She nodded and leaned over, clasping her hands together as she gazed out. I assessed her posture, trying to keep my breathing steady as my gaze slid over her tiny waist and flat belly to the rounded swell of her full hips... and that arse that made my cock stir in my trousers every time I saw it...
“Roll your hips back a little and arch your back, lass,” I said. “It will show you off more.”
She looked at me, her brow furrowing. “Are you sure you want that?”
She looked down, and I could see her cheeks coloring. I wanted to reach out and stroke her cheek, to tell her she had nothing to be afraid of, but I didn’t know how she’d react. I settled for brushing her hair off her shoulder, and noticed her sharp intake of breath when my fingers grazed her skin.
“Absolutely,” I said. “I want to capture those beautiful curves of yours. Soften your gaze as you look out, like you’re seeing everything that you dream of, just over the horizon... Do you know how I mean?”
She chewed her lip and glanced down at my hand, still resting on her shoulder, but didn’t pull back.
“I think so,” she said. “I’ll give it a try.”
She pushed her hips back ever-so-slightly and opened her shoulders, arching her back. I sucked in a breath, and motioned for Martin to come over quickly. The lighting crew followed, hastily setting up their gear.
“Now, Aolani,” I said. “Gaze toward the horizon.”
The wind kicked up, whipping her hair back behind her. Her expression took on the quality of a dreamer, her face relaxed and serene as she looked out over the harbor waves. In that moment, I would have given anything to know what she dreamed about--what kind of vision for her future made her look so peaceful, so hopeful... and so utterly beautiful.
Martin’s camera snapped away, and he started his spiel, telling her to adjust slightly this way and that until he had every angle he wanted captured. But I knew we’d gotten what we needed with that first shot.
Aolani Kahale was a natural.
***
She had a thin cotton robe on over her bikini when I sought her out below deck. She was sitting on the sofa in my study, her laptop poised on her lap as she clacked away on the keys. Her hair had fallen over her face, obscuring her expression.
“Am I interrupting?”
She jumped, and pressed a hand to her chest. “You startled me.” She looked up from her work and grinned. “And I hardly think you’re interrupting, since it’s your boat, and your study I’m invading.”
I leaned in the doorway and smirked at her, loving the way she looked when she smiled.
“Well, that’s all very true, lass. But I don’t mind you invading my space one bit.”
I cocked an eyebrow at her, and she pursed her lips, trying to hide a smile.
“I was just going through my work email. I can’t believe I’ve wasted this whole day. I feel like I’m so behind...”
“Well,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “What if I told you I have project for you that involves you wasting a whole lot more time, as you put it?”
She closed her laptop and met my gaze. “I didn’t mean to say... What I meant was...” She wrinkled her nose. “Sorry about that. What’s the project?”
I laughed, and she seemed to relax a little. “I understand what you meant. But modeling like you did is harder than it looks. I certainly couldn’t do as well as you did in front of a camera on your first day.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I doubt that. You look like you fell out of a GQ catalog.”
I ran my hand over my jawline, grinning at her again. Did she really just say what I thought she said?
Her eyes went wide, and I felt the embarrassment pouring off her in waves. Maybe this attraction I felt was mutual after all. Maybe this professional woman was having the same very unprofessional thoughts I was...
The very idea of it made my temperature rise. The idea of her wanting me, of wanting to take me to bed with her, or even just press those sensual lips of hers against mine, was almost too much.
I cleared my throat and chuckled softly. “Yes, well, the project I mentioned. I’d love it if you’d join my team full time. I want you to be the face of this campaign, Aolani.”
She stared at me, her lips parting in a way that made me want to run my thumb over them. For a moment, she just stared at me, speechless.
“I... I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” she said. “I have no experience.”
“I saw you out there today, lass. You were a natural. You absolutely killed it.” I moved closer, and held out my hand to her. “I need you, Aolani. Only you can made this campaign what it should be. Plus, I’ll double whatever your marketing firm is paying you.”
She looked down at her hands, now toying with the edge of her laptop. “Double?”
I kept my hand out, urging her to take it. “And there will be travel. We’ll take my yacht through the Caribbean to get some shots, then back to Scotland where we’ll begin a tour of the major cities of the UK, drumming up business before the big launch.”
She licked her lips, and I felt my member stir again, imagining what she might be able to do with them. I tugged my sweater down, praying she didn’t notice the effect she had on me.
“The Caribbean and the... the UK?”
“Absolutely. It will be just you, me, and a small crew to set up lights and do the photographing. My own crew. Martin stays behind with the rest of your people. You’ll be on my payroll, working for my company. What do you say?”
Her eyes lit up at the mention of ditching that cranky old bastard, and I knew I had her.
“Please, Aolani. Don’t leave me high and dry here.”
She laughed then, the sound making my heart constrict in my chest. She set the laptop aside and stood, then slid her hand into mine, the feel of her soft skin electric against my own rough palm.
“I’m definitely in,” she said. “Although I still think you’re crazy for not hiring a real model.”
“Brilliant,” I said. “And who needs other models when I have a one of a kind?”
I winked at her, still enjoying the feeling of her hand cradled in mine. Her smile faded as her gaze moved from my eyes down to my mouth. Her pupils dilated, her lips parting as she gazed at me. I caressed her hand with my thumb, unable to stop myself. With her this close, all good sense fled my mind, the intoxicating scent of coconut and jasmine wafting from her, tempting.
But before I could do anything stupid, like lean down and capture her full lips with mine, she pulled back, her hand left mine, and the cold air between us filled the space like nothing had happened.
“Thanks, boss,” she muttered, and I knew, for now, the spell was broken.
***
Aolani
What the hell was that?
I watched Gavin Fletcher, my new employer, walk away, but instead of the opportunity he’d just given me, all I could think about was the moment that just passed between us.
With my hand in his, and his body so close to mine, everything else had faded away, my mind focusing in on small details like the way his hair curled just beneath his ears, and the way the musky scent of his aftershave made me want to snuggle into him and inhale deeply. I wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to reach up and wrap my hands in that glorious hair of his and bring his face down to mine, to run my tongue over his lower lip and see if he tasted as good as he looked.
What was I thinking? I couldn’t let him have this effect on me. He was my boss now, and it was completely inappropriate even to think about it.
It had probably just been too long between men, and I needed a good lay. After all, I hadn’t been with a man in over a year. I’d broken up with my college sweetheart when he told me I should settle for selling beach wear in his father’s store instead of pursuing my goals on the mainland. He’d wanted me to settle down with him and give up chasing my dream job in order to have his children and keep him comfortable.
I’d known he was wrong for me, that
we were too different, and I’d just grown used to him instead of loving him, but that was the moment I knew I had to end it, or be stuck in a rut for the rest of my life.
I’d broken up with him that night and started looking for work online. My grandmother told me she’d never been prouder of me when I called her crying, and my roommate and cousin, Kali, high-fived me when she got home. Apparently everyone knew it was over but me.
I never was very good at trusting my instincts when it came to men.
And now here I was, about to make another mistake. I had to keep my feelings in check if I didn’t want to screw up this job. And who knew? Maybe modeling, as ridiculous as it was, for Mr. Fletcher would open doors into the photography field that I never would have found working with Martin. I had to look at this as an opportunity, and seize it with both hands.
I smiled, thinking of the photographer’s reaction to finding out I’d quit without notice. He’d be absolutely livid, and the thought of his beet-red face made me feel lighter than I had in months. I was going traveling, and getting paid to do it. What could be better than that?
I packed up my laptop and stood, ready to change and let Gavin have his yacht back after a long day. The door to the deck banged open, and I screeched in surprise. A gust of wind tore through the narrow hallway, making my robe flap around my legs.
***
Gavin
What am I getting myself into?
I stood on deck and ran my hands through my hair, trying to harness my thoughts. She was perfect for my campaign, but here I was, wondering what it would be like to kiss her, to touch her... hell, to strip her naked and make her scream my name, if I was being honest with myself.
I couldn’t let myself go down that path, but here I was, bringing temptation onto my yacht, my home away from home, so it could stare me in the face every single day. What the bloody hell was I thinking?
Was I the kind of man who hired a woman, then tried to get into her pants?
I gazed out over the harbor, watching the waves lap at the side of the yacht, and sighed. I’d never been that kind of man, and I knew it, but the worry was there, nonetheless. The last thing I wanted to do was make Aolani uncomfortable.
Lightning crackled in the distance, bringing me out of my reverie. The winds kicked up around me, making the flags on the pier crackle and snap behind me. I glanced toward the cabin door. If a storm was coming in this fast, it might be wiser not to drive on these beach roads. Branches always fell with the slightest provocation, and the ocean had a nasty way of coming up over the highway during high winds.
Lightning blazed again, closer now, and rolling thunder followed just behind. Wind pummeled me, driving me back along the deck. We’d both be safer inside until it passed. I’d weathered much worse than this on The Fiona, but it was wiser to wait it out below deck than to let Aolani try to battle her way back into town.
Another violent gust knocked open the door to the stairwell below deck, and I heard Aolani’s voice cry out from inside. A rattling noise met my ears, and I winced as I felt the stinging sensation of hail beating down from above. I swore under my breath and clambered down the stairs, locking the door securely behind me.
“What’s going on out there?”
Large, black eyes blinked up at me from the dim light of the cabin. Aolani had dropped her laptop on the sofa and stood clutching her robe like a shield against the elements.
“A nasty storm rolled in, and we’d best stay in until it passes. The roads aren’t safe for driving any more.”
Aolani chewed her lip, and I wondered if she was thinking the same thing I was, replaying the moment that just passed between us.
“But that also means staying for dinner. And luckily for you, I make a mean curry.”
I grinned at her, and saw the tension ease in her shoulders. She gave me a weak smile in return.
“I love curry.”
“Brilliant, then,” I said. “I’ll let you change, and I’ll get to work in the kitchen. The dining area is down the hall and to the left. Just follow your nose.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Gavin.”
“It’s my pleasure,” I said, and despite myself, I meant it.
I wanted her here. I didn’t want to let her go, even though every look from those beautiful eyes broke my will down a little bit more. But here we were, stuck together. At least for a little while.
We might as well make the best of it.
***
Aolani
I couldn’t believe I was on a boat so large, it had it’s own dining room.
I was back in my work clothing now, and I’d done my best to comb out my wind-blown hair. I did as Gavin suggested, following the heavenly scent of spices down a short stairwell and through a hallway toward the sound of humming and pans banging.
I paused briefly before entering the kitchen, letting the deep, melodious sound of his voice wash over me. This whole day had been so surreal, and this was just the cherry on the weirdness sundae. My new boss was making me dinner on his yacht while a storm raged outside.
“Don’t be shy,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s almost ready. I had the base in the fridge and am just warming things up.”
I laughed nervously and stepped around the corner. His eyes instantly traveled down my body, taking in the wrap blouse accentuating my bust and small waist, then down over the stretchy material hugging my hips. For a moment, I thought I saw his eyes darken, but then he was looking into my eyes, smiling like he hadn’t just been checking me out. Again.
He turned back to the pot in front of him, stirring the chicken into the sauce.
I felt the heat creeping up my neck as I gazed back, taking the opportunity to admire his broad shoulders beneath the cable sweater, his trim waist, and the way his slacks hugged his toned ass. He turned and gave me a smirk, as if he knew what I was thinking.
“Come here for a taste. I don’t want it to be too spicy for you.”
He held the wooden spoon out for me, his hazel eyes twinkling, urging me closer.
“I like it hot,” I said, then winced when I realized what I’d just said.
Oh, my God. What was wrong with me?
His lips twitched, but he didn’t say anything, just lifted the spoon to my lips, his hand cupped beneath, ready to catch any drips. I tasted the sauce and instantly moaned as the flavors mingled on my tongue. It was absolutely delicious.
“I’ll take that as a good sign,” Gavin said.
“It’s sinfully good,” I said. I licked my lips slowly, and watched his eyes drift downward to my mouth.
“I’m glad you approve.”
His voice was husky, and as I met his gaze, I saw the mirth was gone from his eyes, replaced by a hungry look I knew had nothing to do with food. I sucked in a breath, realizing I could smell his cologne again, his proximity making my heart beat faster. He reached forward and brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes, tucking it behind my ear. I leaned into his touch.
The spoon clattered to the floor, and suddenly, his mouth was on mine, his lips hot and urgent. I moaned, opening my lips beneath his, my hands instantly wrapping around his waist, drawing him to me. His tongue teased me, licking softly before probing deeper, making me sigh into him.
I should have pushed away. I should have said “no,” instead of meeting his tongue with mine. I should have grabbed my purse and driven home, even though the storm still raged outside, the sound of pinging hail on the deck creating a cocoon of white noise around us. He was my boss, and besides, I didn’t know anything about him. He was practically a stranger.
But whenever I was around him, all logic and reason flew out the door because I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I wanted him. That I ached to be in his arms.
So I let go and kissed him back, feeling his response to my touch growing hard against my stomach. I groaned and pressed closer, loving that I was turning him on in the same way.
“Aolani,” he breathed, breaking the kiss for just a moment. “Holy
Lord.”
I looked up at him, stunned by the passion we’d just shared, my lips feeling bruised in the most delicious way, still tasting him on my tongue. I realized I was clutching his sweater, but couldn’t yet bring myself to let go.
His hands wound themselves in my hair, tilting my head back. “God, you’re beautiful.”
I whimpered, held like that, feeling helpless to resist, even while I knew this shouldn’t be happening. Not so soon. Not like this. Hell, not ever, if I was the good girl I always thought I was.
His lips moved to my neck, making tingles of electricity shoot through my body. I gasped and dug my nails into his back, pulling him tighter. He made a growling sound low in his throat, like a predator ready to spring on its prey.
Oh, what the hell.
I leaned back, giving him better access, mewling as his lips traveled down to the nape of my neck, then lower, whispering over my clavicle. His eyes met mine for a moment, as if looking for any sign of hesitation, then his hands went to my blouse, tugging my buttons free. Three buttons undone, and my breasts were spilling out of my shirt, my cleavage displayed prominently in my demi bra. He groaned, drinking in the sight of my body like a kid in a candy shop, before his lips crashed down on mine once more.
I wrapped my hands in his hair like I’d been wanting to do all day, feeling the wild tresses twisting around my fingers as I melted into his kiss. Our bodies pressed together, the heat rising between us, then he was lifting me, his strong hands around my waist, hoisting my bottom onto the edge of the kitchen island. His hand pushed my skirt up roughly, and I made no move to stop him, my racing heartbeat drowning out all coherent thought.
He moved between my legs, rubbing against me, his erection pressing into me at just the right spot. I moaned and pushed into him, my core throbbing and hot, seeking more friction between us, returning his passion movement for movement.
Lush Curves (A BBW Erotic Romance) Page 2
