He was introduced to her as Kevin McKenna, an old friend of Mark and Sarah’s in from Boston for the weekend. The vibes were good and she was rapidly drawn to him and his friendly manner. They remained together for the rest of the evening. Kevin helped her with the food and amused her with his wit and great sense of humor. There was an easy way about him she found endearing, and she couldn’t help comparing him to the rude and moody Ben Russell, whom she’d kept clear of for the rest of the evening. She needn’t have bothered—he ignored her the entire time she was there, although once or twice she felt his stare on her. A twinge of regret for her crushed hopes was immediately snuffed out by the memory of his vexing words. Ben Russell had proven to be a conceited jerk, and she had no business caring if he ever talked to her again.
Yet she did…
* * * * *
The sun was high when Julia awoke the following morning. She slid from the bed and stood at the window as a boat sailed by. Her thoughts shifted back to Ben Russell. She sighed with regret for what could have been and never would be. She was so tired of dating men who were almost interchangeable. Ben Russell seemed different. She’d hoped he’d be someone special, someone she’d like well enough to date more than once. But he wouldn’t do. Not even for one single date. She turned from the window and went into the bathroom.
It was a clear, sunny day, perfect to sit on her back porch in her favorite chair and enjoy the Indian summer heat. With a cup of coffee in one hand and her manuscript in the other, Julia watched in total bewilderment as Ben Russell moored Serenity at her dock, stepped ashore, and ambled toward her as if he’d been invited.
Lying at her feet, Fred raised his head and made threatening, low, growling noises. “Does he bite?” Ben asked as he started to climb the steps to the porch.
Only jerks like you. “Not usually.”
His lips curled into a smirk. “I’ll take my chances, then.”
She shrugged. It wouldn’t be her problem if suddenly Fred decided to go after his tall, hairy legs clad in a pair of cargo shorts. In spite of herself, the sight of him made her pulse go faster. Damn. He was a handsome one in a wild, dark way. She grabbed Fred’s collar more to keep her hands busy than from any concern.
“Why are you here?”
“I came to invite you to lunch.”
He was even more lustworthy in daylight and she couldn’t help the surge of heat to her face and neck, and the moistening of her pussy. She had to act calmly, though, so she nodded at his boat. “In that?”
His face lifted in a flash of amusement. “No. In a restaurant.”
“Huh.” That was all she managed to say when her heart leapt with pleasure.
“Is that a yes?”
“I thought you weren’t looking for a partner.”
“I’m not.”
Her jaw started to clench. “What do you want from me, Ben?”
“A lunch date,” he said easily.
She’d been out of the dating game so long now she didn’t know how to play it. And Ben Russell was older, more mature than the men she had previously dated. Famous even! And capricious. He was definitely that. She could hardly recognize last night’s distant, cynical man in the almost amiable person standing in front of her today. But he was still the same person who told her in no uncertain terms he wasn’t looking for a partner. And a partner was what she truly wanted.
“I can’t.”
He frowned. “You mean you won’t?”
“I mean I already have a date.”
“With Kevin?”
So, he did notice. Excellent! “Yes.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Cancel it.”
A derisive little laugh gurgled from her throat. “Why would I cancel a date with a nice, friendly man to be with you?”
Leaning down, Ben placed his hands on the arms of her Adirondack chair, his eyes blazing with some strong emotion—anger, annoyance, frustration? “Because I’m not nice or friendly… and also not boring.”
“Kevin is n—” His mouth crashed down on hers, pushing the words back into her throat.
His kiss was wild. Wild and incredibly wonderful, intoxicatingly addictive. And it went on forever, his frustration transmitting to her mouth in a passionate, demanding kiss that was more intent on stirring an immediate and overwhelming response than tasting and exploring any kind of intimacy. It was impossible to even pretend she was outraged by his behavior when she was returning his kiss with the same mad urgency that seemed to have overtaken him. Arousal came fast and she shivered with the sheer force of it. There was no withdrawal from her, no attempt to pull away as their lips parted, their tongues thrust, and they licked, nipped and sucked as if they were starving and couldn’t get enough of each other. She wanted him with a need so strong it stunned her. She tightly gripped the front of his shirt and her hands took their own fill of him, inciting him to take her. Intensely and immediately.
Oh, oh, this is pure insanity. A serious case of pent-up need unleashed by his expert and lustful kissing. She didn’t want to go there. With more regret than she thought possible, she pushed against his chest with the flat of her hands.
He drew back, his eyes burning into hers.
“No!” she said, and though it wasn’t the first time she’d said no to a man, this time she truly regretted it.
He straightened and blew out his breath, tension quite palpable.
“I must get ready for my date,” she said, standing on shaky legs. She waited for him to back away but he merely shifted his body so she could squeeze by. She carefully stepped around, afraid to touch him and lose control again, and pushed through the screen door into the safety of her kitchen.
* * * * *
Two weeks had gone by since her episode with Ben and her lips still tingled from his kiss. He had made no attempt to contact her, which left her confused and unable to sleep, dwelling on the meaning of everything that had happened during and after Sara’s dinner.
The first rehearsal of their new play was taking place tonight at the community center. The casting was practically finished, though a new director was urgently needed to replace the old one, now retired and living in Arizona.
She was truly looking forward to a fun evening and entered the hall with a spring in her step. Most of the cast was already there. At the sound of the door opening and closing a few heads turned and some people shifted to the side, allowing her a full view of the man standing in the middle. She almost tripped over her own feet.
Why is he here?
“Hi, I hope I’m not late,” she said to no one in particular, talking over the pounding of her heartbeat.
“Not at all. We’ve been busy getting acquainted with Ben Russell, our new director,” Greg informed her.
A sudden understanding of Ben’s presence hit her. Oh no! She turned her head to Ben for validation and was met with a wry smile.
“I thought you were a TV writer,” she said accusingly.
He raised an eyebrow. “And one invalidates the other?”
From the corner of her eye Julia sensed her friends’ surprise at the spat unfolding in front of them. She shrugged, trying to show indifference to this turn of events that would throw them together once a week—twice when the time came for dress rehearsals. “Sure…I guess.”
Greg put an end to their mutual digs by cutting in. “So, shall we start?”
“Yes, why don’t we?” Ben said, throwing a warning look at her before he moved off the stage.
In spite of a shaky start the rehearsal went rather well—thank you, God—and she felt very pleased with her performance. Her high wasn’t long-lived, though, because just as she was leaving the stage she missed a step, tripped and fell right into Ben’s arms.
“Happy to be of service,” he said, catching her.
She stiffened, a jolt of electricity running through her body at the whisper-light sensation. She pushed against his broad chest, forcing herself to ignore the thrilling effect of his touch on her body—a lot more unsettling than h
is words.
“What did you think of the play?” she immediately asked in an attempt to prove to him, and her, that his touch had no lasting effect on her.
“It’s a good play.”
She’d be damned if she’d beg him for compliments. “But?”
“There are no buts.” He held the door for her, then followed her out. “So, how about a drink?”
She shook her head.
Wearing but a lightweight sweater with her jeans, she shivered in the cool night air. Surprised, she watched Ben remove his field coat and place it over her shoulders. His hands stayed on her for a moment, then slipped down her arms before he pushed them in his pockets.
“Got a date?”
She shook her head again. “No.”
“So why not have a drink with me?”
“I’m getting up early and I still have to pack.”
Her heart was racing. What did he mean by inviting her for a drink? She had to rein in the joy that surged through her, reminding herself of how dismissively rude he’d been to her before, not to mention his two weeks’ silence after her refusal to have lunch with him.
“Where are you going?” he asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Boston.”
“Why?”
She was tempted to tell him it was none of his business but she had nothing to hide. “To visit a friend…” In no way would she admit the main purpose of her trip to Boston was to introduce Kevin, who had just acquired an apartment on Beacon Hill, to her interior designer friend Laura, who she believed would be perfect for him in every way possible. “Kevin.”
He cursed softly. “You certainly don’t waste any time.”
Hands fisted to keep her from slapping him, she glared. “Why should I? Just because you’re not interested doesn’t mean others aren’t.”
His eyes, dark brown and sullen, held her gaze with blatant challenge. “You’re right. Let’s forget this whole conversation.”
Oh she was mad now. Who did he think he was to discard her like a pebble in a shoe? And to bluntly accuse her of moving fast…she who hadn’t even been kissed by another man in, in… So long I can’t even remember. Never mind that now. The hell with him. “I already have,” she said before she got in her car and drove away, still wearing his coat.
* * * * *
Ben seethed every time he imagined Julia and Kevin together. But he also realized he’d been a jerk and had no right to act so high-handedly toward her. In all his thirty-six years he couldn’t remember wanting a woman so badly on sight, or pushing one away so decisively. Why was he fighting the attraction? Was it because she didn’t fit into his grand plan to write books between long trips around the world? If that was the only impediment he could always have a one-night stand—maybe two if she turned out to be as hot as he expected her to be—and nobody would be the wiser. Somehow he doubted it would be that easy… To get her to agree, or to walk away afterward? No, he wouldn’t have a problem walking away, for sure, so the only problem that remained was to get her to agree. Was her relationship with Kevin rock solid or could he give it a shake? All the same, he was determined to stir the embers every way he could and watch how the wind blew.
He picked up the phone not realizing the time. He must have woken her because when she answered her voice was husky and her words slow.
“Hi. Sorry to call so early but I need to discuss the play with you.” What a lame excuse. Would she buy it? “I was wondering if you’re free to meet tonight.”
“Er…not sure, I’ll have to check my calendar.”
She was going to make him wait for an answer. It was her prerogative, and he well deserved her cold shoulder after the way he’d behaved with her at the party and all the other times.
“Fine, I’ll call you at lunchtime.”
Chapter Two
Julia walked into the bar at Skipper’s Dock at precisely six o’clock only to find Ben already there. She slipped onto one of the free stools next to his as he stood and placed a kiss on her cheek. The feather-like touch of his lips on her skin sent a bolt of heat to her core. Desire vibrated through her with shocking swiftness and urgency. God, she wanted him. Badly.
The barman’s voice interrupted her thoughts. After ordering a white wine spritzer—she’d better keep her mind clear for the drive back—she returned her full attention to Ben. He looked good in casual clothes of dark jeans and a black waterfowl sweater. His wavy black hair and dark brown eyes were fabulous.
Fabulously gorgeous.
She smiled inwardly. Ben could have his pick of any woman in the bar, and there were several checking him out. It was hard to believe he would be interested in her—a nobody living in a small town—other than the project they had in common.
Damn!
“Are you still with me?”
With a blink she tried to dismiss her thoughts and let her mind concentrate only on his words. “Um, yes…”
Ben laughed. “You could have fooled me.”
She shrugged, not bothering to answer.
“How was your day?”
“Fine…busy.”
“Fine, busy.” He shook his head. “Not a very eloquent speech for an English teacher,” he teased, the corner of his mouth slightly lifting before he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Do you want to be here?”
Still trying to figure out how he knew she was an English teacher, Julia jerked her gaze sideways at his sudden question. “What do you mean?”
“I want to have sex with you. Right now,” he murmured.
Her eyes widened and she blinked. What! He’d been clear and blunt enough, but she needed him to confirm she wasn’t just imagining the words. “I think I misheard you.”
His lips quirked. “No, you didn’t.” He leaned in, bringing his mouth closer to her ear as people moved by. “I want to take you back to my place and strip you naked, run my hands all over your smooth skin, hold your luscious breasts while my cock sinks into you.”
The sounds around them dimmed as her senses filled with him—his all-male scent, his hand on the small of her back, the sound of his low, velvety voice. She didn’t know where she was anymore. And didn’t care. Blood roared through her and pumped into her pussy. Her mouth slacked open and she found it impossible to turn away from the heat in his gaze. Never in her twenty-eight years had she received such a blunt proposal, or been so turned-on by one. But she’d never indulged in a one-night stand… Maybe it’s about time I do. And what better time than now with Ben, the man she’d wanted to get her hands on from the moment she’d first laid eyes on him? She wouldn’t be getting what she wanted—dates, a boyfriend and a future together—but she sure would get what she needed—sex, and lots of it by the luscious look on his face.
“All right.” Too fast a reply? Maybe, but she couldn’t be bothered playing hard to get. Time was of the essence and they’d already wasted a few precious weeks.
Ben jumped to his feet and fished inside his pocket for a couple of bills that he threw on the bar before he took her hand and tugged her off the stool. “I’m glad you said yes,” he said as he curved an arm around her waist and guided her through the crowded bar.
“Me too,” she managed to say once she got her voice back.
“Let’s go to my place.”
She nodded in agreement. It made no difference to her which house they went to, and it might be less personal in his. Alone in her car she stared at his dark silhouette through the back window, her body humming with anticipation as she followed him through the streets of Stonington to Mason’s Island.
There he got out of his Jeep and came to her door. He opened it and leaned over to unbuckle her seat belt. He stopped with his face inches from hers before he claimed her mouth for a kiss that left her breathless and wishing for a bed. He tugged her out of the car and into his arms for another kiss that had her trembling with need. His hand cupped her bottom and squeezed, pressing her against his full length.
“I can’t wait to have you naked and un
der me,” he rasped, tilting his pelvis toward her, leaving little doubt of the level of his desire.
“So hurry up and get us inside,” she said breathlessly.
He chuckled and took her hand as he tugged her toward the house. She followed him in a daze, hardly recognizing herself with the bold, flirtatious words coming out of her mouth.
They entered a large entrance hall with a white marble floor and she had a brief glimpse of a spacious room with white furnishings and large picture windows, framing what must be a glorious view of the water, before she was rushed into the upstairs master bedroom.
* * * * *
His eyes heavy-lidded with lust, Ben treated himself to a long, thorough look at her naked body. “My God, you’re beautiful,” he said in a low voice.
The words spread inside her with a burst of pleasure. She’d had her share of compliments but coming from a man so decisively handsome and to whom she was so attracted had a different meaning. He was looking at her as a lover and no man had been allowed to do that in two long years.
He palmed her breast, his big hand engulfing the swollen flesh. Her already puckered nipple ached for more stimulation. She bowed into his hand and he rotated his palm. Sensation shot from her nipple to her core and she moaned.
“I want to touch you everywhere,” he growled, nuzzling her breasts.
“Mmm.” His words, and the obvious magnitude of his desire, did almost more to turn her on than his touch.
He lowered his head and took her nipple into his mouth. Electric bolts of heat shot from her rigid tips right down to her toes. She fisted on his soft hair and nudged his head farther against her breasts.
“I’m so hungry for you I could gobble you up whole,” he rasped as he walked her backward to the bed, his hands firmly on her hips. He pushed her onto the mattress, immediately dropping on top of her, his erection straining against her mound, his hot mouth molded to hers with pressing need.
His body was so warm and hard, his ass so firm and muscular and his thick cock so deliciously strong that waves of pleasure whirled around and around inside her until it was all she could do not to cry out. She spread her legs and nudged his hips, inviting him right in, wishing to end the heavenly torment. But he didn’t take the hint and continued to dry-hump her while ravishing her mouth. She moaned and slanted her head to deepen the kiss.
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