by Sandy Loyd
“I’d love to, Dev.”
“Good.” He smiled and shoved out of the car.
While leading her up the porch stairs, his smile never waned.
He took her key, opened her door, and pulled her close for another scorching kiss that left both of them shaking.
“Good night, Judith.” He had to make a getaway while he still could. “Dream of me.”
Chapter 11
Dev carved out time for Judith over the next ten days, despite a demanding schedule. He would drop by the site to escort her to lunch or pick her up most nights to take her to dinner and dancing, to a play, or to a movie.
Every evening ended with heated kisses, yet each night he would go further. Deepen the kiss, until it was all he could do to hold on. Then, he would sense her hesitation and pull back.
After too many days of the same torture, Dev had finally hit his limit.
Though he’d deliberately set out to seduce, the side effect was a double-edged sword. He was the one being seduced. The one left with an aching need. He craved release, for both of them. He couldn’t take more of the same without it.
On the Thursday before the ball, Dev wove through Judith’s neighborhood on his way to her house after a long business trip. His thoughts were on their last heated encounter, just five days earlier.
Pressing business had left only Sunday to be with Judith, which started out with a wonderful breakfast at Dev’s favorite spot. Next, they bicycled to Sausalito and on to Tiburon, lazed the afternoon away riding, shopping, and eating. After a romantic dinner in Tiburon, they took the last ferry home.
In order to free up time for the charity ball and the events leading up to it, he’d had to leave early that Monday morning, so he’d planned to use the night wisely. The entire day he’d thought of one thing. Returning to her place and making love to her.
When that time came, he’d taken her into his arms. She’d responded in kind, had reached her hands around his neck, and had drawn him closer, causing his need to veer out of control. Starved from weeks of only having small portions of Judith, his mouth grew hot and demanding…fast. He’d restrained himself far too long. He had no intentions of leaving without release.
Complete the act.
His hands roamed everywhere. When he lifted her top, she flinched.
The movement penetrated his brain. Her hesitation registered, but his body screamed no! Why it mattered, he had no idea, just that it did, and the effort to pull back was unimaginable. The only open road at that point, besides a cold shower? Retreat. Retreat quickly.
He snorted, remembering his lame excuse.
“I should go, I have an early flight. I’ll call you. I’ll be back on Friday. Then I’ll have more time,” he’d said, rushing out the door before he could change his mind.
Why had he left? Why hadn’t he forged ahead? What the hell was wrong with him?
Dev shook his head and eased the car into a parking spot. How he’d been able to leave at all was still a mystery. He damned well didn’t understand Judith’s hesitation. Her hesitation no longer concerned him. His endurance was at an end.
~
Her doorbell buzzed and Judith glanced at her watch. Kate was early.
Thoughts of Dev, or rather their last evening together, weighed heavily on her mind as she strode to answer the door. Judith couldn’t imagine what she’d done wrong, but something had made him leave early. His schedule was so hectic, she hadn’t heard from him in two days. Right now, she felt like an overtightened bow ready to snap. If only the string would break.
She couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t eat. All she could do was dream of Dev, who’d be home tomorrow, which was why Kate was at the door. If she didn’t stay busy, she found herself wanting him. Wanting him did no good, because he wasn’t there.
The insistent buzzing continued.
“Why are you laying on the bell?” she yelled from the hallway. “Use your key.”
Judith jerked the door open. Her jaw dropped and she could only gape, speechless, as Dev leaned negligently against the jamb, flashing a white smile.
Her shock faded as she watched him step inside, shut the door, and lock the chain. Then he spun around and caught her gaze, offering a candy bar.
“For my lady. Sweets for the sweet.”
“Dev! I’m charmed!” she finally blurted out. Though corny, she couldn’t resist falling for it or him, not with that endearing grin. “What are you doing here? You were supposed to call.”
“I finished as soon as I could and rushed over, unable to wait another moment to take you in my arms and do this.”
He bent till his lips met hers, wrapped his arms around her and started walking, pushing her backward all the way to the sofa. When she couldn’t go any further, he deftly managed to get them both down on it without breaking their connection.
Judith sank. Let sensation overtake her. She loved his kisses.
“Damn, Judith, I need you!” he whispered into her ear after kissing his way there. “I can’t stop thinking about you. All I want is to be inside you!”
She moaned, melting at his fervent voice…at the feel of him. With all the love she felt, she poured her heart and soul into kissing him, using her mouth and hands with his same urgency, meeting his thrusting tongue, demanding everything.
His hands roamed, touching her…everywhere. Pleasure rolled over her, wiping out all unconscious resistance, like waves washing footprints off the sand.
She had no idea when he’d managed to unbutton her blouse, but suddenly she was naked from the waist up, the warmth of his fingers adding to the sensations bursting inside of her.
His lips left her mouth, traveled lower, rested at her breasts. When he tugged on her nipple with his teeth, she moaned.
His fingers kneaded their way to her center. Need drove Judith as she moved her body in rhythm with his hands. Suddenly, flames shot through her and burst into an orgasm so powerful, yet filling her with need. The need to have Dev inside her.
She met his gaze. Her same desire was mirrored in those intense eyes saying all he wanted, all he could think about, was to be inside her.
She smiled and reached for him.
Neither heard the buzzer at first. When the noise finally registered, she was jarred back to reality.
“Oh, good grief…Kate!” Judith said, pulling away just as the reality of their interruption hit Dev. The buzzer grew more urgent. “I forgot she was coming by.”
“Get rid of her.” Dev’s voice was low and dangerous; his expression fierce.
“We’re supposed to be going to dinner.”
Kate used her key and pushed the door open, but the safety chain hampered her efforts. She called out, unfazed, ”Come on, Judith. Open up.”
“I don’t care how you do it, just get rid of her.”
“Be reasonable, Dev.” Judith refastened her bra. “I invited her and she drove forty-five minutes. I can’t ask her to turn around and leave. It’s your fault anyway,” she hissed, quickly shrugging into her shirt. Then, she called, “Just a minute, Kate, I’ll be right there.”
“Well, hurry. I’ve got my hands full,” Kate replied.
“And how is it my fault?” Spots of anger dotted Dev’s cheeks as he shoved a hand through his hair. “We wouldn’t be in this position if you’d have told me you were expecting company.”
“Oh, like you gave me a chance when you waltzed in here and started your macho moves?” She rapidly buttoned her blouse. “I had no idea you were coming. I wasn’t in the mood to sit around and wait for you like a lovesick fool. So I invited Kate up to spend the evening because Paul’s out of town tonight. You can tag along if you’d like, but I’m not changing my plans.”
“Judith,” he barked, his patience clearly snapping. “After what just happened here, you can’t expect me to sit idly by while you two chitchat. That’d be torture.” Then, as if realizing his hopes of finishing what he’d started were dissipating, he practically begged, “For God’s sake, can’t
you do something to get rid of her? I’m dying here.”
“I can’t, Dev, I’m sorry,” Judith said, on her way to the door.
She unfastened the chain and Kate stormed in.
“Took you long enough, what were you doing?” Then spotting Dev on the sofa and rapidly evaluating the situation correctly, she said, “Oh! Oops!” She grinned. “Hi, Dev. You back so soon?” She dropped her packages on the sofa table and walked further into the room.
He smiled, showing all teeth. “Yeah, I flew in early and thought I’d surprise Judith. But hey, I guess I’m the one who’s surprised. I should’ve called. Only I couldn’t because I was out of cell phone range most of the time. I just didn’t think. So I’ll disappear. Wish I could say it’s been a pleasure, but I’d be lying.” He grabbed Judith by the arm and dragged her with him. “Can I have a private word with you before I leave?”
“Sure.” Judith raised her eyebrows at Kate while he pulled her along. “I’ll be right back.”
Once out of sight, Dev hauled Judith closer and bent. Their mouths connected in a punishing kiss that spoke of his frustrations. Then, his lips suddenly softened.
He exhaled heavily when he finally let go and almost growled. “This is not over. I’ll be here tomorrow night to pick you up for dinner. Or better yet, you can fix me dinner and we can take up where we left off.”
“Oh, Dev, I’d love to.” Laughter rose up and she kissed him again. “Dream of me, will you? I’ll be dreaming of you,” she murmured, right before she shut the door. More glee erupted over his stunned, disbelieving expression. It was priceless.
“Well, that was interesting.” Kate sat on the same off-white sofa Dev had vacated. Her voice filled the silence as Judith approached. “Judging from what I interrupted, I assume things are going well?”
“Let’s just say if you’d come five minutes later, you’d still be standing outside ringing the buzzer.”
“That close, huh?” Kate’s smirk and raised eyebrow made Judith chuckle.
“Yeah, saved by the bell, literally. I’m glad you came when you did, though. It won’t hurt Dev to wait a little longer, suffer a little more. I make it too easy for him as it is.”
“You think it’s wise to toy with him like that? I would’ve understood. All you had to do was give me a sign.”
“I know.” Judith shrugged. “And wise or not, my emotions are out of whack. This gives me a chance to catch up with them.”
“I can’t help thinking you’re pulling the tail of a tiger. And I’m afraid that particular tiger’s going to give you one hell of a ride.”
“He’s already doing that. He’s a cyclone of energy and much too good at sweeping me with him.”
“You must be doing a bit of sweeping of your own. I’ve never seen him put so much time and energy into an affair before.”
“I hope so, I’d hate to think these strong feelings I have are only one-sided. He may not love me, but he’s definitely not immune to me.” She paced. “I’m going crazy, up one minute and down the next. I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster the last few weeks.” Sighing, Judith spun around and headed for the kitchen. “Come on, let’s quit talking about men and fix something to eat.”
~
“Damn,” Dev said, opening his car door. What the hell just happened?
Shaking his head, he slid inside and started the ignition. While driving, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. He forced himself to breathe…to relax.
He felt like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode at the slightest provocation.
What he really needed was a drink. He rarely drank unless it was wine or beer during dinner, and certainly never when bothered by problems, but this was an extreme occasion.
Dev entered his club, a place where movers and shakers in business gathered to see and be seen, and noticed several acquaintances.
He veered straight for the bar, in no mood for small talk.
“Thanks,” he said to the bartender who placed a drink in front of him.
He turned around and swore under his breath. James was heading right for him.
“Hey, Mac, never expected to see you tonight. Where’s Judith? Has the war been won, or are you two still dueling it out?” James joked, not realizing how close his remarks hit.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Dev headed for an empty, out-of-the-way corner table.
“Ugh! That bad, huh?” he said, dogging his heels. “Come on, sit and tell Uncle James what happened. Maybe I can offer some advice.”
“I sincerely doubt it. Just go away.” He pulled out a chair, sat down, and took a gulp of his drink. When James plopped down next to him, Dev quirked an eyebrow. “You’re still here. Why is that?”
“Man, you have it bad!” He grinned.
“Okay, I’ll bite. What is it I have?”
“You’ve fallen for Judith.” James put up his hand and waved it. “Ah, ah, ah. Don’t deny it. It’s written all over your face.”
“I don’t want to discuss it,” he said, annoyed that his face showed his thoughts and that his friend was so perceptive. He swigged another healthy swallow and added, “So, take the hint and go away.”
“You might as well talk because I’m not leaving.” James leaned back in his chair, his expression clearly revealing he was enjoying Dev’s misery.
Dev ignored him and drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. Maybe getting another viewpoint would put all this into perspective.
“If you’re staying,” he said, after downing the remaining contents in his glass, “make yourself useful and buy me another bourbon. Booker’s on the rocks.”
James could be the perfect sounding board. They had always shared problems. Except none of their problems had ever involved the opposite sex before, and Dev wasn’t sure he wanted to share this problem now. He mulled it over in his head while James ordered a round at the bar. She was obviously willing. Why should he care whether she was hesitant or not? It never stopped him before. He would just redouble his efforts. In the end, everyone would be happy.
The alcohol must have loosened his tongue, because once James placed their drinks on the table before sitting across from him, Dev decided he really did want to talk.
Without going into detail, he divulged just enough information for James to get the gist of his problem, ending his tirade with, “I haven’t seen her in almost a week. And I really was hoping to be with her tonight.” Dev swallowed, then met James’ gaze. “You want to know the worst part?” When James kept silent, he continued. “I’d planned it all so carefully, and things were going great until Kate showed up. Then she slid through my fingers, more slippery than mercury.”
“Come on, Mac, face it. You’re in love with her.”
Dev’s gaze moved to his drink. He studied it intently. Shit! Maybe he was. He sure as hell wasn’t about to admit it to James. “No.” He shook his head. “You got it wrong.”
“Like hell I do.” James chortled. That was the only word to describe his laugh. “You’re in tune with her feelings. She’s important to you.”
“What makes you such an authority on love and women?”
“I’ve been watching Dr. Phil reruns on cable, and the guy makes sense.”
“I don’t believe this.” Dev shoved both hands through his hair.
“What?” James appeared baffled. “He’s not that bad. I watch him when I work out.”
Dev threw out a disgusted grunt.
“I’m serious,” James said. “You’re in love. I know you. No woman, except Judith ten years ago, has ever caused you a second thought. If one became complicated, you’d move on.” Dev’s eyebrow rose and James put up his hands. “Hey, I have my own issues, so I don’t judge. Maybe you should think about settling down. You’re not getting any younger. You’ve obviously found someone who’s worth changing your usual habits, so you should just give in to it. Face it, Mac, she has you hook, line, and sinker.”
He stared at his drink, wishing what James said didn’t r
ing so true.
“I don’t want this. I don’t want to love her. I don’t want or need the complications. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Damn, what am I going to do?”
“My mom would say to just quit fighting it and marry her.” He grinned. “Come to think of it, she’s probably right. Marrying her will solve all your problems!”
“Listen to you. Talk about the blind leading the blind. Like I should consider advice from you?”
“Hey, just because my own life’s in shambles, doesn’t mean I can’t give good advice. Mark my words, Mac. You’ll finally come to the same conclusion. I’m trying to save you time and energy.”
“Yeah?” he said, feeling much better, even though a little toasted. “I’ll think on it.” And because his mood was suddenly lighter, he added, “I’m hungry. How about grabbing something to eat?”
“Sounds good,” James agreed. “I always say, if you can’t satisfy one craving, at least there’s always food to satisfy the other.”
“There’s only one thing that’ll take away that craving, and food’s not even a poor substitute, but it’s something to do. Come on, I’ll buy you a burger.”
Chapter 12
“Tell me you’re joking,” Dev said to Judith over the phone the next day.
“I’m sorry. What could I do?” she asked, after dropping another obstacle to sexual fulfillment in his path.
His mood couldn’t sink any lower.
Her parents, retired and now living in Santa Barbara, had flown into town a day earlier than expected and were staying with her.
Since the Morrisons and the Reids were old family friends, they’d initially intended to spend one night in Palo Alto to attend Alicia Morrison’s big fundraiser and then head home.
Their plans changed, Judith explained, because they decided to spend time with their daughter.
“Can’t they stay in a hotel?”
“You know I can’t let them, so don’t suggest it. Anyway, as I was saying, we could all get together for dinner. That way you could meet them. I’m sure you’ll get along fine,” she said.
