“It was no one’s fault,” she continued. “The cart just lurched over on its own. Maybe there’s a buckle in the floor or something.” Or something was right. It was all her fault.
She grabbed her purse and stood. Ryland didn’t move so she ended up practically plastered against him. He reached behind her and plucked her jacket off the back of her chair. “You should put your jacket on,” he said quietly so no one else could hear.
Totally mortified, she let him help her into her jacket and then quickly buttoned it to hide her still prominent nipples. Her cheeks felt hot and she knew she was blushing, but she couldn’t seem to stop it. She’d made a mess of this entire evening.
She glanced down as Ryland turned around to deal with the manager. Chocolate covered her legs. She had a sudden vivid memory of imagining herself covered in chocolate. Be careful what you wish for, especially when you’re a witch. She’d gotten what she’d asked for, just not quite the way she’d wanted it. She didn’t think Ryland would want to lick chocolate off her slacks. Somehow it wasn’t quite the same as licking if off her naked body.
Her sense of humor reasserted itself, bubbling up from inside her and she started to laugh. The three men turned to her and she waved off their concern. “I like chocolate as much as the next woman, but this is even a bit much for me.” She grinned and the waiter chuckled.
The manager covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smile as he cleared his throat. “Of course, there is no charge for your dinner. And we’d like to offer you dessert to take home.” As if he’d conjured it out of thin air, another waiter appeared with a white box and handed it to her.
“If you think I can be trusted with it.”
Ryland reached out and took the box. “Maybe you’d better let me take that.”
The manager continued to fuss about the small cut on her face and the state of her apparel, offering everything from Band-Aids to dry cleaning. She assured him everything was fine, thanked the waiter for his service and left the restaurant as quickly as she could.
When the door closed behind them, she let out a sigh of relief.
“Not quite what I imagined this night would be like,” Ryland said as he ushered her to the truck. “But it’s been interesting.” He unlocked her door and held it open.
“What about the mess?” She motioned to her chocolate covered pants.
He shrugged, seeming totally unconcerned about the upholstery of his truck. “It will wash off.”
Rhiannon laughed as she clambered gingerly into the truck, doing her best to keep the worst of the mess away from the seat. Ryland set the white bakery box in her lap, the back of his hand brushing her thigh as he pulled it away. Rhiannon caught her breath as he shut the door. The scent of chocolate permeated the cab as Ryland strode around to the driver’s side and climbed in.
Chapter Five
Rhiannon practically held her breath the entire drive home. Thankfully, nothing unexpected happened. No alarms went off, nothing malfunctioned or exploded. She released a sigh of relief when he pulled into her driveway and turned off the ignition.
“I’ll come around and get you.” Ryland was out of the truck before she could object. Of course, maybe he thought it was better to help her. After all, she was carrying chocolate and probably couldn’t be trusted.
She shook her head, shutting out her dour thoughts as her door opened. Ryland took the box from her and held out his free hand. She stared at his hand. So ordinary, yet so potent at the same time. His merest touch seemed to unleash something fiery and uncontrolled within her.
Rhiannon scolded herself for being so silly. It was sexual tension, nothing more. There might be no truth to her sister’s theory that she needed a man to release her magick. Sexual tension and coincidence were more than explanation enough for the bizarre events of this evening.
Ryland certainly sparked her internal engine. And it had been a long time since that had happened. Come to think of it, it had never happened. She’d felt pleasure certainly, but never this kind of all-pervasive need.
“Rhiannon.” Ryland was waiting patiently, hand still extended. Giving in to the inevitable, she took his hand and climbed out of the truck. The moment they touched, the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and her entire body began to tingle. Ignoring her physical response to his nearness, she led the way to the front door.
“Do you want to come in for coffee?” She wasn’t sure that was a good idea, but she wasn’t ready for their evening to come to an end.
“Do you think that’s wise?” he countered.
She paused and shrugged. “Probably not.”
His fingers squeezed hers. “There’s something between us. I know you can feel it as well as I can. If I go inside with you, we’re going to end up kissing. And if I start, I won’t stop until you’re naked. Until we’re both naked.”
It was getting much harder to breathe with each passing second. She could picture it in her mind’s eye. His mouth on hers, devouring her like she was dessert. His hands on her body, stripping her clothing one piece at a time until she was naked. Then he’d take off his clothing, with her help of course, leaving nothing between them.
His hard, hair-roughened legs would brush against her softer ones. The soft mounds of her breasts would press against his rock-hard chest. The friction would make her nipples pebble into taut buds. His erection would push against her belly, pulsing with need. Her inner muscles would clench in response and cream would slip from her core, readying her for what was to come.
“You’re killing me.” Ryland closed his eyes and sucked air into his lungs. When he opened them again, they were blazing with desire.
Her lips parted, but it was impossible for her to speak. Too many images were bombarding her. She could almost feel his naked body against hers. She licked her lips and tried to talk, but all that came out was a jagged moan.
Impossible. This had never happened to her before. She never had a problem being practical and levelheaded. It served her well in business. But Ryland made a mockery of her normal control, turning her into a sensual creature she didn’t recognize.
If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was the one that cast a spell, ensnaring her.
“Damn, woman,” he growled. The bakery box fell to the ground with a thud. Ryland wrapped his hands around her shoulders, pulling her toward him. His mouth slammed down on hers. The heat, the sheer power of him lured her, tempted her to take the plunge.
His hands soothed and aroused at the same time. He smoothed a palm down her spine, pressing against the small of her back to shift her lower body closer to his. His other hand gripped the back of her head, holding her steady for his kiss.
His tongue stroked hers before flitting away. She tasted the tang of beer mixed with the smoky heat of the man himself. She went up on her toes, desperate to get nearer, to take more of what he offered.
He explored her mouth, claiming it like some uncharted territory. And in a way it was. No man had ever made her feel so much. It was frightening when she could actually form a coherent thought to ponder it. It was that thought that had almost led her to cancel her date with him. It was the sheer carnality of his kiss, and the promise of more, that had made her keep the date.
She wanted Ryland Stone. Pure and simple.
Maybe it wouldn’t happen tonight. But it would. There was no way to deny the inevitable. It was as certain as the tide rising and falling. They would eventually sleep together.
His tongue plunged in and out of her mouth, mimicking the sex act. The hand low on her back urged her against him. His erection prodded against her belly. Even through all the layers of their clothing, it was hot and heavy.
An answer pulse began to throb low between her thighs. The crotch of her panties was wet. Her sex was hot and swollen with need, wet and ready for him. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders for balance as she strained toward him.
Ryland tore his mouth from hers, swearing beneath his breath. “Not here.”
“Damn it, Rhiannon. We have to stop.” His voice was harsh, but his hands were gentle as he pulled away from her.
She didn’t want to stop. Touching him, tasting him was delicious. Better than chocolate. Chocolate. She blinked as a sudden swirl of air danced around her. They were outside where anyone passing by could see them. Thankfully, she didn’t have many neighbors, but the few she had would certainly get an eyeful if they looked outside. The only saving grace was that it was dark out and the only illumination was her porch light.
“You okay?” Ryland’s gruff question broke the sensual bubble surrounding her.
She nodded. “Fine.” Her gaze dropped to the front of his pants before skipping back up to his face. “You?”
“I’ll live.” His wry reply made her smile. “There’s something about you that makes me feel, and act, like a randy teenager.”
Rhiannon giggled at the tinge of humor in his voice. The sound brought her up short. She never giggled on the principal that a woman of her small stature shouldn’t. It was hard enough to get people to treat you as a responsible adult when you weren’t bigger than most kids. Giggling only compounded the problem.
Ryland bent down and picked up the bakery box. “I don’t think we’re meant to eat dessert.”
She laughed, a straight-from-the-belly laugh that made him smile. Tears stung her eyes and she swiped them away. She’d never be able to eat another piece of chocolate without thinking about tonight. “I guess not.”
Her purse had fallen to the ground at some point. She had no memory of even dropping it. She scooped it up and hooked it over her shoulder as she dug around for her keys. The wind was suddenly cold and the dampness on her legs reminded her tshe was covered in chocolate. She glanced at Ryland’s pants and, sure enough, there were now stains on his pants.
She shook her head and went up the steps to her front door. She jammed the key into the lock and turned it.
“Here, you should take this.” He thrust the white box at her and she automatically took it. “I don’t think I’ll be coming in for coffee. Not tonight.”
Damn him. He had her tied up in knots. If he’d pressed to come in, she would be having second thoughts. The fact that he sensed her hesitation and was willing to step back made her want to drag him inside and bolt the door behind them.
Her emotions were spinning all over the place. She wanted Ryland but was almost afraid of how quickly the attraction had developed. It had been instantaneous from the moment they’d met.
Something in him called to the elemental female within her. He stirred the magick swirling inside her, amplifying it, making it difficult to control. Look what had happened tonight the few times a small amount of that energy had escaped. Utter mayhem.
She had to think about that. Ryland could be dangerous for her. Oh, who was she kidding? He was sinful dark chocolate and she was a chocoholic. It was only a matter of time until she succumbed to temptation. And she really had to stop with the chocolate analogies. Her fingers tightened around the box in her hand.
As much as she wanted him, she had to proceed with caution. Whether the candle magick had brought him to her or whether it was coincidence didn’t matter. She didn’t want to even contemplate that her sister might have cast a spell in order to bring her a lover. She shook her head. No, she was certain Gwen wouldn’t do that just so she could test her theory about releasing the magick blocked inside Rhiannon. Or almost certain.
Ryland stood next to her, his much larger frame blocking the cool ocean breeze. He had one hand braced against the doorframe and the other one resting against his thigh. At first glance, he appeared relaxed. A closer look revealed the tense set of his shoulders, the intensity of his gaze and the caged energy that seemed to vibrate around him.
He was right not to come in. If he did, they’d end up in bed together. And as much as she wanted that, she wasn’t quite ready yet. And then there was her first date rule. She raked her hand through her hair. Ryland left her feeling totally confused.
“Want to try this again?” Ryland was watching her closely. She felt like a deer being watched by a wolf. It was only a matter of time before he pounced and ate her. Okay, scratch that thought. The idea of Ryland eating her was enough to give her a hot flash.
She cleared her throat and pulled herself together. “Dinner?”
The corners of his eyes crinkled when he grinned. “Yeah, dinner. What did you think I meant?”
Some imp inside her made her slide her free hand over his chest and lean in until she was almost touching him. “Another kiss perhaps.” Was that voice really hers? She sounded sultry. Seductive.
His gaze narrowed and all laughter fled. His pale blue eyes darkened with desire as he lifted his free hand to cup her jaw. “That can be arranged.” He lowered his head and brushed his mouth over hers.
There was no way a man should be able to kiss as well as he could. It made every ounce of common sense and self-preservation seep from her body until nothing remained but a mass of need.
His tongue swiped at her lower lip, dipping inside the moment she gasped. There was no rush this time, only a slow, seductive foray. As though he had all the time in the world, Ryland slid his tongue over her teeth and the top of her mouth before teasing hers into twining with his.
The only contact besides their lips was his hand against her jaw. To anyone looking it would appear a sweet, if long, kiss. It was sweet, but it was also devastating. She could feel the barely suppressed desire that electrified the air and sense the control Ryland was exerting over himself. It was heady and exciting.
Rhiannon had no idea how much time passed before their mouths parted. She licked her lips. Ryland’s unique flavor mixed with her own to create an erotic combination.
“Dinner?” Her voice was little more than a whisper. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Dinner? I’d like that.”
“Me too.” He slowly slid his hand from her jaw, trailing his fingers down the slender column of her neck. He dropped his hand and straightened beside her. “Tonight didn’t exactly go the way I’d planned.”
She could definitely relate to that. “Sorry you got chocolate on your pants.” It was bad enough she’d made a mess of herself. Embarrassment overshadowed passion, allowing her to gain control of herself and the situation.
“It was worth it.”
How could she resist him when he said things like that? She couldn’t. She chewed on her bottom lip as she pondered the situation. The energy created between them was obviously too volatile for a public location if tonight’s dinner date was any example. On the other hand, if he came to her house for dinner, there was a very good chance they’d end up in bed together.
After a few seconds of contemplation, she decided she’d have to take her chances. She didn’t want to risk anyone getting hurt in the crossfire of energy that sparked between them. It made her magick too unpredictable. Too out of her control.
“How about dinner here? Tomorrow?”
An expression of pure male satisfaction spread across his face. “I’d love it. What time?”
“How about seven?”
“I’ll be here.” He leaned down and pressed a hot, hard kiss on her lips and then stepped back. “Good night. And thanks for a memorable evening.”
She found herself grinning at him. It certainly was memorable. She stepped inside and watched as he strode back to his truck. As he climbed into the vehicle, he raised his hand and waved.
She waved back before closing and bolting the door. Leaning against it, she heaved a sigh. Her legs felt like jelly.
Abigail padded out to the foyer and stared at her, her green eyes not blinking as she eyed the bakery box.
Rhiannon laughed as she shoved away from the door. “I take it you’re hungry.” Abigail meowed before turning and darting away. Rhiannon kicked off her shoes and dumped her purs
e before padding to the kitchen.
The bakery box in her hand was in a sorry state. Part of one corner was pushed in where she’d gripped it too tight. Another side was partially dented, probably from being dropped. The pristine white was now speckled with dirt.
Placing it on the counter, Rhiannon opened the lid. Inside were two sinfully thick chocolate brownies. Reaching in, she scooped some of the cookie onto her finger, brought it to her mouth and licked it. She closed her eyes and gave thanks to the talented chef who’d created such a wonderful thing. It was moist and absolutely delicious. The squares were slightly smashed but they were certainly still edible. And Rhiannon had a sudden craving for chocolate.
Abigail twined around her legs in a silent reprimand. Dutifully, Rhiannon dug in the cupboard and came up with a handful of cat treats. “Why not? I plan to indulge myself too. Some nights a girl needs something special. Especially when she’s not going to get the hot sex she wants.”
Abigail purred in agreement.
Rhiannon scooped up the box and carried it upstairs to her bedroom. She planned to shower first. Then she was going to crawl into bed with her box of brownies.
She was hardly out of the shower when the phone rang. Still dripping, she wrapped a thick white towel around her body and darted into her bedroom. It was probably her sister. She wanted to talk to Gwen. She didn’t think her sister would cast a spell without permission, but she couldn’t be one hundred percent sure.
“Hello.” Her voice was breathless. Silence greeted her. “Hello.”
“Hey.” The thick masculine voice on the other end sent a shiver down her spine. Ryland.
“Hey yourself.” She tucked the phone under her ear as she shoved the end of the towel safely between her breasts. “Anything wrong?” Had he called to cancel tomorrow night? She gripped the phone tight in her hand and sank down onto the side of her bed.
A Touch of Magick: Spells, Seduction and Secrets, Book 1 Page 6
