Fortunes

by Tina Gallagher

  “Looks like you need a refill.”

  I looked down at my now-empty glass and nodded. Chip’s hand brushed mine as he took my glass. I felt the casual caress throughout my entire body. The air between us crackled, and I tried to tamp down the lust that hummed through me. Judging by the heated look in his eyes, I didn’t do a very good job.

  He placed our glasses on the coffee table and turned to face me. Flashing an adorable smile, he cocked his head to the side, as if asking permission. I nodded.

  He moved closer, then closer still. Our breath mingled for what seemed like forever before his mouth finally touched mine. At first it was more a brushing of lips, but before long the kiss turned possessive and complete. I thought I’d spontaneously combust from the heat.

  His hands circled my waist and pulled me closer, our mouths never losing contact. I wrapped my arms around his neck, putting my breasts in contact with his brick wall of a chest.

  He groaned, opening his mouth fully over mine and thrusting his tongue inside. Leaning forward, he pushed me against the arm of the couch. I kicked off my shoes, put my right leg on the couch behind his back, and the kiss went on.

  He settled between my thighs; his erection brushed my heated core. A thrill shot through me, then exploded when Chip cupped a breast and rolled my distended nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

  I arched my back, telling him the only way I could that I wanted more. By slow degrees, he taunted me. He palmed and plucked first one breast, then the other. His hips danced a slow, easy rhythm between my thighs, and our mouths only parted long enough to allow us to breathe.

  I tucked my hands under the soft cotton of his T-shirt and let them roam over the broad expanse of his back. His muscles bunched and flexed beneath my fingers.

  Lost in the strength of his arms, it took me a moment to realize that he slowed down and pulled away.

  “No,” I screamed in my mind and only realized I’d said the word out loud when he kissed my forehead and whispered reassurances.

  “Not like this,” he panted. “Not on the couch like a couple of horny teenagers.” His crooked smile was sexy, seductive, and somewhat evil. “I want to stretch you out on my bed and love every inch of you.” His eyes glowed in the dim light and I shivered in anticipation. “Will you let me?”

  Chapter Seven

  The word “yes” had barely left my mouth when Chip led me upstairs. A lamp on the nightstand cast a soft glow over the king-sized bed in the middle of the room.

  He stepped in front of me and placed his hands on either side of my face. His thumbs lightly stroked my cheeks, and even that innocent action sent erotic shivers down my spine.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Me too,” he said, before crushing his mouth to mine.

  His hands moved down my body, then back up, dragging my T-shirt with them. The kiss ended just long enough for him to pull it over my head. His clever fingers opened the button fly of my shorts and with expert care he dragged the soft denim down my legs.

  Laying me down in the center of his bed, his eyes toured my body. Thankfully, I’d worn sexy underwear.

  “You are so beautiful. Perfect.” His fingertips brushed my abdomen. “Soft.”

  He moved down to kiss my stomach, nipping at my navel before continuing upward. Through the black lace of my bra, he drew one nipple into his mouth and teased it with his tongue, tantalizing, drawing it further into his moist heat, creating a stiff peak. His hand teased my other breast, plucking at its distended nipple. I arched my back with want, need, and pleasure.

  His mouth released my right breast and moved on to the left. Our eyes held as he ran his tongue around it ever so slowly, spiraling toward my nipple. His cheeks hollowed as he sucked.

  “Chip.” His name came out more as a sigh than a word.

  “Hmm?” he muttered, creating delicious vibrations against my sensitized skin.

  Pleasure shivered through me, and I forgot what I was going to say.

  His fingers fumbled with the fastener of my bra, but the bed hindered his efforts. I shifted to give him more wiggle room. It wasn’t enough.

  He backed away, and I nearly cried as cool air brushed the flesh his warm mouth vacated. He held out his hand, urging me to sit up. I complied, and he reached around and unhooked the bra, placing a gentle kiss on my shoulder in the process. It’s been a long time since anyone has seen what’s beneath my clothes, and I instinctively clutched my bra against my chest. Despite the spark between us, what if I mess this up somehow? I’ve only ever been with Kyle. What if I do something Chip doesn’t like? Most importantly, what if I drop the bra and he isn’t impressed?

  My mental tirade would have continued if Chip hadn’t placed his hands on either side of my face, drawing my attention back to him. “Are you okay?”

  “Fine.”

  “You’re holding onto that bra like it’s a lifeline. Nervous?”

  I nodded. “A little.” Talk about the understatement of the year.

  “How about we take things slow and see how it goes?”

  I searched his gaze and nearly melted. He actually meant what he said. His concern relaxed me like nothing else could.

  My smile must have been answer enough because, before I said a word, Chip’s mouth took mine in a soulful kiss. My doubts disappeared as our lips met and melted together. Slow and deep, the kiss went on and on until my whole body trembled. As he caressed my skin with a touch that was both calming and arousing, Chip’s mouth drifted from my lips to nibble at my collarbone. He settled his arm against my back and, as he continued his sensual torture, lowered me until I lay against the soft pillows.

  His hands caressed from waist to shoulder and back again. My sigh echoed in the quiet room as his finger brushed against my distended nipple. I felt his smile against my neck as he repeated the action, prompting the same reaction. He lifted his head and looked down.

  “Beautiful.” The word had barely registered in my brain before his hot mouth was on me, licking and sucking.

  A myriad of sensations zinged from my breasts to every erogenous zone in my body. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, Chip raised his head and put some space between us. I was happy to hear his breath sounded as harsh as mine.

  When he moved back, I caught a glimpse of his navy blue shirt and realized he was still fully dressed. That didn’t seem fair, and I told him so.

  “I’m just trying to pace myself,” he said around an adorable smile.

  “Pace yourself with your shirt off.”

  He kneeled and lifted his T-shirt over his head, then threw it on the floor. A dark tan emphasized his incredible physique, and my fingers itched to touch him everywhere.

  Goosebumps trailed in my wake as I ran my fingertips over his stomach and chest. I leaned forward and placed a kiss just above his right nipple. He sucked in a breath, then tilted my face and proceeded to kiss me senseless.

  As promised, Chip loved every inch of me. He nibbled a particularly sensitive spot just below my ear before moving back to my breasts, where he sucked my nipples to tight points that ached and anxiously awaited his next touch. His hot mouth skimmed down my stomach and nibbled at my navel, dipping his tongue inside, making me squirm, then chuckle out loud.

  Chip hooked his fingers beneath the waistband of my panties and pulled them slowly down my legs. He leaned forward and kissed my knee, then slowly and deliberately inched his way up my leg, alternately kissing and nibbling my skin.

  When he settled between my thighs and placed an open-mouthed kiss at their juncture, I nearly jumped off the bed. Chip laid a restraining hand on my belly as his gaze met mine over the expanse of my body. He continued his sensuous torture, laving and nipping and sucking until I didn’t think I could take anymore. When his tongue slid over the tiny nub of nerves, I gasped and tangled my fingers in his tawny hair.

  He stopped what he was doing and glanced up. His eyes were smoky with desire, but an undertone of conce
rn shone through.

  “Did I hurt you?” he asked.

  “No.” I laughed and moaned at the same time. “It just feels so good.”

  I caught a glimpse of his devilish smile as he bent, once again, to the task at hand.

  He slipped his middle finger into my slick folds and began a steady in-and-out motion while his tongue circled where I needed it most. I arched toward him, my breath coming in shallow pants. His index finger joined in the game and the rhythm increased, sending ripples of sensation through my entire body.

  I was close, so close, but I tried to hold off. It’s been a long time for me, and I wanted to prolong the moment and savor the pleasure as long as possible. As though he read my thoughts and was intent on making me lose my mind, he shifted and trailed a path of kisses up my stomach and to my breasts, never once removing his hand from between my thighs.

  The man was a master of multi-tasking. Two fingers pumped while his thumb circled my engorged nub. As if that weren’t enough, he alternately sucked one nipple then the other in time with his talented hand.

  It was too much. Way too much.

  I dug my fingers into his shoulders and arched my back. My senses swirled and an orgasm crashed through me. He pulled back just long enough to slide on a condom.

  I’d barely recovered when Chip slipped between my legs and plunged inside. He pumped in and out, and I lifted my hips to meet his every thrust.

  “Megan,” he said, his voice a mere rasp in my ear.

  He picked up the pace and I got sucked into a vortex of sensation. Wanting to feel more, needing to feel more, I wrapped my legs around his waist.

  That did it.

  I let out a long, hoarse moan as I came for the second time in less than five minutes. Some part of my brain registered the fact that Chip had let out his own shout just before he collapsed on top of me.

  Chapter Eight

  When Chip tried to pull back, I held him close.

  “I’m crushing you,” he said around a chuckle.

  “Don’t move just yet.”

  Part of me didn’t want the moment to end, but the other part just didn’t want to face him. He rested his head on my shoulder, and I squeezed him tight.

  I must be one of those women who falls in love with every man she sleeps with, because my feelings for Chip seem to be leaning in that direction. I shuddered at the thought.

  When my circulation was in jeopardy, I finally allowed Chip to move. He shifted onto his side, and after ridding himself of the condom, pulled me into the circle of his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder, trying not to think too much, for fear I’d regret everything that happened between us. And I didn’t want to do that, not yet. There’d be plenty of time for that later.

  I snuck a peek at Chip’s face, and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes were closed and his mouth curved into a soft, contented smile. My heart swelled.

  I mentally cursed.

  Why can’t I be loose? Why can’t I just sleep with a guy, say adios, and then move on to the next? I’ve seen every episode of Sex and the City. Why can’t I be like those women?

  Maybe it’s my traditional upbringing, but I can’t imagine having sex with a man unless I have feelings for him. And I felt something for Chip the moment we met.

  He murmured something unintelligible and pulled me closer. I settled into his embrace and allowed myself to enjoy the moment.

  ****

  The smell of fresh brewed coffee and frying bacon roused me from a deep sleep. I sat up and several muscles protested the movement. The delicious aches brought back memories of the previous night.

  I may not have started out wanting a relationship…with Chip or any man…but this morning it was all I could think of. We’d have the rest of the week to get to know each other better, and once vacation was over we could see each other on weekends.

  His cheerful whistle echoed through the house, and I smiled. Like me, he must be drowning in post-coital bliss.

  Retrieving his T-shirt from the floor, I slipped it over my head. His musky citrus scent lingered on the material. I held it to my nose and inhaled.

  Barefoot, I padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Chip stood at the stove, spatula in hand. That wouldn’t be so remarkable, except he was only wearing a pair of nylon gym shorts and he looked delectable. I enjoyed the view as he flipped six pancakes in quick succession.

  Something must have alerted him to my presence because he turned. “Hey,” he said, a smile crinkling his eyes. “Did you sleep well?”

  I glanced at the clock and nodded. “I’m usually an early riser.”

  “Nine-thirty isn’t late,” he said, placing the pancakes onto a serving platter. “Besides, it’s Sunday. You’re supposed to sleep in on Sunday.”

  He set the pancakes in the center of the table and gestured for me to sit. I felt like a princess as he filled my plate and waited for me to taste the fruits of his labor.

  After cutting my pancakes into bite-sized pieces and slathering them with warm maple syrup, I speared three on my fork and popped them into my mouth.

  “Mmm, these are delicious.” Light and airy, the batter melted in my mouth. I picked up a strip of bacon and took a bite. Perfect. Not too crispy, not too raw.

  Chip seemed pleased by my praise and dug into his own breakfast. We made small talk through the meal, and I mentally patted myself on the back for handling the morning after so well. Then again, he made it easy.

  I reached for my coffee and froze. He was watching me with an intensity that took my breath away. His brown eyes glowed with knowledge and memories. I could see him mentally replaying every event of the previous night, and a blush crept up my neck and across my cheeks.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  My cheeks flamed further at his compliment.

  “Megan, last night was…” He stopped and shook his head, a crooked grin on his face. “Amazing is the only word I can think of, but it sounds so cliché.”

  “I know.”

  “I feel so connected to you.”

  I nodded, relishing his every word. For a person who hadn’t wanted to get involved, I was in deep.

  “I wanted to let you know that before I say what I have to say.” His brow furrowed. He leaned forward and clasped my hand in both of his. “My partner called this morning. His wife went into labor last night. She’s six weeks early, so they’re trying to stop it from progressing.” He shrugged. “I have to go home.”

  While I felt for Chip’s partner and his wife, I’m embarrassed to say I was more upset about the fact that we wouldn’t get to spend the rest of the week getting to know each other. In fact, I’d be lucky if I ever saw him again.

  My every thought must have shown on my face because Chip was quick to reassure. “I wouldn’t leave if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”

  “I understand.” I pried my hand from his and picked up my fork.

  “These really are delicious,” I said, shoving a forkful of pancakes into my mouth. My stomach was in knots, and food was the last thing I wanted, but if I kept chewing, I wouldn’t have to speak.

  Chapter Nine

  “I’m not upset,” I whined, for what must have been the twentieth time. Laura still didn’t look convinced. Instead she looked at Rebecca and rolled her eyes.

  “Would you tell her?” Laura pointed to Rebecca.

  “Chip’s a good guy, Meg.” Rebecca jumped in. “If he said he’s gonna call, he’ll call.”

  I dug my toes into the sand and gazed at the ocean. I always found the sound of the surf soothing, but today it wasn’t working. Nothing seemed to distract me from thoughts of Chip.

  After we’d finished breakfast, Chip walked me home and promised to call as soon as he could. That was four days ago. I’m a pretty understanding person, but I can’t imagine the man didn’t have one minute over the course of ninety-six hours to call and say hello.

  “You two are making way too big of a deal about this.” I crossed my arms in defiance and tried to
sound nonchalant. Judging by the look on their faces, I didn’t succeed. “Really,” I persisted. “Chip and I had what, two dates? He’s not obligated to me in any way.”

  Rebecca stood and brushed the sand off her behind. “I have to get going.” She looked like she wanted to say something else, but simply squeezed my shoulder as she walked by. “I’ll see you next Friday.”

  “Maybe he’s waiting until you get back to the city.” Laura shrugged.

  “Laura, please drop it.”

  I stood and gathered my supplies. I’d ventured to the beach for peace and quiet, and I obviously wasn’t going to get either. Laura’s concerned gaze followed my every move. I didn’t dare look at her for fear my walls would crumble.

  ****

  Work consumed my days and nights when I returned home. A full desk was the price I had to pay for taking a vacation. I’d go to work early and arrive home late, eat dinner, and fall into bed. The up side of my crazy schedule was that I didn’t have time to obsess about Chip.

  A week after I returned home, I finally gave up on him. Now, midway into week two, my heart didn’t skip a beat, expecting him, every time the phone rang. Not much, anyway.

  We had a connection; I know we did. And even if he’d only wanted a vacation fling, why pretend it was more?

  I’d tried to keep it casual. He was the one who pushed the mushy-gushy stuff. Maybe he was one of those men who likes a challenge. Maybe he was so used to women falling all over him, when one doesn’t he has to conquer her. Maybe…

  My cell phone vibrated to the tune of Margaritaville, interrupting my thoughts. I made a mental note to change my ring tone. The current one reminded me of Chip.

  I grabbed the phone and glanced at the caller ID. The word Unknown scrolled across the window, and I pushed the off button, ignoring the call. After a bad experience with a phone scam, I’d stopped answering unless I recognized the number.

  I returned the phone to the desk when it rang a second time. When Unknown appeared in the window once again, I turned off the phone.

  Five minutes later the office phone rang. “Good morning, Donnelly Agency.”