With two fingers, he lifted her chin. “Those PJs are really cute.”
Snared in the gaze of his sky-blue eyes, she started stammering a response, but it was muffled by his lips.
Shocked, Natalie let him kiss her, his plush lips lingering for just a moment.
“The snoring last night was pretty cute too.”
Embarrassed, Natalie dropped her forehead against his chest, moaning, “Oh God!”
Easing away from her, he chuckled. “Bathroom is all yours.”
Natalie rushed into the smaller room, closing the door behind her. Gripping the edge of the sink, she stared at her reflection and groaned.
Her dark hair was flattened on one side and puffy on the other. She wasn’t fully alert yet, which showed in her drowsy eyelids, and when she cupped her hand in front of her mouth, she cringed at the stale state of her breath. She was in need of floss and a toothbrush.
She should have kept a package of breath mints beside the bed. But then she hadn’t been expecting him to kiss her.
Why had he kissed her?
Natalie slapped her hands on the small, circular table, startling Trish and Destiny. She glanced around the room to ensure none of their other friends were around to listen in, then whispered, “Griff kissed me.”
Destiny set down her coffee cup. “What?”
“This pastry is really good.” Trish licked her lips, as she ate something fluffy and chocolatey. “I wonder what they put in their pastry that makes it so lite.”
Trish and Destiny ran a little bake shop together and were always coming up with new and delicious concoctions. Destiny smacked her fork on Trish’s plate. “Trish! How can you think of that right now? This is huge!”
Begrudgingly, Trish set the pastry aside. She pushed out one of the empty chairs indicating that Natalie should join them. “Oh, come on. It’s not even a surprise. He wants to shack up, why else would he want to share a room with you?”
“To save money?” Natalie played with one of the tea cups that sat empty on the table.
“Please!” Trish scoffed. “As if. He’s been flirting with you all week. I’m surprised all he’s done is kiss you. I thought you two would be banging that whole first night.”
Natalie blushed. “He’s just being friendly.”
Trish tapped her temple. “Think about it. Two single, unattached people sharing a room. He wants to jump your bones, honey.”
“Actually,” Destiny chimed in, “that makes a lot of sense. What other reason would he have for wanting to share a room?”
Natalie frowned. It had made so much sense to her before, but now they were making her wonder about his motives. She had doubts, but pointed out, “It’s economical.”
“I know he works for a charity,” Destiny said, “but don’t let that fool you. He’s not well-to-do, but he’s not hurting, either. He could have easily afforded his own room.”
“That’s what Sabrina said.”
Natalie looked at Trish. “Sabrina thinks so too?” Mark and Griff were best friends, so of all of them, Mark’s bride knew Griff the best.
“He’d never say that’s what he wants, but she thinks it’s obvious.”
Natalie wavered. “He was offering to save me money. He’s a good friend.”
“Then why did he kiss you?” Destiny pointed out.
“Maybe it was impulse. It was just a peck, after all.”
“I’m telling you, he wants more than a peck. He’s a guy, sharing a room with a hot, single chick. He’s got more than friendship on his mind,” Trish insisted.
“I’m not hot,” Natalie barely mumbled, her fingers toying with the cup handle. She was a bookworm, hardly worth a second glance.
“Oh please,” Trish waved at her. “Don’t be all humble. You know that whole sexy librarian thing? That’s you to a tee.”
Embarrassed, Natalie glared at Trish. “That’s not true.”
“Yeah, right. Sexy, dark hair, nice legs.” Trish glanced down at Natalie’s chest. “Big tits.”
Scandalized, Natalie gasped and covered her breasts. “I’m not the kind of girl you have a fling with.”
“Maybe he’s not looking for a fling.” Destiny suggested.
Last night he had been talking about settling down and having kids. Surely he didn’t mean with her? Confounded, Natalie considered it. Had he been flirting with her? God, she was dense when it came to men.
She was about to ask for further clarification when Destiny swatted at her. “Shh! Here he comes!”
A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed it. In the company of the bride and groom and the maid of honour, Griff was headed their way. Natalie averted her gaze, but couldn’t help the blush she felt invading her cheeks. One look at her and he’d know they were gossiping about him.
As their group neared the table, Griff said, as way of greeting, “Opa!”
The other girls smiled and exchanged greetings with the new comers. Natalie stared at a dent in the table. Her shoulders straightened away from the back of her chair when his hand rested on it, his thumb brushing against her.
“Where’s your husband?” Trish asked of Grace, Sabrina’s younger sister and acting maid of honour.
“He’s sleeping,” she complained. “Apparently I kept him up half the night with the sound of my barfing. Now he gets to sleep, but despite the fact that I’m exhausted, I can’t seem to get comfortable enough to sleep.”
Grace was pregnant with their first child.
Griff dragged another table over so they could all sit together. When Mark and Sabrina decided to hit the buffet, Grace accompanied them. “It doesn’t make sense, but I’m starving now.” She rubbed her belly. “Even though I know I’m just going to throw it all up anyway.”
Destiny laughed. “When we get back home you should come by the shop. I’ll make you some fresh chicken broth.”
Although she’d been a year younger than them, Grace had spent much of high school hanging out with her sister’s group of friends. Grace made a sound of bliss. “That would be heavenly.”
Griff still hovered over Natalie, and his thumb rubbed over her again. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet, no.”
He leaned a little closer, reminding her anew of their morning kiss. “What would you like? I’ll make you a plate while I’m up there.”
Natalie stumbled out of the chair. “That’s okay. I can get it myself.”
“I don’t mind. I’m headed there anyway.”
She shook her head. The idea that he might want her scrambled her brain. “I’m not sure what I want yet.”
Together they headed to the buffet. With each step, she was aware of him. When they reached the stack of recently washed warm white plates, he motioned for her to go first. She proceeded to fill her plate with a portion of eggs, a few fried potatoes, and a lot of fresh fruit.
While they were preparing their coffees at the beverage station, she blurted out, “Why are you following me?” Smooth, real smooth.
His delicious lips twitched. “Because you’re ahead of me in the buffet line?”
She put creamer in her coffee. “Not just now. Like all week, it’s like every time I turn around there you are.”
He straightened. “Is that a problem?”
“No,” she stammered. The last thing she wanted was for him to focus his attention on someone else. But she wouldn’t mind a little clarification.
The smile returned. “We share a room.” He leaned a little closer and whispered, “Hell, we share a bed. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other. A lot.”
His gaze dipped down to her lips, and for a second she thought he might kiss her, right there in the middle of the buffet. Instead, he treated her to a tiny smile before picking up his plate and cup and heading back to their table.
“Opa!” Griff’s friendly greeting had everyone smiling.
That evening was the rehearsal dinner. Having been held up by the photogra
pher, the wedding party was late arriving for dinner. Greetings were exchanged, and more wine was brought to the table.
When Griff walked by her chair, his fingers grazed her bare shoulder. He bent toward her and murmured in a husky tone, “You look gorgeous.”
As he greeted the next few people, Trish elbowed her in the ribs, as though to say, See I told you so!
Destiny leaned forward and nodded enthusiastically at her. Natalie frowned sternly at them both. Today she’d gone to the beach with them, and that afternoon they’d been on a small shopping excursion. Natalie had cherished the time away from Griff. After her confusion over the kiss, she’d been happy for a little distance and time to consider the situation.
Destiny and Trish seemed to think he was interested in her, and the more she thought on it, the more she believed that might be the case. But was he only interested in a tropical vacation fling, or did he want something more substantial? Hell, what difference did it make?
It had been a few years since her last relationship attempt. She dated occasionally, but never had she attracted the attention of someone as fantastic as Griff. With all of his charity endeavours, his courage, and his adventurous spirit, Natalie looked up to him. He helped the underdog, never once asking for the spotlight. Plus, it didn’t hurt that he was smokin’ hot.
The restaurant had pushed several rectangular tables together to accommodate their large party. Griff was across from her, and about six people down, but countless times she caught him looking at her. Or maybe he was catching her sneaking glances at him. Either way, there was a flirtatious undercurrent between each exchange.
For dinner, Natalie ordered a chicken and shrimp stir fry served over rice and paired it with a white wine. After dinner, she enjoyed a glass of ice water along with a decaf coffee. She turned down dessert.
Grace decided to turn in early, claiming she was tired, but based on the green tinge her face had developed over dinner and the formation of a light sweat on her forehead, Natalie assumed it was morning sickness more than fatigue that had her heading to her room. Natalie took it as an opportunity to slip away from the table as well. Content she’d fulfilled her socializing requirements for the day, she informed her friends she was turning in.
The next day was the wedding. It promised to be a busy day. She wanted a little alone time before she’d be expected to eagerly engage with others again. As much as she loved her friends, she found spending hours with them to be very draining.
As she made her way around the table wishing everyone goodnight, she was teased for being a party-pooper and begged to stay a little longer.
“Nat, wait up,” Griff called out softly to her as she left the table.
Turning to face him, she noted his wide shoulders blocked out most of the curious stares. Destiny and Trish were probably straining their necks to witness the exchange. Feeling a little drained, she smiled at him. “Yes?”
“Do you want me to walk you back?”
“No! Of course not.” The last thing she wanted was to dampen his evening.
“Are you sure?” He looked torn.
She didn’t want to cut his evening short, but she also didn’t want him to think she wasn’t interested in him. Feeling awkward, she placed her palm gently against his chest. “I’m sure. I’m a little tired. I’m going to read, and then head to bed.”
“I won’t be much longer.” He tugged at his ear. “But I should probably stay for a bit.”
“You have obligations to Mark.” She briefly glanced at the groom. “When you’re ready, I know you’ll find the way back to our bed.” She hoped that sounded like an invitation.
Based on the flare of heat she saw in his eyes and the slightly wicked smile that curved his lips she assumed he understood. “You can bet on it.”
Chapter Three
“Shit, did I wake you?”
Natalie blinked against the light. It was just after midnight. It had only been about ten minutes since she’d given up on the idea that Griff would join her before she fell asleep. “No, I only recently turned in.”
“Sorry.” He lowered his voice a fraction. “I’ll be quick.”
Griff’s hands went to the belt that cinched the waist of his black dress pants. Whether it was intentional or not, nothing woke Natalie up faster than the idea of getting a strip tease from Griff. Any hint of drowsiness was chased away by Griff rapidly exposing his body.
Off went the peacock-blue polo T-shirt.
Down went the pants.
Natalie struggled not to stare.
In just his boxers, he hung the discarded clothing in the small closet. When he glanced at her and noticed she was, in fact, awake, he asked, “How’s your book?”
“Good.” She rubbed at one eye, then stretched. “I finished it, but didn’t feel up to starting another one, so I thought I’d try to sleep.”
“You have another one?”
Not understanding his confusion, she blinked. “Of course. I finished the one I was reading on the plane. Then I read this one. And I have two more in my luggage.”
“You brought four books?”
“I have to have back-up books.” It would be chaos if she didn’t have a spare.
Shaking his head, Griff flipped the light off, crossed the room and crawled beneath the covers. “So are there different genres? Or are they all the same?”
“There’s tons of genres. All kinds, historical, paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, erotic. And all of those can be divided up into subcategories.” Curling onto her side, she faced the nightstand.
He shifted. “Do you have a favourite?”
“I have favourite authors from each.”
The blankets pulled again. When his hand touched her hip, she froze. His body curled around hers, his big hand coming to rest over her breast above her top, his erection nuzzling against her ass cheeks. His hand didn’t move. He didn’t stroke or touch, he just held her, the weight of her heavy breast against his palm. “Any favourite scenes that are hotter than the rest?”
“Um. Yes.”
“Want to tell me one?”
She shook her head no.
Slowly he moved his thumb, rubbing it over the tip. “Is this okay?”
Natalie swallowed. “How much have you had to drink?” She hated to ask, but she had to be sure.
“Not as much as you’re thinking. My duties as best man kept me at the party longer than I wanted, and yes I celebrated with a few shots, but knowing that I was coming back here, to you, I made sure to stop at a few.”
For long moments they were silent. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do.
He moved his hips, causing his penis to rub against her ass. She bit off a groan, but couldn’t stop her hips from wiggling back against him. His thumb flicked over her nipple, and he repeated, “Is this okay?”
“Yes.” Her quiet agreement sent a rush of sensation through her body, puddling between her thighs.
“Thank God,” he muttered. Still, with a leisurely pace, his hand moved away from her breast, to the base of her shirt, then began climbing upward again. Coasting along her ribs, but this time beneath the material.
Anxious, she squirmed.
“I’ve been thinking about this all week.” The pad of his thumb brushed along the underside of her boob. “Hell, I’ve been thinking about it since you said yes.”
Moaning, she pushed back against him, eager for more.
His thumb crept upward, and finally she felt him cupping her bare breast. With his warm large palm against her tender skin, sensations swept over her like a hurricane. She groaned his name.
“Tell me this isn’t one-sided. Tell me that you want me just as much as I want you.” His lips glided over her shoulder to the collar of her shirt. When he reached her neck, she felt him suck lightly on her skin.
“Yes.” She reached back, clutching at his cotton clad hip. “Yes, I want you. It’d be ludicrous to believe otherwise.”
>
Gently he rolled her onto her back. “We need to get this off.” Struggling in the dark, beneath the covers, they worked together to tug her shirt over her head. He tossed it to the floor before surprising her by ripping back the duvet. She gasped, partly due to the cool air-conditioning, partly due to being exposed so abruptly.
He didn’t give her time to dwell on it. Springing on top of her, he pinned her thighs before leaning down and taking her mouth.
He must have had a breath mint after his last drink. He didn’t taste at all like the bitter beer he’d drunk at dinner, or like any alcohol she recognized. All she could taste was mint, and warmth, and sweetness, and Griff. As he slipped his tongue past her parted lips, she thought briefly of how she’d longed for this moment since high school.
His hand slipped beneath the material of her pajamas, and breaking their kiss he dragged her bottoms off, leaving her in only her plain white cotton panties. With her clothing on the floor and his hands free, he set about exploring.
His callused fingers navigated her body, finding sensitive spots and creating a tidal wave of awareness. He awakened nerve endings with his soft touch. She loved that he avoided her erogenous areas, and still her sexual need heightened. His hands smoothed over her calves, up her thighs, and across her belly.
Rising on his hands above her, he thrust his erection against the apex of her thighs. With a quick kiss on her cheek, he whispered, “Sorry, but I have to be able to see. The moonlight just isn’t going to cut it.”
“What—” Before she had a chance to finish her question, he rested his body weight atop hers, his bare chest pressing against her. He stretched out one arm and quickly flicked on her bed-side lamp.
Rising up, Griff hoisted his weight off her, and at a full arm’s length, he stared down at her. Bared in the dark and naked in the light were two completely different things. Squealing, Natalie attempted to hide herself.
Slipping off, he sank one hip into the mattress and captured her wrists. Holding her down with one hand around her wrists, he had her stretched out.
Neptune’s Passion Page 2
