The Love Game

by Regina Hart

  “Oh, joy.”

  Still smiling, she gave him a sarcastic look over her shoulder. “Let’s look at a menu.”

  Tyler followed Iris into her room. He stood his luggage against the wall beside the door. His black loafers sank into thick blue-gray carpeting as he followed her into her room. The narrow entrance was framed by a closet with mirrored sliding doors on the left and a bathroom on the right. Beyond the entryway, a black flat-screen television stood on a cherrywood chest of drawers. His attention lingered on the king-size bed.

  Iris set her suitcase and carry-on beside the bed. The room-service menu was on the desk near the floral-patterned armchair. She gave it a quick read through, then handed it to Tyler. “I’ll take the chicken sandwich and fries, and a bottle of water.”

  Tyler skimmed the choices, then gave her back the menu. “Me, too. I’ll place the orders. We’ll eat in my room.”

  More than two hours later, Tyler’s brain threatened to explode. He and Iris had eaten dinner in his suite’s small sitting area. He’d taken the armchair, leaving the sofa to her. It was an awkward setup made even more uncomfortable by her interrogation. Between bites of her french fries and chicken sandwich loaded with everything but onions, Iris had quizzed him on their schedule for the convention’s media day, and his talking points for the press, as well as the gamers. She’d impersonated an avid fan so well, he’d forgotten she’d never played a computer game in her life. But her performance as an investigative journalist made him want to evict her from his room.

  “I still don’t understand why I’m here instead of Van.” Though the image of Donovan and Iris in an intimate hotel room put him in danger of losing his dinner.

  “You’ve been asking that question for months. The answer hasn’t changed.” Iris’s voice was rich with unwelcomed humor. “Besides, as vice president for product development, don’t you want to meet the people who enjoy your games?”

  Tyler stood, stacking their used dishes onto the room-service tray. “You’re right. It will be helpful to get their feedback firsthand.”

  “You’re agreeing with me?” Iris’s eyes widened. “Wait, I need to mark this date on my calendar.”

  “And the award for Best Performance in a Drama goes to Iris Beharie.” Tyler placed the tray in the hallway, then returned to Iris. “Are you done?”

  “I’d like to thank the Academy...”

  Tyler struggled against a smile as he sat. “Are the reporters going to be as confrontational as you were during our run-through?”

  “They’ll be worse.” Iris slid her notes back into her project folder. “But don’t worry. You handled this practice session like a pro.”

  “I should probably be more nervous this time around.” Tyler gave a mental shrug. “This is a larger audience than our associates’ launch. And they won’t be as forgiving. But for some reason, I’m more at ease this time. Maybe it’ll hit me tomorrow.”

  Iris crossed her long legs. Her vivid green skirt suit added a glow to her honey skin. After their long day of travel from Columbus to San Diego, she should be wrinkled and tired. Instead, she looked like a fashion model on a photo shoot for a line of power suits.

  There were so many sides to Iris Beharie. The consummate professional who’d presented her product launch proposal during their first meeting. The fighter who’d defended herself when he’d confronted her over what turned out to be false rumors of unethical behavior. The siren with whom he’d almost lost control the evening he’d asked for her help with his presentation. Who would she reveal next?

  “Maybe you’re more relaxed this time because the internal launch was more important to you.” Iris’s shrug seemed restless. “Anderson Adventures is like a family. We’re more concerned about our family’s reaction than what strangers think.”

  What had he heard in her voice? Tension? Uncertainty? “How did your family feel about your quitting your job?”

  Iris lowered her gaze. “Lily, my middle sister, was supportive. But Rose, the oldest, thought I’d lost my mind. I think she would’ve had me committed for psychological evaluation if it weren’t for Lily.”

  Tyler was torn between laughter and outrage on her behalf. “How does Rose feel about your venture now?”

  “She’s still worried.” Iris gave him a rueful smile. “Success is the only thing that will prove to Rose that I can be successful.”

  “She sounds like my father.” Tyler’s eyes roamed over Iris’s elegant features. He could spend the rest of the night looking at her.

  “I wish she’d give me credit for knowing what I’m doing.” Iris’s right calf began to swing in a now familiar gesture. “I sound like a sulky adolescent, seeking my older sister’s approval.”

  “I feel the same way about my father.” Tyler leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “But I think he and your sister will change their minds once this launch is over.”

  “You’re right.” Iris gave him her special smile. “We make a good team.”

  “Yes, we do.” The realization filled him with excitement for his future.

  Anderson Adventures was releasing “Osiris’s Journey” in a little more than five weeks. Tyler’s body tightened with anticipation. The release would signal the end of Iris’s professional commitment to his company. Then they’d be free to pursue a personal relationship.

  He considered Iris. Is that what she wanted, too? He prayed that she did. He couldn’t imagine himself returning to a life without Iris Beharie.

  * * *

  “Exciting craftsmanship.”

  “Gorgeous graphics.”

  “‘Osiris’s Journey’ is a truly skillful game that fans will obsess over.”

  Iris wanted to pump her fist in the air. She continued to eavesdrop on gamers and reporters after Tyler’s presentation Thursday afternoon. Media day. She’d been posting photos and messages on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest since they’d arrived at the convention. She sent a tweet with the overheard comments as she wound her way through the audience to the back of the hotel ballroom’s makeshift stage. The area was thick with reporters from every type of news outlet: industry publications, local newspapers, international journals, radio, television and e-zines. Tyler had impressed them all with his presentation. She finally caught up with him backstage.

  “You were wonderful.” Without thinking, she gave him a congratulatory hug. She caught her breath when he pulled her even tighter to his long, hard body.

  “All thanks to you.”

  “You’re giving me too much credit.” Reluctantly, Iris stepped back. It was cold outside of his embrace. “You didn’t seem nervous at all.”

  “Why would I be nervous when my lucky charm was with me?”

  “What lucky charm?” In the three months they’d been working together, he’d never mentioned one before.

  “You.”

  The look in his ebony eyes made her body burn.

  A couple of times during his presentation, Tyler’s gaze had found hers in the crowded ballroom. She’d given him a smile and received one of his slow, sexy grins in return. Was that the reason he’d sought her in the audience, because he thought she brought him good luck? She was flattered. The idea warmed her, made her want to throw her arms around him again. Tempting, but it wouldn’t be a good idea.

  Before she gave into her desires, Iris pivoted on her heel to lead Tyler into the hotel’s hallway. The bright white walls and strong lighting were in dramatic contrast to the more intimate shadows backstage. The chill of the air-conditioning felt good on her flushed cheeks.

  “You were a natural on stage. I could have heard a pin drop during your presentation.” Am I babbling?

  “Let’s get some dinner.” Tyler laid his large palm on the small of her back to guide her toward the hotel’s front doors.

  “We sho
uld get ready for your interview with the reporter from The Gamer’s Seat.” Iris struggled to keep Tyler focused on the convention. It was hard enough keeping herself on task when she could feel the heat of his touch through her deep gold suit jacket.

  Tyler continued toward the hotel’s entrance. “That’s not until tomorrow afternoon. We have plenty of time.”

  “Why don’t we just eat in the hotel?” Iris pointed behind her toward the busy restaurant that was fast disappearing from view as Tyler moved her relentlessly through the lobby.

  “Iris, we’re in San Diego.” Tyler escorted her through the glass-and-metal doors. “We’re not spending the entire convention in the hotel. Let’s try to enjoy at least part of our time here.”

  Iris blinked at him. Since when had Tyler Anderson, an admitted workaholic, wanted to enjoy himself? “I thought your idea of enjoyment was spending long hours at your desk.”

  Tyler gave her a sarcastic look. “I’m taking a page from your book and learning to enjoy my surroundings.”

  Iris had a hard time remaining immune to an uptight Tyler Anderson. Did she have the fortitude to resist his more fun-loving, even sexier persona? Did she want to?

  * * *

  Almost three hours later, Tyler escorted Iris to her hotel room. He’d capped his media day success with a great Mexican dinner and the company of a charming and intelligent woman. He didn’t want to end the evening.

  “Thank you again for dinner.” Iris dug her room card key from her handbag before looking up at him. “It was the perfect way to celebrate your triumph.”

  Tyler matched his footsteps to Iris’s as he walked beside her down the hotel’s hallways. “It wouldn’t have been a success without you. I feel like the high scorer in a quest game.”

  She gave him the smile that punched him in the gut, taking his breath away. “Are you finally glad you’re here instead of Van?”

  Tyler was lost in her warm, coffee eyes; tempted by her full, red lips; intoxicated by her cool feminine scent. “I suppose I am.”

  “Even though you have another interview tomorrow afternoon?” Iris stopped in front of her room. She unlocked her door, then pushed it open.

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Who are you and what have you done with Ty Anderson?” Iris’s low laughter caused the muscle beneath Tyler’s belt to stir.

  Tyler let the door close behind them and scanned her room. It looked uninhabited. Where were her personal items? He wanted to see the perfume she wore. What brand of lipstick gave her lips that moist, kissable look? Where was the lotion that made her skin so soft? The only items in plain sight were her laptop and project folders.

  Iris crossed to the desk. “I was going to review this with you after the press conference this afternoon.”

  “I’m glad we went to dinner instead.” Tyler tracked her progress across the room—long, graceful strides in her three-inch heels. Her dark gold shoes were an almost perfect match to her skirt suit.

  “So am I.” She passed him the top folder.

  Tyler took it from her and grasped her hand. “I meant what I said. The success we’re having at this convention is all due to you.”

  Iris blushed. “You have a talent for promoting Anderson Adventures’ games. Don’t discount it.”

  “You bring out the best in me.”

  “That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me.”

  Tyler stepped closer. “You’ve helped me come out of my shell. With your help, I’ve done things I never thought I’d be able to do, like the launch presentation to our associates and media day.”

  Iris’s dark eyes held his. “But you’ve always had the ability in you.” She tapped her slender palm against his chest twice. “Right here.”

  Tyler captured her hand, holding it in place.

  She didn’t pull away.

  Before he could reconsider his next move, he made it.

  Chapter 10

  She tasted so good. Tyler wanted to drink from her lips forever. So sweet. Intoxicating. Iris’s lips were soft and supple beneath his, exploring him just as he explored her. He traced his tongue along the seam of her lips. Iris opened for him. The muscles tensed in his gut. Tyler sighed into her mouth. He stroked her tongue. Iris suckled his in turn, teasing him, playing with him in a manner that brought to mind another area of his anatomy.

  He released her hand, which he’d held to his chest, and wrapped his arms around her warmth and softness. Iris moved against him as though she couldn’t stay still. Tyler’s pulse beat a hard, fast rhythm that echoed in his ears.

  But what if she wanted him to stop again?

  Tyler lifted his head, breaking their kiss. “Is this what you want?” Rough and deep, he didn’t recognize his own voice.

  “Yes, you’re what I want.” Iris’s eyes were soft as they searched his.

  “Are you sure?” It was killing him to ask. But it would hurt even worse to leave her again.

  “Positive.” Iris rose up on her toes, lifting her hands to his shoulders, and kissed him.

  This time her kiss was rough, demanding. Tyler held her closer, reveling in her assertiveness. She kissed him, over and over again. She explored his mouth and let him explore the way his body wanted to move against hers. She was beautiful, sexy and smart. His wicked fantasy come to warm, wonderful life in his arms.

  Tyler released her to unbutton her suit jacket. He parted the garment and stepped back. His hungry eyes feasted on her firm, perfect breasts in a black lace bra. Tyler swallowed a groan. He reached out to touch her bare skin. Her abdominal muscles trembled beneath his fingertips. Iris moaned and reached for him, kissing him again. She sighed into his mouth as her hands tugged at his clothes. Tyler lifted his head and stepped back to help her. He pulled his wallet from the back pocket of his slacks and tossed it onto the mattress for easy access later.

  Within minutes, their clothes were off and they stood before each other. The look in Iris’s dark eyes as they moved over his chest, hips and thighs caused Tyler’s erection to swell even more. She ran her fingers down his torso with the lightest touch. Tyler’s muscles shook.

  Iris lifted her wide eyes to his. “Your body is amazing.”

  “You’re so beautiful.” Tyler’s gaze moved over her firm breasts, tight waist and slim, well-rounded hips.

  Tyler reached for her breast, testing its weight in the palm of his hand. Her nipple grew with his attention. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her as he lowered his head to her chest. He took her breast into his mouth. Iris’s gasps and moans urged him on. He laved her nipple, circling the hardened tip with his tongue, stroking it as it pebbled in his mouth.

  Iris’s body shook in his embrace. Tyler walked her backward to the bed. He lifted her into his arms and lowered her onto the mattress.

  Iris rose up on her knees. “Come to me.”

  “I’m right here.” Tyler joined her on the mattress. He reached for her but Iris surprised him, pressing him onto the bed.

  She straddled him, then lowered her lips to his, kissing him hard and deep as her hands roamed his chest, rubbed his nipples and stroked his torso. Her kisses traveled from his mouth to his jawline and down his neck.

  “I love the way you smell,” she whispered against his ear.

  “You smell like heaven.” Tyler ran the back of his hands over the soft skin of her breasts. “And feel like my fantasies.”

  Iris lifted her head to look down at him. A smile hovered around her lips. “You’ve been fantasizing about me?”

  Tyler grinned without apology. “If you only knew.”

  “I’ve had a few fantasies of my own.”

  Tyler’s smile vanished. She’d actually rendered him speechless.

  Iris tossed him a heated look before moving down his b
ody. She paused to caress his nipples with her lips and tongue. Tyler’s blood began to heat. His stomach muscles danced beneath her touch. His body stiffened. Iris stopped just above his hips. She blew a soft breath against his length. Tyler gritted his teeth. Her tongue slid up his length from his tip to his root once, twice.

  The third time, she took him into her mouth.

  Tyler’s hips rose off the bed. He pressed his head hard into the pillow. Iris worked her hands, lips and tongue on his sensitive skin. She stroked him, kissed him, circled her tongue around him. She moved fast and then slow, pushing him to the edge of his self-control.

  He filled his lungs to make his plea. “Stop.”

  Iris slowly released him. “Did I do something wrong?”

  The uncertainty in her voice almost shredded him. “You did everything too right. But I want to come inside you.”

  She gave him a sexy smile, then lay down beside him.

  Tyler pressed her onto her back. “My turn.”

  Iris trembled with desire as Tyler came to her. He lowered his head to her breasts and drew one into his mouth. Iris bit her lips together to keep from screaming with pleasure. She arched her back to offer him more. His teeth grazed her nipple. His tongue teased and stroked. Iris couldn’t catch her breath.

  Tyler slid down her body, touching and teasing her, exploring her sensitive spots. He moved between her legs, spreading them wider. Then he rose on his knees, cupped her hips and lifted her to his mouth.

  Iris’s eyes flared wide. Her mouth opened on a gasp as he stroked his tongue against her. Hard. And kissed her. Deep. She was a puppet in his palms. Her hips moved against his mouth as his tongue and lips directed her. Iris’s body flooded with heat. She panted and gasped and groaned under his magic. He loved her with private kisses and long, leisurely licks. Her muscles strained. Her body stretched and tensed. Then she exploded, rocking in his hands. Tyler soothed her with his touch as he lowered her to the mattress.

  Iris felt him move away from her. She opened her eyes and watched as he put on a condom. Tyler turned back to her. His ebony eyes moved over her body. Iris’s heart raced. Her thighs throbbed.