by C. C. Snow
I frowned at him, not liking the sound of that. I wasn’t a soft and compliant sort of girl.
His dimple made an appearance as he laughed at me. “Although you’re cute when you growl and snarl at me… like a wet kitten.”
My frown grew fiercer and that seemed to feed his amusement. He laced his fingers with mine and started to walk down the crowded street.
Instead of a fancy restaurant like La Cocina, the Mexican eatery he took me to was low-key and inexpensive. The food was incredible– spicy and flavorful. The place was teeming with customers, making it impossible to have a conversation without screaming. It gave me some time to figure out what the hell I was doing. This was obviously not a business lunch and Jake was not treating me like his assistant. Although to be fair, he hadn’t treated me like a mere assistant ever since we kissed in the stairwell.
As soon as we left the restaurant, Jake slung his arm over shoulder. “Stop thinking so hard, Cora.”
I stopped and faced him. “Jake, I don’t know what we’re doing.”
“We’re dating.”
“Pardon?” I stared at him in disbelief. “I didn’t remember agreeing to go on a date with you!”
“Well, what else would you call this? We’ve had a nice meal together. We’ve kissed. We’re holding hands.” He leaned down and stared into my stunned face. “And since going out at night is a challenge because of Marcus, we have to make do with lunch dates.”
I sputtered, unable to think of a comeback.
He grabbed my hand and started walking briskly. “We’ve got to go. Appointment with the manager is in ten minutes.”
Struck dumb, I followed behind him, my brain churning through everything. I couldn’t deny I didn’t resist him when he kissed me. I stared at our joined hands. Nor did I try to yank my hand away. I watched him as he deftly navigated through the packed sidewalk, pulling me into his body whenever someone stepped too close. And I really enjoyed spending time with Jake.
Was I really going to stop resisting him?
By the time we arrived at the property manager’s office, I was no closer to understanding my own behavior.
Linda Mueller was a friendly woman in her fifties who emanated patience and serenity. I imagined those qualities came in handy when dealing with demanding tenants.
“Linda, I’d like to see the two units we discussed over the phone.”
“Of course, Mr. Weston.” She walked behind her desk and took out two keys. “The cleaners just finished with them earlier this week.”
I leaned over to Jake. “What are we looking for?”
“The overall condition of the space. Whether we need to upgrade anything.”
“Jake, shouldn’t we have asked the contractor to come?” I didn’t voice that this seemed too menial a task for the CEO. I’ve learned that Jake liked to be involved in all levels of the business.
“We just need to make some notes. Come on.”
Linda smiled at me as we got into the elevator. “The first unit is on the thirty-third floor. It’s a bit roomier than the second one.”
“How many floors are there?” I asked.
“Sixty. Any floor above the thirtieth offers a nice view of the city or the river. It’s really quite a wonderful building.” She shared a little of its colorful history.
“The Art Deco work is quite breathtaking,” I said, admiring the stylized lighting sconces as we walked down the hallway.
She smiled in agreement. She unlocked the unit and swung open the door.
Jake and I walked around the apartment, inspecting the space. It had all the luxuries a building like this would afford. State-of-the-art climate control. Sparkling hardwood floors. Modern appliances. Views of Chicago’s distinctive skyline.
I couldn’t help thinking I would never be able to afford a place like this. Our current apartment would fit into the living room. “Well, everything looks almost new. Did you notice anything that needed to be fixed, Jake?” I had taken out my phone to take notes, but so far, there was nothing on the list of needed repairs.
“No, let’s go see the other one.”
We took the elevator to the forty-eighth floor.
“This is unit forty eight twenty. It has some very nice views of the Chicago River. There are two bedrooms with en-suites. The kitchen was remodeled last year.”
I stepped into the apartment and gasped. The view was stunning, overlooking the city and the glimpse of dark green river below. I walked over and pressed my palms against the glass.
A warm hand settled on my shoulder. “Like the view?”
“Uh-huh… hmm.” The view from hundreds of feet above the ground looked unreal, like an architectural model.
“Let’s check out the rest of the space.”
Reminded of our reason for the visit, I tore myself away from the window and walked through the rest of the apartment with Jake. Like the other unit, everything was shiny and new.
“Well, everything looks good. There doesn’t seem to be anything that needs updating in either unit,” I said.
Linda beamed. “I’m glad both meet with your approval.”
I frowned at the strange way she phrased her comment. Why would my approval matter?
“Thank you for your time today, Linda. We’ll see ourselves out. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Weston. The door locks behind you.” With a firm handshake and a smile, she left.
“Jake, is there something else we need to do here?” I looked at the time on my phone and frowned. “We should head back to the office.”
Instead of answering me, he pulled me over to the window. “What do you think of the apartments?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you like either one of them?”
I shrugged. “They’re both extremely nice. Who wouldn’t like them?” I looked at him suspiciously. “Why do you ask?” I had a squirmy, uncomfortable feeling in my gut.
“If you had to choose one of them, which one would you choose?”
The squirmy feeling condensed into a tight knot and I started to back away from him. “Oh, no.”
River North plus empty apartments plus Jake Weston.
I was doing the math and the answer was pissing me off. “Jacob Weston, this better not be what I think it is!”
He had the gall to grin at me. “You’re so cute when you use my full name. My middle name is Benjamin in case you’re wondering.”
Where had he been hiding this irreverent sense of humor? It was a quality I associated with Troy, not Jake, who was more brooding. But recently, he had become more playful.
At another time, I would have found his humor endearing, but now it just infuriated me. I clenched my teeth and glared at him. “Don’t try to be cute, Jake. I told you I didn’t want to move into your apartment.”
“Cora, this place is empty. You and Marcus would have more space and you’ll both be closer to work and school. The El is practically at your door. I’d feel better that you are living in an apartment that has twenty-four seven security. I don’t know why you’re fighting this.”
“You’re being deliberately obtuse!”
“And you’re being unnecessarily pig-headed!”
“Just because I refuse to take charity?” I threw my arm out in a sweeping motion to indicate the luxurious quarters. “This place probably costs four times what I’m currently paying. My apartment may not live up to your lofty standards, Mr. Billionaire, but I can pay for it. I’m not ashamed of where I live.”
Jake clasped my shoulders. “Cora, that’s not what I’m saying. I think you’re doing an amazing job taking care of Marcus and yourself, but I just want to help. Why is it so hard for you to accept any kind of help from me?”
I filled my lungs with air and grappled for patience. “Jake, this is not a little thing. You’re asking me to give up my independence. I’m grateful you helped with Marcus’s schooling, but I don’t need your interference in other aspects of my life.”
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His face darkened with anger and he shook me once. “Interference? That’s bullshit! You refuse to let people in. You fight me every step of the way.” Another shake. “Why are you making this so goddamn difficult?”
The volatile emotions in me combined into a bomb and I exploded. I violently pushed out of his arms. “Because you’re not going to be around in a month. You’d have moved on to the next Carolina Oliveira. I’m just a novelty to you! And I’ll be left alone. Life has a way of doing that to me!” I clamped my lips shut and turned away from him.
Dead silence.
My words had been too raw and too revealing. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, I hugged my arms around myself. Until now, I didn’t realize how deeply my parents’ deaths had affected me. The prickling behind my eyes warned me I was close to breaking down. I took a shaky breath and kept my voice blank. “I’m sorry about my outburst. Let’s just head back to the office. There are some things I need to finish before the weekend.”
Strong arms snaked around me and I felt his chin touch the top of my head. “Poor baby. You don’t trust me. And life has been cruel.”
He spun me around to face him. The compassion on his face was the key that opened the floodgates. A sob shoved past the constriction in my throat. Then another. And another.
The next thing I knew, I was wailing into Jake’s crisp linen shirt and silk tie. My face pressed against his sternum and my fingers clutched his lapels. All the years of pent up grief and sorrow came pouring out. Dark, guttural sounds pushed their way out of my chest.
“Shh…shh…it’s okay. Let it all out.” His hands coasted over my shoulder blades and back in soothing strokes.
I didn’t know how long we stood like that, but Jake just held me and let me cry. It felt cleansing, like the poisons were draining out of my body with each teardrop. When I pulled back, Jake’s shirt and tie were soaked. And I felt hollowed out and renewed at the same time. Embarrassed, I dug in my purse until I found a tissue to wipe my tears and blow my nose.
Afraid to meet his eyes, I ran my fingers over the tearstains on his designer tie. “I’m sorry. I ruined your tie.”
“Fuck the tie.” A finger tipped up my chin. Blue-green eyes examined me closely. “Feel better?”
I nodded and dropped my lashes over my eyes.
Soft lips touched my right eyelid. Then my left. My eyes fluttered closed. They moved over my cheeks. His hot breath tickled my skin and his tongue licked at the remnants of my salty tears. Long fingers held the base of my skull. Another finger ran over the sensitive shell of my left ear.
“Jake.” His name was no more than an exhale. I tilted my face, seeking him like a flower sought the sun.
Chapter 12
Jake responded by covering my mouth. The kiss started as a sweet exploration, closed lips moving softly. His hand cupped my jaw and his thumb brushed along my cheekbone. Time slowed. Our mouths parted and we tasted each other lazily. My tongue swept along the inside of his lower lip. He made unhurried forays into the wet interior of my mouth.
Lick. Retreat. Advance. Retreat. Suck. Retreat.
Slowly, the thrust and parry of our tongues grew more frenzied. More carnal. Our labored breathing was audible as we each struggled to draw in enough air through our noses, but neither of us was willing to end our kiss.
He angled his head and hollowed his cheeks as he suckled on the tip of my tongue. His teeth tested the give of my flesh.
Moaning, I stood on tiptoes and encircled my arms around his neck. My fingers feathered against his soft hair. My body softened, trying to fit my curves into his hollows. Jake was hard everywhere. He was unquestionably aroused. So was I. My sex was drenched and needy.
My hips swiveled against his erection. He tightened his grip on my neck. I deliberately rubbed against him harder and he moaned.
Needing to see his expression, I finally broke the kiss. My breath came in choppy bursts as I stared up at him. With lust emblazoned on his face, he looked feral. Nostrils flared. Eyes darkened to a pure green. Cheekbones starkly sharp. Sensual lips still wet from our kiss.
He was magnificent.
“I want you, Cora. I want you so much, baby.” His voice was as rough as sandpaper.
I never realized how powerful those words could be until now. Need bolted through my veins.
Determination sharpened his features. “I can’t promise everything will work out, but I want to prove to you that what we have is real.”
I didn’t know how to take his declaration, but I knew I couldn’t resist him anymore.
I didn’t want to resist him anymore.
The fight had always been with my own fears. Even knowing the risk I was taking, I wanted whatever time I had with him. Without looking away from his gaze, I whispered, “I want you, too.”
Everything about him seemed to tighten for a beat and then he lunged at me.
Lips marauded. Hands roamed my body, skimming down my waist until he reached my hips. Heat swamped me as he squeezed my ass, his fingers imprinting into my flesh. He seemed to relish in my softness, moaning as his hands cupped and shaped my plump cheeks.
His hunger fed mine and I kissed him back voraciously. The muscles in his back undulated under my spread fingers as I tried to eliminate every centimeter of space between us. Soon the material between my fingers and his skin became an irritant.
My hands pushed at his jacket. Jake shrugged it off and flung it somewhere behind us. A vague part of my brain noted that bespoke suits should not be treated so cavalierly, but a moment later, I didn’t give a damn.
Jake’s hands had swept up my body and his thumbs found my nipples, abrading the puckered tips. Dipping his head, he sucked one bud through the fabric of my cotton blouse and bra. It felt like an inferno had engulfed my nipple and I grasped his head. He switched sides, this time playfully nipping at the left peak and I made a desperate keening sound.
The world tilted and then my back was on the hard floor with Jake’s weight pressed along my body. I didn’t know if I was dizzy from the sudden movement or from the fever burning through me.
“I’m sorry, baby. I can’t wait.” His hand slipped under my skirt and with a sharp tug, I felt the gauzy fabric of my panties give.
I moaned. It was so damn sexy.
“Fuck!” He slammed his lips over mine, swallowing the last vibration of my moan. His thighs spread my legs apart and I felt the cool brush of air before two fingers pushed inexorably into my vagina.
I broke away and gasped his name. I was wet, but I hadn’t had sex in years– and it was the one time– and my body was unused to the invasion. My vision hazed. I tried to remember if his hands were as big as they felt right now, but my thoughts slipped away.
“Baby, you’re so wet for me. But you’re too tight. Just relax for me.” There was a pleading note in his voice.
His fingers tunneled deeper and I whimpered. In a slow sawing motion, his fingers worked in and out of me. My hands gripped his shirt, trying to find purchase. I had never felt anything this good. I bit my lip hard as the tips of his finger found a particularly sensitive spot.
Jake’s sharp gaze did not miss my reaction and he did it again. My mouth opened on a breathless cry. It turned into a cry of dismay when he abruptly pulled out. I raised my hips, blindly seeking contact.
“No! Jake! Don’t stop!”
“I need you to come on my cock this first time, baby.” He supported his weight on one arm and leaned down to kiss me passionately. “Are you protected, Cora?”
It took my brain a few extra seconds to process his question. “I’m on the pill.” My gynecologist had prescribed them to me to regulate my period a few years ago.
He looked fiercely satisfied with my answer. “Good, because I don’t want anything between us.”
Concern nagged at me. “Jake…”
His lips dragged over my jaw. “I’m clean baby. I’ve never had sex without a condom. I need to feel you bare.” He breathed the last sentence into my ear and I s
wore I felt the hot air travel through the middle of my body directly to my damp sex. Suddenly it felt wrong to put a barrier between us.
I whimpered, “Please.”
I heard the clink of his belt and then the rustle of clothes. I wanted to see him, but as soon as a thought formed, it was gone, driven away by the heat of him. The head of his cock grazed the entrance of my body. It felt like velvet and I arched toward it.
Jake groaned and settled more of his lower body weight to still my motions. A few inches pushed inside me and I gasped at the stretching sensation. Granted, I only had one man– boy really– to compare him with, but he felt huge. I raised my head to look, but the material of my skirt was hiding him from my view.
Another inch pushed into me and I dropped my head on the floor with a dull thud. “Jake! It’s too much.”
He stared into my eyes, his face flushed. “No, it’s not. You’re tight, but you can take me. Your body is made to take me. You’re mine. Hold onto me, baby.”
I blindly obeyed, clutching his back. He still had his shirt on, but I could feel the delicious flex of muscles under my palm.
He hiked up my legs until my knees hugged his ribcage. Planking his upper body weight on his forearms, he started moving his hips gently, working his cock into me, reaching deeper with each thrust. One hand reached between us. He circled my swollen clit with his thumb and I moaned hungrily.
All the while he told me how good I felt to him.
How sexy I was.
How hard I made him.
He was raunchy and dirty and his erotic words swept me into a lust-filled fog. All my senses were concentrated on where we were joined. He was relentless until he was hilted deep inside my body, his hard shaft throbbing against my inner walls. His sac tickled the sensitive inner curves of my buttocks.
He felt endless in me. The fullness wasn’t comfortable, but I was so incredibly turned on, I didn’t care.
“Your pussy fits me like a glove, baby. I knew you would blow my mind,” Jake whispered into my ear. He placed both hands on either side of my head. “Now I’m going to fuck you.”
