He gave Sally a side hug and kissed her hair. “I’ll see you later. Stay out of trouble.”
She giggled. “Like that’s an option.”
“Yeah, I know. Why is it all the women in my life are trouble with a capital T?” He moved toward Athena’s office and lifted a hand. “Catch you later.”
“Bye.” Her voice trailed off in a thoughtful pause.
Mark was sure she was stumped, because Sally prided herself on always knowing what he thought.
Today, however, he’d left her a little clueless and he felt good about it.
Chuckling to himself, he came to Athena’s office suite and walked in. He looked around for the receptionist. She was nowhere to be found. He shrugged and continued toward her inner office. Through the slightly ajar door, he heard voices.
He’d just peek in to see if she was there. If she was with a client, he’d take a seat and wait.
“Miss Wolchowski, I can’t perform miracles.”
“Not what I heard, girl. You got Mark Cage laid. I’d say that’s pretty miraculous. Ranks right up there with the immaculate conception.”
Mark heard Athena gasp, though he couldn’t see them through the opening. “How could you even know that?” she asked the older woman.
“All over town. And that man is a hard nut to crack.”
The burst of laughter that came from Athena sounded as if she couldn’t help herself. Her next words were muffled, so Mark guessed she’d covered her mouth with her hand to disguise her response. Good girl. Sheesh. Did everyone in town know he hadn’t gone home last night?
“What’s that, girl? Don’t hear as well as I once did and you’re mumbling.”
“Sorry, Miss Wolchowski. But contrary to popular belief, I did not get Mark Cage laid last night.” He heard amusement in her voice.
The corner of his mouth kicked up in response.
She could have, though, if she’d wanted.
She’d put him in the shower, naked. He’d been ripe for the taking.
However, he’d also been drunk off his ass. Maybe not the best plan, because who knew how he would have measured up to Athena’s previous lovers if anything had happened. No doubt the woman had had many in her lifetime. But he also knew she’d never experienced romping hot sex for hours, which was something.
A woman didn’t get as far as Athena did, looking as beautiful and embracing sensuality and passion the way she did, without collecting a few men along the way. He wanted their first time to blow her away and keep her coming back to him for more.
That thought sobered him. Athena Sullivan wasn’t the staying kind, relationship-wise. He knew it in his gut. She enjoyed men and moved on; he could see it in the way she’d carried herself last night and greeted men all during the speed-dating event. She was a wanderer. A sensual gypsy, taking what she wanted or needed, then blithely moving on to the next willing partner. Damn, if that didn’t make his gut burn uncomfortably. He rubbed it.
Athena would not be a woman to get involved with, long-term. Not when he didn’t want a causal hookup or a no-attachment relationship. She’d break his heart. His only relationship had been with his wife. From college to marriage. He didn’t know anything else.
Mark pulled himself back to the conversation he’d been eavesdropping on.
“He had as many dates as everyone else, including you.”
“Yes, but I went home alone. And Mark Cage, that stinker, didn’t come home until this morning. I want me some of that, too.”
Athena giggled. “Okay, well, let’s start with your dates. Was there anyone you were interested in? I tried to match you up with men your age.”
“Pffft. That’s the problem. Men my age want younger women.”
“Not all. I promise.”
The older woman cleared her throat. “Well, there was one or two I enjoyed talking to.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere.”
He liked how Athena showed even Miss Wolchowski compassion and kindness, willing to help her find love in her golden years. It was nice.
Mark decided he didn’t need to know the particulars of Maddie Wolchowski’s love life, especially since the conversation no longer revolved around him. Thank God. He made his way back into the lounge and took a seat to wait his turn.
Ten minutes later, Miss Wolchowski came hobbling through the sitting area, shifting her weight as she used her cane. “Speak of the devil. I heard you got some action last night, young man.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You’re the age of my wife’s grandmother, Miss Wolchowski. No disrespect, but I wouldn’t talk to her about my sex life, and I’m not going to do it with you either, sorry.”
“Come on, humor an old lady.” A sly expression washed over her face. “Was she pretty? Which one was it? The redhead with the tattoos? Or the brunette who tends bar here?”
He rolled his eyes. “Neither.” He pushed himself out of his seat. “Have a good day, Miss Wolchowski.”
“Oh, I plan to.” She eyed him up and down. “And by the looks of it you had a pretty good night yourself.”
Mark didn’t respond. There was no way she could see anything of the sort. Because it didn’t happen. But let people think what they wanted. They’d all keep guessing who he’d been with. Hooking up with his relationship coach was a big no-no. He was quite certain of it.
And, yet, he wanted her in the worst way.
He tapped on Athena’s door and poked his head around it. “Hey, you have a few minutes?”
Her smile brightened. “For you, always.”
“Awww. I am special.” He paced through the door and closed it softly behind him.
“You are.” He saw the warmth in her stormy blue eyes.
Something deep inside Mark shifted, and he really wanted to please this woman. Wanted her to think that way always about him. Wanted her to love him.
He froze.
Held his breath.
There wasn’t a woman in ten years he’d wanted to love him. Period. What the fuck’s wrong with me? He saw this woman naked once, and she’d cast a siren spell on him? He rubbed his head to dislodge the bothersome thought. This could not be love. Maybe serious lust. Yes. But not love.
“What can I do for you? Are you here to check on your follow-up date with Daphne tomorrow night?”
He blinked. Date. Daphne. “Ah, no.” He searched for what to say instead. “I just wanted to stop by, see if we were okay after this morning.”
“We’re great.” She stood and strolled around her desk. He noticed how her powder blue pencil skirt hugged her hips and thighs. A matching top, with strings tied in bows at each shoulder, perfectly accentuated her full breasts, making his mouth water to taste her rose-colored nipples again. Part of the problem was, he now knew what was under those clothes. And he wanted her more than ever because of it. Christ. He needed to feed this lust, or it would only get stronger. Hound him day and night.
She leaned against her desk. “What did you have on your mind?”
Her voice was soft, husky. The whisper of it caressed his dick, making him harder than he’d been when he first saw her sitting behind her desk.
He took a step forward.
The air grew thicker. Tension sparked between them. Awareness so palpable, it was as if she touched him when she merely glanced at him.
Mark tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and cupped her face. Cherry ripe lips beckoned him. “I was hoping we could finish what we started last night.” He touched his mouth to the corner of her mouth. Soft. Gentle.
She didn’t pull back, merely leaned into him ever so slightly. A tiny moan escaped her parted lips. Signal enough for him.
He slid his hand to the back of her neck and pulled her toward him. He nibbled her bottom lip until she opened her mouth, t
hen he took possession.
Soft, hot, slippery smooth.
Their lips mated in a never-ending dance that felt divine.
She moved into him, her breasts brushing his chest, her thighs bumping into his as she buried her fingers in his hair, tightening them to bring him even closer.
His fingers found a shoulder tie and he tugged. One side of her top drooped. He caressed the soft, rounded flesh of her breast.
She moaned. He pinched the nipple. She gasped, throwing her head back, the soft column of her throat exposed. He kissed and sucked his way to her ear, where he bit down gently. She arched against him, rubbing her body against his. She wound her leg around his hip, pulling him tighter to her.
He palmed her knee, pushing higher up her thigh, under her skirt. “So soft.”
She whimpered. “Touch me, please.”
Mark couldn’t resist. Even if he’d wanted to, and he’d never want to stop with this woman.
She gripped his hard cock through his pants. Stroked him once, then twice. He groaned in response. Determined to touch her wet core and make her pay for teasing him, he found her, warm and wet. Ready for him. He slid two fingers under the fabric of her panties and pushed them inside her.
She gasped. “Oh, my God. Yes.”
He withdrew and she cried out, “No.”
“Ssshhh.” He took possession of her mouth as he began to pump his fingers into her, his tongue mimicking what his hand was doing between her toned thighs. She writhed under him, passion incarnate. Pressure built in his cock.
“Please. I want you. Inside me.” She whispered the desperate words next to his ear.
He pulled back to consider her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” The word was a gasp. A plea for help. Relief.
“Fuck.”
She nodded. “Yes, that, please.”
He unzipped his pants. His rigid cock sprang free. She gripped it and stroked once. He hissed. “Don’t. Wait. Please. It’s been too long. I’ll go off fast.”
She bit down on her lip and nodded, understanding.
Mark jammed a hand into his pocket to retrieve a condom. Tearing at the foil packet, he rushed to roll it on. Then he hiked up her skirt, lifted her to the desk, pushed the fabric of her G-string aside and slid slowly into her. The soft sigh that escaped her lips was sexy as fuck. And he thought he might explode upon first contact. He held her hips still as she tried to lift into him. “Wait.”
She stilled, eyes intent on his face.
Sweat beaded on his brow as he clenched his jaw tight. “You feel amazing. So fucking tight.”
“Mmmmm.” She purred. “Yes, so big. Stretched tight. Amazing.”
Mark squeezed his eyes shut, trying hard not to erupt right then. He breathed deep. Once. Twice. Gaining control, he shifted, moving in and out slowly. She clamped her legs around his waist and pulled him deep. He groaned. “So damned deep.”
“Mmmm hmmm. So good. Don’t stop. Ever.”
He didn’t plan to. He picked up the rhythm in time to her gasping and mewling.
She tightened around his cock. “Mark, I’m gonna come.”
“Let it go, baby.” He pressed his mouth to hers, kissing her deeply, then pulling back to watch her. “Give it all to me.”
His own orgasm rode the hard edge. When she went over, her entire body clutched him as she keened softly, eyes squeezed tight, lips parted. Mark couldn’t hold on any longer and flew over the abyss. Wave after wave of pleasure rocked him as he spent himself within her tight opening.
A knock made them both freeze, before jumping into action.
“Shit,” she whispered and scrambled off the desk, pushing her skirt down and tying up her blouse.
Mark hastily removed the condom. He zipped his pants and stuffed his shirt in his waistband. Jesus. They were in her office. How could he forget?
She ran her fingers through her hair, then made her way over to open the door, pasting on a poker face. “Hello.”
Someone spoke from the other side.
“Sure. Give me five minutes and I’ll be with you. I’m just finishing up with another client.”
A mumble.
“Perfect. I’ll be right with you.”
She closed the door and leaned her forehead against it. “I can’t do this.” The words were soft, almost as if he’d imagined them. Then she lifted her head, turned, planted her feet in a wide stance, and studied him.
Something flickered in her eyes. Regret? Leftover lust?
Her expression said everything she wasn’t saying. We can never do that again.
“I’ve got another appointment now.”
“Right.” He jammed his hands into his pockets as he met her in the middle of the room. “Can I see you tonight?”
Mark knew her answer, but he wanted to hear her say it. Call me a sado-masochist.
She just stared back at him, eyes wide. “Mark, we can’t. I’ve got ethics and rules I need to follow as a coach. There’s a power differential. I can’t . . . We can’t . . .” She didn’t try to fill the silence that ensued when her voice trailed off. Neither did he. Not at first.
After a long, painful pause, he knew it was time to go.
“Right.” His chest constricting painfully, he rubbed the back of his neck, stepping around her.
He didn’t do hookups. But apparently, this was how she justified them. Got carried away in the moment and then brushed it off as a conflict of interest. What-the-fuck-ever.
“Don’t forget your date with Daphne tomorrow night at six o’clock. Please meet me fifteen minutes early so I can give you some pointers.”
Cold. She’d already moved on. And had him moving on with Daphne. “Sure. Because you got all the right answers. I’ll be here, coach.”
And if his words dripped with bitterness and sarcasm, he didn’t really care. Not one bit.
Let her squirm for a change.
Because her rejection hurt.
He watched her. Did he imagine that she sucked in a sharp breath? Yeah, probably. Because when she sat down at her desk, facing him, she was composed. Offered him a friendly smile and a little wave.
He released a disgusted grunt and strode out. Yeah. Right. Moving on. He didn’t care.
If that was the truth, then why did his chest hurt so damned much? He pressed a fist against his sternum. Felt like he’d been skewered right through the heart.
Gabby sat in the lounge area, obviously Athena’s next appointment. Dammit all to hell.
He didn’t say a word to her, only scowled in her direction as he stalked past, and for once, the old broad had sense enough to keep quiet.
~ ~ ~
Mark took the scenic route home. He didn’t even realize he passed the convent where Sarah had led him the other night to the tree, until the chiming bells pulled him from his tangled, dark thoughts. Damned woman. Who needed Athena anyway?
He rubbed his chest. Apparently, he did.
She’d found her way in, no matter how determined he’d been to keep her out.
Fuck.
The bells made him turn to examine the convent courtyard. The black iron gate remained open, inviting him in. He paused. Should he?
He saw the tree at the middle of the courtyard. Spanish moss hung from its branches. Shadows shifted in the leaves as sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling golden light like glowing dots on the slate stones of the courtyard path; somehow beckoning him.
He was curious if the tree would seem as it did the other night. Almost alive. Like something or someone lived inside it. Or if he’d just been drunk off his ass. More likely the latter. But always best to know for sure if you were imagining ghosts and trees talking to you or not. Good to be aware if you were certifiable.
He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and made his way to the tree. He stood there a long moment, just studying it. This tree rivaled The Old Senator in age, another ancient tree and popular St. Augustine landmark. The weathered trunk was huge. He knew he couldn’t get his arms around it, even if he tried. He placed his hand on the trunk of the tree, and the rough bark bit into his palm.
“You have a question?” a faint voice came from the branches high above. Or was it his imagination? The wind blowing in the branches? Leaves hissing? He canted his head to one side to listen. “Speak. I do not have all day, brew man.”
“So, you really do speak?”
“Not to all.”
“Why me then?”
“Because you needed help finding your soul mate. I sent her to you.”
“I don’t want her. I thought I wanted Daphne. But I don’t.”
“I did not send Daphne. Athena is your soul mate.”
Mark froze. Why had he thought it had been Daphne the other night? Because he was a blind fool who thought Daphne was the perfect woman for him until today. He’d been an idiot. “Athena doesn’t want me.”
“You have asked her?”
He thought about their recent interaction. “Well, no.” He took a few steps, pacing in front of the tree. “Yes, in a manner of speaking, I did.” He pushed his hand back through his hair. “But she doesn’t love me.”
“I send your soul mate to you. I cannot orchestrate anything else. Everything else is up to you. You must do the hard work to win her.”
“I am doing the work. Only she’s not buying it. I can’t get her to budge.”
“Sorry, I cannot help you. Love is hard.”
“What good are you then? Why send me someone who won’t fall in love with me?”
“I did not say that.” The leaves in the branches shivered, making a faint tinkling sound. Mark could almost imagine the silvery leaves were metal chimes. “I do plenty of good.” The tree seemed to actually huff out a frustrated sigh. “I said love was hard and you had to work to earn it from your soul mate. Love is complicated. You must give yourself fully. To love and be loved is the greatest gift in life. But to earn it, you must sacrifice your whole heart, holding nothing back, nothing in reserve. You must give it all. That is the only true way.”
Make Me a Match (The Soul Mate Tree Book 5) Page 9
