"Stars Fell on Alabama" was playing. It was their song. The song they'd danced to at the reunion on the night they'd made love.
Jake led her under the canopy and they were secluded from the world. She felt that she was the wrong woman in the wrong place. This was a romantic dream and not at all anything that practical Larissa Nielsen had ever experienced. But she wasn't Larissa Nielsen anymore. She was Larissa Danforth. And maybe romance was what she needed.
"Dance?" he asked.
She nodded and he pulled her into his arms. Her head fell to his shoulder and he danced her around the rooftop. "It feels like a lifetime since that night," he said.
Jimmy Buffet sang … did it really happen? And it was a question that Jake had asked himself many times since he'd last made love to her. The memory of it was so vivid and so real, and yet unbelievable.
"I was so nervous about dancing with you," she confessed.
"Why?"
"Because you're a good dancer and I'm not."
"I didn't notice that."
"I didn't either. Once you took me in your arms, all my worries dropped away. It was … magical."
He didn't say anything, but he'd felt the same way. It had been a magical night. A moment out of time to be treasured for always. He lowered his head and dropped nibbling kiss down the side of her neck. She sighed and tipped her head to the side to give him greater access.
He sucked lightly at the pulse beating strongly at the base of her neck. She shivered in his arms. He soothed her with languid strokes of his hands down her back.
She pushed her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down to hers. Raising on tiptoe, she kissed him. Her lips moved over his with intent, arousing in him a need that had never been sated.
He wanted to let her take the lead so that later on there'd be no question of him seducing her. But he couldn't just stand there. He stopped dancing and lifted her in his arms with his hands on her buttocks and thrust his tongue deeply into her mouth.
He craved her. He doubted that anything less than total surrender would satisfy the ache that kept growing inside him.
She pulled back, gasping for breath and watching him with wide eyes. He dropped his hands and stepped away from her, clenching his fists at his side.
"Let's eat."
"Jake?"
"Not right now, Larissa. Food, first."
"I don't want food."
He paused and glanced over at her. "What do you want?"
"You," she said, and walked toward him purposefully.
* * *
Blood rushed through his veins, pooling in his groin as she walked closer. He staggered back and had to sit down on one of the dining chairs. He'd expected to have to woo her slowly. He had, in fact, arranged for total privacy for them on the rooftop by asking the hotel staff to wait for his request before coming upstairs.
She continued toward him, a smile spreading over her face. The music still played in the background—no longer Jimmy Buffett but some smooth-sounding classic jazz. Miles Davis. Not an artist that was his favorite but one that he knew Larissa loved.
She paused. "Miles Davis?"
He nodded.
"How'd you know?"
"Woman, you've got about fifteen different CDs of his."
"You're observant."
Only when something mattered, he thought. And Larissa mattered to him in ways he was only beginning to explore.
"I like that," she said, still moving toward him slowly.
"Good." He stood and crossed the small space between them in two strides. It had been an eternity since he'd last held her in his arms.
He'd been aroused since they'd stepped off the plane and no amount of work, exercise or cold showers had dulled it.
Her mouth opened under his and he told himself to take it slow, but slow wasn't in his programming with this woman. She was pure temptation. He slid his hands down her back, pulling the zipper of her dress down at the same time.
Her bodice loosened, and from his angle looking down at her, he could see the tops of her breasts and the barest hint of her nipples. He lowered his head, using his teeth to pull the loosened fabric away from her skin.
She wore a demure cotton bra under her wedding dress and that simple undergarment made something clench deep inside him. Her nipples stood out against the plain fabric. He ran the tip of one fingertip around her aroused flesh. She trembled in his arms.
He undid the front clasp of her bra and brushed the cups away. Lowering his head, he took one of her nipples in his mouth and suckled her. She gasped his name and held him to her with a strength that surprised him. He pulled back and blew lightly on her skin.
She shivered and tried to direct his attention to her other nipple, but he held back. Knowing that his control would shatter at any moment, he wanted to savor this feeling of anticipation while he still could.
Her other nipple pouted for his attention, growing harder under his stare. He lifted one hand to touch her and saw the differences between them. His hand was huge and her breast small, smooth … flawless.
He cupped her breast, rubbing her nipple with the palm of his hand. Rissa tilted her head back, her hands still clutching at his head. Her mouth opened and he heard her moan his name.
He took that other nipple in his mouth. Teased her with his tongue and then the edge of his teeth, scraping carefully against the nubby texture.
Her fingers drifted down his back and then slid around front to work on the buttons of his shirt. She took a half step back and pushed his shirt open. She growled deep in her throat and leaned forward to brush kisses against his chest.
He continued caressing her breasts until they were full and her nipples prominent. He slid his hands down her smooth skin. Everywhere he touched he wanted to linger, but tonight wasn't for extended love-making. They had been apart too long.
She bit and nibbled at his chest. His groin hardened so painfully, he could take his pulse between his legs. He felt like her plaything. He wanted to lie back and let her have her way with him. But there was no room here.
He pulled her to him and lifted her slightly so that her nipples brushed his chest. Holding her carefully, he rotated his shoulders and rubbed against her. Blood roared in his ear. He was so hard, so full that he needed to be inside of her body now.
Impatient with the yards of satin pooling at her hips and down to her toes, he shoved them up and out of his way. He caressed the long length of her thighs. She was so soft. She moaned as he neared her center and then sighed when he brushed his fingertips across the front of her panties.
The cotton was warm and wet. He slipped one finger under the material and hesitated for a second, looking down into her eyes.
Her eyes were lidded. She bit down on her lower lip and he felt the minute movements of her hips as she tried to move his touch where she needed it.
He was beyond teasing her or prolonging their torture. He pushed her panties aside and plunged two fingers into her humid body. She squirmed against him.
He lifted her and crossed to the table in two long strides. He sank to the chair and pulled Larissa over his lap.
He turned Larissa in his arms. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"Trust me," he said.
She murmured something he didn't catch.
"Rissa?"
"Yes, Jake. I trust you."
He guided her hands to his shoulders. "Hold on."
Reaching between their bodies he freed his erection and then pushed the satin of her skirt to her waist. He held her hips in his hands. She was soft and womanly. Their naked loins pressed together and he shook under the impact.
He had to have her. Now. She was naked to the waist and he used one hand to pluck at her aroused nipples, the other testing the readiness of her desire for him. He found her wet and ready. He adjusted his hold on her hips and then entered her with one long, hard stroke.
She moaned his name and her head fell forward, leaving the curve of her neck open and vulnerable to him. H
e bit softly at her neck and felt the reaction all the way to his toes when she squirmed in his arms and thrust her hips toward him.
A tingling started in the base of his spine and he knew his climax was close. But he wasn't going without Larissa. He wanted her with him. He caressed her stomach and her breasts. Whispered erotic words of praise and longing in her ears.
She moved more frantically in his arms and he thrust into her deeply with each stroke. Breathing through his mouth, he tried to hold back the inevitable. He slid one hand down her abdomen, through the slick folds of her sex, finding her center. He stroked the aroused flesh. She continued to writhe in his arms no closer to her climax than before.
He circled that aroused bit of flesh between her legs with his forefinger, then tickled it very carefully with his nail. She screamed his name and tightened around him. Jake pulled one hand from her body and locked his fingers on her hips, holding her still for his thrusts. He penetrated her as deeply as he could. Suckling at the base of her neck, he came long and hard.
He held her carefully in his arms and cradled her to him.
This marriage that had started out as a media Band-Aid had just become very real. And Jake didn't know whether he liked that or not.
* * *
Ten
« ^ »
Aftershocks of pleasure still rocked her body. She closed her eyes and leaned fully into him. Jake held her with a strength that scared her. What had she done?
He was big and strong and more man than she'd ever known—the only man who'd ever seen the real Larissa and now she was his wife. And she wanted it to last forever. Not just until Abe Danforth won or lost his senate bid.
Forever … that elusive thing had always been just out of her grasp. She had Peter, but in her heart she knew one day he'd leave her as well. But Jake had never been hers and she had the feeling he never would need her as deeply as she needed him.
This couldn't happen again. And yet she didn't know if she'd be able to keep her hands to herself. One time wasn't enough. She still wanted him. She hadn't gotten to explore his body and relearn his shape. She doubted a lifetime would be long enough for that.
Her cheek rested on his shoulder and she never wanted to leave the circle of his arms. If only this moment could last forever.
"Well, Mrs. Danforth." Jake sounded much too pleased with himself.
He idly stroked her back and the hair on his chest tickled her nipples. She didn't want to want him again. She wanted him out of her system so she could move on with her life. A life that had been disrupted by him and the emotions he evoked in her.
"Well what?" she asked, lowering her head and nipping his pec. The muscle flexed under her mouth and she traced a random pattern with her tongue. He tasted good. Salty and masculine like only Jake did.
He cupped her jaw and tilted her face up to his. His nostrils flared with each breath he took and she knew he was reaching the point of no return. She was already there. Her center was dewy and her body ached to be taken by him again. To have him fill her until she couldn't think of anything but the pleasure he gave her.
She licked her lips, tasting him on her. He leaned down and spoke directly into her ear. "That was a nice appetizer. But I'm hungry for more of you."
Her heartbeat sped up and everything feminine in her melted. The night breeze was cool and she shivered as it brushed over her aroused body.
Her mind said to step away from him but her body ignored that advice. This was her wedding night and likely the only one she'd ever have. She'd face the consequences of this night tomorrow.
She rubbed her nipples against his chest and tugged his head down to hers. His pupils dilated and his breath came in short pants. His erection pressed urgently against her and she doubted they were going to make it off the rooftop tonight.
He thrust against her and groaned as he encountered layers of skirt. "Damn. I want you naked."
"Me, too," she said, bathing his chest with kisses. She slid off his lap and lowered herself to her knees in front of the chair. She took his hard length in her hands.
He held himself still. His hands in her hair moved in circles and his hips thrust toward her the slightest bit. She knew what he wanted. What she wanted. Taking his buttocks in her hands, she drew him forward until the tip of him brushed her lips. She breathed against him and heard him groan.
She tasted him with delicate licks, then took the tip into her mouth. He shuddered. She felt his hands tighten in her hair and he pulled her to her feet. He fastened his pants with quick, careful movements, then refastened her dress.
"We need a bed. Now."
"Yes," she said. Her voice was husky and barely recognizable to her own ears.
Scooping her up in his arms, he carried her across the rooftop to the elevator. "There's a key car in my pants pocket."
She fished around for it, deliberately fondling him before she found the key. He staggered back against the wall and she knew she was playing with fire. He took her mouth in a kiss that demonstrated his dominance. It was deep and carnal and left her quivering in his arms. The elevator car opened and he carried her inside.
"Push the button," he ordered.
She did. The ride was mercifully short and soon they were in their suite. Jake carried her to the king-size bed and put her on her feet beside it.
His fingers made quick work of the zipper running down her back and her dress slid from her body, pooling at her feet in a sea of white satin. Jake stood there watching her. Her breasts were full and heavy, her nipples stood taut and ready for his touch. Her panties were long gone and her thigh-high hose were her only garments.
"Get on the bed," he said.
She stepped delicately out of her dress and turned slowly to crawl up the bed. She heard him growl deep in his throat and then felt his warm hand on her ankle. He tugged her flat.
"Don't move," he said.
She heard the sounds of him disrobing and then felt his naked body pressed along her back. She was completely surrounded by him. He held her like that for long minutes. His hands sweeping down her sides, his fingers reaching under her body to tweak her nipples.
He turned her over and sat back on his haunches watching her. He ran his forefinger down the center of her body. Helplessly she watched her sensitized skin grow rosy under his touch and when he skirted the curls at the apex of her thighs, she moaned softly.
He gave her a wicked smile but continued his path toward her feet. He reached her ankles and chained each one in his loose grasp. Then he slowly pushed her legs back toward her body. She felt totally exposed and vulnerable. And more turned-on than she'd ever remembered being.
He slid up her body, lowering his head he tasted her hot center with his lips and tongue. His hands left her ankles and he reached up to fondle both breasts.
He rubbed and pinched her nipples until her breasts felt too heavy, too full. She needed him. His mouth on her most feminine flesh was driving her toward orgasm, but she wanted Jake's body over hers. She wanted to watch his eyes as he took her and experienced a shared climax.
"Jake," she said, pulling on his hair.
"Come for me, Rissa."
"I want us to be together."
"We will … later. Please."
She couldn't deny him or her body. She rubbed her hands against his scalp and waited for his intimate touch. His breath brushed her first and then his tongue. His slid his hands down her body, gripping her hips and maneuvering her so that he had greater access to her secrets. He thrust one blunt finger into her channel and she clenched around it. He teased her with that one long finger, reaching up and pressing on a spot beneath her pubic bone. He continued to tickle the nubbin between her legs with his tongue and the twin pressures on her forced her over the edge. Her climax was intense and powerful but still she wanted more. She needed Jake.
He moved up over and held her still. He entered her with one long deep thrust. "Ah, that's it."
He penetrated her so deeply she felt they really were b
ecoming one being. She lifted herself, tugged his head down to hers and took his mouth the way he took her body. He tore his mouth from hers as his thrusts increased. He lowered his head and suckled on one of her breasts and she felt a change come over him seconds before he flooded her with his release. Her own followed closely and she held him to her with a desperation she'd deny in the morning.
* * *
Jake ordered breakfast while Larissa showered the next morning. The night before had put to rest any doubts he had about making their marriage a real one. He wasn't sure what had changed her mind about keeping their marriage platonic, and frankly didn't care. He was starting to feel he and Larissa had a real chance at happiness, and that scared him.
But he was willing to do his duty this time. With a wry grin, he realized that duty had never felt so good. Slowly he was beginning to trust Larissa again. He understood now why she'd kept Peter a secret.
He picked up the phone and dialed Marcus's office. It was time to stop his bid to win full custody of Peter. Marcus had handed the paternity suit off to Ted Larson, one of his co-workers who specialized in family law. Jake got Ted's voice mail. He left his name and the number at the hotel for a return call.
The bathroom door opened and Larissa walked across the room to her suitcase. She wore a hotel bathrobe and a towel turbaned on her head. She looked cute and sexy at the same time.
"Come over here, woman," he said.
She gave him a haughty look over her shoulder. "You gave enough orders last night."
He had. And she'd responded to them beautifully. "I'm ready to take them," he said.
"I'll bet you are."
She rummaged through her clothes, selecting a pretty sundress and undergarments. She headed back toward the bathroom with her clothes.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"In there to change."
"You can change here. I'll be a good boy and keep my hands to myself."
SIN CITY WEDDING Page 9
