Sheltering His Desire Page 4

  Her chin wrinkled, and she blinked several times. She drew in a shaky breath and then another. “It’s not that easy.”

  He traced a thumb over her cheek. Her face was so soft against his calloused skin. Did this comfort her even half as much as it calmed him? “It’s not easy at all. But it’s also not unsolvable.”

  She covered his hand with hers, and licked her lips. A jolt of desire seared through him, ringing in his thoughts and tugging at his groin. He tried to will away his reaction. The last thing he should be doing was daydreaming about her. Even if she weren’t floundering on the edge of a breaking point. She deserved—

  She brushed her lips over his and all of his thoughts evaporated. Poof, gone. Her eyes searched his, wide and hopeful and terrified all at once. The kiss was so soft, rationally he wasn’t sure he’d felt it. But the feather-light sensation and faint taste of bubblegum lingering on his skin snapped something inside. The tightly wound tension he’d struggled to contain broke free and shuttered open like a window shade.

  He dragged one hand to the back of her head and tangled his fingers in her hair, gripping the closest thing he had to a lifeline and letting the strands bite into his palm. He couldn’t ignore this. No one had that much control. He crushed his mouth to hers, years of repressed hunger roaring through him. Skin slid against teeth.

  His tongue didn’t meet any resistance when he pushed into her mouth and sought hers out. He couldn’t think about anything except how much he wanted her. How incredible she tasted. Her gentle curves molding against his body. What it would be like to yank her scrubs to the ground, shove her onto the desk, and slide between her legs. His dick ached at the idea of being buried inside her.

  Her palms rested on his chest, fingers digging into muscle. When her whimper vibrated through him, it was enough to wrap a leash around his desire, but only barely. He broke the kiss but didn’t let her go. Her gaze held as much turmoil as raged in his own head.

  She trailed her fingers down his chest, before drawing her nails up his back. Pleading hung heavy in her low voice. “Don’t you dare stop.”

  This was bad. Everything he shouldn’t be doing. And even knowing that, he still wanted more than anything to pin her to the desk and feel her wrapped around him. His cock strained against his slacks every time she rubbed her hip against him. His restraint almost collapsed when he spoke, but he forced his tone to stay steady. “I can’t, Lys.”

  “Bullshit.” There was a quiet fury in her response. “I want you.” She slid against him again, her body taunting his erection. “You want me.”

  “You want happily ever after.” He said the words aloud as much to reinforce them in his head as to remind her. “I can’t offer that.” Despite his argument, he couldn’t make himself push her away.

  “I want to be distracted for tonight. I’m not asking for anything beyond that. I don’t expect it. Don’t reject me again unless you really, honestly can’t stand the thought of being with me. Please?”

  The hint of pleading that leaked into her voice shattered her firm tone and the last of his restraint. A whisper in the back of his head said this was all about her. She needed him. But that was an excuse. He fucking wanted her, God damn it.

  Chapter Five

  Tate yanked Alyssia’s head back, and nipped her earlobe. “Just for tonight.” His growl vibrated against her skin.

  Every inch of her body hummed in anticipation. She shifted against him, memorizing the way his hard lines imprinted on her, from chest to groin to thigh. This was really happening, but part of her refused to process it. What if he changed his mind? Again? No, this was different. She managed to keep her hands from shaking as she undid each button on his shirt, and pushed it off his shoulders, leaving in him in an undershirt and slacks. Wow that was sexy.

  She leaned her head back to expose her neck and he kissed along the soft flesh, hungry and biting. There was too much clothing between them. She needed to feel his skin on hers. She grabbed the bottom hem of her scrub top.

  He wrapped his hands around her wrists, holding her captive, and broke away. A teasing smirk danced on his face. “In a hurry?”

  Embarrassment joined the liquid lust heating her skin. What was she supposed to say to that?

  He kissed along her fingertips, one at a time on the first hand then the second. “If we’re going to do this, you’re going to enjoy it.”

  She clenched her toes inside her shoes at the heavy promise. She was pretty sure she’d enjoy it regardless. “I’m not worried about that.”

  “Good.” He trailed his lips down her palm, over her wrist, and then moved back to her neck. “That’s my job.” He pulled her top over her head with a fluid grace she didn’t think she could have managed herself.

  She wouldn’t think about the fact that indicated what kind of practice he’d had. This was just them, and it was only for now. Nothing else existed.

  He trailed his fingers down her spine, and under her bra strap. “You know.” He kissed up her jaw, and nipped her earlobe, breath hot on her skin. “I’ve wondered for a while now what your nipples look like.”

  He’d spent time thinking about that? The realization sent flutters through her belly, and tingled between her thighs, making her wet. “You could have asked.” Okay, that was a stupid answer.

  “Not as much fun.” In a single twist, he undid her bra. He dragged the straps down her arms, and tossed the garment aside. The way his gaze lingered on her chest made her desire spike. “Pink, big, and I bet a lot of fun. God, you’re gorgeous.” He cupped her breasts, and drew his thumbs over the already hard nubs. Each pass flooded her body with a tremor of pleasure.

  When he pinched, she sucked in a sharp breath. Her frame tingled from the tug of pleasure and soft pain.

  “You should know.” His whisper caressed her skin. “I don’t have any condoms.”

  Ambivalence warred inside, stealing some of her anticipation. She hated that she couldn’t just say they’d be okay without. Did that mean this was only going so far? Was that his loophole? “So much for being a good boy scout.” She struggled to keep the teasing in her tone.

  He squeezed her breasts, rolling twin nubs between his fingers, and sucked hard on her neck. He paused long enough to reply. “There’s nothing boy scout about what I’m going to do to you. I’ll just have to improvise.”

  The promise filled her with anticipation, but her damned sense of reason wouldn’t shut up. He really did expect her to be okay with it. “We can’t without—”

  “Give me some credit.” When his gaze met hers, lust stared back at her. Heated, hungry, and unbound. She swallowed past a dry throat. He looked like he was going to devour her, and she didn’t want to stop him. He kissed along her collarbone, lips vibrating against her skin. “I’m not that much of a presumptuous ass.”

  He wrapped his tongue around one nipple and drew it into his mouth, eliciting a gasp. It was all she could do to keep from crying out when he flicked and nibbled at the nub. Her panties had to be soaked by now. Each new nip and swipe sent another pulse of pleasure coursing through her.

  He licked and sucked, alternating between each breast, until her head felt light. She almost thought she might get off just from that attention, but the need between her legs still pleaded for something more direct. She wasn’t sure if he’d read her mind, or just the swaying of her hips when his affections shifted downward. He trailed over her stomach, hooked his thumbs in her waistband, and dragged her scrubs and panties to the ground.

  The cool air brushed her heated skin and wet arousal. She’d never felt so exposed before, but the desire in Tate’s eyes heightened the sensations. Hands on her hips, he turned, redirected her a few steps back, and nudged her onto the couch against the wall. The fake leather was a shock against her skin when it cradled her, and she gasped. Tate knelt in front of her, and kissed along the inside of her thigh, down to one knee, and up to the other.

  So many sensations at once stole her reason. She’d never had a guy offe
r to go down on her. She’d begged a boyfriend once, and it had been so disappointing she’d never brought it up again. When Tate finally focused his attention on the aching need between her legs, a groan tore from her throat. He glided his tongue over her skin, and her breath came in short bursts.

  “God, you taste amazing, Lys.” His murmured appreciation tingled through her mound. With each pass, he drew closer to her clit, but never made contact. Impatience won out, and she couldn’t take the teasing anymore. She tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled his head up. He closed around her swollen sex, and her entire body jolted at the contact. Her hips thrust in time with his sucking, and climax built inside.

  When he shoved two fingers inside her, rough and hard, she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from screaming his name. She arched her back, and clenched around him when she came. He pushed harder and faster, still pumping her, until she shuddered from the pleasure.

  Euphoria danced in her thoughts, and she wasn’t ready for the encounter to be over. She stood, wobbling on unsure legs.

  He was on his feet in an instant, steadying her. “Careful.”

  She used the opportunity to spin him so his back was to the couch, and press her frame against his. His erection dug into her stomach through his slacks, teasing her. She slid her fingers under the waistband of his slacks, and fumbled with his belt for a moment before finally unhooking it.

  “What are you doing, Lys?” A note of warning lined his question, but he didn’t move to stop her.

  She undid his button and pulled down the zipper. “Returning the favor.”

  “You don’t have to….” His words melted into a sigh when she wrapped her fingers around his shaft and freed it from his boxers.

  “Nope, I don’t.” She fell to her knees, gaze locked on his, and flicked her tongue over the head of his cock, licking away a salty drop.

  He bucked against her face, penis jerking in her hand. She stroked slowly, enjoying his every groan and sigh. When she took him into her mouth, she had to keep her hand wrapped at the base of his shaft to keep him from pushing too deep. He thrust in time with her pumping, eyes never leaving hers. The attention made her juices flow again, coating the inside of her legs. Watching him enjoy himself was turning her on all over again.

  His grunts grew more frantic, and his speed increased. “Your mouth feels incredible on my cock.” His stuttered breathing punctuated the words. “I’m so close.”

  If he meant for her to stop, or if it was supposed to be some kind of warning, she didn’t care. She pumped harder, and caressed his wrinkled sac. He tensed under her touch, and a long shudder ran through him. Salty warmth hit the back of her throat in spurts, startling her. She’d never done that before, but for him she’d do it again.

  No, wait. Reality was sinking back in. She wouldn’t, because there was no second time for them. She’d promised.

  Her thoughts evaporated again when he pulled her onto his lap. Hand on the back of her neck, he kissed her hard, claiming her mouth. That he wasn’t bothered by tasting himself on her lips turned her on as much as anything. Mouth still pressed to hers, he slid his free hand between her legs. She gasped when he found her tender clit and rubbed hard and fast. He swallowed her groans, stroking and pushing her past the limits of her pleasure.

  Climax tore through her, snatching away her reason. She shuddered as his touch became too much, and pulled away. She grasped his wrist, and raised it to her mouth, holding his gaze as she sucked one finger clean. His lips parted slightly as he watched her run her tongue along the pad before moving to his next finger.

  She let go of him, and leaned into his chest, still struggling to catch her breath. That had been amazing, and she wasn’t sure if it was just the things he’d done, or if it had as much to do with the fact it was him.

  He trailed his fingers through her hair, heart hammering against her ear. This was too nice. She could get used to this. The moment the thought passed through her head, she pushed away. The last thing she could allow herself to do was get used to cuddling up to Tate. She pasted a smile on. “We’re on a deadline, right?”

  A flat mask passed over his face, before a pleasant expression flitted back in. “Right. Of course.” He extracted himself from her couch and handed over her clothes. He turned away as she dressed, and she couldn’t completely squash her disappointment at the heavy air that had settled in the room.

  She straightened her clothes, skin still tingling everywhere he’d touched. That had been amazing. She struggled to pull her gaze from him as he put on his shirt. Fantasies taunted her of waking up next to him. Wandering around his house in nothing but that shirt.

  She pushed the thoughts away, veins flooding with irritation at herself. She’d sated the teenager inside. The little girl who had been swooning over her older brother’s best friend for as long as she could remember had gotten what she wanted. It had been incredible, but that just meant she could move on with no regrets. Right?

  His eyes met hers, holding her attention captive. A wicked smile tugged up the corner of his mouth. He closed the distance between them in a few short steps, and knotted his fingers in hair again. His mouth crashed down on hers, and she yielded to the kiss without hesitation. He let her go far too soon for her liking, and stepped back. His teasing, seductive tone tickled her thoughts. “I’m feeling better. You?”

  She ducked her head, heat flooding her cheeks. Was she supposed to say thank you? Tell him he was as much responsible as she was? Definitely not ask when they were doing it again. She forced confidence and professionalism to the forefront, despite the way lust kicked and clawed to maintain her attention. She was grateful her voice stayed even when she replied. “I take back anything I said yesterday. The random hookup was way better than trying to find a guy online.” She plowed forward before he could reply, not sure she could maintain her mask otherwise. “We have a deadline, right?”

  It would be good to stay focused. She’d keep from lingering too long on emotions she couldn’t possibly unravel right now. Feelings she shouldn’t have. If they dove back into work, everything could go back to what it had been before tonight. Was it last night that had been the catalyst? Or eight years ago? Or— she shook the rambling thoughts aside.

  “Work. Right.” He nodded at her chair. “There are storyboards and a script for you to approve.” He let out a shaky breath. “You sure you’re okay?”

  Arrogant asshole. Irritation flared inside. Like she couldn’t cope with a simple thing like a fling? A retort rushed to her lips.

  He wasn’t done. “With this whole Thompson thing and the news?”

  Her angry comeback evaporated as her gut deflated in on itself. Right. That. The question was a more painful reminder than anything else that he’d been comforting her, and her entire world was about to crumble for more important reasons than her childhood crush didn’t feel the same way about her that she did about him. She gave him a weak smile. “I’m good. If we get this done, it helps, right? Shows people the shelter is the real deal?”

  “I suspect it’ll help.”

  She focused on the sentiment, and the business of things, and dropped into her desk chair. She navigated to the files automatically. He would have placed them on their shared folder on the cloud.

  A knock echoed through the room, and she jumped at the sudden banging. She giggled at her own antics. Tate gave her one more glance, furrowed his brows in concern, and smoothed down his shirt before unlocking the door. She pulled her hair back and twisted it into a knot, sticking a pen through to hold it in place. At least if it was a mess, tying it up would hide it a little. Would people be able to tell? Were her cheeks flushed? Mouth swollen and red? Her fingers twitched against the keyboard as she resisted the urge to trace her them over her lips to check.

  Greg—the guy who was taking video of the animals—hovered in the doorway. She’d met him a couple of times at company parties. He was a nice guy. A little hard core when it came to his love of video, but Jared was t
he same about machines so it didn’t faze her.

  The moment her brother’s name popped into her head, she dropped her face into her palms. Would Greg know what they’d been up to? Did the rest of the office know? He was going to tell her brother. Shit. She’d have to deal with another lecture about why she couldn’t get involved with his colleagues, or anyone, really, as far as she could tell. Why he’d be happier if she joined a convent…

  “What do you think?” Tate’s question shattered her out of control thoughts, and she yanked herself back into the conversation. Greg was gone, and her office door stood wide open. Tate was on the other side of her desk, thumbs hooked in his pockets, watching her. “Do you need a couple more minutes to read?”

  Right, she was approving the storyboard and script. “Yeah, give me a sec. Sorry.”

  She could stay as calm and collected as he was. What they’d done was meant to take the edge off her stress, and it had done that. She was going to ignore the new layer of tension that had drifted in instead. Besides, she promised Tate she didn’t want more.

  So she’d swallow the impulse—her preprogrammed desire to make sex into something emotional—and she’d move on, just like he was. She glanced up from her monitor, surprise filling her when she saw his fingers drumming on his leg, and his toes tapping.

  She pushed the observation aside and went back to work. All she had to do was act normal and it would all be fine. Right?

  Chapter Six

  Tate counted to ten as he breathed out. Last night’s ‘stress relief’ session with Lys had been amazing, but the world kept turning during and after. If anything, the one thing it did for him was give him a painfully erotic fantasy to slide into every time he remembered how she tasted, her scent, her soft lips wrapped around his cock.

  “Did you see the news about the animal shelter?” His assistant, Alan’s voice floated from the speaker phone.