by Eve Vaughn
She accepted his offering and dabbed at the tears streaking her cheeks. “Th-thank you.”
“Would you like to take a half day and go home?”
To his alarm, his suggestion made her sob even harder.
“Okay, maybe not.” Shit. He wasn't used to dealing with these kinds of emotional freak-outs. Tears he could handle. God knows, he'd encountered a lot of women who used tears as a weapon. But this was different. Julie was genuinely upset. Gabe shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he waited for her tears to subside. Once she was down to sniffles, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and led her to the parking lot. “Come on. I'll take you to lunch.”
She sniffed, her bottom lip trembling. “I don't think I'll be very good company. My mind isn't really on work.”
“We don't have to talk about work. We don't have to talk at all if you don't want to.”
She offered no further argument as he guided her to his car, saw her seated, and got in. Gabe glanced over at her and something twitched within his chest. Even with her puffy eyes, she still looked adorable. He wanted to find the source of her anguish and tear it apart. Where had this protectiveness come from? It was the first time he'd ever had these kinds of feelings toward any woman. It was a novelty. Yes…that was it. She presented a challenge he intended to conquer. No more no less.
With that in mind, he drove them off to the destination in silence, wondering if he'd lost his mind. Julie, for the duration of the ride, remained silent with her head pressed against the passenger-side window with a lost little puppy-dog look in her soulful eyes.
It was only when they pulled into his driveway that she spoke, straightening up in her seat. “Where are we? I thought we were going to lunch.”
“We are.”
Her brow furrowed in her apparent confusion. “But this is someone's house.”
“No one can ever accuse you of not being bright.” Gabe winked at her. “It's my house, actually. Now let's go.”
She shook her head. “I'm not going in there with you.”
“Why not? Do you think I'm leading you to a den of iniquity? I promised you lunch, and I'm going to grill us a couple of steaks.”
“I'm not very hungry.”
“Then I'll grill myself a steak, and you can watch me eat. Come on, Julie.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and poked out her lip in the cutest pout he'd ever seen. Something so childish shouldn't have made his cock throb this way, but on her that pout looked damn sexy. It took every ounce of willpower not to lean over the seat and capture that tempting bottom lip between his teeth and suck on it. If the circumstances were different, that's exactly what he would have done. He shifted in his seat to adjust himself.
Down, boy.
He slid out of his car, careful to conceal his erection, and waited a few moments to get himself under control before walking to the passenger side to open her door. Holding his hand out to her, Gabe offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Come on, Candy Girl. I won't bite,” he teased.
Julie narrowed her eyes. “Don't you start with that too!”
Gabe raised a brow, liking the fire that had entered her eyes. “Start what?”
“Calling me that godforsaken nickname.”
“Is it my use of the moniker, or do you have an objection to it in general?”
She sighed. “I'd rather people used my name.”
“Then why do you continue to answer to Candy Girl?” He held his hand up when she opened her mouth to answer. “Hold that thought. Come inside, and we'll talk about it.”
Julie glanced at his hand, wariness lining her face. “Well…”
“I won't bite”—he grinned—“unless you want me to.”
She rolled her eyes heavenward. “That isn't even remotely funny.” Sweeping out of the car, ignoring his offer of assistance, Julie stood up and straightened the wrinkles from her skirt.
Gabe closed the car door, then placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her up the walkway. The scent of her perfume wafted to his nostrils, and his body tightened. How in the hell was he going to keep his hands off her during lunch? Even the innocent gesture of escorting her to the door was turning into a temptation he was fighting to resist. It wouldn't have taken much for him to slide his hand down a few inches to cup a luscious ass cheek just begging to be fondled. Shit. He felt like a perv. It wasn't going to be an easy feat getting through lunch without getting her beneath him and stuffing his dick so far up her pussy, she screamed his name.
Not easy at all.
Chapter Three
Julie didn't realize how hungry she was until she took a bite into her steak, which turned out to be cooked just right: well-done, while still maintaining its juice and tenderness. The last thing she remembered eating was a bowl of cereal the night before, because Corinne had eaten the leftover tuna and noodle casserole Julie had saved for herself. And because she'd been in a rush to get to the doctor's on time, she'd skipped breakfast.
She didn't know whether her lunch, which consisted of a grilled New York strip steak, new potatoes, and asparagus, was delicious because it really was or because she was hungry. It wasn't until most of the contents on her plate had been gobbled up that Julie raised her head to see Gabe staring at her with elbows on the table and a half smile curving sensual lips. “Not hungry, were you?”
Her cheeks grew warm, and she was thankful for her dark complexion, otherwise her face would have been beet red. “I guess I was hungrier than I thought. You're not a bad cook.”
He leaned back in his seat. “I dabble a little. Glad you liked it.”
“I never said you were a good cook, just not a bad one.”
“You didn't have to. The way you licked the fork tells me you think I am.”
Despite herself, a smile tugged on the corners of her lips, and she released a little laugh. “You're so full of yourself.”
“There it is.” His words flowed out in a soft whisper, as if he were in awe of something, sending a shiver down her spine.
Julie didn't want to be this aware of her boss—her nemesis over the past several months. She raised a brow. “There is what?”
“That smile. Did you know your entire face lights up when you flash those pearly whites?”
A blush crept up her neck and heated her cheeks again. Unable to meet his gaze, she lowered her lids. “Don't.”
“Give you a compliment?”
“Say things you don't mean.”
“I never say anything I don't mean. I think you're a very attractive woman.”
Julie snorted. “Go ahead and pull the other one.” It wasn't as if guys were lining up at her door to ask her out. She knew she wasn't ugly, but having grown up with a cousin who men fell over their feet to get to, she was well aware of her shortcomings.
“I have no reason to lie. I find you attractive.”
She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Beneath the weight of that come-hither stare, a warmth spread throughout her body. He was teasing her. Men like Gabriel Carland didn't look twice at women like her. He was toying with her. If Henry could betray her so callously, there was no telling what Gabe was capable of. After her already shitty day, this was the last thing she needed. She pushed away from the table and stood up. “Shouldn't we be getting back to the office? We've been gone for more than an hour.”
“There's no need. I've called my assistant, and she's cleared my schedule for me. And you don't have to go back to the office today if you don't want to.”
“But I have to. I've got to finish that brochure. You're the one who assigned me to head that particular project. Remember?”
“It can wait. Besides, I told Madison to get Rob to help you on it.”
She groaned. He might as well have told her to finish it herself. Julie could picture it now. Rob would grumble and complain about having his own workload, making her miserable to the point where she'd tell him she'd finish it herself. She could definitely do without the aggravation
. “He won't like that.”
“It's about time he pulled his weight around the department. He's been doing just enough to get by for far too long. Relax. Have a seat, and you can tell me what upset you earlier.”
“It's nothing,” she muttered, crossing her arms across her chest.
Gabe stood up and walked over to her, not stopping until he was only inches away. “Obviously it was. I'm sure I didn't imagine holding you in my arms while you cried your eyes out. And I'm pretty sure I heard you cursing at Rob. Actually I think the entire office heard you. I didn't know you had it in you…to be quite so honest.”
“I didn't either, but he gets on my nerves sometimes.”
“Don't feel bad about it. It seems your little outburst was a long time coming. You've been a ticking time bomb waiting to go off lately. I'm just grateful your meltdown only consisted of a cuss-out and some tears, and not an outbreak of gun violence.” His lips tilted in a half grin that told her he was teasing her. She was still mortified about her behavior, nonetheless.
“Sheesh, go ahead and throw it in my face, why don't you?” Lowering her head to avoid that intense stare, she fought the tremor that threatened to move through her body. Julie had never dared to think of him in any way other than as her boss, despite having acknowledged him as an extremely attractive man. But if he continued to stand so close, talking to her as if he actually cared, his cologne tickling her nostrils, Gabe could very easily become the center of her every waking sexual fantasy.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Hey, look at me.”
She shook her head.
“Julie. Please.” Though he spoke softly, there was underlying steel in his voice.
Taking a deep breath, she raised her head and gasped as their eyes locked. The emotions raging within his topaz eyes took her breath away. Compassion was among them, but there was another indiscernible one she must have imagined. Passion? She moistened her lips, only to feel his grip tighten on her shoulders.
“Dammit, I should be hanged for doing this, but I can't help myself.” And before she realized what he was about to do, he lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. It was a brief touching of lips at first, so fleeting she might have imagined it. Then he pushed his lips against hers again, this time dropping his hands from her shoulders to loop his arms around her waist and pull her closer.
Julie stiffened, unable to process what was happening. This couldn't be. Her and Gabriel Carland? Her boss? The very same boss who seemed to have a permanent scowl where she was concerned, and was constantly barking at her?
The man was a walking wet dream. The girls at the office called him “Gorgeous Gabe,” yet here she was standing in his house with his mouth plastered against hers.
Her body tingled all over, and it disconcerted Julie that she could respond to someone so soon after ending a relationship, but then again there hadn't been much passion between Henry and her. His kisses had never made her knees weak and stomach flutter as if it contained a thousand butterflies. Nor did he put forth the effort to do so. Truthfully, she couldn't remember why she'd remained with Henry for so long.
The persistent press of Gabe's tongue glided across the seam of her lips, and molten flames shot through her core, making Julie want to rip his shirt open and run her palms all over his bare flesh. Her pussy pulsed in need as she opened her mouth, allowing him the entrance he sought.
He pushed his tongue past her parted lips and grasped the sides of her face in his hands, while exploring her mouth like a conqueror who'd accept nothing but total surrender. And more than anything, in that moment, she wanted to give in to him—to throw herself at his feet and offer herself up as his sex slave. Instinctively she knew this man would deliver what his lips promised: hours of carnal delight.
Her nipples hardened to painful tips as they pressed against the material of her bra. They ached, and she wanted him to touch them, squeeze them, and even bite them. She hadn't been this horny in…ever, and she needed more.
Why not? Being nice and playing by the rules hadn't gotten her anywhere except taken advantage of and cheated on. Why not give in to her body's needs and worry about the consequences later? Much later.
Throwing her arms around his neck, she pushed her tongue forward, tentatively at first, to meet his. He tasted of steak, wine, and a flavor uniquely his. It was wonderful. A woman could get high off Gabe Carland, and she fully intended to let it happen. Emboldened by the groans coming from the back of his throat, Julie captured his tongue in her mouth and sucked on it, not wanting to break contact with him. His hands tightened on her face as she became more aggressive. This kiss could go on all day and it still wouldn't be enough. Threading her fingers through his hair, she savored every second of their mouths fused together so erotically. Moisture pooled at the juncture of her thighs, and she pushed closer to him still, grabbing him by the collar to keep him near.
Gabe was the one to end the kiss with a breathless laugh. “Easy, baby. Let's slow down. I don't want us to take things too fast.”
But Julie was beyond reason. She wanted to erase the unpleasantness of earlier. That awakening she'd felt in Gabe's arms was exactly what she needed. Her body was on fire, and there was no way she would let him walk away until he doused the fire that he'd ignited. She cupped the back of his head, pulling it down toward hers. “More.” She moaned, placing a kiss at the corner of his mouth.
He frowned, furrowing his brows. “You don't know what you're saying. Something was obviously bothering you earlier, and I don't want to take advantage of your fragile emotional state.”
“You're not taking advantage if this is what I really want. You can't leave me hanging like this. You started it, so you'd better finish it. Kiss me, Gabe; I need it.”
“Lady, if we continue kissing that way, we're going to do considerably more than just kiss, if you know what I mean.”
“So what?”
Gabe shook his head. “So what? You don't know what you're saying.”
“I know my own mind, thank you very much. Now shut up and kiss me…or do I have to find someone else to do the job?” Julie surprised herself with that comment. She didn't realize she had it in her. There was no way she'd have the nerve to walk away and go to someone else. Besides, whom could she go to? But he didn't know that.
His eyes darkened as a scowl swept over his face. He slid his fingers through her hair and fisted a big clump and gave it a healthy tug, tilting her head back.
She gasped in surprise and anticipation. Moistening her lips with the tip of her tongue, she let out a small moan. “Do I?”
“You damn well better not,” he growled, lowering his mouth to hers again. This time, however, there was no doubt about who was in charge. His kiss was rough, hungry, and a bit angry all at once. It was almost as if he was meting out some kind of punishment for pushing him to this point. But hell if Julie cared. She was so damned turned on, her panties grew damper by the second. Surely any minute now she'd explode into flames. She couldn't recall a time when a kiss sent her senses reeling to the point she couldn't remember her own name.
The desire to feel his naked flesh beneath her fingertips became too strong a temptation to resist. She broke the tight seal their mouths had created, her fingers flying to his shirt. Fumbling to undo all his buttons with shaky hands, Julie practically tore them off. Making short order of pushing the offending article of clothing out of the way, she worked on pulling his undershirt from the waistband of his pants.
Gabe raised his arms as she pulled it off and tossed it aside. When he stood bare-chested, she paused, her mouth going dry. He could have been the prototype for any painting or sculpture depicting the epitome of male beauty. It was obvious from the rock-hard wall of his frame, he worked out. She perused the broad expanse of his chest dusted with dark hair, and finally let her gaze rest on the ripples and valleys of his washboard stomach.
“Do you like what you see?” His voice was rough and hoarse.
Julie, unable to
tear her gaze away from him, nodded wordlessly, not trusting herself to speak.
“Then touch me,” he whispered huskily.
He grasped her hand in his and guided it to his chest. The beating pulse of his heart beneath her hand was enough to jolt Julie out of her trance. She brought her other hand up to explore the contours of his chest, reveling in the feel of his hair-roughened skin beneath her touch. She slid her fingers over the flat disks of his nipples.
Gabe trembled and released a throaty moan. Stealing a quick glance at his face, she noticed his eyes were shut and his teeth were now clenched. She wondered what other reactions she could extract from him. His responses filled her with a sense of empowerment. Just knowing she could elicit these sensual emotions from him gave her a thrill beyond her wildest dreams. Dipping her head, she flicked her tongue over one tan tip.
He inhaled sharply, almost as if he were in pain. “Julie!” Grabbing her by the head, he held her against his chest as she took the turgid peak between her teeth and nipped playfully. Never had she been inspired to participate in the sexual foreplay of exploring her partner's body. But then again, she'd never been with anyone who had a body like Gabe. She sucked his nipple gently at first, then harder, his groans egging her on. The way he trembled beneath her mouth emboldened her, and she loved it.
By the time she transferred her attention to his other nipple, his fingers were digging so tightly in her hair, it felt like he'd yank a chunk of it out. But she was so caught up in his sexy body, she barely noticed. Wanting to further explore more of him, she ran her tongue over the center of his chest and moved it down the line bisecting his midsection. Julie stopped at the dark tuft of hair peeking from his waistband. She slid her hands against the erection poking against his pants. It filled her with a sense of feminine pride that she was the cause of his desire.
