Night After Night (17 page)

Pleased with her acquiescence, he smiled and covered her mouth with his, and her lips automatically parted for him, welcoming the slow, delicious slide of his tongue. While the kiss at the nightclub had been fueled by anger and aggression, this one tasted of unadulterated passion and literally took her breath away. His arm curled around her back, and he hauled her against his body, crushing her breasts against his rock-hard torso.

Her blood started to simmer, making her feel more alive, more turned on, than she had in a very long time. Since
him,
to be exact, and she’d almost forgotten what real, true desire felt like. She’d only known this kind of hunger with Noah, and now, as adults, it was so much hotter and stronger. And far more intense.

A relentless surge of arousal thrummed through her, and not wanting the wonderful sensation to end, she framed his face in her hands and kissed him wholeheartedly. Beneath the water, she wrapped her legs tight around his waist so the hard ridge of his erection pressed against her aching sex, fervently wishing that they’d both stripped off their underwear so she could feel his thick length stroking along her soft, wet folds. Or better yet, thrusting deep inside her body.

Groaning at her enthusiastic response, he twisted the long strands of her wet hair around his fist and pulled her head back. His lips left hers, and he kissed his way across her jaw to her neck. Another longer, firmer tug on her hair had her back arching and her breasts rising, firm and pale and glistening damply in the moonlight.

“Beautiful,” he murmured in awe, just before he dipped his head to taste her.

She felt his breath on her skin, a warm, steamy rush of air just before he swept his tongue around a taut, sensitive nipple. She shuddered and moaned in frustration and need. Her hand palmed the back of his neck to pull him closer, urging him to take more.

He wasn’t to be rushed. He teased her mercilessly, laving the aching peak with his tongue, using his teeth to heighten the pleasure/pain, and when he
finally
opened his mouth over her breast and sucked she went wild.

She started to pant, and of their own accord her hips bucked against his in an attempt to seek some kind of relief for the building pressure gathering between her thighs. Shamelessly she rubbed against him, and he pressed back, grinding into her, knowing exactly what her body needed, and it didn’t take long for her to go up in flames.

His mouth came back to hers as she climaxed, absorbing her soft cries while his hands stroked her back. When the last of her orgasm faded, she buried her face against Noah’s neck and sagged full-weight against him, grateful that the water, and the hands now beneath her thighs, helped to keep her body afloat.

“I want you, Jessie,” he whispered in her ear.

There was no mistaking the raw emotion in Noah’s voice or the echoing response resonating in her soul. She lifted her head to look into his dark eyes. “I want you, too.”

Relief etched his features. “God, I was hoping you’d feel that way.”

Sliding a hand between them, she stroked his thick shaft through his briefs, relishing the deep, guttural groan that escaped him.

“Condoms are in the bedroom,” he said, his voice now sounding like gravel.

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that they didn’t need one, but she caught herself. That statement would raise questions she wasn’t prepared to answer. So, instead, she smiled at him and unlocked her legs from around his waist. “Then what are we waiting for?”

They got out of the pool, and Noah helped her to dry off with one of the towels folded on a nearby table, then wiped himself down, too. He scooped up their clothes, grabbed her hand, and she followed him back into the house, a bit modest about walking around in her panties and nothing else. He led the way up a darkened staircase, and when they reached the spacious master bedroom and he reached to turn on the lamp on the nightstand next to the bed, she caught his wrist.

“Leave it off,” she said, her tone soft and more insecure than she’d intended, because in the light there were things she couldn’t hide. Things she didn’t want him to see. Like the scar from her emergency hysterectomy.

“No way,” he said, and switched on the lamp, illuminating the bedroom.

He retrieved a condom from the bedside drawer and tossed it onto the mattress. Quickly he stripped off his wet briefs, giving her only a handful of seconds to admire his impressive erection before he stepped up to her and slipped his fingers into the waistband of her lace undies. He skimmed them over her hips and down her thighs, until they dropped to the floor at her feet.

Her hand automatically moved to cover the scar on her abdomen, but he caught both of her wrists and gently held them away. “I want to see you, Jessie,” he said huskily, obviously thinking she meant to cover other aspects of her body. “All of you. In the light.”

He pressed her down onto the mattress so she was lying on the soft comforter, then pushed her thighs apart for him to kneel in between, leaving her utterly exposed to his slow, thorough perusal. His heated gaze traveled from her face down to her breasts and continued leisurely over her belly, past the thin line of her scar, and came to a stop when he reached the apex of her thighs.

Placing his hands on her knees, he caressed his palms up the inside of her legs, spreading them wider as he moved closer to her feminine core. His breathing deepened as his fingers touched her wet heat, glided through her slick folds, and stroked her clitoris with his thumb until her hips were moving in tandem with his slow, exquisite, torturous exploration.

“I want to see you,” he said again, watching with heavy-lidded eyes as he slid a finger deep, deep inside of her and she arched shamelessly against his hand, whimpering her need for him. “Just…like…this. You’re so gorgeous. Every single inch of you.”

Her body wept for him, and another climax gathered strength within her. She fought the fluttering sensation between her legs, because this time she didn’t want to go over that crest alone, without him, and told him so. “As good as this feels, I want to come with
you
inside me.”

His eyes blazed with heat and hunger. “It’s hard to turn down that kind of invitation.”

“Then don’t.”

While she watched, he rolled on the condom; then he moved over her, his mouth curved in one of those adorable, boyish grins she’d thought she’d never see again. But the memories of her youth didn’t last long, not when Noah, the man, filled her to the hilt in one smooth, hard thrust.

She gasped, and he groaned, deep and low, as her inner muscles clamped tight around him. She had little time to adjust to the size of him, to let her body reacquaint itself with the heat and fullness of having a man inside her again before Noah increased his pace, the quick, unrestrained pump of his hips leaving her no choice but to slide her arms around his shoulders and hang on for the pleasurable ride.

“You feel so damn good,” he growled, his voice infused with raw hunger as the molten friction between them burned brighter with every stroke of his body inside of hers. “So tight and hot and…
Jesus,
I’m going to come.”

So was she.

He tossed his head back and arched high and hard, and she watched him lose control, lose himself in her, a man reduced to pure emotion and desire. It was that thought that ultimately sent her over the edge right along with him.

When they’d both caught their breaths, Noah pressed his lips to hers in a soft, sweet, romantic kiss before lifting his head and staring deep into her eyes.

“I missed you,” he said, the words so honest that Jessica was compelled to be just as truthful.

“I missed you, too.” Every single day they’d been apart.

The feeling of contentment spreading through her was something Jessica had spent the past nine years searching for…but had never been able to grasp. And as much as she reveled in the peaceful sensation filling her, she knew it wouldn’t last forever.

But for now, for tonight, her world was perfect once again.

Drifting somewhere between slumber and a dream-like state, Zoe decided it was a lovely place to be, and she didn’t want to wake up anytime soon. Not when she was curled up to Sean’s warm, muscular body, the musky, male scent of his skin teasing her senses and eliciting a slow burn of desire down low, between her thighs.

Sighing and embracing the luxurious sensations, she snuggled even closer, pressing her face against his neck and sliding her calf between his, wishing they were both completely naked. Her hand, which had been resting on his flat stomach, began to move in a curious exploration, up over the pecs defining his chest, skimming across the nipples that were as stiff as her own, and down the ridges lining his abdomen.

His muscles grew taut and his breathing deepened, but if he was conscious he didn’t make any move to stop her.

She was glad, because he felt good. Really good. Touching him and letting the arousal and anticipation simmer and build was such a nice, pleasant distraction from the reality of what she knew she had to face once she awoke.

Slowly, blindly, she followed the sexy trail of hair dusting his belly as it spiraled downward, and when she reached the waistband of his briefs she slipped her hand beneath the elastic barrier. The moment the tips of her fingers grazed the taut crown of his engorged shaft and her thumb caught the slick moisture beading on the plump head, her lazy quest came to an abrupt end.

With a deep, animalistic growl, he circled his fingers around her wrist and jerked her hand from his shorts. Quicker than she could gasp, he had her flat on her back, her hand pinned next to her head. He loomed over her, his masculine features etched with lust, the dark stubble on his jaw adding to the edgy, bad-boy attitude. The blatant heat in his eyes pierced straight to her soul, the depths of his gaze an intense shade of midnight blue.

A shameless excitement rushed through her veins, and his stare dropped to the pulse beating wildly at the base of her throat, then lower, to the unbound breasts and hard nipples outlined in the soft fabric of the T-shirt he’d given her to wear. A muscle in his cheek ticced and he dragged his gaze back up to hers, blasting her with a look so carnal she felt branded.

Last night he’d held her without sexual intent, comforted her with platonic caresses, and played her knight in shining armor with chivalry and respect. He’d proved to be a man she could depend on and trust, which was becoming a rarity in her life, and his kindness had been exactly what she’d needed at the time.

There was no trace of that subdued gentleness this morning, and the aggression and barely leashed need tightening his body was exactly what she wanted from him now.

“Don’t…” His gruff voice trailed off and he shook his dark head, looking agonized and conflicted. “Just
don’t.
”

Her heart was beating erratically in her chest, and while she heard the warning lacing his voice she didn’t heed it. “Don’t what?” she whispered in a challenge.

His jaw clenched. “Don’t touch me like that.”

She smiled, which he didn’t seem to appreciate. After everything that had happened to her yesterday, she wanted to replace all the pain, fear, and even the awful truth with something she could believe in and trust. And that something, that
someone,
was Sean.

With her free hand, she glided it up the slope of his back, letting her fingers dig into firm muscles, and felt him shudder beneath her palm. “What if I want to touch you like that? And more?”

The fingers still trapping her other arm on the mattress flexed, but he didn’t let go. “You don’t know what you want right now,” he snapped irritably. “You’re still half-asleep.”

Not anymore, she wasn’t. She was wide awake and knew exactly what she craved. “You don’t want me?” It was a stupid question, but it was the only way to get him to respond the way she knew he would.

He didn’t disappoint. Swearing beneath his breath, he ruthlessly shoved his solid erection against her hip, so there was no mistaking his desire for her. “Does it
feel
like I don’t want you?” he asked, his eyes shining with frustration. “I’m so fucking hard right now, have been all night long; that’s how bad I want you.”

He was being so noble, and it was the very last thing she wanted from him. “Then take me,” she said, and lifted her head, touching her lips to his in a soft, teasing kiss.

Another curse fell from his lips, and she felt something in him snap loose—like his too-gallant restraint. Letting go of her hand, he slid his palm around to the nape of her neck, his fingers delving into her hair, then fisting in the strands as he kissed her back, much harder and deeper than what she’d just offered. His tongue swept into her mouth, seeking, searching,
demanding,
and she responded just as avidly.

As his mouth ravaged hers, he shifted closer, and she twisted her legs around his, trying to adjust their bodies so the length of his rigid shaft was grinding against her sex, but all he allowed was the press of his muscled thigh between hers.

It wasn’t enough. She wanted her clothing off and full body contact—skin on skin. Her entire being shook with need, and she clutched at his shoulders, arching desperately into him. Her hips undulated frantically against his, aiming for a deeper, hotter connection he didn’t seem inclined to give.

He broke their kiss, and she whimpered in frustration, which was quickly replaced by a soft sigh of relief when his hands reached between them and tugged her shirt up and off. Tossing the wad of material to the floor, he didn’t waste any precious time in dipping his head and pulling a nipple between his damp lips. He groaned against her breast as he sucked hard on the taut bud, then bit gently.

She inhaled a quick, shocked breath, then purred with pleasure when he soothed the sting with his soft, velvety tongue before switching to her other breast and giving it the same delightful treatment. The swirl of his tongue laving her nipple and the deep suctioning heat of his mouth had her moving restlessly beneath him.

She fisted her hands in the covers to keep from thrashing. “Sean,
please.
”

“Shhh. I’ll give you what you need,” he promised as he scattered hot, damp kisses down her torso, then flicked his tongue into her navel.

She gasped, feeling that wicked stroke even lower, between her thighs. Impatiently he tugged the front ties loose on her drawstring shorts, and she lifted her hips so he could pull them, and her panties, down her legs. The clothing joined her shirt on the floor, leaving her completely naked for the first time in front of him, while he still wore his briefs.

So not fair, but she figured he’d get around to removing them eventually.

“Spread your legs for me, sweetheart,” he murmured huskily.

She complied, and he let his appreciative gaze slowly trail over her body—across the straining peaks of her breasts, the softness of her belly, then finally where she was wet and swollen with need for him.

His eyes darkened, stealing the breath from her lungs, but not as much as his next calculated move did. Moving lower on the mattress, he settled between her thighs, his broad shoulders forcing her legs even farther apart. He glanced up over her prone body, capturing her gaze with his, the unbridled hunger gleaming in his eyes making his intentions very clear.

Oh, God,
he was going to go down on her.

Then every thought flew from her mind as he did just that—with enthusiasm and passion. She moaned, her hips jerking involuntarily at the first wet, rough rasp of his tongue against her. Then she shuddered when he added longer strokes and a firm fluttering of his tongue on her clitoris. He gave a murmur of approval and added his talented hand into the mix to explore her intimate folds, rubbing her slick flesh, and slipped one finger, then two, inside of her.

Between his wicked mouth and skillful, thrusting fingers mimicking the act of sex, she turned liquid with desire. The tension coiling within her escalated, higher and tighter, making her restless with the need for
more.
His fingers slid from her channel, but before she could issue a form of protest his tongue was there, pushing deep inside of her in a greedy, openmouthed French kiss.

It was like nothing she’d ever felt or experienced before. Her initial gasp of shock gave way to a low, sultry moan and total body ecstasy. She threaded her fingers through his soft, silky hair as what promised to be a rapturous climax rose inside of her. She fought the sensations, wanting to savor every last second, but Sean was so avid, so determined, and she didn’t stand a chance against his seduction tactics.

Closing her eyes, she tossed her head back on the pillow and cried out as a wave of sexual bliss crashed over her and she came in a hot rush of intense pleasure. He rode out the orgasm and kept kissing her intimately, deeply, until the tremors wracking her body finally subsided.

She expected him to move over her and take his very generous foreplay to its logical conclusion, but instead, with an agonized groan, he pressed his cheek against her stomach, as if he was trying to regain his composure. His breathing was so harsh, his body undeniably aroused and strung tight, and she didn’t understand what he was waiting for.

Gently she dragged the tips of her fingers through his hair, wondering what had gone wrong when everything had felt so right only moments ago. “Sean?”

“Don’t.”
Jerking away from her touch, he stood up at the side of the bed, his gaze both anguished and angry as he yanked the covers up over her naked body. He muttered a curse word that singed her ears, then turned and stalked off to the adjoining bathroom, closing the door a little harder than necessary.

Stunned and confused, Zoe tossed the covers right back off and sat up on the edge of the mattress. She stared at the bathroom door and frowned.

What the
hell
was that all about? She honestly didn’t have a clue. For some reason, he was resisting her when that was the last thing she wanted, and she had no idea why he’d ended things so abruptly. Especially after what he’d just done to her. It didn’t get more intimate between two people than
that.

She was a grown woman, capable of making her own choices, and her decision to have sex with Sean hadn’t been made lightly. He was the one person who’d been there for her, the person who’d made her feel safe and secure when her life as she’d once known it was falling apart before her eyes.

After the attack in her parking garage, she’d wanted that comfort, that closeness with him, and while he’d given her an amazing orgasm and her body was physically satiated, deep inside she felt empty, as though something vital was still missing—an emotional connection she knew Sean was capable of giving her, even if he had his doubts.

If he thought he was doing her a favor by walking away, he was wrong. And Zoe intended to prove it to him.

Physically aching and emotionally rattled, Sean stepped beneath the spray of hot, steaming water, his entire body screaming with the need for sexual relief. He’d never been one for cold showers; they were more torturous than helpful to the cause, and he’d learned long ago that it was just easier to take care of business and get it out of his system.

Yeah, like he’d
ever
be able to get Zoe out of his system.

Shit.
After he had watched Zoe come apart for him, after he had felt her every response to his intimate kisses, after he had tasted the depths of her passion, everything about her was indelibly etched into his memory. And when she’d cried out with the force of her climax he swore he’d never heard anything so sweet, so sexy, so cock-swelling erotic that he’d nearly orgasmed right along with her.

The recollection caused his stiff dick to throb painfully, and with a scowl he dipped his head beneath the showerhead, drenching himself completely in the heated cascade of water.

As much as he’d been tempted to bury himself deep inside Zoe, to take what she was offering and slake the lust that had been riding him hard all night long, Sean ultimately couldn’t do it. He knew that sex
meant
something to her, and what scared the crap out of him was the realization that it was beginning to mean something to him, too, when he’d never allowed any woman to be anything more to him than a good time in the sack.

He honestly, truly cared about Zoe, and he knew developing any further feelings for her could lead nowhere. Their lives were too different, their pasts too intertwined and complicated. He despised her father for what he’d done to Sean’s dad, and once Zoe knew the depths of her father’s deception, along with Grant Russo’s connection to Sean’s dad, she’d never accept a man like Sean in her life—a man who’d also once been a con artist and used people’s weaknesses for monetary gain.

While he’d turned over a new leaf when Caleb had given him a second chance to clean up his act when he’d gotten out of prison years ago, Sean would never be able to erase his past or forget the less than honorable things that he’d done. And no woman—especially a sophisticated, successful woman like Zoe—wanted the stigma of being with an ex–con man.

For the first time ever, Sean experienced a twinge of pain at having to let a woman go because of the stupid, senseless choices he’d made in his past. And it royally sucked—which was why this was a great example of why he didn’t do relationships or long-term commitment. And a woman like Zoe would eventually want both.

He inhaled a deep breath of steam, not surprised to see that even his oppressive thoughts had done nothing to deflate his straining erection. No, there was only one way to take care of that particular problem, and if he was going to be spending most of his time around Zoe, then he desperately needed the release now.

Reaching for the liquid soap, he lathered his palms until they were slippery and took his cock in hand. All he needed was a few minutes, fast and furious, and he’d be able to get on with his day without being half-aroused around Zoe.