by Lori Foster
“Oh God…” Her body jerked in reaction, pressing hard against him.
Cole kissed his way back to her ear, his teeth once again catching the lobe. His tongue stroked just as his finger did, and Sophie wasn’t too innocent to realize the parody of what he did. She clutched at him and her hips began to move in tandem with the rhythm he set.
She was close, and he knew it. It surprised him, her immediate, unsparing reaction to him. It also made him nearly wild with lust. He’d always assumed Sophie had hidden depths, that once unleashed, her passion would be savage and uninhibited. His entire body pulsed with each small shudder she gave, each deep, raw moan. And when he whispered, “You would taste so sweet. Can you imagine my mouth here, honey, my tongue touching and licking—” she gave a stifled scream and climaxed.
Cole held her close, keeping the wild pleasure intense until she whimpered and slumped into him, utterly drained. Blood pounded through his veins, roaring in his ears. He scooped her up and hurried into his bedroom. He lowered her to the bed, laying her on top of the cool quilts, his own body coming down to cover hers.
He kissed her long and deep, caressing her breasts, her thighs, her belly. He leaned back to look at her, then removed her open bra and finished stripping her panties down her legs. She turned her face away, breathing shakily.
“You’re perfect, sweetheart.” What an understatement. He’d never seen a woman who stirred him like this one did. He kissed her breasts, sucking and nipping, his mouth gentle, his tongue rough. Sophie’s body seemed to be designed with his sensual specifications in mind. He felt a near frenzy of need, but Sophie lay sated and limp beneath him, one hand in his hair, idly stroking. He shoved up to his side, pulled a condom from his jeans pocket, then held it in his teeth while he struggled out of the rest of his clothes.
His shoes went across the room when he kicked them off. He stood to shuck his jeans down his legs, and then turned back to Sophie. She immediately protested.
“I didn’t get to see you,” she said with a sexy pout.
Despite his need, Cole chuckled and moved her thighs apart, situating her for lovemaking. “Whereas I can see you very well. All of you,” he added in a low, breathless growl, looking at her damp, soft curls and the tender flesh they protected. She still wore her stockings and the wisp of a garter belt, and she was so incredibly sexy he nearly lost his control. His fingers stroked over her again, easily now with her recent orgasm, feeling her slick dampness, her heat. Her modesty was gone and she simply allowed him to look, to touch. The sight helped to curb his rush. He could look at her forever and be happy.
She wasn’t willing to give him forever. Damn this game.
She stretched like a small cat and smiled at him. “It’s hardly fair, you know. I’ve been very curious about your body.”
“You’ll see me soon enough.” He tore the silver package open and slipped the condom on. “But not now because I can’t wait.”
He caught her legs in the crook of his elbows and bent low over her, leaving her totally exposed and vulnerable to his possession. Sophie grabbed his shoulders to hold on, her eyes wide and dark, her breath coming in small, anxious pants. He probably should have taken more care, treated her more gently, with more restriction. Instead, he held her wide open and watched as he entered her body, as her delicate flesh gave way to his, slowly allowing him entrance. His muscles clenched even more, his heart thumping heavily. She was tight, resisting him, and he flexed his buttocks, forcing his way forward.
She said his name on a low moan.
“God, you’re snug,” he whispered through clenched teeth, and his forehead was damp with sweat. Sophie tipped her head back, biting her lip and squeezing her eyes shut. A rosy flush spread from her breasts to her throat and cheeks, not embarrassment, but sharp arousal. It fed his own. And then he sank into her, her body finally accepting his, squeezing him like a hot, wet, hungry fist.
He knew, of course, that she wasn’t overly experienced, that she was mostly shy and withdrawn and therefore probably not all that practiced with men. But he hadn’t expected her to be like this, so tight that he had to wonder if any other man had ever had her. The thought that he was the first, that she’d waited twenty-six years for him, broke his control, overwhelming him with a tidal wave of feelings he couldn’t name and wasn’t ready to deal with.
He withdrew, only to rock into her again, slow at first, but then harder and faster. “I’m sorry, baby,” he said between rushing breaths, “I can’t wait.”
With no apparent complaints, Sophie reached for him, drawing his mouth down to hers, kissing him with a hunger that matched his own. Her small, feminine muscles held him tight, resisting each time he pulled away, then gladly squeezing as he pushed deep back into her, milking him, making him wild. When she pressed her head back, groaning in another immediate climax, Cole followed her. His mind went blank, his vision blurred, and his body burned. He felt a part of her, her scent in his head, his heart. He pounded heavily into her slim body until finally, he stiffened and his body shook as he emptied himself. He stayed suspended like that for long moments, then slowly collapsed against her.
Their rapid heartbeats mingled, and he could feel her breathing in his ear, soft, fast breaths. God, he loved her. The possessiveness nearly choked him; he wanted badly to whisper her name, to tell her how their lives would be from now on. To make her admit she cared also.
He’d gladly given up his personal life to care for his brothers. In that time, no woman had really appealed to him, to tempt him from his duty. But now he was free, and Sophie was here, as if sent by fate just when he was ready for her and needed her most. He wanted her, now and always. But he held back the words of commitment, unsure of her and how she would take such a declaration when she’d been so insistent on their time limit.
Slowly, carefully, he untangled his arms from her legs and heard her moan as her legs dropped. He’d been too rough, moved too fast for her, but she hadn’t complained.
He managed a kiss to her neck by way of apology, but his mind was too sluggish, too affected, to do more than that. Her fingers sifted through his damp hair, and he could feel her smile where her mouth touched his shoulder.
“I hadn’t imagined anything like that.”
How the hell could she form coherent words? Cole struggled up onto his elbows and looked down at her, still breathing hard. She appeared smug and very satisfied. “So you thought it was okay?” he teased.
“Incredible.”
He felt like a world conqueror at her words. He brushed his fingertips over her swollen lips. “I’m glad. I think you’re pretty damned special, too. I always have.”
She stilled for just a moment, her eyes wary. Her tongue came out to touch nervously on her lower lip, and she accidently licked against his finger. They both shuddered in reaction. “We only met a few days ago.”
He was still inside her, her naked breasts flattened against the hardness of his chest, their pulses still too fast, and she continued the ridiculous game. She should have been admitting the truth to him by now. He’d all but told her how he felt.
Unless, of course, she didn’t feel the same. If what her assistant, Allison, had said was true, her life had been so quiet, so sedate, she may have just hungered for a quick bite of adventure. Did she truly want him as a one-night stand? He’d assumed she’d concocted the absurd plan because she was unsure of herself and him. But it was possible the opposite was true, that she didn’t hope for more involvement, but rather a guarantee of less. His stomach cramped at the possibility.
“Cole?”
“I was just thinking. It seems like I’ve known you a long time.”
“Maybe that’s because you’ve known Sophie. But we’re nothing alike.”
He smoothed her dark hair away from her face, wishing there was some simple, magical way to figure her out. He’d never suspected that his Sophie might be so contrary and complex. “I don’t know about that,” he whispered. “Sophie is—”
S
he laughed, interrupting him and quickly changing the subject before he could say the words that he desperately wanted to say, words he hoped would reassure her and gain a reciprocal declaration. “Are you ever going to get around to taking my picture?”
Momentarily distracted, he teased, “Like this?” He looked her over leisurely, the wild tangle of her hair, her sated gaze, the way her limbs were entwined with his. His hand smoothed over her hip. “You’d be a winner for sure.”
She smiled. “How about just a head shot?”
He pretended disappointment. “I suppose it’ll have to do.” He pulled away, letting his hand linger on her thigh for a heart-stopping moment. “Don’t move.”
“I’m not sure I even can.” But she did turn toward him, propping her head up on an elbow. “Where are you going?”
“I have a camera here.”
Cole disposed of the condom, then slipped on his jeans before rummaging in his closet for the instamatic camera. He looked up to see Sophie posed there, her hair wild, the quilts rumpled beneath her, one long, stocking-clad leg bent, the lacy garter still in place. A new wave of heat hit him. She was his. One way or another, he’d make her admit it.
“I should have gone slower, played longer,” he said as he surveyed the feast she made.
“Why didn’t you?”
He shook his head and came to sit on the edge of the bed. “Because you made me so crazy I couldn’t even think straight, much less wait very long. I meant to make our first time together really special.”
She laughed. “You haven’t heard me complaining, have you?”
He’d never imagined Sophie with that particular impish smile. He kissed her, loving her more with each passing moment. “So you feel satisfied?”
She stretched again. “Absolutely. It was more than I’d ever imagined. So stop worrying.”
“All right.” It was easy to convince him since he didn’t want to waste a single second with her by debating the issue. The night was still young enough, he’d have plenty of time to prove his point to her.
He lifted the camera to his eye, sending her squawking and screeching, grabbing for the sheet. “Cole, wait! I have to comb my hair. I’m a wreck.”
“No, you’re beautiful.” She crossed her arms over her breasts and laughed at him, and that’s the picture he took. When it slid out of the camera, he lifted it out of her reach, then stood to put it on his dresser.
“Don’t you dare consider hanging that anywhere!”
“I’m keeping that one for myself.”
She relaxed again and studied him, her expression going soft and curious. “Why?”
“So I can look at you whenever I want.” That was the truth, though not nearly close to how deeply he felt about it. “Now, if you want to put your blouse on and comb your hair before I take the entry picture, that’s fine, but I swear you don’t need it.”
“I’m going to do it anyway.”
He chuckled at her show of prim vanity. “All right. I’ll go get us something to drink. You have about three minutes.”
* * *
He was back in two, and Sophie had just begun to untangle her hair. She still felt languorous and warm and sated. She wanted nothing more than to curl back up on the bed with Cole and do all those things they’d already done, plus more. The bed smelled like him, and she could have snuggled into it forever. She pondered the possibility of stealing one of his pillows, but knew she’d be found out. She glanced at the clock and wanted to cry over the amount of time that had already passed them by.
Though she was enjoying their easy banter and intimate conversation—something she hadn’t expected—she hadn’t had near enough time to explore his body. It fascinated her, his perfect collection of hard bone and strong muscle. The few quick looks she’d gotten had made her insides feel like they were melting. She literally wanted to kiss him all over.
“What are you thinking about? There’s a wicked gleam in your eyes.”
Startled, Sophie looked up at him. He set a tray with two mugs of hot chocolate and a can of whipped cream on the dresser. His chest was bare and as he moved, muscles flexed and rippled. His jeans hung low, thanks to the fact he hadn’t buttoned or zipped them, and his bare feet were large, braced apart, the tops sprinkled with dark hair.
She wanted to groan in pleasure; she wanted to tell him to stand there for about a year or so and let her look her fill. “I was thinking of your body, and how unfair it is that I haven’t gotten to touch you much.”
He froze for an instant, then shuddered. His eyes narrowed and grew dangerously bright. “You’ll get your turn, if you’re sure you want it.” He loaded one mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, forming a small mountain, then carried it to her with a spoon. Sophie scooted up against the headboard and balanced the warm cup between her palms. Leaning forward, she licked at the cream, more than a little aware of Cole’s gaze.
His hand touched the side of her face, smoothing her hair back behind her ear. “I’d like to make love to you until morning, honey, if you’re sure you’re up to it.”
Dark color slashed high on his cheekbones and his eyes were bright, glittering. He looked very aroused, and Sophie set the mug aside on the nightstand to give him her full attention. “I’d like that, too. I want this night to be enough to last a long, long time.”
“You’re not too sore?”
Such a strong wave of embarrassment washed over her, she felt even her nose turn red. “Of course not.” It was a partial lie; she did feel achy in the places she flatly refused to mention. But it didn’t matter, not when compared with the pleasure of getting to hold him again.
“You were so tight,” he whispered, his hands still touching her as if he couldn’t help himself. “I know you haven’t had much hands-on experience. No,” he said, placing a finger over her lips when she started to object. “I’m not judging or asking for details. But I know women’s bodies, babe. And you were either a virgin, or you’ve been a hell of a long time without a man. You were so damn tight I almost lost my mind. But either way, I don’t want to hurt you.”
Sophie felt touched to her soul. He was so wonderfully considerate, so decidedly male. Protective and virile, and she could gladly spend a lifetime with him. He’d hinted several times that he wouldn’t mind continuing his relationship with Shelly, and she was so very tempted. But how could she ever manage such a thing? Keeping up the game for only a few days had worn on her. Already, she’d missed more sleep than ever before. Her boutique demanded all her attention in the mornings, so she couldn’t keep up the late hours with Cole along with her normal shift at the shop. And the longer she was with him, the more risk she ran of being found out. If Cole knew she acted out both roles, what would he think? She shuddered at the mere possibility.
Softly now, because tears were so close, she whispered, “I want anything and everything you can give me tonight. What little discomfort I have doesn’t matter at all, not in comparison to how you make me feel.”
The muscles in his shoulders and neck seemed to tighten even more. Abruptly, he stood and grabbed up the camera. “Give me a smile, honey.”
She did, though she knew it was a weak effort. His obvious arousal triggered her own. Once the photo was taken, he looked at the picture, nodded in satisfaction, then put it and the camera aside. “Now.”
Shakily, her smile barely there, Sophie asked, “Now what?”
“Now we finish our drinks—after you get rid of that shirt.”
Once again, he unbuttoned her blouse, playing with her, kissing each spot of skin that was uncovered, teasing her. Sophie relished his attention to detail. He also knelt in front of her to remove her garter and stockings. “I want you completely naked,” he explained, and she hadn’t cared to argue with him, too excited by the husky timber of his voice.
To her surprise, once that was done, he didn’t attempt to make love to her again but instead wanted to assist her with her mug of hot chocolate. Sophie giggled every time he carried a spoonf
ul of whipped cream to her mouth, but he was persistent, cajoling, and before the drinks were done, she had caught on and teased him unmercifully, licking at the spoon and sometimes his fingers, making him groan in reaction. She’d never been a flirt before, but she liked it.
And judging by his reactions, he liked it, too.
She thought of all the nights she drank hot chocolate at his bar and knew she’d never be able to order the drink there again. The chocolate always gave her a boost to get through the rest of her evening after a long workday, sort of like the caffeine from coffee did for others. She drank it year round, but now, she would imagine this scene, and if Cole so much as looked at her, she would recall his touch, his kiss. Though this was happening to Shelly, Sophie would be affected. No, she would never drink hot chocolate in front of him again. But it was worth it to lose the one small, routine comfort, when compared with the excitement of their present play.
“God, the way you do this ought to be outlawed for the sanity of mankind.”
She merely smiled.
“You’re such a tease,” he whispered.
To which she replied, “Me? You’re the one who still has his jeans on.”
He leaned forward and kissed her, his tongue smoothing over her lips, then dipping inside before he pulled away. “An easy enough problem to fix.” He stood and unselfconsciously shucked off the last of his clothes. Sophie caught her breath at the sight of him. He was already hard, thrusting outward, and her body warmed at the significance of that.
“I started something earlier that I didn’t get a chance to finish.”
She couldn’t imagine what. Everything had felt very finished to her; her nerve endings all came alive as she remembered the ways he’d touched and kissed her. Her eyes rounded when he scooped her up and laid her flat on the bed, one of her legs across his lap, the other behind him. Without a word, he leaned over and very gently nipped her ear, his tongue touching, stroking. One hand closed on her breast, and his fingers smoothed over and around her nipple until she squirmed.
