by Anna Sugden
She watched his behavior closely. Sapphie was right; he didn’t look at anyone but Issy, even though there were several stunning women who tried to get his attention. Not only was J.B. solicitous, but he also touched her a lot. Her arm, her shoulder, tucking a curl behind her ear, playing footsie with her when they were seated on the bar stools. When she lay on the pool float, he rested his arms beside her and occasionally dropped a kiss on her lips.
Each touch, each kiss, heated her blood far more than the blazing temperatures. They also built her confidence so that she found herself impatient for the sun to go down.
* * *
“A TOAST TO the four most fabulous people in Antigua.” Sapphie raised a champagne flute.
“Make that the Caribbean,” J.B. added, clinking his glass against hers.
“You guys are too modest. It’s the world.” Taylor grinned.
“I’ll drink to that.” Issy took J.B.’s glass and sipped from it before returning it to him.
The look he sent her was so hot, her skin practically sizzled. When he made a point of placing his lips exactly where hers had been, Issy’s insides turned liquid. The promise in his dark eyes suggested he might be the mind reader she’d hoped for.
Dessert couldn’t come quickly enough.
Issy’s nerves returned when Sapphie and Taylor left them to go dancing. The moment of truth was getting ever closer.
“How about a walk along the beach?” J.B. took her hand, pressed his mouth to the pulse point at her wrist, then linked fingers with her.
She smiled. “Sounds perfect.”
They took off their shoes, headed down to the water’s edge and strolled through the water until they were away from the main part of the resort. While they walked, they talked—about her job and his, about his family and hers. They carefully avoided mentioning the future, not even what they’d be doing when they got home.
At the end of the property there was a long stretch of empty beach with no buildings or lights, only a few palm trees. The moon turned the sand silver, making the place look magical. J.B. and Issy sat beneath one of the trees—he leaned against the trunk, while she sat between his legs, as she had during that crazy dance on the night they’d met—and watched the twinkling lights of the vessels out at sea.
And kissed.
Long, slow, deep kisses. Hot, hard, urgent kisses.
Soon, it wasn’t enough. J.B. jumped up and helped her to her feet. Arms wrapped tightly around each other, they didn’t stop walking until they were outside her door.
This time, Issy didn’t invite J.B. in for a nightcap. Now that the moment was actually here, she couldn’t say the words. Her throat was too tight. Her mouth too dry. So she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Then she took the Do Not Disturb notice and hung it on the handle before closing the door.
J.B. stood in front of her, his expression solemn. “Are you sure?”
She closed her eyes briefly. Last chance to back out.
The knowledge that he’d accept her decision, even if it was no, gave her the courage she needed. “Definitely.”
“Thank God,” he murmured before lowering his head and taking her mouth.
CHAPTER FOUR
J.B. HAD PLANNED to take things slowly. Not that he’d taken anything for granted. He’d hoped, for sure. Tonight was their last chance, with Bella leaving tomorrow, but he’d known the odds of ending up in her bed were as evenly balanced as a shoot-out.
Although this was only a one-time thing, he understood it was a big deal for her, so he needed to make tonight special.
No pressure.
It had taken every ounce of self-control to let her set the pace while they’d kissed. Especially when the tip of her tongue had slipped between his lips and tentatively touched his. The combination of sweet innocence and passionate intent was killer.
Even once they were inside her room, he’d been determined not to rush.
And he didn’t. Not when she eased his shirt out of his pants. Not when she undid his buttons, her knuckles brushing against his chest with each one.
Things got a little dicey when she pressed soft, moist kisses to his bare skin.
When she licked the ridges of his six-pack, his good intentions began to crumble. He closed his eyes and bit back a moan.
J.B. held strong until she reached his belt buckle. Then his intentions were blown to hell.
“My turn.” His hoarse words sounded sharp in the silent room.
Bella’s hands stilled. Her uncertain gaze shot up to meet his.
He stroked a finger along her cheekbone and down to her mouth. “We don’t want this over before you’ve got started.”
She didn’t look reassured, so he traced her full bottom lip. “Trust me. Any more ready and I’ll embarrass myself.” He smiled.
Bella frowned. “But...?”
His finger across her lips silenced her. J.B. replaced his finger with his mouth, letting his hot, deep kiss take over the convincing.
Her resistance melted. He felt the nervous tension ease from her body, to be replaced quickly by desire.
When she tried to wrap her arms around his neck, J.B. caught her wrists and lowered them to her sides. “Uh-uh. Turnabout is fair play.”
She bit her lip but didn’t argue. Curiosity and need replaced the uncertainty in her eyes.
J.B. licked her lip, kissed both corners, before nibbling his way along her jaw. He dipped his tongue into the hollow behind her ear, then tugged her earlobe gently with his teeth. His smile broadened at the tremor that went through her.
Unhurried, he alternately kissed and nipped his way down the side of her neck and along her collarbone to her shoulder, relishing the way she sighed with pleasure. He licked along the edge of her strapless dress, across the swell of one breast, through the valley between and over the other, before returning to the center and the pink, flower-shaped top button of her dress.
He slipped the button out of its hole and pressed an open mouthed kiss to the fragrant skin he’d revealed. Bella’s breath hitched, straining the fabric around the second yellow button.
Undo. Kiss. Hitch. Repeat.
The next button was orange, the one after green. It was like eating a bag of hard candies. Different colors, different flavors; each more mouthwatering than the one before.
Her dress fell partly open as he reached her waist, the fabric catching on the peaked nipples of her breasts. She wasn’t wearing a bra. His erection surged as he freed both sides, laying her bare.
Beautiful. He wanted to taste and touch every delicious inch.
J.B. swept Bella into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down, then sat beside her. He continued unbuttoning until the dress was completely undone, while he explored her with his mouth. As he trailed his tongue along the underside of each creamy breast, then circled each taut, dark cherry nipple, his fingers caressed the tanned skin of her belly. The muscles of her stomach tightened at his touch, but she didn’t stop him.
He went lower still...to the top of her white, silky panties. Then under the lacy trim to the dark curls beneath. He deliberately avoided touching the most sensitive part of her, even though she raised her hips, slightly offering him access. He also didn’t dip his fingers into her damp heat, despite her tiny mewl of frustration and his own need.
Hooking a finger into the elastic, he pulled the panties slowly down her legs before tossing them aside.
Her hands tugged his shirt open and stroked feverishly over the heated skin of his chest. When she tried to push his shirt over his shoulders, he pulled it off, throwing it behind him before returning to her side. “Where was I?”
Bella shook her head. “Not so fast. Pants, too. You’re overdressed.”
J.B. did as she instructed. He kept his boxer shorts on; the last barrier protecting his sanity. He also took several condoms out of his wallet and placed them on the bedside table.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m already protected, but I appreciate you bein
g responsible, too.”
“Better safe than sorry.” He stretched out beside her, his head propped on one hand. “Okay?”
“Definitely.” An appreciative smile played over her lips as her gaze skimmed the length of his body. But the uncertainty returned to her eyes when she spotted the unmistakable bulge in his shorts.
“I know you’re desperate to get your hands on my magnificence, but you’ll have to wait. It’s still your turn.”
She giggled. “Your ‘magnificence’?”
He feigned offense. “I assure you it lives up to its billing.”
“I’m sure,” she soothed. “Can I call it Mag for short?”
And there was another intriguing contradiction. She was nervous, but she was making jokes. That was more of a turn-on than any seductive move.
“Lady, there is nothing short about it,” he growled.
Her eyes widened. “So I see.”
He rolled over onto his back and pulled her on top of him.
Other than a squeak of surprise, Bella didn’t protest. Her smile turned worldly as she stretched her body along the length of his. Her breasts crushed against his chest, their stomachs flattened against each other, their legs tangled. And Mag fit perfectly into the V at the top of her thighs.
Their kisses became a duel—who could turn the other one on more—with hands, mouth and...everything else. In truth, it wasn’t much of a contest. Bella had one hell of an advantage. Then again, she was ready for him, too. But she didn’t make a move to commit them to the final stage. Almost as if she didn’t know how.
He lifted his head. “I reckon you’re all caught up, don’t you?”
Her lips twisted wryly. “I’m not very experienced at this, but I think you’re right.”
“This...isn’t your first time, is it?”
She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “No. But it might as well be. The first time was in college. It was...awful.”
Her softly spoken words set off alarm bells. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I don’t want to kill the mood.”
Crap. He didn’t like the sound of that. “Honey, nothing you say could do that.” He placed her hand on his erection. “Mag can handle whatever you tell me.”
“Impressive.” She left her hand there. “Suffice it to say the guy I was with didn’t worry too much about foreplay.”
J.B. bit back his rage. Better he didn’t know the details. It wasn’t like he could hunt down the jerk and pound him to dust. It also didn’t help Bella. “At least tell me he embarrassed himself by coming too quickly.”
“Almost immediately.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I rewarded him by throwing up all over him.”
A surprised laugh escaped him. “Atta girl.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m glad you told me. I’ll be careful. Anything you’re not comfortable with, say so. Okay?”
She nodded firmly.
“Good. The only rule tonight is that you enjoy yourself.”
“In that case, can we stop talking and get to the fun part?” Her gaze was clear; all signs of uncertainty gone.
“Hell, yes.” He flipped her beneath him and proceeded to kiss and caress her to fever pitch.
It didn’t take long. For either of them.
J.B. held off, even though he knew from the way she writhed beneath him that she was ready for him. Instead he slipped his finger inside her and used his thumb to rub her swollen bud.
Bella gasped, then moaned.
Only when he was certain that she hovered on the brink of orgasm did he put on the condom and ease into her. And nearly embarrass himself like that college ass.
She was tight, wet and so hot.
He gritted his teeth and held still as he waited for her to adjust to having him inside her. His body raged against his restraint, but he refused to give in. Only when she began to grind her hips against him did he give in to her wordless demand.
Slowly at first, then, with increasing speed, he began to pump in and out. She met each thrust eagerly, urging him for more. Their rhythms synced, as it had when they’d danced.
Harder. Faster.
Sweat slicked their skin.
His body seemed to be on fire. He wanted to explode, but he couldn’t. Not yet. His muscles quivered with the effort of maintaining control.
Just when he thought he couldn’t hold on a moment longer, she came apart beneath him with a keening cry. As she pulsed around him, J.B. finally let go and claimed his own release.
Before he could collapse on top of her, he rolled and pulled her with him into his arms. Her head rested against his heaving chest as he rasped in oxygen.
“Wow.” Bella’s voice was unsteady but awestruck. “That was pretty amazing.”
“Yeah.” J.B. grinned wearily. “Any more amazing and you’d have killed me.”
She giggled. “Mag certainly lived up to his promise.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
They lay silently for a few minutes while their bodies cooled and their breathing steadied. Her fingers traced a meandering path across his chest and stomach. He twirled a lock of her hair around one finger. Despite the reasons for being in Antigua earlier than planned, he couldn’t complain. Otherwise he’d have missed Bella. And this.
He was half-asleep when she said softly, “J.B.?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think we’ll be able to do that again before I leave?”
He laughed. That was his Bella—always keeping him off balance. “Give me half an hour and I’ll see what I...and Mag...can do.”
* * *
ISSY DIDN’T WANT to open her eyes.
From the bright light filtering through her closed lids, she knew it was morning but she didn’t want to break the wonderful spell. Or leave the cocoon of J.B.’s arms.
She’d never spent the night with a man. Never woken up with a man in her bed. She probably wouldn’t again for a long time. It was a moment to savor because all too soon reality would intrude. For now, though, she was content to snuggle closer to J.B. and enjoy it.
They fit together perfectly. He was curled around her, every inch of him pressed against her back and legs. His knees curved into the back of hers. His hand cradled her breast. His even breathing stirred the tiny hairs at the back of her neck. Definitely the best way to start the day.
Issy found it hard to believe how amazing the night before had been and how special J.B. had made her feel. Everything she’d read about in romance novels but never thought could happen in real life. Not for her. Certainly not with a guy like J.B. A successful, professional athlete; a charming lady-killer.
His consideration and understanding had been as unexpected as the responses he’d managed to elicit from her. Although she didn’t have much to compare him with, he’d more than lived up to anything she could have imagined. Who knew it really was possible to make love three times in one night?
Issy stifled a giggle. She felt deliciously wanton and a teensy bit proud. After all, she’d made sure that J.B. had enjoyed himself as much as she had.
He’d recovered surprisingly quickly after that first time. Then he’d carried her into the bathroom. Under the rainfall shower, he’d carefully washed her from head to toe. The memory of his skilled hands, slippery with soap, turning a simple task into an erotic adventure, sent heat flooding through her. She’d probably never be able to take a shower again, or smell cherry-blossom soap, without recalling her unbelievably intense climax.
Then J.B. had handed her the fragrant bar and encouraged her to do the same to him. Uncertain at first, but with increasing surety as his unbridled response to her touch made her heady with confidence, she’d lathered his incredible body. His smooth, caramel-colored skin, the ripped muscles of his back, his broad chest that tapered to a well-defined six-pack. His powerful legs, with thighs and calves so firm they could have been carved out of stone. His ridiculously sexy feet.
Once they were rinsed clean, the exploration had begun again, teasing an
d tasting with their hands and mouths, until they’d both been so turned on they could hardly stand.
A satisfied smile curved Issy’s lips. Recovery for both of them hadn’t been nearly as fast as the first time. Exhausted, they’d slept for a few hours.
The third time had been slower, softer. Although neither of them had voiced it out loud, they’d known time was running out. They’d moved to the balcony where, on cushions they’d taken from the room’s sofa, they’d made achingly sweet love beneath the slowly lightening sky.
Tears pricked her eyes. If only...
A beeping sound alerted her to a text. Raising her head slightly, she saw it was from Sapphie.
We need to pack. Shuttle leaves at 12. You have one hour. Make the most of it!
And there it was—the reality she’d dreaded. Like the clock chiming midnight for Cinderella, the message signaled the end of Issy’s night and with it the fairy-tale world she’d been living in. Even though she’d known it was only for one night, the thought that she probably wouldn’t experience anything so wonderful again for a long time, if ever, was hard to take.
As the last remnants of her afterglow faded, so did Issy’s confidence. She began to feel awkward and a little foolish. However she dressed it up and in spite of the exotic setting, she and J.B. had still only had a one-night stand. Was she really so different from her family?
Stop! She wouldn’t beat herself up and she wouldn’t allow herself regrets. The night, the experience, had been too special to be spoiled by recriminations.
Even so, suddenly she wasn’t as comfortable sharing her bed with J.B. She shifted slightly, trying to ease away from him before he woke up. But he stirred behind her, pulling her tighter against him. He brushed a kiss against her neck, below her ear. His second kiss was a little lower. His third at the curve of her shoulder.
With each kiss, Issy’s pulse jumped. How was it possible that he could still coax a response from her so easily? She’d have thought that he’d wrung every last bit out of her.
Clearly not.
“Hello, beautiful.” His husky voice sent a delicious shiver though her.
