She parted her lips, letting his tongue sweep in while she slid her arms up over the hard ledge of his shoulders. Their bodies melted against each other, creating pressure on her breasts that sent a hot spike of erotic energy straight to her core. This is what Vix had been angling for on the plane. But she wanted more. What, she didn’t know. Her body was asking for things she’d never put into words. Her own demons hadn’t let her enjoy sex the few times she’d been with a man. Once, she’d even found herself wishing it would be over. But those times didn’t come anywhere near this.
She liked having his warm hands wandering along her back and hips, touching her, molding her pliant body to his. He must have sensed her pleasure, because within the confines of her coat, one hand slid up to graze the underside of her right breast. His large palm curled around the swell of flesh, his thumb fanning back and forth along the swell. She gasped into his mouth, as much from the caress as from a foreign sense of being wanted. Desired. Then he stroked the edge of her nipple and another rasp came from the back of her throat.
“Those purrs are pure torture.”
Celeste bit her lip. She’d never been so daring, so turned on, or so wet. How was it that even though she’d never had an issue keeping her panties on, she was ready to climb Rio like a cat on a Christmas tree.
“Maybe I’m not the only one regretting the hotel’s damn rules.”
No regrets. Because otherwise she would be up in her room. Alone. She didn’t say it, but she didn’t have to. Not with him making his way down her skirt, inching under it. This was where she should stop him. Keep him from moving up her thigh, leaving a heated trail along her skin with the back of his fingers. Was this the same path he imagined following with his mouth? Oh God, she’d never be able to go past a park without thinking of him tasting her.
Goodness, her pulse pounded at her neck.
“So soft.” He followed the crease of her leg, tracing her high-cut panties back down to the base of the narrow V.
“Smooth,” he said in a gravelly voice.
At the time, she’d cursed the bikini wax. Now, she was grateful for the self-imposed torture.
“Oh fuck, baby. You’re so wet.”
Her breath echoed against his throat while her fingers curled into the material at his shoulders. They were making out in the street, and she couldn’t care less at the moment.
His knuckle pushed the damp silk against her inner folds before continuing on to follow her slit then returning, with added pressure.
“This is what I imagined on the plane.” He circled her clit, starting the maddening journey between her legs. “You sitting next to me. My fingers playing against you until I had to keep my mouth on yours so you’d be quiet. And every time the flight attendant came by, I pulled away.” He stopped, leaving her bereft. She whimpered, her hips rolling forward to seek more of his touch. “But as soon as she left…”
He reached for her again, this time slipping under the elastic to explore the wet folds. Heat shot through her, threatening to consume her. She’d never felt so alive.
But he pulled those searching fingers away, smoothing his palm down her hip to set her skirt back in place. Her whimpered protest earned a quick, hard kiss and a squeeze to her bottom before he stepped back from her. What the hell? For once, she’d been on the edge of something wonderful. And he cut her off.
Chapter Three
“Hey. I’m sorry, y’all,” a muffled voice called from behind him. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.” Heels tapped a quickstep along the sidewalk as she juggled keys. “It’s the first day of spring. It supposed to be sunny and beautiful, not cold and rainy.”
Celeste swallowed hard, straightening, as she sobered. They moved out of the doorway as the shop owner reached them. Celeste glanced at the window. Displays with women’s wear. A boutique. Good. At least they weren’t caught in front of a fish and tackle store.
“Thanks for waiting.” The woman stepped into the entrance, a light jacket pulled over her head to protect her from the rain. “I dropped off a last-minute request for a bachelorette party.” She pushed the coat up and away, unlocking the door and ushering them in as little bells tinkled to announce their arrival. “I’m Mary Lou.” The stylish blonde set her bag and keys behind the counter. “Are you looking for something special?” Vibrant blue eyes with perfectly applied shadow looked from her to Rio with a questioning gaze.
Celeste stuck her fisted hands into her pockets. With her body still humming from his attention, she wasn’t prepared to be scrutinized and found lacking. She turned to the racks of dresses and tops. Jeans, shorts, and capris lay stacked on a side table. “I just need something for tomorrow,” she managed to croak. Mary Lou gave a deep nod, expecting more information. “The airline lost my luggage.”
“Oh.” She clapped her hands together. “I’m soh-rry.” She gave an exaggerated pout. “But I’m glad you found my little place. I’ve got a lot of unique items. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like.”
“I’ll hold your coat,” Rio offered. Celeste fought the urge to shrink into the coat’s lining. He stepped behind her, close enough to feel the heat of his body against her back. Strong arms came around her, his fingers brushing her chest as he clasped the collar to pull off the coat.
Mary Lou’s critical eye measured her from head to toe. Celeste stood rooted to the spot, promising to cut back on Costco’s seven-layer chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting from now on. “I don’t carry too many high-end designers, but if you’re looking for dresses, I’ll find you some you might like.”
The woman was a saleslady. She’d been trying to figure out her style and size. “I think I’ll stick to jeans.”
“All right.” Mary Lou chuckled, leading the way. “The weather isn’t the best for a dress, no matter how cute. But at least we aren’t covered in ice, like half the country.”
Celeste nodded in agreement. Though, coming from Seattle, the temperature in Texas was still nicer than home. She combed through the multitude of studded, embroidered, and ripped jeans.
“These would look good on you,” Rio suggested.
The worn patch on the jeans he held allowed for the skin at her inner thigh to be visible. She shot him a quick glance through her lashes. He winked and gave her one of those slight, one-sided grins. Trying desperately to ignore him, she turned back to the jeans, choosing a pair with little studs at the hips. It was the more subdued from the selection.
“Knit tops, blouses, and T-shirts are along the side wall.” Mary Lou led the way, her heels clicking against the polished wood floor, her hands moving about like an animated character. “Oh, I have the per-fect top for you.” She went directly to a Chambray top with a high collar, the opening stopping a lot lower than what Celeste usually chose. “When you wear it, try using a dark liner on your eyes and they willll pop.” She splayed her fingers in emphasis.
“Dark liner…”
“The liquid stuff might be a little trickier, but I like it better. Try a bold line stretching past the edge of your lid and a darker mascara.”
Celeste pictured her Pinterest boards with makeup tips, immediately understanding what she described.
“Oh, girl.” Mary Lou waved her hand. “The things I could do with you. You wouldn’t recognize yourself after. Sorry, I love playing dress up. That’s how I ended up with this.” Her hand swept around, encompassing the store. “And I can write it all off on my taxes.”
Celeste managed a genuine smile, more at ease. “I could probably do with a makeover.” How many times had she wished for just such a chance? A nervous laugh bubbled up inside.
Mary Lou’s face lit up like she discovered her morning donut was fat-free. “Oh. My. Gosh. How long are you in town?”
Celeste shook her head. “Only today. But I might drop in on you on my way back.”
“I’ll get you my card. We can m
ake it a girls’ day. I can always do with hair and nail appointments.” She tilted her head, studying Celeste. “You ever consider lowlights?”
Heat climbed her face. “I have no idea what they are.”
“We’ll get you set up.” She patted Celeste on the shoulder. “How about I bring you a couple more things to try on?” Celeste nodded. Mary Lou looked past her. “Looks like your man found the back room.”
The stage whisper hung in the air, like a dramatic pause before some grand revelation. Rio turned, a grin playing at his lips. Vix poked her head around his shoulder to peek inside, then turned, doing an incredible shimmy on the heel of her stiletto. What exactly was in the back room?
Mary Lou quirked a finger, leading her over. “Come on. You might find a few…more interesting pieces in here.”
Curious, Celeste peeked ahead, past the beaded curtain to an array of corsets in satin and leather. “Oh my.”
“Look around.” Mary Lou drew the rows of beads to one side. “See if something catches your eye.”
Colorful, sexy bras took up a wall. The styles went from demi cup to little more than a platform that offered support, but stopped below the nipple, leaving most of the breasts bare. A long table held a rainbow of lacy bikinis, thongs, and a section of jeweled underwear. Different colored gems, pearls, and stainless steel studs decorated all manner of panties. Celeste took in the sight with a mixture of trepidation and interest.
“Those are always a favorite.” Mary Lou said from the entrance. “I’d have to ask you to try on over your clothes, unless you’re set to buy. And if you’re a first timer, I’d suggest you wait to wear them with jeans. They can be a little…” She gave a full body shiver. “Intense.”
Intense… Celeste nodded. Until a few minutes ago, she didn’t have a clear understanding of the word. Normally, she never would have considered purchasing anything like this. Especially in person. She would have pretended she wasn’t intrigued and gone back to find socks or something equally neutral. But today wasn’t anywhere near a normal day.
Rio ran a hand along the table. “Interested?” His finger traced the elastic of some blue panties, slipping underneath to feel the strand of pearls sewn into the minuscule panel.
Her sex clenched, knowing exactly how his touch felt on the most intimate part of her. And while a little corner of her brain was urging her to turn on her heel and find another place to shop, the thought of having something stoking the fire he started, kept her from heading to the door. “You like the pearls?” she murmured, trying to sound like it was an everyday purchase for her.
He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear while his hand cupped her waist. “The only pearl I want is already hidden between your thighs.”
She shivered, pressing her legs together against the sudden stab of desire. Was this really her, standing here buying kinky underwear with a man she’d known a matter of hours? Granted, he’d been stroking her tonsils a few minutes ago, and now she was close enough that the bulge in his pants was pressing into her hip.
“Try them on,” Mary Lou urged. “I always tell my customers they can liven up anyone’s sex life. Though I doubt you two need any spice.”
A bubble of laughter threatened to burst out. Her sex life revolved around a couple of discreet online purchases and AA batteries. The number of times she’d had intercourse didn’t reach double digits. And the guys were as exciting as watching the progress bar on a download. She only recognized the nipple clamps and short riding crops from posts on Tumblr. But Mary Lou only saw Rio, and the way she responded to him.
“Where’s your dressing room?” she asked, reaching for the blue panties and a regular bikini. She followed Mary Lou through the curtain without a backward glance, because honestly, she couldn’t face Rio at the moment.
Chapter Four
The phone vibrated as she latched the door. Dropping her purse and clothes on a cushioned chair set in the corner, she checked the incoming text.
Where are you? her father asked in his typical, direct manner.
Emergency landing in Breman, TX. Won’t make it to Houston until tomorrow.
Victoria.
She pressed her lips together, her head echoing with the hard note he added to her first name when he was annoyed. Which was most of the time.
If you’d called for the jet like I told you, you wouldn’t be stuck in the middle of God knows where.
True, but then she, boring, quiet Celeste, wouldn’t have ended up by the town’s square, with a man’s hand up her skirt.
Found Breman. Sending a car. All flights are grounded.
Fate pulled at Celeste’s elbow. A sandbag had landed in her stomach the moment she learned The Great and Powerful Oz wanted an extended visit. Something he’d never bothered to do, even before his life got complicated.
Please don’t. Roads are closed due to flooding. I’ll be there tomorrow, before noon.
Okay, she might be a tad overconfident, but she’d worry about updating him later. Seconds ticked by as she chewed on her bottom lip.
So I’m to sit here waiting for you.
Shutting her eyes, she smothered the urge to tap out an angry message about her inability to control the weather. But as things were, her bad decisions and “The Great Delay” would haunt her for years.
My apologies. I’ll be on the way as soon as the roads clear up.
He didn’t reply.
Regardless of the detour, putting everything on pause to take time for herself sounded better and better. It was a perfect opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone and figure out what Vix would do in this situation.
A quick knock cut through her thoughts. “Mary Lou thought you’d like these.” Rio draped what looked like two outfits over the door. “You’re going to need a suitcase by the time she’s finished.” The outfits were a burst of color, nothing in the muted shades she would have chosen. Somewhere along the way she’d gone from discreet to dull and drab. “Celeste?”
She clutched the screen to her chest, staring down at the heavy boots under the door.
“You okay in there?” His concerned whisper floated over the door. His hairline was visible over the fitting room door, so hiding anything from him would be impossible. She slid the phone into her purse before stepping over to pull back the latch. Better to tuck away the family secret and avoid any complications.
“What’s wrong?” He frowned, dropping his bag by the doorway. Obviously he didn’t plan on moving. Not that he should.
“Nothing,” she assured him with a shake of her head. A smile peeked at the corners of her lips. In this exorbitant situation, she knew one thing for sure; she was going to have sex with this man. Just once. She wanted, no…she needed to burn through this urgency she’d never experienced before. Tomorrow, they’d part ways, and she’d go back to being shoved into the background. He’d be the wicked little secret she could think about when she felt all alone.
He crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “You tried them on,” he said in a low rumble.
She shook her head. “No. Not yet.”
He stretched out to caress her waist. “You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
It was odd to have someone tell her she could do or not do whatever she wanted. For too long she’d been in dire straits. Forced to make choices that would literally be life and death for her or her family. But with more options, came doubts. Somehow he knew what she wanted because in the next breath he was kissing her, sharing his strength. “Tell me what you want, baby. We can walk out right now.”
Her tongue suddenly felt too big for her mouth. This would be so much easier if she typed out a blog post for him to read while she waited somewhere else.
“Don’t.” He leaned into her, nipping at her lips. “It’s just you and me here. Nobody’s going to hear what you say but me.” His palm covered the
back of her right hand, his fingers working under her clenched fingers. “Close your eyes.” She did, and he slipped his other hand under her hair and cupped the back of her head, bringing her forehead to his chest. “I need to know what’s going through that pretty little head of yours.” His thumb started doing a circular motion at the base of her skull. “Especially the sexy parts.” She smiled against his shirt. “Because apparently I have a problem with boundaries where you’re concerned.”
A chuckle slipped past her lips. His arms tightened around her. Little by little, her muscles relaxed.
His lips brushed her temple. “You liked finding me hard.” It was a statement, not a question. Shocking in its bluntness, but true and honest.
Heat licked at her insides, easing the tension. “I did.”
“And you liked knowing you got me that way.”
She gave a tentative nod.
“I liked finding how wet you were. Knowing I did that to you.”
Her sex clenched, and her breath hitched.
“Tell me, what did you think about on the plane? Were you sitting in my lap?”
“Mmhmm.” He didn’t need to know about Vix or her overactive fantasy life. Because then he’d figure out the real Celeste was boring as unsweetened tea.
“It didn’t matter that we were on the flight, did it? Nobody around us mattered.”
She managed a slow nod, imagining Vix with heavily lined eyes, and jeans with a hole at the inner thigh. Bold. Brave. Not giving a damn what anyone thought. Doing all the things geeky Celeste couldn’t dare want… She’d created her that way. Which meant she knew what to do. What to say.
The back of his index finger caressed her cheek, sending her pulse skittering through her body. He was so patient, while she was ready to jump out of her skin, wanting him. It was time to put on her big-girl panties, literally, and stop living in the imaginary world of her alter ego.
Temptation and Treachery (Dangerous Desires) Page 3
