Home Is Where the Heat Is

by James, Amelia

  Alex kicked the door shut. “I don’t remember a lot of talking.”

  Claire curled her fist over her mouth to keep from pressuring him. She’d let him confess on his own.

  “I remember at least one bottle of wine.” He grinned, then leveled his gaze at her. “Why do you want to know?”

  As anticipated, he’d turned it against her. “I was just… daydreaming. Sometimes women do that.”

  “Uh-huh. You know I can read liars better than anyone, right?”

  “Is my phone ringing?” She turned and grabbed the doorknob.

  “No, it isn’t.” He slapped his palm against the solid oak and shoved it shut. “Listen to me, Claire.” His commanding tone forced her to face him. “Daydreams are fun, but reality is a gamble.”

  JT would love to hear that. She pushed the wayward thought aside and nodded. “I know.”

  “Have fun, but be careful. I went through hell and back to make this thing work. I’d hate to see that happen to you.”

  She took a deep, shaking breath. What was she thinking anyway? Did she really believe JT and—oh my God—Kurt would agree to three-way sex? But if I get the chance, I just might do it. “I’m stronger than I look.”

  “Damn right.” He winked and stepped back. “Before you go to lunch, will you print the briefs you wrote this morning?”

  “Yes, sir.” She walked back to her desk and polished up the last document before sending them all to the printer. She hadn’t even noticed the machine failing to respond until she grabbed her purse, intending to drop the papers on Alex’s desk on her way to lunch. “Cheese and crackers, I’m going to throw this thing out the window!”

  “Did it crash again?” Alex chuckled as he straightened his tie and headed out the door.

  Claire marched to her desk and looked up Kurt’s direct extension. He answered on the first ring. “Kurt! Get up here and fix my printer.” She slammed the phone down without waiting for a response.

  Seconds later, the timid geek poked his head inside the office. “Is it safe to come in?”

  She raised her head and snarled, then curled her fingers around the nearest heavy object. When he ducked, thinking she’d actually throw it at him, she released the stapler. “Yes. I’m not mad at you.” He nearly fell into the room as she opened the door and ushered him in.

  The guilt lurking in his eyes made her wonder if he’d purposely avoided fixing the printer just so he could see her whenever it crashed. But Kurt isn’t a schemer. Alex on the other hand…. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you and Alex were conspiring against me.”

  The heavy lid slipped and crashed on Kurt’s fingers. “Ow, damn it!” He squeezed his reddened hand. “Conspiring how?” He wouldn’t look at her.

  Working for Alex all this time had taught her how to catch a lie. “Can it be fixed?” An amateur yes or no question, but one wrong word, or the right one, would convict him.

  “Yes,” he mumbled, hunching over the inanimate machine.

  “Look at me.”

  He straightened and shoved his glasses up his nose. His brilliant green eyes pleaded for mercy. “Yes. But it will fail… repeatedly. You’ll have to replace it.”

  “And I’ll have to call you until Alex gets a new one.”

  “Me, or anyone at the helpdesk.”

  “No, you.” That’s what Kurt wanted, she realized, for her to need him. Since the day they first met, he’d fallen all over himself and climbed over anyone in his way to be the first to respond when she called for help. Why have I never seen it before? She’d wasted so much time searching for a man who adored her, but Kurt worshipped her right at her feet.

  A trembling smile touched his face. “It does seem to work out that way.”

  He couldn’t tell her. She’d given him the perfect opportunity to confess, but he faltered.

  “What are you afraid of?”

  “Ogres and orks. Those red dragons are some nasty bastards, too.”

  She stepped closer to him, expecting him to shrink back as she met his gaze on her most intimidating four-inch heels, but he stood strong, and deep in his shining eyes, a light of hope danced.

  She couldn’t extinguish it. Letting it live might be cruel, but if he chose to delude himself, who was she to argue? Besides, her unattainable fantasy still bloomed in the deepest reaches of her mind, so on that level, they understood each other.

  “I’m afraid of spiders and competitive sports,” she returned.

  “I’m a pro at killing spiders.” His lips no longer quivered and the flicker in his eyes flared. “And I’m starting to like basketball.”

  Maybe I could too. “Work your magic, but when Alex gets back, I’m letting him know I’m on to you two.”

  Her playful threat seemed to boost his confidence. “If you insist, but I could find something else to break. It’s just a matter of rerouting a few networks, crossing some wires….”

  She smiled at him and jammed her hands on her hips. “I’d like to see you try.”

  He grinned and made a couple of adjustments to the printer, then changed something on her computer. “That should keep it working until you get a new machine. I’ll put in the request before I leave for CES. You’ll have it by Tuesday at the latest.”

  “What’s CES?” Claire perched on the edge of her desk and watched the monitor over his shoulder.

  He spun, meeting her face to face. “The Consumer Electronics Show. I’ll be out of the office all next week.” The light in his eyes dimmed a bit, as if he was disappointed she hadn’t memorized every detail of his schedule like she had Alex’s.

  “Oh right, you told me that.” She remembered something about being able to reach him by text or Skype if she needed him. Wow, the guy has a serious crush.

  “Someone else will need to install it, but I’ll double check it when I get back.”

  “Thank you, Kurt.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re so good to me.”

  An instant blush colored his face. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

  Claire’s desk phone rang, and she snatched the receiver, turning her back to the hopeful geek as she paid no attention to the voice on the other end. She shouldn’t have encouraged him—shouldn’t have fed his hope—but the thought of hurting him tore her apart.

  Could she be friends with Kurt knowing he wanted more? Could she and JT include him somehow? She shook off the intimate implications and tried to focus on her phone conversation. “Yes, the file is on my desk. I’ll make copies and send a courier over this afternoon.”

  Or had she created a competition none of them could win?

  Chapter 16

  “This room is beautiful.” Claire clapped her hands together and let out a little squeal as she spun and smiled at the luxurious décor.

  JT tipped the bellhop then scooted him out the door. He’d splurged a bit for a suite at Caesar’s Palace, but the joy on Claire’s face made it worth the additional cash. “You’re beautiful.” He caught her mid-turn and pulled her into his chest. Her breathless gasp warmed his heart. He’d spent all week working extra hours, overcoming one setback after another to make sure he’d get his project back on schedule. No amount of bad luck would keep him from sharing this weekend with the woman he loved.

  What?

  The gigantic room turned hot and small, and he staggered back a step as it swirled around him. Love her? He couldn’t risk loving any woman, especially since the one woman he’d dared to love, the one who was supposed to love him, had thrown his feelings right back in his face.

  Claire giggled and cuddled close. “You’re just trying to get into my pants.”

  Her warmth steadied him, and her dirty comment brought him back to his senses. The urgent need between his legs reminded him how much he’d missed her body. He growled and snaked his hand down her back, slipping his fingers under her jeans. “Yes, I am. It’s been way too long, and I’m craving some of this.” He grabbed a handful of her ass.

  She kissed him while he groped her, draggin
g her body against his rigid crotch as she rose on her tiptoes. She’d worn practical shoes for the flight, taking several inches off her frame. He’d never seen her so short. Fuck me with a petite paralegal.

  JT slipped his hand between her thighs and hitched her up. She bent her legs around his hips as they fell onto the bed, rolling and kissing.

  But she pushed him onto his back and sat up. “I gotta get dressed.”

  He pulled at the button on her jeans. “You mean undressed.”

  She snatched his hands. “I want to go play. You promised me I could be the bad girl. Let me dress the part, and take me out.”

  Her eyes sparkled as she pleaded with him. How could he refuse a woman who enjoyed showing off her assets?

  “All right. But you have to promise to play with me later.”

  She leaned over, her silky hair tangling in his hands as he reached for her. “Anything you want.” Her tongue slipped between his lips.

  Now I’ve got her. “You never should’ve agreed to that.” He thrust his hips up between her spread legs.

  She toyed with the chain around his neck. “I’ll take the risk.” Then she pushed back and scrambled off his lap.

  As she searched the bedroom for her suitcase, he followed her “At least let me help you get these jeans off.”

  She unzipped her bag while he unzipped her pants, pulling the snug denim down to her knees and taking her panties with them. “Mmm….” She sighed as he slipped a finger between her naked lips.

  “Go wait in the other room.” Claire pushed him toward the door.

  “Why?”

  “Because I want to make an entrance.”

  “As you wish.” He smacked her bare ass and left. Pleasing Claire made him happy, and damn it, he loved making her happy, too.

  ***

  As soon as JT closed the bedroom door, Claire kicked her pants off and ran across the room to throw the curtains wide open. The hotel towered over The Strip. People the size of ants scurried along the sidewalk below. Another wing stood close by, but few of the curtains had been opened. No one would see her naked, but the thought of changing her clothes in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in broad daylight made her toes curl.

  She stripped off her top and danced naked in front of the window, casting a glance at the adjacent tower. Someone could be watching from their room.

  She stretched her arms over her head, lifting her breasts while she struck a pose and imagined cameras surrounding her, their flashbulbs illuminating her nude body. She chose two men from the adoring crowd, a grinning gambler and a nervous geek, and took them back to her private suite where they worshipped her body in ways that would make a Vegas showgirl blush.

  The dress she’d bought for the trip would rival the most revealing dance costumes. Claire pulled it from her suitcase and held it up to her body while she gazed in the full-length mirror. Her nipples stiffened as the silky fabric caressed her bare skin. The rich red color complemented her brown hair and rosy complexion, and the halter top supported her breasts while offering a generous peek at her curves.

  She slipped into the garment and twisted her hair on top of her head to show off her bare back. The skirt swirled around her thighs, and she toyed with the idea of abandoning her panties, but decided a wandering hand could easily expose her, so she wore a barely-there black thong instead. Silver five-inch heels and sparkling drop earrings with a matching cuff bracelet completed the look.

  Claire scurried toward the adjoining room, but wobbled at this new height. She grabbed the back of a chair and caught her breath, then took a few practice steps. Finally confident she could walk without falling off her dangerous shoes, she grabbed the doorknob and flung the door open.

  A low whistle made her ears tingle. JT gaped like a fish, unable to speak for a few seconds. Then an approving smile lit his face. “Fuck me with a jaw-dropping entrance. You look amazing.” He crossed the room and reached for her, stroking her upswept hair. “Classy, sexy….” His smile turned wicked as he trailed a finger between her breasts. “And a little bit naughty.”

  Mission accomplished. “Ready to play?”

  He set his hands on her hips and pushed her back into the bedroom. “Hell yes, sweet thing.”

  His lips on her neck lit her senses on fire, and she teetered as he maneuvered her. She clutched his arms and steadied herself, stopping his progress. “Mmm… later. I want to go to the casino.”

  He nibbled her tingling skin, following the deep V of her dress. “I want to keep you all to myself.” His insistent mouth made a strong case.

  “But you don’t mind sharing me… um… showing me off, right?” Sharing? Where did that come from?

  He pressed a soft kiss on her partially exposed breast, then lifted his head and met her gaze. Something daring, familiar, and a little bit dangerous flickered in his eyes, revealing for one moment a deep need she both feared and understood.

  ***

  They’d been dancing around this mutual fantasy for weeks, flirting with the idea without speaking their true desires, but with a simple slip of the tongue, Claire had called his bluff. JT held a winning hand, but he played his cards slowly. “I know just the game for us.”

  “What?” She held her breath as if expecting a dramatic revelation.

  “Roulette. Just enough strategy required to stimulate your legal mind, and plenty of luck to satisfy my inner gambler.”

  Her eyes widened and she laughed in his arms. “That’s perfect.” Then she pushed back and ran to the bathroom. “Just let me freshen up.”

  JT wandered over to the couch, rubbing the stone under his shirt as he contemplated his strategy for the evening. With a little planning and a lot of luck, he could pull it off. But how would he find an accomplice?

  “There are no towels in the bathroom.” Claire came back, shaking water from her hands.

  “None?”

  “Nope. How do I call housekeeping?” She glanced around the room and stepped toward the desk.

  He grabbed her wrist as she passed him. “We’ll stop by the front desk on our way to the casino. I’m ready to play.” But instead of leaving the room, he propelled her back toward the bed while he kissed her, keeping her off balance for now.

  She gasped and clutched his arms as she stumbled on those heels, but regained her footing and twisted her tongue with his. In one fluid motion, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her through the suite to the elevator.

  Claire squealed and giggled, drawing amused glances from a couple in the hallway. “Maybe you should put me down.”

  JT ignored them. “This is Vegas. I’m sure they’ve seen a lot worse.” She laughed and he adjusted his grip, trying to summon the elevator. “Press the down button.”

  She extended her leg and tapped the panel with her heel.

  “Sexy and useful. I’m impressed.” The doors slid open and he carried her inside. The button for the casino level was already lit, so they settled back into a corner.

  “On your honeymoon?” An older gentleman smiled.

  JT’s heart stopped as he and Claire looked at each other, and he toyed with a response. Her eyes sparkled and he grinned. “Nope. We’ve been together ten years.”

  She played along. “And every night feels like the first.” She slid her hand into his hair and touched her lips to his.

  Sensations from their first night tingled through him: throbbing pain when they’d hit the floor, wild panic when he opened the curtains, pure satisfaction when she’d come on his lap while facing the window. Could he survive ten years or more of that? He’d sure as hell try.

  The elevator stopped, and the older man winked as he exited.

  JT set Claire down, but as she stepped toward the door, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back against him. “I never make promises.”

  Her resistance disappeared and she melted into him.

  The small elevator spun, and sweat dotted his upper lip as he fought against saying words that would put his heart in jeopardy. “Bu
t I promise… you, Claire….

  A young couple hopped on as the doors slid closed. The man pushed a button and held them open. “Going up?”

  Claire kissed JT’s cheek. “We’re going out.”

  He followed her through the packed hallway toward the lobby, but the crowds and noise barely penetrated his turbulent thoughts. What the hell was I going promise her? To love her forever? To fall at her feet and worship her cherry-red painted toes? What good would that do him?

  And what did that peck on the cheek mean? Poor little JT means well, but he’s just not good enough?

  He stopped and braced his hand on the wall. The room spun around him as he gathered his wits, struggling to leave the past behind.

  Claire stumbled beside him and studied their surroundings. “Why did you stop?”

  Fuck me with a loaded question. He blinked and focused on her. “I got lost.” After glancing at the sign above them, he led her into the lobby.

  “May I help you, sir?” The woman behind the front desk smiled brightly.

  He nodded and tried to recall what had brought them here, but Claire stepped up.

  “There are no towels in room 1521.” She drummed her fingernails on the marble countertop.

  “I’m so sorry, ma’am.” The cheery attendant tapped her keyboard. “I’ll send housekeeping up right away.”

  “Thank you.” Claire linked her fingers with JT’s and tugged him toward the casino.

  Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced the fog in JT’s brain. “Thanks for your help, but I can’t afford that rate.” A young man with short dark hair and glasses collected his luggage and turned away from the desk. Kurt? Here? The geek sighed and pulled out his tablet.

  Yep, that’s him. JT debated inviting the guy to join them, but when Claire squeezed his thigh and brushed her shoulder against his arm, decided against it.

  “I see the Roulette tables.” She leaned over and nodded toward the casino floor.

  “Good.” Best to get her out of here and pretend he’d never seen their electronically gifted friend. He’d promised he’d devote his full attention to Claire this weekend.