It Had To Be You

by Francis Ray

  Zach motioned to another salesperson as soon as Laurel was busy with the first clerk. Putting his hands to his lips, he pointed to the jewelry pieces he knew would look stunning on Laurel. Giving the clerk his card, he promised to be back later to pick them up.

  As he’d said, Laurel didn’t need jewelry, but she’d look fantastic wearing the pieces. He didn’t doubt he’d have a difficult time getting her to accept the jewelry, but he’d find a way.

  He frowned. Carmen was the last woman he’d purchased jewelry for. At the time, her lack of faith in him had hurt as much as her lack of love. With Laurel, it wasn’t anything romantic. He’d give her the bracelet and earrings as a way to apologize for not telling her who he was.

  Imagining the turquoise pieces on Laurel, he turned and wanted to curse. The young woman from the restaurant came through the door. He didn’t know if she had followed him or if she’d seen him though the window. Either way, she was trouble.

  An interested woman might have been bold enough to stare, and that would have been the end of it. A fan was relentless. He recognized the glazed look on her face and that of the woman with her. Both were in their early twenties and wore short shorts and halter tops.

  He didn’t wait for one of them to scream his name or make a scene. Quickly he pulled his agent’s card he carried for persistent entertainers who wouldn’t take no for an answer from his wallet and went to her. “E-mail him next week and you’ll have every album I’ve ever produced autographed by the artist—if you’ll leave now.”

  She clutched the card, gulped, and stared at him with rapt fascination. The woman with her stared with her mouth gaped. “I-I want an autographed picture of you with my name on it.”

  He nodded abruptly. “Please leave.”

  “I—”

  “One more word, and you get nothing.” Not wanting Laurel to catch him talking to the woman, he walked away. He wasn’t fast enough. Laurel looked up at him and then at the woman.

  “Have you decided?” he asked, praying the woman would realize that was as good as she was going to get and leave.

  Laurel stepped around him and stared, then shook her head. Zach didn’t know if it was in disbelief that the woman had followed them, or as a way to warn her off. Despite his best intention, he liked to think it was the latter.

  Curving his arm around her shoulder, he turned her back to the jewelry. “If you can’t decide what to buy, we’ll keep looking. We can go to the ruins anytime.”

  Laurel gave her attention to the jewelry pieces, then reached for the bag he held. “I’ll take those two necklaces. Can you please gift-wrap them?”

  “Certainly, señorita.”

  She handed the salesclerk her credit card and faced him. “I think I’d like to go to the ruins today.”

  Please, he thought, let there be no more fans today. He usually didn’t mind because they were the reason he was successful, but the situation with Laurel was too tenuous.

  “Then ruins it is. Although it pains me to say so, you’ll need to stop back by your place and pick up something to cover your arms, and change shoes.”

  She lifted her foot, twisted her thong platform wedge sandal. “I guess keeping these on is not worth a sprained ankle.”

  “No. The sun is going to be brutal later on, and I don’t know how much we’ll be exposed to it during the tour. Your skin looks delicate.” It certainly felt that way, smooth and silky.

  She blushed. “What about you?”

  “Me?” Few people besides Paige and his mother worried about him when it wasn’t related to the music business. “My skin is a lot tougher than yours.”

  She adamantly shook her head. “If I change clothes, so do you.”

  Too bad we can’t change together, but then if we did, we’d never make it to the ruins. “I’ll change.”

  The Mayan ruins were as beautiful and as haunting and mystical as Laurel had imagined. The site was an impressive reminder of the unique Mayan civilization, their extraordinary accomplishments, and their brilliant mathematical minds. Mysteries still surrounded the sacred temples and the many gods for which they were named.

  The most compelling thing about the tour for Laurel, however, was being with Zach. He excited her, made her feel sexy every time his hot gaze touched her—which was often.

  On the drive back they’d stopped for dinner and made plans to go dancing later. At her place, she showered and, silently thanking Sabra, put on a black one-shoulder dress with a silver buckle. When she opened the door, Zach simply stared at her for a few moments, his eyes sliding over her. She felt sexy and desirable.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said, the words hushed.

  “Thank you.”

  Taking her arm, he walked her to the Jeep. Tonight the top was up. Getting inside, the skirt of her dress slid up over her knees.

  “I like that dress even more,” Zach said, with a teasing grin before closing her door. Climbing inside, he drove them into town and parked. “It will be easier if we walk. It’s only a short distance.”

  “All right.” She didn’t mind walking because she’d be closer to Zach.

  “The first night I saw you, I thought moonlight suited you. I still do,” Zach said as they strolled down La Quinta Avenida toward the nightclub. The avenue, crowded with people, was lined with bars, restaurants, and exclusive boutiques.

  She swallowed. Thank you didn’t seem the right thing to say.

  He turned and guided her up three steps to a recessed doorway. A male attendant opened the door. A pounding beat greeted them. Laurel almost winced. She’d never liked loud music, even as a teenager. Rap set her teeth on edge. Zach’s arm tightened a fraction as if he felt her distress.

  “Zach Albright,” he said to the first waitress he saw.

  The woman’s eyes widened, then ran quickly over him. “Certainly, Mr. Albright. I’ll show you to your private table.”

  They followed the waitress through the crowded dance club, then up a short flight of stairs to an empty table on a platform with two booths and three other tables. All were occupied. The music was fast and loud, the dance floor packed with gyrating bodies. It wasn’t the type of place she would have chosen.

  “Not what you’re used to?” he asked, his hand in the small of her back, his lips near her ear so she could hear. The warmth of his breath fanned her ear, caused a shiver to race through her.

  She shook her head. “I like my music a bit more restrained.”

  “Your table, Mr. Albright,” the waitress said.

  “Thank you.” Zach pulled out a chair at the small table. “What would you like to drink, Laurel?”

  “White wine.”

  “Two white wines.” Zachary took the seat next to hers. “What kind of music do you like?”

  “Classical,” she answered slowly.

  “Your wine.” The waitress placed the glasses on the table. “Would you like for me to start a tab?”

  “No, thank you.” He placed cash on the table.

  The woman picked up the money. “I’ll check on you in a bit.”

  “We can go if you’re uncomfortable,” he said to Laurel as the waitress moved away.

  “I’m not uncomfortable.” She glanced around. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, even those not on the floor. Their heads and bodies bobbed to the booming rap song. “It’s just . . .”

  “Loud?”

  “Very.”

  He came to his feet. “Let’s go. We’ll go for a walk.”

  She didn’t move. All day they’d done what she wanted. She lifted her foot, wiggled the toe of her red-soled peep-toe platform shoe with a four-and-a-half-inch heel. “Don’t you think I should get one dance?”

  “You’re sure?”

  She came to her feet. With her heels, if she lifted her head, she could almost brush her lips across his chin. A tempting possibility and one she definitely planned to act upon before the night was over. She flushed. She had to stop thinking about kissing Zach.

  His ey
es never leaving hers, Zach curved his arm around her waist, drawing her slowly to him. “Let’s put those shoes to the test.”

  By the time they reached the dance floor, the music had changed to a Latin beat. Excited shouts erupted as couples crowded the dance floor. Their movements became fast and sexually charged.

  A grin tugged the corner of Zach’s incredible mouth. “You game?”

  She studied him. He didn’t appear the least bit intimidated. She felt a wild exhilaration. She rather liked the idea of tempting him, having his eyes on her. “I believe you promised me a dance.”

  His arm tightened around her waist, dragging her flush against his muscled hardness. Heat, sexual in its intensity, poured from him. “I like to think I’m a man of my word.”

  His body swayed with the music, taking her with him. Then he was spinning her away, the hem of her flared skirt swirling around her legs, then bringing her back into his arms. Her leg wrapped around his. She felt his erection, but before she had a chance to get nervous, he spun her away again.

  When she returned, her back was against his front. She went sensuously down to the floor, her hands on either side of his body, before coming back up.

  Each encounter of their bodies, each heated stroke, created sexual friction to tantalize and tease. Her breasts brushed against his back as she twisted up, then down, then stepped around in front of him to repeat the motion. He twirled her around until she was back in his arms, her back to him, his arm around her waist.

  Each movement excited and beckoned. When the music ended, they were plastered against each other from chest to knees, her arms around his neck, her slightly parted lips inches from his.

  Another song started, but neither seemed to notice. Their breathing was harsh in the air.

  He wanted and he couldn’t have.

  Taking a deep breath, Zach dropped his forehead against Laurel’s. Thankful that the song was slow and no one paid them any attention, he fought to bring the raging hunger of his body under control.

  “I better get you home.” Releasing her and stepping back was one of the most difficult things he’d ever done. He led her outside and started for the parking lot a short distance away where he’d left the Jeep.

  Unfortunately, the cool air did nothing to wipe out the need clawing at him. They walked back to the Jeep in silence, his thoughts troubled. He’d had the crazy idea to show her that people enjoyed different types of music. He’d reasoned the popular nightspot, with music from old school to rap, would be perfect. All he’d accomplished was to get as hard as a rock.

  Seating Laurel in the Jeep, he went around to the driver’s side and got in. She was quiet as they drove off. What did he expect? He hadn’t been able to hide his blatant desire for her.

  Parking in front of her condo, he opened his door, helped her out, felt her tremble. When he messed up, he did it big-time.

  At her door, her hand shook as she tried to unlock her door. He took the key from her, unlocked and opened her door. As soon as he returned the key, she started inside.

  His hand on her arm stopped her. She tensed. She refused to look at him.

  “Laurel.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “I’ve tried to fight it, but I touch you and I want you.” His laugh was ragged. “I see you and I want you. Nothing has ever happened to me like this. Please look at me, and tell me you forgive me for embarrassing you.”

  Slowly her head came up. “You didn’t embarrass me.”

  Desire stared back at him. “Laurel.”

  He pulled her into his arms, his mouth finding hers. Desire hit him full-force. Lifting her into his arms, he went inside her condo, slamming the door behind them.

  Four

  His mouth slammed into hers, stealing her breath, scattering her thoughts, and sending need plummeting through her. The fierce intensity shook her. She’d never experienced anything like the pleasure of his touch, the craving for more.

  His large hand skimmed over her bare shoulder, the curve of her back, before settling on her hips. His erection, bold and unashamed, pressed against her.

  A small part of her sent a warning to her brain, but the growing ache in the center of her body that had begun with their dance was too strong to fight. Her arms tightened around his neck, her leg lifted around his to get some relief. He moved sensuously against her.

  What thoughts she had scattered, fractured. Her hands clutched him to her; her hips matched his rhythm.

  His head abruptly lifted, and Laurel wanted to drag his mouth back. His eyes, fierce with desire, blazed into hers. “You make me weak. I’ve never wanted like this.”

  His words melted her heart. Moisture pooled in her eyes. With her body screaming for the ache to go away, she pulled his head down. She sighed with pleasure as his mouth took hers again. His tongue tangled and danced with hers, feeding the passion between them. She twisted restlessly against him, heard the rasp of the zipper on the side of her dress. He stepped away and tugged the dress over her head.

  Before her foggy brain could clear, his mouth returned to hers, drawing her into a vortex of passion once again. His hungry mouth moved to her bare shoulder then downward. Her body buckled as his wet, hot mouth closed around her taut nipple, causing the growing ache to deepen.

  A moan vibrated through her as his tongue swirled and laved, sending heat sizzling through her body before he moved to the other breast. She arched into him, wanting him more than she’d ever desired a man before. Heat pooled between her thighs.

  “Laurel.”

  The room tilted as he picked her up, his mouth finding her again. She moaned as pleasure swept through her. She felt the cool sheet beneath her back and the heat of his muscled body over hers.

  He kissed her as if he had all the time in the world, long, slow, seductive, throwing her off balance again. Her skin felt tight, overly sensitive, his shirt an irritant. She wanted it gone and fumbled with the buttons.

  Tearing his mouth away, he pulled the shirt over his head and kicked free of his pants. Moonlight poured through the large plate-glass window in the bedroom. She had an impression of leashed power before he was crouched over her again.

  “You’re all that I desire.” His mouth skimmed over hers, leaving need and heat in his wake as his lips tantalized and teased. Her body quivered, her heart raced, her breath stuttered. She felt compelled to touch him as he was touching her.

  Her hands ran over the muscular warmth of his chest, boldly followed the path with her lips. Air hissed through his teeth.

  He muttered her name. She sighed his.

  His hand glided lazily over her stomach, the inside of her thigh, increasing the restless edge growing in her. Her legs closed automatically, trapping his hand. His hand flexed, moved, flicked the hidden nub, stroking her. Shock and pleasure had her gasping. Opening her legs, she clutched his shoulders and twisted restlessly beneath him.

  “Soon.”

  She barely noticed the black lace panties being pulled down her legs. He was doing delicious, wild things to her. Her moan turned into a whimper as he increased the pace of his fingers, the pressure. Her head thrashed on the pillow, unfamiliar with the sensations moving through her. She burned.

  Quickly sheathing himself, he reared over her, lifting her hips. He wanted this woman. He’d never wanted anything more. It had taken all of his control not to tear off their clothes and take her standing up.

  He hadn’t because it had been more important to make their first time together unforgettable. Now, staring down at her beautiful flushed face, her heaving breasts, lush and full, her eyes glazed with desire, her silken flesh hot and sensitive, it had been worth every nerve-racking second. The wait was finally over.

  He plunged into her moist heat, felt the slight resistance. Her surprised gasp mixed with his own. Even as his mind rebelled, she frantically tried to push him away.

  The distress tore at his heart. He reacted instinctively to soothe, to bring back the passion that had led him to believe that she was experienced. Ke
eping his body still, he kissed her, sweet and light, luring her back to him.

  After a scary moment, her tongue tentatively met his. Weak with relief and thankfulness that she still wanted him, his hands lovingly stroked her. Her body softened. Grateful, he reached between them and flicked his thumb across the sensitive nub, found her center wet. He deepened the kiss.

  She met him, kiss for kiss. Her hips lifting, seeking. He removed his hand and began to move slowly, letting her body adjust to his. He increased the pace by degrees, finding her with him, matching his rhythm, her breathing as off kilter as his own.

  “My joy,” he murmured, his control slipping away. His body plunged in and out of hers, taking them over at the same time. When he had the strength, he rolled to his side, bringing her with him and tucking her against his length.

  Questions swirled around in his head. He’d been the first. The knowledge made his chest tight and his heart beat faster. He’d never been a possessive man, but he accepted that he was with her. Angling his head, he stared down at her. She was asleep. No wonder. They’d been out most of the day. To his way of thinking, it had ended perfectly.

  His eyes abruptly shut. He groaned. He shouldn’t have touched her. In the past, he had never had any difficulty walking away. With her, the sweet hunger overwhelmed him. Their shared passion was a starting point. He’d make this right.

  He had to. The alternative wasn’t acceptable.

  Laurel slowly woke with a smile on her face, stretched, felt the slight soreness where she’d never felt it before. She frowned, felt the warmth of Zach’s body curved against her back, his hand lightly splayed on her bare abdomen. The night came crashing back.

  What had she done? She shut her eyes. Stupid question. Shame and misery hit her, knotting her stomach. She’d never acted so irresponsibly. Yet even as her thoughts jumbled, her body hummed, wanted his. She had to get out of there.

  She made a motion to sit up. The arm curved around her waist suddenly tightened.