Читать книгу Up All Night - Joanne Rock - Страница 9

“MY EXPERIENCES must be lacking because I can’t ever recall sex having such a profound effect.” She knew she’d been seriously deprived when it came to quantity of intimate encounters, but now she had to consider that she’d never even enjoyed much quality in that department. “And since I have built a whole company around the idea of indulging your inner hedonist, I think I’m going to have to investigate this sex-as-thrill premise.”

His hand cupped her chin tilting her face toward his in a way that sent her pulse into overdrive.

“It can be risky to seek adventure with someone you don’t know much about.”

As if she didn’t have enough phobias without him resorting to scare tactics.

“Trying to warn me away?”

“Not from me.” His thumb dragged slowly along her bottom lip. “Selfishly, maybe I’m just hoping you don’t consider propositioning anyone else. I’d like to be the one to get to know you better.”

The heat that had been flowing through her veins cooled slightly at the reminder that her night had started off with another man.

“I’ll keep that in mind if ever I feel the need to issue a proposition again.” She smoothed the heavy red flannel of her robe over her knee. “Considering my first attempt landed a total stranger in my room, caused a panic attack and proved that the one guy I tried propositioning is flat-out deceitful, I probably won’t put myself out on a limb for sex again anytime too soon.”

“I shouldn’t have brought it up.” Devon leaned back on the couch, giving her enough space to start thinking with her mind again instead of her overheated body that still remembered the feel of his hands on her naked thigh. “There’s a chance this guy Brady used some semi-shady tactics to squeeze me out of a job, and while I’ve got plenty of career doors open to me, I can’t help but resent that his maneuvering flew in the face of his old man’s wishes just a few months after the guy kicked the bucket. I’ll admit, I might just be choking on a couple of sour grapes. But in case I’m not, you might want to be careful.”

“I make it a habit not to let somebody close to me again if they hurt me once.” She had enough problems with trust without putting herself on the line that way. “What about you? Are you leaving the company because this guy stole your spot?”

“I’m not willing to play games to win back the job without the board’s endorsement. I probably should have made more noise about my qualifications sooner in the decision process, but I tend to get wrapped up in projects more than politics.”

“So you bow out gracefully even though you don’t have much faith in the company’s new director?” Jenny knew she’d never have the heart to play those kinds of games either, but Devon built thrill rides for the fun.

No doubt he could successfully handle corporate politics.

“The board chose him, so maybe he has strengths I don’t know about. There comes a time when peace is more important than fighting for what I might think is fair.” He almost looked convinced of it. Almost. “Besides, no one promises life will be fair. You know that going in.”

“So you’re leaving Shore Engineers to do what?”

“Go out on my own. Do some consulting work for a few amusement parks to put together the kinds of rides thrill seekers want.” He pulled over the champagne bucket and refilled their glasses. “Now that our day-to-day lives are so insulated from physical danger, theme parks are more popular than ever because they provide the edge-of-your-seat experience absent from our lives.”

“I see you’ve given this idea of incorporating excitement into life a lot of thought.” She sipped her champagne and let the bubbles tickle her lip. The dry bite of the drink made her all the more thirsty somehow, but she knew drinking more wouldn’t help.

A taste of Devon Baines, however, might just do the trick.

“I grew up with an appreciation for adventure.” His arm sprawled along the back of the sofa while he soaked up the view of Atlantic City and the ocean out the window and she soaked up the view of him.

How might her life be different if she allowed herself to dive headfirst into adventure sometimes instead of retreating behind the safe four walls of her apartment? She’d taken a risk and faced danger by coming here this week and look at how she’d thrived in spite of the potential consequences. She’d survived an anxiety attack and met a fascinating man in the process. Her agoraphobia didn’t have to rule her life.

It had robbed enough from her already.

“I think a man with so much experience in adventure would make a very good guide in the realm of thrill-seeking sex.”

God knows where she got the nerve to say it. Maybe it had been the champagne talking, although with only a small glass and a bonus sip to her credit, she hardly thought so. And damn it, she stood firmly behind the sentiment. This was her week for adventure.

Devon stared out the window at the sparkling lights below for so long she wondered if he’d heard her. But then, he turned the full, heated impact of his gaze toward her and she knew he’d most definitely heard.

“Are you in the market for a guide, Jenny?”

His low-spoken words seemed to tremble through her skin, reverberating along her nerves and stirring her very blood. She would never find another opportunity like this, a stranger who came to her—on safe terrain—in the middle of the night and stayed with her until she wasn’t scared.

Until she was entirely intrigued.

“Yes I am.” She didn’t hesitate. “I want the thrills.”

Devon had never heard sweeter words. A plea for sex from a sensuous woman who wanted as much adrenaline in her ride as he did.

He reached for her the same moment she leaned toward him. Fingers sinking into the chin-skimming platinum hair, he hauled her close. Her gardenia scent teased his nose for a moment before his mouth found hers. He drew on her lips, tugging the lower one into his mouth to nip and suck and taste her. Her champagne flavor and slick warmth made his senses spin and he reached to pull her back on his lap where he’d wanted her to be again ever since he’d held her there earlier.

Jenny wound her arms around his neck, and then, too restless to be still, she trailed light scratches down his back, hastening him. He’d never expected this woman, garbed in delicate white who’d hyperventilated over the sight of him in her room, to generate so much heat.

The music playing had switched from Beethoven to Rachmaninoff, a venture to the dark side that suited Devon’s mood well. Tunneling beneath her flannel robe, he cupped the smooth curve of her sweet, heart-shaped ass that he hadn’t gotten to appreciate nearly enough the first time she’d been seated across his thighs. She wore a lace and satin thong cut in a mouthwatering V shape as if to point him in the direction he needed to touch. As if he needed any reminders.

But he couldn’t go there first, not when he’d promised a thrill ride she wouldn’t forget. First they needed the slow, upward climb, the steady build of anticipation that made the first plunge knock your breath right out of your lungs.

Careful not to stray beneath the elastic of her panties, he skimmed his palm up over the curve of her waist to cup one lace-covered breast. The weight in his hand had him even harder than he’d been five seconds ago, which was saying a hell of a lot since he didn’t know how much more a zipper could take.

Thankfully, her restless fingers tracked down his shoulders and over his abs to address the situation, although the way she brushed and grazed the head of him as she worked threatened to take him over the first precipice too damn soon.

Covering her fingers with his own, he helped her ease down the zipper. “I’m not going to be much of a guide if I lose it before we get naked.”

“Are you kidding?” She didn’t even pause to look at him in her fascination with what she’d unveiled. “We could stop now and this would still be the biggest thrill of my life. The very biggest.”

She peered up at him then through her lashes, a slow smile of invitation curving her swollen lips. The subtle suggestion that she would comply with just about anything he wanted held him riveted.

And just like that his control started splintering. Sex with Jenny wouldn’t be about finely tuned mechanics and seamless engineering. Things were going to get wild and out of his control and there wasn’t a thing he could do to change that.

He peeled away her robe, tugging the tie free until the flannel fell from her shoulders and slid to the floor. Her bra strap drooped down her arm along with it, and Devon peeled the cup the rest of the way off to expose first one breast and then the other.

She was so pretty, her creamy skin pale and perfect and highlighted by taut, rosy tips that puckered even tighter as he watched. He bent for a taste and her spine arched, head falling back as he licked, suckled and drew on each pebbled nipple. His hands worked the clasp as he laved the delicate skin, freeing the soft cleavage for him to gently knead and squeeze until she moaned and writhed beneath him.

Her leg snaked around his hip, telling him exactly what she wanted. He wanted that, too. Wanted her. All over him.

She was so soft. Her hair. Her breasts. Her silky skin. And that utter femininity, the distinct sexuality of her body, made him rock-hard by contrast. He edged her backward on the sofa, leaning her down until her shoulders hit the leather cushions. The need to be on top of her, over her, dominating her at least this first time gripped him with a fierceness he didn’t recognize.

“This time will be fast.” But he wasn’t leaving until he’d given her everything, until he couldn’t remember his own name. “And hard.”

“I’m ready.” She undid the buttons on his shirt, shoving away the starched cotton to feel his skin. “More than ready for that.”

Lifting off her enough to step out of his clothes, he heard a champagne glass roll across the coffee table and thud to the carpet on the other side. A candle flame somewhere in the room wavered wildly from the air disturbed by tossing his clothes away.

“Are you sure?” He pulled her thong down her thigh, blessing her foresight for wearing the panties over top of the lace garter belt hugging her waist. “Because I need you really ready for me. Hot. Wet.”

He kissed her mouth as his hand parted her thighs to see for himself. And she was both. So damn hot. Wet enough to slick his finger with her and tease a shudder from the touch.

“You like that, Jenny?” He would gladly stroke her this way all night if he could make her quiver again.

Her hazel eyes fluttered open to stare up at him in the warm glow of candlelight, her pupils dilated so wide he could scarcely see the irises.

“I’d like more,” she whispered, her tone full of spark and fire even when he had her trembling beneath him. “I want all of you inside me.”

Ah damn, now it was him who suppressed a shiver, her words teasing him more powerfully than any touch.

“Condom.” Why hadn’t he taken the ones he’d grabbed at the spa out of his pocket before he tossed aside his pants? “Wait.”

He reached for his trousers, hands practically shaking with the need to have her now. It had been so damn long for him and being with Jenny was like a libido accelerator, propelling him forward on raw sexual need.

“Let me.” She checked the other pocket while his hand tangled in the first and a second later she emerged with a foil wrapper. “I want to put it on.”

He grit his teeth, knowing he’d never survive her hands on him but damn it, he couldn’t say no when this time would be so quick.

“Okay.” His voice hit a ragged note as he tossed aside the couch pillows to make more room. “But I’m hanging by a thread here, Jen.”

He watched her face while she worked, unable to enjoy the visual of her hands on him or he’d be done for sure. To her credit, she rolled it on smoothly, quickly.

“Me, too,” she whispered back, spreading her legs for him to take his place between them. “I need you so—” her voice caught as he eased inside, the room going silent for a long moment before he thrust in the rest of the way and she squealed in response “—badly.”

He held her steady to kiss her, lick her, devour her. He needed to get used to her, to halt the rapid-fire hammering of his pulse so he could give her the ride she deserved. Somehow, some way, he’d scavenge up at least that much control.

“Oh. Ooh.” But then her breathless sighs started, her sweet moans and soft cries that were better music than anything Rachmaninoff could have created.

Devon lifted her enough to swivel her body, planting his feet on the floor and seating her on the couch to give himself leverage. If good sex owed anything to mechanics, he’d get this right for her. Control or no control, damn it.

Slipping two fingers between their bodies he found her clit and circled. Her thighs tightened and he picked up speed as he moved inside her, the couch cushions sliding beneath them as he thrust.

Her cries increased as his fingers worked, the broken words panting, chanting in his ear.

“Please, please, please. Yes, right there.”

He could feel the throbbing of her feminine muscles, the clamping and unclamping until she squeezed him so damn tight he couldn’t hold back another second.

“Ooh!” Her shout of satisfaction mingled with his own, their voices ragged and rough while their bodies hummed and vibrated together in one last straining dance.

Jenny’s breathing slowed and finally evened out, but Devon didn’t think he could move. Not quite yet anyway. Their bodies remained sealed together by sweat and sex, skin sticking to the leather sofa. He just lay slumped over her, replete, and listened to her breathe while the sounds of a ruckus in the suite next door floated through the wall. Not a ruckus exactly, just some headboard banging that made the pictures—all framed views of Atlantic City—vibrate against the wall.

Jenny didn’t seem to notice or chose to ignore the slight racket as she smiled up at him, the candle glow reflected in her eyes.

“That was quite a ride.” Her mussed hair only made her look sexier, like a wanton angel come to tempt him. “No wonder you love your job.”

IN THE SUITE next door, David Brady rode the petite brunette he’d chosen for tonight’s fun and found himself frustratingly distracted by thoughts of the little Miss Innocent he’d had drinks with earlier that night.

Jenny.

He didn’t usually like blondes, especially the naive variety, so he’d been all too happy to pass up on her charms in favor of someone more experienced.

Like Sasha, here.

“Oh please, don’t hurt me,” she cried out in mock fear over the noise of the black lacquer headboard rapping the wall behind it, her panting breaths coming even faster than his lightning-quick thrusts. “I’m so sorry I was a naughty girl.”

David knew Sasha the cocktail waitress wasn’t one bit sorry since she’d come twice already while she talked herself into a frenzy. He peered down at her upturned cheeks as he plowed into her from behind and wondered how to get the blonde out of his head long enough to enjoy his time with the saucy server who’d fondled him under the table tonight when Jenny had gotten up to powder her nose before their drinks arrived.

Really, how could he expect a novice like the De-Luxe proprietor to compete with the waitress who’d gotten inside his zipper in two seconds flat, all without anyone realizing what she was up to?

And yet…

Something about Jenny Moore had called to him. She obviously liked him more than he’d realized since there’d been a moment she looked totally distraught once he excused himself from their date. And that adoration appealed to him. Had he been too hasty in choosing the quick payoff over a woman that might have been more intriguing in the long run?

“Oh yes!” Sasha shouted, spreading herself wider for him, all while shifting his hand to her bottom and making not-so-veiled references to her need to be disciplined.

How did he end up with all the S and M junkies lately?

Not wanting to disappoint her, he trotted out a few stock “bad girl” phrases to keep her in the mood, his brain miles away from the sex that left him rock-hard even after two hours of antics with his energetic bed partner. He prided himself on being a skilled lover, enjoying the thrill that came with giving a woman everything she wanted until all she saw was him.

But tonight, for some reason, that wasn’t enough.

Maybe it was time for him to challenge his sexual prowess. Test his powers of seduction. Women like Sasha were so easy to please. There wasn’t the thrill of the chase the way there would be by courting an innocent like Jenny.

How would he strategize her seduction? She had some phobias. Fears.

Rolling Sasha to her side for a better angle, David thought maybe he could overcome Jenny’s fear of strange places by taking her someplace safe. Secluded. She’d feel more comfortable if she could simply concentrate on getting to know him. And he could discover all her sexual secrets, all the things that made her unravel.

Already the idea teased his imagination, tempted him out of this evening’s ennui so that he could enjoy the feel of Sasha around him.

Did it really matter that he had to envision Sasha as an innocent blonde instead of a sizzling, knowing brunette? The firebrand waitress would never know the difference. She was too busy staving off another orgasm.

Seizing any idea that would salvage the night for him, David reached for his discarded tie tangled up in the bed linens.

“Bad girls need discipline,” he reminded Sasha, sliding the silk around her eyes and knotting the ends behind her head. “I think you’re going to have to work a little harder to please me after the way you sent my date running tonight.”

“Very naughty of me, wasn’t it?” Sasha smiled. He could tell from the way the blindfold lifted on her ears, her cheekbones shifting with the movement.

She was sassy and full of herself, and David promised himself to give her everything she asked for and more. Right after he finished his daydream about satisfying Jenny Moore beyond her wildest dreams.

He needed an innocent in his life now that he’d finally found his rightful acceptance in his father’s world. And Jenny was a woman he could trust not to embarrass him at corporate functions and feel up his coworkers under the table when he wasn’t looking.

He couldn’t bring women like Sasha around Shore Engineers, not with know-it-all engineers like Devon Baines ready to steal away everything he’d worked so hard for since his father died. The thought of Devon, the protégé David’s father had fawned all over when he turned his back on David, made him thrust into Sasha a bit harder than he’d intended.

But she liked those kinds of games anyway, right? She’d forgive him.

His seed spilling in her tight passage, David shouted his fulfillment, but even that didn’t bring him as much pleasure as he’d hoped since the name on his lips wasn’t the sweaty waitress who had practically begged him to take her to his room. It was Jenny Moore with all the irrational fears and issues they’d talked about online for two months. He should have never given her over to Baines, thinking she’d annoy someone who prided himself on having his life so perfectly ordered.

No, David should have realized the sweet intensity a softer female could bring to his bed.

His cock bobbed responsively at the thought while Sasha recovered from their third go-round in the sack. Had she come that last time? He hated that he didn’t even know. But he was too busy dreaming up plans for winning back the woman who could help him secure his future as head of his father’s company despite the selfish old man’s wishes.