"So what happened to your friend?" Jill asked curiously, openly acknowledging her interest in him earlier. It was no secret. He knew; she knew. She was going to be bold and direct.
He peered at her through his long, dark lashes. "He had to get home to his fiancée."
Jill eyed him. "What about you? Do you have a fiancée?"
He laughed. It was a deep, sexy, sound from deep in his throat. "No. No fiancée."
"Wife?" she asked, watching his face for signs of an honest reply.
"No wife," he said grinning. "What about you? Anyone serious in your life?"
She shook her head adamantly. "Oh, no."
His eyes narrowed at her quick, abrupt response. He looked like he might ask more, but the waitress appeared, placing his drink in front of him.
When the waitress left, he refocused on Jill. His gaze was hot, heavy, compelling. Jill couldn't remember ever feeling quite so drawn to a man. The air crackled with awareness, thick and very real. The chemistry between them was so alive it overwhelmed and controlled.
Finally, Ryan said, "Can you read my mind, Jill?" His voice was very soft and so seductive Jill almost shivered.
Nervously, she wet her lips. His eyes dropped to her mouth. Oh, yes, she knew what he was thinking. "Hopefully, the same thing I'm thinking," she whispered.
His eyes darkened as they met hers, holding her gaze with a silent promise of seduction. Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his and brought her knuckles to his lips. A shock wave of heat shot through her body. The promise of more of that mouth, in a whole lot of places, had dampness pooling between her thighs.
Slowly he stood, guiding her to her feet. Then he wrapped his strong arms around her as he pulled her so close her thighs pressed against his.
"Dance with me, Jill," Ryan murmured softly.
She stared up at him a long moment before answering. Her eyes radiated desire-she had no doubt, because she was lost in this man. What would it feel like to have his hands all over her body?
"All right," she whispered.
Impatiently, Ryan pulled Jill through the bar. He wanted her in his arms. If a dance floor was his only immediate option to get his wish, so be it.
He ignored the other couples on the dance floor. He was focused on Jill, and only Jill. He had all but dismissed everyone else. Possessively, his hands settled on her back as he pulled her close, thigh to thigh; too close, and far too intimate for public viewing, but to hell with it.
He was hard as hell, and going out of his mind wanting this woman.
As her arms slid around his neck, pressing her breasts into his chest, he felt his groin tighten. Even the small space between their bodies seemed restrictive.
Awareness, need, heat, swirled in the air between them. This was crazy, he vaguely thought. He wasn't a man to be consumed by a woman or even his own need for pleasure. Yet there was something about this woman...
Ryan had always considered himself to have a great deal of restraint. Tonight though, something was different. It was the odd mix of sweetness and desire somehow displayed. It made him want to pleasure her, to hear her cry out his name. He wanted to drag her into the bathroom and make her come here, now.
He willed himself to calm. Lowering his head he nuzzled her neck, feeling the soft strands of her hair brush his face. He slipped his hand around her neck wanting to touch her. She looked up at him, her full lips parted, ready for his kiss. Pools of dark desire seemed to dance under her long, dark lashes.
Her hand slipped down his thigh, surprising him. He sucked in a harsh breath. She smiled, soft and seductive. A bad girl in an angelic disguise.
His eyes narrowed on her. That was it. His control snapped. He had to get her alone. In a swift movement, he grabbed her hand, and then led her off the dance floor. He stopped at a divider column, pressing her back against it, trapping her with his bigger body.
Despite her aggressive actions, he still sensed she was relatively inexperienced, even a bit nervous. An urgent need to get a commitment from her, to reassure her, raced through his mind. He needed to know she was sure.
He put a hand on each side of her head, leaning down close to her ear. "I want you, Jill. Come home with me and let me show you how much."
Jill shut her eyes tightly and he sensed that she was fighting her own personal battle. "Say yes, Jill," he whispered a bit huskier this time.
Finally, she opened her eyes, "Yes," she whispered.
Chapter Two
Ryan drove a black Porsche 911.
To Jill that meant he had money. To some that was a good thing. To her, it wasn't. It made her feel self-conscious because she came from such a different style of living.
Cat had money, too. When Jill was around someone who had grown up around money, she wondered if they could tell she was different. Cat thought she was crazy to feel that way. Maybe she was. But she couldn't help it. Poverty was part of the things she was fighting to climb above.
It's only one night, she reminded herself. He'll never know. Pretend you do have money. Make it part of the fantasy.
He opened the car door and waved her forward, slipping into the sleek sports car, she felt the brush of his hands, strong and masculine, as they touched her back. And his eyes. They lingered on her legs, making her skin tingle, and warm.
For the briefest of moments, their eyes met. The look he gave her was enough to make any woman hot and bothered. Then he gave her a knowing little smile, like he knew what she was feeling, and he pushed the door shut.
Oh boy.
Everything about this man turned her on. Her senses hummed with electric charges. She was so alert, so alive.
He had done that to her like no one else ever had.
They traveled in silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as if they both hated to break the secret spell wrapped around them. The perfection of the feeling was warm, and promising. Anticipation literally pulsed through the darkened car.
When Ryan pulled up to his building, nerves suddenly kicked in, and Jill's stomach fluttered in reaction. He lived in an exclusive area of town, in a building that was expensive and elite.
Her chest tightened with apprehension as the doorman opened her car door and helped her out of the car. Ryan grabbed her hand as he tossed his keys to the man.
Darting him an admiring sideways glance Jill mentally reinforced her resolve to enjoy her fantasy night. She would not back out and miss an opportunity to be with this incredible man.
Her career and life had been on hold for far too long. Her Mother's heart attack had made it necessary to forget her own needs. Tonight was Jill's reward to herself for years of hard work, and putting her life on hold.
She was starting down a new path in life. Tonight she would enjoy being in this gorgeous man's arms. Tonight, if only for one night, she wouldn't go to bed alone.
* * * *
Ryan glanced at Jill. She had developed a sudden wave of nervousness. She was surprisingly easy to read; her face was so innocently expressive. It was a trait he found utterly unique and quite charming. None of the women he knew would blush at a mere compliment, yet Jill would. He was certain of it.
She touched him deep inside in a way he couldn't quite understand. He wanted to see pleasure on her face, to watch her come, and see the pleasure he gave her.
He wanted her to call his name.
He wanted to watch her eyes as he entered her.
Feeling a renewed urgency thrum through his body, he led her inside the door of the building and directed her to the elevator. Once they were inside, alone, he simply couldn't resist temptation. He needed to find out if she tasted as good as he thought she did.
Pulling her into his arms, he lowered his head, brushing his mouth across hers in a gentle caress. Her lips were soft, and inviting, parting easily to accept what he offered.
Delving his tongue into the soft recesses of her mouth, he tasted her with slow absorption, reveling in how amazingly perfectly her soft curves melted against his body. She tasted li
ke honey, sweet and addictive, filling his senses in a way that was hot and consuming.
Ryan felt her shiver. God, he loved how responsive she was to his touch. His hands moved of their own will, sliding down her slim waist and the curve of her hips. Her soft moan was like a sweet reward.
A ping signaled the elevator's arrival as the doors popped open. Reluctantly Ryan withdrew his lips from hers. "We're here," he whispered near her ear.
Her teeth found her bottom lip as she nodded. Taking her delicate little hand in his, he pulled her into the hallway. Wrapping his arm around her waist, holding her close to his side, Ryan unlocked his front door. He pulled her with him into his apartment, not bothering with the light as he kicked the door shut. He hadn't even begun to appease his appetite in the elevator. He needed another taste. Now.
Flinging his keys on the hall table he twisted to flatten her back against the door as his mouth came down on hers, his tongue demanding more this time, greedily exploring.
She wrapped her arms under his shoulders, sinking into the kiss as she pressed her breasts against his chest. He moved to cover one, wanting to feel its weight in his hand. She moaned as he kneaded, finding her hard nipple with his fingers.
Moonlight beamed through the nearby windows, creating seductive shadows throughout the room. The spell they were under seemed to deepen. Their need for one another was so potent he could taste, and smell it.
He slid his hand down the curve of her tiny waist and then circled her hip to cup her lush, round butt. He really liked her butt.
He pulled her tight against his body as she moaned into his mouth. She made the sexiest sounds. It made him crazy with desire.
This was new territory for Jill, he was certain of it. He was eager to be her guide. Though he was certain she wasn't a virgin, he sensed she didn't have much experience with true pleasure. The concept was so intoxicating, he planned to take his time showing her all the pleasures she had been missing.
He felt her hands slide down his back and then move to his thighs. Her touch was tentative at first, but with every second that passed her exploration grew bolder.
The more he touched her, the more she touched him. Intentionally, he gave her the freedom to touch him by touching her as well. It was a simple lesson of give and take, and he was more than satisfied with the result.
When she tugged at his shirt he stepped back from her and pulled it over his head. Standing perfectly still he allowed her to take in his body. She shyly devoured him with her eyes as if she couldn't get enough of him. Unable to stop himself, he laughed softly.
Her eyes darted to his face. "What?" she asked hoarsely.
He stepped forward, crowding her with his body as his mouth lingered just above hers. Running his finger gently down her cheek he said, "You have a very expressive face."
He brushed her lips with his, lightly teasing them with his teeth. "I like it. I can tell when you like something. I want to watch you come. I want to see the moment I enter you."
Jill tensed for a moment. No one had ever said anything like that to her. It was as if he tore down every shield, every inhibition she had. She wanted to protest, but protest what she wasn't sure. He felt right; this felt right. Then he was kissing her again as his hand cupped her breast. Inhibitions be damned.
His touch was soft at first, but as he deepened the kiss his hand claimed her more firmly. Her nipples ached, and fire was shooting through her lower body, making her wet and needy. She didn't want to wait any longer. She wanted him inside her. She reached for his jeans and tugged hard on the snap.
His hand covered hers. "Wow, Baby, slow down. We have all night."
She looked up at him, unaware of how dilated her eyes were and how swollen her lips looked. "Right," she said. "So we can do it again. I don't want to wait. Did I mention it had been a while for me?"
His eyes widened and then darkened. He buried his fingers into her hair and pushed her head against the door exposing the soft curve of her neck. "Whatever you want, Jill."
He held her gaze as he unhooked her skirt and dropped it the ground. Jill kicked her sandals off one by one. She had barely stepped out of the second one when his hand slid between her legs, pushing aside the small piece of white lace as if it didn't exist.
He stroked her, and she couldn't hold back the moan that escaped her throat. He watched her with such intensity it made her nervous. But she didn't want to stop feeling. Her lashes fluttered shut.
"Look at me," he demanded softly.
"I can't," she moaned helplessly, afraid to let him see what he was doing to her.
He kissed her then, darting his tongue in between her lips in a long, hungry kiss. "Don't you dare act shy," he murmured against her lips. "This is about you and me, and pleasure.
He leaned back just enough to see her face as he sank two fingers into her body. "Look at me, Jill" he said very, very softly.
She forced her eyes open. She wanted to experience new things. She wanted to experience him. His fingers stroked her, moving against her nerve endings, making her whimper.
She could hardly stand up. "Ryan," she whispered.
"Yes, Baby?" he asked, but he tightened his hold on her as if he knew what she was feeling.
His voice, deep and sexy, echoed in her ears sending a wave of new sensation through her already surging limbs. "I want, uh ... oh." She shut her eyes. She couldn't help it.
He brought his mouth to her neck, kissing her lightly, still allowing his fingers to probe her soft flesh. "You want what?" he asked by her ear.
"You, now," she whispered back. "Please."
She didn't know if the please worked or if he felt as urgent as she did because he reacted immediately. He linked his fingers into her panties and pulled them down her thighs. Then, he stepped back and made quick work of pushing his jeans and underwear down in one swift movement.
Jill looked down at him and couldn't help but stare. He was highly aroused and incredibly big. It was an incredible feeling knowing he was hard for her, because of her. Suddenly she wanted to take control, to please him, touch him, to do things she had only dared to wonder about.
She wanted to make him burn for her.
Her hand reached out and covered his pulsing flesh, and her thumb stroked the soft tip of his penis.
He sucked in a breath. "I thought you were in a hurry?" he asked hoarsely.
She smiled wickedly, enjoying her newfound assertiveness. "I changed my mind."
She dropped to her knees and unlaced his shoes. Impatiently, he helped her remove them and his pants. He reached for her, trying to pull her to her feet.
She wrapped her hand around his penis. "I'm not done yet."
Her tongue touched him, and he moaned, his hands flattening on the door above her head. She smiled as she ran traced the soft tip, and then sucked lightly. Slowly she took more of him, inch by inch, covering him with her mouth.
She could hear his breathing coming out in heavy, aroused gasps. She loved touching him, tasting him. Mostly, she loved having the power to make him this hot. She wanted to make him come. She applied more pressure moving up and down his length. He moaned her name as his body moved with her.
"Jill, stop," he said suddenly, in a hoarse voice, and sinking his fingers into her hair. "Stop or I won't be able to stop."
When she didn't comply he bent down and grabbed her arms to pull her to her feet. He pressed her against the door, his mouth near hers. "Condom," he practically growled. "Do we need one?"
Thank God she had gone on the pill. "No," she whispered.
She barely had the word from her mouth before he lifted her leg, angled her body and slipped inside her. They both cried out as he sank to her core. For a moment he stayed deep inside her, not moving.
Then he began rocking, in and out, as she met him move for move. Growing frenzied in their movements, she met his urgency thrusting her hips forward, calling his name. Her pulse raced as the build up of pleasure came in such a wild wave she could hardly breathe. S
he moaned as she felt the ripples of her orgasm spasm around him.
He lunged one last time in her, crying out as his body shook. Their moans mixed together filling the air with the sound of their pleasure.
They clung together, neither speaking, both breathing hard. Finally he said, "Hold on." He picked her up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms settled under her legs holding her tightly, still inside her.
She didn't know where he was taking her, but she hoped it was to bed. She wasn't ready for this night to be over.
Chapter Three
He laid her down on his bed, still inside her, and kissed her. "That was amazing," he murmured against her lips.
She smiled. "Very," she whispered.
"I'll be right back." He lifted his body from hers and moved to the bathroom to clean up. His mind and body were reeling from Jill's impact. She was the first woman he could ever remember wanting with such ... possessiveness? It was a strange word from him. One he didn't understand and preferred to analysis later.
The fact that he had brought her to his home was telling in itself. He simply didn't bring women home. They were easier to dispose of if they didn't know where he lived. They had even been in a perfectly good hotel, yet he had opted to bring her home.
Later, he thought. Analyze your feelings later. Enjoy her now. He was far from having enough of her.
* * * *
Jill watched Ryan walk to the bathroom offering a view of the nicest male backside she had ever seen. He was delicious. And hers for the night.
She was surprised at how comfortable she felt lying on his bed naked from the waist down. Her eyes slid around the room. There were no lights on, but the blinds were open, letting a stream of moonlight filter into the room.
Even in the shadows, the room had a strong, masculine feel to it. The bed was king-sized, with four thick posts anchoring it high off the ground.
A box of tissues caught her attention. She wanted to clean up herself. She made a quick job of doing so, and was refocusing on the room when she heard the bathroom door open.