“His idea or yours?”
“It’s a mutual agreement.”
“There’s no help for you, Imani.”
“Sure there is. I’d be happy to send you a copy of my plan and to-do list once I return home if you’d like.”
“You know what I mean.”
She sighed. “Naja, I can’t spend the rest of my life here on a beach doing nothing. My life is in Charleston. I have an apartment there. I have bills to pay.”
“What life, Imani? All you do is work, or rather that was all you did. I hope your plan includes ways for you to do stuff outside of work or you’re quickly going to slip back into your old routine and end up burning out. I don’t want that for you.”
She paused at the deep concern in Naja’s voice. Her sister was really worried. That ate at her.
“Naja, I swear to you I’m going to be okay. I promise I’m more relaxed now than I’ve been in years. I’m having a great time in Myrtle Beach, but I’m realistic enough to know it can’t last forever.”
“Are you sure about that?”
The emphatic yes on the tip of her tongue wouldn’t budge. Perhaps her sister was on to something. Or maybe it was just hopeful wishing on her part.
The phone chose that moment to beep, indicating she had another incoming call. Looking down at the Caller ID, she frowned. She didn’t recognize the number or the area code.
“Hey, Naja. Let me call you right back. I have an incoming call I don’t recognize.”
“Make sure you do.”
Imani clicked over to answer. “Hello?”
“Can I speak to Ms. Imani Westbrook?”
“Speaking.”
“Ms. Westbrook, this is Beth from Arias Mortgage. I’m calling because we’ve had a few recent developments at Arias. Would you by any chance be interested in being rehired for your former position?”
Chapter Ten
“Go home, Carson. You’re being a bear again.”
“Go away, Kallie,” Carson growled under his breath, without looking up.
He heard the chair across from his desk squeak as his sister ignored his request and sat down instead.
“I’m guessing you haven’t heard back from Imani.”
He sat his pen down and looked up at his sister with his best glare. “I know you think you’re helping, but you aren’t.”
“Actually, I just really want to make sure you’re okay. You’ve been a beast the past few days.”
Seventy-two hours to be exact. Around the time Imani informed him she was leaving Myrtle Beach to fly to Texas to speak with management from her former company about her old job. Three days since he’d last held her in his arms, made love to her until the early morning hour, since he watched her drive away from Myrtle Beach. Seventy-two hours since he’d last had a good night’s sleep.
“I’m fine, Kallie. I just have a few things to work through.”
“No, you’re not okay. You’re nowhere near it. You weren’t this down when you found out Misty was cheating on you.”
“Probably because I expected that.”
“You didn’t expect Imani to leave?”
Carson closed his eyes, rolling his shoulders to relax them. “No, I didn’t. I thought I could convince her to stay, at least until the end of summer.”
“You really care about her, don’t you?”
“Yes. Something about her appeals to me on a level I never thought possible. I know I’ve only known her for a few weeks, but something is there, or at least it could be if Imani would let it.”
“Have you given her any reason to?”
He scowled at his younger sister. “Of course I have.”
“Tell me one thing you did.”
He opened his mouth to name off his list, but nothing came out. Snapping his jaw shut, he scowled.
Kallie shook her head. “Such a man, big brother. Now while I don’t know Imani very well, I’ve been in her presence long enough to know she seems to be the sort of woman who’s strong and independent. She’s used to making her own way.”
“Who says she can’t do that here?”
She shrugged. “Evidently her.”
“I don’t understand why things have to be so complicated. I’m willing to do long distance.”
“Does she know that? Did you tell her? For how long?”
“What do you mean how long? Are you supposed to put a time limit on long distance relationships now?”
“No, but it probably won’t work out if there isn’t any planning involved. It sounds like the two of you all have a lot to talk about.”
“You’re right. Unfortunately, every time I bring up the subject she runs away.”
“Then it sounds like you need to find a way to make her stay put and hear you out.”
* * * *
Imani sat out in front of Carson’s home, second and third guessing herself. When she’d left Myrtle Beach a week ago, she hadn’t planned to come back. But one phone call with an urgent plea was all it took to bring her roaring back to the beachfront city.
She slid out of the car and adjusted the hem of her dress as she made her way toward the front door of his. She was a few minutes early, so she walked slowly, taking in a few deep, calming breaths. Her nerves hadn’t been this bad since she’d gone on her interview with her former employer. The best thing about that day was the sweet message Carson had sent her the day of her interview wishing her luck.
He’d helped energized her for an interview she hadn’t been one hundred perfect excited about. His unwaveringly support meant a lot to her, especially when she knew the outcome could deny him everything he wanted. To be honest, the short time away from him showed her she desired something quite similar.
Her heart beat faster as she made her way toward the front door. She felt like a teenager going through her first major crush every time she saw him, and tonight was no exception. When she’d left Myrtle Beach she hadn’t thought she’d miss him as much as she had. Whether she’d intended for him to or not Carson had eased his way into a soft spot. Somehow she’d become more attached to him than she planned.
Releasing a pent up breath, she raised her hand and knocked on the door. A few heartbeats later, he opened the front door with a smile so welcoming it made her tremble. Darn it if he didn’t he look scrumptious. A green golf shirt revealed powerful arms. Khaki shorts emphasized muscular legs. His hair slightly unkempt and sexy as all get out. She loved the way he looked at her. And when he kissed her in greeting, it was the same effect—fireworks.
“I’ve really missed you,” he said, pulling her into his home.
She smiled again as she spotted the table, stunningly set, several large candles placed in an intricate pattern on the table.
“You look beautiful,” he stated, tugging her into his embrace.
Imani laid her head on his broad chest. “I’ve missed you, too, handsome.”
“Good to know. I was going to feel like a complete idiot if I was the only one feeling that way.”
She smiled. He had a talent for making her do that. “I haven’t wanted to admit a lot of things lately, but this is something I can’t deny.”
He pulled back so he could see her face. “Oh?”
“From the moment I headed home you’ve been on my mind.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “Yes. I’m not sure what it is we have right now, but I’m not ready to call it to an end.”
He leaned closer to her until his mouth was very close to hers. “You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say those words.”
She closed the rest of the distance and kissed him. Before she knew it, she was in his arms and the alluring dinner he’d promised her wasn’t as important as getting her hands underneath his shirt.
He had his own plan, and his was the more overwhelming task. She had on a cap sleeved dress that didn’t prove to be much of a barrier for Carson. By the time they’d staggered into the bedroom, between kisses, chuckles and gasps, she was down to a bra
and panties while he still had on his shorts.
His hands traveled toward her bra clasp, but she wiggled out of his reach. “Hold on a second,” she rasped. “I want—”
He interrupted her with a kiss, a long one full of exploration and teasing, distracting her just long enough to undo her bra clasp and slip the straps off her shoulders. It fell to the floor to join the rest of her discarded clothing, leaving her in lacy bikini panties.
Carson stepped back, eyeing her from head to toe twice. “I love your body.”
“Thank you. I like yours a lot as well,” she whispered. “Speaking of which, why are you still wearing shorts?”
He looked down, pretending to be shocked. “Oh, hell. I wondered why I was feeling so confined.”
Carson undid his belt, his zipper, and after he stepped out of his shorts, he kicked them across the room, leaving him in a pair of boxer briefs.
“Wow. You’re really excited to see me, aren’t you?”
“I would have to be out of my mind not to be. Now, why is it that you still have clothes on?”
“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk, Carson. Every time I come over, you’re always anxious to get me naked. I’m starting to think you’re trying to convert me into a nudist.”
“I am. Wait until you see what else I have planned.”
She looked at his huge bed, which looked awfully appealing with the comfy white cover and overstuffed fancy pillow.
“Let me guess?”
He moved closer to her as she slipped her panties down until they fell around her ankles. “You’ll never guess. I’ve been working on my predictability.”
Her head jerked up. “Oh? Sounds interesting.”
With a wicked grin, he walked over to his nightstand and opened the drawer. He brought out a pair of soft cuffs. “I think so too, and hopefully, you still will after you find out how I want you to wear them.”
Imani’s eyes widened. “Now hold a second—”
“Do you trust me?”
“Um, yes, I do.”
“Enough to allow me to...”
Her gaze stayed on the soft restraints. They looked soft. But being tied up? Giving him complete control?
He walked back over to her, and his arms slipped around her waist. “It’s going to be wonderful,” he murmured. “All you have to do is lie back and allow me to take care of you.”
“I don’t know about this, Carson. I like having my hands free.”
“Which is a good thing. You have very nice hands. However, tonight is going to be about you. All the pleasure you can handle. Nothing but earth shattering things are going to happen to you. I promise.”
She stared up into his eyes, but already knew he’d told her the truth. He’d never do anything to hurt her. Completely the opposite. Carson was the most caring lover she’d ever had. Which didn’t mean he couldn’t take on his dominant persona on occasion. She liked it a lot. He was considerate and without restraint, and boy, he had some stamina.
“Okay then,” she said, caressing his back. “I’ll agree to this. Do with me what you will.”
He tried for a sinful chuckle, but the effect was ruined when he kissed her. She felt the hardness of his erection against her hip and it occurred to her they probably should speed things up a little.
Carson clearly had the same idea because he led her over to the bed. She went to sit on the edge, but he stopped her, instead lifting her up into his arms and placing her carefully in the center of the humongous bed.
After she was settled, naked, exposed, he lifted her arms up and over her head, toward the posts. Her heartbeat sped up as he secured her right wrist, making sure the cuff wasn’t too tight, but she couldn’t escape. She tested it a few times, almost called it off, but then figured she had nothing to lose by taking a chance.
When he wrapped the cuff around her other wrist, she realized there had never been another lover in her past she’d trusted enough to do this. And definitely no other man had made her this aroused and antsy. Imani squeezed her thighs together, but it didn’t help. Only one thing would ease her ache.
She squirmed on the duvet as he moved to the end of the bed, smiling, taking in the sight of her vulnerable body with clear excitement while he removed his boxers. His erection was as hard as she’d ever seen it, and she felt more attractive than ever that she could have this effect on him.
Then he crawled onto the bed.
Her pulse raced, and in spite of her willingness to try something different, her hands tugged at the bonds. It was hard to lie completely still, especially when he grasped her left leg in his hands and kissed the arch of her foot.
“Relax,” he whispered. He kissed the top of her foot, and with indescribable composure and extreme gentleness, he moved leisurely up her leg, licking, nibbling, kissing. Imani had never thought of her leg as an erogenous zone, but obviously, she’d been misinformed. Because every caress made her insides almost melt.
“Stop squirming,” he said.
“I can’t.”
He stopped moving until she met his gaze. “You can. You will.”
She comprehended what he was doing, and it thrilled her. Tonight, he was calling the shots, not her. Of course, she was the only beneficiary of his attention, which wasn’t actually a burden, but still, she wasn’t used to giving up power. In fact, her days were completely designed around the idea of acquiring power.
Yeah. She could do as he asked, for now.
After she obeyed his request, he didn’t go back to his ministrations until she lowered her gaze. Fascinating. A little strange, but good.
Especially good because he traveled rapidly up her leg, sucking her flesh, kissing, nibbling. All the spectacular things his mouth and tongue could do.
That was only the beginning. The star attraction came a few moments later. His hands spread her legs. She felt incredibly exposed, totally worshiped, and a little self-conscious until she saw the lust in his expression.
That’s all it took. That and his skilled tongue, of course. He knew exactly what to do, exactly how hard to lick, when to slow down. He teased her until she pleaded then rewarded her with the focus and attention out of this world.
She didn’t come just once. That would be too easy. If she’d had her hands free, she would have rearranged herself. Given him something as good as she was getting. But that wasn’t what he wanted. In the end, it clearly wasn’t what she wanted either.
Imani cried out loudly as she came. They probably heard her deep out in the ocean. Several times. She lost track of how many times she climaxed. But Carson didn’t stop. Not until she was so wiped out her voice cracked and her vision dimmed. He rose upward. Imani struggled to open her eyes enough to see his intense stare.
Carson rose up over her and braced his hands on either side of her head, and she caught a glimpse of the molten heat in his gaze. He appeared savagely male, and as he leaned into her with the press of his hard, lean body, she felt the length of him vibrating with sexual tension.
Without preamble, he captured her mouth once again, his tongue finding and tangling with hers. The minted flavor of Carson’s aggressive need and her own dewy essence was heady and darkly seductive.
“I want you inside me,” she panted. “Right now.”
A low, primitive growl rumbled up from his chest, and he clamped his fingers around her waist. His damp mouth skimmed across her cheek to her ear.
“We need a condom,” he rasped, obviously thinking more rationally than she was.
She groaned her disappointment when he moved away, his warmth leaving her instantly. He didn’t waste any time retrieving a condom from the drawer beside the bed and sheathed himself.
She expected him to come up and over her and take her fast and hard, but instead a slow, sinful smile made an appearance, and she knew Carson intended to take his sweet time. He surprised her by undoing the cuffs.
“Roll over onto your stomach, Imani,” he murmured.
She turned over onto her belly, wondering what he had in store
for her now. When he told her to lift her hips so he could place a pillow beneath her, she obeyed his request, unbearably excited by the thought of engaging in such an erotic position with him.
She shivered as his fingers brushed across the sensitive crease at the back of her knees, then feathered up her legs. His warm lips joined in on the provocative journey, following the path of his splayed hands with damp, openmouthed kisses and gentle nips of his teeth. She arched her hips higher as his thumbs dipped into the crease between her thighs and grazed the soft, swollen folds of her sex. She moaned when he increased the pleasure with a slow, leisurely lap of his tongue.
Renewed passion raged through her, making her tingle from head to toe. Anticipation coiled low and tight, throbbing for release. Yet he merely continued stroking her waist, then up to the center of her spine. His hands were pure magic, his firm touch as erotic as it was tender, making her grow restless with a longing to feel him deep inside of her.
She attempted to spread her legs to make room for him in between, but he straddled her thighs instead, keeping her legs together. He aligned his hips to hers so his erection probed between her legs and slid along her slick flesh, teasing her until she clutched the bedspread in her fist and begged him to satisfy the aching need he incited. The head of his shaft found her core, and he slipped inside her an agonizing inch as he settled his weight over her from behind, keeping her pinned to the mattress with the length of his body. He opened her hands so she released the bedspread and intertwined his fingers through her so she felt physically bound to him.
His hot breath grazed her cheek, and his mouth touched her jaw and trailed down to a vein pulsing in her neck. His teeth nibbled, and she closed her eyes and shivered, her stomach constricting with excitement as she wondered if he intended to mark her in such a possessive, carnal way. It seemed appropriate, considering how inherently primitive their position was.
She was on edge, frustrated he was completely in control while she was a bundle of restless energy just waiting to come apart. With him, for him. “Carson, please. Don’t make me wait any longer.”
“You feel so damn tight, so hot and wet,” he murmured into her ear then flexed his hips against her bottom, lifting her pelvis higher. The dampness of her own desire eased his passage, allowing him deeper, making them both groan at the exquisite friction he created. He withdrew almost all the way out and pushed slowly back inside her until he was buried to the hilt and she felt impaled by the hard length of him. He throbbed within her, breathing raggedly against her neck as his mouth sought a tender spot to brand her.
One Hot Summer Anthology Page 8
