Page 7 of Holiday Hook-Up
My pulse slowed to a normal rhythm as he wrenched the door open and plodded out into the dimly lit hallway, spewing curses under his breath.
From behind me, Emerald let out a shuddered breath. “Thank you. I-I don’t know what he would have done if you weren’t here.”
I realized I hadn’t let go of her arm and let my hand drop to my side. I instantly missed the warmth of her skin and flexed my fist to stop myself from reaching out again. When I was certain the piece of shit was gone and not going to come back, I turned to face her. She was so damn beautiful with her thick auburn hair framing her heart shaped face and creamy skin dotted with freckles. Ethereal was the word that came to mind. Like a goddess. I couldn’t help but stare.
“Are you okay? Do you need me to call someone?”
A dry laugh left her lips. “I’m fine. I’ll wait a few minutes then head out.”
She didn’t look fine. Far from it.
“You’re shaking. Here, come sit.” I reached for her hand and led her toward the only spot to sit in the limited space, the weight bench. With a quick glance toward the exit, she hesitated, then followed. I struggled again to let her palm go. It was like I had this innate need to touch her, to keep her from harm.
My eyes caught on the way her short dress slid up her thighs as she perched on the edge of the bench. That tiny dress did nothing to cover up the insane curves on this woman. A sigh left her lips and she brought her trembling hands to her forehead.
“Why do I always hook up with losers?” she groaned. “It’s like I have this blinking beacon on top of my head that reads,Loser Magnet.” Another dry laugh left her lips and she pulled her hands through her thick hair, meeting my gaze. Those green eyes widened as she looked me over for what seemed like the first time. “I-I’m sorry. I’m being rude and unloading my baggage onto a complete stranger.” Her tongue darted out to wet her lips and I watched that tiny movement like it was happening in slow motion. My cock thickened in my shorts as I imagined that tongue being put to better use. “Plus, you really saved me back there.”
I cleared my throat, willing myself to focus on her eyes again. Not that that would help me much. I was too far gone. That kiss, and this woman, in that dress. “Honestly, you saved yourself. That kiss…”Fuck.I scratched my five o’clock shadow, willing some blood flow back to my brain. She smirked and rolled her plump red lip between her teeth. Clearly, she could see that I was struggling with my words. She probably thought I was some bumbling fool.
I toyed with what to say. The professional business guru, Mr. Connor, would shake her hand and get an assistant to walk her to her car. Felicity’s words floated into my head again.Live a little, sir.I wasn’t Mr. Connor. Tonight, I was Mr. Nick.
Fuck it.
“That kiss got me thinking about all the other things I want to do with that mouth.”
Here we go. The moment where she either told me to get the fuck out. Or… not. Her chest heaved, those beautiful tits begging to be pulled out of that low cut dress. Anticipation surged through my veins like electric sparks. It had been so long since I’d let myself feel this way. Even longer since I’d let my true colors come through. My darker desires.
The seconds ticked by, and I watched her like a predator studying my prey, noticing the subtle shifts in her body language. I stepped closer so my shins were an inch from her legs. She pressed her thighs together and let out a soft murmur. The movement made her dress ride up another inch. The smallest hint of black panties peeked from between her thighs. I’d bet they were drenched.
Her eyes burned into mine and she bit that bottom lip again. I kneeled so that I could be eye level with her. Reality beyond the two of us faded away. The faint sounds of Christmas music coming from the party, the whir of the heater blowing dry air into the small space, the unlocked gym door were all miles away. I only saw her, only smelled her delicious sugary scent. A flush crept up her face, making her cheeks glow.
“Tell me to fuck off, Emerald. Tell me to leave.”
“No.”
Chapter 4
Emmy
Thisman,thiscompletestranger was on his knees for me. The look on his face told me he’d crawl if I asked him to.
I reached for him and trailed my palm down the hard planes of his chest. God, his body must have been perfect under that shirt. His ring finger was empty, too. After Darius, I made sure to check that first.
“No,” I said. Any bit of resolve I held on to broke the moment he opened his dirty mouth.
That was all he needed to hear.
His large hands cupped the back of my head and he crashed his mouth against mine. My body came to life and I opened my lips for him to deepen our kiss, delving my tongue against his. He nipped my bottom lip like a starved man.
“You taste incredible,” he said, swiping his tongue along the seam of my lips. “You wanted this, didn’t you? When your tongue was in my mouth did you picture us doing more?”
God.
I did, but do I admit that? I couldn’t think straight while his lips seared a path down my neck. He pulled me closer to him and I opened my thighs so I was straddling the bench.
He was so hot. Of course I’d noticed him earlier when we bumped into each other. How could I not have noticed him? He had an aura that was instantly noticeable. The way he carried himself—his tall muscular frame and broad shoulders—exuded power and confidence. His dark hair peppered with a few sprinkles of gray at his temples only made him look hotter. When we both bent over to collect my phone, it was his face that drew me in. His dark brown eyes clung to mine, so compelling, it was a wonder I didn’t melt into the Italian marble. To top it off, he had bone structure that could cut glass.
I wanted more.
