Nick’s stunned expression was priceless. “Damn, and here I thought I was being subtle.”
Carrie smiled. “That kiss wasn’t subtle.”
“So both plans are enjoying a high success rate?” Nick asked with a wolfish grin.
“Yep.” She nodded, moving her hand to his upper thigh. His swift intake of breath made it clear he was as affected by her touch as she was by his. Good.
“Does that mean what I think it means?” he asked, and there was no mistaking the raw sexual heat in his eyes. Even better.
“You bet it does.”
Chapter Eight
As make-out sessions went, Nick had no complaints about this one. None whatsoever. Trailing his lips along Carrie’s smooth jaw to the hollow at the base of her neck, he was far too immersed in her soft feminine scent and the taste of her skin to voice a complaint—even if he had one.
They were still on Carrie’s comfortable sofa, but instead of sitting beside him, she was sprawled on top of him as he lay on his back on the cushion. God, the weight of her felt good. Sliding his hands down over her ass, he molded their bodies together, pressing the hard ridge of his cock into the softness of lower body. Damn their clothes. He wanted her naked. Right now. With that goal in mind, he slid one hand up the sweet curve of her spine and tugged at the zipper of her dress. Carrie lifted her head, her green eyes sultry as she stared down at him.
“Let’s go to my bedroom.” Her husky words made his dick throb. And he sure as hell wasn’t going to argue with her. A bed was much better for what he had in mind anyway. Before he could say a word, she lowered her head and pressed her silky soft lips to his and gave him a long slow kiss that clouded his mind and sent a hot current of desire straight to his groin. With a low groan, he fisted his hand in her hair and returned her kiss with primal intensity.
“Wait...” Nick said as he tore his mouth from Carrie’s, reality washing over him like an ice-cold bucket of water. Son of a bitch. What a fucking idiot. He’d been so intent upon getting Carrie alone he’d forgotten one very important item. Condoms.
Carrie lifted her head and looked at him with puzzlement. “What’s wrong?”
Nick lowered his gaze to her lips and smothered a groan of frustration. He’d recently been named one of the top five bachelors in San Francisco, for Christ’s sake. Would those four other guys forget protection? He thought not. This was so not smooth. “There’s a drugstore not far from here, right?”
“Yes.”
“And they’re open twenty-four hours?”
Carrie nodded and then her eyes widened as comprehension dawned. “You don’t have any in your truck?”
Nick couldn’t suppress a grin. “Who keeps condoms in their truck?”
“I don’t know.” Her dimpled smile turned into a chuckle. “Truckers? Traveling salesmen? Hunters?”
“Yeah. They probably do. But I’m none of those things. And I wasn’t a Boy Scout either, or else I would’ve been prepared.” Nick huffed out a breath. “You must think I’m an idiot.”
“No. An idiot would have tried to convince me that condoms don’t matter.” Carrie shifted off of him and stood. She reached behind her neck to pull up her zipper then smiled down at him. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, at the drugstore, Nick had selected his brand of condoms and went in search of Carrie. Although it was after ten, the store had more than a few customers. One of whom he could hear singing along to the current selection on the store’s stereo system. The unknown woman was certainly putting a lot of gusto into “Jingle Bells.”
After a search of most of the store, he stopped short when he got to the seasonal aisle and found Carrie sifting through Christmas decorations. The only thing that could have surprised him more was if she’d been the woman belting out the Christmas song.
She wasn’t. She was standing in front of a display of ornaments absently tapping the toe of her high heel to the beat of the music. Looking at her, anticipation thickened the air in Nick’s lungs. For a moment, it seemed he could barely breathe. That he wanted Carrie didn’t surprise him. She was gorgeous. But what did surprise him was the thought of leaving Grass Valley after Christmas suddenly didn’t seem as appealing as it once had.
As if sensing she was being watched Carrie turned and smiled. She waved him over with her hand. “This is perfect for your parents’ tree,” she said and held up a snowman ornament as he approached.
“I have an idea. Why don’t you get a tree?” Nick suggested. “That could be your first ornament.”
Unease flickered in her eyes. “I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
“Okay.” Nick grinned, not pushing it. “Mom will love that ornament. She’s always had a soft spot for Frosty the Snowman.”
Carrie laughed, clearly relieved. “Then I have to get it for her.” Her gaze lowered to the condoms he held in his hand and then lifted. “Let’s pay for this stuff and get the hell out of here before this music drives me crazy.”
“You mean Christmas music doesn’t turn you on?” Nick said as they walked together toward the cashier. “You seemed into it a few seconds ago.”
“I was not,” she said, shooting him a mutinous glance.
“You were practically dancing.” Nick grinned as she elbowed his arm. “Come on, admit it, Christmas is growing on you.”
“It’s not as bad as last year,” she replied grudgingly. “But last year really sucked so don’t gloat.”
“Who’s gloating?” Nick nodded to the cashier, an older man who greeted them with a smile and cast an appreciative glance toward Carrie. “All I’m saying is that my plan is working. Pretty soon you’ll wish it was Christmas year-round. Mark my words.”
Carrie let out a cute snort and handed the ornament to the cashier. “Obviously the cold weather is affecting your brain.”
* * *
Carrie wasn’t surprised when, as soon as she divested herself of her coat, purse and drug store purchase, Nick pulled her into his arms and kissed her. And it wasn’t a gentle kiss either. His mouth devoured hers, sending arrow of liquid heat straight to her core. His tongue slipped inside her mouth and she moaned as their kiss quickly became hot, wet and passionately arousing. Within seconds her nipples strained against the fabric of her bra, and she felt a surge of pulsating heat between her thighs.
She was breathless as his lips left hers and seared a scorching path to her jaw and then down to her neck. As he kissed the throbbing pulse at the base of her neck, she shivered; that spot had always been particularly sensitive.
He lifted his head and pinned her with eyes that were dark and intense. “I want you.” The husky timbre of his voice intensified the heat between her legs.
“The feeling is very mutual,” she said, then angling her head, she pressed her lips to his neck. She could feel his pulse; it echoed the pounding of her heart. Taking her time, she trailed soft kisses up to his ear and gently nibbled his earlobe. His breath hitched. He liked that.
“Jones,” he whispered. Her last name had never sounded so sexy.
Pulling back, she smiled. “My room. Now.”
A grin, slow and wicked, tilted his lips as he slipped off his leather jacket and laid it next to her coat on wingback chair opposite the sofa. He half turned and then froze. “Wait, I forgot something,” he said, and retrieved the box of condoms from the shopping bag next to her purse.
A thrill danced up her spine as she realized that what she used to dream about all those years ago was about to happen. Granted, back then she hadn’t been at all experienced, but that didn’t make those adolescent fantasies any less exciting, or explicit.
“Are you nervous?” Nick asked and moved to stand in front of her. He lifted his hand and with a light stroke, he brushed his fingers gently over her cheek before skimming them down h
er arm to grasp her hand. His fingers were warm, yet she shivered with anticipation.
“No,” she answered truthfully, then, without another word, she led him toward her bedroom. Once inside, she hit the light switch on the wall and the lamp on her nightstand filled the room with a warm rosy glow.
“Nice room. You really do like antiques,” he said, his gaze resting on the armoire she’d found on an antiquing trip to Sonora. “Is that were you keep your lingerie?” he asked, swinging his gaze to hers and flashing a roguish grin.
“Among other things.” She let go of his hand. “Would you like to see what I bought at Victoria’s Secret?”
“Hell yes.”
With a smile, she took the box of condoms from him and set them on the nightstand. Then turning, she looked over her shoulder and met his heated gaze. Her heart began to pound. “Unzip me, please.”
Goose bumps prickled her skin as he drew the zipper down and her dress loosened. Nick was so close Carrie caught his scent and inhaled deeply. Primitive desire assaulted her senses; it was all she could do not to lean back against him.
“Thank you,” she said and turned to face him. Slowly, she slipped out of the lace sheath until it fell to the floor in a puddle at her feet. Putting her hands on her hips, she tilted her head and smiled. “It’s from their Angel collection,” she said as Nick’s eyes roamed over her body, which was clad in the sexiest black bra and garter set she’d ever owned. “What do you think?”
Nick didn’t say a word. In one quick movement, he slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her against him. Her breasts crushed against his chest as he captured her lips with his and kissed her. With a low growl, he parted her mouth and boldly stroked her tongue with his as he slid his hands down to cup her ass. Desire surged straight to her core and she arched against him, giving in to the desire that had been building all night.
Seconds later, he pulled back, his breathing slightly labored. The air crackled with electricity as they eyes locked and held. And then Nick let her go, stripped off his cashmere sweater and flung it to the floor. For a hot second Carrie admired his toned chest and flat stomach, then came a flurry of clothing and shoes frantically removed—by both of them. There would be no slow, sensual striptease tonight. In less than a minute they were both naked and Nick had eased her onto the bed.
For long minutes, they kissed, touched and learned each other’s bodies. Nick’s fingers were gentle as he skimmed them over the curve of her hip. His palms, rough against her nipples, made her gasp in pleasure. Carrie had to marvel at his self-control; most guys would have already gotten to the main event by now. And judging by the hard length of his cock pressing into her lower abdomen, he was definitely ready for action.
Restraint like that should be rewarded.
With subtle pressure, she rolled him to his back and lowered her lips to his chest. She covered his nipple with her mouth and playfully bit it. His breath hitched so she did it again. Evidently his nipples were just as sensitive as his earlobe. She moved to the other one, very satisfied with herself as he let out a low moan and twined his fingers in her hair.
Emboldened, she slid her hand down to his flat stomach. He tensed as she brushed her fingers over the crisp dark hair that trailed from his navel to his groin. Teasing him, she continued to tongue his nipples and swirl her fingers near his hard shaft.
Lifting her head, she met his hooded gaze. Arousal coiled tightly between her legs at the primal heat that burned in his eyes. “Touch me.” His voice was thick with need. She did as he asked and wrapped her fingers around him, massaging him until he was rock hard. He let out a low groan and closed his eyes. “Jesus,” he whispered hoarsely.
He felt like hot steel in her hand. His fingers relaxed in her hair as she pressed her mouth against his chest and worked her way downward. Soon she was trailing her lips over his muscular thigh and urging him, with her hands, to spread his legs. She crawled between his thighs and looked up to find his hot gaze on her. His dark eyes blazed with desire. Her body pulsated in response.
Without another word, she brushed her hair to the side and lowered her head. He let out a low moan as she took him deep.
It didn’t take long for her to find her rhythm. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the feel of him hot and hard inside her mouth. His musky scent surrounded her. Her body reacted—her lower body heavy with need and her skin extra sensitive. Her hair brushed over her arm, raising goose bumps.
“Jones.” Nick put his hand on the back of her head. “Stop,” he said in a rough voice.
She didn’t stop. He didn’t really want her to and they both knew it. It wasn’t until he gently tugged her hair that she realized he was serious. Releasing him, she looked up. Their gazes met with a force that licked through her body.
“This isn’t all about me,” he said thickly. “Come back here. Next to me.”
She obeyed his husky command then let out a surprised squeal as he effortlessly rolled her to her back. Her heart pounded as he spread her legs and moved between them. Surprising her, he crawled up over her and braced his hands on either side of her. His erection nudged between her thighs; instinctively, she lifted her hips. If there was a God, Nick would be inside her soon.
“Did you think about this in high school?” he asked just before his mouth came down on hers, cutting off any response. Lord, he’s the best kisser. When he lifted his head, she opened her eyes and met his smoldering gaze.
“I thought about you all the time,” she confessed, her cheeks heating as Nick smiled with pure male satisfaction.
“If only I’d known,” he said, then shifted lower to kiss her breasts. She arched in pleasure as he drew a nipple into his mouth and suckled it.
“Nick...”
“Hmmm?” he murmured, moving his amazing mouth even lower.
“I want you.”
“You’ll have me,” he said and circled her belly button with his tongue. Her body reacted and she trembled the moment his lips brushed over her lower abdomen.
“I can’t wait much longer.” Was that her voice? She didn’t recognize the husky, almost pleading tone. This wasn’t like her at all.
He didn’t answer. She felt his hands on her knees as he spread her legs even wider. She looked up to find him staring at the most private part of her, his expression primal. She throbbed under his hot gaze and dug her fingers into the quilt. She was dying for him to put his mouth on her. If he didn’t do it soon she’d have to resort to some serious begging.
Without another word, he held on to her hips, lowered his mouth to her sensitized flesh and drew her clit into his mouth. She heard a low guttural moan and realized it was her. She dug her fingers into the quilt as he slowly circled his tongue around it. She reacted immediately, widening her legs and arching in pleasure. His lips were firm, his tongue probing and warm. She was wet and aroused beyond belief. Grabbing fistfuls of the quilt she moved against his mouth, seeking release.
He pulled back and then she felt his fingers spreading her, and then, oh my, his tongue delved into her opening over and over again until she begged him to make her come.
She lifted her head from the pillow and almost came at the sight of him between her legs. Sensing her stare he opened his eyes, then, holding her gaze, slowly slid his tongue up to her clit and latched on to it. Lowering her head to the pillow, she let out a sound that was a cross between a sigh and a moan. He continued his masterful assault, sweetly tormenting her with his amazing mouth.
She was close. So very close. If he stopped now, she’d kill him and no jury would convict her.
Driven by a primitive need, she let go of the quilt and reached for him. Putting her hands on his head, she writhed against his mouth, seeking what was just within reach. She felt his fingers pressing into her hips; he pulled her closer and feasted on her. With every soft pant of pleasure she made, he growled in respons
e. And then he suckled her clit, hard, and just like that, she exploded. Pleasure like she’d never experienced before crashed over her and flooded her body in intense waves that seemed to go on and on as he stayed with her.
“Oh my God.”
* * *
At the sound of Carrie’s breathy moans, Nick lifted his head and drank in the sight of her. She was absolutely beautiful. Her eyes were closed and her face was flushed. He could see the rise and fall of her breasts—her nipples were rosy and taut, and still wet from his mouth.
Turning his head, he pressed his lips to her inner thigh and then took one last lingering look at her glistening flesh before pushing himself up and reaching for the box of condoms on her nightstand. He was as hard as fucking rock and made quick work of slipping one over his cock. Crawling over her, he braced his arms on either side of her, stared into her passion-filled eyes then lowered his mouth to hers.
She tasted like everything he’d ever wanted, and as their lips tangled hotly in a deep kiss, his chest pounded like freight train was running through it at full throttle. To catch his breath, he pulled his lips from hers and gazed at her. She was so damn beautiful. His cock rubbed against her; he couldn’t wait bury himself inside her
“That was...” she whispered.
“Pretty damn hot?” He grinned.
“Well, yes, but what I was going to say was that it was even better than those high school fantasies of mine.” She grazed her nails over his back and gave him a sly smile. “Except for one thing.”
Nick frowned. “What?”
“You’re not inside of me yet.”
Relieved, he chuckled. “I can remedy that right now.”
Unable to wait one second longer, he slid inside her. Her soft sigh of pleasure mingled with his groan of satisfaction as they found their rhythm and began to rock sensuously together on the bed.
Staring into Carrie’s eyes, Nick could barely think past the pounding of his heart and the feel of Carrie’s wet warmth gloving his cock. But he was, however, keenly aware of Carrie’s hands on his rib cage, softly caressing his skin as he thrust into her, and the unique scent of her skin and hair. His last thought before he completely gave himself over to the pleasure was that he was exactly where he wanted to be. And maybe, where he wanted to stay.
A Christmas for Carrie Page 8
