by CJ Roberts
It was still dark out. Adam was next to me in bed, asleep on his stomach. Happiness swelled. My brain was foggy from stress and lack of sleep, but somehow I thought today would be different. Surely some kind of progress had been made between Adam and me?
I sat up and ran my hand along his spine. He snapped awake and in a flash, spun to his back and gripped my wrist so tightly I thought he’d break it.
He stared straight at me. “You sick fucking bastard.”
“Adam?”
His eyes were open, locked on mine, but I didn’t think he saw me. His brows furrowed.
“Katelyn?” Sleep fade from his face. He blinked several times, then looked at where he held me. He instantly dropped my hand. “Forgive me. I am used to sleeping alone.”
Part of me was so happy to hear that he didn’t share his bed with just any woman. The other part was worried about what I’d just witnessed. I knew from experience that what lurks in the night and in the back of your darkest memories can still haunt you.
“Adam. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just sleeping.”
Whatever turmoil was churning in his mind, he obviously wasn’t ready to spill it. I could understand that. Knew that some things didn’t bear recalling.
I placed my palm on his cheek. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
“I’m not.” He grabbed my hips and maneuvered me onto my back. He was over me a heartbeat later, spreading my thighs with his knees.
He kissed me. “I’m glad you’re here.”
My heart melted and he sank into my body. With his lips fused to mine, he brought us both to climax as we watched the sun rise over downtown Chicago.
Half way through the day, my phone buzzed with a text message.
Thank you for this morning, lover. I enjoyed myself immensely.
I smiled. You are a wonderful host. I found myself thoroughly entertained. If only more people paid their guests such attention…
Special attention for a special woman.
Are you flirting with me?
I don’t flirt.
Boy, that was the truth. I have to get going. I’m teaching in fifteen minutes.
It took several minutes for him to respond, but when I saw the message in my inbox, I downloaded the attachment and clicked Play.
“Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen boomed through my smart phone. I grinned like an idiot all the way to class, enjoying my own personal theme song.
“Well, look at you, Miss Happy Pants. I was worried after you went home last night, but you look great!”
Megan sat across the table from me, smiling. She took a drink of her diet soda while I forked my salad. I was happy we were having lunch together today. When Adam dropped me off at my apartment early this morning to get ready for work, Megan hadn’t been home.
“How was staying with Brian last night?” I asked.
Megan shrugged. And not her normal, happy-to-be-in-love shrug.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, it was fine. How was the rest of your night?”
“It was pretty good. Adam and I…sort of made up.”
Megan’s face stilled and she stared hard at me. “What does ‘sort of’ mean?”
“Well, we talked through things. He told me he was sorry and I said the same—”
“Wait, why are you sorry? You didn’t do anything.”
I bit my bottom lip. “I didn’t tell him I was a virgin. It spooked him a little the next morning.”
Megan sat back in her chair, her mouth hanging open.
“But he’s talking to me today, so that’s a good sign.”
Megan shook her head. “I don’t know what to say. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I know, and I appreciate your looking out for me.”
She blew out a breath. “Are you happy?”
Warmth flooded my cheeks. “Yeah. Right now, I’m really happy.”
“Okay, then. Are you going to see him again?”
Before I could answer, my phone rang. Kink flashed on the screen. I tried to hide my goofy smile as I answered. “Were your ears burning?”
“You were discussing me?” I could hear the grin in his voice.
“Maybe.”
“That pleases me. Good things, I hope.”
“Why, Adam Kinkade, what could I possibly say negatively about you?”
“I keep warning you about that mouth, lover.”
My breath hitched.
“Perhaps we can discuss this more tonight. There is a silent auction fundraiser. I would like to invite you to come with me.”
Megan was chewing, her wide eyes skating across my face, obviously dying to know what was going on.
“Um, is this a classy sort of thing?”
“Yes.”
I put my hand over the bottom of my phone. “Can I borrow a dress? A nice one?” I whispered to Megan.
She nodded.
“There’s no need, Katelyn. I will send everything you need to your home. I’ll pick you up at eight.”
“That’s not necessary. I can dress myself.”
“Yes, I am aware of that, but I want you to wear what I send. And only what I send.”
My heart jumped into my throat. Adam was picking something out for me? The idea that he wanted to see me in something specific had me excited and giddy.
“All right.”
“See you tonight.”
I hung up the phone and a tremor raced down my spine.
“So…?” Megan asked.
“I think I’m going on a date with Adam Kinkade.”
11
“Oh my God and all things hot!” Megan screeched when I walked out of my room.
As promised, Adam had a dress, shoes, and jewelry sent to my house the moment I got home.
“This is way too much.”
I looked down self-consciously at myself. When I opened the garment box, there had been a note that read:
To match your eyes…
~A
The dress was form-fitting. Every swell and flare of my body was hugged tightly by the thin nude sheath. The outer layer was strategically placed emerald lace, woven all over the bodice and flowing downward. It was designed to look as if I were wearing only the layer of lace. The thin straps were made of green silk and draped across my outer shoulders, setting off the plunging V-neck. Combined with the nude heels and a pair of emerald earrings, I felt more like a princess than anything else.
“You look incredible.” Megan looked like she was about to cry.
“No, no. Don’t you dare! I already feel on the brink of a meltdown.”
“I’m cool,” she said, wiping a fingertip along her lower lashes. “Let’s do your hair. With that color on your pale skin, you need to sweep that mane of red madness up to expose your neck.”
I fidgeted with my hands. “I don’t know about that.”
Megan stood up and slowly reached for my hand.
“If you let me do your makeup, I can make sure all the scars are covered.” As if sensing my unease, she added, “I can use a concealer brush. My fingers don’t even have to touch your skin.”
I always used thick concealer to cover the smattering of crescent-moon scars that ran from my jaw to my neck. Some were bigger than others, pinker than others, deeper than others. My hair was the only other buffer I had to shield me.
“You’re such a good friend. I just…I think I’ll leave it down.”
She smiled back. “No problem, we’ll just curl it, then?”
I nodded.
“Makeover time! This is going to be fun. Oh, and we’re going to charcoal your eyes to look all smoky.” Megan danced a little. She was the girly one of us two. It was a good day if I got around to putting on mascara.
“Is this all he sent?”
“Aside from a nude shawl, clutch, and heels, yes.”
There was no lingerie. No panties. God knew even the world’s greatest strapless bra wouldn’t have worked in this situation anyway. I w
as wrapped pretty tight. Adam’s direction had been, Only wear what I send.
Megan hauled me into the bathroom. I nearly tripped on the floor-length gown, but hustled behind her as the tiny train trailed behind me.
Megan opened the door when Adam knocked. I stayed in my room, pacing. I was nervous, had no idea what I was doing. My own family looked at me like a second-class citizen and I was about to walk into a place where the wealthiest of Chicago gathered? They’d see right through me.
Deep breaths were becoming overrated, but this was a step in a good direction. I was excited to see Adam and that was definitely better than avoidance. I opened my bedroom door and walked into the living room. Megan smiled at me and scooted to the kitchen so I could be alone with Adam.
My eyes landed on him and I nearly fainted.
He wore a perfectly fitted black tux, but instead of a bow tie, he sported a narrow black tie and vest. The man made my entire body and mind react in a way that had me rethinking the no-panties idea.
“You look…” He stepped toward me, his eyes roaming up, then down, then up again. “Beyond.”
I smiled because I had used that term when mentally describing Adam.
He traced the back of his finger along my collarbone. “I love your skin,” he murmured. Leaning in, he placed a kiss on my forehead. “Radiant.”
“Well, you look positively sinful yourself.”
He smiled. I wanted to catch it and bottle it up so I could look at those sexy white teeth and dimples all day long.
Adam glanced over my shoulder at Megan in the kitchen. “It’s nice to see you again, Megan.”
She came out, yogurt in hand, and took a bite. Her smile was genuine, but her eyes were slightly narrowed. I recognized the look. She was not Adam’s biggest fan, but she was trying.
“You, too.”
Adam nodded. It was almost as if I’d missed some secret conversation. Had Megan said something to him when I was in my room?
“Shall we?” He offered his arm and I took it.
Megan smiled and waved her spoon at me.
Tonight would be fun, I reminded myself. Tonight would be fun.
We rode in the back of a limo. The night air was cold, but the inside, the car was toasty warm. The lights of Chicago lit up the left side of the car while the waterfront lay to the right. It was a clear fall night. Adam hit a button and the privacy glass went up.
“Do you like the dress?”
“Yes, though I feel like it may be one size too small.”
He shook his head, his eyes raking down my body. “The dress fits you perfectly and shows off each and every asset.”
My cheeks heated. How did he do this to me? Make me feel…special?
“Did you follow my directions?”
I stared at him, knowing what he was asking, but couldn’t help teasing him.
“You mean, am I wearing panties?” His gaze was intense. His finger trailed up my thigh. “And if I wasn’t?”
He smirked, his hand traveling higher. “Walking around the Four Seasons for hours knowing you’re completely bare beneath that dress is going to give me a permanent hard-on all damn night.”
“Good to know.”
“You’re toying with me.”
I pulled in an exaggerated gasp. “I would never.”
Based on the skyscrapers passing outside the window, The Four Seasons was only a few more minutes away. I reached into my clutch, dug out my red lipstick, and reapplied it.
Snapping the top back on, I looked at Adam, sitting there all calm and domineering. I wanted to show him I could be in charge. Be the one in control.
I reached for his zipper and pulled it down, enough so that I could maneuver his thick cock out. He didn’t stop me. He was already sporting an erection, and I wanted him to keep it the rest of the night. The same way I wanted him thinking of me.
I bent and opened my mouth wide to take his entire length down my throat. He hissed in a breath. When I had taken as much of him as I could, I fused my lips around his shaft. Then I retreated and let him fall from my mouth.
He looked at me in puzzlement. “Not going finish the job?”
“Oh, absolutely I am. Just not now. The hotel is right up the street. Besides,” I licked my lips and snared his gaze. “I just needed to blot my lipstick.”
He frowned and looked down. There, right near the base, was a red lipstick stain that surrounded the circumference of his cock.
He grinned and looked at me as he tucked himself back into his pants.
“It’s only fair, seeing as how you left a hickey on my inner thigh.”
“This is going to be a battle of wills between us.”
“Or you can just surrender now. I warn you, I do not submit so easily.”
“No. You don’t.” He leaned forward and pushed my dress up to my knees. His hand disappeared beneath it. His big finger plunged inside of me. I was wet. Had been since he’d walked through my front door.
He hooked that finger and rubbed that sensitive spot inside me.
I sucked in a shocked breath and clutched his arm. It was like going from zero to orgasm in two seconds flat. But just as the tremor of pleasure rose, Adam retreated, denying me release.
“You must know, lover, that I am ruthless when it comes to something I want.” I watched him take the finger that had just been inside me and lick it clean. I was so hot and ready to jump his bones I could care less about the event, date, or dress. I just wanted him.
The limo stopped in front of the Four Seasons. Adam got out and held out a hand to me. We shared a heated look before we started up the steps. The hotel was beautiful, its textured rock and brick and rustic archways along the entrance making it look even more elegant. Warm orange lighting glowed from the windows.
“Remember, Katelyn, you’re the one who started this game.”
I looked up at him. His façade was in place. The rich and powerful Adam Kinkade beamed with every breath he took.
“No, I just changed the rules.”
“Either way,” he whispered in my ear.
A slew of people greeted us. Cameras flashed, paparazzi called out his name. Anxiety bubbled beneath my skin. This event was bigger than I had imagined. I clung to Adam’s arm.
His breath was hot against my neck. “I will win in the end, lover.”
Adam had been busy making the rounds. Everyone and their mini-dog-in-a-purse wanted to talk to him. I stood beneath the chandeliers and tried to fit in as best I could. The orange and purple flowers in the centerpieces were elaborate and undoubtedly cost more than I made in a month.
No one talked to me, and I hadn’t the first idea how to mingle. I clenched and unclenched my hands to try to stop the shaking. My skin felt sticky and my heart kept a steady pace above one hundred beats per minute. Scooting closer and closer to the wall, I reminded myself to breathe.
It turned out that Adam’s company was hosting the entire event. The dinner and silent auction were to raise money for Chicago’s Children’s Home and Aid. The foundation was one of the largest foster shelters in the city. I was beyond familiar with it, having volunteered there several times over the years.
It made sense that Adam would have a soft spot for this organization, seeing as he had gone through it himself.
“Hello there.” A petite brunette stood next to me and offered me a glass of champagne. “After all these years, I still can’t get used to a bunch of wealthy tight-asses in the same room. But if it helps the kids, you subject yourself to the torture.”
I liked her immediately. She seemed down to earth and had a nice bite behind her words. She had to be close to my age as well.
“I’m Katelyn Gunn.”
“Oh, I know who you are. You came with Adam. In fact, by now everyone knows who you are.” She pointed around the massive crowd of people. Various sets of eyes were skimming over me at different times, as if sizing me up.
“Oh, and word to the wise, the women taller than five-ten who all look like ston
e-cold bitches—” She waved her hand at the several females fitting this description. “—really are all bitches.”
Good to know. Except for the fact that one of them was talking to Adam. The way she laughed and placed her hand on his shoulder made something burn low in my gut. They were obviously familiar with each other. I wanted to snarl, but was pretty certain that wasn’t ladylike.
“I’m Emma, Adam’s sister.”
“I thought he didn’t have any siblings.”
She took a sip of her champagne. “I was six when I met him. He was older and we lived at the same foster home for a bit. Neither of us had anyone. He looked out for me, and has ever since. He’s like my brother.”
It didn’t surprise me that Adam took care of her. There was a protective instinct in him that was apparent.
“That’s really wonderful.” I smiled at Emma. My eyes darted back to the leggy blonde hanging on Adam. He gave a half grin and appeared to be listening to what she was saying.
“Don’t worry, that’s just a groupie,” Emma said.
“A what?”
“You know, one of those skanks Adam slept with once who never got over him.”
The admission came at me hard. Emma didn’t mean it rudely. She just seemed to speak the truth, which I appreciated. A trait she and Adam obviously shared. I looked around at all the women and realized I had jumped into my worst nightmare. I was surrounded by stunning supermodels in tiny dresses. They looked all class and perfect ass and I was lacking in every way. Had he slept with all of them? Most of them? God knew they weren’t idiot virgins. They would have known how to handle a man like Adam.
Was I just another groupie?
My throat began to close and the anxiety I had been struggling to control cranked up a notch. I was in over my head. I didn’t belong here. Everything about this kind of life was not for me. I didn’t deal well with this feeling of insecurity, which was why I made it a point to stay out of situations that made me feel as though I was lacking.
“I see you’ve met my sister,” Adam said as he approached us. He kissed Emma’s cheek, then looked at me. “You all right, Katelyn? You look pale.”
“Well, if you didn’t leave her unattended in the middle of a snake pit, maybe she’d feel better,” Emma said.
