Allie’s arms felt weak but she did as he asked. She braced herself for his assault, her fingers digging into the supple leather. His hands squeezed her hips and she felt the blunt head of him slipping against her as he guided himself to where she was wet and ready.
His length pushed deep inside her and her mouth dropped open. “Fuck, Allie, I can’t get enough of you.” He pulled back slowly, and with a shift of his hips, slammed back into her with a powerful surge. “You feel so good around my cock.”
Over and over he plunged into her, jolting her forward against the arm of the couch with each punishing thrust. “Hold on,” he ground out between clenched teeth. She tightened her grasp on the cushions as he yanked her back to meet his hips.
His drives were merciless, and in no time her insides began to quicken in surrender. Then his palm was on her shoulder, pulling her upright so that she felt every hard inch of him thrusting inside her. His lips found her neck and then his teeth grazed her ear. “Come for me again. I want you with me.”
Her body exploded with pleasure as the sweet release of her orgasm rolled through her. Hudson jerked against her, shouting her name on an explosive breath as he joined her in release. She was vaguely aware that they were sinking to the floor, but to her it felt as though she were falling, spiraling as she lost all sense of self.
When she regained her senses she was in Hudson’s lap, cradled in his arms.
“You okay?” he asked, covering her face with tender kisses.
“Hmmm.” She leaned her head against his chest, murmuring her assent, and felt his low chuckle vibrate against her cheek.
“Is that a yes?”
She looked up at him and nodded shyly. “I’ll play darts with you any day.”
“I’m always up for a challenge, Miss Sinclair.” His arms tightened around her and he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. They sat like that for several minutes before he rose to his feet, hauling Allie up with him. “Come,” he said. “I have a rain check I plan to cash in.”
Chapter Twenty
Hovering over Allie, Hudson smoothed the hair away from her damp face. “I could get used to this, waking up in you.” His erection was still twitching inside of her as he dipped his head and brushed his lips to hers.
“Not a bad way to start a Monday morning.” Allie’s lips curved into a lazy grin. “And unless that was a very erotic dream, I believe I woke up the same way during the night. In fact,” she slid her foot along his muscular calf, “I think you’ve spent most of the weekend inside me.”
“Hmm . . . I’ve been incredibly greedy with you.” He withdrew from her, rolled over onto his back, and pulled Allie across his chest. “I’m making up for all the times you said ‘no’ ten years ago.”
“You were very persistent, I’ll give you that.”
He smiled. “I was beginning to think ‘no’ was the extent of your vocabulary.”
“What did you expect? I was a good girl.” She rested her chin on her hands. “And you, Hudson Chase, were every bit the bad boy back then.”
His brow lifted. “Back then? And now?” His tongue traced her bottom lip before tugging it between his teeth for a long erotic moment. “Have I lost my touch?” His finger caressed the contours of her spine.
“Hardly. But you know what I mean. That swagger . . .” Her voice wavered at the end as his hand smoothed over the curve of her ass.
Hudson chuckled. “Swagger?”
“Yes. And the way you looked at me.” Her eyes dropped for a split second, then met his. “From the moment I saw you, I knew you were nothing but trouble.”
“And I knew you were a spoiled, uptight pain in the ass.”
Allie’s jaw dropped and she playfully hit him on the chest.
“And the most beautiful girl I’d ever laid eyes on.” Hudson gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and his eyes roamed over her face. “What would you ever want with a guy like me?”
“Because when I was with you,” her voice softened, “no one ever made me feel so alive. I couldn’t stay away.”
“Yet you still said no.”
Allie smiled shyly at him. “I almost said yes.”
He pushed up on an elbow. “You did?”
She nodded. “The night you took me out on the water taxi, just the two of us. I always wondered if you had permission to take the boat out that night.”
“It might have been a slight misuse of company property.” He eased back against the pillows and smirked.
“I suspected as much.” She laughed. “Well then, I guess it’s a good thing I said no. Could you imagine if we’d been caught?”
Hudson shifted to his side, wrapped his arms around Allie’s waist, and hauled her against his hard chest. “With our pants down? Not a terrible image.”
He nuzzled the back of her neck and sucked the skin at the nape. God, he wanted her again. He wanted her nails scoring his back and her tongue in his mouth as she writhed beneath him. Then when they were through, to sleep with her in his arms once again.
His fingers splayed on the flat of her stomach as he pressed his heavy cock into her behind. Allie let out a soft moan and her body arched back to meet his. “What do you want, Allie?”
“You,” she murmured, her hips slowly rocking against him.
“Show me where you want me to go.” In a slow sweep, Hudson ran his palm down her arm and laced his fingers with hers. As he did, he felt the facets of the rock on her hand dig into his finger. His eyes closed. The juxtaposition of where they’d been moments ago and the reality of how this might inevitably end slammed inside his skull.
“I have to get ready for work.” He flung the covers back and dropped his legs over the side of the bed. Pushing to his feet, he scrubbed a hand down his face and strode to the bathroom. He stood in the center of the room for a moment and breathed deeply, taking a time-out like a fucking toddler. He was pissed. He hated that ring on her finger. He hated the dandy prick who put it there. The more he thought about it, the more it ratcheted up the possessive male in him. He was an idiot to think one lost weekend with her would ever sate his need, though he wished like hell that it had. He wanted more and he was willing to take the time, for now. He’d use the next two weeks to show her how good they were together. But then he had to do it. Before that Julian what-the-fuck-do-you-need-a-title-for returned, he had to lay out his demands for her to choose.
The hell if he was going to be the other man in her life. He wanted to be the man in her life.
Fighting the impulse to go back in there, he yanked the glass door of the shower open and cranked the faucets on full blast. Not bothering to wait for the water to reach steaming, he stepped under the spray. The frigid water hit his chest and sluiced down his abs to his aching erection. He hoped the cold water would shock it into some flaccid state.
No such luck.
He braced his palms against the granite and allowed his head to drop forward, shoving whatever thoughts he had to the side and focusing on the hot water hitting the back of his neck and shoulders. A moment later he heard the shower door open and felt Allie’s arms slip around his waist.
“Please,” she said, pressing a trail of tender kisses along his back. “Don’t ruin this.”
Despite his temper and the strain of keeping his mouth shut doing a number on his brain, he wanted her.
Hudson dropped his arms and turned around. Their eyes met and suddenly he didn’t care anymore about the thoughts poisoning his psyche. His hand slid up the side of her throat and into her hair. As his fingers fisted into the silky blond curls, he slanted his mouth over hers. His tongue parted her lips, going deep and taking over.
Allie arched into him and he groaned into her mouth at the feel of her nipples brushing against his chest. His hands roamed all over her tight body, from the gentle slope of her breasts to the curve of her waist and the top of her hips.
Maneuvering Allie against the glass, his fingers dug possessively into the flesh of her thigh and he curled he
r leg around his hip. His erection brushed between her legs as he positioned himself. He sucked in a sharp breath. She was so fucking hot and wet.
Primitive instinct taking over, he curled the end of his spine, joining their bodies. A breathless cry escaped her mouth and her core tightened, taking him deeper. She gripped his shoulders and her eyes fluttered closed as she gave herself up to him.
“Open your eyes,” he demanded. “See what you do to me.” His hips flexed forward and pulled back, sending a vicious ache up his cock to be back inside her. “You’ve stripped me raw.”
Allie met his stare as she rocked into each of his thrusts. In that moment he knew she needed this as much as he did. It wasn’t going to help them get through the words that needed to be said, but for now this skin-to-skin contact was what they had. He pushed into her again, staking his claim, and he knew with every fiber of his being that he wanted to be with her.
Forever.
Chapter Twenty-one
Allie’s stomach plummeted as the elevator whisked her to the top of the Palmolive building, but not from the force of gravity. She had a wicked case of nerves. Hudson had been in such a foul mood that morning, and even though their physical connection had been every bit as mind blowing, he’d still seemed somewhat distant when she’d left for work.
The image of him in the shower, his head down as the water pulsed over his tense shoulders, had haunted her all day. She knew what he wanted, and if she was honest with herself, she’d admit she was starting to want the same thing.
If only it were that simple.
And it wasn’t just the fact that invitations had already been sent out. Yes, her mother would be humiliated to cancel “the event of the holidays,” as she’d taken to calling it; but the ramifications of Allie’s actions would run much deeper than that. There was Ingram Media to consider as well. Accepting Julian’s proposal not only meant the joining of two people, but the merger of two empires as well. Her father had worked hard to ensure a seamless transition when Julian took the helm after their wedding. The two of them had met with nearly every subsidiary over the past month. Deals had been made, contracts had been signed. Wheels were in motion that had far greater implications than simply canceling a caterer.
But the ultimatum was coming. It was only a matter of time. And if that morning was any indication, it would be soon, possibly even tonight. She knew it was selfish of her to want to hold on to him as long as possible, but she couldn’t help it. She was an addict and Hudson Chase was her drug.
Allie closed her eyes and tried to calm her erratic breathing, but it was no use. Not knowing what to expect when the doors slid open had her heart accelerating with each passing floor.
The musky scent of flowers washed over her the moment she stepped off the elevator. At least two dozen long-stem roses filled a vase on the round, dark wood table that sat in the center of the foyer. She paused in front of them, her fingers gently cupping the velvety petals of one of the deep red blooms.
“Good evening, Miss Sinclair,” Hudson said. He was in the dining room, lighting the last of the crystal votives that lined the center of the table.
As she drew closer, she realized there were candles adorning nearly every surface. Their flickering light reflected off the wall of glass and lit the entire room in a soft glow. Her eyes drifted back to the table set with white linen, fine china, and crystal goblets.
“This is beautiful, Hudson. What’s the occasion?”
His gaze met hers and his mouth curved into a shy smile. “My way of apologizing for being an ass.”
“You cooked dinner for me?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
He chuckled. “Don’t give me too much credit. I’m not much of a cook, and since I extended my housekeeper’s impromptu vacation, you’ll have to settle for something out of a delivery box.”
“It smells amazing.” Allie set her purse on the back of the couch. “Where’s it from?”
“Spiaggia.”
She frowned, glancing at him over her shoulder as he helped her out of her coat. “Spiaggia doesn’t deliver.”
He looked down at her with a smug grin stretched across his face. “For the right price, anyone will deliver, Alessandra.”
“You know I would have been happy just ordering a pizza.”
“I know, but I’m trying here.” Hudson draped her coat over the couch and placed his hand on the small of her back. The gesture, so simple and yet so intimate, sent a shiver up the length of her spine. “Come, sit.”
He guided her to the table and pulled out her chair. She sat, unfolding the linen napkin and placing it in her lap. Her mouth watered as one by one he removed sterling silver domes from a half dozen plates of food. It was far too much for just the two of them. As she watched him she realized the table was also set with at least eight different glasses of wine.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I went ahead and ordered the tasting menu.” He leaned down and his voice deepened as his lips grazed her ear. “I want to learn what pleases you.”
Allie felt her face heat as all manner of erotic images filled her mind. “I believe we’ve already covered that.”
“While I do know your taste,” he smirked, “I want to know what you like.” Hudson took a seat in the chair next to hers and picked up his knife and fork. “First we have Mediterranean sea bass with marinated Nantucket scallops.” He sliced into the tender fish and then paused with a perfect bite suspended in midair. “Allow me?”
“I can feed myself,” she began to protest.
“That’s not the point. Open.”
Feeling slightly foolish, she obliged, opening her mouth and allowing him to feed her. “Mmm . . .” Was that caviar with a hint of lemon? Her eyes drifted shut as she savored the mouthwatering bite. “That’s delicious.”
Hudson lifted a crystal goblet of a white wine and held it to her lips. “The restaurant pairs it with the 2010 Gavi.”
“It’s wonderful,” she said after sampling the white wine. As Hudson moved the sea bass aside, she was suddenly aware of the soft strains of classical music wafting from the speakers mounted flush with the ceiling. “I didn’t know you liked Tchaikovsky.”
“It serves more as background noise. To be honest, it all sounds the same to me.” He drew another plate closer. “A particular favorite of yours?”
“Absolutely. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is doing a limited engagement of his Fourth Symphony right now. I had hoped to go, but they’re sold out.” She watched him prepare the next bite of food, ravioli in cream sauce. “Aren’t you going to try any?” she asked when the fork once again hovered over her lips.
“Not yet. I enjoy watching you eat.”
She managed to swallow the pasta before rolling her eyes at his comment. “Surely it’s not that exciting.”
“More than you know.” His gaze was dark and penetrating. “The way your lips wrap around the fork. The noises you make. Your eyes fluttering shut as if memorizing every taste.” Hudson’s words were more intoxicating than the wine, and as he raised the next glass she realized her lips were already parted in anticipation. “Try it with Corino’s 2007 Barolo.” His eyes never left hers as she sipped the garnet-colored wine. When she finished he cocked his head to the side. “More?”
“Yes, please,” she said, her breathless reply revealing a desire for more than just wine.
He offered her another sip before moving the ravioli aside and reaching for the next selection. “Spiaggia is known for their perfect risotto.” His lips curved into a wicked grin. “Firm in the mouth and creamy on the tongue.”
Oh, this could be fun.
She licked her lips and saw him pause momentarily as he lifted the next forkful. His jaw fell slack as he eased the bite into her mouth, keeping his eyes focused on her lips as she slid the risotto off the fork.
When she was done he offered her a sampling of yet another red wine. She sipped it slowly, relishing the warm, full-bodied flavor. A small drop remained at the
corner of her mouth and she gently wiped it with her finger. He inhaled sharply as she pressed her finger to her lips, letting her tongue swirl around the tip before drawing it into her mouth. She moaned in quiet appreciation as she sucked the last bit of wine from her fingertip.
Hudson moved quickly, surprising Allie by locking his hand on the back of her neck and dragging her mouth to his. His lips were demanding against hers, kissing her as if he had to. As if her mouth churning with his was the only thing keeping him alive.
“Ah, God Allie,” he groaned, deepening the kiss as his tongue swept over hers in firm, lush strokes. He gripped her around the waist and lifted her out of the chair as he stood. She raised her arms, her aching breasts rising and falling against his chest as her fingers weaved into his hair. His hands slid down her back, cupping her behind and urging her against him, every hard inch of him straining to get closer as his body pressed the length of her.
She was vaguely aware of movement; an arm sweeping out, the sound of dishes and silverware crashing to the floor, and then the table was at her back. “You’re making a mess,” she panted against his mouth.
“Fuck the mess,” he growled. His body arched over hers as he kissed and licked his way down her throat. “I’ve been thinking about this all day.” He dipped his head and his teeth caught her nipple through the fabric of her blouse. She gasped as he tugged hard, the sensation echoing through her core.
Hudson shifted fast and smooth, sweeping Allie’s panties down her legs before dropping to his knees. He lifted one leg over his shoulder, spreading her wide, and dragged his tongue up the heart of her. She raised her head and heat pulsed through her veins as she watched him move between her thighs. There was an intensity in the way he consumed her, as if driven by an overwhelming need to give her pleasure.
Remind Me Page 13
