“What about the boyfriend?” James liked to buy small gifts for the women in his life. “Surely he’s bought you flowers?”
“Steven isn’t my boyfriend,” Alice said. “I wouldn’t make…er…sleep with you if we were still together.” She glanced away, pretending interest in the menu even though she’d made her choice.
Make love. She’d been going to say make love. “I wasn’t sure. I knew he’d rung you a few times. Rita told me.”
“Steven isn’t big on romance.”
James made a silent promise that he would give Alice the romance she’d missed out on in the past. Although he intended to leave, there was no reason he couldn’t depart leaving her feeling good about herself.
“He…Steven is ambitious and that didn’t leave room for anything else.”
“Ambition doesn’t keep a person warm at night.” Not like Alice curled up beside him. James loved her pillowy curves pressed against him. A perk of the job.
Alice smiled and a delightful blush stole across her face. “Do you think things will come right at Fancy Free?”
“Yes. By the time your inheritance comes due, you’ll be an expert in company affairs. It will be smooth sailing after that. Alicia would’ve been proud of you.”
“What about you? You talk as if you intend to leave Sloan permanently.”
“I’m heading overseas. I’m not sure where yet or if I’ll come back here. Haven’t decided.”
Alice’s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening in surprise. “Don’t you have a plan? What about money? How will you live?”
“I’ll pick up work here and there. I’ve done it before.” The look of horror on her face raised a smile. He reached across the table to claim her hand. “Honestly, it’s fun. Haven’t you ever wanted to travel, to see the world?”
“I’ve dreamed about it, but that’s all. I’ve never had the money to travel, especially since I have my student loans to pay off.”
“But you’ve been working for a while.”
“I want to buy my own house.”
Ah, Alice wanted a sanctuary along with the security. James forced a smile while he thought about her almost-virgin status and her boyfriend. Alice Beasley wanted happy ever after. What the hell had he done?
Chapter Thirteen
Alice enjoyed every mouthful of the lamb, but the time spent with James was even better. Chatting. Just being together. It was different from when she’d gone out with Steven. With Steven, work dominated most of their outings and that became boring and tedious. All that good behavior.
The locals stopped by to chat and they included her in their discussions. All the time James held her hand or touched her in some way. And he didn’t seem to mind that his friends and neighbors noticed, just tightening his grasp when she tried to extract her hand. Finally, she gave up and enjoyed the intimacy, her pulse jumping every time he grinned or winked at her.
She learned that James mowed elderly Mrs. McGregor’s lawn every fortnight and helped one of his neighbors with their garden while with each unsteady inhalation she breathed in the citrus tang of his aftershave. The rich timbre of his voice sent shudders of awareness through her as they talked about music and movies, favorite foods and hobbies. Alice was intensely aware of the fabric of her clothes, of the teasing, sensual rub of his thumb over the back of her hand.
Work or condoms didn’t enter the conversation.
“Are you ready to go?” He squeezed her hand while beneath the table his foot ran up and down her calf.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Oh yes. So ready. Arousal soaked her panties and she throbbed deep in her core. She nodded, excitement pulsing inside her when she imagined where the night might lead. Lots more touching but of a more intimate nature, she hoped.
James signaled Tina and handed her his credit card when she arrived with the bill.
“Let me pay my share,” Alice said, even though she needed to take care with her money. There was none to spare for luxuries, but in this case, she wanted to make the offer.
“Not this time. This one is on me.” His stare held challenge as if he expected an argument.
“Thank you. I enjoyed tonight.” She gave in gracefully.
James leaned close and kissed her, holding her head still with his large hands. Not that she wanted to move away from his skillful lips. When he finally pulled away, her heart sang with joy.
“My pleasure.” His grin held a dollop of sin and set off a reaction inside her. Sweet anticipation.
He took care of the bill and they walked from the restaurant hand in hand. The minute they stepped outside, he tugged her to a stop and kissed her again.
This kiss was different.
One full of sexual intent and promise. A brush of mouths. A nibble of her bottom lip, the nip soothed with a swipe of his tongue. Their lips sipped and tasted, tormenting and gently biting. James drew her close and slipped his hands low to cup her butt. He squeezed gently, pulling her against his erection and gradually deepening the kiss. The erotic duel of tongues brought a flutter to her womb. She moaned at the back of her throat, feeling the thunder of his heart and his obvious desire. When they finally pulled apart, her legs shook and she teetered unsteadily.
“Wow.”
“You should get a room.” The tart voice came from behind them.
James’ sister. The woman haunted them. Alice started to apologize because his sister was right, but James pressed a forefinger to her lips.
“We have a room, Melissa. We’re off to use it right now.”
“Mother is right. You’re a disgrace to the Bates name.”
When he opened his mouth, the flash of anger indicating the approach of a verbal zinger, Alice copied his action and placed a finger across his lips. Family was important, no matter what they did or how they acted. James wasn’t responsible for his mother’s and sister’s behavior, just as she wasn’t responsible for her parents. Each person had their own path to tread, their own way to make in the world.
“Let’s go home.” She gave him a sultry smile. Her gaze shifted to James’ sister. “Goodbye, Melissa. It was nice to see you again.”
“Humph!” His sister stuck her nose so high it was a wonder she didn’t suffer from frostbite. Melissa stomped into the Red Fox, letting the door slam after her.
“Don’t let her bother you.” She kissed his cheek before slipping into the passenger seat, ready for the drive home.
The drive to James’ house was a silent one, each deep in thought. Alice wondered whether she should move in permanently but didn’t like to presume. The situation between them might change once the tests on the Vibration were completed. And that would be soon according to what Rodney had told her today.
James pulled up outside his house and turned to her. In the dim light, she caught the glitter of his eyes, the stark lines of passion on his face, and answering desire kicked through her.
“James.”
Their gazes held for a fraction longer.
“Inside,” he ordered. “I want you, and I want you now.”
“Yes.” Alice grabbed her handbag and fumbled for the door handle, desperate for the throbbing hardness of his erection and the frantic slide of their bodies as they thrust and ground together.
They met in front of the car. James grabbed her and kissed her hard, his hands busily undoing the buttons of her cotton shirt while he pushed her back against the hood. “Not fast enough,” he muttered in a guttural voice.
Her handbag dropped to the ground while he wrestled with her bra. Finally he gave up and scooped her breasts from the cotton cups. His mouth fastened around a nipple and he sucked hard. Alice shuddered in helpless pleasure. When he lifted his head, she whispered a protest.
“Shh,” he murmured. “Take off your panties. Let me take away the ache.”
She squirmed against the hood of the car and attempted to obey his orders. A sob built because her fingers had turned into thumbs and there wasn’t much leverage room since James busily
kissed and sucked her breasts again.
“Not fast enough,” he repeated. “Let me.” He grasped the hem of her skirt and dragged it upward. With two hands, he ripped the seam of her plain cotton panties and tugged them aside. James roughly parted her legs and ran a finger through her drenched folds. As he pumped a finger into her moist center, the wet sound of arousal brought a cry of surrender from her. She trembled, desperate for more. An intense burst of heat exploded from the delicious assault of his fingers.
“James. Please.” Alice fumbled, attempting to undo the stud fastening of his jeans. When her fingers failed to cooperate, a groan of disappointment echoed in the darkness. She cupped the bulge in his jeans, marveling at the heat of him. “I want to touch too. I don’t want to come alone.” The truth. She desperately needed the smooth plunge of his cock, the solid reassurance of his body as he pumped into her.
With a strangled laugh, he managed to unbutton the stud. The whine of the zipper sounded loud but full of promise. Alice burrowed her hand into the briefs he wore beneath and lifted out his erection. Ignoring his hiss, she curled her hand around the hard shaft and gave an experimental pump.
“Alice.” Her name emerged disguised as a primeval groan. “No more. I can’t hold back.”
Alice agreed. She couldn’t take much more of the slide of his fingers across her slippery folds either, but the siren lure to taunt and tease took over. She explored the flared head of his cock, unsurprised by the pre-cum that smoothed the massage of her fingers.
Their lips met in an explosive kiss. No gentleness, just a carnal mating of mouths. Desperation. Urgency. Pure need.
“Enough.” He dragged his mouth away and lifted her. Seconds later, he plunged deep into her tight, aching sheath. A unified groan of pleasure pierced the night air. Leaning over her, he took her mouth again while he slammed into her receptive body.
Alice clutched his shoulders and held tight. Jolts of pleasurable excitement went off inside her like solar flares, each one hotter and brighter than the previous. He stroked quicker, pushing deep. The pleasure coursed through her body, hot and molten, building hard and fast until her climax broke over her in long waves. Basking in the aftershocks, she was dimly aware of his guttural groan, the harsh sound of animal enjoyment and the flood of dampness when he came.
James squeezed her briefly before brushing a gentle kiss on her parted lips. “We should shift this to the bedroom before we get side-tracked again.” He pulled away from her, his cock slipping from her pussy. James helped her off the hood of the car. When she straightened, her skirt fell into place. She groped for her handbag and finally located it along with the remnants of her panties. She scooped up both and on unsteady legs, moved up the path to the front door. Behind her, the rasp of a zipper and rustle of fabric signaled James righting his clothing. His footsteps sounded soon afterward. A shaky laugh sounded. She couldn’t believe they’d done that, even though she’d repeat it again in a heartbeat.
James reached past her to flick on the hall light. He squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll be with you in a minute. Don’t start without me.”
Alice chuckled and continued to his bedroom. After turning on one of the bedside lamps, she sat on the corner of the plain navy cover and unbuckled the straps that held her black shoes in place. Once she’d unfastened the buttons on her shirt, she shrugged out of it, unsnapped her bra and tossed it aside. She grabbed Rodney’s condom samples from her handbag and placed them on the bedside table where they were readily accessible.
He entered with a package under his arm. “I thought we might play and work at the same time. Are you game?”
The glint of naughtiness in his blue eyes melted her heart. His expression reminded her of a mischievous boy, but the fundamental heat beneath gave away adult intentions. “Sounds interesting.” She stood to unfasten her skirt. The black material slithered to her feet and she stepped out of it.
“Much better.”
“Tell me more,” she invited.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.” Unreservedly.
James didn’t react, but she thought her reply pleased him. “Lie on the bed. Place your arms above your head. Spread your legs.”
Her limbs trembled enough that she gladly followed his instructions. Where in the past she might have felt scared and apprehensive, now curiosity and eagerness came to the fore. Alice lay in the middle of the double mattress and lifted her hands above her head.
“Perfect.” He set his package aside and opened one of the bedside cabinet drawers. He pulled out two cream scarves constructed of silky material. James fastened one scarf around each of her wrists and tied them to the bedhead. “Good girl.”
“I feel as though I should waggle my butt.”
“A very nice backside it is too. Part your legs for me. Excellent. Don’t move.”
Amused, Alice asked, “What about if I get cramp?”
“You won’t have time to think about cramps.”
The positive note in his husky voice made her believe. “What do you intend to do with me?”
“Oh, I thought we might test a few condoms.” His gaze lingered on the engorged and wet folds between her legs.
“And?” She moved restlessly, the hot intent in his face bringing a flood of moisture, making her heart jump in awareness.
“Have you checked any of the merchandize in our store?”
“I haven’t had a chance. We’ve been so busy with the tests and the associated problems.”
His sensual lips curved. “Pity. You’re missing out. We have some excellent products that complement our condoms. The board members suggested the idea and it has paid off. Profitable.”
“When do I get to see more skin?” she asked. “Your skin?”
“Soon.” James paused to remove his boots and socks but that was all. He reached for the package and peeled away the brown paper that covered it.
She lifted her head. “What is it?”
He leaned over to kiss the tip of her nose. “Curiosity killed the cat. You should take that as a sign.”
“Humph.” She tried not to laugh and failed. The sly humor in his expression was difficult to resist. “Will I enjoy whatever you intend to do to me?”
“Maybe.”
Alice narrowed her eyes. “That doesn’t sound promising.”
“Another scarf, I think.”
“What for?” she demanded, a whip of erotic fear skipping through her. She wasn’t sure she wanted anything too adventurous. “I’m tied up like a trussed turkey.”
He paused to stroke her arm in a gentle motion. “I thought you trusted me?”
“Yes.” Without hesitation.
“I’m going to put a blindfold over your eyes. It will enhance your other senses. It might even stop your questions.” He winked at her, his amusement captivating. Alice couldn’t help a return smile. He opened his bedside drawer again and pulled out a midnight blue scarf. She watched the silky fabric ripple across his hands and the way he rubbed the soft scarf between his fingers. Her heart skipped a beat, as she recalled his caress on her skin. She stared at the scarf with a hint of jealousy before snorting. Jealous of a scarf. Well, heck.
James let the end of the scarf drift across her breasts. He held both ends and slid it back and forth through her cleavage creating a sensual friction. “Can I cover your eyes with the scarf?”
She exhaled and inhaled again, her heart racing in anticipation. Something new. Arousing. And nothing to do with condom tests. “Yes.” Her response emerged scarcely louder than whisper.
“I’m going to tie your legs as well.”
Alice paused then gave an abrupt nod. “Okay.” A quick punch of heat zipped straight to her sex at the thought of being at his mercy. Gently, he lifted her head and smoothed her hair away from her face. He slipped the scarf over her eyes and tied it, blotting out all sight. She inhaled the lemon tang of his aftershave, a hint of laundry powder from his shirt and the underlying hot male scent she’d come to associate w
ith him.
The mattress moved when he stood. A rustle indicated his search for more scarves. He was lucky he had so many available. Then the truth hit her—he’d done this before with another woman or women. Anguish wrapped around her heart and made her acknowledge the truth. She’d fallen in love with James even though he intended to leave.
Alice swallowed to dislodge the lump of emotion that clogged her throat.
Tears stung the back of her eyes when another realization hit her over the head. Once he left, she might have her inheritance and a house, she might have security, but she’d be alone.
She flinched at the irony. All this time she’d equated money and a home with security but without anyone to share her life with it would be a lonely one.
It was clear to her now.
Loneliness didn’t equate with security. Alice finally understood what her parents had tried to tell her all those years ago when she’d told them she would never, ever follow their example. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut, willing herself not to cry.
Her parents had each other and were secure in their mutual love. No matter what happened, in the past or the future, they faced it together. A scary thought, one she shied from because it made her want to rail and sob at the unfairness of it all. All this time, and she’d never known.
“Comfortable?”
“Y-Yes,” she said, glad of the interruption. Too much thinking. It wasn’t good for her mental health. Time for that later, once she was alone. The cool silk of a scarf slithered around one ankle and then the other. James stood and she tested the bonds, finding he’d tied them securely. She wasn’t going anywhere without his permission.
“Good.” The faint rustling of paper told her James was opening the mystery package. “Do you like chocolate?”
Alice chuckled. “Did you hear about the man who asked a genie to make him irresistible to women?”
“No.” His tone sounded cautious.
“Poof! The genie turned him into a box of chocolates.”
James gave a bark of laughter. “So the moral of that story is that if I have chocolate, you’ll find me irresistible?”
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