Seducing Allie: Seattle Steam, Book 3

by Shelli Stevens

  Clint reached across and opened the passenger door, so it swung open toward her. “Come on.”

  Allison gave a terse nod and climbed inside the SUV. Settling on the leather seat she glanced over at him and fastened her seatbelt.

  “I still don’t really trust you,” she muttered and fluffed her hair.

  Clint hit the gas, pulling a U-turn and heading in the direction of the hotel.

  “I think we should just sit him down and explain our worries,” she said. “It depends how far she’s pulled the wool over his eyes. Or however that phrase goes, ya know?”

  She glanced over at him to see him nod.

  “How long did you stay at the party last night?”

  “Left shortly after you did.”

  “Oh.” She frowned. “So you just came back to meet the guys for breakfast?”

  He didn’t answer and the first prick of unease hit her.

  “They’re not really at breakfast are they?”

  “I don’t really know, Allie,” he finally admitted lightly. “They very well could be.”

  “You son of a bitch,” she growled.

  Okay, that was it. Time to jump out at the next light. He slowed the car a moment later and she went to pull the door handle, just as she heard it lock shut.

  Her pulse began to thud faster as the light turned green and the SUV sped up again.

  “You said you’d take me to see him.”

  “I’ll take you, Allie.” His lips twitched. “And you’ll like it.”

  She almost snorted at the bad sexual innuendo, but was starting to realize there wasn’t much humor in her situation.

  “You didn’t dig into Ashley’s background. And you were never going to take me to him, were you?”

  He shook his head, his smile dimming. “No, Allison, I wasn’t. And I can’t believe you thought for one minute I would.”

  Gee, did he really have to reiterate how stupid she’d just been?

  “You know I have to say, I’m a little surprised you were that easy,” Clint said, glancing over at her with a wide smile.

  She gripped the handle on the door as the SUV took a sharp corner. “Don’t call me easy.”

  His deep laughter sent little shivers through her and her mouth went dry.

  “And you were right to say you didn’t trust me, kitten.” He shrugged. “You shouldn’t. I gave you your last warning last night.”

  That unease in her gut turned into a heavy ball.

  “Let me out of the car.”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not?” The anger in her belly burned hotter and she tried to pull up the lock but he locked it again.

  “You’re not honestly considering jumping out of a moving vehicle, are you, Allie?”

  Allison gave a growl of frustration and slapped her palm against the window.

  “This is ridiculous.” She stared out at the blur of trees as they sped down a deserted road. “Where are we going?”

  “Away,” he answered ambiguously.

  “Away,” she mimicked him. “We’re going away? What the hell kind of answer is that?”

  “The only answer you’re getting right now. And watch your mouth. I know your mom taught you better.”

  “Didn’t your mom teach you that kidnapping is a felony?” she shot back and slapped the window again.

  “If you break my window it’s going to seriously piss me off, Allie.”

  “Well, guess what? I’m already pissed.” Slap. Her hand connected with the glass again and again. “Maybe you should have taken that into account when you abducted me, Clint.”

  She nearly fell out of her seat as he swerved the car to the side of the road.

  Was he going to let her go? Leave her stuck on some random back road? Hell, she didn’t care, she’d hike her way back to her car if she had to.

  He climbed out of the vehicle and came around her side, wrenching open the door.

  “Get out.”

  Relief flooded through her. He was letting her go. Finally. She scooted out the door, making the jump down to the ground and smoothing her dress back down her thighs.

  “Well, it’s about time you came to your senses—oh!”

  He jerked her hard against him, both of her wrists in one of his massive hands.

  “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear,” he murmured, his gaze full of determination and something else…something hot. Something that sent a jolt of heat straight from her stomach to between her legs.

  Her pulse quickened and she dragged in a shuddering breath, tugging at her hands.

  “Have you gone completely insane?” she whispered.

  “Maybe.” His lips twisted. “Or maybe I’m just willing to go to any lengths to make sure you don’t break up Kenneth’s wedding.”

  “I’m not…” She ran her tongue over her suddenly dry lips. “Wait, Kenneth’s wedding isn’t until next week.”

  “Exactly. And that means we’ll have one whole week to catch up, kitten.”

  Clint watched her eyes widen with shock and he almost felt sorry for her—almost. Except he’d warned her multiple times and she needed to be stopped.

  Taking her out of the equation had been an idea he’d been playing with since she’d threatened to show up at the house this morning. And the more he thought about it, the better the idea had seemed.

  He’d been ready, sitting in his SUV parked down the street and drinking coffee, waiting to see if she really had the balls to show up again. Not really thinking she would, but somewhat excited when she did.

  “Clint, you can’t do this,” she choked, her body beginning to tremble. “This is kidnapping.”

  “Yeah, you said that already.”

  “You can’t take me away for a week.” She tugged at her wrists again, and he tightened his hold. “Oh my God. You’ve gone loony, Clint. You’re—argh.”

  Her knee connected with his shin and he winced, pushing her back against his SUV.

  “Stop it,” he said, irritated now. He tried not to think about how soft her body was against him and how her breasts pressed against his chest. “I’m not the one trying to break up a wedding.”

  Her eyes flashed with frustration and fury. “You can’t play God, Clint.”

  “And neither will you, Allie. Even if I have to see to it.”

  She lowered her gaze and he watched her small pink tongue sweep across her lush mouth again. He bit back a groan. Man, she looked sexy when she did that. And she did it a lot.

  “Okay,” her tone calmed significantly. “You’re right. Of course you’re right. Why don’t you take me back to my car and I’ll just drive home. Deal?”

  His chest shook with laughter and he shook his head. How stupid did she think he was? Did she honestly think she could pull out that docile act to convince him she’d changed her mind? He knew her way too well for that.

  “No deal. I can’t take that risk. I don’t trust you any further than I can spit, kitten.”

  “Stop calling me kitten,” she yelled and tried to—oh hell no she didn’t—knee him in the groin.

  He pressed his body harder against her, making sure she couldn’t move. She glared at him, her mouth drawn tight and her breasts rising and falling with each breath she jerked in.

  “Besides,” he continued softly, and gave her a slow smile. “A week together means we can take up where we left off last night.”

  “If you think I would ever go to bed with you after—”

  “I don’t think, I know, Allie. And I’m pretty sure you know it too.”

  He reached out and ran a finger down the side of her soft cheek, and she sucked in a swift breath. He watched the heat flicker in her eyes and knew she could—and probably would—deny it until she was blue in the face, but Allison wanted him.

  “I repeat. You’re loony.”

  He laughed again. “I will bring you back here, but not until Ashley and Ken have exchanged their vows.”

  “That’s not until next week,” she said aga
in in a rush. “I have to be at work.”

  “No, you don’t, teachers have summers off.” He watched her eyes round with shock.

  What, did she think he’d forgotten about the teaching job at a private school Kenneth had gotten her a couple of years ago? Whether she was the most qualified candidate or not, just the recommendation from a Williams family member—and money donated—was enough to guarantee her the position.

  His thumb slid inward to stroke over her bottom lip. Her body trembled in the response. God, he wanted her.

  “You have no right to do this to me, Clint. None. You’re being a total jerk. This is just—”

  He pulled his thumb away and replaced it with his mouth. Crushing his lips down on hers in a kiss to stop her tirade, and because he couldn’t resist her any longer.

  Her angry gasp parted her lips enough to let him slide his tongue into the moist cavern of her mouth. He tasted her. Warm, succulent and the spicy taste of cinnamon gum.

  She struggled against him, each twist of her body brushed her breasts into contact with his chest. He slowed the kiss, rubbing his tongue against hers. The friction had his dick pulsing against his jeans and he ground himself against her stomach.

  The fight in her seemed to disappear and she went slack in his arms. Her small moan sent a jolt of triumph through him and he released her wrists so he could grab her ass.

  The swell of her bottom spilled over into his palms, and he squeezed the soft flesh, pulling her harder against him.

  Allison. God he wanted her. Had wanted her for so many years now. He was tempted to take her here on the side of the damn road.

  Crack. The sound reached him before the sting of her palm glancing across his cheek.

  She wrenched her mouth away from his, and glared up at him, her gaze both hot and skittish.

  His fingers dug into her ass cheeks and his jaw clenched. Okay, maybe you deserved that. Taking a deep breath, he counted to ten.

  “You know what, Allie?”

  “You’re going to come to your senses and let me go?” she suggested with tight sarcasm.

  “Oh, hell no, I’m gonna keep you.” He slid one hand up her back and pushed her close, until her tight nipples rubbed against his chest. “And I think we’re going to have a lot of fun together this week.”

  Panic flashed in her eyes again. “Where are you taking me? To some cheap hotel?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  She watched him warily. “Then where? Because you know I’m going to run the first chance I get.”

  The sound of a car coming down the road finally encouraged him to step back from her. He opened the front door and urged her back inside.

  She shook her head and climbed into the backseat instead, obviously not wanting to be anywhere near him at this point. His lips twitched into amusement.

  “I’ve taken that into consideration. That you’ll try and run and all.” He climbed into the driver’s seat. “And I have a feeling once we get there, you won’t want to run off. Not alone anyway.”

  “Unless you’re taking me to the fucking Venetian hotel in Vegas, I’m seriously going to have to disagree,” she snapped, buckling up.

  He gave a soft laugh and shook his head. Physically she was the epitome of a woman—wore dresses, makeup and had the lush curves of a pin up queen. And yet she had a mouth that would make a sailor cringe.

  Clint started the SUV again. Yeah. He was going to enjoy spending time with Allie again. Quite a bit.

  Where the hell were they going? Allison stifled a yawn and lifted her head from the window. How long had they been driving? The only thing she knew was they were going east. She’d driven over to Pullman to visit friends enough during her college days to realize that.

  She glanced at her watch. Damn. They’d already been on the road for three hours.

  “I’m hungry.” Her words cut through the faint country music he had playing. “I don’t suppose you planned my kidnapping enough to bring food?”

  “There should be a granola bar in the backpack on the floor. And we’ll be stopping for food in about another hour.”

  She leaned over and grabbed the backpack, rummaging through the bag for the granola bar. After she found it, she unwrapped it and took a bite. Ugh. When was the last time she’d eaten this stuff?

  Chewing absently on the bar, she tried to block out the bland taste. Unfortunately it wasn’t even one of those sugary, chocolate dipped kinds—because chocolate would have been good right about now. It was one that actually had health benefits, full of nuts and berries and shit.

  She glanced at the back of Clint’s dark head as he drove the SUV steadily down the two-lane road, singing a country song out of key.

  When he’d kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and grinding his erection into her belly, she’d wanted to push her fingers into his thick dark hair. Pull him closer in a move that could help ease the ache between her legs.

  Don’t go there. You will not go there. Wanting to fuck the man who kidnapped you cannot be a good thing. I don’t care how good of friends you used to be.

  She ate the last bite of the granola bar and crumpled the wrapper in her hand. Then, even knowing it was petty and rebellious, she threw it at the back of his head.

  Clint laughed as it bounced right back off and landed on the seat somewhere. She sighed and looked out the window.

  What a mess. Kidnapped. And all because Clint was convinced she wanted Kenneth back and was crazy enough to break up his wedding. Maybe she did want to break it up, but it sure as hell wasn’t because she wanted Kenneth back.

  “Seriously.” She sighed and leaned her head back against the seat. “I give up, Clint. I won’t say anything to Kenneth. He can marry Ashley and get taken to the cleaners. I’ll stay away from him all week—I promise.”

  “No can do, Allie.” Clint turned up the volume on the radio.

  “Well you suck.” Frustration made the granola bar churn in her stomach and she ground her teeth together. If he wasn’t taking her to a cheap motel, then where was he taking her?

  “And I’m still running the first chance I get,” she muttered under her breath.

  No matter what it cost, she’d call a taxi, take a train or fly if needed. But there was no way she was—damn. He had her purse. It was sitting up front by him. She’d have to grab it back.

  “How long were you planning this? To kidnap me?”

  “As of last night when I gave you your final warning. And let’s get rid of the word kidnap, okay? I prefer to think of it as two old friends just spending some time together.”

  Allison gave a snort of laughter and shook her head. “I’m calling a spade a spade.” She clenched her hands into fists in her lap, trying not to think about what he had planned for the week. Or his statement that they’d be sleeping together. The image of it had her body trembling. “And I won’t have sex with you. If that was your goal by this whole kidnapping thing.”

  “My goal, as I clarified earlier, was to keep you from breaking up the wedding.” He gave a husky laugh. “Sleeping with you will be the bonus.”

  “Clint. I’m not sleeping with you.”

  “Whatever you say, kitten.” He didn’t sound the least bit unsure of himself.

  She scowled. And why should he be? She’d lost herself in that kiss. She’d been ready to hike her dress around her hips, pull off her panties and jump him. That’s what he’d done to her.

  “You know, we got a later start than I thought we would.” He sighed. “I think we may have to check into a cheap motel tonight after all.”

  “A motel?” Alarm slid through her. Visions of sharing one small room with him, having him shower just feet away. Oh God. This week…how was she going to make it through?

  “Yeah.” He pulled off the highway and turned into the parking lot of a small motel.

  Gravel crunched under the tires of the SUV as he pulled up in front of the office.

  “I’m going to go inside and get us a room.” He turn
ed around and winked. “Are you going to behave yourself?”

  “Where the hell am I going to go?” She folded her arms across her chest. “We’re in the middle of nowhere—which I’m sure is exactly how you planned it.”

  He stared at her for a moment, as if weighing how much he could trust her. If you’re smart, you won’t trust me an inch, Clint.

  “I’ll be back in five minutes.” He climbed out of the vehicle and walked into the motel office.

  But once he was inside the office for a few minutes she had second thoughts. Could she get away with it?

  Just go.

  Knowing too much time had already passed, she jerked open the car door and with one quick jump down to the ground, she was off running across the gravel parking lot.

  Her heart pounded and her throat tightened. The ding of the bell from the office signaled he’d seen her escape attempt.

  Shit!

  Why? Why the hell did she have to be wearing heels right now?

  “Allison.”

  He screamed her name from just inches behind her. She let out a groan of frustration and increased her strides, trying to reach the highway which was just feet away. The highway meant cars. Cars meant the possibility of—

  Snap. Her heel broke off and she went flying toward the highway and directly into the path of an oncoming car.

  Strong arms shot around her waist, jerking her back just as the vehicle whizzed by, horn blaring.

  Her heart in her throat she went weak against him. Oh God. She’d been so close to getting hit.

  “Jesus Christ, Allie.” He spun her around and the fear in his own gaze was obvious. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m okay.” Her voice shook and she made no attempt to escape his arms this time.

  Adrenaline and shock still raced through her blood, making her legs useless to support her own weight. She leaned into him, breathing in his spicy aftershave as she willed her heart rate to return to normal.

  “Come on, let’s go to the room. Do you want me to carry you?” His tone was almost regretful, even as his arms tightened around her.