Enticing Emma (11 page)

Tucker planted his feet on the floor and heaved himself off the sofa. He set his half-empty beer on the coffee table and made sure his towel was secure as he headed toward the front door. He knew he should probably go and grab a pair of shorts, but the knocking was more insistent now. They could darn well take him like he was.

“Yeah,” he said as he pulled the door open, not bothering to check the peephole. Didn’t matter who was there, he’d still open it. He was brought up short by the vision standing outside his door. He blinked once, not quite sure he could believe his eyes.

Emma was standing in the dim corridor wearing nothing but a skimpy white teddy. The silky fabric barely covered her breasts and clung to her torso as it flowed over her body. It was cut high on her thighs, and left her long, luscious legs completely bare. There was a small red bow between her breasts and he was reminded of his earlier thoughts at the gallery. She might have changed clothing, but she still reminded him of a damned ice cream sundae. And he still wanted to lick her entire body.

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her hands fluttered in front of her before dropping back to her sides. Her nipples were pebbled against the silk barely covering her breasts and her chest was rising and falling rapidly, her breathing shallow. Her face was flushed and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the heat or because she was turned on. Probably a combination of the two.

She wasn’t the only one turned on. His cock had gone straight to attention as soon as he’d laid eyes on her. He wasn’t going to apologize for his body’s reaction to her. It was no secret that he wanted her.

She licked her lips and he couldn’t take his eyes off her tongue as it stroked across them. “The power is out.”

“So it is.” He didn’t know what she wanted, but he wanted her to spell it out for him. No chance of misunderstanding. No games.

She shifted slightly, seeming self-conscious as she pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I was wondering if you had some ice.”

He swallowed his disappointment. Obviously, the teddy was because of the heat. And truthfully, it covered more than most swimsuits did, but it somehow seemed sexier and more provocative. Emma was only here because she needed his help.

“Sure. I’ll get you some.” He turned and stalked back into the kitchen, leaving the door open. She could either come in or stay out in the hallway. It was her choice.

As he dumped all the ice he had into a bowl, he heard the front door closing. He hoped she’d take the ice and go. He didn’t think he could handle having her so near, looking so damn sexy, and not fuck her. He planned on taking another long, cold shower the second she was gone.

When he turned around, she was standing next to the table staring at the flowers. “You kept them. I wasn’t sure you would.”

She looked so uncertain that he tried to smile. It wasn’t easy with his dick trying to punch a hole in the towel. “Yeah, I kept them. Thanks.” He cleared his throat. “No one ever gave me flowers before.”

“Really?”

Her hesitant smile made his cock twitch. If she didn’t leave soon, he was going to melt the ice with the heat from his body. “Really. The guys at work certainly found it amusing.”

He could have kicked himself when her smile disappeared and she stared chewing on her lower lip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that when I sent them.”

“No problem. I think most of them were jealous.” He held out the bowl of ice. It wasn’t much, a few cubes and some smaller chips, but she was welcome to it. “Here you go. Is there anything else you want?” His tone was sharp and she flinched, but he couldn’t help it. He was so aroused he was going to explode if he didn’t get her out of here. His body obviously had no sense and definitely had a mind of its own when it came to Emma.

She took the bowl and set it down on the table. “Yes. There is something else I want.”

Tucker rubbed his hand across his face and sighed, wondering what he’d done to deserve this kind of torture. Still, he knew he’d never turn Emma away, would do whatever he could to help her. “What else do you want?”

“You.” She stepped closer and laid her hand on his chest. “I want you.”

Chapter Twelve

Tucker’s heart was pounding beneath her palm. Emma almost wilted with relief. He wasn’t quite as calm and removed as he appeared. He’d seemed so remote and cool that her courage had almost deserted her. She was used to the easy warmth of his smile and the sensual invitation in his eyes and felt as if she’d lost something incredibly special when it was no longer there.

She rubbed her hand over his chest, loving the way the crisp hair felt against her palm and the play of muscles flowing beneath the skin. Tucker covered her hand with one of his, flattening it against his chest and keeping it from its exploration.

“What do you want me for? If you want a quick fuck, I can probably accommodate you.” He curled his fingers around hers and dragged them down until she was touching the front of his towel. There was no mistaking his erection. She skimmed her fingers over the hard length that pushed against the thick cotton, making it tent out in front of him.

His words were crude, but his touch was gentle. He wasn’t going to make this easy for her, but why would he? She’d hurt him badly earlier today when she’d allowed him to believe she thought he was like her father—attractive and untrustworthy. Tucker was handsome, but he was also the kindest and most dependable man she’d ever known.

He was also angry and verbally lashing out. It was her turn to be the one who was mistrusted. It hurt but she deserved it. She’d run hot and cold with Tucker, at war with her past and the baggage that went with it.

Emma wrapped her fingers around his erection and carefully squeezed. “I want you for that.” She paused when he closed his eyes and tipped his head back. The strong column of his neck just begged to be kissed, but later. Right now, she needed to let him know exactly where she stood. “But I want you for so much more.”

His eyes snapped open, a blaze of green fire, as he met her gaze. “What else?” he growled. He grabbed her hand and held it still.

Dropping all pretenses, she tugged her hand away from his grip and placed it against his jaw. She loved the slightly scratchy feel of his five o’clock shadow. She loved the way he watched her, patiently waiting for her to talk. She loved the way he was with people and the fact he was loyal and trustworthy. She loved his sense of humor and his sense of fairness. She just plain loved him.

“If it’s not too late . . .” She paused and his hands were suddenly at her waist, gripping her tight.

“If it’s not too late,” he prompted.

“I don’t think you’re anything like my father,” she blurted. As if a floodgate had opened, everything came pouring out. “It was never you, it was me. I was afraid. Afraid to be weak, afraid to need, afraid I wasn’t enough. So I built walls around myself and pretended I didn’t care. But you not only ignored my walls”—she laughed—“you scaled them. And you did it so easily it frightened me.”

She took a deep breath, stared into his soulful eyes and saw herself reflected in them. “I was afraid to believe that you were for real. But you are. And I know that now. I’m no longer afraid to trust. And I want us to have a chance.”

Taking the biggest risk of her life, she released the past and plunged forward into what she hoped would be her future. “I love you, Tucker.”

He was as rigid as a block of ice. Not exactly the reaction she was hoping for. Emma wondered if she’d made a mistake. What if she’d waited too long? What if her indecision had driven him away? What if he no longer felt the same?

Before she could turn tail and run, Tucker plucked her right off her feet. He enfolded her in his strong arms and buried his face in the curve of her neck. Emma looped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his hips. She clung tight to him, needing the contact as much as he seemed to. His erection pressed against the flimsy material covering her mound. The pleasure was intense.

They fit together so perfectly, as if they were made specifically for each other. Locked in Tucker’s arms, Emma finally felt as though she’d found where she belonged.

The stubble on his beard was rough against her neck and jaw as he kissed his way up to her ear. She found it unbearably exciting and tugged him closer. His laugh was low and sexy and made her shiver with delight. He nibbled her earlobe and sent goose bumps racing down her spine. When his tongue flicked against the whorl of her ear, she felt an answering pulse deep inside.

She didn’t realize he’d moved until her bottom landed on the end of the counter that separated the small kitchen from the eating area. He stood in front of her with her legs on either side of his hips. He slid his hands up the insides of her thighs, stopping before he got to the very top, and pushed, spreading her legs wider.

Emma gripped his shoulders, holding on for dear life. Her pulse was racing. She craved Tucker’s touch, but she also wanted to give, to let him take whatever he wanted. “Tucker,” she moaned when he pulled back to stand between her spread legs. She didn’t know what she was pleading for, only that she never wanted it to stop.

“You look like a damned ice cream sundae.” He skimmed his index finger over one of the thin spaghetti straps that held up her teddy. “I thought so earlier today when you were wearing that white suit.” He slowly allowed his finger to slip back down the strap and over the lacy edge of the fabric cupping her breasts until it came to rest on the red bow in the center. The teddy looked so very white and fragile next to his darker, rougher hands. The contrast was unbearably exciting and made her feel delicate and sexy.

Her breasts swelled and became heavily aroused beneath his light touch. Her nipples puckered, sending another bolt of pleasure straight to her core. Moaning, she thrust them toward him, encouraging him not to stop.

“I wanted to lick you all over when I first saw you earlier today in the gallery.” He removed her hands from his shoulders and placed them on the counter so she was supporting herself with them. The new position thrust her breasts forward, making the silk-covered mounds an offering for him. “And I think I will.”

The crotch of the teddy was damp with her arousal even before he licked one of her straining nipples through the fabric. The heat of his mouth practically set her on fire. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but she was also enjoying what he was doing way too much to do anything that might make him stop.

“Hmm,” he murmured. “That’s good, but I want to taste your bare skin.”

“Yesss,” she hissed between clenched teeth. As long as he kept touching her, she didn’t care what he did.

She gave a cry of frustration when he turned his attention to the little red bow between her breasts rather than to the shoulder straps. He traced the delicate red tie before gripping the fabric on either side and rending the material right down the center.

His actions were totally unexpected. Emma was shocked by the primal expression of satisfaction on Tucker’s face. He shoved the torn fabric out of his way, totally exposing her to his view. Her breathing was coming so hard and fast she was practically panting.

But Tucker wasn’t finished surprising her. He cupped her mound and, with no warning, slid two of his fingers past her slit and right into her waiting heat.

Emma moaned and tilted her hips, wanting him deeper. She’d gone from aroused to almost having an orgasm in a split second. She was close to coming, but he withdrew his fingers, brought them to his mouth and licked them. Emma shivered at the blatantly erotic gesture. One side of Tucker’s mouth curved up in a smile. He tugged the towel from his waist and let it fall to the floor.

“You’re hot and wet for me already, aren’t you, baby?” His words alone were like a stroke of pleasure.

“You know I am. Don’t stop, Tucker.” She needed the physical connection to him. That had always been real. And it went deeper than the joining of their bodies. It was also a melding of emotions. She’d just been too scared to admit it.

He stroked the wet folds of her labia and spread them wide. “But I don’t want you to come just yet. I want you so hot you’re on fire.” Her entire body clenched when his index finger stroked across her clit. The devil had the nerve to laugh. He knew just how on edge she was and was determined to keep teasing her.

“I think we need to cool you down for a bit.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. When he did, his cock pushed against her slit. She bucked her hips against him, but he pulled his hips back so only their lips were touching. “I wouldn’t want you to come too soon,” he whispered against her mouth.

Tucker seemed to be in no hurry, but she was starting to feel slightly frantic. The throbbing pressure built low in her belly and the waiting was making her crazy.

He stroked his tongue over her lips. She parted them, but again he took his time, tasting every inch of them before slipping inside. He leisurely stroked her tongue and her mouth, as if he was savoring each and every caress. She loved the way he kissed her. It was erotic and carnal but warm and loving at the same time. Emma gripped his neck with one hand, wanting to deepen their kiss.

She was also tired of waiting. She pushed her hips forward and pressed against his length. His shaft was hot and pulsed against her clit.

She lost her balance when he lifted her other hand off the counter, but she didn’t panic, trusting him to hold her. Tucker lowered her until she was lying flat on the counter. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had no idea what he had in mind but couldn’t wait to find out.

He lifted her right foot and kissed her instep before placing her foot on the edge of the counter. Then he did the same thing with her left foot. He placed her feet as wide apart as they would go, leaving her totally exposed.

As always with Tucker, she felt vulnerable, but powerful at the same time. Her eyes popped open when something icy touched her stomach. She shivered and tried to pull away from the cold, but with her back against the counter there was nowhere for her to go.

“Just feel how good this is against your skin.” His voice was low and deep, and she was powerless to deny him anything. The contrast between her warm skin and the wet cold of the ice made her shiver.

He stroked the small piece of ice across her belly. “The cold will make the heat even more intense.” Water droplets formed as the small cube melted, pooling briefly before slipping down her sides.

She gasped as he slid the ice lower. He dragged it over the folds of her sex toward her clit. “Tucker, I’m not sure about this.” Even as she said it, she was moaning. Her sex clenched against the cold, leaving her even more aroused.

“I am,” he said as he lightly grazed the swollen nub. He pulled the ice away, careful not to linger or leave it there for long.

“Oh, God. Oh, God,” she chanted as he teased her with the ice, dragging it over her thighs, stomach and sex until only a small sliver remained.

“Trust me?” His question seemed simple, but everything she’d said earlier boiled down to this moment. He wanted—no, needed—her to prove her trust.

“Yes.”

The word was barely past her lips when he slid the tiny chip of ice into her hot channel and pushed it deep with his fingers. The contrast of heat and cold was too much and she came, her body jerking as she cried out. The intensity of her orgasm was amazing and unlike anything she’d ever experienced before.

Tucker’s fingers were still deep inside her when the spasms finally subsided. The melting ice water mixed with her juices and seeped from her slit. A bead of sweat trickled between her breasts, but she didn’t care. She was too relaxed to move.

Then he spread his fingers and slowly removed them. Emma gasped and flexed her hips, not wanting him to leave.

Tucker smiled and pressed the head of his cock against her sex, effectively sealing what remained of the cool, melted water inside her. And when he snagged another small piece of ice she didn’t know whether to encourage him or scream for mercy.

He leaned forward and rubbed the ice chip across her lips. The shift in his position caused his cock to rub against her clit. He groaned and she thought he would take her then, but he still held himself in check.

Emma wanted the ice in her mouth along with his tongue. She parted her lips and licked them enticingly. Tucker popped the ice in his mouth and lowered his upper body across hers until they were perfectly aligned. He kissed her, pushing the ice into her mouth with his tongue. She eagerly accepted it. There was so much heat between them that the ice was soon reduced to water, which she swallowed.

“You are so damned sexy.” His low growl made her heart beat even faster. He buried his face against her breasts even as he reached his hand out to the bowl again.

“I’m so hot.” She felt almost feverish as she strained against Tucker, wanting to feel his body touching hers everywhere.

This time it wasn’t as much of a shock when the ice stroked across her flesh. She anticipated it, even welcomed it as he slipped it over and around her breasts and swollen nipples. Again, the contrast of cold and heat almost pushed her over the edge, but this time she didn’t want to go alone. This time she wanted Tucker with her, inside her.

She grabbed his hand and pushed it away from her breast. “Now, Tucker. Take me now.”

“Fuck, yes.” The piece of ice fell unheeded onto the counter as he gripped her hips, positioned himself and drove his cock inside her.