by Rhian Cahill
She sighed.
It had taken less than twenty-four hours in his company to work out what it was about Tobias Moreland that rubbed her the wrong way.
He rubbed her the right way.
Madison was attracted to Tobias ‘Call Me Toby’ Moreland.
Her dislike of him wasn’t the only thing she’d gotten completely wrong.
She’d labeled him.
Cast him as the dumb jock. Slapped a stereotype cap on his head and dismissed him. And worse yet, she’d insulted him in front of the students by telling them he didn’t have the expertise to answer their questions.
Could she be any more of a narrow-minded, pretentious bitch?
She owed him an apology.
Except she was afraid that would encourage him to befriend her, and she didn’t do friends very well. Not since she’d skipped three grades in high school and been forced to spend time with older peers who found it fun to mess with their socially inept classmate.
“We’ll come back for your car.” Tobias opened the passenger door of a low-slung sports car.
“Oh, no, I—” She turned her head, tried to move around him.
“Easier this way.” He urged her into the seat with one hand at her back and one on her shoulder. “We won’t have to search for two parking spots.”
She slid into the seat with no further resistance. He shut the door and jogged around the back of the car. Taking a single vehicle made sense. What didn’t was this meek woman, complying with all his requests.
The driver’s door opened. “Look, Tobias—”
“Toby.”
“What?”
“Call me Toby. Only my mother calls me Tobias, remember.” He buckled his seat belt, started the car and grinned at her. “And it usually means I’m getting an ear-twist in the near future.”
“Right. Well, anyway, I don’t want to give you the wrong idea—”
He turned towards her, one arm resting along the top of the steering wheel, the other on the back of her seat, and leaned close. “Let’s see if I’ve got the idea so far. You don’t want to have dinner with me. You want to go home and write up the report without my input and never have to see me again except in passing in the school halls.”
Madison swallowed. “Ah…”
Toby’s lips twitched. “I’ll take that as agreement.”
He wasn’t exactly wrong.
“Answer me this. Is it people in general you don’t like or just me?”
She sucked in a breath. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes you do.” He moved away, straightened in his seat and put the car in reverse. “We’ll table that question for after dinner. Buckle up.”
“After dinner?” Madison snapped her belt into place.
He maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the road. “Yeah. I’ve got plans for our dinner conversation and it doesn’t include an uncomfortable Q&A session.”
“What does it include?” The fact he’d thought about what they would discuss intrigued Madison.
“Report-filling-out and getting-to-know-you conversation.”
“That sounds like a Q&A session to me.” She kept her eyes on the road in front of them. Less chance of getting distracted by his strong hands gripping the wheel. His fingers were long and thick, and Madison felt a quiver go through her when she thought about them stroking over her skin.
Toby laughed. “Yes. But it’s not the uncomfortable kind. We’ll talk about our likes and dislikes, our families and friends, but not the scars left behind by ex-lovers.”
“What makes you think—?”
“Madison, you have heartbreak written all over you.”
Chapter Five
“I’ve never had my heart broken.”
Toby glanced up to find Madison staring at the slice of pizza on her plate. She looked so confused…lost. Which he realized were not regular things for her to be. “What?”
“You said I had heartbreak written all over me, but how can I when I’ve never had my heart broken?”
Was she kidding? “You’ve never been in love?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“So what?” He grinned. “You’re the heartbreaker?”
Little creases formed between her eyebrows and he wanted to reach over and smooth them out. “I’m not sure,” she murmured.
His grin turned to a frown. “How could you not know if you’d broken a guy’s heart?”
Madison sighed and reached for her glass of water—she’d refuse wine. She took a sip before putting it down on the table and finally making eye contact with him.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in love. I’ve loved. I think. But when we went in different directions it wasn’t traumatic or a drama.” She chewed the corner of her mouth. “Just…no more.”
Toby shook his head. “I don’t get it. Did you date idiots?”
“Pardon?”
“Look at you.” He waved his hand in her direction. “You’re drop-dead gorgeous. You’re intelligent. Extremely so. You’re independent. I don’t see the flaw so it has to be in them.”
Color rose up her neck and filled her cheeks with a pretty glow and Toby wondered how far down her chest that wash of blush went. He wanted to peel back the collar of her shirt and find out. He’d nearly had a heart attack this morning when she’d emerged from her room in that top. Gone was the usual shapeless high-necked blouse. In its place was a silky-looking, black, sleeveless button-down shirt that skimmed her collarbones and revealed an enticing amount of cleavage and had his libido jumping.
He wasn’t ashamed to admit he’d tried to catch a glimpse down her top at numerous times throughout the day. Of course he’d had to be ultra-careful, seeing how they were at work and surrounded by twenty very curious, highly intelligent teenagers who were probably more flush with hormones than he was.
Clearing his throat, he tried to yank his thoughts out of her cleavage.
“Thank you.”
Her soft words had him leaning forward. It had nothing to do with the fact he wanted to get closer to her. Nothing at all. “Don’t thank me for something beyond my control.”
“It’s polite to thank someone for a compliment.” Madison’s nose scrunched up, her forehead furrowed, and those lips he wanted to taste curved down on the ends.
“And you’re always polite?” He was starting to get a clear picture of who she was. While she’d revealed very little other than she was an only child to older parents—both highly respected in the academic world—she’d given away more by how she said things, her mannerisms.
“Of course.”
“Politically correct?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Not judgmental?”
“No.”
“And yet, you labeled me with a stereotype.”
Madison’s hand stopped halfway to her mouth, her pizza slice held in midair. Her eyes went wide and her mouth parted on a sharp inhalation.
It took her a moment to react, and Toby had to bite his tongue to stop himself from rescuing her from the awkward situation, but she returned the slice to her plate then wiped her hands on her napkin carefully.
She met his gaze head-on. “I’m sorry.”
He arched an eyebrow. “For?”
“Judging a book by its cover.”
“So I look stupid?”
“What? No!” She frowned.
Toby smiled. “It’s okay, I get what you mean.”
“No, it’s not okay. Not at all.” Her frown deepened.
He shrugged. “It’s not the first time.” Although no other time had bothered him the way it did with Madison. “Probably won’t be the last either.”
“And that makes me feel worse.”
“I don’t see how.” Toby took a sip of his beer. The only one he was having. Not only was he driving, he needed to have his wits about him for dealing with Madison.
She was quiet for a while and he thought she wasn’t going to comment further, but he should
have known better than to think Madison wouldn’t own up to her prejudice or consider the situation with serious intent.
“I’ve never done that before. Assumed something about someone I don’t know. But with you…”
One delicate shoulder lifted and a pale-pink bra strap slipped from beneath her shirtsleeve to rest on her upper arm. He wanted to peel it all the way down. Right after he undid the six buttons on her shirt—yes, he’d counted them—and pushed it from her shoulders.
“You make me think things I don’t normally think.” Her skin flushed a rosy pink and her eyelids lowered.
Toby sat up straighter. “Oh?”
“I like you.”
He was stunned. She liked him? Grinning, he said, “Jeez. If you think I’m stupid when you like me, I can’t imagine what you’d think if you hated me.”
It took a moment for that sink in, and when it did, neither of them missed the funny side. Or held back their laughter.
***
Madison couldn’t recall enjoying an evening more than this one. Couldn’t remember ever feeling this comfortable and relaxed—normal. She hadn’t once second-guessed what to say or felt as though she shouldn’t be here. It was a new experience.
After she’d admitted liking Toby—and lord, why had she done that?—they’d settled in to finish their meal and the conversation had flowed between them.
She’d told him things she’d never said out loud before.
Why she’d revealed anything about her lonely childhood was a mystery. All she knew was he made her relax, feel safe. The only time she felt this free was when she dealt with the teenagers she taught.
Their talk hadn’t all been a serious rehash of their pasts either. They’d spoken about books, movies, food, places. In a little less than two hours, they’d crossed several different conversation bridges.
While laughing and talking, they’d eaten their way through a family-size pizza—Toby consuming six slices to her two—and a shared bowl of banana sorbet. Madison popped the last spoonful of the sugary treat into her mouth, closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair with a sigh.
“Damn, that was delicious.” She placed a hand on her full stomach.
“Yes. It most certainly is.” His voice was a low rumble that vibrated over her skin.
She opened her eyes to find Toby staring at her mouth. Nerves tingled and goose bumps marched down her arms as she slipped her tongue out to lick across her trembling bottom lip. “D-do I have some on my face?”
“No.”
“Then—”
“I want to kiss you.”
Her stomach flipped. Clenched. “O-okay.” The word whispered over her tongue.
“Your mouth. Your neck. Your tits.” He leaned in, his eyes darkening with each word he spoke. “Your belly. Your legs. And most of all, I want to press my mouth into the sweet spot I know I’ll find between your thighs.”
His mouth was centimeters from hers. When had he gotten so close? When had she met him halfway?
Breaths mingled, warm and sweet.
“Tell me I can, Mad.” Toby’s lips brushed hers. “Tell me I can take everything I want and more.”
“Yes.” The word hissed through her teeth on a shuddering breath.
Madison thought she knew what to expect. What it would be like to have his mouth pressed against hers.
She was wrong.
So so wrong.
He didn’t rush, press hard. There was no demand.
Instead he caressed. Skimmed and shifted until Madison couldn’t do anything except chase.
She wanted more than the light, tantalizing brush of his lips.
She wanted the sharp thrust of his tongue.
She wanted deep driving strokes that left her breathless.
The nip of his teeth. Darkly delicious wet heat.
She wanted in a way she never had.
The piercing need that speared through her belly and into her core had her pulling away, jerking back so fast her elbow bumped her glass and sent it flying across the table. Her chair rocked as she sat down hard. When had she lifted out of her seat?
Fingers trembling, she brought them to her mouth.
Toby stared at her. His eyes black, the dark brown obliterated by his swollen pupils. He sucked in haggard breaths, his nostrils flaring wide, and there was a twitch in the line of his jaw that brought to mind strength—control.
“I—” She had no idea what to say.
A determined glint sparked in his eyes. He surged to his feet and pulled his wallet from his pocket. Tossing cash on the table, he growled, “Let’s go.”
Madison blinked. “Go?”
“Yeah.” He shoved his chair out of the way, dragged hers back, and grabbed her hand. Pulling her from her seat, he towed her behind him.
“Where are we going?” Madison asked a little breathlessly. Her short legs worked overtime to keep up with his long ones.
“Home.”
“Home?” Her voice squeaked and she sounded like a parrot. Repeating what he said. But her mind was still a little foggy after that kiss.
That barely a kiss kiss.
“Yep.” Toby pulled open the passenger door of his car and pushed her in. He wasn’t gentle, but she couldn’t really say he was rough either. More like a ballroom dancer leading his partner around the floor.
He led. She followed.
He slid behind the wheel, the engine roared to life and, with a skill that appeared second nature, he had the sleek sports car zipping out of the car park onto the road before she could think.
Chapter Six
Toby swung into his driveway and slammed on the brakes, jolting them forward in their seats.
Madison threw her arm out, palm flat against the dashboard. “Toby!”
“Sorry.” He switched off the engine and yanked out the keys. “C’mon.”
Keys in hand, he climbed out and headed around to Madison. She’d opened her door and undone her seat belt by the time he got there.
“Toby—”
“Inside.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her out of the seat. She was tiny compared to him and it took little effort at all to pull her against him. Wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her off her feet, he said, “Argue if you want, but do it inside.”
She frowned. “How do you know I’m going to argue?”
Toby laughed.
“All right. Fine. I was going to argue.”
He couldn’t resist dropping a kiss on her pouting mouth. Of course, one touch and he was at risk of losing control, so he pulled back quickly. “We’ll argue inside.”
Toby didn’t wait another minute to get them behind closed doors. They’d made it through the front door, the lock snapping into place when he slammed it behind them, before he lowered Madison to her feet. He stepped into her, making her take a step back. “I’ve got a question.”
“O-okay.” Her back came up against the wall.
“Have you ever done something just because it felt good?”
“Of course.”
He shook his head. “No. I mean jumped in with two feet without letting that brain of yours examine it from all angles.” Caging her in with his elbows planted on the wall behind her, Toby lowered his head and brushed his cheek over hers. “No thinking. Just feeling.”
She sucked in a breath. “I…um…”
“Ever let go.” He skimmed his lips up her jaw to her ear. “Ever let a man take you. Ever surrendered to pleasure so complete you felt it all the way to your bones.”
Madison trembled and her breathing shortened, growing shallower with every inhalation. “I don’t think—”
“Good. That’s exactly how I want you.”
“W-what?”
“Feeling, not thinking.” Toby trailed his tongue along the shell of her ear. Sucked on the lobe. “Feel me, Mad. Feel every inch of me.” He pressed his rock-hard cock against her.
“We,” her breath caught, “can’t.”
“Yes we can.” He nibbled
down her jaw.
She shivered against him. “W-we s-shouldn’t.”
“Oh yeah.” Toby grinned against her silky skin. “We so should.”
“But—”
He pressed his mouth to hers. Thrust his tongue between her parted lips and took them deep. The kiss quickly got out of hand—had both of them groping for purchase.
They had too many clothes on. Toby wanted nothing in his way.
“Naked.” He tugged at the buttons on Madison’s shirt. “Need to get you naked.”
“Wait.” Madison’s chest rose and fell with her ragged breath. “Stop. I can’t think.”
“That’s the plan, remember?” Toby got her first two buttons undone. “No thinking, just feel… Fuck.”
He leaned back, curled his fingers around either side of her top and held the material open. What lay beneath that deceptively innocent shirt…
“Fucking hell. Have you had this on all day?”
“I… What?”
“That bra.” Toby couldn’t take his eyes off Madison’s tits and the delicate pink lace covering them.
She glanced down. “My bra?”
“Yes. That every-man’s-wet-dream bra.”
“Um…well. Yes. Of course.”
“It’s a fucking good thing I didn’t know before now,” he growled.
“It is?”
“Yeah. Because if I’d known you were wearing this under your shirt there’s no way I’d have been able to control myself.” He went to work on the rest of her buttons. “I want to see you in just the bra.”
“Wait. Toby. I don’t think—”
“You think too much.” He popped the last button free and shoved the shirt off her shoulders. “Help me out here, Mad.”
She shook the top from her arms and let it drop to the floor. For someone arguing with her mouth, her actions sure said she was in complete agreement.
“Now the pants.”
“Wait.” Her hands went to the waistband of her slacks, covering the button and zipper.
Toby laughed. As if that would stop him. To distract her, he palmed her breasts, stroked his thumbs over her nipples through the slightly scratchy lace.
