Vanilla On Top (12 page)

I smile. “Good thing I do.”

A smoldering look darkens his caramel depths and he leans forward, raising my hand to his mouth. He moves to kiss the tips of my fingers, but instead, slips his mouth over my index finger. Warm suction surrounds the digit up to the first knuckle and the tip of his tongue teases the end.

A zing of energy travels up my arm and shoots to my crotch. A shudder runs through me as he draws away his clever mouth. “You seem like a smart woman to me.”

The rest of our dinner proceeds without a hitch. Tony feeds me delicacies from his plate and begs some from mine as well. I’ve never been in a situation where the outside fades into the background and the only thing in the moment is you and the man you’re with. But tonight, that’s exactly what happens.

It’s as if Tony is deliberately setting out to seduce me—making sexual innuendos and flirting non-stop. My skirt has been sticking to my privates all night and I feel like a gush of moisture has collected between my folds. Squirming in my seat seems to emphasize my growing desire rather than diminish it.

Even after our explosive encounter in his office, I want him again. Excusing myself before the dessert arrives, I make my way to the ladies room, located in the middle of the large restaurant, off to one side.

Anticipation for what could come after dinner snaps all my senses to high alert. This euphoric rush is entirely new. Have I felt this giddy with men before or is this one different?

Nope. Tony is definitely unique.

I wash up and apply lipstick. Giving my head a playful shake, I fluff my curls and leave to join my date. Tony mentioned going to his place tonight, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’ve got that early morning meeting tomorrow with Mr. Sayers.

I walk through the restaurant and falter when I see three men trailing the hostess, walking right toward the section I’m seated with Tony. As if my thoughts of work have conjured him, Mr. Sayers along with two other men who came to the meeting today take a table ten feet behind Tony.

Holy crap. There is no way I can return and sneak out unseen with Tony. I turn around, changing course for the front door before I’m spotted. If they see me with someone from Apollo, I’m sure they’ll think the worst. Like I’m sleeping with the enemy and giving him corporate secrets.

Oh God! That’s partly true—I am sleeping with Tony. Tears sting my eyes as I storm through the foyer while digging in my purse for my phone. I wonder if they’d fire me right on the spot or make a big scene?

How could I not have thought of this before we went out in public? The timing couldn’t be worse. All I’ve worked for the past years, thrown away for a roll in the hay.

Outside, I rush two doors down and stand in the light of a closed shop. Finding my phone, I scroll through the numbers to find Tony’s. I hit dial, adrenaline making my hands shake. I’ve got to tell him why I’m not coming back from the bathroom. If I don’t, he’ll think I’m running.

Do I really do that? Did I run two years ago when I thought Rick was two-timing me on the dance floor but maybe he really wasn’t? Could he have just been dancing with her and when I ran out he thought
I
left
him
?

Tony’s phone continues to ring, unanswered, and dread fills me. Oh God, what if he left his phone at the office? What the hell am I going to do?

Chapter Twelve

Tony

Our cheesecake arrived two minutes ago and Heather still isn’t back from the bathroom. I hope something she ate didn’t make her sick. Worry crinkles my brow as I glance at my watch for the third time. I’ll feel awful if it was one of the items from my plate.

The sound of a throat clearing draws my attention to Leo, our waiter. “Mr. Carmine, you have a phone call at the hostess desk.”

“Really?” I pat my pockets, belatedly realizing my phone is missing. When was the last time I left it behind? Must be years. Then again, it felt good to not be interrupted during dinner for a change.

Leo nods, motioning for me to follow. I glance toward the bathroom again and rise to follow the server. It’d better not be Marcus, he knows I love this place. I’ll have to punch the prick good if it is. Needs to mind his own damn business.

Lost in my own ruminations, I’m almost past the three executives from Parkerson before I recognize them. They’re in a heated discussion and don’t notice me, so I continue toward the front of the establishment, grateful I don’t have to make small talk.

The pretty blonde at the front hands me a cordless phone. “Hello?”

“Tony, it’s me, Heather.”

A fist tightens in my chest, crushing my heart. “What the hell is going on? Are you okay?”

“I didn’t run out on you, I swear.”

Everything becomes clear when I connect her leaving to whom I passed in the restaurant. “You’re worried about being seen with me, aren’t you?” Tension I didn’t know I was holding drains out of me.

“I saw Mr. Sayers being seated near our table. I couldn’t risk it. The timing is really bad. Think of how it will look.”

I run a hand through my hair, unused to a woman having to hide to be with me. A few of them used to alert the media for a photo op. “Yeah, I understand.” I breathe out a sigh and hear her do the same on the other end of the line. “I don’t have to like it, but I understand.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t reach you on your cell…”

“I didn’t know I forgot it until Leo came over. Look, I’ve got to pay the bill before I leave. Where are you?”

“I’m two doors down, on the left.”

“Wait for me, please?”

She hesitates, which ratchets up my anxiety another notch. “Okay.”

I signal to Leo for the bill and wait by the front door. After I pay, I bolt out to find her. Why did she hesitate at the end of our call? Is she worried the risk of being with me isn’t worth it?

Two doors down leads me to the closed establishment of a high-end clothier. Heather leans on the locked glass door, one booted ankle crossed over the other. She smiles at my appearance, pushing off to join me on the sidewalk.

She takes a deep breath while striding down the block. “I think we need to lay low for a while.”

I stop on the sidewalk. “What? You mean we can’t be together because you’re worried about your job?”

“That’s not fair. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am.”

I start walking again, unsure if we’re going to my place or hers. “I don’t doubt you worked hard to get where you are. Hell, you’ve done your job and Harvey’s for the last few years.”

She tugs on my arm. “Speaking of which, how the hell did you know that?”

“Easy. I met him and then I read the financials. It didn’t add up. How could this raging alcoholic manage such a complex portfolio and company funds? When I saw you in the meeting and learned you were his assistant, the rest fell into place.”

“How come you saw something no one in my company has seen for years?”

I halt on the sidewalk, hauling her to my front. How can this woman drive me to distraction and make me want to scream like no other woman ever has? Wrapping my arms about her gently, I kiss her hard. Our passion boils, engulfing me in heat. We break for air, both of us gasping. “Maybe what you need to ask yourself is why those people never let themselves see what was right in front of them? Was it easy? Was it cheaper? What did they gain?”

By the shell-shocked expression on her face, I can surmise she’s surprised. “You really think keeping me under Harvey could have been on purpose?”

I shrug, not really caring, just wanting to know where I stand with her. “Does it matter? What matters is how you’re going to let your fear affect us.”

Her spine stiffens and a righteous look of anger comes over her. “My fear? Is that what you think my cautiousness is?” She stomps down the sidewalk, clearly headed for her apartment. Which makes sense when I think about it. She still doesn’t know where my place is. “Did it ever occur to you that I could be sued?”

I hurry after her, mentally slapping myself for my choice of words.

She continues, desperation fueling her. “That if they thought I was collaborating with you, I could be in serious legal trouble?”

“All right, you make some valid points.”

She storms down the street, crossing against the light. Her anger has blinded her to the surroundings. I reach out and grab her long flowing hair, stopping her before she steps into the path of an oncoming cab.

“Ow! What the hell?”

“Heather! You almost walked in front of a damn car!” The anger inside at her recklessness tumbles up and out. My own fear holds me hostage—its clutches wrapping around my throat, making breathing difficult.

I force my hands to soothe rather than grab blindly in panic, running my palms up and down her upper arms. “Please, stop and calm down.”

The self-righteous rant drains from her when she realizes what almost happened. “I’m not myself right now. I really need to get home.”

“Not without me, you don’t.”

A bit of her spitfire flashes back. “Feeling awfully pushy and possessive, aren’t you?”

I grasp her hands and speak softly, trying to ease her jittery fight or flight response like one might a skittish horse. “I like you. I like you a lot. I want to see you get home safely. That’s it.”

Her expression softens and she melts into me for a brief moment, leaning against my chest. Then she straightens her back and stares into my eyes. “Uh-huh. Sure. Like you’re not hoping to get into my pants for round two?”

Fire lights in my gut, kindles my blood a few degrees as an erection stirs in my pants. “I’m sincere in wanting you to get home safely.” I bow down and kiss her with tenderness. This time when I pull back she looks a little starry-eyed. “But a man can hope, can’t he?”

She laughs and the negative wave of tension between us breaks. She links her arm back through mine and turns a corner toward her building. No way in hell is this evening ending until I know exactly where I stand with her and what she plans for us in relation to her job. The panicked look on her face a few minutes ago made me think she was ready to scrap any shot at us just to save her job.

As we walk the rest of the way in silence, an epiphany hits me. I’m not sure when it happened, but I can’t believe I can say it and mean it.

A job is just that—a job. It won’t keep you warm at night, won’t grow old with you, and besides providing financial security, sure as hell won’t do anything
for
you. Like have kids, or be there when you get sick, or pick you up when you fall. Or stop you from stepping in front of a car when you’re agitated.

This woman, on the other hand, means something to me. Could this be what love feels like? It shocks me to my soul to realize she matters more than the job I’d previously sacrificed everything for. Maybe that’s where she is right now: her job matters more. Maybe she hasn’t had the realization yet.

Yeah, well, why the hell would she? It’s not like she’s your age or in your financial position.

A time has to come when enough is enough.

Enough money, enough gadgets, enough prestige, enough…power.

We get to her building and take the elevator to her floor. Heather turns toward me with keys in her hand. “Well, I’m here safe and sound. Consider your good deed done.”

“Is that what you think? That I walked you home as a good deed?”

She shrugs and looks away. “I don’t know. I was just trying to be funny.” She twiddles with the keys.

“Where do we stand, you and I?” I ask, my heart in my throat. “I told you at dinner what I wanted, but I’m not so sure you feel the same way.”

“Let’s go inside.”

Relief pours through me. For a minute I was afraid she was going to send me on my way without us talking things out. And for the first time in my life, I think I may like the girl more than she likes me.

The sensation leaves me vulnerable and shaky. I don’t like it. If this is what love is, it sucks.

“Tony?”

“Yes?” If she gives me the brush off right now, I may just snap.

“I want to keep seeing you, but…”

“Spit it out, Heather, please.”

“We can’t be seen in public until after the merger is complete.”

The hesitant look on her face makes me want to punch every man she’s ever dated. She thinks I’ll react poorly. Considering the spot she’s in, keeping our relationship private for the time being is a sensible solution. Much better than her telling me she can’t see me until the deal is over. I would have had to talk her out of that, even if I had to use my tongue all damn night.

I shut the door and take off my coat, tossing it on a dinning room chair as I stalk closer to Heather.

I stare at my lover, letting her see the full weight of my desires. “We’re not in public right now, are we?”

Her cheeks flush and she meets my darkening look. “No, we’re not.” She reaches behind her hips and deftly lowers the hidden zipper that foiled me earlier this evening. The patterned material slips over her hips and pools near her sexy silver heels.

The long boots hug every curve of her leg and end several inches above her knees. My gaze travels over the creamy exposed skin of her thigh, to rest on the black hair trimmed neatly at the juncture between her legs. It may be my imagination, but I swear there’s a bead of moisture glinting between the smooth folds of her sex.

Perhaps the only communication that will work between us tonight is showing her exactly how I feel. I take a step toward her, unbuttoning my shirt and letting the naked feelings I have for her shine in my eyes. Heather pulls off her blouse and tosses it aside, revealing her firm, high breasts encased in lacey bra cups.

My mouth runs dry and words escape me as I stare at the perfection of her lithe form. I want to possess her, mark her as mine, wipe out every memory of every man she’s been with until only thoughts of me remain.

I clench my jaw as I step closer. Heather steps backward, her attention traveling to the bulge in the front of my pants then back up to my face. With a cocky grin, she turns and sashays down the hall toward the bedroom, her naked bottom swinging side to side with each stride.

My muscles bunch, eager to pursue. I take a deep breath and relax. I need to make love to her, not race to the finish like our previous encounters. I want to leave her body remembering mine long after we part. If I can’t see her during the day or in public for the next week, then I damn well better make an impression when I’m with her. I finish taking off my clothes, but leave my briefs on. I don’t want to be tempted to hurry due to my own driving needs.

As I step into her dimly lit bedroom, I see her reclined on the bed, waiting. Without a word spoken, I join her and run my hands up the boots to her heated skin.

A shiver shudders over her as her pointed pink tongue darts out to moisten her mouth.

I lie next to her and then impulsively throw a leg over her thighs and straddle her body. Her mouth opens to speak and I swoop down to plant my lips on hers before she can issue a command. Taking advantage of her already parted lips, my tongue dives in to explore.

Her eyes widen as I nibble on her bottom lip, trace my tongue along her teeth, and then suck her top lip into my mouth. Staring into her sparkling depths, I see an urgency building in her brown eyes. A moment later her hips rise off the bed, rotating and pressing her heat against my erection.

The warmth of her seeps through my underwear, even with her thighs trapped closed between mine. I circle my hips in return, grinding down and dipping my silk-covered length between her legs, enough to rub the shaft on the hard nub between her folds.

A shyness and hesitancy glows from her dark eyes. Does she doubt my intentions? Did she worry I’d only want her if she was in charge? Time for me to take the lead and really show her how I feel.

I ease my body to the side and tilt her onto her hip, snuggling close along her spine. The heat from her skin warms my chest as I curl my body around hers.

I lean away to unhook her bra, then cradle her with one hand boldly cupping and kneading a breast. A gentle rocking motion starts low in my hips, pumping myself up and down between her cheeks.

“I—”

“Shh…No talking.” I lean in and plant lingering kisses over her exposed neck. “Tonight, let me please you.”

The subtle scent that is all Heather floods my senses, and I stifle the urge to bite down and suck her flesh between my teeth. Can’t send her to the office with a hickey, no matter how much I want the world to know she’s taken.

My hand trails from her now peaked nipples to dip lower, running over the gentle swell of her stomach, searching for the arousal I know awaits between her thighs. Heather lifts her top leg, granting me access and tempting me beyond reason. She supports her raised knee with a hand on her leather-encased leg, pointing one silver high heel to the ceiling. The sexy sight brings a chill of want, creating a desire to rear back and scoot lower, to lick her ‘til she screams.

Wanting to get my skin as close to hers as I can, I shove down my briefs and mold against her backside once more. Instead of pinning my arm alongside her, I ease my left arm under her head, encouraging her to rest on my bicep. I splay my right hand over her lower abdomen and quest downward, combing through her soft pubic hair.

My shaft wedges between the firm halves of her butt, content to rock back and forth while I stroke her raging fire higher. I want to slip myself down and drive into her so badly it hurts. Not yet. I want her as crazy as I am first.