What was he supposed to do now?
That couldn’t be true. He didn’t want to believe her assertions. He’d had conversations with Pace Daniels after he’d hooked up with Haven St. James. Theirs had been a doomed relationship from the start, too. And, yet, somehow, they’d found happiness. They’d worked it out. Mark was sure he and Athena could arrive at some kind of agreement. Or at least try to figure out if they had something lasting between them.
He reclined on the blanket, propped on an elbow as he watched the waves of the ocean beat the sandy beach, before receding. It came to him with the next crash of a wave; first, he’d fire her, then he’d pursue her hard and erode her defenses. Wear her down. Just like the waves of the ocean did to the beach and the shells . . . or anything else in its pathway. Oh, yeah. Athena didn’t know it yet, but she was destined to be his.
And Daphne?
He silenced the small voice in his head. She’d been all wrong for him from the beginning. Plus, she didn’t really like him anyway. And if he had anything to say about it, once the picnic was over, she’d be sure to hate him even more.
Pleased with himself, Mark reached into the hamper and pulled out the palm-sized hot pink vibrator he’d packed. Athena thought he’d been joking when he’d mentioned it. He’d included the toy, not for Daphne, but for his passionate, recalcitrant relationship coach.
He’d had hopes of using it with her. Now, he planned to put it to good use to scare off his ideal woman. Then he could use it on the one woman he really wanted. The whole idea had him hard and ready to go at it with Athena the second he saw her rounding the bend with Daphne.
Mark relaxed on the blanket next to the hamper, and tried to keep the shit-eating grin off his face. He must not have succeeded too well, because Athena’s eyebrows shot up and a wary expression flashed across her face.
He bit the inside of his cheek. Still couldn’t stop the grin.
Athena scanned the area and her eyes grew big as soon as she spied the pink toy on the blanket.
Glaring first at the toy, then at him, she jerked her head to indicate he needed to grab the toy and get it out of sight.
He ignored her.
She’d been conversing intently, side-by-side, with Daphne until that moment. Her head snapped up, gaze laser-focused on him and the blanket. Stepping in front of his date, Athena marched toward the blanket, a woman with a distinct agenda.
Mark watched to see what she’d do next.
She kicked her shoes off, moved onto the blanket, right over the toy, and sat down. Her long skirt covered it. And from what he could tell by the way she wiggled, she hadn’t quite calculated the position correctly.
He’d bet she sat right on the damned thing.
Even better.
“I can’t believe you,” she whispered in little more than a hiss.
“Oh, next time you will. I don’t lie about these things.”
“Behave,” she said softly with bared teeth, then turned a bright smile on Daphne. “Sweetie, have a seat.” She extended her hand in an inviting wave. “Anywhere you’re comfortable.”
Daphne hesitated. “Oh, I didn’t realize we’d be outside.” Her confidence faltered. “I’m not dressed for sun.”
Mark considered her dowdy brown slacks and cardigan. She was right. Who dressed that way in St. Augustine?
“Take off your sweater. The sun is on its way down. I’m sure you’ll be comfortable then,” Athena assured.
The other woman’s face brightened. “Sure, that’s a great idea.” She shrugged out of her sweater. “I know I pale in comparison to you. You’re always confident. Gorgeous. And you wear such vibrant colors. There’s no competing with you.”
And wasn’t that the truth? There was something innately attractive and bold about Athena that drew Mark to her like a moth to an open campfire. Only he knew the dangers of playing with fire.
Yet at the moment, he didn’t give a damn. He craved that fire. He wanted it to consume him.
Athena touched Daphne’s arm. “It’s not a competition. I’m not in the running. So, let’s get this party started, shall we?”
Yes, let’s. Mark reached into his pocket and pressed the button on the toy remote he’d planted there.
Athena jerked.
“Are you okay?” Daphne asked Athena.
“Mmmm hmmm.” She nodded quickly. Her eyes darted to Mark.
He grinned, thinking about the ultra-silent vibrator that’d just come to life underneath the beautiful blonde.
Athena gave him a you-are-so-dead glare, accompanied by a you-wouldn’t-dare thrust of her chin.
He quirked his brow at her challenge. Oh, hell yes I would.
Turning to Daphne, he picked up her hand, brushing his lips over the back of her knuckles. “You are lovely this evening. Your outfit brings out the color of your eyes. A warm, caramel brown.”
Daphne blushed. “Th-thank you. That’s very sweet.”
Athena squirmed and closed her eyes. Her own color rose in her cheeks, but for a very different reason. “Yes, he’s tremendously sweet and thoughtful.” Her words were just the tiniest bit strained and breathy.
Mark beamed, first at Daphne, then at Athena. “I am.”
He dug his hand into his pocket and pushed the next button, changing the rhythm of the vibration.
“You are something.” Athena gasped, but recovered quickly. “Daphne, would you like a drink?”
“That would be lovely.” She glanced between the two of them.
“Mark.” Athena’s tone was warning.
“Oh, sure.” He held up the stemless wineglasses and offered one to Daphne. “I only brought two. Would you like to take mine, Athena?”
He could see Athena war with herself. “I shouldn’t. I won’t be here much longer.”
“Come on, you need to relax. Let go a little. Please, I insist. It’s the least I can do. Or we can share.”
Athena bit her plump bottom lip. Mark’s groin tightened. If he had anything to do about it, he’d be biting that lip himself soon and sharing a lot more than a wineglass. She moaned. “Oh, all right.” She made it sound as if she was giving in. Only Mark knew that the groan came from a more mechanical stimulation.
He snickered. “You are a tough cookie to crack, Ms. Athena.”
“Not as tough as you’d think,” she said under her breath. She repositioned herself, lowered her eyes, straightened the shortened front of her skirt, and wriggled again. Her long legs were folded to the side, modestly, which meant she sat directly over the offending toy.
He grinned wider.
“Sorry, I can’t seem to get comfortable. If I’d known the company was so electric, I might have worn something different. Lesson learned.”
“What lesson would that be?” he asked, making sure to infuse his tone with innocence.
Daphne looked at him then Athena, clearly confused.
Yes, Athena had to stay in pretty much the same position to conceal the brightly colored toy, otherwise, it’d be visible because of the cut of her skirt. Short in the front, exposing thighs and much more if she moved her legs the right way. He willed her to do just that; he’d love to see a glimpse of her sexy G-string and a flash of hot pink.
She must have caught his wavelength, because her scowl deepened. “Be prepared for any situation.”
His quick laugh took both women by surprise. Daphne’s eyes darted to him then away. Her smile faltered.
Athena’s mouth flatlined as her eyes widened, dark and lust-filled. She appeared a little feverish.
He winked at Daphne, trying to set her at ease. “This will do the trick. I promise.” He poured the wine into Daphne’s extended cup. Then he added a double dose to the glass he’d reserved for Athena and handed it to her.
She quickly took a gulp.
Mark settled back, watching her, aroused by the wild-eyed expression and the flushed glow her skin had taken on from trying to fight against the stimulation.
He reached in his pocket and amped the vibration.
“Shit.” Now sweat was beading on her brow and she bit down hard on her bottom lip. Eyes closed, she sucked in a long breath. “I don’t think this is going to work. I’m suddenly not feeling we-ee-ll a-a-at a-a-ll.” Her soft voice hitched. From the needy sound of her voice, she was near orgasm. And he couldn’t let her go. Not yet.
As she started to stand, Mark scooted closer to her on the blanket and placed a hand on her collarbone, pushing her back down. Hard.
“Oomph.” She grunted, but it sounded somehow needy and desperate.
He knelt between the two women now, his back to Daphne as he faced Athena. He glanced at Daphne to be sure she couldn’t see around him. “She’ll be fine in a sec.”
Daphne nodded and sipped her wine, fidgeting with the top button on her high collar.
He turned back to Athena. “Are you okay? Maybe you need a drink of water.” He held his hands on her shoulders to make sure her core stayed in contact with the vibrator under her. She didn’t resist.
“Dammit, that’s not what I need.” The retort came out soft and strangled.
“Why don’t you give it a moment.” He tilted her head back, his hand at the nape of her neck. “Take a deep breath. I’m sure you’ll be better in no time.” He ran his fingers along the column of her throat, down over her breast, and fingered her nipple hard.
Her entire body seized as she orgasmed. To her credit she clamped down on the cry, aware enough to hold it in. Damned if she wasn’t the sexiest thing he’d ever seen as she gave herself up to the silent pleasure. If she was sexy before, she was ravishing now.
All Mark wanted to do was consume her. Whole. Every part of her body. Her mouth. Her breasts and nipples. Her tight pussy.
And he would. As soon as he got rid of Daphne.
“Please,” Athena panted.
He knew what she wanted and he took mercy on her. He reached in his pocket and turned off the vibrator.
She slumped, forehead against his chest. Limp.
“Is she going to be okay?” Daphne spoke from behind him. She hadn’t moved.
“She’ll be fine.” Mark reached between Athena’s legs and found the toy. He skimmed his fingers through her damp folds, covering his needy groan with a cough. He made sure to slide his finger across her clit as he removed the toy from beneath her. “You okay?”
Eyes still closed, Athena nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be fine.” She blew a breath out in a whoosh. “That was intense, but I think whatever it was has passed.”
“Let me get you some water.” Mark palmed the toy. Keeping his back to Daphne, he pretended to fish in the hamper for a bottle of water. He dropped the toy in the brown paper wine bag and grabbed a cold bottle of water. “Here you go.”
Athena took it and twisted off the cap, taking a long drink. “Thanks. I owe you.”
The I owe you came out sounding more like a threat than anything else.
“No problem. Don’t worry about it.”
“Oh, I will return the favor, I promise.” She pushed herself to a standing position, sloshing the water on the blanket near where she’d sat. “Damn. Sorry. Now I’ve gotten your blanket all wet.”
Mark had already spotted the wet blotch she’d left behind, but not from the water she’d just splashed. That’s hot. Instantly, he was as hard as a rock.
She grabbed a towel from the hamper and bent to dab at the spot. He gripped her upper arm, holding her still. He was so turned on right now he didn’t trust himself to remain calm much longer. “Leave it. I’ll get it.”
He took the towel from her.
“All right. Well, I’ll let you two lovebirds alone to get to know each other. Text me later and I’ll circle back around with you each individually. Okay?” She waved and was off down the beach before Mark could say another word.
He watched her go. Then turned to Daphne, who was sitting on the blanket, a little bemused and totally clueless to what had just happened right under her nose. Yeah, that kind of naiveté was not going to work for him.
Not one bit.
Now to see how quickly he could drive this poor, timid woman off. In a nice, kind way, of course, because Athena would never forgive him if he was intentionally mean to Daphne. He didn’t guess it would take terribly long. He just had to tamp down the charm and amp the Neanderthal, as Athena called it. He could do that. He’d certainly had enough practice over the years. And practice always makes perfect.
Then again, what did he know? Maybe Athena was right and authenticity and communication could win the day. “You know what, Daphne? You are seriously sweet and quite a lovely person, but I just don’t think we’re suited for each other.”
Relief washed over her pale face. “Oh, my goodness. You are so right. I’m glad you could be honest with me. We are totally wrong for each other.” She scrambled to her feet and grabbed her purse. “Thank you so much for your time and kindness. Good luck finding Miss Perfect.”
Wow. She was that ready to throw him over and bolt. He almost snorted out loud. He’d totally read her signals all wrong.
Mark offered his hand, gently squeezing hers. “Thank you, but I think I’m done searching for the perfect woman.” He’d already found her in the hot, energetic Athena Sullivan. He didn’t need to search further. “I’m firing my coach. ASAP.”
Her hand flew to her mouth and worry marred her brow. “I hope it’s not because of me—because it didn’t work out between us.”
“Noooo. Not at all.” Mark gave her a side hug, his arm around her thin frame. “Let me walk you to your car.” They strolled in companionable silence for a moment. But Mark had to explain. “Don’t you worry about it. I’m just too difficult. I know that. I’m a handicap, as they say in golf.” He huffed out a sigh. “Figured it’s best to cut her loose now. Let her know I can’t work with her.”
He didn’t mention the reason he couldn’t work with Athena was because he wanted to screw her brains out, and to do that legitimately, he could no longer be her client. Let Daphne believe what she wanted. He just didn’t want her to feel bad about their relationship not working out. Or think it was her fault.
“That’s a shame.” Her chin drooped to her chest sadly. “I thought she was really good. I guess I was wrong. She came so highly recommended. How could everyone get it so wrong?”
“She’s great, but she’s just not going to work as my relationship coach.” He spoke the full truth, but tried to make it sound as bad as possible. “She met her match in me. I am just too hard to handle, I don’t really think she’s cut out to coach men like me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that—I think Athena’s done you a lot of good in a short amount of time.”
Mark paused. “Why, thank you, I think.” He gave her a half-smile.
“Good luck, Mark. I really wish you all the best.” She kissed him on the cheek, stepped back, waved, and hurried to her car across the parking lot as if someone were chasing her.
Whatever.
He ran his hand through his hair. Doomed from the beginning.
Mark waited for his phone to ring. He’d give Athena thirty minutes, tops, to contact him, then he’d go searching for her. He’d been a patient man, but now that he’d finally made a decision, he was a man on a mission. In the meantime, he cleaned up the picnic mess they’d made and stowed it in his truck.
Too bad he couldn’t tuck away the sexy images of Athena orgasming as easily. Then, he might be able to find a few minutes of peace.
Chapter 9
Cake by the Ocean
Mark found Athena an hour later at Essenc
e, not in her office, but in the gym at the kickboxing bags. He sobered when he saw her beating the shit out of a hundred-pound bag.
“Working out your aggression against a certain hot pink toy?”
She whirled on him, arms raised and bent at the elbows, fists slightly curled. Wet tendrils of hair, escaping from her high ponytail, curled around her face. The gloss of sweat on her skin suggested she’d been at this more than a few minutes. “No, I’m working out my aggression toward a certain owner of a hot pink toy. And his audacity to use it on me in broad daylight on the beach in front of another client.”
“Awww. Come on. You can’t say you didn’t enjoy it, or that you weren’t satisfied.”
“Satisfaction is relative.” She rested her fists on her hips as she glared at him, chest still heaving from her workout.
“You’re pretty good at that . . . I’d hate to meet you in a dark alley at night.”
She lifted a brow. “I can hold my own when I want.”
“I’m sure you can, coach.”
She cocked her head. “What’s up? I didn’t figure your date would be over yet. You had enough food to feed a refugee camp.”
“I wanted to talk to you.” At least half a dozen people milled about, somewhere in the process of their daily workout. “I was hoping in private.”
She glanced around. “All right. Give me ten minutes to shower and I’ll meet you in my office.”
He cleared his throat. “I’d prefer somewhere else.”
She looked wary. “No problem. You tell me, then.”
“How about at the East Entrance lobby?”
“That’s not very private.”
“No, it’s not. But I figured we could take a stroll on the beach a few minutes to talk. No one around at this time of night except the shell combers and the sea turtles. I’m guessing they’ll both keep their distance.”
Make Me a Match (The Soul Mate Tree Book 5) Page 11
