Читать книгу A Perfect Compromise - Anna Sugden - Страница 13
ОглавлениеJ.B. HAD PLANNED to take things slowly. Not that he’d taken anything for granted. He’d hoped, for sure. Tonight was their last chance, with Bella leaving tomorrow, but he’d known the odds of ending up in her bed were as evenly balanced as a shoot-out.
Although this was only a one-time thing, he understood it was a big deal for her, so he needed to make tonight special.
No pressure.
It had taken every ounce of self-control to let her set the pace while they’d kissed. Especially when the tip of her tongue had slipped between his lips and tentatively touched his. The combination of sweet innocence and passionate intent was killer.
Even once they were inside her room, he’d been determined not to rush.
And he didn’t. Not when she eased his shirt out of his pants. Not when she undid his buttons, her knuckles brushing against his chest with each one.
Things got a little dicey when she pressed soft, moist kisses to his bare skin.
When she licked the ridges of his six-pack, his good intentions began to crumble. He closed his eyes and bit back a moan.
J.B. held strong until she reached his belt buckle. Then his intentions were blown to hell.
“My turn.” His hoarse words sounded sharp in the silent room.
Bella’s hands stilled. Her uncertain gaze shot up to meet his.
He stroked a finger along her cheekbone and down to her mouth. “We don’t want this over before you’ve got started.”
She didn’t look reassured, so he traced her full bottom lip. “Trust me. Any more ready and I’ll embarrass myself.” He smiled.
Bella frowned. “But...?”
His finger across her lips silenced her. J.B. replaced his finger with his mouth, letting his hot, deep kiss take over the convincing.
Her resistance melted. He felt the nervous tension ease from her body, to be replaced quickly by desire.
When she tried to wrap her arms around his neck, J.B. caught her wrists and lowered them to her sides. “Uh-uh. Turnabout is fair play.”
She bit her lip but didn’t argue. Curiosity and need replaced the uncertainty in her eyes.
J.B. licked her lip, kissed both corners, before nibbling his way along her jaw. He dipped his tongue into the hollow behind her ear, then tugged her earlobe gently with his teeth. His smile broadened at the tremor that went through her.
Unhurried, he alternately kissed and nipped his way down the side of her neck and along her collarbone to her shoulder, relishing the way she sighed with pleasure. He licked along the edge of her strapless dress, across the swell of one breast, through the valley between and over the other, before returning to the center and the pink, flower-shaped top button of her dress.
He slipped the button out of its hole and pressed an open mouthed kiss to the fragrant skin he’d revealed. Bella’s breath hitched, straining the fabric around the second yellow button.
Undo. Kiss. Hitch. Repeat.
The next button was orange, the one after green. It was like eating a bag of hard candies. Different colors, different flavors; each more mouthwatering than the one before.
Her dress fell partly open as he reached her waist, the fabric catching on the peaked nipples of her breasts. She wasn’t wearing a bra. His erection surged as he freed both sides, laying her bare.
Beautiful. He wanted to taste and touch every delicious inch.
J.B. swept Bella into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down, then sat beside her. He continued unbuttoning until the dress was completely undone, while he explored her with his mouth. As he trailed his tongue along the underside of each creamy breast, then circled each taut, dark cherry nipple, his fingers caressed the tanned skin of her belly. The muscles of her stomach tightened at his touch, but she didn’t stop him.
He went lower still...to the top of her white, silky panties. Then under the lacy trim to the dark curls beneath. He deliberately avoided touching the most sensitive part of her, even though she raised her hips, slightly offering him access. He also didn’t dip his fingers into her damp heat, despite her tiny mewl of frustration and his own need.
Hooking a finger into the elastic, he pulled the panties slowly down her legs before tossing them aside.
Her hands tugged his shirt open and stroked feverishly over the heated skin of his chest. When she tried to push his shirt over his shoulders, he pulled it off, throwing it behind him before returning to her side. “Where was I?”
Bella shook her head. “Not so fast. Pants, too. You’re overdressed.”
J.B. did as she instructed. He kept his boxer shorts on; the last barrier protecting his sanity. He also took several condoms out of his wallet and placed them on the bedside table.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m already protected, but I appreciate you being responsible, too.”
“Better safe than sorry.” He stretched out beside her, his head propped on one hand. “Okay?”
“Definitely.” An appreciative smile played over her lips as her gaze skimmed the length of his body. But the uncertainty returned to her eyes when she spotted the unmistakable bulge in his shorts.
“I know you’re desperate to get your hands on my magnificence, but you’ll have to wait. It’s still your turn.”
She giggled. “Your ‘magnificence’?”
He feigned offense. “I assure you it lives up to its billing.”
“I’m sure,” she soothed. “Can I call it Mag for short?”
And there was another intriguing contradiction. She was nervous, but she was making jokes. That was more of a turn-on than any seductive move.
“Lady, there is nothing short about it,” he growled.
Her eyes widened. “So I see.”
He rolled over onto his back and pulled her on top of him.
Other than a squeak of surprise, Bella didn’t protest. Her smile turned worldly as she stretched her body along the length of his. Her breasts crushed against his chest, their stomachs flattened against each other, their legs tangled. And Mag fit perfectly into the V at the top of her thighs.
Their kisses became a duel—who could turn the other one on more—with hands, mouth and...everything else. In truth, it wasn’t much of a contest. Bella had one hell of an advantage. Then again, she was ready for him, too. But she didn’t make a move to commit them to the final stage. Almost as if she didn’t know how.
He lifted his head. “I reckon you’re all caught up, don’t you?”
Her lips twisted wryly. “I’m not very experienced at this, but I think you’re right.”
“This...isn’t your first time, is it?”
She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “No. But it might as well be. The first time was in college. It was...awful.”
Her softly spoken words set off alarm bells. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I don’t want to kill the mood.”
Crap. He didn’t like the sound of that. “Honey, nothing you say could do that.” He placed her hand on his erection. “Mag can handle whatever you tell me.”
“Impressive.” She left her hand there. “Suffice it to say the guy I was with didn’t worry too much about foreplay.”
J.B. bit back his rage. Better he didn’t know the details. It wasn’t like he could hunt down the jerk and pound him to dust. It also didn’t help Bella. “At least tell me he embarrassed himself by coming too quickly.”
“Almost immediately.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I rewarded him by throwing up all over him.”
A surprised laugh escaped him. “Atta girl.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m glad you told me. I’ll be careful. Anything you’re not comfortable with, say so. Okay?”
She nodded firmly.
“Good. The only rule tonight is that you enjoy yourself.”
“In that case, can we stop talking and get to the fun part?” Her gaze was clear; all signs of uncertainty gone.
“Hell, yes.” He flipped her beneath him and proceeded to kiss and caress her to fever pitch.
It didn’t take long. For either of them.
J.B. held off, even though he knew from the way she writhed beneath him that she was ready for him. Instead he slipped his finger inside her and used his thumb to rub her swollen bud.
Bella gasped, then moaned.
Only when he was certain that she hovered on the brink of orgasm did he put on the condom and ease into her. And nearly embarrass himself like that college ass.
She was tight, wet and so hot.
He gritted his teeth and held still as he waited for her to adjust to having him inside her. His body raged against his restraint, but he refused to give in. Only when she began to grind her hips against him did he give in to her wordless demand.
Slowly at first, then, with increasing speed, he began to pump in and out. She met each thrust eagerly, urging him for more. Their rhythms synced, as it had when they’d danced.
Harder. Faster.
Sweat slicked their skin.
His body seemed to be on fire. He wanted to explode, but he couldn’t. Not yet. His muscles quivered with the effort of maintaining control.
Just when he thought he couldn’t hold on a moment longer, she came apart beneath him with a keening cry. As she pulsed around him, J.B. finally let go and claimed his own release.
Before he could collapse on top of her, he rolled and pulled her with him into his arms. Her head rested against his heaving chest as he rasped in oxygen.
“Wow.” Bella’s voice was unsteady but awestruck. “That was pretty amazing.”
“Yeah.” J.B. grinned wearily. “Any more amazing and you’d have killed me.”
She giggled. “Mag certainly lived up to his promise.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
They lay silently for a few minutes while their bodies cooled and their breathing steadied. Her fingers traced a meandering path across his chest and stomach. He twirled a lock of her hair around one finger. Despite the reasons for being in Antigua earlier than planned, he couldn’t complain. Otherwise he’d have missed Bella. And this.
He was half-asleep when she said softly, “J.B.?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think we’ll be able to do that again before I leave?”
He laughed. That was his Bella—always keeping him off balance. “Give me half an hour and I’ll see what I...and Mag...can do.”
* * *
ISSY DIDN’T WANT to open her eyes.
From the bright light filtering through her closed lids, she knew it was morning but she didn’t want to break the wonderful spell. Or leave the cocoon of J.B.’s arms.
She’d never spent the night with a man. Never woken up with a man in her bed. She probably wouldn’t again for a long time. It was a moment to savor because all too soon reality would intrude. For now, though, she was content to snuggle closer to J.B. and enjoy it.
They fit together perfectly. He was curled around her, every inch of him pressed against her back and legs. His knees curved into the back of hers. His hand cradled her breast. His even breathing stirred the tiny hairs at the back of her neck. Definitely the best way to start the day.
Issy found it hard to believe how amazing the night before had been and how special J.B. had made her feel. Everything she’d read about in romance novels but never thought could happen in real life. Not for her. Certainly not with a guy like J.B. A successful, professional athlete; a charming lady-killer.
His consideration and understanding had been as unexpected as the responses he’d managed to elicit from her. Although she didn’t have much to compare him with, he’d more than lived up to anything she could have imagined. Who knew it really was possible to make love three times in one night?
Issy stifled a giggle. She felt deliciously wanton and a teensy bit proud. After all, she’d made sure that J.B. had enjoyed himself as much as she had.
He’d recovered surprisingly quickly after that first time. Then he’d carried her into the bathroom. Under the rainfall shower, he’d carefully washed her from head to toe. The memory of his skilled hands, slippery with soap, turning a simple task into an erotic adventure, sent heat flooding through her. She’d probably never be able to take a shower again, or smell cherry-blossom soap, without recalling her unbelievably intense climax.
Then J.B. had handed her the fragrant bar and encouraged her to do the same to him. Uncertain at first, but with increasing surety as his unbridled response to her touch made her heady with confidence, she’d lathered his incredible body. His smooth, caramel-colored skin, the ripped muscles of his back, his broad chest that tapered to a well-defined six-pack. His powerful legs, with thighs and calves so firm they could have been carved out of stone. His ridiculously sexy feet.
Once they were rinsed clean, the exploration had begun again, teasing and tasting with their hands and mouths, until they’d both been so turned on they could hardly stand.
A satisfied smile curved Issy’s lips. Recovery for both of them hadn’t been nearly as fast as the first time. Exhausted, they’d slept for a few hours.
The third time had been slower, softer. Although neither of them had voiced it out loud, they’d known time was running out. They’d moved to the balcony where, on cushions they’d taken from the room’s sofa, they’d made achingly sweet love beneath the slowly lightening sky.
Tears pricked her eyes. If only...
A beeping sound alerted her to a text. Raising her head slightly, she saw it was from Sapphie.
We need to pack. Shuttle leaves at 12. You have one hour. Make the most of it!
And there it was—the reality she’d dreaded. Like the clock chiming midnight for Cinderella, the message signaled the end of Issy’s night and with it the fairy-tale world she’d been living in. Even though she’d known it was only for one night, the thought that she probably wouldn’t experience anything so wonderful again for a long time, if ever, was hard to take.
As the last remnants of her afterglow faded, so did Issy’s confidence. She began to feel awkward and a little foolish. However she dressed it up and in spite of the exotic setting, she and J.B. had still only had a one-night stand. Was she really so different from her family?
Stop! She wouldn’t beat herself up and she wouldn’t allow herself regrets. The night, the experience, had been too special to be spoiled by recriminations.
Even so, suddenly she wasn’t as comfortable sharing her bed with J.B. She shifted slightly, trying to ease away from him before he woke up. But he stirred behind her, pulling her tighter against him. He brushed a kiss against her neck, below her ear. His second kiss was a little lower. His third at the curve of her shoulder.
With each kiss, Issy’s pulse jumped. How was it possible that he could still coax a response from her so easily? She’d have thought that he’d wrung every last bit out of her.
Clearly not.
“Hello, beautiful.” His husky voice sent a delicious shiver though her.
“Good morning,” she said with false brightness as she started to move away again.
He wouldn’t let her. “Not so fast.”
His erection pressed against her bottom.
She swallowed hard. “I see Mag is an early riser.”
“Honey, with you around, he never sleeps.”
The urge to wriggle against him, to reposition her body so he could easily slip inside, almost overwhelmed her. She reveled briefly in his hardness against her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it would be a mistake. It certainly wouldn’t change anything.
Issy pushed out of his embrace and sat up. “Our time’s up. Sapphie will be coming back to the room shortly.”
J.B. propped himself on one elbow. “Shortly, as in she’s outside the door, or do we have a few minutes to welcome the new day properly?”
She could lie—tell him Sapphie was nearby—but she didn’t want to. Not when she could create one last precious memory with him. Knowing she’d probably curse her weakness later, she gave in. “We have less than an hour.”
“No problem.” He reached over, snagged the last condom and rolled it on.
Their lovemaking had a desperate edge this time. They drove each other higher, faster, using what they’d learned through the night about their bodies, their needs and their desires until, as one, they shattered. Though the throbbing from their completion had faded, they clung together tightly, still intimately joined, for long minutes afterward.
A tear trickled down Issy’s cheek. This really was the end.
“So...” J.B. cleared his throat as he gently dried the damp trail with his finger. “I know this was meant to have been one night, but maybe we could see each other again. It wouldn’t be too hard, since we both live in Jersey. We could meet up for a drink or dinner. No pressure, no commitment.”
Her heart leaped, but she quickly tamped it down.
Much as she hated to admit it, that simply wasn’t possible. Spending any more time with J.B. raised too many red flags. Even though he’d changed her opinion of a professional athlete—from their conversations over the past few days and especially last night—she knew that they wanted completely different things from their lives. She couldn’t risk ending up like her sister or derailing the course she’d set. Ultimately he could be nothing more than a pleasant—okay, a wonderful—but dangerous distraction.
Fighting the urge to agree, she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. This has been incredible—the best night of my life—but we’re from two very different worlds.”
Frustration filled his dark eyes, mirroring the feeling that clawed at her. “We’re only talking dinner.”
Be strong. “We both know it wouldn’t just be dinner.”
“Okay, dinner with a really nice dessert. Would that be so bad?”
“Of course not.” She caressed his cheek apologetically. “But if we do it once, what’s to stop us doing it a second time? Then a third. Or more. How long will we let it go on before we know we have to call it quits? A month? Six?”
He started to speak but she stopped him.
“You know about my family, my background. Why I want stability and security. If I start a relationship, I want to be sure it’s with someone who feels the same. Who’s ready for and, more importantly, wants commitment.”
The regret in his expression told her that he wanted to disagree but couldn’t.
“It’s okay. I know that’s not what you want.” Issy smiled sadly.
J.B. was silent for a few minutes. Finally he sighed. “You’re right.”
Even though she knew it was the correct decision, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed that he didn’t argue his corner a little harder. “If it’s any consolation, I wish I wasn’t.”
“Yeah. Me, too.” He pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips, then eased away.
She missed his warmth instantly and wrapped her arms around herself.
“Damn it!” J.B. jumped up. “Freaking condom broke.”
Issy’s gut tightened. “You’re kidding.”
“That’s one thing I don’t ever joke about.” He stalked to the bathroom.
No! She’d only stepped outside her carefully drawn lines once—once—it wasn’t fair. This couldn’t be happening. She buried her head in her hands.
The bed dipped as J.B. sat beside her and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Hey, it’s not as bad as you’re thinking.”
His soothing voice had the opposite effect. “It’s a disaster. I can’t get pregnant.”
“The chances of you getting caught this one time are really slim. You’re on the pill, aren’t you?”
She nodded.
“Then you’re protected. The condom was only a backstop. Trust me—it’ll be fine.”
While her panicking brain fought to deny his reassurance, his logic seeped in and began to calm her. Her thundering heart slowed.
“Of course,” she said finally, when she could trust herself not to sound hysterical. “I’m sorry. I lost it for a moment there.”
“That makes two of us.” His chuckle sounded relieved. “All’s well that ends well.”
He turned her more fully into his arms, leaned down and touched his forehead to hers.
They remained like that, silently, lost in their own thoughts, until the clatter of a trolley on the path outside jolted them out of their reveries.
“I should go.” J.B. eased himself from their embrace and gathered his clothes.
Still feeling vulnerable after the scare, Issy wound the sheet around her. “Thank you. For...everything.”
“Thank you.” He shrugged into his shirt. “You are an incredible lady. Make sure you choose a guy who really deserves you.”
A tall order after last night. “I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll see you before you leave. I’ll help you take your luggage to the shuttle.”
She wanted that so much—to have a final hug, one more kiss—but it was hard enough to let him go. Delaying would only make it tougher. “I think we should say goodbye now. Make a clean break.”
J.B. looked surprised. “Are you sure?”
No. “It’s difficult enough here, in private. It’ll be impossible in the crowded lobby.” Her voice wobbled on the last word.
He rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “Okay. Sure.”
J.B. pressed one last, hard kiss to her mouth and then walked out the door.
By the time Sapphie returned to their room, Issy had regained some composure. Obviously not enough, judging by her friend’s concerned look and tight hug. Issy was grateful that Sapphie didn’t ask any questions while they packed, but chattered cheerfully about how much she’d enjoyed the holiday.
As they checked out, Issy tried not to watch for J.B. She told herself he wouldn’t be there, yet she couldn’t help one last glance as they boarded the shuttle bus.
Her heart skipped when she saw a familiar silhouette in the shadows of the lobby. He stood there until the bus turned the corner and she couldn’t see him anymore.
“You’ll be all right,” Sapphie murmured, squeezing her hand.
Issy let out a heavy breath. Yes, she would.
The line to get through security stretched out in front of the airport. She and Sapphie joined the end and began the torturous process of inching toward the passport-control booth.
Once they were finally through security, she and Sapphie got sandwiches and soft drinks at one of the airport cafés. After all the fabulous resort food, the stale roll was hard to swallow—literally. Issy made herself eat so she could take some ibuprofen to ease her throbbing temples.
Sapphie tossed her sandwich in the trash and looked around the crowded, noisy, waiting area. “Newark Airport is looking more appealing by the second. Do you think it’ll work if I click my sandals and say ‘There’s no place like home’?”
“Probably not, since you don’t actually have a ‘home.’”
“Good point, darn it.”
“Try ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ instead,” Issy suggested. “Beaming us back to Jersey sounds pretty good right now.”
Before her friend could respond, the speakers crackled and their flight was announced for boarding. As they walked out to the plane, the waves of heat from the tarmac combined with the smell of aviation fuel made Issy feel queasy.
Once in their seats Issy adjusted the winged headrest, leaned against it and closed her eyes. She welcomed the soothing stream of cool air from the vent above her head. The noise of people finding their seat was soon replaced by flight attendants slamming closed the overhead lockers and the drone of the safety announcement. The vibration of the engines firing up exacerbated her sickness.
Issy drank some more water, then tried to fall asleep. But despite the tiredness that washed over her in waves, she couldn’t drop off.
After takeoff, her nausea eased a little. But it returned full-force when the meal service started. The smell of coffee made her stomach roll.
Oh, no. She was going to be sick.
Issy jumped up and dashed for the toilets. She barely got the door closed before she threw up.
Welcome back to reality, Isabelle Brandine.
