks with me?”
He laughed, but the sound was a bit hollow. “I don’t know how two weeks will be enough, but yes, I want to spend them with you. But I don’t want you to feel obligated to watch one of my films or think I expect that of you.”
Had none of the women in his past wanted to share this aspect of his life? And why wouldn’t he expect the woman he shared his bed with to be interested in what he did outside of bed?
Hayden wasn’t sure whether to make her response teasing or truthful. Her instinct was to go for the joke. They both liked to cover emotional situations with humor, but she suspected Tony hadn’t been on the receiving end of much heartfelt truth.
“This is part of you, Tony. I’m interested in what you’re passionate about. You told me a film camera turned your life around. I want to experience it all.”
Hayden watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed. Hard. Without a word he spun on his heel and walked toward his computer, then stopped and returned to her. His fingers curled under her chin and he dropped a searing kiss on her lips.
Hayden sensed what his reaction meant. He found it hard to deal with his emotional response to her request so he’d cloaked it with a physical one.
Then as quickly as he’d come toward her, he crossed toward the workstation, powered up his computer and placed it on the coffee table. She joined him on the couch, snuggling up to his side and drawing the blanket over both of them. “Let’s watch your first documentary. The one that got you nominated.”
“Lost Cau
ses. It’s about the street kids in Los Angeles. Some find it...tough to watch,” he warned.
“Then that’s the one I want.”
He moused over the various media on his computer until Lost Causes appeared on her screen. From the first few moments she was riveted, and even when their food arrived she wouldn’t stop watching.
By the time Tony had these kids’ stories on film, they were already beaten. Broken. Her throat tightened with emotion. He hadn’t just filmed these kids like an objective and uninvolved reporter; he’d lived with them. Knew them and struggled right beside them as they battled. She imagined he hadn’t grown up much different from the boys he’d recorded. Lost cause. Was that how he’d thought of himself? How he still thought of himself?
But then about halfway through the movie, something changed. Each one of the kids interviewed was given a chance. For one it was a bus ticket across the country to Raleigh to live with a grandparent. Another was gifted with an easel and paints and a spot in the same center where Tony had lived. All opportunities. A shot, and a glimpse of the possibility of living a different kind of life. The last ten minutes of the film updated their stories each year until the present.
She brushed at the tears in the corners of her eyes as the credits rolled.
“Told you it was rough.”
“Rough, yes, but Tony, you did something amazing with your subjects.” She gripped his hands in hers, squeezing as she spoke. “Most of those kids just needed a shot. Like you with the transitional center and finding that camera. You made that happen for them. Sure, not all those guys rose to the challenge, but there’s so much hope and optimism and anticipation in your documentary, I’m...moved. Overwhelmed. Inspired. By you.”
“Hayden, I... I—” and then his lips were on hers in the sweetest of kisses. Poignant and tender. He nipped at her lips, then slid inside her mouth to trace lazy circles against her tongue.
His hands caressed her everywhere. No part of her lacked his gentle ministrations. “You remember that savoring promise from earlier?” he asked, his voice little more than a ragged whisper.
She nodded.
He stood and extended his hand toward her. Things between them had just become real. She’d had that same thought the day before, but now what stirred between them was deeper. More personal.
She clasped his hand and they walked side by side into the bedroom where that king-size bed beckoned.
And there Anthony Garcia savored her.
8
LATER THAT MORNING after showering and rubbing each other clean, they finally tackled the breakfast muffins and bagels he’d ordered from room service. As they ate, Tony showed her some of his film equipment in the sitting area.
“Subjects like the cowboys don’t mind the more sophisticated cameras, which is good because the wide-open shots look great with the better gear. With the sunsets and the flatness of the terrain, this will be my most visually appealing documentary. But when I film the kids, it’s usually just the camera on my phone. Makes it more personal, and this generation is all about the phone. It’s so much a part of their lives already, they barely notice it. Keeps it real.”
Hayden traced the outline of his phone case with her fingernail. “Have you ever filmed, you know...?”
“What?” he asked.
“Oh, c’mon.”
He shrugged, his expression innocent. Well, as innocent as a sexy beast like Anthony Garcia could manage.
She tried not to roll her eyes at him for forcing her to say it. “Have you ever filmed a woman strip for you? Make love to you?”
“Are you offering? You are trying to kill me.” He quickly raised both palms. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with your technique.”
“Oh, I plan to keep you very much alive for this showing. How much money do we have left of our winnings? If I’m going to do this right, I want to buy some sexy lingerie.” She tore off a corner of her muffin and popped it into her mouth.
“If we had no money at all, there’d still be cash for that,” he assured her. “In fact, take my credit card, cariño.”
Hayden giggled. “The leftover cash should do just fine.”
Tony kissed her long and hard, his hands growing possessive. “Te adoro,” he whispered against her neck, his voice deep and rumbly.
“You’ve never spoken Spanish to me before.” She’d have to look up that phrase, but she suspected it was something to do with adoration. Yeah, Hayden adored what he did to her body, as well.
“My tio, Hector, made sure I knew Spanish. He was in the army and wasn’t around much after I turned four, but he’s retired now. He was my guest at the Academy Awards, but still razzed me about how awful my accent is.”
“I think it’s sexy.”
“I’ll tell him that the next time he gripes at me. Now you were saying something about really trashy lingerie?”
“I don’t think I used the word trashy.”
“My mistake, but since you brought it up, you can never go wrong with really trashy. In fact, I’ll come with you,” he offered.
But she shook her head. “This is my surprise. And the operative word I’ll be using for this lingerie will be classy. But I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“How could a man be disappointed when his woman is offering sexy?”
His woman? She escaped to the elevator because that earlier kiss may have messed with her senses but his words messed with her mind. Te adoro.
Hayden had barely noticed the expansive hotel entrance last night, but large indoor water fountains graced the lobby. The furniture was simple and elegant, but most importantly, the concierge was helpful. She directed Hayden to a nearby lingerie boutique only a block away. Hayden wouldn’t even have to take her car.
The display windows on her walk invited her to shop. Watches and jewelry and coats and the most gorgeous black boots she’d ever seen filled her vision. Maybe one day. She’d be getting a steady paycheck once she started her job. When she made the last student loan payment, those black boots—or something similar—would be hers.
The lingerie boutique did not have a window display, just a simple and graceful sign over the door announcing Bliss. She pushed open the champagne-colored fabric-lined door. A tiny bell pleasantly tinkled her arrival. Hayden immediately understood why the concierge had suggested Bliss. This wasn’t just shopping—it was an experience.
The lightly perfumed air invited the sensual, and everything from the lilting music to the subtle lighting evoked only the pleasurable and pleasing.
The most beautiful woman Hayden had ever seen slunk over from behind a counter. From her curly hair to her dark eyes, she exuded confidence. She was so comfortable in her own skin and who she was, Hayden felt awkward in her jeans and T-shirt.
Wow, would she ever be half so poised and self-assured? Hayden wondered. So at ease with her own desire? Her own sensuality? She loved her gran dearly, and Hayden knew she’d only wanted to give her young granddaughter the best, but the sex education she’d provided was designed more for someone born before the sexual revolution. Her grandmother had taught her to be cautious and to stay focused on her schoolwork. Which had been great for her education, disastrous for her love life.
Granny, I love you, but I’m going a different way.
“Oh, I know what you need,” the saleslady told Hayden with a graceful smile.
“Wait, but I haven’t even said what I wan...” But the woman had already glided to a row of intricately carved wooden drawers against the wall. She opened the drawer, revealing bras of the most delicate pastel pink and yellow, to the rich hues of fine emeralds and rubies. The woman lifted a stunning bra for Hayden to drool over. No, this was a brassiere. Both lacy and silky, Hayden would feel incredible in that striking lingerie. Dangerous. Perfect.
“The corset-fit cups give you the support you need while allowing you to indulge your daring side. The ruched-ribbon straps caress your skin and the lacy overlay satisfies your feminine power. The iced mint
color will make your eyes pop.”
“Not that he’d be looking at my eyes.”
“Oh, you’d be surprised. A smart man will be able to see in a woman’s gaze if he’s pleasing her.”
Tony must be a freaking genius then.
“You really did know what I needed. I didn’t even know I needed this, uh...” Hayden searched for a name tag.
The saleswoman smiled. “Keely. Now tell me what you came in for,” she said.
Here’s the part where Hayden should be mortified. With Hayden’s work and study schedule, she’d been more interested in climbing under the sheets to sleep than discussing what happened between them. But yeah, she was in a place called Bliss about to talk crotchless panties with a stranger, so she simply announced it out loud. “I want something sexy that I can take off for a man.”
Keely paused for a moment, nodding but also giving Hayden that scrutinizing side-to-side look. She was being sized up, for sure. “I have just the thing. But first, remember you are taking your undergarments off for you. Because you want to feel the slide of silk along your skin. Because you take care of your body and don’t want to hide the innate sensuality women are always being told to be ashamed of. The fact that he’s enjoying the show...that’s a bonus. For the both of you.”
This is for me. Hayden’s mouth twisted. Hmm, not totally buying into it.
“How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror? Naked?” Keely asked.
“Uh, I feel the overwhelming urge to spin around,” she joked.
But no smile graced the woman’s lips.
Hayden crossed her arms against her chest. “I dunno... I sort of...you know.”
Now Keely lifted a brow. “Dunno, sort of?”
“I sound like an insecure thirteen-year-old girl, don’t I?” Hayden admitted, her laugh awkward and devoid of humor.
“That girl doesn’t always leave us.”
