Fair Play (7 page)

She immediately sat up and asked, a frown creasing her brows. “What are you doing?”

He tilted his head to the side. “I’m trying to hold you. Is something wrong?”

“Well, yes. We’re all done.”

He bolted upright. “What are you trying to say? You aren’t seriously asking me to leave?”

What was wrong with him? Rolling her eyes, she asked, “You mean you don’t know? You’re supposed to know these things. You’re the experienced one.”

He shrugged. “Know what? What are you talking about?”

She shook her head. “You’re supposed to get dressed and leave.” Frowning at his incredulous expression, she asked, “Isn’t that what men always do?”

Jace couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Rubbing her arm, he asked gently, “Sweetheart, are you trying to tell me you’ve never been held after making love?”

“N-no. I’ve never been held.”

He pulled her down with him as he lay back down. “There are obviously a lot of things I need to teach you, but for now we’re going to rest. Put your head on my shoulder and relax.”

Instead of relaxing, Dani’s heart spiked as she thought of Jace. Her body still hummed from his lovemaking. She’d been foolish enough to declare she didn’t like sex. Boy, did Jace prove her wrong! She still wanted him as much, if not more, than before. What was she going to do? Was there a chance for a relationship with him or would her past make that impossible? That was a question for another day. She refused to let her past intrude on her night with Jace.

She nuzzled his neck as she drew circles on his chest.

Putting his hand over her fingers to stop her playful action, Jace made a face. “You’re not going to let me rest, are you?”

Silently happy that he was still awake, she feigned innocence. “Sorry, am I bothering you? I’ll just get up and go in the other room so you can rest.”

Before she moved an inch, Jace had her flat on her back while he leaned over her.

“You’re not going anywhere until you admit you were wrong.”

She gazed at him and grinned. “What do you mean? What am I supposed to admit to being wrong about?”

“You know exactly what you were wrong about. But if you need a reminder, I’m sure I can give you a detailed explanation.” Jace raised his eyebrow.

“Okay, you win. I was wrong.”

“Not good enough. What were you wrong about?”

“Damn! You’re not going to be happy until I spell it all out for you, are you?”

Jace shook his head and Dani continued, but not before she narrowed her eyes at him. “Okay. I was wrong about not liking sex, and you were right. Satisfied?” Dani’s eyes widened as his erection pressed against her thigh.

Leaning down to kiss her ear, Jace whispered, “Sweetheart, I’m nowhere near being satisfied. We’re just getting started. We have all night.”

Dani awoke the next morning cuddled up next to Jace. She eased out of his arms and slid slowly out of bed, being careful not to wake him. Turning on the shower, she stepped in, stretching and purring at the blissful feelings of contentment, then felt the soreness of muscles that hadn’t been used for some time. She got goose bumps and shivered from the memories of the night of passion they’d shared. She soon found her desire for him rekindled. She had no idea that making love to Jace would feel so incredible. Now she knew how truly inexperienced she’d been. Jace had taught her things she had no idea were possible, and she’d loved every minute of it. Closing her eyes, she let the water run down her body, reminding her of all the sensitive places he had found.

The shower door opened and Jace walked in. “Do you need help scrubbing your back?” Jace gazed at her naked body with heat in his eyes and lathered his hands.

She grinned, then turned and faced him. “There are a few places I’m going to need help with, if you think you’re up to it.” Rubbing soap on her body, Dani shivered with pleasure as Jace helped her wash. She lowered her eyes and commented in a sultry voice as she reached for him, “I see you’re definitely up to it.”

For the rest of the day, Dani couldn’t tear her thoughts from Jace. Their night together played in her head like a movie. With every fiber of her being she wanted a relationship with him. Was it even possible? She’d been lucky so far to have found the anonymity she needed here in Vegas, but knew it was a matter of time before she’d be forced to leave. What then? Would the rest of her life be plagued with thoughts of him? Was she a fool for not taking the opportunity fate had placed before her? She wanted to take what Jace offered with both hands and never let go. Should she grab what happiness she could while she still had her cloak of obscurity, or should she be responsible and not start something she knew could go nowhere? Wanting him with a hunger that never seemed to end, yet at the same time knowing that she shouldn’t allow him into her life, was tearing her up.

Trying to get her feelings in control, Dani tried to look at her situation objectively. She was hopelessly attracted to Jace, not only because of his looks, although that had been her initial attraction. But he was also sexy, intelligent, interesting, and a good person, not to mention that he turned her inside out when he made love to her. He had a quiet strength that promised to be everything she needed, and an innate gentleness he wasn’t even aware he possessed. On the other hand, she didn’t have anything to offer him, but the probability of disaster that could change his life for the worse.

All through the night, Dani found no relief. She tried reading, drinking milk, and even took a sleeping pill, but nothing worked. All thoughts turned to Jace and their time together.

The day was turning out like yesterday. She had a headache, no appetite, and found herself straying toward Jace’s office twice. She needed to get a grip. She’d been perfectly fine before him, and she’d be perfectly fine now.

When the day was done, she decided to go up to her apartment for some much-needed sleep. When that didn’t come, she picked up her book, the latest romance from a best-selling author. After reading the same paragraph six times and not remembering what she read, she put the book down in disgust.
What’s wrong with you? You have no self-control where that man is concerned. It’s obvious you’re not going to get any sleep tonight, so you have two options. Either you go to his apartment and seduce the pants off of him, or you lay awake sulking and feeling sorry for yourself all night.

Dani jumped out of bed, slipped on a pair of slippers, put on a coat, then left the apartment. Determined, she rode the elevator to Jace’s apartment, and almost lost her nerve outside his door. What if he wasn’t alone or didn’t want to see her? What if he didn’t want her anymore or didn’t want to make love to her? That was too damn bad. She was going to knock on that door, and he could throw her out if he didn’t want her. As she stood in the hallway waiting for him to answer, she changed her mind. Just as she was turning to leave, the door opened. Jace stood there in a pair of slacks and nothing else. She’d never seen a sexier or more inviting sight in her life.

“Hi, Dani, what do you need?”

“Are you busy?”

“No, but it’s been a long day. If it’s business, can it wait until tomorrow? I’d like to relax and have a drink before I go to bed.”

“It can wait. Sorry to have bothered you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jace’s hand shot out and stopped her before she turned to leave. “Would you like to have a drink with me?” He was bone tired but happy to see her.

“If you’re sure you’re not too tired.”

He shut the door, noticing she was in slippers. He wondered what was so important that she came to see him dressed as she was. He was under no illusions that she came to see him because she missed him. He poured her a drink, then handed it to her. “Would you like me to take your coat?”

She felt her nerves jump. “No thanks. I’m fine.” She sat down on the couch.

“So what did you need?” Jace sat on the other end of the couch.

Dani took a big gulp of her drink and started choking.

“Are you all right?” He reached over quickly and patted her back.

Wheezing, she answered, “Couldn’t be better.”

“What did you come up to see me about?”

“Would it be all right if I finished my drink before I told you?” She’d be in a world of hurt if he rejected her, but knew she couldn’t leave without trying. The good thing was if he didn’t want her, she didn’t have to try again.

“Sweetheart, whatever it is, you can tell me. You don’t need a drink for courage. I’ll try to help you if I can.”

Not trusting herself, she downed the rest of the drink in one gulp. Her eyes watered as she choked. She put the empty glass on the coffee table, then stood up and faced him. “I came up here to ask you a question.”

“What do you want to ask me?”

“I know you’re tired and all, but by any chance do you feel like making love to me?”

Jace had just taken a sip of his drink, and it was his turn to start sputtering. Dani saw his choking as a sign the answer was no. Tears stung her eyes, threatening to fall, making her abandon her resolve to seduce him. Spinning quickly, she dashed to the door, but she wasn’t quick enough.

Jace grabbed her, drew her into his arms, then kissed her. He gazed into her eyes. “I never thought I’d hear you admit you wanted me.”

“I’ve been going crazy with want. I’ve tried everything to get you out of my mind, but nothing works. Please make love to me,” she pleaded.

He crushed his mouth to hers, then picked her up and carried into the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, he untied the sash to her coat, then stopped.

“Dani, why don’t you have any clothes on? Are you crazy walking around the hotel in nothing but a coat?”

Dani grinned with a wicked smile. “I was going to seduce you if you said no, but I chickened out.”

Laughing, he eased himself on top of her. “That isn’t playing fair.”

“Who said I played fair.” Dani pulled him down for a smoldering kiss. “Now keep quiet and make love to me.”

Dani walked on air over the next week. She and Jace had become serious lovers, spending their free time together and making rapturous love every night. She found Jace to be a tender, considerate lover and couldn’t believe her good fortune. Still having the ability to melt her with just a touch or a kiss, Dani was sure that would never change.

Today was her 25
th
birthday, and Jace was taking her out to dinner to celebrate. She went shopping and bought a new dress for the occasion and some sexy new lingerie for afterward. She was excited about going out and was dressed and ready before 6:00 p.m.

Prompt as ever, Jace was at her door exactly at 6:00. He wore an Italian suit with a mint green shirt making him look more handsome than ever, if that was possible. She pulled him in her arms for a steamy kiss.

He stepped back, then took a good long look at her. “Damn, you look good enough to eat.”

“So do you,” she answered wickedly.

“Dani, I know that look. You always have something up your sleeve when you look at me that way.”

Throwing her arms around his neck, she said, “I want another kiss for my birthday.”

Jace started to move away, but Dani didn’t release him from the embrace. “If we stay here kissing much longer, we’ll never make it to dinner.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m not hungry ... for food anyway. Let’s stay here and get naked.” She caressed him through his slacks.

Jace grabbed her hand. “You’re insatiable. If you want me to have the energy to make love to you properly tonight, then I need to eat some food or I won’t be any good for you.”

Dani grabbed his tie, then led him out the door. “Better eat a lot, because you owe me big time, and I intend to collect.”

After dinner, Jace gave her a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet for a birthday present. Though the gesture took her breath away, she couldn’t accept such an extravagant gift from Jace. They were still arguing about it when they got back to her apartment.

“Damn it, Dani! I wish you’d just accept my present with good graces.”

“Oh, Jace, I don’t mean to imply that I don’t appreciate your present. I love it. It’s the most beautiful present I’ve ever received, but you didn’t need to spend all that money.”

He put his arms around her from behind. “I wanted to give you something special.”

She rotated in his arms and snaked her arms around his neck. “You give me something special every night.”

“I aim to please. I do have some really great skills,” he joked.

Dani lowered her arms, then shook her wrist making the bracelet shimmer. “You really shouldn’t go to such extremes to get laid. You could’ve had me with earrings.”

Jace swatted her butt playfully as Dani tried to get away. “Just for that, you’re going to have to sweet talk me if you want any loving tonight.”

“I’ll bet you fifty bucks I can get you to make love to me without my having to say one nice thing to you.”

“You’ve got a bet. But no grabbing of body parts because that’s not fair.”

“Agreed. Before I bring you to your knees, I’d like to have a drink. Could you please make me one while I go change?”

It was time to play her winning card, a sexy, red, silky semi-shear nightgown with slits on the side. And to set the mood, candles flickering around the room. She walked sensuously into the living. When Jace looked up, he bobbled the drink in his hand. Score one for Dani.

“I knew you had something planned when I saw that wicked look on your face earlier. Deal’s off. You don’t play fair. I don’t stand a chance.”

“Well, if you don’t like it, I’ll just take it off.” She bent to pull the nightgown off.

Jace jumped up, then stopped her before she could finish. “Not on your life. That’s my job.”

She wound her arms around his neck, then yanked him down for a kiss. “Not tonight, lover. Tonight’s my turn. Since today is my birthday, I want another gift.”

“I’m afraid to ask. What is it?”

“That tonight we get to play a game. It’s called master and slave. I get to be the master, and you have to be my slave.”

Jace smiled wickedly. “That sounds interesting. You’re the master and I’m your slave, so I have to pleasure you. Just what I had in mind.” He bent to pick Dani up to carry her to bed.

Dani moved out of reach. “You agree to my game, right?”

“Yes, now can I take you bed?”

“Okay. Follow me.” Dani grabbed his tie, then tugged him into the bedroom. “Take off everything but your slacks, then lie down on the bed.”

“Done. What next?” Warming to her game, Jace put his hands behind his head.

“You have to let me do whatever I want. You can’t do anything. The only thing you’re allowed to do is kiss me back when I kiss you. You have to keep your hands behind your head and not touch me anywhere.”

He swallowed visibly. “You’re asking a lot. The only thing I can tell you is that I’ll try.”

“No, no.” Dani waggled her finger at him. “If you don’t comply, then I start all over again. So be a good slave and mind me.”

She removed her nightie inch by slow inch, keeping her eyes on him the whole time. She raked his body with a brazen look, promising all sorts of exquisite torture. Lowering her body over his, Dani brought her mouth to his in a slow, tantalizing kiss. She drew back far enough so he could see her lick her lips, watching as his body shivered. Her tongue darted out and licked his lips, outlining their shape, before slipping into his mouth, tasting, exploring, relishing the dark flavor of his passion. Her blood pounded as it rushed through her veins, awakening a hunger in her, almost making her give up the game.

Her need to taste him, to feel his skin beneath her mouth, inflamed her as she moved her mouth to his neck, sensing his pulse beat wildly with her tongue. Her body slid sensuously down his as her mouth moved over his chest. She wrenched a moan from him as she used her mouth and tongue, teasing, arousing, making his body restless for more. Heady with power, she found it thrilling to watch him weaken with need because of her. Her hands caressed his chest, making his muscles bunch, then scraped his nipple with her fingernail. She let out a low, husky laugh as she watched his body react to her touch.

Her body heated with desire. The longing to have his hands caress her. The yearning to feel his mouth taste and torment her. Her urges almost overwhelmed her, but she tamped down her feelings, the compulsion to bring him pleasure as he did her overriding her need. Her hands roamed down the corded muscles of his arms and over the tight skin covering his ribs, as she reveled in his masculine beauty. Her eyes never left his as she explored his body. When his eyes darkened with passion, she took a long look at him and found him aroused and hard. Her eyes wandered back up to his as she stroked his body, seeing the desire flare in their depths and burn with need. They lowered to his lips as her mouth descended to taste the passion that blazed within.

The minute her lips touched his, Jace grasped her face, his mouth crushing hers.

Backing away from him, she berated him. “No, No, naughty slave. Now you have to be punished. We have to start all over again. Now put your arms behind your head again.”

“Dani ... I’m warning you. I don’t think I can take much more of this.” He clenched his teeth.

“Play fair, Jace. I have to take it when you drive me crazy. It’s my turn, and I want to play.” Dani pouted, making him groan.

Her hands caressed his body, her mouth following behind. She could taste the passion on his skin as it flamed within his body, making her blood burn like an inferno. His growl of pleasure when she touched his manhood pleased her beyond belief. She felt the velvet softness and marveled at the strength she sensed there, loving the different textures and contradictions of his body. His body bowed upward when she probed those textures with her tongue.

Her hands and mouth explored, learning the secrets of his body. She skimmed her cool fingers over his heated skin. It was exquisite torture letting her have her way with him, one in which he was powerless to stop. White-hot fire coursed through his veins, burning brighter with each touch or kiss, so hot it felt like ice. She was driving him mad, and he didn’t know how much longer he could endure the sweet torment. Her mouth closed over him, making him lose the tight rein on his control.

He rolled over, pinning her beneath him, crushing his mouth to hers as his tongue penetrated her mouth and his hands raked her body. He was crazed with need and couldn’t slow down to take her tenderly. Jace moved her thighs apart as he positioned her beneath him, caressing her, finding her aroused and ready for him.

“Look at me.”

Dani’s eyes opened, unfocused with desire. He slipped inside, feeling her surround and blanket him with her warmth. With the last thread of control snapping, he began moving to bring this exquisite agony to an end. He pushed them harder and faster toward the top, their hearts hammering, their mouths devouring.

“Come with me, sweetheart. I can’t go without you.”

Her arms gripped him, as he drove them higher and faster, propelling them to the summit. His name tore from her lips as they soared into the abyss.