My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7) (10 page)

“We did and I distinctly remember you promising me something sweet.”

“I don’t remember the conversation going like that.”

“My memory is clearly better than yours.”

There was a pregnant pause between them as they stood staring at each other. Tinjin’s gaze was narrowed as he eyed her seductively. His tongue slipped past his lips, grazing the flesh slowly. Natalie bit down against her bottom lip, a wave of heat flushing her face. She took a quick step back and turned abruptly.

“I guess I better get you some dessert, then,” she muttered as she rushed out of the room, clearly unnerved.

Inside the kitchen she stood in front of the open freezer door, fanning herself. She was overwhelmed by the heat that had consumed her, needing every ounce of a cool breeze to stall the desire that had surged with a vengeance. When she was able to catch her breath she moved to the counter, prepping two dishes with a decadent confection.

Outside it had begun to rain, the downpour coming fast and furious. A bolt of lightning split the sky and seconds later the home vibrated with thunder. More lightning and more thunder flashed outside the kitchen window.

“Do you need a hand?” Tinjin suddenly asked.

Natalie jumped, not having expected him to step into the room behind her. She turned as he moved in her direction, his smile washing over her like the sweetest breeze.

She shook her head as she turned, a bowl extended between them. “Your dessert,” she said as she passed it and a spoon toward him.

Tinjin laughed. “This looks good,” he said, eyeing the large slice of hot peach pie that rested in a pool of warm vanilla custard. “It looks very good!”

“I don’t know why you keep acting like I don’t know what I’m doing in the kitchen. I told you this would be a meal you’d never forget.”

Savoring the first bite Tinjin couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her face was flushed, her cheeks tinged a warm shade of red. Joy and laughter danced in her eyes. She was intoxicatingly beautiful. He suddenly felt drunk with desire and they’d had nothing stronger than lemonade to drink.

Standing together they finished the last of their treat, neither saying a word. Each spoonful was slow and deliberate, their taste buds awash with pleasure. Natalie wanted to say something, to find words that would alleviate the erotic tension that had risen between them. But her mind was blank, nothing but thoughts of Tinjin and the heat of his touch washing over her. She took a deep breath and held it.

As if on cue Tinjin stepped in closer, trapping her between him and the countertop. Moving against her Tinjin dropped his bowl into the stainless-steel sink behind her, then wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. He lingered for a brief second before capturing her lips with his own.

Natalie closed her eyes tightly, falling into the moment. His kiss was sweet, like the sugary dessert they’d just finished. Tinjin tasted like cinnamon and nutmeg and vine-ripened peaches. His lips danced against hers, his tongue eager and searching as it slipped past her lips, caressing her tongue. He held her tightly, his hands gently stroking the line of her back, his fingertips burning hot against her flesh. It felt like heaven to be in his arms again. She felt his mouth graze the flesh of her neck. It was the softest of touches.

“I should help you with the dirty dishes,” Tinjin muttered against her ear.

Natalie felt her pulse quicken, her body responding to the soft whisper on her skin.

“Oh...I...” Natalie managed to blurt out. The words caught in the back of her throat as Tinjin drew his hands across her torso. She arched her back as she felt his fingers trail gently over her body, wishing his hands were already beneath her clothing.

“Or we can do the dishes later,” Tinjin mumbled, his tongue lapping at the dimple beneath her chin.

The sensation that swept through her body was overwhelming. A low hiss spilled past her lips, Natalie unable to form a coherent sentence. She had fallen into a daze, unable to reason what to do or how to do it. She pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him from her. They were both panting heavily.

“We shouldn’t,” Natalie gasped, “we should...we...”

“What?” Tinjin questioned, his tone a loud whisper. “What should we do?”

Natalie sucked in a big breath of air and swallowed hard. “We should move this to someplace more comfortable,” she said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her.

Natalie led the way to her bedroom. The room was draped in white from floor to ceiling. White furniture, white bedding and white walls. Turning, she gave him a bright smile as she crooked her finger and gestured for him to come closer. Seduction shimmered in her light eyes as she gave him a come-hither stare.

Tinjin grinned back, every muscle in his body tightening with pleasure. He took two quick strides toward her, until her manicured fingertips pressed against his breastbone. Before he could say a word she pushed him down on the mattress. His eyes widened in surprise, the tables turning as Natalie took control.

Climbing atop his body, Natalie straddled him, her dress rising up her bare legs. She pulled at his shirt, releasing it from the waistband of his slacks, and slipped her hands beneath the fabric, gently raking her nails against his flesh. Tinjin gasped, air catching in his chest as she stroked his torso, her small hands massaging the taut muscles. Her mouth met his once again, the kiss drawing them closer and closer.

He cupped his own hands around her buttocks, his fingers meeting bare flesh and the thin line of her G-string. Heat surged into his southern quadrant, wave after wave sparked by him touching her bare flesh. He firmly gripped each cheek and felt Natalie shudder with pleasure as a slight jolt of electricity shot through her core. Her glutes were firm and tight, the skin unbelievably soft. He squeezed one cheek and then the other, then both at the same time.

Natalie’s mouth clung to his as he touched her, his hands kneading her warm flesh teasingly. Everything about the moment had her craving him, desire raging through every nerve ending. Her desire was urgent as she suddenly pulled at his belt and undid his pants, tugging at the zipper. His own electrical current lengthened his erection, his manhood swelling with anticipation. Tinjin blew a low breath, a slight whistle falling past his lips.

Tinjin suddenly flipped her, dropping his pelvis against hers. Her hands raced down the length of his back, kneading every square inch of skin as she clung to him. In one swift motion he pulled her dress up and over her head and unsnapped her bra. His face dropped down between the fullness of her breasts and he suckled one hardened nipple and then the other, back and forth, his tongue lashing at her flesh.

His touch took her breath away and Natalie found herself gasping heavily for air. Just as she thought she couldn’t take another moment of his touch, her body convulsing with pleasure, he eased one hand between her legs, the other supporting his weight above her. He snatched her G-string from her body, ripping the string from the little weft of fabric that held it together. He threw it to the floor, then eased his fingers to her slit, the heat from the moist cavity leading the way. His thumb pressed hard against her clit and he rubbed it gently as he painted a trail of kisses across her jawline.

Tinjin fingered her gently, her knees sprawling open to allow him easy access. She moaned loudly as he eased two fingers inside her, his hand gently pumping into and out of her sweet spot. Natalie gasped loudly as Tinjin suddenly drew back, pulling himself from her. The heat gave way to a light breeze blowing between them, the chill startling every nerve and muscle in both their bodies.

Moving back onto his feet, Tinjin pushed his pants and briefs past his hips to the floor. He stood in full glory, wearing nothing but a raging hard-on and dark socks. He was lightly ripped, his muscles bulging and creasing in male perfection. His engorged member pushed forward like a snake that had been charmed into submission, awaiting the perfect moment to strike. He was nicely endowed and Natalie found herself salivating at its potential.

Her deep stare further fueled Tinjin’s raging desire. He met the intense stare she was giving him with one of his own. She appeared both angelic and devilish as she lay sprawled against the bedspread, her naked body quivering with excitement. She was temptation personified, the embodiment of everything he had ever wanted in his lifetime and there, in that moment, she belonged wholeheartedly to him. “You are so beautiful!” he whispered, his words like the sweetest balm to Natalie’s ears.

She pointed to the nightstand drawer and Tinjin knew what he would find inside. Pulling it open, a new box of Trojan condoms rested in front. He ripped the cellophane from the box and pulled one out. As he crawled back onto the bed, easing his body against hers, Natalie took the prophylactic from his hand and tore open the wrapper. She lifted her body enough to wrap her hands around his manhood, taking the wealth of him into her palm. His shaft extended from a nest of tight black curls. It was long, full and dark, his skin the color of rich, black marble. His flesh was soft and smooth, his organ feeling strong and delicate in her hand. She could feel his pulse beating rapidly beneath his heated skin, throbbing in perfect sync with her own heartbeat. She sheathed him quickly.

Bracing his weight on both hands Tinjin hovered above her, his body perfectly aligned with hers. He stared down into her eyes, his own misting slightly. Everything in him ached for her, his wanting so intense that he felt as if he might combust from the intensity of it. Staring into her eyes he could sense that she was feeling the same way about him. She pressed her hand to the side of his face, the pads of her fingertips gently caressing him. He dropped forward and captured her mouth beneath his. His kiss was possessive and needy, his craving dancing over her lips.

Natalie touched his face, in awe of how beautiful the man was. She was mesmerized by his stare, intrigued by what she saw in his eyes. He eased his body between her legs and entered her easily. Their joining was the sweetest union either had ever known before. He settled himself against her, his pelvis tight to hers. Both closed their eyes, savoring the sensations that came with the intimate touch.

His was a slow and steady pulsing, an easy in and out as he played her body like a master musician plays his instrument. He stroked and caressed her until she purred, eliciting the sweetest sounds from her. Her body pulsed around his, her taut muscles drawing him deeper and deeper inside her. She met him stroke for stroke, the two in near perfect sync as they found a comfortable rhythm with each other.

Natalie suddenly screamed his name, her nails digging into the flesh across his back. She screamed and Tinjin screamed with her, both falling right off the edge of ecstasy. Heat swarmed, the intensity of their coming volcanic. Every muscle in both their bodies convulsed and twitched, the tremors feeling as though they were never going to end. Falling against her Tinjin gulped air, struggling to catch his breath. Beneath him Natalie panted and huffed, desperate to fill her own lungs.

Minutes later Tinjin rolled to his side and pulled her close, cradling his body around hers. Skin kissed skin, slow, easy caresses, as they relaxed against each other. As the throes of their loving settled Natalie giggled softly.

“I hope you know this doesn’t mean anything,” she said, a sardonic teasing to her tone.

Tinjin laughed as he gave her a gentle squeeze. “Girl, please! You and I both know this means everything!”

Chapter 11

H
ours later Natalie and Tinjin were still together. Laughter rang through the bedroom. They’d made love, napped, talked and had made love again and again. Despite the late-night hour both felt invigorated, thoroughly enjoying everything about their time together.

“You should consider yourself very special, TJ,” Natalie said as she laid her body atop his and snuggled down against him.

“And why is that?”

“I have never let any man stay the night. Ever.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Like I said...special!”

“I’ll own that. Nothing I didn’t know already, though.” He pressed a damp kiss to her forehead as he tightened his hold around her torso.

Natalie let out a low sigh as she stole a quick glance toward the clock on the nightstand. “What time do you need to get going?” she questioned.

Tinjin shrugged. “I don’t have anything scheduled. I only need to make a few calls to get my move scheduled and finish some paperwork for the business.”

“Are you excited?”

“About moving?”

“All of it. Moving, starting your own design house, me!”

Tinjin laughed as he nodded. “I am. It’s been a lot in a short period of time but I don’t think I’d have it any other way.”

“Most especially me, right?”

He smiled. “Most especially you.”

“I was just checking.”

“Since you’re checking, have you ever thought about living in Paris?”

Natalie lifted her head to stare up at him. She shrugged. “No. I haven’t.”

“Maybe you should.”

“That sounds serious.”

“I am serious. I don’t do long-distance relationships well and something tells me you don’t do them at all.”

This time Natalie laughed. “You do know me well.”

“So would you consider moving with me to Paris?”

There was an awkward pause as Natalie gave his statement some serious consideration. She pulled herself upright, leaning back against the headboard. “I would prefer we shelve this conversation until we are both fully clothed. I can’t think clearly with you naked.”

Tinjin sat upright with her, pulling the sheet up to his waist. “That’s fair, but we will have this conversation, Gnat.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I need to get some sleep. I have a meeting in a few hours with Jourdan Claude.”

“The new shoe company?”

“You’ve heard of them?”

“I consider them one of my biggest competitors. They’ve only been around for a few months and they’re making great strides.”

“I’m interviewing their management team for
Pretty, Pretty
.”

Tinjin smiled as he reflected on her comment. He didn’t say anything, leaning instead to kiss her lips, gently whispering her name against her mouth.

Natalie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. “But I’m never going to get any sleep if you keep kissing me like that,” she murmured when they finally came up for air.

Tinjin chuckled warmly. “Who needs sleep?” he replied as he plunged his mouth back to hers one more time.

* * *

Natalie felt as though she was in a daze. She and Tinjin had been going strong for weeks, spending every waking moment with each other. Where they laid their heads at night depended on what side of town they found themselves after the dinner hour. Some days she woke up in Tinjin’s bed, other days she woke up in her own. They’d found a nice balance with each other and still hadn’t discussed what would happen after his impending move to Paris.

She blew a deep sigh as she shifted her body against the canvas backdrop in the room, lights overhead burning hot and a camera flashing in her face. She was wearing a couture gown of ivory silk with red lacquered metal and ostrich feather embellishments. It was a lavish design and she wore it like a second skin. The photographer on duty gestured with his camera, directing her to drop her chin and give him more face. After complying she gave him pose after pose, bombarding his enthusiasm with fuel.

“That’s it!” he exclaimed. “That’s the money shot!”

Behind him Tinjin gave her a thumbs-up, his own smile contagious. Natalie smiled back, the gesture animating her light eyes. Her face glowed and the camera ate it up. Minutes later, the photographer yelled “that’s a wrap” and they were done and finished for the day, everyone excited about the outcome.

“Hello!” she said as she threw her arms around Tinjin’s neck. “This is a surprise.”

He kissed her lips and hugged her tightly. “I finished my meeting early and thought I’d surprise you.”

“I’m glad you did,” Natalie said. “I didn’t think I was going to see you tonight.”

“Are you finished for the night?”

Natalie shook her head. “I have a dinner meeting in an hour.”

Tinjin winced slightly. “You did tell me that. It went right out of my mind.”

“When do you fly to Paris?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. But I’m only there a few hours to tour the factory, then I fly right back here for investor meetings.”

“Still no takers?”

“Not one who’s willing to meet me on my terms, but let’s not talk about that. I don’t want to jinx anything.”

“What about the guy you met when you got back from the United States? Shouldn’t he have given you an answer by now?”

Tinjin sighed as he thought about Jean-Paul Vivier. “He’s a bit eccentric. I really have no expectations of him other than to expect nothing.”

“What about the Dallas Stallions? Have you spoken to any of my cousins and asked them for help?”

He nodded. “I’ve been able to get as far as I have because of their investment. John and his brothers were very generous. If I don’t get another dime I would still be able to make it work, but that extra cushion would be nice to have. It would allow me to take a few risks with the fall and winter shoe lines. And if I’m going to catch up to Jourdan Claude I’ll need to take some serious risks.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Once your designs start rolling off the lines you’ll run circles around Jourdan Claude. I wasn’t all that impressed with their designers or their management team. You are so much better and I’m sure you’ll be far more successful.”

Tinjin leaned to give her another kiss. “From your mouth to God’s ears!”

Natalie smiled sweetly. “I need to change and get going. Will I see you later?”

Tinjin shrugged. “That depends.”

She leaned back on her hip, one hand falling against her waist. “On what?”

He lifted his eyebrows suggestively then winked an eye. Natalie rolled hers skyward.

“I am not your late-night booty call, TJ!”

He laughed. “You’re the one who asked about seeing me later, remember? I’m the one feeling like a slab of meat right now!”

She grinned as she pressed herself and her couture dress against him. “And a mighty fine slab of meat you are!”

* * *

His touch was electric. The first time she’d wakened to Tinjin tasting her sweet spot Natalie had lost complete control, unable to fathom how she was only in his apartment and bed and not lost somewhere in the stratosphere. Because with each pass of his tongue, his mouth locked against the door of her secret spot, she found herself reeling with pleasure, her body floating sky-high.

She gripped the sides of his head, his mouth bobbing up and down between her parted legs. His tongue caressed her slowly as he planted damp kisses down one side of her slit and up the other. Every muscle vibrated in response, her whole body one relentless tremor that could not be contained. He wrapped his lips around her clit and sucked her gently, his tongue washing her in small circles. His mouth was heaven-sent and Natalie arched her back in response, the convulsions moving her to pull his face against her as she pushed her hips to meet his tongue.

Her sweet scent filled his nostrils. He’d awakened to an erection that had refused to be ignored, her body wrapped around him like a warm blanket. The nearness of her was difficult to resist, her nakedness igniting a roaring flame deep in the pit of his spirit. He’d been hungry for her, his thirst feeling insatiable. And so he’d tasted her, determined to eat his way to ecstasy.

Natalie suddenly bucked, her body vibrating with a mind of its own. She bucked and twisted until they found themselves in a classic sixty-nine position and then she took him into her mouth to return the favor. It had become their morning ritual, their days starting in extreme ecstasy, both yearning for the other until the wanting actually hurt.

Their orgasms erupted at the same time, both exploding in sheer pleasure. Natalie stroked him fast and hard as he spilled his seed over her hand and against her lips. He pushed himself into her hand and pulled out, driving himself back and forth across her palm. It was bliss and a near-perfect way to start their day.

* * *

Tinjin was past the point of exhaustion. He’d been running on full steam for days with no end in sight. As he navigated the rise of his new business, every ounce of his fortitude was being taxed. His time was rarely his own and his to-do list was miles long. His one and only reprieve was the time he was able to spend with Natalie.

Natalie. Every time he thought about her he found himself grinning foolishly. The woman had gotten under his skin, attaching herself like an extra appendage he didn’t need but couldn’t see himself doing without. He was so far gone that he couldn’t begin to imagine life without her. More importantly, he didn’t want to.

Everything about the two of them together worked, even in those moments when they didn’t expect it to. Despite being annoying and spoiled she was funny and intelligent and she made him laugh when he least expected it. If Tinjin were honest with himself, she had his heart, despite his best efforts not to let her.

Tinjin shifted in his seat, glad that he’d been able to make the early evening flight. He’d been back and forth between London and Paris, business and his growing fondness for Natalie holding him hostage in both places. He’d been serious when he’d asked her about moving with him to Paris. He also understood her reluctance to answer. He’d been second-guessing the question since it had come out of his mouth, unsure if he was even ready for a permanent relationship with any woman. And then he thought about Natalie, understanding that she wasn’t just
any
woman. There was something special about her and, being honest, he was wholeheartedly happy that she was his woman and he had no reservations about claiming her.

As the plane touched down on the tarmac, taxiing slowing toward the gate at London’s Heathrow Airport he engaged his cell phone and dialed Natalie’s number. She answered on the second ring.

“Hello!”

“Hey, what are you doing?” Tinjin questioned. She sounded rushed and was breathing heavily into the receiver.

“I was just about to head out the door. Where are you?”

“At the airport. I just landed.”

“I thought you were staying in Paris tonight?”

“I changed my mind. I missed you.”

There was a moment of pause. “I missed you, too,” Natalie said, her voice a loud whisper on the other end.

“Where are you headed?” Tinjin asked.

“Dinner, then out with the girls. But I can cancel if you want me to.”

Tinjin shook his head. “Of course not! No, go have fun. I can meet you later. I only flew back to get me a quickie.”

Natalie laughed. “You’re so funny, TJ, but I don’t do quick.”

“That sounds like a personal problem to me.”

She giggled again. “Goodbye you!”

“I’ll see you later.”

On the other end Natalie took a deep breath and then a second as she disconnected the call. On the other side of the room Jean-Paul Vivier was eyeing her curiously.

“Who was that?” the man questioned.

Natalie met the look he was giving her. “None of your business,” she answered. “Are you ready to go?”

Jean-Paul nodded. “I’m delighted you agreed to see me again. I’ve missed you, Natalia! I’ve missed you so very much!”

* * *

Tinjin ran by his house first. The sparse decor had gotten scanter since most of his belongings had been transferred to his new home in Paris. Checking up on the place had become ritual since he now spent most nights with Natalie. He felt himself fingering the key to her abode, the act subconscious as he thought about her. Eventually he might consider selling the space, but until he was absolutely sure that he had no reason to maintain a residence in London, he planned to keep it.

He blew a deep sigh. He didn’t expect Natalie to drop everything for him but he missed her badly. And missing her had him wishing she’d given up her night with her friends to spend all of her time with him. There was nothing rational about the thought but he wasn’t afraid to admit to himself that he was having some issues. He didn’t see himself being that forthcoming with anyone else. He chuckled softly, the sound echoing around the room.

His cell phone suddenly chimed in his pocket. Pulling the device into his hand he acknowledged the caller ID with a warm smile.

“Hello!”

“Why haven’t you called me?” his sister Tierra questioned. Her reprimand echoed over the phone line.

Tinjin laughed. “I just spoke to you last week!”

“How’s Natalie? Things still good with you two?”

“Natalie is good. Natalie and I are still good. Thank you for being concerned.”

“I am concerned. I worry about you all the time.”

“I’m a big boy, Tierra. I’ve been tying my own shoes and combing my own hair since I was eight. If I remember correctly I was also tying your shoes and combing your hair back then, too.”

“You know what I mean.”

Tinjin smiled. “How are the kids?”

“Growing too fast. The baby is trying to crawl already and we just registered Lorenzo for T-ball. Hopefully you’ll get back to the States to see him play before the season is over.”

“I’ll plan on it. Uncle’s going to need to give him some pointers!”

“I really wish you’d come back home. I hate that you’re out of the country.”

“Well, you and I both know that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Paris is going to be home for a while.”

“How does Natalie feel about that? Does she want to move to Paris with you or do you two plan to do the long-distance thing?”