Her solo Os didn’t even seem to satisfy her as much anymore. Not when she knew that climaxes with a partner were so much more intense. She longed to experience the all-encompassing pleasure Oliver had awoken her to. Serene pivoted from the sunny view outside and left her office, ready to personally welcome the women that had come into her spa for the first time. She just needed to find another lover capable of taking her body to full-on ecstasy like Oliver had.
That’s possible, right?
Had to be.
She’d felt an initial spark with Shawn. Friday night she’d actually try to cultivate it. Maybe there was promise there if she put in some effort. Honestly, she was tired of the dating scene, tired of feeling as though she was missing out on a true connection. She was happy that her younger sister had found her match, but witnessing the bond between Misha and Cameron had made her wistful for a meaningful relationship of her own.
Lord knew she didn’t expect her Prince Charming to show up out of the blue at this point in her life, but there had to be a solution to her growing need to have more of what Oliver had proven she was capable of experiencing.
Too bad she only wanted to explore more with Oliver.
* * * *
Oliver glanced at his watch.
Where was that redhead?
As if on cue, Oliver caught sight of Shannon being led by the hostess through his brother’s upscale restaurant. He forced a grin on his face as she approached, watched her stop to smile and snap photos with a few patrons and wondered if the woman always felt the need to make a dramatic entrance. Oliver got up from his seat and acknowledged that she did look amazing in her characteristic mile-high stilettos in glossy gold and a hunter green halter dress that shimmied right at mid-thigh.
“Oliver, so sorry about the wait.”
I was thinking about leaving. Oliver pulled out her chair. “No problem.” He brushed his lips on her cheek when she leaned forward for a kiss.
“There was a pile-up on the Mag Mile.” Shannon took her seat and touched his arm. “I’m so glad you had time to meet me before my flight.”
“Me too.” Oliver sat down, poured wine in Shannon’s glass and handed it to her.
Liar. He’d felt obliged to do so, especially since he’d promised Shannon he’d take her to one of his brother’s spots. “How long is your layover?”
“I need to be at O’Hare in about three hours.” A coy grin played across Shannon’s glossy red lips. “I wish I could stay the night.”
He wasn’t. He’d hoped Shannon would take Tahiti for what it was—a tropical tryst—but with the constant calls and texts, it was obvious that she thought they’d started something more.
If only Shannon were Serene.
Then, you’d be happy as fuck.
Happier.
“I’m starved. Did you already order?” Shannon asked while looking at the menu.
“I did. I picked a few dishes that Cameron’s famous for at this restaurant.”
Shannon glanced around. “Is he here?”
“Nope.” Oliver shook his head. “He tries to get home at a certain time every night for his wife now.”
Shannon’s green eyes softened. “Aww… How romantic. Those two had great chemistry from the start on Celeb Chef. I hate I missed their wedding.” Shannon rubbed her fingertips over Oliver’s hand. “Thank you for inviting me along as your plus one.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Speaking of plus one… I want to invite you to New York. I’ve been invited to this huge fundraiser gala taking place in a few weeks. Anybody who’s anybody in showbiz will be there. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather take with me other than you.”
“Thanks for the invitation, Shannon.” Oliver pulled away from her as their waiter presented their food.
“You’re welcome.”
“My schedule is pretty tight right now with work. Can I get back to you about that?”
Shannon studied for him for a second then gave him another winning smile. “Sure.” She unrolled her cloth napkin. “All of this looks delicious. Your brother’s cooking is amazing.”
“Wait until you taste.”
For the next two hours, Oliver wined and dined Shannon and managed to enjoy himself. He gave her a real kiss before shutting the door on her limo to the airport then stepped back on the curb, waving goodbye as he blew out a breath. Something was missing between him and Shannon. In his opinion, they lacked true chemistry, which was a shame. She was a lovely woman—funny, engaging and genuinely warm—but lately there was just one woman on his mind.
Oliver paid the valet before getting into his own vehicle. He’d just pulled into traffic when his car alerted him to his brother’s incoming call. “What’s up, Cameron?” He prepared himself to answer questions about Serene, knowing that their dad had probably waited all of twenty seconds to tell what he’d seen in Tahiti.
“It’s been a minute. Thought I’d check in.”
“How’s married life?”
Cameron chuckled. “Good. Different. I love it. You driving?”
“Yup. Just finished having dinner with Shannon.”
“Ah. Does she know you’re not interested in taking things further?”
“How do you know that?”
“Because you didn’t start off telling me how into her you are. You’re not feeling the redhead. I must say, I’m surprised, but then again, your lack of interest in the beautiful long-legged female only means one thing.”
Oliver merged into the turning lane. “Yeah, and what’s that?”
“You’re feeling someone else. So, who is she? Do I know her?”
Fuck. Here we go.
His brother laughed. “What’s her name?”
“A gentleman never tells, right?”
“Are we still talking about you?”
“That was a low blow, bro.” Oliver frowned when his brother laughed.
“It was. I apologize. You usually share some details about your latest babe. I find your lack of disclosure interesting, but let’s change the subject. Patch things up with Dad?”
Oliver’s grip tightened on the wheel as he recalled the last words they’d exchanged. “That would take more than a little patchwork to repair. Have you talked to him?”
“Not since we got back from the island. You know the two of us don’t chat on the regular.”
Oliver did, but he was surprised that their dad hadn’t disclosed what he’d seen. He intended to talk to him and make sure he didn’t. “I’m seriously considering making Vegas my last completed project as Executive Vice President of Banner Hotels.”
“You could work anywhere. Hell, start your own company, but Olie, the family business is in your blood.”
“Maybe so, but I’m done trying to please him.”
“So don’t. He put you in that position because, although he may project a lack of belief in your abilities, he does trust you to handle things, respects the job you’re doing.”
“Remember when I told you something along those lines concerning Dad and your restaurants?” Oliver flipped on the windshield wipers as a few raindrops transformed into a shower.
“Yeah, I didn’t believe it. Still don’t.” Cameron paused. “Shit. Well, I know what I’m talking about.”
Oliver chortled. “Uh-huh, so do I.”
“I’m going to have to cut this conversation short. Misha’s beckoning me to bring over the truffle popcorn and the Sharpie in my hand.”
“Truffle popcorn, really?” Oliver hit the button allowing him private access into his building.
“Don’t knock it. This stuff is damn good. Next time we watch a game I’ll fix some. Right now, I’m supposed to be helping Mish brainstorm ideas for Serene’s unofficial birthday bash.”
“Cool,” Oliver said, making sure to play it that way. “Who’s invited?”
“Don’t know yet.”
Oliver shook his head when his brother called to his wife that he was on his way. The woman had become the cente
r of his world and he seemed happier than Oliver had ever seen him. “You go. Brainstorm with your truffle popcorn.”
“Hey, nobody jokes about my gourmet popcorn and gets away with it. Next time we talk, I want at least the first name of this mystery woman.”
“Goodnight, Cam. Please tell Misha I said hello.” Oliver ended the call. He shut off the engine and got out of his sedan.
Serene had a birthday coming up and he wanted to take part in the celebration. Oliver wondered if he’d get an invite as he entered the code for his alarm, opened the door and stepped inside, glad to finally be home. Moving on autopilot, he reactivated the security system as he loosened his tie. What would it be like to walk through the door and have the woman of his dreams waiting for him?
Oliver cursed. Odd little questions seemed to pop into his mind all the time since leaving Tahiti and they all involved Serene. It was driving him crazy, wondering if she was plagued with the same erotic dreams as he. Dark fantasies of the two of them entangled, sweaty, indoors and out. She’d been so damned responsive to his touch. He got hard every single time he thought about the feel of her toned yet soft body next to his, and shattering her belief that she couldn’t climax with a lover?
Well, that had been a serious thrill, had created some kind of bond between them, and he was certain Serene had felt it too. He wanted more, wanted to be the one to show her so many other pleasures, especially the sometimes blurred lines between bliss and a bit of pain. Even though she was older than him, it was clear she lacked sensual experience and that was a shame, because her body was made for play.
Oliver eyed the velvet pouch lying on his bookshelf as he strode into the kitchen. He liked incorporating toys with sex, anything to enhance his lover’s experience, and he hadn’t been able to resist buying the kinky trinket for Serene. He grinned as he pictured the stunned look on her face when he presented his impromptu gift to her.
Got to get her to see me first.
“Damn.” Oliver opened the fridge, reached for a beer then grabbed a little bottle of mango juice instead. He unscrewed the lid, took a generous sip and instantly thought of Serene’s dark chocolate nipples. That dazed look of passion in her brown eyes was never far from his mind. His cell vibrated against his chest and Oliver pulled his phone out of his pocket and saw two texts from Shannon and Kimberly.
Kimberly who?
Nothing from Serene. Almost three weeks and he’d thought about her every single day. They’d exchanged numbers, but Serene hadn’t seemed interested in exploring anything further between them. How the hell was that possible? Oliver had hoped she’d be so consumed with need for him that she’d dial his digits before he was forced to call hers. He scoffed, knowing she’d say he was more than a little arrogant to make that assumption. Yup, she’d served him a huge ego check that was just as sharp as the rush of fulfilling her needs as a woman had been.
Oliver went through his contacts until he got to Serene’s name. He wanted to hear her voice, especially her little laugh. If she wouldn’t call, he would. He’d never had a problem going after what he wanted.
Chapter Eleven
“I had a lovely time.” Serene turned to her date when he put his sports car in park.
“Did you?” Shawn tapped his fingers on his steering wheel. “I tend to ramble on when I start talking about tech things.”
Rambling was putting it mildly. Shawn was warm, smart and good-looking, but being around him was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Serene briefly glanced out of the window of Shawn’s car at her condo, wishing she was already inside. “The food was great, wasn’t it?”
“I thought you’d like that place.” Shawn’s gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips.
Oh, here we go. “Well, thank you for tonight, Shawn.”
“You’re welcome. I enjoy spending time with you. A perfect night deserves a perfect ending, don’t you think?”
Serene almost recoiled when Shawn leaned over for a kiss, then went with it in the hopes that it would change her mind about him.
Not a chance.
He was a decent kisser, but she felt nothing as his mouth moved on hers. Serene moved back when he tried to deepen the kiss. She’d been so wrong to think she could cultivate a spark with her equivalent of a bump on a log.
Shawn touched her lips with his thumb. “Let me walk you up to the door. You’ve yet to show me your place.”
Subtle, real subtle.
“Shawn—” Serene paused as her cell rang, grateful to whomever was calling and their impeccable timing. She gave Shawn an apologetic look, ignoring his frustrated one as she took her phone out of her purse. “Could be an emergency.” And it would be no matter what, Serene thought, answering even though she didn’t recognize the local number. “Hello?”
“I want to see you.”
Five words set her world on its head. Joy in the form of waves of heat circled her body then burst into prickly nettles of longing.
Oliver! Serene’s gasp of surprise was real. She looked at Shawn with wide eyes and fought to keep from grinning as he frowned with concern.
“I want to see you right now, Serene.” Oliver’s deep voice caressing her ear filled her with happiness.
“I need to call you back.”
“Tonight.” Not a question, a demand.
Serene’s heart somersaulted. “Yes.” She ended the call and blew out a shaky breath.
“There is something wrong.” Shawn touched her arm. “Anything I can do?”
“No. I’m sorry, Shawn.”
“Don’t be. You go. From the look on your face, I can tell whatever’s going on is an emergency.”
Of erotic proportions.
Shawn kissed her cheek and Serene smiled. “Call me later.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Serene opened her door before Shawn could get out and do it. She bent down, peered back into the car to meet his gaze. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. I’ll wait until you’re inside.”
Serene nodded at him, closed the door then hurried to her own. She fumbled with the key, cursing herself for almost giggling with school-girlish excitement as she turned to wave at Shawn. He waved back before letting up the window and pulling his vehicle away from the curb.
Oliver wants to see me.
Serene stepped inside her condo, kicked off her heels and flopped on the couch with her cell in hand. She sighed, her initial giddiness fading. How many times had she told herself that any further dealings with Oliver would be unwise?
What had happened in Tahiti needed to stay there. Serene hadn’t expected him to call, certain he’d forgotten about her as soon as he’d left the island.
But he did call and he’s expecting me to call him back.
“Damn it.” She wanted to see him too, but she’d settle for just talking to him at this point. No harm could come of that. Serene poised her finger over her phone. “Just friendly conversation. That’s it.” Feeling more in control, she dialed Oliver. She worried her lip, her heart in her throat as the call connected.
“Hello, Serene.”
“Hi.”
“God, it’s great to hear your voice.”
Warmth seeped into each of Serene’s pores. “Likewise. How are you?”
“I’m rock hard with need for you.”
Serene’s pulse leaped from his boldness even as she sighed. So much for friendly conversation. “Just going to skip all the pretenses then?”
“Hey, this is how I am. You either take me or leave me and we both know you can take every inch.”
“Oliver…” Serene squirmed on the couch, knowing her arousal superseded any real indignation.
“I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Serene tightened her grip on her phone, pleased by his admission. “I’ve thought about you too.”
“And yet you didn’t call.”
“I told you I wouldn’t.”
“You did, and you gave me reasons why we couldn’t take things any further than Tahiti.”
“Valid reasons, Oliver.”
“Maybe so, but I don’t give a damn about any of them. I want you. I want your taste on my tongue again. I want to feel your body under mine with my cock deep inside you. But do you want to know what I want most of all?”
His words rekindled the banked fire within her she’d been trying to douse for weeks. Calling him back had been a big mistake. Serene brought her hand up to her breast and tweaked her nipple through her dress. “What… What do you want, Oliver?”
“I want to look you in the eyes again when I make you come.”
“Oh, God.”
“You want the same thing, don’t you?”
Serene closed her eyes then opened them when Oliver’s eyes, dark with passion, popped into her mind. She squeezed her thighs together and pressed her damp panties against her clit.
“Don’t you, Serene?”
“Yes, but—”
“What’s your address?”
Serene sat up, wide-eyed, on the couch. “Are you serious?” Her pulse raced from zings of arousal and nervousness. He’d thrown her completely off guard.
“Very.”
“Umm… I just got in and it’s late.” A lame response, but it was all she could come up with in her current state of discombobulation. Serene looked around her home and tried to imagine Oliver in it as he chuckled.
“Ten fifteen is late? It’s Friday night. Come to me or I’ll come to you.”
Serene exhaled. “This isn’t a good idea.”
“You said that before and I enjoyed proving you wrong. Remember?”
Oh, she did. Every erotic detail.
One more time.
She wanted him, he wanted her. They’d share one more night and purge whatever lusty desires remained between them once and for all.
“Serene?”
Need bowled over her reservations and Serene gave him her address. “How far away are you?”
“I should be there within a half hour.”
“Okay. See you then.”
“Yes, and, Serene, wear those sparkly stilettos I helped you put on in Tahiti.”
Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Page 13
