She hated to think about that day fast approaching. Once again her life would drastically change.
The least she could do was wash the dishes for Sean. So caught up in musing over how much she liked his kitchen, she didn’t pay close enough attention to the amount of water she was running. It backwashed out of a glass and all over her chest, soaking her, bra and all.
She was going to have to find something to wear. At least until she could dry her clothes out enough to put them on again. Prowling through Sean’s clothing wasn’t what she’d planned or wanted to do, but surely he would understand.
Cynthia headed down the hall in search of his bedroom. The first room she came to turned out to be an office, not a guest room. The way he felt about his family and not visiting them, he probably didn’t think he needed a guest room. Instead of a bed there was a solid oak desk facing the window that looked out over the porch. A desk lamp stood on it and a wooden banker’s chair was behind it. The chair looked as if it had been lovingly refinished. The man did have talent. He might believe in being thrifty but he liked quality. Sean was a diverse personality.
At the end of the hall was a larger bedroom. Knowing of these old homes’ architectural arrangements, she guessed Sean had removed a wall and remodeled the space into more spacious sleeping quarters. Again the furniture consisted of little more than the bare necessities. The floor was made of glossy dark wood she suspected was original to the house. The windows had full-length wooden blinds. They were partially closed. The oak bed was heavy and made the statement that the person who slept in it was all male. A log cabin patterned quilt was spread across it. A bedside table and lamp sat on one side. A tall chest of drawers stood against another wall. Everything about the room screamed Sean.
Cynthia stepped slowly into it. She was entering a private domain but her curiosity kept her going and, after all, she needed something to wear. Peeking past an open door, she found a modern bath but done in a style that stayed true to the age of the house. She loved the man’s taste. Of what she’d seen she wouldn’t change a thing about the fixtures of the house.
But there was one thing missing. The feeling of belonging. There were no pictures of anyone. It was as if Sean had no past or future. That saddened her. A good man like him should have people in his life who were important to him.
Going to the chest of drawers, she opened the top drawer. There she found his undershirts. They were too thin. Sean would be able to see straight through it if she borrowed one of those and he returned any time soon. In the second she found a dark T-shirt with the name of the hospital across the front. This would do until she had her clothing dried.
Returning to the kitchen, she found a small room off it containing a washer and dryer. There she tossed in her shirt and bra. It shouldn’t take them long to dry. Back in the living room, she turned on the TV again. Maybe something good was on that she could watch until Sean returned. Clicking through the channels, she located a favorite show. Feeling cool and not seeing a throw blanket, she went to Sean’s room and removed the quilt from his bed. She would replace it before she left. Surely Sean wouldn’t be upset with her making herself at home?
Returning to the living room, she curled into the large armchair and wrapped the quilt around her. She inhaled deeply and smiled. Between the chair, cover and shirt it was almost as if she were in Sean’s arms. As she watched a late-night talk show, she grew warm. She yawned and her eyes drifted closed.
CHAPTER SEVEN
SEAN RETURNED HOME closer to daylight than dark. When he’d headed for the hospital, he’d anticipated a quick visit but it had turned into emergency surgery that couldn’t wait. He’d had a second to think about Cynthia at his house. All he could do now was hope that she wasn’t mad. Not that it would make him feel any less a louse, but maybe she had called for a taxi or one of her brothers to come get her.
From the driveway he could see that the TV was still on. Cynthia would have turned it off if she wasn’t still here. He quietly let himself into the house, then thought better of it. What if he scared her? He had no need to worry. Cynthia was sound asleep in his chair.
She looked so small and so right in his large chair wrapped in his grandmother’s quilt. As if she belonged there. Quietly he put his keys and phone on the table. He wasn’t going to allow her to sleep in a chair any longer. He scooped her into his arms, blanket and all.
She blinked then murmured, “You’re home.”
He held her against his chest and kissed her temple before he headed to his bedroom. “I am.”
“Where’re we going?” she mumbled in a sweet, sleep-laden voice.
“My bed. Now, hush. Go back to sleep.” In his room he laid her on the bed, gently unrolled her from the blanket.
Was that his T-shirt she was wearing? He wouldn’t remove her pants, having already stepped over the propriety line by putting her in bed with him without asking her. Pulling the sheet over her, he then spread the quilt on top of that.
Cynthia wrapped her arms around his pillow with a sigh and brought it against her face.
Sean stood there watching her for a minute. How badly he wanted to properly wake her and show her how much he liked having her in his bed. Instead he found himself a clean pair of underwear and a pair of drawstring lounge pants before heading for the bathroom. There he took a cold shower despite having been looking forward to a hot one when he came home.
When he returned, Cynthia was curled up sound asleep in the middle of his bed. He slipped beneath the covers and rolled to his side, gathering her against his chest. Perfect. He would worry about her reaction to his forwardness in the morning. Seconds later he had joined her in sleep.
A wiggle of a warm body beside him woke Sean. There was a pink hazy color in the room. It wasn’t daylight yet.
His gaze met Cynthia’s.
She scooted away from him as if she had just registered where she was. He made no move to stop her. “What am I doing in bed? With you?”
“I put you here. My guests don’t sleep in a chair.” Maybe if he kept his actions matter of fact she wouldn’t get too upset.
She said quietly, “So you bring all your guests to bed after they go to sleep in your chair?”
His gaze didn’t leave hers. “No, you’re the first.”
Cynthia’s eyes widened. “Really? I’m the first woman to share this bed?”
He nodded. “Believe it.”
She studied him as if trying to decide if he was telling the truth or not. She looked at his bare chest. Lingered. He willed his obvious arousal to ease, but that was wasted effort. That wasn’t happening.
Cynthia’s attention moved lower. Her voice went a note higher. “You’re wearing pants.”
“Are you disappointed?” He watched different expressions play across her face at his innuendo. First questioning, contemplating, and then possibility.
“I don’t know. Yes, no. Maybe.”
“It’s simple. I came home far later than I anticipated and you were slumped in the chair. I felt bad and would have felt worse if you’d woken up in pain from sleeping that way. All I did was move you in here. I’d had a long night and needed sleep as well. We’re just two friends sharing the same blanket.” Someone needed to tell his libido that.
“Oh,” she said.
Had she sounded a little disappointed?
Cynthia moved away from him. “It’s still not sunrise. You need your rest. I’ll just go finish sleeping on the sofa.”
Sean reached across the space between them and caught her hand. How like her to always take the rougher road so that she could make it easier on someone else. “I wish you would stay. There’s enough room for us both here.”
Her uncertainty was charming.
“Please. I would feel better about going back to sleep.” For certain his body would be happier if she wa
s close.
Cynthia covered a yawn with her hand. “Okay.”
“Good.” Sean settled under the covers again. A second later he felt Cynthia do the same.
He drifted off to sleep with her warmth just inches away. The next time he woke it was to dim light and the splatter of rain on the window. Cynthia was curled against his side as if she had been seeking warmth. Her head lay on his bicep and an arm across his waist. If she knew would she be upset?
He didn’t move, savoring the feel of having her near. She was a mass of contradictions. Soft and tender yet strong and demanding. Being around her made life interesting. Had made him start rethinking his. The value she placed on relationships with family almost made him physically nervous.
But right now she was causing a number of other physical issues for him. He wanted her and wanted her badly.
She looked adorable with her hair mussed, her cheeks pink from resting on his pillow, and wearing his T-shirt. The shirt material was pulled tight across her breasts and the outline of her nipple showed. His body twitched. What would she do if he ran a finger across her nipple? Would her eyes open wide in surprise? Or flutter open with wonder? Would she roll away? Did he dare find out which? Could he stop himself?
The tips of Cynthia’s fingers brushed his side. His body thrummed with need. His gaze jerked up to find hers. She was watching him. His eyes questioned. Her hand skimmed across his belly and back again, making his skin ripple.
Sean understood when a woman was sending out signals that she wanted him but this forwardness seemed out of character for Cynthia. He had her pegged as the cautious type. Everything about her screamed she was a woman who took being with a man as more than a simple enjoyment of bodies. For her it would involve emotion. Caring. Tomorrow. Could she possibly feel that way about him?
Despite his desires, he had to know before his baser instincts took over. What if she wasn’t ready? He’d all but insisted she stay in his bed. Worse, he’d brought her here when she wasn’t thinking clearly. Would she see it as him taking advantage of her? He’d never been this indecisive about wanting or having a woman. But if Cynthia said no would he have the strength to roll away from her?
Trying not to base his decisions on the demands of his body, he growled, “Cynthia, if you want to leave this bed untouched then you’d better go now.”
There was a pause, then her hand moved again, this time a little further down. “And if I don’t want to?”
He glared at her. “Don’t tease a man on the edge.”
She kissed his chest and murmured, “Ever thought I might be on edge too?”
That was all the invitation he required. He quickly rolled her on her back. Her head sank into his pillow and the mattress dipped as he came down on her. He supported himself above her and studied her face for a few seconds before his mouth claimed hers.
She opened for him and he found her wet heat waiting to greet him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she joined him in the twists and turns of a dance of passion. This uninhibited Cynthia he hadn’t expected, but she fueled his desire like no other. His lips left hers to tease one corner of her mouth as his hands slipped under her shirt. Her hands kneaded his back as if she were begging for all he could give her. There would be red marks on his skin but he would wear them proudly.
He cupped one of her breasts. Cynthia took his lower lip into her mouth and sucked it. The actions sent a hot flash of desire through him. He was aroused to the point of pain. His heart thumped against his chest wall. If he didn’t have her soon he would explode.
When he rolled her nipple between two fingers she flexed her hips, brushing his length. Sean kissed her again as he lifted off her enough to locate the button of her pants. After flipping it open, he deftly moved to the zipper and tugged. Becoming almost frantic in his need to be inside her, he pulled his mouth away. Taking a deep breath, he searched her face.
“This is going too fast. Not fair to you.” His breathing was jagged. He had to find control.
“I’m not complaining.” She shimmied from side to side until she’d gotten her pants down then cupped his face. “Kiss me. I like it when you kiss me.”
He didn’t give her time to ask again. He supported himself on one arm, his mouth finding hers. His other hand he placed on her smooth, flat stomach.
“So silky sweet,” he murmured.
Cynthia sucked in her stomach, then released it so that it met his palm once more. Her hands gripped his upper arms and squeezed. His hand moved lower until it encountered the lace of her underwear. She hissed. Seconds later, she opened her legs. He cupped her center. She was hot and damp. Ready for him.
His hunger was driven to the breaking point. Sliding his finger under her panties, he explored expertly. Cynthia sucked in a sharp breath; her hips rose and settled, accepting him. Her legs relaxed, allowing him complete access. Small panting sounds filled the air between them as he teased and touched her.
Sean pulled his mouth from hers. He wanted to watch her. Wanted her to know it was him giving her pleasure. Her eyelids were leaden, her mouth slightly open, and her hands running over his chest. He’d never seen anything more erotic in his life. It was intoxicating to see Cynthia so enthralled in the delights he was providing. The tip of his thumb flicked her pleasure spot and her hips lurched upward. He drew his finger out and slipped in again. Cynthia squirmed, then moaned soft and long as she lowered to the bed. Seconds later she opened eyes that held a dreamy look. Her tender smile welcomed him.
He quickly stood, pushed his pants to the floor and kicked them away. Shoving the blanket and sheet to the end of the bed, he pulled her legs around so they hung over the edge of the mattress. Working quickly, he removed her pants from her ankles, letting them fall. When he reached for her panties he found her hands already there. She had them over her hips and he pulled them the rest of the way down her shapely legs. Those he planned to have around his hips soon.
Going to the bath, he took a box out from under the counter and removed a package. Returning to the bed, he watched Cynthia’s face as she looked at his naked body. He stepped closer, opening the foil package as he went. When she licked her lips he almost went to his knees. Covering his throbbing length, he made the final step to the bed. She opened her legs so that he could stand between them and admire her sprawled across his bed. Waiting on him. Had there ever been anything more stunning?
Hands on each side of her head, he leaned over her. His lips found hers, tasting and sipping her sweetness. Lowering himself, he nudged against her. Cynthia’s hands slid to his hips and tugged him to her. Did she want him as much as he wanted her? In his urgency, his kiss deepened as he entered her.
Sean sucked in a breath and counted to three as he released it. Had he ever been this hot for a woman? This close to bursting?
She wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed until he filled her completely. Had anything ever been as good as this?
Seconds later he pulled back.
Cynthia made a sound of frustration and he returned to her. She sighed. He repeated the movement a little faster. Picked up the pace. She joined him until they found a rhythm unique to them. As their tempo built Cynthia tensed, lifted higher and gripped his shoulders, her fingers biting in. He made one final thrust, filling her again to the hilt.
A shudder rocked her body. She threw back her head, arched, keening her pleasure before slowly easing to the bed. He searched for their rhythm again. The drum roll built until he found his release and collapsed on top of her. She pulled him into her arms. He’d been welcomed home.
* * *
Cynthia knew what it was to have physical relations with a man but had never experienced anything like the magic she’d just shared with Sean. Her heart was full. She regarded her lover’s face with wonder, so close and so dear. How had Sean managed to break through her wall to bring her to this point?
She smiled. All it had taken was his silver-tongued voice speaking into her ears.
He slowly rolled to lay beside her. Suddenly self-conscious about lying in the light with a naked man, she pulled the sheet across her hips. She was out of her element. Had acted far more a wanton than ever before.
“Don’t cover yourself. Didn’t I tell you how perfect you are? Amazing?”
She wasn’t used to men praising her body. Her ex certainly hadn’t fawned over her. To have Sean say those words warmed her, made her feel cherished. When was the last time she’d felt special? This was what it was like to have a man admire her. She planned to bask in it.
“Cyn. That suits you.” His hand ran up her bare thigh. “You sure make me think about sinning.”
Cynthia liked hearing her nickname from his lips. Her family members were the only ones who called her that. Sean had moved into her inner circle so easily and quickly. Now she didn’t want him to ever leave.
“That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever had.” She moved to face him, caressing him with her eyes. Sean had a beautiful body. All vast plains with hollows and slopes. He seemed so at ease with himself. Had she been built like him, she might be self-confident as well. Unable to resist, she reached across his chest and ran her fingertips over his ribs and circled a blue spot on his side.
She reversed her hand. “I’m sorry you got all bruised up in the paintball fight.”
“I’m not. It was fun.”
Cynthia continued to learn the valleys and plains of his chest, then the dips and highs of his ribs.
“I would be careful about that. I might make you pay for tickling me.” His breath brushed her ear. She shivered. He chuckled.
“I bet you would.” Insecurity washed through her. Had she been too forward? Too loud? Was he disappointed?
“Hey.” He tugged gently at a lock of her hair. “Is something wrong?”
Stolen Kisses with Her Boss Page 11
