“Penny for your thoughts?”
Samantha blinked at him, yanked out of her fantasies and back to the moment.
“I was just thinking about tonight, and how wonderful it was. I really appreciate you. Not just for saving my life, but for the flowers and for dinner. I had a wonderful time.” “I’m glad. I wanted to see you smile.”
His hand reached out, cupping her cheek and rubbing her cheek bone with a gentleness that almost undid her. Was this guy for real? Why hadn’t he invited himself in yet?
They always did, invariably ruining a perfectly good night by implying that Samantha owed them something more for the money they’d spent on her. Blake had spent at least ten times that much. Any moment now, he’d suggest that they not “let the night end” and go inside.
He was opening his mouth to speak, and Samantha steeled herself for what was about to come. She was right, Blake was just like every other man she’d ever dated. What a shame.
“When can I see you again?”
The question took her by surprise
“Aren’t you going to ask if you can come in?” Her tone was a little more disappointment than sarcasm, which wasn’t what she’d intended at all.
“Of course not. It’s the first date. I am going to ask for a kiss.”
A kiss? That’s all he wanted?
“That’s all you want, a kiss?”
“Well, no. I want to take you out again. If tomorrow is too soon, maybe Thursday night?”
“Look, Blake. Tonight was great. But I have a life, and a reality I have to get back to. I’d love to live in a fairytale world, but I can’t set myself up like that.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t want to get my heart broken. I had a wonderful time with you tonight, I really did. But you’ve more than made up for the other night, and I really can’t thank you enough-”
“Did you think this was a pity date?”
“Yes.”
“Samantha, I like you. And I mean, really like you.”
“But you hardly know me.”
He grabbed her hands, holding them in his giant hands and clasping them together. He looked into her eyes.
“I know when someone knocks you down, you fight back. I know when you’re hurt, you use sarcasm and jokes to cover the pain. I know that you place your values and expectations above celebrity status.”
He gave her hands a little squeeze, “I know that you are honest and responsible. There’s so much more I want to learn about you, but what I know about you, is enough to know that you’re the kind of woman that’s worth getting to know on a deeper level.”
Samantha wanted to say something witty, to stop the flow of his words and shut herself off from the possibilities. But for the first time in her life, she’d been rendered speechless.
She shook her head.
“That’s nice Blake. But you can’t build a relationship on that.”
“Why not? What would you build a relationship on?”
“Come on Blake. I’m no fool. Women are throwing themselves at you constantly. You can have your pick. You don’t want me.”
“You’re exasperating.”
“I aim to please.”
Blake snorted, “I doubt that. Regardless, you’re not going to deter me. Go out with me. If not tomorrow or Wednesday, then Thursday.”
“No.”
Samantha turned away and shoved her key into the lock. Blake didn’t budge.
“I’ll send flowers to your work every day with a mushier card until you agree.”
Samantha froze. Wouldn’t Marta just love that? She couldn’t risk it. If Marta didn’t make her life a living hell, Frank would fire her for decreasing productivity. Blake had her over a barrel.
“Fine. But this time, I pick.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’ve never ridden in a hot air balloon. I read somewhere that you owned and flew your own. I want to ride in it.”
“Piece of cake. The weather should be perfect tomorrow for a sunset ride. Shall I pick you up from work?”
“Dear God, no!” she shouted, then lowered her voice, “No, please. I’ll meet you.”
“What if I pick you up from around the corner? Would that work?”
Samantha sighed.
“You’re so pushy.”
“Not pushy. But I’m a man that knows what I want.”
“Yes, fine. Around the corner. I get off at four.”
“I’ll see you then.” He leaned in slightly, eyes crinkling when he smiled. “Now about that kiss.”
Samantha rolled her eyes, but he captured her mouth with his before she could protest.
She was not prepared for the electricity that shot through her, or the way her body responded with a heat that was almost unbearable. She wondered if he might change his mind about coming if he knew how aroused she already was.
Blake broke away, planting one more gentle kiss on her lips before tenderly cupping her cheek in his hand again. He lingered for a moment before saying his goodbye. He looked over his shoulder once, smiling when he saw she was still standing there.
Samantha turned the key violently in the lock and shoved the door open. Blake was going to be a hard habit to break if she let this go on any longer. But damned if the man would take “go away” for an answer.
She had her hands full with this one.
*****
Samantha looked over her shoulder as she walked out of the building and hurried around the corner. She’d lit out of the office at exactly four o’clock, trying to get out of the bullpen and into the elevator before everyone else.
She didn’t want Marta to see her and she hadn’t told Jen where she was going.
Blake was right where he’d promised he’d be, standing beside the passenger door so he could open it for her.
“I love that blue on you. It really brings out your adorable freckles.”
He’d noticed her freckles? That was a first. No other man ever had, or at least if they had, they hadn’t said a word.
“Thanks.”
“I’ve got everything prepped and we have plenty of time to get up in the air and have a leisurely meal before the sun sets.”
Samantha couldn’t help it, she was genuinely delighted and giddy with excitement.
“I hope you like cheese and fruit.”
“I’m lactose intolerant.”
“Oh man. We’ll stop and get something on the way-”
“I’m just joking. I love cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese?”
“People who are lactose intolerant.”
“True. I shouldn’t joke about that. I would die without cheese.”
“Good to know.”
He chuckled beneath his breath, guiding the car onto the highway and heading out of the city.
“Where are we going?”
“My ranch. It’s where I keep my balloon.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? Don’t you want to go to my ranch?”
“I guess, but that’s kind of serious, don’t you think?”
“Yes.”
He didn’t elaborate, and he and Samantha fell into an easy silence while he drove.
She watched the houses get further and further apart, wishing she could live in a place where the nearest neighbor was miles away.
When Blake pulled down a narrow paved road with a sign that said “Linebacker Way” he didn’t have to tell her that they were almost to his home.
“Why didn’t you use the team name for your sign?”
“Do you have any idea how often linebackers get traded? One year, I had to fly to San Diego every week for practice and every weekend during football season. I’ll always be a linebacker, but I won’t always play for Atlanta.”
“Well that stinks.”
“Not really. I’ve made enough money over nearly ten years to buy myself and my mother nice houses, and once I retire in a year or two, I’ll never have to work again. It seems like a good trade-off.”
“Was
that your mom on the phone the other night?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It’s alright. My little brother gives her some trouble and he was off with friends again. She worries when he doesn’t come home.”
“How old is he?”
“Seventeen. He’s got a few months before he goes to college. I’ve already paid for that, but if he wants to do more than study and live in the dorms, he’ll have to make his own way. He’ll straighten up. We all lose our way now and then.”
“I’m sorry I got so cross with you the other night about the phone.”
Blake squeezed her hand as he pulled onto a long, tree lined driveway.
“I’m not worried about it.”
Samantha was about to say something more on the subject when Blake’s mansion came into view. Her eyes widened and her jaw went slack. The two-story building was overwhelming and cozy all at once, and Samantha was awestruck by it.
“Your house is beautiful.”
“Thank you. I hope one day to fill it with a family. Right now, it’s just a little lonelier than I’d anticipated.”
“I can see that.”
“I’ll give you the grand tour after our ride. I don’t want to run out of daylight.”
Samantha waited for Blake to open the door, taking his hand to get out, even though she didn’t need help. He was a gentleman through and through, and Samantha was starting to wonder if maybe the joy of dating him, even if only for a few months, was worth the heartache.
It would be nice to be treated like a princess for a while.
He led her around the back of the house and she looked in awe at the hot air balloon, tied up and ready to go.
“Wow.”
“Isn’t it amazing? People made fun of me when I bought it, but there’s really nothing like it. This area is perfect for flying too. With so many ranches, there’s a lot of beautiful scenery.”
Samantha watched him as he expertly prepared the balloon for takeoff then held out his hand to her.
“I don’t know if I can do this.”
Why was she scared?
“You can. You’re going to love it, I promise.”
Samantha let him pull her into the basket. An old-fashioned picnic basket was on the spacious floor.
“The first jolt off the ground is a bit rough, but after that it’s smooth sailing.”
Samantha held onto side, bracing herself as Blake untied the balloon from the stake anchoring it to the ground. As promised, there was a slight jolt and then the balloon floated gently into the air. Samantha watched in wonder at the beauty that surrounded them as the balloon climbed higher and higher.
“This is amazing.”
“So are you.”
Samantha blushed fiercely at the compliment as Blake left the controls, pulling her into his arms for a quick kiss before he pulled out the picnic basket. He hung it on a hook that clung to the edge of the basket so they could stand and enjoy the scenery while they ate. He stood behind her, his hands on either side of her, his body pressed against hers and holding her steady as the basket swayed gently on the breeze and they floated into the air.
Samantha was too excited to eat. This was the most amazing thing she’d ever seen in her twenty-two years.
The cheese could wait.
*****
As promised, the scenery was breath-taking. Samantha stood for a long while, just taking it all in. More than once, she caught Blake watching her, which immediately set her heart aflame.
Did he have any idea how handsome he was?
He stood behind her and she leaned into him, letting him hold her steady when he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck. The basket was tall, stopping just above her rib cage. Even though she wasn’t strapped in, she didn’t feel the least bit afraid, which surprised her.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, inhaling the scent of her and trailing kisses along her neck and shoulders.
She tilted her head back, exposing her throat to him. He continued kissing her, his lips warm and tender as he covered every inch of her that wasn’t covered in clothing.
“Is that why you brought me up here, to tell me how beautiful I am?”
She could feel his lips spread into a smile on her neck, but he didn’t answer her. His hands tightened around her waist and her nipples hardened beneath her shirt. Her body responded to him in a way that she couldn’t quite control and he was testing her self-control.
“You’re playing with fire,” she warned him.
“Good. I was hoping there was a little fire in you.”
His voice was low, raspy with need. Apparently Samantha wasn’t the only one who was feeling the effects of being this close to him.
She turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately. Her tongue explored the heat of his mouth as his hands slid down her back and cupped her ass.
“I was starting to think that you were too much of a gentleman for me.”
“There’s no such thing,” he quipped.
His voice was playful and Samantha found that she enjoyed that more than the dark seriousness that seemed to engulf men the minute sex might actually be on the table.
“Have you ever had sex in this thing?”
“No. I’ve been saving it for someone special.”
His hand slid along her collarbone and dipped under the neckline of her shirt, teasing the top of her breast and causing her nipples to harden further. Samantha was starting to get frustrated. Was he really missing all of her cues? She didn’t want to make out like high schoolers. She wanted to be adventurous and take it further.
“Am I special enough?” she chanced, hoping that the answer wouldn’t make her wish that she’d never asked.
“I’ve never brought anyone up in the balloon with me before you. I feel like that’s pretty special.”
“You’re exasperating.”
“Why’s that?” He was teasing her and she knew it.
“You know why. I want you and you’re toying with me.”
“I am.”
“Why?”
“Because you look so stunning when you’re wracked with longing.”
“I look even better when I’m satisfied.”
“I don’t doubt it, and I’m looking forward to finding out if that’s true.”
Samantha didn’t have time to respond before she felt his hands creep up under her shirt. He rubbed her back, his hands quick as he released her bra in one swift motion.
He moved his hands over her rib cage and across her belly before heading north, grabbing her breasts and rubbing his thumbs across her nipples.
Samantha’s head fell back as she moaned. She caught sight of the colorful fabric above them and stopped him as he moved his hands down to her waistband.
“I want to watch the sunset while we do it.”
She turned around, gripping the sides of the basket and pushing her ass against him. Blake’s hands trembled with need as he unbuttoned her jeans, shoving her pants down and moving in behind her.
She moved her legs apart when his hands moved over her hips, exploring the rounded, silky skin of her tight ass before slipping in between her legs.
“You’re wet.”
“You’ve done that to me more than once.”
He growled softly in her ear, “Good to know. I promise to use my gift wisely.”
Samantha giggled, feeling so naughty, floating above the town, with no one on the ground aware that she was half naked.
“This is deliciously naughty. I don’t know if regular sex will be as exciting after this.”
“I’ll make it my life’s work to make sure that’s not an issue.”
His hand worked her while he talked, teasing her while he moved in behind her. She felt his rigid member press against her thighs and she spread her legs to accommodate him.
She held the edge of the basket tightly as he slid inside her, slowly at first, then deeper un
til she’d taken him all the way to the hilt. He began to move against her, rocking his hips against the rhythm of the swaying balloon. He held the basket with one hand, his free hand resting low on her abdomen.
As he thrust, he moved that hand down, dipping into the folds of her sex to search out the tiny nub. He stroked her with his finger while he thrust into her, matching the speed of his hips to the circles he made with his fingers.
Samantha’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the edge of the basket tighter. She was so close to orgasm she could feel it building, her tightly wound body preparing to fly apart at any second. She kept her eyes locked on the scenery around them, arching her back and pressing her naked ass against him.
She felt the wind swirl around her, licking her bare skin as he continued to dip into her. The tension was becoming too much, and Samantha wondered for a moment if anyone below would be able to hear them.
“You don’t have to be quiet up here.”
It was like he’d read her mind.
With one mighty thrust, he pushed her over the edge and sent her body on wave after wave of delicious pleasure. Samantha cried out, not even attempting to hold back as she screamed his name in sweet, sweet agony.
Blake held her for a moment, finally releasing himself powerfully, his voice joining hers to float onto the wind. He held onto her, his hips moving on their own as he pulled every drop of pleasure from her body.
When he was finally spent he leaned against her, pinning her between himself and the basket for a moment while they fought to catch their breath. Samantha’s body convulsed around him, her legs trembling so much that she might have collapsed in a heap right there if he hadn’t held her so tightly.
She was still breathing hard when she leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his and resting her head against his chest. She could hear his heart beating wildly against his chest.
“That was amazing,” she said, her voice breathy and light.
“Who says we’re done?”
*****
Later that evening, Blake pulled up to her house, walking her to the door as he did before. Her legs still felt like jelly, even hours after they’d finally touched down and come back to reality. After three rounds of love-making, Samantha wouldn’t have been surprised if she woke up completely unable to get out of bed in the morning. But she certainly wasn’t complaining.
Pregnant to an Alien King Box Set Page 139
