“Pretty woman. Walking down the street…”
Chapter Eight
Standing in front of the mirror, I smiled at my reflection. I’d gotten dressed up before. I’d worn pretty dresses before. I’d gone on dates before. But I’d never done anything so wonderful and exciting and elaborate and hot. My skin was tingling.
I jumped, startled by the knock on the door. Laughing at myself, I took one last look in the mirror. “Just have fun,” I said to my reflection. I let out a breath and quickly moved to the living room, grabbing my small purse and a small black velvet box with a blue bow on top from the coffee table before answering the door.
Opening the door, the rush of air wiffed my hair around my face. Ash stood in the entryway. In his black suit, shiny shoes, and red tie that matched my dress perfectly, he looked like he had jumped off the pages of a fashion magazine.
“You look amazing,” he said. I felt the corners of my mouth twitch with a mischievous grin as Ash studied my curves. “Do you like the dress?”
“Are you kidding?” I reached down and touched the material hugging my hips. “I love it. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome,” he said. “It truly suits you. All of it. You’re … You look absolutely stunning.”
My face warmed, flushing from the sweet words. It had been a long time since anyone complimented me. I felt radiate. “Oh,” I looked down at the black velvet box still in my hand. “I have something for you.” I pushed it toward him. “Happy birthday!”
The skin around his eyes crinkled with his smile. “You didn’t have to do that,” he said, taking the box from my hand. Ash pulled opened the lid and the hinge creaking. Inside the box was a gold pocket watch. “Are you kidding me?” His words an octave higher than normal. I covered my mouth, pleased with his enthusiasm about the gift. He stared into the open box and I could see the excitement on his face, hear it in his words. “It’s beautiful.” Ash pulled the watch from the box, holding it by the thick chain, allowing it to rest in his palm. “How did you know I wanted one?”
“I heard you mention something at the bar – I don’t even remember what we were talking about. But you said you’d always wanted one.” I took the velvet box from his hand. “Open it up,” I said, pushing up on my toes. He turned it over into the palm of his hand and popped the latch.
“To new friends … who become best friends. Always. Lacey.” Ash pushed the top closed with his thumb until hit clicked shut. He took the black box and put the watch back inside, snapping it closed. Taking a small step toward me, Ash leaned in and placed a sweet, gentle kiss on my cheek. “I love it,” he said. “Thank you.”
“Good,” I sigh. “I’m so glad you like it.”
“So, shall we go? A wonderful night awaits.” He held his hand out.
“Absolutely.” I flicked the light switch and took his hand, stepping out onto the porch. Ash pulled the door shut behind me and we walked to down the path to where a white stretch limo waited, parked in front of the house.
A tall man dressed in a black suit held the door open. “Good evening,” he said. “My name is Jack. It’s my pleasure to be your driver this evening.” Jack held out his hand and helped me into the back of the car. Robin was already inside, sipping on a glass of pink champagne. She wore a black dress with red heels that also matched my dress. I scooted across the seat, allowing room for Ash to enter.
“Wow,” Robin said. “You look gorgeous.”
“So, do you,” I replied. Once I settled into my seat, Robin handed me a glass of champagne. My first instinct was to chug it down completely to help rid myself of the nervousness that had crept in. But I resisted. Robin handed Ash a glass as well and we toasted to a wonderful evening, to his birthday, and to new friends.
“Oh,” Ash said, setting his glass down. “That reminds me. Look at the gift Lacey got me for my birthday.” I was thrilled to hear the excitement for the gift hadn’t waned. Ash handed the box to Robin and she inspected the watch.
“Wow, Lace,” she said. “That is beautiful. I’m impressed.”
“Don’t worry,” I said, winking at Robin. “I’ve been paying attention to what you’ve said, too. I already have a couple ideas for your birthday.” Robin smiled.
After that, I don’t really remember much of the conversation on the way to the restaurant. We talked. We laughed. I smiled – a lot. But the actual subject matter of what we talked about eludes me. Perhaps, when you have a true chemistry with people, it doesn’t matter what you talk about. With those people, even sitting in silence can be a splendid time.
Chapter Nine
“I think that was the best dinner I have ever had,” I said. Carrying my shoes in my hand, I stood beside Robin waiting for the hotel bellhop to open the door to our room. “I’ve seen people make lobster risotto on The Cooking Channel, but that was the first time I’ve ever eaten it.”
“What did you think?” Robin asked. She took off her shoes, one, then the other, holding them under her arm near her armpits.
“It was so good,” I said, probably a little too loudly. “Now I know why everyone raves about it.”
“It’s one of my favorites,” Ash said. “We’ll have to go again some time. Maybe for your birthday.” He wants to take me to dinner for my birthday? There was a beep, a click, and he pushed open the two big wooden doors to reveal a large suite.
“Can I send someone to get your luggage, Mr. Caine?” the bellhop asked. He picked up the two duffle bags we had unloaded from the car and carried them inside. One was mine and one was theirs.
“No, thank you,” Ash said. “Just the two bags this time.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a money clip and handed the young man some money. I went back to basking in the beauty of the hotel room.
This place is bigger than my apartment. “This whole place is ours?” I asked.
“Yep,” Ash said. He draped his suit jacket over the sofa, undid his tie, allowing it to dangle around his neck and then kicked off his shoes, pushing them against the wall. “This whole place is ours. I’ve stayed her several times – twice with Robin. It’s like a stay-cation.” He walked through the suite, giving me a tour. “We have a bar. Two bedrooms. Two bathrooms. A hot tub. A balcony. There’s a home theater behind that wall.” I turned to look but all I saw was an off-white wall. “And room service. Whatever you want.”
“Wow.” I looked around. Up. Down. Trying to take it all in. This place is gorgeous.
“Well,” Robin said. “Crack open a bottle of wine. I’ll turn on some music on and we’ll keep this party going.” Robin walked over to her duffle bag and pulled out an iPod. Moving to the stereo system, she plugged it in, tapped the screen a few times and music began to flow throughout the suite. Her hips swayed to the beat.
Ash walked toward me with a glass of white wine in each hand. He handed one to me and the other to Robin. Moving back to the bar, he grabbed a third glass for himself and took a swig. I did the same. That’s good.
I allowed the music to flow through me, and my body began to move. I took another drink from my glass. Ash stood in front of me.
“Dance with me?” he asked. He held out his hands, reaching for me.
“Um …” I wasn’t sure what to say. I usually only danced in my living room. “Yeah. Okay. Sure.” I looked around for a place to set my glass.
“Here,” Ash took the glass from my hand. “Let me take that.” He gently placed the glass on a round table a few yards away. Moving back to me, he put his hand behind my back and pulled me in close.
I could smell his cologne. It smelled like a spicy forest. I loved it. Inhaling deeply, I took in more of his scent to store away for later. Our bodies moved together, swaying to the music. I looked to the left and caught sight of Robin leaving. My body stiffened.
Ash put his lips next to my ear. “Don’t worry about her,” he said. “Just pay attention to me.”
My heart thumped against the back of my throat. My mouth was dry, and I felt my hands trembli
ng. I don’t know what to do. My mind began to race. What if he doesn’t like me? What if I don’t turn him on? What if I’m not good enough?
“It’s okay,” he said. He caressed my back and played with my hair. My nerves calmed somewhat. “Just relax and have fun.” I kept my head down and nodded. He lifted my chin with his finger, bringing my eyes to meet his. “I promise we won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.” I nodded again.
Ash gently kissed my cheek. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feel of his lips on my skin. His lips moved to my neck, sending a slight chill down my spine, sending goosebumps racing down my arms. I met his eyes and he smiled.
“May I kiss you,” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. I wasn’t going to nod to answer that question. He would know that I wanted him to kiss me. Ash put his lips to mine, gently at first, then pressing into me a bit more before finally, taking my mouth completely, offering his tongue to me.
He tasted so good. I could taste the white wine. His lips were soft, and his kiss was both sweet and sensual. Damn he’s a good kisser.
Ash slowly reached behind my neck and unfastened my necklace. Turning my head slightly to one side, he carefully removed my earring, repeating the process on the other side. Lifting my hand, he unfastened the bracelet from my arm, placing a gentle kiss on the inside of my wrist. He walked over to the table and placed the jewelry next to my wine glass.
“Don’t want anyone to step on these later,” he laughed. I giggled nervously. He moved to the music, making his way back to me. He’s so cute. He stood in front of me and I felt drawn to him.
My fingers played at the buttons on his crisp white shirt. He looked down at my hands.
“Go ahead,” he said. “I want you to.” I slowly began to unbutton his shirt, revealing his sculpted chest and a tattoo of a phoenix emblazed on his slightly tanned skin. I lightly traced the colorful ink that covered his left peck. “It’s a long story,” he said, “for another time.”
Slowly turning my back to him, I pulled my hair to the side. “Would you unzip me?” I asked. He didn’t respond, but I felt his touch on my shoulder, and his finger manipulate the zipper on the back of my dress, slowly pulling it down the middle of my back. I lowered the dress to the floor, stepped out of the material and draped it over the back of a nearby chair.
I turned to face him, wearing only a red strapless bra and panties. I could feel his eyes on my flesh, and I liked it.
“Want to go to the bedroom?” he asked.
I took a deep breath. “Yes,” I said confidently. “I do.”
* * *
Ash took off his underwear and my hands began to tremble as I reached down to remove my own. This is really happening. I let out a deep breath and scanned the room. Ash had thought of everything. There were bottles of water on both bedside tables. Flameless candles flickered around the room. A plate of fruit, a bottle of champagne, and two glasses were resting on the small coffee table. And there were several gold-wrapped condoms on the corner of the king-sized bed.
I turned and moved to foot of the bed. I never thought I would be standing fully naked in such a lavish bedroom. And I never thought I would be naked in front of a man like Ash.
As I faced him, I could almost feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins. The hair draping down over my left breast teased at my nipple as my chest rose and fell with each nervous breath.
Ash also stood naked, facing me. His body appeared flawless. Each muscle defined to near perfection. How could someone who looked like that be so sweet, so kind, so loving?
His eyes moved back and forth, slowly scanning my body. “You’re so beautiful,” he said. I let out a long breath, almost shocked at his words. “I love your body. May I come closer?”
I nodded. It seemed like it took an hour for him to cross the room. My body quivered as he lightly touched my skin.
“May I kiss you?” He asked. “Again.” I nodded. Ash put one hand behind my neck, and the other around my waist to the small of my back. He pulled me close. I felt the heat radiating from his body seep into me. My nipples became erect, hardening from the feel of his skin against mine. Then he kissed me. His hand slid down my back, his middle finger resting on the dimple at the top of my ass. I moaned softly into his kiss. I could feel the full extent of his growing excitement against my stomach. Gently coaxing me backwards, Ash led me in our erotic dance toward the bed until I felt the soft, cool comforter touching the back of my legs.
“I don’t want to do anything you don’t want me to,” he said. Kissing me between his words, he lowered me to the bed with a gentle touch I hadn’t experienced before. “If I do something you don’t like, stop me. It’s okay to tell me no.”
“Okay,” I whispered. You can do anything you want to me.
“But most importantly,” he continued. His eyes locked with mine. “If there is something you do want, something you want or need me to do, just tell me – or better yet, just make me do it or do it to me.” He chuckled. “I’m yours. Do with me what you will.”
My heart skipped a beat, but then beat faster to catch up. “Okay,” I said. I wasn’t sure if my voice was even audible.
“So, tell me,” Ash put his hands on the bed, on either side of my ass and leaned in to kiss my neck. “What do you want?” I lay back on the bed and looked up at his body leaning over me. He smiled. “Tell me what you want.”
You. I want you. I closed my eyes and mustered the courage to say it out loud. To tell him that my body ached for him. “I want you,” I said. I reached up and put my hand on the side of his face. “I want you, Ash.”
He kissed me. Harder. Deeper. Longer. His hands slid down my legs to my knees, gently pressing them apart. Ash pushed himself up and slid off the edge of the bed, kneeling in front of me. He caressed my freshly shaven and moisturized legs. He started at my knee, placing gentle kisses on my skin, slowly moving up my left leg until I felt the heat of his breath on my pubic bone, stirring my excitement to an almost intolerable point.
I pushed my head back and gasped as I felt Ash’s mouth and tongue. His very talented tongue. My fingers clawed at the puffy comforter, squeezing it into my palm. I bit the inside of my cheek so hard, I tasted blood for a moment. Ash reached up with one hand and gripped my left breast, gently squeezing and massaging. His other hand rested on the top of my pelvic bone.
As good as his mouth felt, I wanted him. I grabbed his hand from my breast and pulled, hoping he’d get the hint. He did.
He stood, grabbed a condom and, snapping it in place, leaned over and kissed me on the mouth as he gently, and slowly, slid inside me.
My body reacted to his every move, every touch, every thrust. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to be taken. It wasn’t long before I reached the peak of my excitement. The muscles of my body tightened. I wrapped my legs around him. My hands found their way to his sculpted biceps, holding tightly, squeezing with each pulse of release.
Ash leaned over and kissed me, hard and deep. “And we’re just getting started, baby.”
So, this is what hot sex feels like
Chapter Ten
Opening my eyes, I caught the scent of bacon and maple syrup beckoning me. A white robe rested on the end of the bed, which I assumed was meant for me. I stood up, wearing only a long white t-shirt, and wrapped the lavishly soft robe around my body, tying the belt to secure it. It was a bit long, but at five feet four inches, I was used to that.
Walking into the main room, I was astonished at the elaborate set up. This is different from last night. The round table in front of the glass balcony doors was adorned with breakfast foods, fresh fruit, juices, and a beautiful boutique of white roses in the center.
“Good morning,” Robin said, rising from her seat at the table. Walking in my direction, she quickly closed the distance between us. She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me. I put my arms behind her back, resting my chin on her shoulder. Did I miss something?
“Good morning,” I replied. Rob
in grabbed me by the hand and led me to the table. I was still slightly confused at her excitement but decided to go with it and see where it led.
“Are you hungry?” she asked. “Want some coffee? The coffee is awesome.” Robin motioned to the chair next to where she had been sitting. “Here, sit next to me.”
I sat in the chair, surprised at its comfort, and secured the robe around my legs. “Coffee sounds good,” I said. I glanced at Ash, who was spreading jam onto an English muffin. He looked up and smiled at me.
“Good morning,” he said. His voice had a slight ‘morning after’ tone. A blending of left over seduction with sexy secrets that made a chill run down my body. Because I know those secrets. “Did you sleep well?”
I nodded my head slightly, thinking back to the comfortable bed, the state of relaxation my body reached after probably the best sex of my life. “Yes, actually,” I replied, trying not to reveal my true level of satisfaction. “I slept pretty well.” Robin poured coffee into a cup sitting in front of me.
“Ash and I were talking,” Robin said, scooping fresh fruit into a bowl and offering it to me. I took the bowl from her hand, immediately stabbing a ripe red strawberry with my fork and putting it into my mouth. Oh, damn that’s good. “We were thinking about staying the rest of the weekend, maybe hanging out in the hot tub, getting some room service, maybe going out to a club later.”
“Oh …” A feeling of being in the way washed over me. I suddenly felt like a third wheel again. “Okay, well, um, yeah. No problem. I can … I’ll just take off after breakfast. Maybe I can … can I get a cab from here? To my house? Or I could call –”
“No, no, no!” Robin leaned in, grabbing my hand. “We want you to stay, too. Stay with us. If you want to.” Looking into her eyes, I saw her excitement and butterflies filled my stomach, fighting over the strawberry I had just consumed. I again glanced over at Ash. I was thrilled when he smiled and nodded in agreement.
Covet the Curves: a Romance Collections Anthology Page 15
