Crave (Splendor Book 2)

by Janet Nissenson

  Tessa had grinned at her former supervisor. “So she doesn’t quake in her boots whenever you walk by?”

  “I didn’t say that,” Andrew had replied dryly. “After all, I still have my reputation as a stick-up-his-ass bastard to maintain.” At Tessa’s expression of disbelief, he’d given her a scathing look. “You think I didn’t know? I know everything that goes on in that office, eyes in the back of my head and all that.”

  Ian had nodded in agreement. “Can’t argue with that assessment. He knows far more than I do about what goes on.”

  Andrew, who’d consumed a pre-dinner Mai Tai and several glasses of wine during the meal, had evidently been feeling bold as he’d smirked at his boss. “Well, I did learn from the very best, sir. Watching how you observed people without them being aware of it taught me a great deal. In fact, I was even able to turn the tables on you and use those exact same tactics.”

  Ian had regarded his PA warily. “And what precisely does that mean?”

  Andrew, who never smiled, had - wonder of wonders - actually given Ian a cheeky grin. “I knew the moment Tessa walked into your office that first day that you fell for her like a ton of bricks. No offense, sir, but you were a real open book that day.”

  It had been Tessa’s turn to frown. “Well, I never noticed a thing. Of course, that’s probably because you’d already made me a nervous wreck about meeting him - all of your rules and instructions about what I could and couldn’t say. How did you know? I mean, Ian seemed as in control and professional that day as he always does.”

  Andrew had shaken his head. “Oh, he didn’t give anything away when he met you. It was right after, when he called me back into his office to rip me a new one that he gave himself away. I’d worked for you three years already, sir, and had never once seen you actually pacing or using any form of sarcasm, and there you were doing both at the same time. But the real giveaway was when I told you Tessa was married. You looked like the floor had given way beneath you.”

  Ian had nodded at his PA’s observations. “You’re spot on, as usual. Especially about the latter issue. I’d never in my life felt helpless before, never been in a situation where I couldn’t make something happen if I tried hard enough.” He’d turned to Tessa at that point, taking her hand in his. “When I learned you already belonged to another man, that I’d have to keep what I felt for you under strict wraps, I swear that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”

  When he and Tessa had continued to hold hands and stare dreamily into each other’s eyes, Andrew had cleared his throat until they had somewhat guiltily broken apart.

  Andrew had seemed more than a bit hesitant to broach the next subject, a fact that had surprised Tessa since he never seemed uncertain about anything. But once he’d uttered that name, a sudden chill had traveled up her spine, despite the tropical climate, and Ian had scowled in annoyance.

  “I hate to bring up such an unpleasant topic, Mr. Gregson, but both you and Tessa need to be aware that Jason Baldwin will be attending the meeting. Along with his wife - your cousin - of course.”

  Tessa had glanced at Ian anxiously. “He wouldn’t do or say anything with your cousin along, would he?”

  “He’d better not, if he knows what’s good for him,” Ian had muttered darkly. “I haven’t spoken to the bastard since I kicked him out of my office last fall, save for a brief hello at the office holiday party. But gossip travels quickly, and between co-workers and our family, I’m certain Jason has heard that Tessa and I are together.”

  Tessa had shuddered. “All I know is that he gives me the creeps more than anyone I’ve ever met. How does your cousin put up with his, er, antics?”

  Ian had shrugged. “Charlotte is a sweet, lovely woman but not especially bright. My aunt and uncle also coddled her well into adulthood, and she’s used to getting whatever she wants. And when she met Jason, she decided he was exactly what she wanted. I’m afraid she deliberately turns a blind eye to his antics so that she doesn’t have to admit to her parents - or to herself - that they were right about him.”

  “So your aunt and uncle don’t like Jason?”

  “That’s putting it mildly. Unlike Charlotte, Uncle Richard is a very wise man and he saw through Jason from the very first. But, as I mentioned, once Charlotte made up her mind she wanted something, her parents had a very difficult time ever saying no.”

  “What I never quite understood, sir,” Andrew had interjected, “was why Jason wound up working for you. I would have assumed he and your cousin met and married in England.”

  A look of disgust had crossed Ian’s features. “They did. But after three complaints about the bastard from female employees, Richard thought a change of scenery would do him good. So he sent him my way.”

  “You know there have been a couple of close calls with him down in Scotts Valley, don’t you?” Andrew had asked soberly. “One was a hotel guest who called our head of HR to complain that Jason made some very suggestive comments to her. And one of the office staff confided to the night manager that Jason has been getting a bit too touchy feely for her liking.”

  Ian had shook his head. “Well, apparently this leopard hasn’t changed his spots, has he? Looks like I’ll have to pay him a visit when we return home. In the meanwhile,” he added sternly, “that little shit is not to get anywhere near Tessa over the next few days. I don’t want her left alone where he might be able to harass her.”

  She’d patted his hand and tried to smile reassuringly. “Hey, I can take care of myself. You’ve been showing me some moves, after all.”

  Ian had been working with her at the gym to learn a few basic boxing techniques, and she also continued to take some kickboxing classes. He’d also arranged for her to work out with a personal trainer - a female one, of course - and she knew she was in the best physical shape of her life right now.

  Ian had smiled at her rather indulgently. “And you’ve been a very apt pupil. But I still don’t want you having to confront Jason. The safest solution is just to keep you as far away from him as possible.”

  Tessa couldn’t help the tiny shudder that rippled through her body as she thought of having to see Jason again. And there was no doubt she would have to at least acknowledge him. Tomorrow evening a lavish cocktail reception and buffet dinner had been planned for all the managers and their guests, and it went without saying that Ian’s cousin Charlotte would seek him out to say hello. There would be no polite way to avoid her for the entire duration of the meeting.

  She must have dozed off a little, drowsy from the sun, and gave a little start when she felt Ian’s lips on the back of her neck.

  “Mmm. Hi,’ she murmured, scooting over a bit as he sat down on the chaise next to her.

  He ran his hand down her back, and she shivered as he slipped his palm beneath the band of her bikini bottoms to cup her buttocks. “Hi yourself, gorgeous girl,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear. “You should have been a swimsuit model as good as you look in this bikini. I can just see you splashed on the cover of Sports Illustrated with these beautiful long legs” - he traced his fingertips down the backs of her thighs - “and this sexy ass” - he squeezed her behind - “and of course these fabulous tits.” He slipped a hand beneath her and squeezed her breast.

  Tessa groaned and clasped his hand, holding it in place against her breast. “Don’t stop. It feels so good.”

  His fingers found her nipple and tweaked it. “Your wish is my command, love. Are you still on your cycle?”

  She shook her head. “No, thank goodness. It’s, ah, been a long time.”

  He chuckled, his hand slipping inside her low-cut bikini top to cup her bare, warm flesh. “Are you horny, darling?”

  “God, yes,” she panted, trying to roll over onto her back. But his hand on her back held her in place, unable to move freely.

  “Shh. I’m going to take very good care of you very soon, love. But first, you’re starting to get a little pink back here. You need some more
sunscreen. Ah, there it is.”

  Tessa gave a little squeal as he squirted the cool lotion on her sun-warmed skin, but then quickly began to purr in contentment as he rubbed it into her back and shoulder blades. As his hand dipped beneath the waistband of her bikini briefs, she gave a little wiggle, which earned her both a deep chuckle from Ian and a playful swat on the butt.

  He squirted another blob of lotion on her back before deftly unhooking the bandeau top, letting the sides fall unheeded onto the chaise. He rubbed the lotion into her skin before sliding his hands beneath her to cup her breasts.

  Tessa whimpered with need. “Please.”

  He knew what she was pleading for as he pulled her to an upright position, her knees hanging over the side of the chaise. He knelt between her thighs, his dark head at eye level with her chest.

  “I take it back,” he murmured hoarsely, his hands fondling her breasts. “There’s no way in hell I’d want a photo of this sexy body of yours being splayed all over a national magazine, letting every horny bastard in the country ogle you.” He bent his head and licked at her nipple. “For my eyes only, darling.”

  “Ohh, yes,” she breathed, clutching his head to her breast as he sucked her nipple into his mouth.

  He lifted his head, then moved to the other breast while his thumb and forefinger pinched the other nipple. “Is this what you wanted, love? What you needed? God, your tits are so full right now, Tessa, so swollen. Let me, darling.”

  She was groaning as he lavished attention on her breasts, arousing her to the point where she knew it would take very little to make her come. She grabbed one of his hands and dragged it down to the low-cut waistband of her bikini briefs. “Ian. Now, please.”

  He took her mouth in a blistering kiss as his fingers slipped inside her briefs to find her clit. She came instantly, her body already primed for his touch and starving for release.

  Tessa hadn’t even come back down to earth yet when Ian laid her back on the chaise and stripped off her briefs. His lips touched her navel as he slowly thrust two fingers deep inside of her body.

  “You’re so ready for me,” he murmured in awe. “You are needy, aren’t you, darling?”

  “God.” Her hips bucked up off the chaise as he continued sliding his fingers in and out of her drenched slit. “I – oh - wanted you. You looked so - ah, yes, just like that - so hot standing there. So gorgeous. I need -”

  He bent his head, his tongue fluttering over her clit. “What do you need, love?”

  She cried out as his tongue licked at the moist folds of her labia. “I need to be fucked. Hard. Over and over until I can’t take anymore. And even then I’ll keep wanting more.”

  “Jesus, Tessa.” His hands held her hips pinned to the chaise as he continued to eat her out with exquisite care. “Soon, darling. Soon I’ll slide my cock inside this hot, delicious body and fuck you until neither of us can think straight. But first.” He sucked hard on her clit, wringing another orgasm from her highly stimulated body.

  When she could speak again, she clutched his shoulders, trying in vain to budge him, to pull his body to hers. “Do it now. Please.”

  “Not yet.” His hand slid into the damp curls between her thighs, and he gave her a smile that was deeply carnal. “By my estimates, I owe you at least five more orgasms. I think I counted a total of seven that you very unselfishly gave me when you were, ah, indisposed.”

  She laughed huskily, placing her hand over his and stilling its motion. “Hmm, I think your count is off. I distinctly remember it was a grand total of eight.”

  “Eight it is then, love. After all, you’re very good with numbers, aren’t you?”

  Tessa gave a sigh of utter bliss as he slipped three long fingers inside of her. “And you’re really, really good at this. An expert, actually. But as awesome as this feels, it’s you I want. I’ve missed you. Missed this.”

  He cursed softly as her hand traced the outline of his erection where it tented his swim trunks. “Don’t, Tessa. Not now. Let me take care of you first.”

  “No.” Her reply was insistent, her hand deliberate in its movements as she continued to stroke him. “No keeping score, that’s just silly. I want you, Ian. I want this.”

  He hissed as she gave his cock a firm squeeze. Then, in one smooth motion, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back inside the suite until they reached the master bedroom. Always a man of purpose, he didn’t disappoint now, as in quick succession he tore back the bedcovers, deposited her on the mattress, tossed off his swim trunks, and vaulted onto the bed. In the very next instant he was surging as deeply and fully inside of her as he could get, and her head fell back against the pillows in ecstasy.

  “So good,” she breathed as he began to stroke the long, thick length of his cock in and out of her body. Her legs lifted to wrap around his hips, her arms about his neck as she pulled his head down to hers for a kiss.

  Ian groaned. “It’s fucking heaven to be inside of you again, love. The absolute best feeling in the world.”

  “Yes, yes,” she cried, as he began to move faster, more forcefully. He unhooked her legs from around his waist and spread them wide, bending her knees up towards her shoulders. He rose to his knees, the position allowing him to thrust even more deeply inside of her. With each hard thrust, it felt like the head of his penis was butting up against her womb, and she whimpered with that particular sensation of half pain, half pleasure that he was such a master at calling forth from her body.

  Her body already primed from the two orgasms he’d given her, Tessa came long and hard, this time with his cock constantly rubbing against that super sensitive spot deep inside her. She was dimly aware of the tears that dampened her cheeks, the depth of emotion he was able to wring out of her almost too much to take at times like this. And when she stopped seeing stars after a time, she realize that he hadn’t come yet, that he was still moving inside of her pliant body with slow, deliberate thrusts.

  “Why are you holding back?” she whispered.

  He groaned, his head falling back as she trailed her fingers up his chest where his skin was drenched with sweat. “Feels so good, love. I don’t want this to end. I missed this, too.”

  Tessa gasped as he deftly switched their positions, pulling her on top of him while he reclined against the pillows, their sweat-slicked bodies remaining co-joined the entire time. Ian’s hands gripped her hips as she found the rhythm he wanted.

  His thumb brushed over the swollen nub of her clit. “Want to make you come again,” he rasped. “Over and over, until we both lose count.”

  “No.” She shook her head, the last remaining strands of her hair still contained in a messy bun tumbling down her back. “Don’t hold back. Please. I need you wild, want to see you lose control. Like this.”

  She ignored his attempts to slow her down as she began to buck frantically back and forth, riding him hard. She leaned forward until her breasts brushed his chest, her nipples raking over his hot skin. He gasped as she ran her tongue over his mouth, her teeth tugging on his lower lip.

  And then, before he could stop her, she slipped a hand to where their bodies were joined and began to gently stimulate his prostate gland, in the exact way she knew would drive him over the edge.

  He came instantly, cursing loudly as his back bowed off the mattress again and again, and she could feel the hot, sticky bursts of his cum flooding her pussy. Almost violently, Ian pulled her head down to his, kissing her savagely as he continued to empty himself into her warm, tight body.

  Tessa collapsed on his chest when he was finally replete, his arms and legs splayed out limply. She could feel the rapid thud of his heartbeat beneath her cheek, and caressed his arms and shoulders soothingly.

  When he was finally able to speak, his voice was hoarse and the words came out slowly. “The next time you use that little trick, give me some warning, eh? One of these times I might not survive the experience.”

  She laughed softly, sliding off his body to curl up t
rustingly against his side. “Maybe instead of that oxygen tank you mentioned we ought to keep a defibrillator handy. Or,” she added teasingly, dropping a series of quick, sweet kisses on his mouth, “I could just learn mouth to mouth resuscitation.”

  His chest rumbled with laughter. “I think all three are excellent precautions.” One big hand slid down her spine to cup her ass. “But I hope you realize that this only adds to the total number of orgasms I still owe you.”

  “What?” She gave him a puzzled little frown.

  Ian grinned wickedly. “Well, considering this last one was really like five regular orgasms combined, by my totals I now owe you at least ten.”

  She shook her head. “Impossible. Because according to my much more accurate calculations, it’s an even dozen.”

  “Well, then,” he murmured in amusement as his lips began to trail down between her breasts to her belly. “I’d better get busy, don’t you agree?”

  Tessa’s laughs soon turned to moans as his head disappeared between her thighs. “I, ah, think that’s an excellent idea.”

  ***

  Jason Baldwin was not a happy man these days, and hadn’t been for quite some time now. He hated - positively hated - his current job as the manager of the hotel in Silicon Valley. In addition to the nerve-wracking, time consuming commute he had to endure in both directions of the drive, he considered the position far beneath what should have been his much more elevated status in the company. Plus, he had little patience when it came to dealing with hotel guests - smoothing over complaints or problems someone had if they didn’t care for their particular room; schmoozing with high-profile guests and clients and pandering to their already oversized egos; handling the various personnel problems that cropped up far too often for his liking; and having to answer on a regular basis to the regional office on one matter or another - and to a manager who had up until recently been a subordinate of his.

  And his miserable situation at work wasn’t helped even one bit by Charlotte’s almost constant whining as of late. She seemed to be checking up on him far more than she ever had in the past - frequent phone calls and texts, wanting to know exactly what time he’d be home from the office; packing their weekends full of events and activities so that he rarely had a free moment to himself.