FINN WAS PLAYING with fire and he knew it. The deeper he allowed himself to sink into this sensual bliss with Chelsea, the more difficulty he’d have extracting himself when the time came. And it would come. On this trip he felt free to carve out large sections of time for this madness, especially now that Thunder Mountain was as good as safe. Back in Seattle it would be a different story.
But he would challenge any man to turn his back on a woman who sashayed up the dimly lit stairs of the bed-and-breakfast in strappy sandals, a dress wrinkled from backseat sex and no panties. The irresistible aroma of sex trailed after her, and his cock swelled with every step leading to the room where he could have her again.
At her suggestion, her laptop had stayed in the locked SUV. He smiled thinking about her terse “Leave it.” She was as eager for him as he was for her, which almost convinced him to reach for her and take her on the stairs. No one was around and he had a box of condoms in his hand.
He controlled himself. He’d already given in to his impulses once tonight in the backseat of the SUV. Surely he could wait five more minutes before he turned loose the primitive urges raging through him.
He clenched his jaw as she fumbled with her key. Knowing that she fumbled because she was shaking with anticipation only inflamed him more.
The night before he’d held back, asked questions. All that was gone now. Once she opened the door, they tumbled inside, each of them wrenching at the other’s clothes. Maybe because she’d planted the idea, he did take her up against the wall, her legs locked around his hips and her breasts jiggling with every firm thrust.
The rhythm was muted but steady. If anybody had been close by they would have known exactly what was going on in this room. He felt her tighten, felt his own orgasm surge forward and shoved deep. They both came, their cries mingling as their bodies trembled and throbbed.
He sagged against her, gasping, his head spinning as he rested it on her shoulder. He couldn’t say how long they stayed like that. After a rocket-ship ride with Chelsea, reentry was a slow process.
“Finn.” Her breath tickled his ear.
“I know. We need to move. Give me another minute.”
“It’s not just that.”
He dragged in a breath and raised his head to look into her eyes. “What?”
“We left the door open.”
He turned to see, and sure enough, her bedroom door stood wide-open. If anyone had been around and had cared to peek in, they would have enjoyed an eyeful. “Oh.”
She snorted with laughter. “Is that all you have to say? Oh?”
“Well, yeah.” He grinned at her. “I mean, what sort of comment covers a situation like this? We just had wall-banging sex with the door wide-open to the hall of this very lovely bed-and-breakfast. What would the etiquette police say about that?”
“They might suggest that we close the door. Even though we’re fairly sure no one is upstairs at this hour of the night, we could be wrong. The housekeeper might have heard strange thumping noises and come up to investigate.”
“If she works in a bed-and-breakfast and thinks rhythmic thumping noises at eleven on a Saturday night are strange, then she’s lived a very sheltered life.”
“I agree, but we should still close the door.”
“You’re right.” He let her down slowly so she wouldn’t fall. “I’ll leave that to you while I take care of the condom.”
“I should be able to manage it.”
When he returned, she’d closed the door and climbed into bed. But she’d thrown back the covers so that he was treated to the sight of a naked Chelsea stretched out on soft white sheets. Another woman might have covered herself, but not Chelsea. She apparently liked the no-holds-barred dynamic they had going on.
And so did he. He probably liked it way too much, but now was not the time to question that. All he had to do was to gaze at her lying in bed propped up by several snowy pillows, and he felt desire stir in his groin.
She watched him approach and her glance moved from his face to his slowly rising cock. “Again?”
“That’s just my opinion. You may be getting sick of this.”
She looked up at him. “Finn, I’m going to tell you something, and maybe it’s a mistake, but I’ll tell you anyway.”
“What’s that?”
“From the moment I first saw you in that coffee shop, I’ve dreamed about having sex with you.”
He found that hard to believe. She’d been so sure of herself, and he’d been so clueless about how to survive in the big city. “Why?”
She smiled. “Just asking that question, for example. You’re incredibly good-looking but you don’t seem to realize it. Women notice you, but you don’t seem to see them noticing.”
“Sometimes I do.”
“You don’t act like it.”
“If I notice back, then that implies I might want to start something. And I have a business to run.” He heard himself and groaned. “God, that sounds sanctimonious. I promise to stop saying that. Even I realize it’s becoming obnoxious, like I’m the only person in the world with responsibilities.”
“But you’re the sole owner of that business,” she said gently. “And that’s another thing that attracted me. You’re very brave. Not too many guys I know would move by themselves to a distant city and plan to open a business on their own.”
“And I would have crashed and burned if I hadn’t met you.”
“I don’t think so. It might have taken you longer to succeed, but you were extremely focused.”
“Still am.”
“I get that. But as you said, the business is far, far away.” She patted a spot next to her. “And I’m right here.”
He picked up the box of condoms from the floor and tossed them in her direction.
Catching it neatly in one hand, she rolled to her side, facing him as he climbed in beside her. She placed the open box between them on the mattress. “Two down, ten to go.”
“Should’ve bought a bigger box.” He took one out and laid it on her pillow. “But first, I’m running low on kisses.” Closing the box, he tossed it over his shoulder and it landed...somewhere. He’d find it later.
For the moment his primary target was her rosy, plump mouth. The brief thought that all this kissing might have to end someday made him even more eager to taste often and well. He moved over her and supported himself on his elbows while he gazed into her eyes.
Reaching between them, she wrapped her fingers around his cock. “I want this.” Her eyes darkened as she stroked him.
“And you’ll get that, but now it’s kissing time. Turn me loose so I can concentrate.”
“You’re getting bossy.” But she released him and slid both hands up to his shoulders. “This better be a really good kiss.”
“You tell me.” He stroked the pad of his finger gently over her lower lip. Leaning down, he nibbled on it before tracing it with the tip of his tongue.
“That tickles.”
“I love touching you here.” He outlined the graceful bow of her upper lip with his finger and then with his tongue. “Your mouth is perfect for kissing. Like this.” He pressed his lips to hers briefly, lightly, playfully. “And this.” Changing angles, he did it again. “And this, and this, and this.” He kept it up until she laughed.
“You’re silly.”
“Mmm.” Then he captured her mouth fully, fitting it to his with deliberate intent. He made a leisurely exploration with his tongue, sliding it easily along hers.
Her breath caught.
Shifting the angle, he cupped her jaw and stroked the corner of her mouth with his thumb, urging her to open to him. He kept his thumb there and took the kiss deeper. The thrust of his tongue grew more demanding, more suggestive.
She whimpered and hollowed her cheeks, sucking him in. Her fingertips dug into his shoulders as she lifted into his kiss, her mouth hot and eager. He responded with firm strokes that told her exactly what would happen next.
As she moaned and arched her body toward his, silently begging for that next step, he barely restrained himself from taking it. Ending the kiss, he grabbed the condom, tore open the package with his teeth, and rolled it on.
She lay there gasping. “Hurry.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am.” He sank into her slick heat with a groan of pleasure. Then he looked into her passion-dark eyes. “This part of you is perfect, too.” He pushed deep.
She took a shaky breath. “That was one hell of a kiss.”
“You helped make it that way.” He eased back and slid in up to the hilt again.
“It was so close to...this.” She wound her legs around his, cinching them even closer together.
“My plan.” He dipped his head and took her mouth again as he held himself still inside her. Only his tongue moved, yet she tightened around him as if he’d been thrusting steadily.
One spasm became two and then she was coming, sucking hard on his tongue as her climax rippled over his cock.
His climax followed quickly, urgent and strong, making his toes curl and his body flush with heat. He lifted his mouth away and gulped for air. Then he leaned his forehead against hers. Gradually his heartbeat returned to normal.
“Some kiss, O’Roarke.” She slowly relaxed and sighed in obvious contentment. Her breathing evened out.
When he roused himself enough to look into her eyes again, they were closed. “Chels?”
She didn’t respond, although a smile remained on that beautiful mouth. She’d fallen asleep.
How like her to go until she couldn’t anymore. She hadn’t wanted to give up these precious moments any more than he had. But finally exhaustion had claimed her.
He gazed at her with a rush of tenderness laced with guilt. She’d been a willing partner the night before and she’d given her all today despite not getting a full night’s sleep. After a successful presentation and the triumph of almost reaching their goal, she’d entertained five young children and danced for two hours. Then she’d once again become his enthusiastic lover.
Dropping a light kiss on her forehead, he eased away from her. “Sweet dreams, Chelsea Trask.”
* * *
SHE WOKE TO golden light streaming in the window and no Finn in bed with her. But he’d left a note on Bunk and Grub stationery propped on the nightstand where she’d see it right away.
Dearest Chels,
I decided to sleep in my own room because if I stayed here, I might reach for you in the night. Maybe you wanted to have sex with me from that first day we met, which is still amazing to me. But I doubt you wanted to have this much sex. I’ll see you down at breakfast.
Yours,
Finn
PS I put the condoms in the nightstand drawer.
She thought back to the last thing she remembered from their night together. He’d kissed her so thoroughly that he’d created an intense craving. He’d proceeded to satisfy that craving by locking them together and kissing her again until they’d both had an orgasm without moving at all. Incredible.
After that...she had no idea. Apparently she’d fallen asleep with his cock deep inside her. But he didn’t sound insulted in his note—his words were sweet and considerate, just as he was when he wasn’t being macho and sexy, or adorable and funny, or...preoccupied and anal.
She showered and dressed while she thought about that last aspect of Finn O’Roarke. It had the power to cancel out all the rest. She’d witnessed it first-hand during the painful episode when she’d asked him out and he’d calmly explained why he couldn’t accept.
He might well be someone who wasn’t capable of delegating because he didn’t trust anyone else to do the job. If that was the case, then he wouldn’t have room in his life for her or any woman. He could build a successful business in Seattle and expand the territory for his microbrewery. Someday he’d have the money to buy a place down near the water.
She’d continue to get her checks for a percentage of his booming business, but she wouldn’t be in the picture otherwise. Ironically, he could make her a lot of money. She’d rather have the man than the money, but she might not get that choice.
His door was open when she walked into the hall a little past eight. She checked to see if he was in there, but the room was empty. He’d pulled up the covers on his bed, although she wouldn’t say he’d actually made it. His laptop was out and his gray hat was brim side up on the dresser.
The signs of his solitary life made her sad, as if he’d already moved on. He hadn’t, of course. They were scheduled to spend many more days together, and she couldn’t imagine him giving up sex with her unless she was the one who called a halt.
She wouldn’t do that. Right now he clung stubbornly to his world view, and maybe he was right. But there was always the chance that he was shortchanging himself. In that case, she’d be there when he figured it out. If he never figured it out, she’d have some beautiful memories of what Finn was like unplugged.
Pam had been right—the smell of coffee led her straight back to the breakfast room. It turned out to be a sunny spot filled with green plants and several tables and chairs that reminded her of outdoor cafes in Paris. She’d never been to Paris, but she’d seen enough pictures to recognize the look.
Finn sat alone at a table drinking coffee and reading a newspaper. He’d turned back the sleeves on his long-sleeved white shirt to reveal his muscled arms sprinkled with dark hair. That alone was enough to tighten the coil of desire in her belly.
He must have heard her footsteps because he glanced up. His smile of welcome told her that he had no intention of pulling back from their interlude. He stood and watched her approach. “You look ready to visit an equine rescue operation.”
“It’s the best I can do.” She’d worn a long-sleeved purple T-shirt, jeans and her running shoes.
“You look great.” His gaze moved over her with a trace of hunger.
“Thanks.” She cherished that hunger because she wasn’t sure whether he’d look at her that way once they were back in Seattle.
“How did you sleep?”
“Like the dead.” She lowered her voice. “Missed you, though.”
“I didn’t trust myself.” He motioned to a chair. “Have a seat. I’ll get you some coffee. I asked Yvonne to hold off breakfast until you showed up.” He walked over to a coffee urn on a side table.
“What if I’d slept until ten?”
He had his back to her as he filled her cup. He shrugged. “We would have made different plans.”
“You could have gone ahead and eaten.”
“No, ma’am.” Turning back to her, he brought her coffee and set it in front of her. “That’s not how I operate.”
“Meaning what?”
He sat across from her. “Meaning that I want to share breakfast with you.”
She looked into the warmth of his blue eyes. “That’s nice, Finn. I’m sorry I fell asleep on you last night.”
He shook his head. “I’m the one who should apologize. I don’t know what I was thinking. I knew you were concerned about the presentation and had stayed up late working on it before the flight. Then I kept you up the next night with...”
“I wanted that as much as you,” she said softly.
“I know, but yesterday was intense with the presentation, convincing backers to contribute, and then playing with the kids, and then dancing. I didn’t think about you being tired. I just thought about—well, you know what I thought about.”
“I thought about it, too. You still don’t seem to realize how much I crave your—”
“There she is—the sleeping beauty!” A small, dark-haired woman came into the room. “Are you ready for breakfast, now, Miss Trask?”
“I’m starving,” Chelsea said. “Are you Yvonne?”
“I am, indeed.”
“And you cook as well as handle the housekeeping chores?”
“That’s right.” She smiled. “It’s a beautiful house to work in.”
“It is! And you make wonderful pastries. I can’t wait to have some more.”
“Coming right up!” The housekeeper turned and headed back to the kitchen.
Finn’s attention remained on Chelsea, almost as if they hadn’t been interrupted. “I’m flattered that you want me that much, but you know what? Maybe it’s time for me to back off a little and let you catch your breath.”
She met his gaze. “Don’t you dare.”
“All right.” He chuckled. “But maybe we should at least have some breakfast first. We need to keep up our strength.”
“Of course, if you need me to back off so you can catch your breath, then—” She gulped in surprise as he left his chair and pulled her out of hers.
His mouth came down with deadly accuracy. His kiss was short but it delivered a powerful message that left her gasping. Then he settled her back in her chair and returned to his. “Does that answer your question?”
“Yes.” She took a shaky breath. “I do believe it does.”