“It sounds as though she needs to get to know the real you.”
He signed the sales receipt and slipped the credit card back into his wallet. “Great advice, but I’m afraid that’s easier said than done.” Getting Rebecca to go out on a date with him had proved fruitless and frustrating.
“Well, I’m a firm believer that one way to a woman’s soul is through chocolate, and she did seem to favor the chocolate-dipped strawberries.”
Ellie’s eyes twinkled conspiratorially, giving Connor the distinct impression that he had an ally in the older woman. “You’re absolutely right.” It was, after all, Valentine’s weekend, so why not take advantage of that fact? “I’ll take half a dozen, wrapped up with a nice ribbon and a note card to go with it.”
Obviously pleased with her match-making attempts, Ellie set about selecting the best and biggest chocolate-covered strawberries on the tray. While she arranged them in a white box and tied it off with a big elaborate red bow, Connor filled out mailing labels so Ellie could deliver the Valentine candies.
“Here you go.” Ellie presented him with the beautifully decorated box. “I’m certain she won’t be able to resist them.”
Of course Connor wanted Rebecca to enjoy the strawberries, but most importantly would she be able to resist the note he attached to the sweets? Only time would tell and he’d have his answer tonight.
Ellie rounded the counter and walked to the display of pink and blue foil-wrapped chocolates, the ones he’d noticed were part of some kind of Valentine contest. Carefully, she selected one of the blue-wrapped candies, then came back to where he was still standing by the register.
“And if those strawberries don’t do the trick for you, then maybe this will.” Grabbing his hand, she pressed the half chocolate heart into his palm, then winked at him. “I picked this one especially for you.”
The woman was as sweet as she was cunning. Connor felt as though he’d stepped into the Willy Wonka chocolate factory and he’d just been given a golden ticket. One that might just help him finally get the girl.
REBECCA EXITED the elevator and headed toward her hotel room, glad that the cocktail party was over and she was able to slip out relatively unnoticed. She’d had a nice time mingling with the bridal party and Greg’s family and had managed to avoid running into Connor. However, her attempts at putting distance between them hadn’t stopped the rogue from watching her from afar.
Every time she’d happened to casually glance his way their eyes would meet, and with a lazy sweep of his gaze he’d make her feel as though she was wearing provocative, revealing lingerie, instead of the button-up silk blouse, straight A-line skirt, and no-nonsense pumps. Then, as if that hadn’t been enough to make her melt, he’d followed up that smoldering glance with a private, breath-stealing smile that had kept her body in a constant state of awareness.
Even now, a pleasant buzz of desire seemed to hum through her veins, and she knew it had nothing to do with the one glass of champagne she’d consumed. No, this intimate longing had been her constant companion since Connor had caught her eating that chocolate-covered strawberry in a very seductive manner. What had begun as a slow burn at the candy shop had gradually increased over the course of the evening into a full-blown craving. For Connor.
Digging her key card from her purse, she shook that notion from her head, only to be replaced by the image of how well he’d cleaned up from his T-shirt and jeans. For the evening’s festivities, he’d changed into a pair of brown slacks and a tan knit shirt that did incredible things for his bedroom eyes. His disheveled hair had been combed away from his face, making his gorgeous, chiseled features even more pronounced. And she wasn’t the only one who’d noticed how hot he’d looked, either, considering the way a few of Celeste’s bridesmaids had tried to capture Connor’s attention. She’d expected him to flirt with those other younger women as he did with her, but much to her surprise he remained polite and sociable, expressing no interest in any of the females other than to make cordial conversation-much to the girls’ disappointment.
So why did Connor’s lack of interest in other women give her such a perverse sense of satisfaction? The question, she decided, didn’t bear close scrutiny.
She entered her room and turned on the light in the sitting area, all too aware of how quiet the place was since her sister was staying the night in the bridal suite. Setting her purse and key card down on a small table, she kicked off her pumps and curled her toes into the plush carpeting.
Pink foil in the shape of half a heart caught the overhead light and winked at her. When she’d arrived back from Sinfully Sweet earlier that afternoon she’d left the candy that Ellie had given her on the table, unopened, just to prove to herself that she had the willpower to resist its seductive pull. But now, it seemed to tempt and tease her with its presence, beckoning her to eat the luscious, creamy bit of ambrosia.
“Oh, what the hell,” she murmured to herself. She had no desire to take part in the Valentine contest Sinfully Sweet was sponsoring, but there was absolutely no reason why she should waste such a generous piece of the richest, most amazing chocolate she’d ever tasted.
She unwrapped the candy and ate it leisurely, and with as much enjoyment as she had her strawberry that afternoon. Her moans of pleasure were for her ears only as her taste buds savored each bite of pure ecstasy.
Much to her disappointment, her moment of heavenly bliss was over much too soon, leaving her feeling unfulfilled, restless, and aching for a whole lot more. Thank goodness she hadn’t purchased a whole box of chocolates for herself or she would have lain in bed tonight with a good book and eaten each and every one.
She scooped up the wrappings to throw them away in the trash, but the strip of paper with a typed message on it caught her attention. No way was she going to gallivant all over town trying to match up her note with someone else’s, but she was more than a tad curious to see what her hidden message might reveal.
Unfolding the piece of paper, she read the contents:
Opposites do attract.
Be bold. Be spontaneous.
Go for it!
A burst of amused laughter escaped her. Oh, now that was funny, she mused as she made her way back to the bedroom to change, because she was so not daring or adventurous.
A white box topped with an elaborate red bow sat on her pillow, stopping Rebecca in her tracks. Once her initial surprise faded, she moved closer. Obviously, The Delaford didn’t do little mint chocolates at night. They gave their guests something more memorable. She couldn’t argue with that.
Making herself comfortable on the bed, she lifted the pretty box onto her lap. Dying to know what was inside, she slipped off the ribbon and opened the lid to reveal six of the most perfect chocolate-dipped strawberries, all individually wrapped in clear cellophane and sealed with a gold Sinfully Sweet sticker. There was a small envelope with her name on the front, and she pulled out the note card tucked inside. Written in a bold masculine print were the words “Be Mine,” followed by Connor’s name. Beneath that was his room number.
Her stomach fluttered with a strange inner excitement and delight, and she couldn’t stop the grin that tipped up the corners of her lips. The man was definitely creative, she had to give him that. And he certainly wasn’t a quitter, even in the face of another possible rejection from her.
Opposites do attract.
The words she’d found inside her chocolate heart half whispered in her mind as she fingered one of the treats. That much was true about herself and Connor. The two of them were as opposite as a couple could get, what with his carefree, laid-back attitude, and her more structured lifestyle. He was impetuous and she was cautious-especially when it came to men.
Unable to resist the strawberries, she tore open the cellophane sealing one of them and took a big bite, certain that she was going to return to work on Monday ten pounds heavier from all the desserts she’d consumed this weekend. At the moment, with the sweetest piece of fruit and chocolate melting i
n her mouth, she didn’t care.
Be bold. Be spontaneous, a little voice repeated, taking advantage of her deepest yearnings and fantasies when she was weak and susceptible from both the arousing chocolate and the loneliness of losing her sister this weekend. But the more those words chanted in her head, the more empowered and daring they made her feel. She took another bite of her strawberry, the sweet juice she swallowed like a liquid boost of courage.
Go for it.
Three little words that were incredibly effective and persuasive, especially when she was under the influence of such seductive chocolate.
All the reasons why she’d resisted Connor for so long fell to the wayside when she thought about their attraction in basic, elemental, physical terms. He wanted her, and Lord knew she wanted him. He was virile, and hotter than any guy she’d ever dated. And sex with him would no doubt be amazing. She shivered as she imagined that strong body of his moving over her, and inside her, in slow, deep strokes…
The sinful thought caused her to press her knees together, the surge of warmth between her thighs a direct reminder of just how long it had been since she’d been with a man. At the moment, it seemed like forever.
Maybe, just maybe, if she accepted the invitation to be his, they could both fulfill this craving they had and finally get one another out of their respective systems. Then she could move on and continue her quest for the kind of man she could settle down with. Someone driven, steadfast, and who had the same goals that she did.
Just once in her life she wanted to do something wild and impulsive and wicked. Let her hair down, so to speak, embrace her hidden sensuality, and allow her fantasies to run free. What better guy to do that with than Connor Bassett, a man who’d made it perfectly clear that he was more than willing?
She was going to go for it.
The thought made her grin.
Before she could change her mind or talk herself out of such a rash and reckless decision, she headed for the armoire where her clothes were hanging, hoping to find something more enticing to wear to Connor’s room than the too conservative outfit she’d worn to the cocktail party.
Her wardrobe was woefully lacking in the seduction department. She was not a femme fatale, or the kind of fashionably dressed, label-conscious woman Connor was no doubt used to dating. The best she could find at a moment’s notice was a coral-colored, flowing tiered skirt, and a satin-and-lace cream camisole under a button-up blouse.
Once she’d changed, a quick glance in the dresser mirror told Rebecca that the blouse made her look much too uptight and maidenly. Many times she’d seen her sister wear just a camisole with a skirt, and while Celeste could carry off such a fresh, youthful look with flair, Rebecca wasn’t as confident.
Despite her own personal insecurities, she forced herself to shuck the prim blouse and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Okay, she didn’t look like a hussy, and that was her main concern. The lace-edged camisole, worn by itself, was actually kind of sexy, in a subtle and pretty way. Her breasts were full and firm, and the camisole’s built-in bra gave her a nice bit of cleavage while keeping excess flaunting to a minimum.
Satisfied with the look she’d achieved, she slipped on the only pair of strappy sandals she’d brought with her, and with a deep breath for fortitude she grabbed the box of chocolate-covered strawberries and headed for Connor’s room.
CONNOR WAS BEGINNING to think he’d bit the dust once again with Rebecca when a tentative knock sounded at his hotel room door. Shocked, he jumped up from the couch where he was watching a movie on TV and made it to the entryway in a few brisk strides. A quick check out the peephole confirmed that it was Rebecca standing in the corridor, and she was holding the box of chocolate-covered strawberries he’d asked the hotel staff to deliver to her room while they were at the cocktail party.
A knot of nerves clenched in his stomach, taking him by surprise, and he quickly rubbed his damp palms down the front of his jeans. Jeezus, he was as anxiety-ridden as a teenager going out on his first date!
His reaction was comical and ridiculous, but after three years of pursuing Rebecca and finally getting a positive response from her, he didn’t want to blow any chance he might have right off the bat. Didn’t want to scare her off before he could show her that there was so much more between them than just a physical attraction.
However, if he had to exploit that sexual tension to get to the emotional depth, then so be it. It was a small sacrifice for a bigger cause.
Inhaling a deep breath, and feeling more in control of his reactions, he opened the door, took one look at what she was wearing, and experienced a rush of pure male appreciation that left him reeling. He had the sudden urge to put his hands all over her, but instead shoved the tips of his fingers into the front pocket of his jeans.
“Wow, you look amazing.”
“Thanks.” A blush suffused her cheeks, and she shifted on her feet, seemingly a nervous bundle of energy herself. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.” He stepped back so she could enter his room, then closed the door and followed her into the sitting area.
Abruptly, she turned around to face him, clutching the small box to her chest in a way that emphasized the provocative curves of her breasts in that oh-so-fascinating top she was wearing. “I’ve never done this kind of thing before,” she blurted out.
Her show of insecurity endeared her even more to him, because it was a side he’d never seen to Rebecca until tonight. “You’ve never done what kind of thing before?” he asked with a lop-sided grin. “Visit a guy in his hotel room?”
“Well, yes, that too,” she said, her eyes a bright shade of blue. “Along with what we’re about to do.”
She made it all sound so clinical, and while he was pretty certain where this conversation was headed, he wanted to hear what was on her mind. “And what are we about to do?” he asked curiously.
She shrugged her smooth, bare shoulders, making his fingers itch all over again to touch that soft, creamy-looking skin. “Have a…I don’t know…a fling.”
“A fling,” he repeated dully, hating how sordid that sounded.
She waved a hand in the air between them. “A tryst, an affair, whatever you want to call it.”
He wanted to call it the start of a relationship, but kept his remark to himself for the time being.
So much for his worry of scaring her off tonight, he thought wryly. She was forging full steam ahead, but not without taking obvious protective measures so that her emotions stayed out of the equation.
He realized she had deep-rooted fears. He just didn’t know the cause of them, and he was determined to discover those reasons over the course of the next few days.
She set the box of strawberries on the coffee table, but didn’t sit down. “Before we go any further, I think it would be smart of us to lay out some ground rules.”
He nearly laughed at the fact that she felt it necessary to issue stipulations, but caught himself just in time. “I don’t have any rules.”
Her stubborn chin lifted a fraction. “Well, you’re used to this kind of thing, and I’m not.”
A grin quirked the corner of his mouth. He didn’t bother to correct her belief that he indulged in affairs on a whim, because hewasn’t certain she’d trust him at this point. But her assumption was far from the truth. Sure, he’d dated a lot of women over the years, but that didn’t mean he slept with every single one of them.
She obviously needed these boundaries between them, and he supposed if he knew what they were right up front, he’d at least have the advantage of knowing what he was dealing with. Besides, if the restrictions made her feel better and more comfortable with him, then he wasn’t going to argue.
He settled himself in the middle of the sofa and rested his arms across the top cushions. “Okay, let’s hear what you have to say.”
She paced the carpeted floor in front of the coffee table, as if moving helped to ease her anxiety. “I’m sure this first request isn’t going t
o be a difficult one for you, but I need to say it anyway. This affair goes no further than this weekend here at The Delaford. Whatever happens here, stays here. Once Celeste and Greg’s wedding is over, then so are we.”
Hell, no, he wanted to say, but instead clenched his jaw tight and continued to listen to her idiotic guidelines. He was too afraid that if he refuted her first rule she’d back out of the deal completely, and that wasn’t an option for him. He didn’t want a relationship with Rebecca to end before it even had a chance to begin.
“Secondly, I want to be sure that after this weekend is over and we go our separate ways, that we’ll still be friends,” she went on, meeting his gaze. “My sister is going to be married to your best friend, and I’m sure we’ll run into one another socially quite a bit.”
God, she was killing the mood, and they hadn’t even had a chance to enjoy an evening together. “Being friends isn’t a problem for me.” Because if he had his way, they’d be friends and much more than that before the weekend was finished.
“Good,” she said, nodding succinctly. “And finally, I need to be assured that no one is going to find out about us. I don’t want Celeste to know about our affair, and I want you to promise me that you won’t say anything to Greg, who would then tell my sister. Oh, and when we’re in public together, there will be no open displays of affection, or anything else that will draw attention to the fact that we’re…lovers.”
She was making his head spin with all her too rational rules. If he did anything this weekend, he was going to make sure he ruffled that sensible, pragmatic personality of hers, but good. Show her how to loosen up and have fun.
He also wanted to show that “opposites do attract,” as the message in his chocolate heart half had said. He’d opened it when he’d returned to his room and been pleased at how perfectly suited the words were to the situation.
Starting right now.
“Rebecca?” he said in a soft, low tone that was meant to calm and soothe.
Sinfully Sweet Page 3
