"Condom?" He asked in a strangled voice.
"On the pill."
Colin nudged her legs wider apart. He knelt between them and eased into her. Resting her leg on his shoulder, she gasped loudly as he filled her.
"Ahhhhhh, Leah…" he muttered, burying his face in her neck.
"So good…so good." She lost her fingers in his hair.
He withdrew then plunged in again hard, making her groan. His hips began rhythmic thrusts into her. Bearing most of his weight on his elbows freed up his fingers to tangle in her hair. Starting slowly he stopped occasionally, making her cry out for him to continue. A sexy smile crossed his lips as his eyes connected with hers.
"Makin' it better…" he whispered.
"Torture!"
He chuckled before picking up the pace. Leah opened her eyes to see his lips descend to hers as his hips moved faster and faster. Smoothing her hands down his back through a fine coating of sweat, a powerful orgasm captured her body causing her hips to pump with his.
"Colin!"
She opened her eyes in time to see him close his and an expression of sheer bliss cross his face. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he moaned her name while giving three hard thrusts then collapsing. Leah hugged him to her, resting her head on his damp shoulder, her lips delivering soft kisses to his neck. Two fingers brushed her hair out of her eyes. Leah hadn't seen such a loving expression on a man's face since her last time making love with Hank.
"I love you," popped out of his mouth, causing her to raise her eyebrows.
"You don't know me very well…"
"I know enough. That was amazing."
"It was sex…great sex…but only sex."
"There couldn't be only sex with you."
She chuckled at his innocence but basked in his adoration. Shut up, Leah. When was the last time a man professed to adore you? Just accept it. She swept his hair off his forehead, resting her hand on the back of his neck. He kissed her nose before rolling off to the side.
"Come here." Colin pulled her into his arms.
Leah curled up, her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. He covered them with the comforter and switched out the light. A sense of well-being washed over her as a sigh of contentment left her lips. Be happy now, worry about tomorrow later.
"You're a fabulous lover," she whispered.
He answered her with a kiss on the forehead and a tightening of his arm around her. Sleep engulfed the exhausted lovers quickly.
Chapter Eight
Across town, Grey and Carrie had finished their meal and headed for the car. They held hands at the red lights on the drive home.
"My present awaits you, my Queen," Grey joked.
"Mine, too." Carrie wiggled her eyebrows at him.
Once in the house, Grey lit the fire in the fireplace then spread a lambskin on the floor while Carrie opened a bottle of Cabernet. The fire crackled, hissing and spitting, casting a warm glow on the faces of the lovers. Carrie handed him a glass of wine then joined him.
"To us." Grey held up his glass.
"To love and fidelity forever." Carrie clinked her glass to his.
When she put her glass down, Grey reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
"To the love of my life, happy Valentine's Day."
Carrie opened the box to find a pair of exquisite diamond earrings. She gasped.
"Oh my God! Designed by Monsieur Gris. They are the most…gorgeous…" She held them up to her ears.
"Put them on."
Carrie popped up to get to the nearest mirror. The earrings each had a chain of small diamonds ending in one larger one. She turned her head this way and that, pleased they fit her face perfectly.
"They're fabulous, Grey. I love them!"
When she returned he was grinning.
"Surprised?"
"Absolutely. Thank you, darling."
Carrie leaned over to kiss him. He took the opportunity to pull her into his arms for a passionate kiss, his hand claiming her breast. She melted against him, moving closer, her hands anchored on his wide shoulders. When they broke, she had to catch her breath.
"Your gift is…upstairs."
He shot her an amorous look.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
"Give me a few minutes."
Carrie disappeared up the stairs. In five minutes, she called down.
"Come up for your present!"
Grey bounded up the stairs. Carrie peeked out of the bedroom door, eager for his arrival. When he reached the top of the stairs, she threw open the door and raised her arms.
"Do you like it?"
Grey's mouth hung open. Carrie stood there wearing a saloon gal outfit that only went as far down as her bottom. The top had straps of magenta satin trimmed in black lace. The bodice was low cut, trimmed in the same black lace. Magenta satin made up most of the bodice with black onyx gems sewn on. Black lace combined with the satin to make vertical stripes that ended in a handkerchief hem way above her knees.
"I've never seen anything like this…and I've been to all the best stores. Trust me, if I'd seen this before…you'd have it in every color." He stood frozen, staring, his gaze running up and down her body.
"It's one of Leah's creations. She made it up just for me."
"You mean, for me, don't you?" He chuckled.
Grey was practically drooling. He swallowed several times, his eyes as wide as saucers.
"Do you like it?"
"Are you kidding? I love it. It's amazing. Are you wearing anything underneath?"
She shook her head, a sly grin stealing across her face.
"Oh my God, then you don't need to take it off when we…"
"Nope. That's the idea."
"Wow, Carrie. All I can say is wow," he muttered, yanking at his tie, unbuttoning his shirt.
"Let me help with that." She walked up to him and unbuckled his belt while he finishing with the shirt buttons. The shirt fell off his shoulders to the floor at the same time as his pants did. Grey toed off his shoes, ripped his t-shirt over his head and grabbed her. Carrie tried to stifle a giggle but was unsuccessful. He shot her a quizzical look.
"Socks," she said, pointing to the floor.
He was stark naked except for his black socks. He chuckled as he pulled each one off and left it where it lay. Gathering her in his arms, Grey kissed her hard. Carrie jumped up and wrapped her legs around him. He walked them into the bedroom, flopping down on the bed. She stretched out underneath him, watching his liquid gold eyes glisten with desire. He slid his hands down her chest, first pushing the wide straps down over her shoulders then slipping his fingers under the lace. His thumbs found her peaks and rubbed them while he bent over and nuzzled her neck. Withdrawing his hands, he cupped them over the garment and caressed her through the satin and lace.
The touch of his fingers, gentle but insistent ignited the fires always smoldering inside her for Grey. Her fingertips rubbed the light scruff on his face, a sensation that always turned her on. He pinched her lightly through the cloth.
"Is this silk? Will I ruin it if I get saliva on it?" He stared at the erect nipple showing through the delicate fabric.
"It is silk and if saliva drips a little because you're drooling it's not a problem," she laughed, "but your full mouth would wreck it."
"Damn!"
Carrie ran her hand down his back as he lay crouched between her legs while his hands glided over the smooth fabric. The piney scent of his aftershave aroused her senses almost as much as the rasp of his chin on her skin.
"Do you have to take it off?"
"I don't intend to."
His grin widened as he slipped his fingers under the hem, closing them around her hips. As she raised her legs, she felt his thumbs at her core. Closing her eyes, she let a groan escape her lips, his erotic massage made her wild. Her hips squirmed under his touch while her hand searched for his shaft.
"Looking for something?" A devilish gleam shone in h
is eyes.
Her hand closed around him.
"Gotcha!"
"That's what you think. I'm not done with you yet," he said, dislodging her hand.
"Grey…you're making me crazy…please."
"Sweet torture, honey…"
He secured her hands with his, raising them above her head, then he lowered his mouth to hers. When he was done kissing her, his lips and tongue blazed a trail across her jaw to her ear lobe then down her neck and chest. Carrie was panting, her hips pressed against him in a silent plea for release. Heat from his touch made her feel her skin would burst into flame. Lust for him coursed through her veins as the ache inside her threatened to take over completely. She wanted him and was willing to beg. The intensity of their passion wiped her mind of any thoughts except Grey, wanting him, needing him, lusting after him and she adored him for it.
As quickly as he took her hands, he released them. His hands pushed the skirt up, baring her most private place. He stared for a bit before lowering his lips to her belly and kissing down. When he got to the juncture of her thighs, he swiped her with his tongue several times. She gasped and squirmed under his loving attention.
"Oh my God, Grey…Please…please…"
"My pleasure."
He raised his head as his hands grabbed her bottom, squeezing it then raising her hips. He positioned himself and thrust into her, causing her to arch, throw her head back and cry out. He chuckled watching her, then began to make love to her in earnest, his hips beginning a rhythm she would easily follow.
"You want me, honey?" He whispered.
"I do."
"Say it."
"I want you…I want you with all my heart…and soul…"
"Carrie…love you, honey."
Then conversation stopped as he focused on moving inside her. The slap of flesh on flesh, grunting, moans of pleasure and finally cries of release filled the heavy bedroom air.
Carrie opened her eyes to see the loving look on Grey's face…the look he always had after they made love. She adored the way his face softened, his smile sweet, his gaze tender. His love surrounded her like a feather-light fleece blanket, caressing her, warming her, shutting out the cares of the world. He spun a cocoon around her, making her feel safe, protected, admired. Could it get any better than this? Never. My lover, my friend. Her fingertips caressed his cheek until he bent his head to kiss her palm.
Reluctantly, he pushed up on his hands. As cool air replaced his body heat, Carrie sensed his absence and sighed. His gaze roamed over her one more time.
"Can you iron this thing?"
She laughed.
"Hope so."
They both washed up. Carrie took off Leah's gorgeous creation and hung it in the closet. She slipped into bed, naked except for her new diamond earrings, cuddled up to Grey and closed her eyes. He spooned her, slinging an arm around her waist, then turned out the light.
"Best Valentine's Day present ever," he mumbled.
"Good night, my prince."
"Goodnight, my lady."
****
The sun stabbed Colin in the eyes at six o'clock. Disoriented for a moment, he rolled over and bumped into Leah. She muttered something, then pulled the covers over her exposed chest before going back to sleep. Colin touched her shoulder to make sure she was real. He grinned, realizing the night before had not been a dream. He was in Leah's bed, a place he had longed to be for weeks. Tucking one arm under his pillow, the other around her middle, he snuggled up to her and drifted back to sleep.
By nine o'clock, he was wide awake. The sweet scent of Leah sleeping woke him up. His hand rested on her breast and try as he might, he couldn't resist moving his fingers to caress her soft flesh though she was still asleep. She moaned, tossed, rolled over then laid her hand on top of his.
"Good morning," he whispered into her ear.
"Ummm."
He nuzzled the soft spot under her ear, she giggled, swatting at him as if he were a fly.
"Come on lazy bones, time to wake up." He planted a soft kiss on her lips.
She rolled over, facing him. His eyes took in her lovely body so close to his and so naked. One small handed rested on his chest, teasing him. The sight of her so close, her scent so alluring, her body so inviting made him hard.
"How do you feel about making love in the morning," he whispered, bending over her chest, letting his lips explore her silky skin.
"Thought you'd never ask."
****
Bundled up against the cold, Colin and Leah braved the icy winds whipping up and down the avenues of the West side of Manhattan to visit the American Museum of Natural History. With her leather-gloved hand tucked into the crook of his arm, joy took over his heart. Making love to Leah had exceeded his expectations. He simply couldn't stop smiling, not able to remember ever being this happy before. Must be love, real love.
"After this we could go ice skating then have hot chocolate in Rockefeller Center…then maybe window shopping on Fifth Avenue…"
"A man suggesting shopping of any kind…do you feel okay?" She reached up with her hand to feel his forehead. "No fever."
He laughed. "Just thinking of things you might want to do."
"Isn't there a basketball game on this afternoon?"
"Basketball? You want to watch basketball?"
"I happen to like basketball. Cuddling up with you, a bowl of chili and the game sounds like fun. I'm not a winter girl. I prefer…indoor sports…when it's cold outside."
She shot a sly smile at him.
"I hit the jackpot, didn't I? A woman who likes basketball and…uh…indoor sports."
Though he tried to hide his embarrassment, her chuckle plus the knowing look in her eye told him he hadn't fooled her.
"I have all the ingredients for chili. But it will take a little time to cook."
"What are we waiting for? It's damn cold outside."
"The museum will be there tomorrow, when it's supposed to be warmer."
The couple turned around and headed back to the apartment. After putting their coats in the closet, Leah headed for the kitchen with Colin close behind.
"Can I help?"
"Ever made chili before?"
He shook his head.
"Always a first time. Apron over there. First we get out the ingredients…why do I think you'll be a quick study?"
"First I have to learn how to keep my hands off you," he said, closing his arms around her.
Leah extricated herself gently. "Later, Romeo. First, kidney beans and onions."
"Aye, aye." Colin slipped the apron loop over his head.
Leah came up behind him to tie it but instead she slipped her arms around him, hugging him to her.
"Last night was the best Valentine's Day I've had in…years," she whispered.
"Me, too." Colin placed his hands over hers.
"While the chili's cooking, why don't you run up to Grey's and get your stuff. You can stay the rest of the vacation here with me."
He turned to look in her eyes.
"Really?" He raised his eyebrows.
She nodded. Colin picked her up, twirled her around the kitchen then crushed her to him.
"A dream come true. Wait here…"
He whipped the apron over his head.
"Colin, I'm not going…"
"I know. Don't find anybody else…I'll be back as soon…"
"Hurry, darling." She blew him a kiss.
"What did you call me?" He stopped short, almost falling over.
Color flooded Leah's face.
"Never mind…hurry…game starts in an hour."
She tried to shove him out the door but wasn't strong enough to budge him. After a quick kiss, he bolted, laughing all the way down the hall.
****
Uptown, thick draperies kept the sun from waking Grey. Carrie bounded out of bed at seven o'clock, like she usually did. She stood up and stretched her arms as high as they would go. She felt good, great, better than better. She smiled at her sle
eping fiancé. Life with Grey…full of surprises and so much…pleasure. She bent down to plant a kiss on his lips. He stirred.
"Not time yet, babe." She ruffled his hair lightly, donned a long flannel robe and padded downstairs.
He's always starved after a night of great sex. Hmm. Pancakes or waffles? Bacon? Carrie pulled out the ingredients for his favorite apple waffles. The slight brush of the earrings against her neck was a constant reminder of his gift. Switching the radio on, one of her favorite songs came up next, "Just Haven't Met You Yet". She sang along, moving her hips to the music when he came up behind her, placing his hands on her waist. Carrie jumped slightly then turned and laughed. He wore nothing but his blue plaid robe; his hair hung over his forehead. When he sported that sexy, knowing grin, she wanted to kiss it off his face.
"Something smells good," he said, folding her into his embrace.
"Hungry?"
"Starved! You know how I get…."
"One appetite then the other."
He laughed before planting a kiss on her lips. Grey went to the drawer to take out silverware.
"Working at home today?" She asked, pouring the batter into the waffle iron.
"Always take off after Valentine's Day. Usually need it to recover."
She giggled.
"I have some business plans to look over tomorrow, though."
"Today we can play. Two plates or three…did Colin come home?" She hesitated before taking down plates from the cabinet.
"I checked his room on my way down. Bed's not been slept in," he said, a smug grin spread across his face.
"And you're proud of him, aren't you?" She put her hands on her hips.
"Damn right I am. Another score for an Andrews man." He pumped his fist.
"Score? You think Leah's a score?" She raised her eyebrows as she plucked two plates off the top of the stack.
"Not really…but he wanted her, now he's had her."
She softened at the sheepish look on his face. "He's in love with her," she said.
"Love? I thought it was simply lust, advanced lust maybe, but just lust."
The Dating List Page 10
