“I’ll work out front if Hector can stay over.”
“I’m happy to stay,” said Hector.
Samantha thanked each person as they offered to do whatever it took to stay open.
“Hector, we haven’t been officially introduced.” She extended her hand. “I’m assuming you know all about me too.”
“Yes, Miss Anderson.” He grasped her hand tightly. “Hector Ramirez. Anything you need, I’m your guy.”
She liked him immediately. Warm eyes and friendly smile, his grip had felt sincere. “I’m Samantha. And if you’ll teach me, I can be a good hand in the kitchen. And Linc’s willing to come out from behind his bar and wait a few tables. Isn’t that right?”
“Tonight we’ll do what’s necessary,” Linc said directly to her. “You do make a great hostess.”
Samantha did a little of everything as the night went on. She went back to check on Hector in the kitchen, and he put her to work. Soon she was preparing salads like a pro. They
hit it off right away, chatting as they worked.
She learned that he’d only been in the States three years and had worked hard to learn English. His goal, he told her, was to become a U.S. citizen and bring his family to live with him. Short and thin, his soulful brown eyes tugged at her heart when he spoke of seeing his relatives only a few times a year.
The Cage’s customers didn’t expect a complicated menu. They were happy with a drink, burger, and fries. Hector handled things with ease. So Samantha moved between the kitchen and the front door as needed, stopping to ask Dave to stay after closing time.
The night had gone smoothly except that her feet were hurting by the time they locked up. She thanked each employee as they left for home, except for Dave and Maggie.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Dave said, waving to a table in the corner and leaving Linc to entertain Maggie. Samantha joined him.
“I’d like you to take over as manager, Dave. Ham is looking into the going salary for a top-notch manager. Whatever that is, I’ll match it.”
Dave smiled. “Maggie and I love this place. I’ll do my best to never disappoint you.”
“Thank you. I can go home knowing The Cage is in good hands.” She extended her hand. “First thing in the morning, I’ll call Ham and we’ll put together a package for you to consider.”
“Outstanding.” Dave clasped her hand.
Samantha’s cell buzzed in her pocket. She didn’t recognize the number and for a second thought to let it go to voice mail.
“Get that,” Dave said. “I’ll go tell my wife the good news.”
Samantha took the call. “Hello.”
“Ms. Anderson?” The male voice hinted at a trace of an accent.
“Yes.”
“Dylan Smythe. You’re a hard woman to track down.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Smythe. My grandmother said you were going to contact me, but I’ve been very busy. My time here in California is limited, and a lot’s happened.”
She cast a glance in Linc’s direction. He was fixing drinks, no doubt to celebrate Dave’s promotion. Disappointment hit her. For some reason, she’d have been more at ease with Linc in charge of The Cage.
“Please, call me Dylan.” His words snapped her back to the conversation. “Please accept my condolences for your loss. After speaking with your grandmother, I’m cognizant of your schedule. I believe I can help your situation. Smythe Development is very interested in purchasing your property.”
“I haven’t thought too much about selling. I guess because the estate won’t be settled anytime soon.”
“I do understand. And I may be able to help. We’re willing to purchase the complete estate. Restaurant and house. You won’t have to worry about a thing. I know it’s late, but can we meet for a nightcap?”
“Now’s really not convenient. I just finished a shift at The Cage.”
“Then dinner tomorrow night? I’ll clear my calendar if you’re free.”
“I’m sorry. I’m helping out as hostess at The Cage.”
“How about if I drop by? As the boss, you are entitled to a break. We should move on this deal right away.”
“I’m happy to meet with you, but at the risk of being repetitive…I can’t sell yet.” No way around talking to the guy, his persistence was a bit irksome. She agreed because her grandmother had probably encouraged him to call.
“We can chat about details over a drink.”
“Tomorrow night then.” She was ready for this conversation to be over, because Dave had stood and was waving at her. She’d missed the celebratory drink. She wiggled her fingers as he and Maggie left. Linc came inside and locked the patio door. “I look forward to meeting you,” she said, ending the call.
“Should I be jealous?” Linc laughed, bringing her drink to her.
“No, but it would be flattering if you were.” She couldn’t lie to him. The truth was better told first. “That was Dylan Smythe. He wants to meet me and talk about his company buying The Cage.”
“I figured you’d hear from him.” Linc stiffened and backed away from her.
“Nana is just looking out for my best interest.” Samantha understood his reaction.
“Sounds like she’s looking out for her new boyfriend. Did you tell Dylan you already had a standing offer?”
“I didn’t think it was any of his business. Besides, you don’t know what I said to him. Not unless you can read lips through the back of your head.” She almost found humor in their argument.
“The Army failed to teach me that trick.” His frown softened. “Normally, it takes a lot to get under my skin. You seem to bring out the worst in me.”
“I’d like to think I bring out the best. You got any Irish in you?” she asked.
“Aye, Lassie. As a matter of fact, we Hawkins’s are a mixture of Irish and Scottish. Sort of like a combination of Abbot’s Choice and Red Breast whiskey.”
“I see. Strong, dark, with one hell of a kick.” She laughed at his failed attempt at a Scottish accent.
His laugh joined hers. It was quick and hearty and made her knees weak as hell.
“You did great tonight. You made a friend for life.”
“Hector? He’s wonderful. As soon as the will is probated, I want to help him.”
“That would be a very good thing.” He reached over and tucked a loose string of hair behind her ear.
“God. Her hand went to her head. “I must look like Medusa.”
“Not to me. I like the I-just-got-out-of-bed-look myself.”
He stepped farther into her space and ran the back of his knuckles down her cheek. He tipped her chin up and studied her face. Without thinking she moved closer. His hands went to her hips, pulling her body snug against his. Leaning back, he studied her.
“What are you looking at?” Great waves of heat boiled in her stomach.
“You are incredibly beautiful.” He tilted his head, leaned down, and dropped a light kiss on her lips.
She took his face in her hands and pulled him back for a lengthy kiss.
“And here we are again.” His voice was raspy when he spoke.
“I’m leaving soon.” Her mouth had gone dry, and her willpower was long gone. He slid a finger under her chin and lifted her head up. His gaze searched her face. Samantha had no doubt that he read her desire.
“Then we don’t have much time.”
The next kiss was more demanding as his tongue penetrated her mouth, and the ridge of his erection pressed against her belly. Her world imploded into one massive ball of sensations.
Breathing hard, he stepped back, and seemed to reconsider his actions. “You need to say something. Stop me or…” His words were heavy and thick. His eyes raced across her face as if looking for a sign.
Her mind swirled, all circuits went into overdrive, including the twitch. Today was Thursday, and she planned to go home Sunday. What was wrong with a short-term love affair? Linc was right. It was time to deal with this sexual pull that had developed
between them. Could she? Could she kiss him goodbye Saturday night and never look back? That answer would only come with time.
“No strings? No recriminations?” Her mind questioned her decision, but her body screamed yes.
“None. Right now is all we have.” His voice was husky, thick with desire.
His blue eyes had clouded with lust. So honest. So serious. So gorgeous. Without hesitation, she answered his question with a kiss. Straining against him, she put her desire out there as his arms drew her in tighter. She sunk her hands deep into his hair. A low rumble coming from his chest vibrated against her. That moan generated an explosion in her heart of epic proportions.
“I like the way you make decisions,” he whispered into her lips. Pulling away, he led her to the door, unlocked it, and extended his hand.
She understood. He offered her one last chance to say no. Palm up, he waited. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, using her finger, she traced his lifeline then pulled his hand to her lips, kissed his palm.
“We’d better get out of here. Leo comes by after closing to empty the safe and make the bank deposit.” He bent over capturing her mouth, sliding his tongue in, gliding across the warm interior, painting erotic pictures of what was to come. “My condo is closer.”
“Race you down the beach.” Samantha slipped off her shoes and took off running, leaving Linc to lock up and catch up.
CHAPTER 12
Samantha was sitting on the third step on the stairs to Linc’s condo, trying to catch her breath when she heard his car in his parking lot. This was a playful side of herself that she hadn’t known was there. It wasn’t her nature to be so reckless and carefree. Maybe this side of her personality had been buried too long.
He slid to a stop when he found her waiting. “I would’ve have driven you.”
“I needed to stretch my legs.” She took his hands and stood, looking down on him. “I like the view from here. You’re very sexy from this angle.”
“And so are you.” He reached up, pulled her down a step to eye level. The heat in his gaze had her leaning into him. “I can think of one way you’d look better.”
“Oh yeah? How’s that?”
“With no clothes on.”
“You think?”
“Let’s find out.” He jangled his keys, took her hand a led her up the stairs. Once inside, he scooped her up and carried her to his bedroom. Linc lay her down and then placed light teasing kisses from the tip of her nose to her ankle, skirting around the one place begging to be touched.
“I smell like burgers and onions.” She nodded toward his bathroom. “Do you mind?”
“Not if I can join you.” He helped her to stand, led her to the shower, flipped on the water, and then turned back to her. “I’ve wanted to do this since the first day you when you stood on beach, awed by the ocean.”
His words were heavy, a thick, creamy honey, drugging her with desire as he pulled her blouse over her head. His lips left feathery kisses across her neck and shoulders while he continued to remove the rest of her clothes.
While he worked, Samantha unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders to the floor. She swept her fingers over the hard, lean muscles of his chest, flexing her fingers against the shapes and contours of his body, committing to memory the feel of his skin.
Linc took a step back, leaving her naked and slightly embarrassed. Before she could complain, he’d kicked off his clothes and pulled her into his arms. He removed the clip that had been holding her hair in place and ran his fingers through it.
“Spun gold,” he whispered.
Chilled on the outside and burning on the inside, she nuzzled closer, leaning into his neck. He opened the shower door, stepped inside, and then offered her his hand. Samantha blew out a breath and joined him.
“Just relax and leave everything to me.” His lips covered hers, hard and demanding. Then quickly he turned her around so she faced the warm water.
He lathered his hands and started at her neck. He smoothed and massaged, slowly working his way across her shoulders and back. He lathered his hands and then slid his hands around to cup her breasts. Unable to hold her own weight, she leaned back into him.
Her nipples stood erect as he rolled them through his fingers, eliciting moans and unexpected sighs of pleasure from her.
“You are beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. One hand slid down her stomach, between her legs and made contact. He found her wet and ready. “And so responsive.”
“More.” Samantha pushed herself against his hand.
“Thought you’d never ask.” His fingers stroked her, working magic until her knees turned to rubber. Then they were gone, as he turned her around and knelt in front of her. He tenderly washed her thighs, his hands sliding up slowly, almost touching the one spot she wanted stroked, then worked his way down to her calves and feet.
“Let’s get you rinsed off.” He pulled the shower nozzle off and directed the spray to her shoulders.
Samantha was lost. His touch, his voice and his tenderness had started a need that was going to consume her. “Linc. Maybe we should change positions. Let me wash you.”
“But I’m not finished.” He turned the spray toward the juncture of her thighs.
The water pulsed against her flesh. Her body jerked as the orgasm blasted its way through her with an intensity she’d never known. She cried out as his hand went around her waist to support her as she thrashed and finally settled. She laughed. Completely spent.
“Thank you.”
“Now that’s something I’ve never been told after a woman had an orgasm.”
“I don’t want to know who taught you that trick, but I’m eternally grateful.” His chest rumbled against her back as he laughed. She loved that sound.
“Want me to wash your hair?”
She turned to face him, leaned back and let the water rinse through her hair. “No thanks.” She lifted up and kissed him. His hands cupped her face and held her to him for a long time. She leaned her head back. “Your turn.”
“Next time. I’m going to get this done so I can carry you to bed.” He lifted an eyebrow. “You didn’t think we were finished, did you?”
Samantha watched, mesmerized, as he quickly lathered up and washed his body. She interrupted once, taking the soap and washing his erection herself. He was hard as steel, yet soft as velvet, as she stroked, watching his face tighten.
“Enough.” He caught her wrists. “Keep that up and you’ll end this before it begins.”
She stepped out, pulled a towel off the rack and handed it to him, and gently patted her dry. Before she could return the favor, he dropped to his knees and kissed her between the legs. Her body immediately slipped into overdrive as his fingers parted her and he slid his tongue along her opening. She gasped when he stood, swept her into his arms, and walked to his bedroom.
“It’s going to be a long night.” The light in his eyes touched her heart.
No getting attached, she reminded herself. He placed her on his bed and sat beside her. His fingers traced around her hairline, down her nose, and to her lips.
Her tongue flicked out, rolled around this fingertips, pulling one into her mouth, tenderly stroking it. Linc moved his hand away from her lips, and unhurriedly, tantalizingly, explored. First kissing her eyes, he trailed down her cheek and neck. Her every cell went on high alert, vibrated, and silently pled for more. Slowly, he lowered his head, gently caressing her lips with his.
She gasped as the cool sea breeze from the air conditioner brushed against her erect nipples. Linc smiled down at her.
“Cold?” He grinned before leaning over and kissing the tip of one breast. The ache low in her belly intensified.
“Just the opposite.”
His hands skimmed across her body. She trembled, her nipples filled with blood, begged for attention, and a soft moan escaped in anticipation of his touch.
“I’d like to watch your body respond all night, but I can’t take it. I need
to be inside you.”
His words were erotic and exciting, sending a rush of desire ricocheting through her nervous system.
“I hope you’re not waiting for my permission; you have it.” She was comfortable with him and no longer embarrassed by his scrutiny. A maddening need grew with each minute of anticipation. She needed to touch and be touched. Caress and be caressed.
“Good to know.” He lay on his side next to her, leaned over and licked one nipple. “I love how your body responds to me.”
His hand slid down her body, found her wet and ready. He slid a finger inside. The roar of her blood racing through her veins rivaled the sounds of an angry ocean. His moan, a deep delicious sound, resonated in her soul as he slid a second finger inside her warm core.
“More,” she whispered. All reason abandoned her as she ran her hands over his muscles. He quivered under her touch, and she thrust her hips high, offering herself to him. This was glorious, him touching her, her touching him. “Now,” she groaned, ready to beg for release. He removed his fingers and hovered above her as she spread her legs wider, making his entry easy.
Instead, he lowered his head and rained kisses on her stomach, working lower with each one. His hand slid under her hips and his mouth covered her core. Samantha dissolved into the mattress as his tongue, warm, and probing, slipped inside her.
He varied his pace, sped up, slowed down, increased and decreased pressure until she thought her entire body would ignite in flames. She cried out his name as her world exploded in a kaleidoscope of color. Only after she quit trembling did he rise, slip on a condom, then hover quietly above her. Their eyes locked as he breached her and slowly slid inside.
Samantha wrapped her legs around his hips and matched the rhythm he set, thrust for thrust. Another orgasm quickly rose to the surface, surprising her.
“Linc,” she cried out as she hovered on the edge.
His powerful thrusts pushed her higher. Faster and harder, the momentum increased.
“Come with me.” His voice was low and raspy. “Now...” He thrust himself deep inside her.
Till The Dead Speak (Killer Affections Book 2) Page 11
