The Deal with Love (One on One) (12 page)

Christian turned his attention to the door. Now maybe he could breathe. Now, more than ever, he needed to get out of here. He needed Elise.

…

Elise shut her father’s office door behind her, resisting the urge to slam it.

“You okay?”

She started. “Oh, Christian. Sorry, I didn’t see you there. What are you still doing here?”

“Waiting for you.”

She smoothed her hair and adjusted her belt, hoping to suppress the pleasure filling her. “Oh. Thank you, but that wasn’t necessary.”

“Yes, it was.”

Had he heard the argument—make that discussion—with her father? He studied her in that calm way he had about him, like he could see straight into her soul to the unrest swirling inside.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked. “I can take you home.”

She nodded. She’d planned to borrow her father’s car since Drew and his agent had taken the limo back to the airport. They made their way to his car, not speaking much on the way to her house. When they arrived, he escorted her to the door. He gazed into her eyes. “That was quite a night, huh?”

She let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, you could say that. I admire Drew’s determination to take his time and make the best decision for himself, but he’s driving me crazy. I have to figure out a way to get him to sign.”

He inched in closer. “You were very focused today. I find it very sexy.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “I thought you found my workaholic tendencies to be a turnoff.”

“I can understand ambition, but I don’t think it should take over your life.” He shrugged, the motion drawing her attention to his broad shoulders. “I guess I’m a walking contradiction. I’m finding that to be truer and truer when it comes to you. My head says no, but…”

“But?” she prompted.

Desire darkened his eyes. “But my body says hell yes. Last night wasn’t enough. I want you, Elise, sometimes more than I want to breathe.”

She knew how he felt. And she, too, wanted a repeat of last night, more than anything she’d wanted in a long time. Even signing Drew. A very scary thought, but one she couldn’t deny. She reached behind her for the doorknob. “Do you want to come in?”

His gaze swept her face. “For a drink?”

“If that’s how you want to play it, sure, but I have something to offer that’s a little more enticing.” She rose on her toes and lifted her mouth to his, touching it softly. The spark of lust that fired up in her stomach every time they kissed still took her by surprise. But it was there, and it was clear it wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. After the tough day she’d been through, she saw no reason to deny herself. He could make her feel. And she wanted to feel. And not think. Right now.

His gorgeous lips curved. “Then my answer is yes.”

Chapter Twelve

Christian waited impatiently while Elise stuck the key in the lock. “I want to get lost in your body.” Being with her had been his greatest source of pleasure in the last month, hell, year. He wanted the oblivion that Elise offered. No additives. Just Elise.

She looked over her shoulder. He saw it in her eyes. Tonight was going to be like no other. “I want that, too.”

As soon as he heard the lock turn, he took matters into his own hands, tugging her inside after him. She’d barely closed the door before he went in for a kiss. Her sweet taste intoxicated him. He needed her. Now. He pushed up her skirt and glanced down. She wore black panties. With no hesitation, he ripped them off. She gasped.

“I resisted last night, but they had to go.” He turned into a caveman when he was around her. He almost didn’t recognize himself, but he didn’t care. Reining in the primal urge to claim her wasn’t an option. He couldn’t waste any time or let anything, including underwear, stop him from satisfying the need that raged inside him.

Elise’s lips tugged upward. “You owe me some money. I’m starting to think that’s your thing.”

“I owe you something, all right.” His voice came out dark. Promising.

Her eyes widened. She stepped back. He was faster. He hauled her to him. Desire to have her propelling him, he lifted her. When she wrapped her long legs around his waist, he backed her up against the door. He sank a finger into her tightness. Groaned as her inner muscles tightened around him.

You’re my thing,” he said. “Never forget that.” It was true. Her sweet, soft gasp only ramped up his arousal. He found her clit with his thumb and circled the nub.

“Please,” she whispered.

“What do you want?”

“I…”

“Tell me.” He added another finger inside her.

Her legs tightened around him. “You. Inside me.”

He made quick work of his pants, pushing them down. Before he could sink into her, she stopped him with a hand on his chest. He stopped. She wasn’t about to call an end to the festivities, was she?

“Condom,” she whispered.

He dropped his forehead against hers, air exhaling his body with a whoosh. All his sense went out the window when he touched her. He reached behind him to grab his wallet from his pants hanging at his knees.

And lost his balance. “Shit.”

He locked his knees and caught Elise before she landed on her ass. His breath coming a little faster, he returned them to their original position. “You okay?”

She dropped her head back against the door and laughed.

“What every man wants to hear at a time like this,” he grumbled.

She pressed a kiss to his lips. “I’m not laughing at you. I just think it’s funny that when we end up in these situations, we always come close to injuring ourselves.”

“We do.” He lowered his head and nibbled at her neck. “Then we move on.”

Her breath hitched. “Yeah...yeah we do. Can you let me down for a second?”

“No.”

She smiled. “Just to put the condom on. I want the honors. Please.”

Giving Elise the chance to touch him? All day, every day. He guided her legs to the floor, taking the opportunity to slide his hands down all that smooth skin, and handed the silver package to her.

“Thanks.” She sank to her knees.

“Elise, what—” He lost the ability to speak at the first touch of her mouth on him. She swiped his length from root to tip with her tongue, sending sharp needles of pleasure rocketing through his body.

Then she took him into her mouth.

“Shit,” he hissed.

His guttural exclamation clearly spurred her on. She took him deeper, her tongue and teeth acting in tandem to drive him insane. He withstood the torture as long as he could, the skin all over his body tightening in arousal, his impending doom bearing down on him.

“Elise.”

She didn’t stop. He called her name again, gathering his remaining brain cells to put forth the effort to say it louder. Although she didn’t stop, she did look up. The excitement, the desire in her eyes was nearly his undoing. Nearly. Summoning a strength he hadn’t known he possessed, he guided her mouth off him and hauled her up. He yanked the condom out of her hand and rolled it on as fast as humanly possible. He picked her up, his fingers digging deeper into her ass. She anchored herself by wrapping her long legs around him. An invitation he couldn’t resist accepting. He thrust hard into her. Her shocked cry stopped him.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he asked.

“No,” she said, panting. “I was surprised, that’s all.”

“But you’re good?”

“You’re inside me. Yeah, I’m good.”

Christian laughed, surprising himself. He’d just wanted the oblivion, the fire that existed between them to rage, and yet he always found himself having a good time with this woman. He dropped his forehead to hers and sucked in a breath. Being with her got better and better.

“Umm, Christian? I’m still here.”

He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.” He flexed his hips. Pleasure coursed through him at her gasp. Elise was exactly who he needed at the moment, and he couldn’t get enough.

He dropped his mouth to hers, hungry for more. Wanting it all. Their tongues dueled. Like they were afraid that if they didn’t take what they wanted now it would be forever lost to them. He’d wanted to get lost in her. His wish had been granted.

Elise was the best partner, never passive, meeting him every step of the way. Her inner muscles clenched him, driving him out of his mind. Gritting his teeth at the tingles spreading up his spine, he withdrew. He held himself just outside her. Fighting for control. Desperate to keep the flames from burning him up.

“Give it to me,” Elise demanded in his ear.

Pure gasoline to the fire.

He thrust hard. Harder than he had before.

Her scream in his ear sent him tumbling into the fire. He nearly blacked out, his body detonating into shards of pleasure. He gripped the wall behind her, determined not to sink to the floor, possibly hurting her and definitely embarrassing himself.

She did this to him every single time. There was no way he was letting her kick him out this time. He wanted more of her. He wasn’t sure if or when he would get enough, but he knew it wasn’t happening tonight.

Gathering his strength, he eased out of her, lifted her, and tossed her over his shoulder.

She smacked his back. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“Taking you to bed. Now stop wiggling and behave.”

“Why would I do that?” His dick hardened instantly at her cool tone.

“Because if you don’t, I’m going to spank your ass for delaying what we both want.”

She remained silent for a few seconds. Testing him. So Elise. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He smoothed his hand across her right butt cheek in warning. “Wouldn’t I?”

She remained silent a few more seconds. “Fine. You can have your way. For now.”

He didn’t know how she managed to sound like a queen talking to a peasant while thrown over his shoulder. He loved it.

Grinning, he strode to the room they’d avoided last night and lowered her to the bed. She looked gorgeous against the backdrop of the jewel-tone green comforter. Yes, this was where he wanted her. “Don’t move unless I tell you to.”

She rose up on her elbows and stared at him with a mutinous expression on her face. “Why not?”

“So I can do everything I’ve been fantasizing about doing to you.”

Her throat muscles moved up and down. “What if I don’t want any more?”

Christian pulled his shirt over his head. He took more than a small measure of satisfaction when her eyes latched onto his chest and she licked her lips. “You and I both know that’s not true. Now cooperate, and let’s enjoy what we both want.”

“Cooperate? You mean by staying here? I don’t even get to take my clothes off?” She toyed with a button on her shirt, drawing his attention to her full breasts pressing against the cotton of her top.

It was his turn to swallow. He’d been so consumed with getting inside her, he hadn’t paid any attention to her perfect breasts. Breasts he wanted in his mouth. “That should be okay. I said you couldn’t move unless I told you to.”

She teased him, releasing each button at a torturously slow pace.

Why hadn’t he ripped that shirt off when he’d had the chance? He wanted her breasts in his mouth. Finally, she reached the last button and eased the shirt off. Rose on her knees.

“I’m still on the bed. Following your orders.” Her lips curved, daring him to contradict her.

“Take the bra off.” Blood pounded in his veins. She wore one of those bras that allowed the tops of her breasts to spill over the top. A contraption designed to torment him. He wanted to see all of her tempting flesh.

“Your wish is my command.” She made quick work of the underwear.

He nearly groaned out loud. Her breasts were high and full. The nipples tightened under his intense gaze. He needed them in his mouth.

“Come here.” He curved an arm around her waist and drew her to him. The desire that had been sated a few minutes before rose like a beast inside him at the first touch of his mouth on her.

She cried out when he caught the nub between his teeth and tugged. “Christian.”

The need in her voice called to him. But no, he couldn’t lose his head. He had to control the beast. More fun was yet to come. He stepped away, despite the lingering taste of her in his mouth urging him to go back.

“Take off the skirt.” The last piece of clothing that kept him from reveling in all the gorgeous planes and contours of her body.

An eyebrow lifted. “You’re giving a lot of orders. Maybe if you say please.”

“Elise.”

“Hmm?” She toyed with the nipple he’d just had in his mouth, rolling it between her thumb and index finger. He stared, transfixed.

“Don’t test me.” His voice came out strangled. Hoarse.

Her lips curved. “Oh, am I getting to you? I like that.” She turned on the bed, presenting her butt to him. “Help me. Can you get the zipper for me?”

His hand smoothed over the curve of her ass, the soft cotton of the skirt molding to his touch. With an unsteady hand, he undid the button at the waistband and lowered the zipper. He eased the skirt down her curvy hips and dropped it on the floor.

“Thank you.” She didn’t turn to face him, the remnants of her panties framing a temptation he was unable to resist, wearing only the heels he’d dreamed about taking her in.

“You’re welcome, especially since I’m going to enjoy every second of fucking you senseless.”

“Talk is cheap, Christian.” She wiggled her butt. Taunting him.

His heart beat sped up. “I told you not to move unless I told you to.”

“So what?” She shook her ass again.

He simply reacted, his palm smacking her left cheek. “That’s what. I warned you.”

For a moment, she didn’t react. Then a low moan reached his ears. Clutching the comforter, she stretched, pushing her butt back toward him.

“You liked that, didn’t you?” he asked. She didn’t reply. Or move away. He wasn’t surprised. Sexual compatibility was never an issue for them. “Didn’t you?”

She glared at him over her shoulder.

“Say it, or I won’t give you more.” He waited, slipping his hand between her legs. She was wet, ready for more. The body never lied. He found her clit and rubbed it. He could and would wait her out. Even if it killed him. He was harder than he’d ever been in his life. Could barely form a coherent thought. “Elise?”

“Yes, I liked it,” she tossed defiantly over her shoulder. Satisfaction swept through him. He loved a woman who knew her mind. “You did, too.”

“You’re right.” He loved it, actually. He loved that
she
loved it. His hand tingled with the desire to mark her as his again. Now. His palm landed slightly harder than the first time on the fleshiest part of a cheek. His dick ached at the sound of her moan.

“More,” she demanded.

He took his cues from her. She called out his name. Her demands for more, raising her hips backward toward him spurred him on. Her ass reddened under his hand as he increased the speed and force of the blows. She clutched and unclutched the comforter at each strike. Still, she called for more until she was a trembling, moaning mass of sexy woman begging him to never stop. Driving him out of his mind.

“Christian, I need…” Her hand slipped between her legs. Shit. She was killing him. He cupped her hips and drew her to him. “Shh, baby. Look at me.”

Her eyes shone bright with unchecked desire. Everything he could want and more. He captured her mouth under his. “Are you ready for more?”

“Yes. Now.”

He felt her hot eyes on him as he rolled on another condom. She presented her ass to him again. He gripped her hips and stepped behind her. He pushed inside her, her inner muscles molding to him. Pleasure radiated to every corner of his body. When he was in all the way, he paused, trying to catch his breath. Her hips shook under him. She was close. Driving him wild. Just a little more. He pressed in a little harder. She exploded, her muscles clenching tightly around his erection.

Shit, this woman got to him. He wanted all that she had to give. He wasn’t sure he would survive the night, but what a night it would be. He thrust again. Then he couldn’t think as his orgasm hurtled toward him like a freight train. The last thing he remembered was shouting her name.

…

“Are we still scratching itches?”

In the middle of opening the refrigerator, Elise looked over her shoulder. Christian leaned against the wall at the entrance to the kitchen. She’d swiped his shirt for herself, the second best decision she’d made today after deciding to sleep with this man who rocked her world. He was shirtless. Yes, please. She rounded on her heel to get a better look. She started at the hard muscles of his chest and sucked in a breath when he crossed his arms, putting his biceps in wonderful relief. Her gaze slid down to where his happy trail bisected his abs and disappeared into the jeans he’d left unbuttoned. Oh, the delightful places that trail led to. She lifted her gaze.

Were they still scratching itches? “Very well, I’d say.”

He didn’t smile. “Right.” He nodded once. “How does that work?”