Unconventional Fling (A Working Girl’s Guide, Book 1) Page 3
He wouldn’t mind running his lips along that crease of cleavage. Of course, that’s exactly what he shouldn’t be doing. He’d promised to keep his hands to himself, and a fling with a random woman in the hotel was exactly the opposite of that.
“So.” She tilted her head to the side, watching him. “I kind of screwed this bit up earlier.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
A nervous tremor ran through her tiny laugh. “Yeah. I’m going to try and do it right this time. Do you want to come back to my room?”
Damn straight. His arousal kicked into overdrive. Except, Michelle would kill him if she found out. Who knew who might drop him next if people started more rumors?
She ducked her head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Did she have to be so alluring? “I’d love to.” He let the truth flow out before reason could suppress it again. “More than you can imagine.”
She slid from her barstool. “I can imagine a lot of things.”
He offered his arm. When she rested her hand in the crook of his elbow, a new rush of want seared through him. Her soft palm against his bare skin sent a series of deliciously tortuous images through his thoughts.
They only passed a handful of people between the bar and the elevator, and he was relieved when they were the only two people in the car. The glass walls were the only thing that kept him from pressing her against the doors and stealing a taste before they reached their destination.
The ride to the top floor seemed to take an eternity, but at least there was no one else around once they got there. He slid a hand into her back pocket, and she leaned against him as she led the way. Her hands trembled when she swiped the key through the lock.
The moment they were in her room, he spun to face her. He wrapped his fingers in her hair, pushed her back to the door, and pressed his lips to hers. She whimpered and shifted against him, fingers digging into his arms and holding him close.
They broke apart with a gasp, but he didn’t let go. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”
She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “Did it live up to the fantasy?”
He stepped back, grasping her fingers between his, and tugged her toward the bed. “Left it in the dust.”
He rested a hand on the side of her face, thumb tracing a line over her cheek. Her flushed skin seared his palm. Desire thrummed through him at the want reflected in her hazel eyes. He brushed his lips across hers, barely making contact. She gasped and closed her lids. He traced down her jaw to her neck. Every time she made a soft noise, she rubbed against him, and his cock twitched in response.
His hand slid to the base of her neck, fingers twisting in her hair, and he tugged. Her quiet mewls grew louder when he found the soft spot between her neck and shoulder and scraped it with his teeth. She pressed her entire frame to him, hand on the back of his head, holding him close. His blood pressure screamed in response, and he took the hint, sucking on the sensitive skin.
Hands roaming down her sides, he found the hem of her T-shirt and pushed up. She felt incredible against him, yielding and molding to his every touch. They broke apart long enough for him to tug her shirt over her head and toss it aside. His gaze raked over her smooth, pale skin. White lace restrained her round tits, chest rising and falling with each breath. He dipped his head to resume his attentions, seeking out her collarbone, and then licking lower.
Everything about her sensual movements drove his senses wild. He reached her breasts, kissing along the top of one mound before switching to the other. She stepped away, smiling when he gave her a questioning look. Reaching behind her back, she unhooked her bra and let it fall, catching it and tossing it aside. He brushed his thumbs over her swollen pink nipples. She gasped and arched her back.
The reaction spurred him on. He pinched one nub between his fingers, rolling it and occasionally pulling. He lowered his mouth to the other, tongue flicking lightly over the surface. She pressed closer, pushing into his mouth. He wrapped his mouth around the sensitive skin, sucking and scraping his teeth over her nipple. With each light bite, her moans grew louder, and her hips ground against him.
He alternated between breasts, sucking on one and kneading the other, his own ache straining against his jeans. She pulled his face back to hers, kissing him again. In one rapid movement, she grabbed the bottom of his shirt and tugged it over his head. Her fingers dropped to his waist again, only fumbling with his belt for a moment before undoing it.
And then something occurred to him. He frowned, disappointment crashing around him, and he rested his hand on hers, stepping back a few inches.
Chapter 5
Jade hadn’t known what to make of him at the bar. He’d bounced between flirty and reserved enough to make her head spin. But once the door closed them off from the rest of the world, with the hunger in that first kiss…all her concerns evaporated.
Except that small frown on his face brought back all her doubt. She almost didn’t want to ask. Then again, what she really wanted was to keep exploring each other, and whatever was causing his dismay seemed to be stopping them. “What’s wrong?”
His expression shifted to a sheepish smile. “I maybe should’ve thought of this before. I don’t have any condoms.”
“Oh.” Right. It had been long enough since she’d been in a situation like this, she hadn’t even thought about it. No wonder he looked unhappy. Her shoulders slumped. As much as she was enjoying the moment, there were some risks she wasn’t willing to take.
His scowl morphed, and he met her gaze again, a wicked, seductive smile dancing in his eyes. He kissed up her neck, hands gliding down her sides and finding their way to the button on her jeans. His voice caressed her ear. “Then again, maybe we’re okay without.”
She covered his hands, more regret pulsing through her along with the heat of his skin against hers. How could she tell him she disagreed without completely ruining the evening?
“That is.” He nipped her earlobe. “If you don’t mind letting me watch.”
Her pulse screamed in response, pounding between her legs. The trepidation of performing for this almost-stranger mingled with the excitement—that he might get off from watching her do the same. She stepped away until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed. “Sounds like fun.”
“Don’t move.” He vanished into the bathroom and returned a moment later with a hand towel. He spun the chair at the desk around and dropped into it, eyes never leaving her for more than a couple of seconds. Every time his gaze travelled over her, her skin grew warmer and her slick need begged louder for attention.
Her hands shook as she undid her own jeans, hooked her thumbs in the waistband, and dropped the rest of her clothes to the floor. Straightening up, she stood in front of him. Her embarrassment at being so exposed was tempered by excitement.
He undid his pants, working himself free, gliding his hand up and down his shaft. She winced in regret. It would’ve been nice to have him pounding inside her, stretching her out. But this was wicked enough on its own. She dropped onto the edge of the bed and then hesitated. What first?
“Play with your tits.” A controlling edge lined the suggestion.
She cupped her breasts and pinched the swollen nubs, moaning at the contact. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back as she massaged the flesh, tugging harder when he grunted.
“Lay back.” A deep husk ran through his voice. “And use one hand to spread yourself open for me.”
The direct orders made her head swim. She gasped when her fingers brushed her swollen sex.
“Your pussy is so gorgeous.” His breathing grew heavy. “Shove two fingers inside.”
She did as commanded, arching her back at the penetration. She pumped against her hand, pinching her nipple hard with her other.
“Fuck, I want to be buried inside you.” His growl filled the room.
A need built in her chest. This was incredible. But she wasn�
�t going to finish like this. Not by herself.
“Please?” Her breathless request slipped out before she could stop it.
He chuckled. “Please what?”
“Let me come for you?” She bit her bottom lip.
“I like that.” His abbreviated grunts teased her senses. “Okay. Play with yourself until you come.”
She slid her hand up, gasping when she found her swollen clit. Fingers on either side, she stroked slowly at first. She couldn’t hold out, though. Her pace increased, and from his ragged breathing, his had too. Moans tore from her throat as her climax built. Her back arched as she peaked, waves of pleasure washing over her as she continued to finger herself. A tiny part of her registered his cries mingling with hers. But she was too lost in the rush to look.
The mattress shifted with a new weight. His hand covered hers, keeping her from pulling away from the now hypersensitive skin. She opened her eyes to find him studying her, expression still dark with lust.
“I want you to come again.” The control was still there. He propped himself up on his elbow and lowered his mouth to her breast, sucking the raw nipple.
He pushed her hand against her sex, prompting her to keep stroking. The contact on the swollen bits made her head swim, and she didn’t pull away.
“I want…” His voice was broken up by frequent nips to her swollen nub. “To hear you scream again…”
The order itself was almost enough to push her over the edge. She lost herself in the sensations, a second orgasm building quickly and rolling through her. She shuddered as the climax gripped her and then slid away.
His rough attentions slowed, hand resting on her leg, thumb stroking the inside of her thigh. He kissed her nipple softly one more time before pressing his lips to hers.
She pushed up on her elbows, crushing her mouth against his, tongue darting around. It was several seconds before they broke apart.
His fingers trailed up her stomach, over her chest, and along her neck. “Absolutely amazing.”
She flushed at the affection in his touch and voice. “Definitely.”
* * * *
Jade sighed at the light brush of lips on the back of her neck, floating halfway between consciousness and sleep. Brandon’s bare chest warmed her back, and his arm draped her hip, holding her close.
“Go back to sleep.” His soft whisper caressed her ear.
“Mhm…” That sounds nice. Especially if it meant she could stay wrapped up a little longer. She nestled against him and willed her brain to fall back asleep.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but she was just drifting off again when the bed shifted, pulling her back awake. Cold enveloped her before the sheets fell back into place. She rolled over so she could see him and frowned as he pulled on his T-shirt. The red numbers on the clock next to him told her it wasn’t even five a.m. yet.
“Is something wrong?” she asked quietly.
He jumped but didn’t turn to face her. “I hoped you wouldn’t wake up.”
“Too late.” She failed to push aside her creeping disappointment. There was nothing to be upset over. It wasn’t like they were going to spend the rest of the weekend in her room, getting to know each other in every way possible. She’d known before she went down to the bar that this would be a one-night thing.
He slumped forward, dropping his face into his hands for a moment before standing. He still wouldn’t look at her. “I need to get back to my own room. I had a great time.”
She shouldn’t stop him. This was exactly the way things were supposed to go. A sliver of light from the hallway fell across her and then vanished again as he stepped through the door.
Right. Exactly how it’s supposed to go. She rolled onto her back, wide-awake now, staring at the ceiling. At least it was fun while it lasted. Maybe she could get a couple more hours sleep before she hit downtown to play tourist.
Chapter 6
Brandon leaned his head against the wall of the shower, and the cool of the tile seeped into his forehead. Scalding water poured over his back. For the first time since he’d started touring the con circuit, he was dreading spending the day with the crowds and fans. Not because his appreciation for it had changed any, but because he would rather have spent the time with Jade, ordering room service, getting to know each other, and if they could get away with it, never getting dressed.
Well, maybe getting dressed long enough to drop by the hotel gift shop for a box of condoms.
But then what? They’d still have to go their separate ways tomorrow. And it was never meant to last more than one night. She’d never implied she wanted otherwise, which was a shame as far as he was concerned. A woman like that deserved better than a random fling in a hotel room.
At least this way his agent wouldn’t kill him for adding a layer of truth to the rumors.
He pushed the regrets aside. It was over, and it had definitely been amazing. No reason to ruin the memories by focusing on the downside. And they were good memories; her fingers digging into his back, her quiet sighs, and her loud moans. His cock reacted to the images. No time for that. He switched the water to cold. He had things to do today.
Fifteen minutes later, he was dressed and riding the elevator down. The familiar scents of bacon and coffee teased him as they wafted from the hot breakfast buffet below. Running into her again would be awkward. He should grab his food from the drive-thru down the street. He’d still be back in plenty of time for his first panel of the day. Despite his resolve, he cut a straight line for the complimentary coffee, only taking his attention away from the lobby long enough to mix cream into his drink.
He found a spot away from most of the crowds—one that had a good view of the room. Part of his brain screamed that he was acting like a lovesick puppy. The other half stepped in to remind him she wasn’t here for the con. His odds of seeing her in the costumed crowds were slim.
“Brandon, I was hoping I’d run into you.” A pleasant tone interrupted his surveillance.
He hid his wince. Trent from Funami, the company that refused to work with him anymore. Brandon pasted on a smile, turned to face the other man, and returned his handshake. “How’s it going?”
Trent was a few inches shorter than Brandon and thin, but the confidence the blond man exuded always made him seem taller. Trent’s posture was casual, one hand in his slacks pocket. “Could be better, but could be a lot worse. You must be busy lately.”
Brandon almost choked on the pleasantry. He’d never seen sarcasm pulled off so flawlessly. “Not as busy as I could be. Always looking for my next gig.”
“Really? Then it’s too bad we can’t get Michelle to return our calls.”
The words slammed into Brandon’s brain, making him fumble. Calls? “I’m sorry, what?”
Trent laughed. “It’s why I was hoping to run into you. I hate to go around your agent, but we’ve picked up this new series we really think you’d be perfect for, and we want you to come in and read.”
Brandon’s jaw worked up and down for a few seconds, fumbling for a response. “What about the rumors?”
“The…” A blank look crossed Trent’s face. “The love-’em-and-leave-’em complainer?”
The cold assessment of the situation bothered Brandon. He may not have been interested in her, but he still didn’t like that she’d been hurt by the whole thing. “I suppose.”
Trent waved a hand. “Shit like that happens all the time, you can’t let it get to you, you know? Kids—whether they’re fifteen or fifty—say things that just aren’t true. You can’t let something like that keep you from going after work.”
Brandon was missing something. But at least he was catching up quickly enough to realize that the “something” seemed to be on his agent’s side and not on Funami’s. “Good point.”
“Glad to hear it.” Trent clapped him on the shoulder. “Have Michelle call us, set up a time, and we’ll get you in to read. You’re free next week?”
“Yeah, definitely.” Bra
ndon’s thoughts were racing out of control. Why had Michelle lied to him? “I can be in on Thursday. I’ll let her know myself.”
“Perfect.” Trent exchanged a few more pleasantries with him and then was gone, chasing down another distributor.
The moment he left, Brandon pulled out his phone. He had Michelle’s number up in seconds. Each ring in his ear was another layer of aggravation and need for answers. Her voice mail clicked on.
He wanted to leave her a furious message. But part of him was hoping it was just a misunderstanding. That, and he would hash it out with her in real-time if it wasn’t. He wasn’t letting her off with something as sterile as a voice mail. “It’s me. Something’s come up and it’s important. Call me as soon as you can.”
Fury pumped through his veins. Why had she lied to him? The person he paid to make sure he got work, and she’d all but cut him off from a source of income. What the hell was going on?
On top of that, he’d walked away from a fantastic night based on meaningless threats. But…a sliver of glee wormed through his irritation. That meant no one actually cared if he saw Jade one more time before the weekend was up.
A quick glance at his watch told him he still had an hour before his first panel. He glanced at the already growing pack of people in front of the elevator and sprinted up the stairs instead. By the time he reached the sixth floor, he had to pause in the stairwell to catch his breath. Okay, probably not the smartest thing he’d ever done. But worth it. He strode toward Jade’s door, pace slowing as it came into sight. The cleaning staff was in there, and she wasn’t.
He tried to be subtle about peeking through the crack in the door, but he couldn’t see enough of the room to tell if her stuff was still in there or not. Please, please let her just be out for the day.
He stopped by his own room on the way back to the main floor. Like a lot of the cons, this one had given him two passes: one for him and one for a guest. He’d just never had a reason to use the second one before.
He rushed back down to the lobby and made a straight line for the front desk. The girl behind the counter greeted him with a pleasant smile.