The Deal with Love (One on One) (2 page)

“Good to hear.” Christian leaned in, bringing that cologne with him. She was going to have to find out its name and invest in the company that made it. Surely their profits had to be off the charts. “Just so we’re clear. I don’t get intimidated. I only do things I want to do.” He stroked her hand resting on the bar, the rough pads of his fingers sending a flash of heat through her.

The fire inside her was quickly doused when she caught sight of her father approaching over Christian’s shoulder. She should be a good daughter and speak to her dad, but they’d had an argument earlier in the day—the same argument they were
always
having lately about her future in the Stampede organization—and going for round three-hundred-and-nineteen wasn’t something she was interested in tonight. She turned back to Christian. “There’s an amazing view of the city from the roof of the building. Want to see it?”

A spark of surprise flashed across his face.

“Or do you need to stay here to celebrate your sister’s big day?” she asked as it occurred to her that he might have duties tonight that didn’t include her.

His gaze swept her figure once more, pausing briefly on her mouth. “She can get along without me.”

Her lips curved of their own volition. “Then follow me.”

Chapter Two

Elise went to step off the stool, but Christian got there first, offering her his assistance. At the touch of his hand on hers, a wave of heat singed her skin. Her gaze flew to his. Had he been burned, too?

Although his eyes gave nothing away, he didn’t release her hand. Nor did he move. She didn’t, either, their bodies remaining inches apart. She wore five-inch stilettos because she loved them, and if people constantly accused you of being intimidating, why not give them a reason for their silly thoughts?

Being six-foot tall in heels had its advantages when it came to business, but now it was obvious her altered height came in handy in more personal endeavors as well. While she still came up a few inches short of Christian’s height, a rarity for her outside of the team’s players and some coaches, her position put her mouth nearly on the same level as his.

His mouth was a work of art. An American treasure. She was surprised the Smithsonian hadn’t called yet. The Dallas Museum of Art at the very least. Perfectly shaped, full lips, the bottom one slightly fuller, dared her to lean in and take a nip. Just one small one to confirm her theory that it tasted as good as it looked. That he knew what to do with such a gift.

Christian hadn’t stepped away. No, he watched her with those hot eyes that saw everything. That maybe wanted as much as she did. She inched closer. Just one small taste.

A burst of laughter stopped her. She’d recognize that boisterous sound anywhere. Her father had gotten closer. She peeked around Christian’s shoulder. Her dad had been stopped by one of the team’s assistant coaches and his wife about ten feet away, which was as close as she wanted to be to him tonight. “Let’s go.”

She grabbed the bottle of champagne the bartender had designated as hers and hers only the moment she’d slid onto the stool and he’d seen her face, then turned on her heel. She didn’t check to see if Christian followed. No need. His solid presence spoke for itself, the footfall of his steps behind her quiet but sure. He placed a light hand at her waist to steer her around a lady who’d clearly had one drink too many, his innocent touch again sending another not-so-innocent zing through her body.

“Thanks,” she tossed over her shoulder, hoping she sounded unaffected. Casual.

He nodded slightly but didn’t respond in any other way. Or take his hand away from her waist. Which was okay with her. She wanted to lean back into his masculine frame—a thought that almost had her tripping over the designer shoes that had cost entirely too much money, but which she’d been unable to resist. She relied on no one. For anything.

But Christian just had a way about him. A
sexy
way about him. Like he could handle anything thrown his way. Easily. Like he pitied the fool who dared to take him on.

They skirted the edge of the room. No one paid them any attention. Fine by her. She didn’t want anyone asking questions about what she was doing. Especially since she didn’t really have any idea. She was just reacting, moving by instinct.

When they reached the door, she pushed it open and sucked in a much-appreciated breath that wasn’t clogged with engagement joy. They reached the elevator in a few steps. Inside, Christian kept his distance. She kept her eyes on the buttons above the doors that lit up as they passed each floor. Still, the atmosphere in the small space was thick with…possibilities. Anticipation twisted in her gut. Her grip on the bottle tightened.

The silver doors slid open. She stepped out and stopped in the middle of the empty deck. Settees and small sofas were scattered across the space with potted plants offering a modicum of privacy to those who wanted it. Though the rooftop was empty, misters and portable air conditioners kept the space cool. To the left, a stunning view of the city skyline beckoned. She walked to the railing and, after placing the bottle at her feet, tilted her head back to take in the stars that sparkled with joy. She closed her eyes and willed some of that joy to seep into her.

“How did you know about this place?” Christian spoke from directly behind her. His deep tone rumbled through her, lighting up places inside her she’d ignored for way too long if their eagerness to be lit were any indication.

“They rent it out for parties,” she said. “I’ve been to a few. I had a hunch that Brady and your sister would want their privacy tonight and not want it in use.”

“You were right.”

Elise spun to face him. “‘I was right.’ I love the way that sounds.”

His lips, those perfect lips, cracked into a mesmerizing smile. “You do, don’t you?”

Air backed up into her lungs. All she could do was nod, especially when he shrugged off his blazer and dropped it on a nearby chair. Then she couldn’t even do that as he tugged his tie loose and deposited it on top of the jacket. He rotated his shoulders, drawing her attention to their wide width. Was he going to…? Yes, he was. Heaven help her. She loved when a man rolled up his sleeves to expose strong, sinewy forearms. Christian was an expert at it, not going too fast or too slow. The perfect striptease. Her panties dampened. She wanted to lick the veins in his forearm and make her way up to his broad shoulders. And then downward.

“I wonder what else you love,” he said. He came to stand next to her, gripping the railing. His hands were big, his fingernails cut short and neat. How would they feel on her body? Her nipples tightened. Down, girl.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she asked.

“I would.” Again with the straightforward answer.

She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll tell you. Maybe I won’t.”

“Is that a challenge I hear?”

“Nope. Just the truth.”

“You keep your secrets close, I take it?”

“The only way.” The absolute truth. Revealing secrets wasn’t something she did, something she was comfortable doing.

“Hmm.” Again he studied her like he could wrest all her secrets out just by watching her.

Not that she had much to hide. Just an insecurity that she would never measure up, despite all that she’d accomplished. Oh yeah, and the fear she’d never be able to achieve everything she wanted to thanks to something she had absolutely no control over. Like her gender. Yippee. And that was enough thinking about that.

She refocused on the skyline. On how the air felt sliding across her skin. Despite the July temperature, the fan was doing its job, whipping strands of her long hair in her face. She reached for her purse and retrieved the clip she carried with her on the rare occasions she wore her hair down. The thick mass of curls constantly got in her face, yet she couldn’t bear the thought of cutting it. One of her fondest childhood memories was her mom combing her hair every night before bed. She lifted a fistful of strands off her neck and twisted it.

Christian’s hand landed on hers, stopping her. “Don’t.”

She raised her eyebrows in silent query.

“You have beautiful hair. Indulge me.”

She studied him for a moment, then, for reasons she had absolutely no desire to analyze, released her hair and dropped the clip into her purse. His gorgeous smile was her reward. Desire, sharp and potent, pooled in her stomach. What was he doing to her without even trying? A guy hadn’t gotten to her like this in a long time. Ever?

That unsettling thought had her reaching down for the bottle of champagne. It was still chilly to the touch. Granted, the temperature wouldn’t have stopped her if it had warmed, but she wasn’t in the mood to overlook blessings, no matter how tiny and inconsequential they were. And most of the champagne still remained. Another piece of luck.

She tipped the bottle back and took a long swallow, the cool liquid tickling her throat. Excellent stuff. Her father hadn’t scrimped. More good fortune.

All the while, her companion studied her, saying nothing. She maintained eye contact because she was Elise Templeton, and she was scared of no man. Or something like that. She held the Dom Perignon out. “Want some?”

Without a word, Christian took the champagne and took a hefty swig. She watched, enthralled. Who knew a man drinking from a champagne bottle could be so sexy? Strong throat muscles worked up and down. Lucky piece of glass getting to touch those lips.

“It’s good,” he said.

“I’m sure,” she murmured.

He paused, his eyes darkening. He handed the bottle back to her.

She placed her lips at the same spot he’d sipped from and took another swallow. She licked her lips, imagining she could taste him on her tongue. “It’s good.”

His eyebrows lifted. He didn’t back away. Not even when she set the Dom down, bridged the gap between them, wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, and guided his lips down to hers.

She paused. Searched his eyes to see if he would stop her. All she saw was a carnal invitation there. Should she be doing this? She mentally shrugged. Hell, why not? Time seemed suspended up here surrounded by silence and the stars. It was only one kiss. It didn’t have to mean anything. Just a way to pass the time. A way to satisfy her curiosity.

She knew herself to be a liar the moment their mouths touched. A thousand sensations rioted through her. His mouth, that perfect mouth, knew just the right amount of pressure to assert to tease her. To have her whimpering for more. Then his hands landed on her cheeks. The pressure was subtle, but effective. Aligning their mouths at the perfect angle. Letting her know he was there to savor her. He nipped at her bottom lip, teasing her. She gasped as pleasure rushed through her.

Christian chuckled softly, then swept inside her mouth with his tongue. His lips were perfect. His tongue was sure in its quest, drawing her closer. He slowly ended the kiss, teasing her the whole way, coming back for just a little less contact each time.

Her eyes fluttered open. Only one thought filled her brain. More. She wanted more. “I want you to kiss me again.”

“You do?” he murmured, the low timbre of his voice sending a shiver down her spine.

“Yes,” she said, unashamed. Her lips curved. “And you want to kiss me again.”

“I do.” A statement, not a question.

She crowded closer and touched her lips to his. He was patient, letting her lead. Giving her the chance to explore him. She started with that bottom lip that had enthralled her so. A little nip. A tiny swipe of her tongue. He tasted better than she’d imagined. His ragged breath was the only indication that he was as affected as she was. He didn’t touch her, but he wasn’t aloof. Not at all. His lips parted, inviting her inside. An invitation she happily accepted. The kiss went from slow to fast the second their tongues made contact. His hand cupped the back of her neck, sliding up into her hair. Clearly no longer content to let her lead the way, he demanded she respond to him, dared her not to as he thoroughly explored her mouth. She moaned in protest when he broke the kiss.

“Elise?” he asked, his breaths fast, his voice husky.

“Hmm?” she murmured, nipping at the strong column of his neck.

“What are we doing?”

“If you have to ask, we’re not doing a good job.”

He snorted. “Speak for yourself, lady.
I
am doing a helluva job.”

Elise threw back her head and laughed. Damn, he made her feel good. His mouth returned to hers. Make that excellent. The kiss burned bright. Desire licked across her skin.

Again he gentled the kiss. “Question still stands.”

She knew what he was asking. There was only one answer. As far as she was concerned, they were the only two people on earth. And he made her ache. Want. She wanted to lose herself in him, lose herself in the emotions he stirred in her. Forget about the uncertainty surrounding her life. Tomorrow would come soon enough, but tonight, she wanted him and saw no reason to deny herself. She raised her head and pressed a kiss against the mouth she’d be seeing in her dreams for the foreseeable future. “The answer to your question is we enjoy each other to the fullest tonight.”

His eyes darkened with promise. “I like the way you think.”

“I know.”

His chuckle sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine. “Please tell me you have protection. I wasn’t expecting this.”

She grinned. “Never leave home without it.” Which wasn’t precisely the truth. She’d thrown the condoms in her purse more as a joke to herself. Wasn’t that the point of these types of parties for the non-groom and non-bride? Seeing if they could get lucky? But, in all honesty, she’d had no intention of testing out that theory or stereotype or whatever it was. She’d planned on showing up, doing her duty as a team representative, and then going home to get some work done, but really, wasn’t this a better way to spend a Saturday night? Hell, yeah.

“Good.” Those lips again curved into a tempting smile. Beckoned her to do her best. Lucky for him—okay, and herself—she was always up for a challenge. Thank God he’d already taken off his jacket and tie. She wanted a look at those shoulders she’d drooled over. She had no doubt that they wouldn’t disappoint. She had good taste, and her track record with him tonight was already on the winning side. After all, she’d fantasized about his perfect lips, and they’d ended up tasting better and giving pleasure better than she ever could have imagined. But now she wanted more. A lot more.

She attacked his shirt buttons. The buttons, knowing who they were messing with, gave way with no difficulty. Her hands swept inside, seeking and learning the structure, the bumps and dips of all his ridges and valleys, the hardness of his body. A chuckle rumbled through his chest under her hands, sending a fresh wave of lust through her. He drew the shirt away, setting forth another awe-inspiring wave of muscle movement under his sienna skin.

She took a step back to take it all in.

The moonlight was on her side tonight. It bathed him in shadows and just enough light to showcase the broadness of those shoulders she’d become so enamored with.

More touching, less looking.

Her lips touched the hot skin directly over his heartbeat. She skimmed the flesh until she reached his right nipple. She licked the nub, then drew it into her mouth. His groan came from above her, sending an arrow of heat straight down in between her legs. Wanting to hear that sound again, she repeated her actions. She hid her grin against his chest when she was rewarded.