by Ace Gray
“How about both?” I cocked my head as I asked.
“Remember how it took breaking up twice to even learn my birthday? Sometimes we’re too wrapped up in each other.” He arched an eyebrow as my jaw fell open. I barely managed to snap it shut.
“Well, it is your birthday.”
And god damnit, you’re right.
But that wasn’t coming out of my mouth. I swore he could read my thoughts anyway when his hand came to my ass and squeezed. I gasped when a swat landed firmly across my back jean pocket. I tried to hold out, stand my ground but I broke. When my knees knocked together the movement wasn’t lost on Nick.
His eyes flared as we stared at each other, I couldn’t help but bite my lip. Electricity bubbled up between us the way it always did, my heartbeat ratcheted, my breathing too. A blush flared in my cheeks and when he swore under his breath in response, I had to make a genuine effort not to jump on him.
I turned and reached for scotch instead. I shrugged out of my sweater and shoes as I handed a glass to Nick. We clinked over the countertop and I stared into his beautiful clear eyes until my body betrayed me once more, naturally arching toward his.
He smirked and turned around, stretching his gorgeous arms along the counter’s edge. I couldn’t help but devour the outline of each and every muscle on those long outstretched limbs. He seemed to be watching the tide come in through the large bay windows while I watched fingers drum against the countertop. My wayward mind flitted to Bryant against windows. To those long fingers drumming inside me. Then those long fingers drumming inside me up against the windows.
If he wanted a casual evening—for his birthday—I had to stay occupied. And my eyes off him. My hands full. My body distanced. The list was growing longer and longer. My frustrated growl echoed through the room as I turned and started banging around in the refrigerator. Nick laughed loud over my shoulder but he stayed put.
There were too many good things in the fridge, all tempting me. I didn’t get the time to do this often and since sexual frustration roared like a god damned wildfire through my veins, I channeled my energy by making small appetizers. And lots of them.
I didn’t mean to bang pots and pans against the tile countertop but Nick’s naked body kept popping, unbidden, into my mind. Always those forearms first.
Mother fucker.
I was following his request, but deep down I doubted he’d really complain if I was sucking his cock right now. I slammed the door particularly hard and it jostled a photo by the entryway. Nick’s big, brash laugh echoed off the walls again and I flushed.
“Damn Sweets, you can cook. This is amazing. Why don’t you do this all the time?” We sat side by side with almost clean plates at the breakfast bar.
“In my copious amount of free time?” I smirked in his direction before continuing, “I used to cook with my mother.” He would understand my reluctance to make time for it. “So I do it on special occasions. Day to day, I’m perfectly happy with Chinese takeout. I usually have better ways to kill time.”
“Is that all I am to you? A way to kill time?”
He was teasing me and added a wink just to make sure I knew. I grinned and popped the last scallop into my mouth. I couldn’t help myself, I closed my eyes and savored the taste.
MMMmmm.
He was up with arms trapping me before I opened my eyes again. “Trying to kill me is more like it.” His voice was serious as he whispered against my skin.
I could have been snarky, the comeback was right on the tip of my tongue, but I stopped myself.
“Never,” I answered honestly. “I need you too much.”
His sharp intake of breath behind me told me everything.
“I need you too, always. Fuck, do I love you.”
He was quieter now. I tilted my head back so I could look up at his face. Mostly I wanted to see his amazingly blue eyes. They were truly relaxed and happy where they peeked out under hooded lashes. I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him in tightly. I only meant to hug him but my body rolled against him; every fiber responded instantaneously to his touch. His fingers dug into me. I dropped my hands before desire took over.
“Cigars,” I managed, my voice was shaky from the unspoken craving but I recovered. “I have some really nice ones in my humidor. We could sit out under the stars and enjoy a few.” I had to clear my throat. “And scotch. Lots of scotch.”
To my surprise he laughed. Hard. I pinched my face unaware I’d been funny.
“Do you know how many times I’ve used cigars or scotch to stop a business meeting in its tracks? If things are going horribly, or far too well, and I need time to think, it’s my ace in the hole.”
I could relate, I used similar tactics, I still didn’t find it funny. I arched my eyebrow, which prodded him to continue.
“And I need a break from you right now or I’ll rip your clothes off and fuck you on the kitchen counter.”
“Please feel free.” No smile played on my lips, I was perfectly fine with the whole stripping down and skin against stone thing.
“Sweets.” His strangled voice betrayed his uncertainty.
I pursed my lips, shook my head then walked over to the humidor. I barely broke stride as I snatched a quick slug of scotch from the crystal decanter on top. Slightly settled from the booze, I opened the cabinet below to reveal a large, glass topped humidor.
“Pick your poison.” I gestured across the box. “Anything the birthday boy wants.” He crouched down, inspecting each. I went to the bedroom to grab one of the down comforters. I pulled my sweater back on when I returned.
“Kate, are these Cubans?” He turned toward me, steadying himself on the open door.
“Yes.” I poured us both glasses of my best champagne—we were apparently celebrating after all—and then scooped ice for a bucket.
“They’re illegal.”
“You don’t say?” I feigned innocence as I carried the first few things out to the back patio.
“How did you get them?” I could barely hear him over the waves.
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you,” I yelled back.
I jumped back when I stood up and his broad chest and sculpted pecs were right in front of me. He had the cigars, cutter, and ashtray in hand and made a point to roll his eyes at me once I met his gaze.
“Let me grab one more thing. Make yourself comfortable.”
I winked as I ran back into the house. I grabbed two forks and the cake I’d whipped up while cooking. I shut off the house lights as I stepped out, leaving us alone with the stars and their reflection. Even though I was lacking a candle, I took the opportunity to sing him happy birthday. My reward was his shimmering eyes in the moonlight.
When I finished he gestured to the spot between his legs, silently asking me to come sit against him. I pulled the blanket over our knees when I sat and cuddled into his chest. He took the cutter and expertly snipped both of our cigars. My cheeks hollowed as he held a flame in front of the cigar; smoky, rich tobacco filled the crisp night air. The lighter flicked behind my ear then the whisper of smoke wove into my hair.
“Thank you.” Nick’s voice was tight, like the words were hard to get out. “Nothing has ever meant this much.”
I wiggled so I could see his face and there was a single tear falling down his cheek. He’d been so closed off, for so long, that these small, sweet things seemed more shocking than the grand gestures.
My lips pressed to the salty drop where it hung on his jaw. He clenched his eyes tight when my lips touched his skin, his arm squeezing around my ribs. I twisted back, watching the waves lap against the shore and tried my hand at smoke circles. Only the crackle of tobacco, soft puffs, and his heartbeats intermingled with the sound of water on sand.
“I think I’d like some of that cake now.”
He set his barely-there cigar butt to the s
ide and had a swish of champagne. I did the same and let the bubbles dance on my tongue as I reached for the cake and a fork. The fork cut through the cake like butter, light and fluffy just like it should be. I turned like before and held the bite up for him.
Nick laughed lightly as he chewed. “It’s delicious and I don’t know why I’m surprised after that dinner. I guess I just didn’t expect someone like you could cook.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I arched my eyebrow as I fed him a second bite.
“Don’t get defensive. You can run an empire but also be barefoot in the kitchen. I didn’t think women like you existed. It’s a huge turn on, trust me.”
I rolled my eyes at the idea of being barefoot in the kitchen as I fed him again. Nick took the fork from me. Maneuvering around me, he cut a bite and held it to my lips. I couldn’t help the MMMmmm after my mother’s rum Bundt cake touched my lips.
Wordlessly, Nick slid out from behind me then turned to scoop me up. He didn’t break pace as he kissed my forehead and strode toward the master suite. He set me down and then slowly, tenderly undressed me, tucking my naked body beneath the sheets. Piece by piece his clothes crumpled to the carpet before he crawled in with me.
The moonlight filtered in the windows, falling across our naked skin. His eyes roved over my face, my body. My blood boiled and my pulse raced just watching the trail he studied. One of his fingers reached out and he ever so lightly traced the lines moonlight threw across my skin. I goose bumped at the pin pricks of desire assaulting me. I closed my eyes as my body shuddered.
“No, please, keep them open.” Nick’s voice was soft.
They snapped open and I watched his finger roll over my hips and up toward my belly button. The single finger weaving its way across my skin was one of the most seductive things he’d ever done to me. The shadows made it even more sensual. A shiver ran down my spine as his deep voice rumbled in his chest. His I love you vibrated his skin against mine.
MMMmmm.
His touch, his words, they were toe-curling delicious. He read my body and didn’t put the brakes on this time.
“I thought.” I gasped. “No sex?” His smile returned against my skin and his lips roamed freely in the moonlight.
“Changing my mind is my prerogative, I’m the birthday boy.” He traced a trail between my breasts with the tip of his tongue.
Oh. My. God.
There was nothing rushed or frantic about this sex. Nick was exploring my body, every inch, as if it was the very first time he laid eyes on it. He pulled me on top at some point and rolled my hips at his desired pace.
For the first time I felt like we were truly bared to each other, and that we truly made love.
I shot up from bed with a start, gasping for air like I was breaking the surface after being trapped underwater. I couldn’t remember my dream but maybe I’d been drowning. All I knew was that Nick had left our bed and the weight on my chest was going to suffocate me. I didn’t even bother looking anymore, I just slipped out of the soft sheets and started padding down the long hallway to find him.
2:02 a.m.
The Cantonese coming from the living room would have been disorienting at any hour but I was particularly confused now. My breathing had almost calmed by the time I reached Nick and wove my naked limbs around his torso, my front to his back. He didn’t falter, he just let his free hand wander across my forearms where they wrapped around his washboard.
When I kissed his shoulder blade, his sexy growl rumbled through the living room. I kissed him again, letting my lips skim across his skin. His hand left my forearms and swatted my butt where he could reach. I yelped ever so slightly just before I heard, “Mh’goi,” and his BlackBerry clatter against the coffee table.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” His tone told me his eyes would be a swirly mess of gray and blue.
“I still don’t sleep very well without you.” He sighed and his shoulders slumped. “Hey, Nick, I didn’t say it to make you feel guilty.” I started kissing across his broad back again.
“Doesn’t change that it pisses me off.”
“You seem pissed off a lot lately.” I kept kissing.
“We’re going to do this here? Now? On my birthday?”
“We don’t have to do anything, Nick.” I nipped his skin this time. “And it’s not your birthday anymore.”
“I haven’t gotten my gift.” His tone changed slightly, I could tell he was smirking.
I wanted to pry oh-so badly but my stomach clenched and my toes curled at the thought of giving him his present. The lateness of the hour just added to the sexiness.
Wordlessly I stepped away, tiptoeing towards the countertop where I’d left the perfectly wrapped box. When I carried it back to him, even in the dim light, I could see crystal blue twinkling back at me. The decision to leave our problems well enough alone was already worth it.
“Open this. You’ll know what to do and where to find me.”
I winked, snatched a blanket from the couch and turned before he could argue. I stopped where our bags were and grabbed the special heels and lingerie I’d packed for the occasion.
Outside the breeze raised goose bumps on my skin as I hopped to pull on my shoes and hurry through the sea grass to the garage. I punched in my code and slipped inside, flipping on a single spotlight. I tried not to drool when I laid eyes on the new car sitting under the bright light.
Lucky bastard.
I shrugged out of the blanket letting it pool on the garage floor as I slipped into the satin Gatsby-style bra and matching underwear I’d brought. The black body of the gorgeous car was cool against my thigh where I leaned, waiting.
My heart raced, and if minutes were anything like heartbeats, Nick was taking far too many to come out. Just when I thought I’d have to go find him, the door cracked and our tell-tale electricity charged into the garage.
Nick rounded the corner dressed in his new racing jacket, holding his new, sleek black helmet. I took in his seriously sexy, leather-clad chest and both my knees and ankles wobbled. He sucked in an answering deep breath that pulled my attention back to his face. The delight in his eyes floored me.
He had one eyebrow artfully raised as he took in what laid before him. I waited for him to speak, to make any move, all the while the room sparked with a crazy current.
“I’m not sure what I’m more excited about.” He licked his lips when he took a breath. “But I know I’m glad I thought to bring these.”
Nick lifted his camera then in a smooth move, let the ribbon that had been wrapped around his present unwind from his palm. It was my turn to breathe in sharply. My heartbeat actually hurt.
“Tell me about the car.” He nodded towards the machine. “Please.”
I had to clear my throat before words would come out.
“It’s the Hennessey Venom GT.” I reached out for the hood to settle myself. “It would hold the Guinness world record for fastest acceleration if there weren’t all sorts of hoops to jump through. It’s widely considered the quickest modified production car in the world. Even faster than my Koenigsegg.”
Nick’s teeth slid across his bottom lip and his whole face lit up. I turned away from him and let my finger trail along the sleek lines as I click-clacked toward the rear. The shutter of the camera lens snapped behind me.
The sound still triggered anxiety, those clicks had become synonymous with paparazzi and problems. Nick’s photos were completely different but my body could be as stubborn as me. I took a deep breath and forced my shoulders out of my ears.
“I won’t take any more if they make you uncomfortable but you know I’d never share. I’m far too selfish.” A chuckle rumbled in his chest and I had to laugh a little at the truth. “I’m far too protective as well.” I almost burst at that.
When I settled, Nick snapped another picture and my shoulders didn’t j
ump. My mind had convinced my body to relax and enjoy the ride. When he snapped a third photo quickly, I knew he noticed the change.
“Sweets, come here,” he commanded.
I obeyed but I took my time stalking over, my heels echoing as they clipped on the concrete floor. When I stood right in front of him, I was sure my heart was echoing in the room as loudly as it was thudding through my head.
He leaned in, letting the leather of his jacket brush against my skin, sending goose bumps across my body. His warm breath danced on my ear and his lips brushed against me. “You didn’t put a bow on it.”
A shiver ran down my spine, guessing at exactly how he planned to remedy that. I bit my lip and tried to suck in a deep breath all at the same time. My heart stopped completely when he reached around me, and with a single finger, unhooked the complicated crochet of my bra. The same solitary finger hooked into the side of my underwear and slid them effortlessly down my thigh. When he reached my knees, he let them go and the fabric slipped on its own to my ankles. He stared directly at the apex of my thighs, slowly his wicked smirk pulled on the corner of his lip. I blushed at the downright ravenous look he gave me.
“I want you up on the hood of my new car. But be careful, don’t scratch the paint.” Nick’s smirk broke into his full blown, devilish crooked smile.
The rounded headlights and the intake vents on the hood made it a little difficult to crawl up but I did it as sexy as I possibly could. I opted first to lay on my side across the hood simply because it was the easiest position to maneuver into. He snapped a picture as I languidly stretched across. After a few snaps I rolled onto my back, lost to the moment and the small hums of pleasure Nick made behind the lens.
“Sit up,” he commanded quietly.
I did, finding a seat where I wouldn’t slide off. My feet were close together and my pose innocent. I even turned to the side, letting my hair fall to cover my face. He snapped multiple pictures before he broke the silence.
“Don’t move.” He practically purred as he traded the camera for the deep blue ribbon.
