Feel the Heat: A Contemporary Romance Anthology (15 page)

He lowered her down his body, every naked inch of it, until her feet touched the floor. Her toes curled inward, the tiles cold beneath her feet. She sucked in a breath and shivered. The water level had reached halfway and Saxon leaned over to flick the tap off. His big hands wrapped around her waist and lifted her over the side into the water. She flinched.

“Too hot?”

“No, a shock after the cold floor though.” She started to sit.

“Wait. Let me get in behind you.”

Saxon straddled the tall sides and positioned himself behind her before placing one arm around her waist, his hand resting on her stomach. As he sat, he took her with him until her spine rested flush against his chest and their legs were stretched out in front of them. Her butt nestled between his thighs with his cock pressed into her lower back—it gave her all sorts of interesting ideas. Maybe four people in the bath wouldn’t fit but the two of them had plenty of wiggle room. She relaxed and let the warmth of Saxon’s body and the water soothe her.

With both of them in the tub, the water level was close to the rim, too much moving around and it would overflow. Saxon picked up a washcloth from the bath edge and lathered it with soap. The sweet scent of strawberries drifted around her, tickling her nose and taste buds. The waft of aroma tantalized and teased both senses, making her stomach grumble and reminding her they hadn’t eaten dinner. But with such a yummy man sharing her bath, food was the furthest thing from her mind. There were other appetites more pressing.

Saxon trailed the soft cloth over one shoulder and down the top of her arm. He pulled her hand out of the water and ran the soapy washcloth between her fingers, lavishing each digit with equal attention. After delivering the same decadent care to her palm, he moved up her arm. The slippery slide of foam on the sensitive skin at her elbow sent goose bumps and tingles in all directions. Carly squirmed under his thorough treatment as he finished with her left arm and moved to her right.

From one part of her body to the next, Saxon gave each section the same amount of time and attentiveness. He nudged her forward to wash her back. Using more pressure, he dug into her muscles as he moved over them—working out the knots. Easing her back again he started down her chest. With tender strokes he cleaned her skin, gliding under her chin and over her collarbone. Each caress took him lower toward her breasts but he avoided them. He circled around, over and under, but never quite touched anywhere she was beginning to crave his touch.

Hand and cloth dipped down her stomach and under the water. He swirled around her naval and skimmed the edge of her pubic hair but didn’t venture farther. Carly’s body thrummed with awareness. His ministrations delivered a zap of sensation to nerves already teased beyond their limits. But the needs and desires rippling to life remained a pleasant hum, not taking on the raw edge of earlier.

“Scoot around to the other end of the tub,” he whispered as he prodded her lower back with his hand.

It took a second for her to understand, her mind was totally focused on the sensations his tender care provoked. Water sloshed against the side and splashed over the rim to the floor. When Carly turned enough for Saxon to reach, he grabbed her ankles and pulled them into his lap. He soaped up the wash cloth and started with her toes. The same delicious torture he’d given her fingers and hands he now lavished on her feet. Between each of her toes, along the arch of her foot and up around her heel, the cloth slid and tickled.

While moving up her calf muscle and behind her knee, he held her leg in the air and treated her to the most amazing sponge bath of her life. He managed to soothe and excite at the same time. He bombarded her senses with the dual stimulation and she couldn’t decide which she liked more. The man knew exactly what he was doing as he continued up her leg to her inner thigh. His every move took her higher in a slow ascent that left her excited and relaxed all at once.

He took his time, gave all but her most intimate places his undivided attention. With her eyes closed and head leaning back against the rim, she soaked up the pleasure of being taken care of in such a gentle but arousing way. No man had ever given as much as Saxon. The whole experience made her feel cherished and spoiled. Emotions she never expected to have with him. This was supposed to be about sex, a mutual slaking of desires with no strings attached. But nothing she’d done with Saxon, so far, had turned out like she’d imagined.

L
aid out before him
, Carly stole his breath. Saxon couldn’t remember a woman who looked more beautiful or more right. The need to take care of her was just as strong as his need to dominate her and that was new for Saxon. He’d controlled his sex life and the women he chose to bed in the past, but the tender feelings weren’t something anyone but Carly inspired. With her, he wanted the emotional as well as the physical, and that scared him. If she didn’t return the sentiment he could sense growing between them things would be uncomfortable, to say the least.

Could he let her go if that’s what she wanted?

No. He couldn’t give up the chance to see where this would lead him. He’d just have to convince her she wanted the same. First he’d make her crave his touch then, once she was hooked on the pleasure he alone could give her, he’d show her how good they could be together out of the bedroom.

The last six months had proven they worked well together and in the last week they’d won a multi-million dollar client. It wouldn’t be too tough to weave his magic and win her over. He’d never lost out on something he’d gone after and he was beginning to think he wanted Carly more than he’d ever wanted anything before.

His gaze was drawn to her taut nipples as they bobbed at the top of the water. The liquid covered and uncovered the tight nubs as it swished with his movements. Her skin was tinted a rosy pink from the warm bath and his gentle scrubbing. But her exposed shoulders and arms were layered in goose bumps now that the temperature had cooled. Her hair floated on the water’s surface like black ribbons. He remembered pulling on the strands earlier. She hadn’t complained once about his rough treatment and the idea she might have actually enjoyed it made his cock swell.

Bathing her had been his only intention, but with her sprawled in front of him, her legs draped over his, she lay open and the tantalizing view proved too much to resist. He grabbed an ankle in each hand and pulled her to him. Unprepared, Carly slid forward and he lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. He quickly grasped her hips, gathered her up and sat her in his lap. Water sloshed around them and over the sides to splatter on the floor. Her pussy nestled his erection and her folds enclosed him in wet heat.

Saxon groaned and pumped his hips. Aroused flesh ground together, soft against hard, and his balls drew tight. Her fingers curled over his shoulders and her nails dug into his muscles when he thrust up a second time. He wanted inside her now but he hadn’t thought ahead, he didn’t have a condom. Carly rolled her hips, stoked her clit along his cock and started a rhythm of rock and roll that made him forget all about everything but the feel of her. His hips bucked of their own accord, the pleasure too great to ignore.

Their pace increased and water slapped the sides of the porcelain tub as each lunge grew more erratic, more frenzied. Liquid silk flowed from her opening, aiding the motion and easing the friction their urges drove in ever increasing speed. His balls ached and cum leaked from his cock to mix with Carly’s cream. Her head dropped to his shoulder and she made the little moans and whimpers that signaled her approaching orgasm. He dug his fingers into the flesh of her hips, tugged her down against him and pounded his length between them.

He knew they were both close. Leaning forward, he nuzzled her neck and nipped at her ear.

“Come, Carly,” he breathed as he reached between them and stroked her clit.

She threw her head back and came. Heat flooded his already boiling groin and he barreled over the edge after her. He growled her name and spilled his seed between them. She slumped forward, her head resting on his chest. His arms circled her waist and he held her close. The urgent demand to hold her tight and never let go was only eased by the way she snuggled in and kissed him. With her hand placed over his heart, she toyed with the light dusting of hair around his nipple. Content, Saxon closed his eyes and laid in the rapidly cooling bath—not ready to move and disturb the moment yet.

The cold brought an end to the idyllic spell that surrounded them. Goose bumps covered Carly’s back and she shivered as the chill sank into her. Saxon reluctantly eased her away to give him room to stand. She stood when he did but he stopped her from stepping out of the tub. He hopped out and slung a towel around his hips then grabbed a second before turning to help her. The large bath sheet he placed around her covered more than it revealed and he briskly patted her dry.

He used a second, smaller towel to squeeze the excess water from her hair. Carly knocked his hands away when he attempted to twist her hair into the towel and did it herself. Hands free, he dried himself. Both of them stood in the brightly lit room in only towels and for a moment, even after everything they’d done, he felt awkward and tongue-tied. Saxon had never suffered from insecurity. Since touching Carly he’d experienced a lot of new emotions.

In a few short hours his whole world had altered and there was nothing he could do, or wanted to do to change it back. He didn’t regret one minute or anything they’d done. The woman in front of him had been burrowing her way under his skin from the first time he’d seen her and he would bet his beloved company he’d never get her out. Not that he wanted to. No, what he wanted was for her to feel the same.

His stomach growled and the sound echoed off the tiled walls. He grinned—his body had given him the perfect next move. Dinner.

“I guess that’s my cue to order something to eat.”

With his hand at the small of her back, he urged Carly out of the bathroom. When she headed for the bedroom door he twined his fingers with hers and swung her around into him.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Um…to get dressed?”

“Nuh-uh. No clothes for the rest of the weekend.”

“But—”

“Nope. I want nothing between me and what I want.” He pressed his lips to hers. “And what I want is you.”

He slanted his mouth more firmly over hers. She softened beneath him and he thrust out his tongue to invade the dark recesses he knew lay beyond her lips. The kiss turned lush and heavy and had them both breaking free, gasping for air. He could see the spark of excitement in her eyes and knew she would see the same in his. It didn’t take much to have them panting and craving more, but neither had eaten in hours and they’d already used an amazing amount of energy they needed to replace. They needed food before they engaged in any more sex.

“Damn, you sure do tempt me to forget everything but you.” He nudged her toward the bed. “Go lie down. I’ll order us some food before we collapse from exhaustion.”

He swatted her ass as she stepped away. She jumped and yelped at the unexpected sting. It reminded him of what he’d said in the bar about punishing her. Maybe he’d see about spanking her ass for being so forward earlier, he grinned, she’d earned one even if she was clueless about her brazen behavior.

* * *

C
arly fell on the bed
, every muscle, joint and bone ached. Sex with Saxon beat any workout she’d ever subjected her body to. She’d be lucky if she didn’t have bruises. Nothing they’d done had hurt but the whole experience was tainted with a razor-edged desire that exploded into the most intense sexual encounter of her life. One she couldn’t wait to do again, even with the protest every inch of her was making about the first time.

The bath had helped, but muscles long unused were bound to be a little sore when you put them through the wringer. And she’d done that and more. Carly prided herself on being fit but with an inactive sex life, she wasn’t surprised by the pain she now endured. It was a good kind of pain, though, tinged with satisfaction. She rolled to her side and watched the door for Saxon’s return. The rough tones of his voice were a low murmur from the other room as he ordered their meal. Her stomach gurgled and she realized how hungry she felt.

When was the last time she’d eaten? She’d skipped lunch. Last minute details to iron out in the new contract had left her no time to stop and if she was honest, she hadn’t even thought about food at the time. The more she thought about it now, the hungrier she got. A nice big steak would hit the spot just right. Hopefully Saxon didn’t think she was one of those Barbie doll women who ate nothing but lettuce leaves.

Carly shuddered at the thought of denying herself food of any kind but going without meat? Well that was just inhuman. Her tummy growled loudly, protesting the very idea of not getting its regular dose of protein. Saxon better have ordered enough for both of them or he’d be the one going without. She could just about eat the leg off a chair now that her hunger had been brought to her attention.

She levered herself up and sat, her legs dangling over the side of the mattress. At five-foot eight, Carly wasn’t short but the beds in this luxurious hotel were so high her toes just skimmed the floor. Everything about the Raffle’s Hotel was grandiose in an early nineteen hundred’s style. Except the plumbing, that was all twenty first century. The whole hotel might lend itself to yesteryear but no modern convenience had been left out.

When they’d checked in earlier in the week she’d been more than a little surprised by Saxon’s choice of room but after a week of meetings held in the dining area of the suite, Carly couldn’t argue with it. The ability to duck back into her room to grab some vital piece of information had come in handy on more than one occasion. And today wasn’t the first day she’d indulged in the made-for-soaking tubs the bathrooms boasted.

She’d never stayed in such a lavishly appointed hotel but she sure could get used to it. Everywhere she looked the fabrics and furnishings were opulent, majestic, and the plush, stately ambiance gave all visitors a pampered feeling. All the employees, in their history-inspired uniforms, went out of their way to see she had every available comfort. Yep, staying here, even though it had been for work, was the most extravagant week of her life.

Even the thick, soft-as-silk towel wrapped around her was decadent. Carly would never have white towels in her own house but she could see the appeal in them, especially when they felt this sumptuous and sinful against her skin. Each slide over her flesh brought nerves to life as the sensation of being stroked filled her. Her skin tingled and her nerves sang. Her arousal, humming beneath the surface, gained volume—became a buzz. Why hadn’t she noticed the sensuality of her surroundings before?

Her gaze traveled around the room, taking in all the colors and textures. Some were designed to draw the eye, while others were meant to barely be noticed. From the carpet to the curtains, the walls to the windows, every surface was pleasing to the eye and a delight to the senses. Maybe she was seeing the sensual aspects because her hormones were standing at attention after being with Saxon.

The fine hairs on her neck stood and the prickly sensation of being watched crept its way down her spine. She turned her head and found Saxon lounging in the doorway, shoulder leaning on the frame. He had his legs crossed at the ankle with one foot propped on his toes, his hooded eyes trained on her, his posture deceptively casual. He was anything but. The muscles in his crossed arms were taut and the one along his jaw twitched. His gaze smoldered with a predatory gleam and the bulge unsuccessfully hidden by the towel he wore, more than enough to tell her what he was thinking.

The buzz of arousal became a roar and the prickles along her spine turned into electric shocks. Her nipples puckered, the points rubbing against the towel that confined them. Yearning spread to all corners of her body, swirled and heated as it centered in her lower belly. Liquid seeped from between her legs and Carly squeezed her thighs in the vain attempt to ease the desperate longing growing in her core. She straightened her shoulders, thrust out her chest and licked her suddenly parched lips.

On a growl, Saxon shot away from the door, in three strides he stood in front of her and whipped the towel from around his waist. His erection sprang free, mere inches from her mouth, and she dragged her tongue over her lips again. This close to her, the growl that rumbled from him vibrated along her skin, danced on the tips of her nerves and drew the muscles of her pussy tight.

She didn’t see him move, had no idea of his intentions until she found herself stripped of her towel and spun around—her face and stomach flat on the bed and her legs hanging over the side. He dropped to his knees behind her, his hands cupping the cheeks of her ass and his thumbs probing the crack. He opened her, using fingers and thumbs to reveal her hidden depths. His breath fanned out over her exposed flesh and between her folds to singe her swollen clit.

A moan of pleasure tripped off her tongue and her hands curled into the bedclothes as electric pulses arrowed into her womb. Her muscles contracted, squeezing tight, but he held her open and blew another stream of air onto her pussy. Her body jolted and she bit her lip to stop the cry of pleasure from leaving her throat.

“Don’t hold back. I want to hear you scream when I make you come.” A puff of breath burst forward with each word, saturating her with sensation.