He looked away and studied the living room. The tropic-styled suite had to have cost a small fortune. Tony was no expert on decorating or art but he knew about wood and carpentry and the hardwood floors alone had set the owner back a year’s rent for a Queens apartment. Anyone could tell that the rattan furniture was of the highest quality and the artwork on the walls and interesting native pieces casually set on corner pedestals weren’t cheap knockoffs. Expensive knockoffs maybe.
Even the bar area was no afterthought. At least ten feet across against a mirrored wall, the back shelf was stocked with full-size bottles of premium brands and not the miniature version. The refrigerator was full size, too, and loaded with different varieties of beer, according to Otis. Four bar stools with blue-and-cream-colored seats that matched the couch were arranged around the tall, curved rattan bar.
No fake plants either. Eight-foot palms stood on either side of the sliding glass door to the balcony. It was dark but he knew they faced the ocean. Not just because the front desk clerk had told him. Tony could hear the waves lapping the shore.
Man, it sucked that Dallas and Eric had spent all this money and Tom was screwing up their plans. No doubt they had something equally nice someplace else but that wasn’t the point. It wasn’t even about the money. Tony had already decided he’d pay for the suite and everything else this weekend. He didn’t care what Dallas said. But it was all the hassle she’d gone through to counter Tom’s prank that irritated Tony.
He couldn’t think about that right now. It pissed him off too much and he had another problem to consider…sobering up Dakota. His gaze went back to Dakota. For a second he thought he saw her eyes open, but as he moved closer he realized it had to have been a trick of the light.
He’d already lost the bow tie and shrugged out of the jacket. He draped it over the rattan chair that matched the couch and bar stools, and then grabbed their bags and carried them to the bedroom.
The friggin’ bedroom was almost as big as the living room, with a canopied king-size bed and one of those white nettings you only see in movies draped over it and tied back to the bedposts. There was another couch and another sliding glass door that led to a separate balcony. More palms, more paintings.
He found the large walk-in closet and placed their bags on the built-in luggage racks. Kicking off his shoes, he unfastened his belt at the same time and then hung it on a gold-plated hook behind the door. He pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants and started unbuttoning it as he walked out into the bedroom.
Dakota stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Frowning slightly, she tried to smooth her hair. A few curls sprang back to rest on her cheek. “Tony?”
“Yeah?”
“Where are we?”
He cleared his throat. “You don’t remember anything.”
“Well, yes, of course I do.” Her gaze slid down to his exposed chest, lingered for a long satisfying moment.
“What exactly do you remember?”
“The wedding.”
“I hope so.” He chuckled. “And?”
She put two fingers to her temple. “Wow, do I have a headache.”
“Yeah, a vat of wine will do that.”
She gave him a glare that was immensely reassuring. Yup, she was definitely coming around.
He grinned. “Let’s see if Dallas packed any aspirin for you.”
He brought the bag from closet and set it on the bed, then left her to root through it while he went to get some water from the bar.
The refrigerator was stocked with Evian and Perrier. He grabbed two Evians, one for each of them, and then returned to the room.
She shook her head. “No aspirin.”
“Wait a minute. Let me check in here.” The place had everything else and he wouldn’t be surprised if the bathroom was stocked with personal items.
He slowed as he entered and let out a low whistle. He’d seen some fancy bathrooms before but this was totally awesome. A huge bathtub with three marble steps leading up to it. The entire floor was cream-and-tan marble. Not the cheesy fake kind either. The tub and dual vanity fixtures were gold and in the corner was a glass shower large enough for three people.
If you were into that kind of thing. Tony was a simple man. He just wanted Dakota. Naked. In that tub. Or shower. It didn’t matter. As long as it was with him.
“Tony?”
The sound of her voice made him jerk. “What?”
“What’s taking you so—oh, my.” She walked past him, her fascinated gaze sweeping the room. “I definitely could get used to this.”
“You mean you don’t have one at home?”
“I wish.” She swayed a little but other than that she seemed steady and coherent.
“I haven’t checked to see if there’s any aspirin.”
“A shower,” she said. “That’s what I need.”
“Good idea.” He backed toward the door. “I’ll call room service. Order some coffee.”
“Wait. I need help with this zipper.” She gave him her back.
He moved in and found the small tab and slowly drew it down, his heart thumping at each inch of pale silky skin he exposed. She wasn’t wearing a bra, which surprised him; she was so firm and high he’d had no idea. As he pulled the zipper down past the curve of her backside, he saw that she was wearing a red thong.
Drawing in a sharp breath, he stepped back. “Anything else?”
She slid her arms from the sleeves, and then holding the dress over her breasts, she turned around. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked into her eyes, found them focused and aware, and leaned toward her.
She met his lips, tentatively at first, brushing lightly, using the tip of her tongue gently along his lower lip. His groin tightened. But then she slipped her tongue into his mouth and pursued him with an eagerness that brought him to his senses.
This wasn’t Dakota. This was the booze talking. The last thing he wanted or needed was her mortification tomorrow morning.
With every shred of willpower he possessed, he pulled away.
“What’s wrong?” She clutched the dress tighter.
“Want me to start the water for you?”
She lifted a shoulder, the move casual and sexy as hell. “Sure.”
He rolled back his sleeve and stuck his hand in the shower to turn it on. The heat of her stare seared his back and he took his time getting the right water temperature while he tried to figure out just how noble he wanted to be.
“There you go.” He dried his arm on a white fluffy towel and pulled his sleeve back down, carefully avoiding looking at her.
“I’m not drunk,” she said, “if that’s what you’re worried about.”
He looked at her, his cock twitching at the exposed curve of her bare hip the limp dress didn’t cover. “You had a lot to drink.”
“Not as much as you think.”
He smiled, but then she moistened her lips, the tip of her pink tongue leaving a tempting sheen across her lower lip and he totally lost track of rational thought.
“Want to join me?” she whispered.
He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, and then caught sight of the reflection of her naked backside in the mirror. She had on the thong but that meant nothing. His cock sure as hell couldn’t tell.
“Tony.”
He looked into her confused eyes. He should say something, but nothing came to mind.
She sighed, and then covered a yawn. “If you’re not going to join me, would you get out?”
He smiled, and then forced himself toward the door. The yawn and droopy eyelids had done it. Three more hours and the sun would be coming up. It wouldn’t hurt either of them to grab a couple of hours of sleep. He’d take the couch for now. Tomorrow, when she’d be totally clearheaded, was another story.
WHAT THE HELL was Dallas thinking? Dakota started emptying the small bag her sister had packed for her. Two bikinis, one yellow, one red, both so itty-bitty she wasn
’t even sure how you put them on. The yellow gauzy strip was probably supposed to be a cover-up, although it sure wasn’t going to cover up a damn thing.
Even the two pairs of khaki shorts were totally unacceptable. So brief you practically needed a Brazilian wax to wear them. And the halter tops and skimpy sundresses? Dakota shook her head. She’d have to find a hotel boutique first thing. She checked her watch. Nine-ten.
Her gaze was drawn to the bedroom door, the only thing separating her from Tony, and she automatically pulled the lapels of the robe together.
As much water as she’d had to drink last night, she’d apparently had more wine and champagne than she thought. Her head ached and remembering how brazen she’d been made her wince a little. Not that she’d changed her mind about having hot monkey sex with Tony. But she normally wasn’t that out there about it. Probably served her right for carrying the tipsy thing so far.
Turned out the joke was on her. She could’ve been sleeping with Tony instead of alone. He got points for being honorable, but damn…Ironically, the knock came at that moment.
She drew in a deep breath. “Come in.”
He opened the door. No shirt. No socks. Just last night’s tuxedo pants. A beard-darkened jaw and a gorgeous expanse of muscled chest and pecs so well defined she wanted to run her hands over them. Touch his nubby brown nipples, the crisp swirling hair…
“I heard you so I knew you were up.” He gestured toward the closet. “I need my bag.”
“Of course.”
“And the bathroom. The one out there doesn’t have a shower.”
She struggled to keep her eyes level with his. Not that he noticed. His gaze had lowered to her chest, and she realized she was clutching the robe so tightly her fingers were starting to ache.
She cleared her throat and released her death grip. “It’s all yours. I’ve had my shower,” she said, unnecessarily, considering her damp hair.
“I won’t be long.” On his way to the closet he stopped, and eyed the pile of clothes she’d left on the bed. “I hope Dallas included something for the beach.”
“Um, not really.”
“What’s that?”
She followed his far-too-interested gaze to the yellow bikini. “My sister’s idea of a joke.”
He studied her for a moment. “I take it you remember everything now?”
“Of course I do.” She started refolding the clothes, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. A shameful flashback to last night made her wish she were in court. She’d even be willing to face Judge Hadley, an attorney’s worst nightmare. Anything but standing here, having to lie to Tony. On the other hand, she wasn’t lying. She did remember. “I knew what was going on.”
“Then you’re okay with everything.”
She didn’t have to look at him to know he was grinning. She heard it in his voice. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
“A little testy, aren’t we? I heard that a Bloody Mary can take care of that hangover.”
“I’m not hungover. I’m absolutely fine.”
Hiding a smile, she replaced the clothes in the bag.
“What are you doing?”
Dakota looked at him, startled by his urgent tone. He still wasn’t wearing a shirt. Not that she expected one to magically appear, but jeez, how was she supposed to talk to him? “Excuse me?”
“The suite is paid for—we have the rest of the weekend. Don’t go.”
“I—I’m not.” She shrugged, flattered yet embarrassed at his desire for her to stay. “I was just putting away the clothes I won’t be using.”
A teasing grin curved his mouth. “I’m down with that. We’ll stay naked the whole weekend.”
“Funny.” She tucked in the pseudo cover-up. “I’m going to the hotel boutique and pick up a few more suitable things to wear.”
“What could Dallas have packed that’s so bad?”
She half laughed, half groaned. “You have no idea. Wait till you see what’s in your bag.”
“I know what’s in my bag.” He ducked into the closet and carried out the black leather garment bag. “I packed it myself.”
“Really?” She folded her arms across her chest. He’d have to admit the conspiracy now. “When?”
“Yesterday morning.”
“Nice that you had that much notice.”
He frowned at her. “I didn’t know she was gonna ask you at the last minute. That had nothing to do with me.”
Dakota sat on the edge of the bed, thinking it over. Now that she wasn’t so annoyed or panicked it suddenly made sense. This was all her sister’s doing. Dallas had given Tony warning because she figured he wouldn’t turn her down. But she’d blindsided Dakota. Because Dallas knew she’d have found another way. Bless her! Dakota tried not to smile.
“Hey, don’t get mad at Dallas.” Tony set down the garment bag, and then sat next to her. “She had a lot on her mind. Probably thought she’d already asked you.”
“You don’t have to defend her.” It was ridiculous how hard her heart pounded just because he’d sat next to her. Although he really hadn’t left much space between them.
“She probably figured you needed a vacation. Working all those long hours like you do…”
“How do you know how much I work?”
“I know more than you think.” He gave her one of those teasing winks that she was absurdly susceptible to, and then added, “Have you looked outside yet?”
She shook her head, and then hoped he didn’t jump up to open the drapes.
He stayed right where he was, if anything, leaned a little closer. “Wait till you see it, Dakota, sky and water so clear and blue you’ll want to pack up your Manhattan apartment and become a beach bum.”
“I like the city. Besides, how do you know I live in Manhattan?”
“You look the type.”
“Meaning?”
He smiled. “This isn’t a courtroom. You can’t interrupt. Okay, like I was saying, the sand is as white as fresh snow and the—”
“We live in the city. How would you know what fresh snow looks like?” She didn’t know when he’d taken her hand. But he was doing this soothing stroking motion on the inside of her wrist.
“You keep interrupting and I’ll have to do something about it.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah.” The stroking stopped.
He lowered his head and her heart pounded harder. All he did was brush his lips over hers and she thought her chest would explode. He slid his tongue inside and she hoped that whimper didn’t come from her. When he put his hand on her thigh, turned out she didn’t care.
She tentatively touched his chest, his skin taut and warm beneath her palm, the swirling hair just as soft and crisp as she’d imagined. His kiss deepened and the robe slid off her shoulder. She shivered, and his warm lips left hers to trail down the side of her neck, slowly making its way to her collarbone. His tongue swept the hollow and she shivered again. So violently that his head came up.
“Cold?”
She shook her head.
He smiled. “Sure? I can warm you up.”
She smiled back. “You’ve already done that,” she said and let the other side of the robe slip off her bare shoulder.
5
TONY’S MOUTH WENT DRY. God, she was beautiful. And soft. He’d never been with a woman with skin this amazingly soft. And he’d had his share. Especially in the early college days. But Dakota, she was something.
He used his forefinger to trace the exposed satiny skin at the edge of the robe. She didn’t even flinch when his finger dipped lower, following the curve of her breast.
The front door buzzer sounded and he cursed himself. He’d forgotten he ordered room service. Did they have to be so efficient?
Dakota pulled away. “What was that?”
“I ordered coffee and rolls.”
“Ah.” She gathered the front of her robe together.
He hooked a finger under her chin, lifted it and lightly kissed her. “If w
e don’t answer, they’ll just leave it out there in the parlor.”
The ringing turned to a persistent knock.
“Or not,” he said wryly and pushed a hand through his hair. “I’ll be right back,” he said, getting to his feet, knowing the mood had taken a nosedive.
“I’ll get dressed and come out for coffee.”
He made a face. “Do you have to get dressed?”
She laughed, got up and gave him a small shove. “Out. I need caffeine.”
“I’ll show you what you need,” he said, taking her hands and pulling her into his arms.
Her lips parted and a small sigh breached, drifting across his chin. She wove her arms around his neck and tilted her head back.
Another knock at the door.
Damn.
“I know,” she said, and moved away. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
He wasn’t happy about it but he went to the door and let in the obnoxiously cheerful waiter. Tony almost forgave him when he caught a whiff of a fresh croissant and the strong Colombian brew. After over-tipping the guy, Tony escorted the waiter to the door, cutting him off when he tried to advise Tony on the best fishing spots. Yeah, as if.
He took the tray to the table and poured them each a cup of coffee, thinking about Dakota and how different she was away from her family. He probably knew more than he should from Dallas. She wasn’t a talker normally, but sometimes after the Sheas’ monthly Saturday-night dinner, she’d just had to vent while they ate their lunches. Tony had never minded. It was kind of interesting hearing about a family so different from his own.
“I need caffeine, and I need it badly.”
Tony looked up and nearly dropped his cup. Through the filmy thing she had tied around her, he could see strips of yellow. A bikini. A very, very tiny bikini. Over the knot where she’d tied the wrap, her breasts swelled. Not too much. Two perfect handfuls. Enough that all the blood rushed south and made his thoughts go crazy.
That was Dallas’s doing. Man, he owed her. Big-time.
“This one mine?” Dakota picked up the other cup he’d poured.
“Uh, yeah.”
She rooted through the condiments and plucked out a pink packet of sweetener and carefully sprinkled a dash of the white powder. “Cream?”
The Honeymoon That Wasn't Page 5
