Chapter Five

It was nearly noon when Regina carried her laptop out to the balcony. She’d done the unthinkable and slept in, a treat she seldom allowed herself. She was a writer and had learned to keep regular hours as though she were going to work. She shifted uncomfortably in her padded chair. Her ass was still sore.

She leaned back and grinned. Her evening with Tucker qualified as the best fuck she’d ever had and, she suspected, the best she’d ever know. Well, tonight could be even better. She had a feeling he’d ruined her for anyone else.

She held up her left arm and studied the black, silk scarf wrapped and tied around her wrist. She giggled, but it quickly slid into a moan as she gave herself over to remembering last night. She snorted. As if she’d actually stopped thinking about it for more than a few minutes.

After the spanking and best fuck ever, Tucker had taken care of her. Yeah, in her research, she’d learned how Doms engaged in after-care. He’d washed her, rubbed lotion into her burning ass, then carried her to a chair and just held her until her body calmed and her mind truly settled.

He’d made all the right sounds, spoke the right words, and gave the term after-care new meaning. Damn, Tucker Owen was hero material, no doubt about it. No climbing off her and heading into the bathroom to shower, or her ex’s favorite—roll off, roll over, and go to sleep. Before Tucker had walked her home, he’d outlined tonight’s activities.

Bondage.

He’d promised to tie her up and fuck her blind. And just so she’d think about it the rest of the night and all day, he’d wrapped a black, silk, scarf around her wrist and said if she was still wearing it tonight, he’d know she was on board with the next phase of her research.

Research.

O…M…G. Her heart rate sped up just thinking of him having his way with her and her being totally helpless to stop him from doing…doing anything he pleased. Shaking her head, she read over what she’d written after she’d returned home. She’d been up for hours writing, and it was good. Hell, better than good. Trouble was, every time she reread it, she got hot and turned on.

She fingered the silk scarf, and her insides contracted and trembled. Good grief, it was going to be a long, long day at this rate. Spotting her dish of candy, she fished one out.

Stir My Heart.

Oh, yeah, he’d certainly done that. Stirred a lot more than her heart. He’d stirred questions about her own sexuality. She had to admit, she’d taken to her role as a sub as though it were the most natural thing in the world. When she’d embarked on her research project, she’d figured she’d have to fight her natural inclination to be in control.

She’d sworn she’d never again fall victim to a man’s selfish needs. Her needs came first, and that meant devoting her time and energy on her career, not a new love interest. But Tucker wasn’t new. She’d had a thing for him for years.

She smacked her forehead. What was she thinking? It wasn’t love. It was lust, pure and simple. She grabbed a pink heart, her favorite flavor.

True Love.

Nope, should be True Lust. And damn, she’d take the lusting, and everything that came—ha-ha—with it, she could get.

A noise came from Tucker’s backyard. “Do not look.”

But of course, she did, then immediately wished she hadn’t. He wore a skimpy black bathing suit, and as she watched, he dove cleanly into his pool. How was she supposed to write with all that exposed flesh holding her gaze hostage?

She wrinkled her nose and admitted one reason she worked out on her balcony was so she could watch him. Tucker swam nearly every morning, no matter the weather.

He swam to the end of the pool closest to her property, lifted himself partway out, slicked his wet hair back, and aimed those gorgeous cat-eyes at her. “Hey Gina. Want to join me for a swim? Water’s warm.”

“Working,” she called back. Her body was suddenly too hot and too restless to sit and stare at her screen.

“Take a break. Unless you’re afraid of me.”

There was that taunting voice she’d known as a child and teen. Standing, she went to the rail. “Maybe you should be the one to be afraid. We’re not doing research until tonight.”

He grinned, and her heart did flip after flip, and she swore, it flopped right out of her mouth and landed in the flowers beneath her. Holding out his arms, he laughed. “Come do your worst.”

Hands on hips, she shook her head. “No sex. A swim.” Though, she didn’t think any amount of water could cool her overheated body.

“Whatever you say, babe.”

Turning her back on his low laughter, she fished through her bowl of candy hearts, found the one she wanted, returned to the rail.

“Catch, Tucker.” She tossed the sweet.

****

Tucker seized the treat before it hit the water. Her years as a pitcher on the girls’ softball team stood her in good stead. He stared at the two words on the purple sweet, and his laughter rolled out.

Girl Power

God, she had that one right. She held the reins in her very capable hands. Where they went from here was in her control. He floated on his back. Last night had been beyond anything he could have hoped for or even dreamed possible. He felt like a kid who’d been given a very long awaited gift.

He was playing with fire, but now that he’d had a taste of sweet, little Gina, a hint of what a relationship with her would be like, he wanted more. Clearly, she’d made her home and life here while he lived hundreds of miles away and had a job awaiting his return. He’d grown used to believing Gina was out of reach, and so far as he knew, nothing had changed. Except the hope swelling in his heart.

A shadow fell over him. He glanced over, saw Gina in a skimpy two-piece bikini, and forgot to breathe, or even how to keep himself afloat. He immediately sank beneath the water.

Surfacing, he let his gaze roam her curves, from her full, creamy breasts to the indent of her waist, the flare of her curvy hips, and the softness of her belly. She sat on the edge, her feet dangling in the water. He swam over and pulled himself part way up, holding onto the lip of the pool.

“You are beautiful.” He found her as attractive clothed, maybe even more so because he knew what lay hidden beneath her skimpy swimsuit.

She wrinkled her nose. “Not very fit for bikinis. Not like when I was younger.” She set her bowl of candy down, and he suddenly recalled how, as a child, she’d leave those silly hearts around where he’d find them. He’d found it both touching and maddening because of their age differences. It hadn’t mattered that she’d had a crush on him or that he’d had one on her. She’d been off limits.

“Oh, I don’t know. I think you fill it out very nicely. Of course, you could take it off if you don’t like it.”

She reached down and splashed him. Grinning, he grabbed her wrist and tugged.

He caught her before her head dunked under the surface and banded his arms around her. Unable to resist, he slanted his mouth across hers and kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and her legs tangled with his. He deliberately kept the kiss light even though he wanted so much more. Her taste, her scent drowned him as thoroughly as if he’d gone underwater and couldn’t find his way to the top.

Ending the kiss, he rested his head against hers. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

“Tucker—”

“No. Don’t say it. I know you’re not ready. We’ll keep to the bargain.”

“But you might want more?” Regina’s heart thumped. How could a person not looking for love or at least a relationship find himself or herself so absolutely ensnared? Maybe because it was Tucker, and some part of her recognized a coming together of two people who’d previously been held apart by age, time, and circumstance.

“If I admit that I might—do—will that scare you away?”

“It’s too fast, and yet, it seems not fast enough. I’ve never forgotten you. You were my first love. What if what I am starting to feel is based on the silly fantasies of a young girl?”

“What if my feelings stem from a boy’s first crush? Maybe it’s worth exploring those feelings of who we were to see if who we are now still feel the same?”

Part of Regina thrilled at his words and wanted nothing more than to get to know the man Tucker had become, yet the thought of opening herself up to a relationship scared her witless. She didn’t want to experience the disappointment, the loss of love and respect and the pain of starting anew if things did not work out. At the same time, she understood that life was about choices and risk. Who better than a writer of romance knew that sometimes a woman just had to trust her heart, and hers wanted whatever she could have with this man.

He watched her quietly, didn’t press or rush her. Or use her body against her. Her respect for him grew, as did her desire. “What if it doesn’t work?”

“Do you really want to deny ourselves this chance to see where it goes? If it goes nowhere, we’ve lost nothing.” He brushed her hair from her face. “I promise not to ask for more than you’re willing to give. No regrets. No matter what. I was prepared to deal with the house and leave, because I can’t change the way I am for you or any woman. I’m a Dom. I need what I need.”

She framed his face in her hands, relying on him to keep her above water. “I don’t want you to change, but I’m not sure what I want. Before yesterday, I thought I knew. Now, I’m confused.” She bit her lower lip and glanced away.

“Talk to me, Gina.” He took them to the shallow end and sat on the steps, pulling her onto his lap. “As a man and a Dom, I need to know what you’re feeling with regards to us or to your fears.”

The water lapped between them, and with her legs straddling his, she felt his erection blooming and wanted nothing more than to rip off her bottoms and lower herself onto his steel shaft.

He smiled slow and seductively, as though he knew her thoughts. “You blush so sweetly. I can’t hide what I feel. Last night was incredible. You were incredible. You gave me a gift beyond anything I could have asked for or even dreamed of receiving. I want you. Now. Tonight. Tomorrow. Probably a month from now and every day to come. That’s how I feel.”

Her heart melted. She’d never believed she’d feel this burst of giddy happiness again. But was it real? What she’d felt, what she’d wanted, was it because she’d been caught up in the research and sexual haze?

“Tucker?”

“Yes?” He tucked the damp strands of her hair behind her ears.

“I didn’t expect to enjoy last night so much.” Enjoy hell. She’d been his, would have done anything he’d asked.

Though Gina looked uncertain, Tucker’s heart thumped like a giddy teenager. “I’m glad you did. Wait until tonight. You’re going to love what I have in store for tonight.” He ran the backs of his fingers along her jaw.

She worried her lower lip. “I really liked it.”

He heard the combination of both worry and confusion in her voice and understood. And understanding what was troubling her, his heart soared with hope, as he’d never before allowed himself. He smiled and framed her face with his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You’re wondering if deep down, you might truly be submissive.”

“Yes. I swore I’d never let another man simply do whatever he wanted and leave me dissatisfied.”

“Were you dissatisfied, Gina?”

“No. You couldn’t have satisfied me more. I was prepared to let you take charge, but I didn’t think I’d like it.”

He tugged her arm down from around him, the one wrapped in silk. “Are you planning to come tonight?” He deliberately allowed honey and molasses to slide into the low timbre of his voice.

She shuddered and her lashes fanned her cheeks. “Yes.”

His smile grew as did the tenderness swelling from his heart all the way to his toes and up into his head. “You, sweetheart, are as natural a sub as I’ve ever had. But that doesn’t make you weak or less in control. In fact, it takes a strong woman to be so in charge of her own sexuality that she can hand it over to another.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so. Shall I prove it to you?”

Her eyes opened, wide and full of need, not just the needs of her body, but of her mind and her emotions. “Yes,” she whispered.

Standing, water sluicing down his body, he pulled her up. Holding her gaze, he removed her top and let it fall to the cement with a wet plop. Her bottoms landed beside the top and then his trunks. “I want you right now, Gina. I can’t wait for tonight. Give me both your hands.”

When she complied, he unwrapped the silk scarf from one wrist then bound both together. “Go to that chaise lounge in the shade and lay on your back.”

Regina’s pulse quickened as she did as he asked. When he used that sexy purr, she was unable to do anything but obey. That worried her as much as it thrilled her. Of course, that glorious cock pulsing with desire spurred her into obedience as well.

He followed, waited until she’s settled, then pulled her arms over her head. “You’ll just have to pretend you’re cuffed to the chair. If you move them—”

“You’ll punish me,” she finished and decided, at some point, she’d definitely disobey. He had a big drawer filled with intriguing sex toys to torment her with.

His slow, intense smile sent need humming from the tip of her head to her curling toes. He bent over her, ran a finger across one tight peak, along the outside swell of her breast, then over to her jutting nipple.

“I didn’t anticipate this, so I have to run inside and grab a condom. Or two. Don’t move.” He whipped around, all lithe grace as he strode away.

“Uh, Tucker?” She waited until her blue-eyed jungle cat stared down at her. “My candy bowl.”

He lifted a brow. “You want candy?”

She laughed softly. “Always, but for now, you might want what’s beneath the candy.”

Tucker padded across the patio, picked up the bowl of pastel hearts, and dug through them. He laughed. There were enough condoms to last a week. Well, maybe a very long night. He returned, bowl of candy and condoms in his hand. “You came prepared.” His hope increased at the thought that she’d wanted more than just a swim.

“I almost didn’t come. It’s crazy.”

He shook his head. “No. It’s right.” He held up a heart.

Game On.

He placed the heart between her lips. “No eating it.”

Plucking another, he read aloud, “Let’s Ride.” He eyed her, and then grinned as he set the candy on her breast, as close to her peaked nipple as he could manage. “Oh, I think so.” He swept a finger in the bowl, reading and shoving aside hearts until he found one he liked. He held up Top Dog.

“Am I Top Dog, Gina?”

She was trying not to laugh at his antics. “You know you are, though occasionally, I may want to have my way with you.”

“Hmm.” Negotiable. He popped a blank heart into his mouth and continued to read the conversational sayings. “Ah, just what I want, and this’ll work as well.” He placed one in the dent in her belly, and the last heart, he buried beneath her feathery mound, seating it on top of her clit.

“Hey, what do those say?” she mumbled around the sweet between her lips.

“You’ll find out.” Tucker set the bowl aside, stood, and tore open the condom. Holding her gaze, he rolled it on slowly, fisting his hand down his shaft, then back up. “Ready to play?”

“Might burst into flames if you don’t stop talking.”

Climbing onto the lounger, he straddled her hips carefully and leaned over until his lips were a breath away. “What are my rules, pet?”

Regina sighed, already tasting him, feeling him, and eagerly awaiting another wild ride. “No coming and no hands.” She wanted to wiggle restlessly but didn’t want to dislodge the sweets dotting her body. But damn, she was eager for him to claim each heart. She had a feeling he’d already claimed the heart pounding inside her.

“Good. Game on.” His lips claimed hers, the tip of his tongue tracing her lips, then playfully snaking out to take the sweet from her. Her giggle turned to a moan when he deepened the gentle, playful kiss into pure passion that left her gasping.

His mouth trailed along her jaw, licking, nipping, and sucking the pulsing point of her throat. The feel of his lips, the suction of his mouth sent tingly heat arrowing into each nipple then deep in her center until she groaned. It wasn’t easy to keep from shifting beneath him, from thrusting her hips upward to feel his cock slide against her.

“I love each and every freckle on your body.” His tongue blazed a trail of heat over the swell of one breast. He studied the candy. “Let’s Ride, pet. See where this takes us.”

Before she could reply, he sucked her hard, drawing her puckered nipple deep into his mouth. His teeth scraped the tender flesh as he pulled away. She grabbed the edge of the lounger with her hands. Each suck, each scrape of teeth sent bolt of electrical charges crashing into her center and into her throbbing clit.

“God, that feels good.” She whimpered. “What if the rides gets too scary?”

He lifted his head, her breast sliding out of his mouth. “We talk. We’ll set boundaries.” He circled her other nipple with his tongue, lapping every inch before plucking the heart off with his lips. He leaned forward, placed the treat in her mouth.

“Top Dog,” he grinned. “I’ll always be willing to listen. I want to pleasure you, Gina, take you on a sexual journey.” He kissed her, then traveled lower, his hands stroking along her sides, along her thighs, then back up to the soft, sensitive flesh.

He picked up the heart with his teeth and held it up for her to read.

U R Hot.

She sucked in a deep breath. Warmth stole through her. With Tucker, she felt hot, desirable, and wanted—sexually and for herself. It thrilled her to know he wanted to see where their attraction and their once upon a time infatuations took them. Could those long ago feelings truly blossom into true love?

Watching that dark head slid lower, feeling his hands on her thighs, creeping up to frame her sex, she let worries of what might be, could be, slide from her mind and gave herself over to his expert ministrations. His tongue swirled around her slit, licking and lapping as though she were a tasty treat.

He kissed her along each side of her labia, and when he reached her clit, he lifted his head, pinched the last candy heart between thumb and forefinger. “You’re Mine. Mine, Gina.” He kissed her almost chastely on her throbbing nub, then slid up her body and eased his cock into her pussy.

“I think you have that wrong, Tucker. You’re mine.” Regina grinned, and knowing what it meant, she lifted her hands, draped them over his head, and wrapped her legs around his waist to hold him deep inside her.

“Dare I hope you are asking to be punished later, my sweet sub?” He withdrew nearly all the way then thrust deep.

Groaning, Regina bucked her hips, amazed at how powerful it felt to be so completely joined with another. “Maybe.”

He chuckled. “No maybes, pet.”

She had a vision of herself cuffed to his bed, restrained to the point of not being able to move and being totally helpless, yet in full power and control as it would be with her more than heartfelt consent. “Do your worst, Sir. Now, what does that last heart say?” God, she’d never be able to eat her favorite candy without remembering this.

Grinning mischievously, he slipped his hands beneath her and flipped them on the chair, nearly tipping them over. She moaned as she seated herself firmly on him, taking him deeper. With her wrists still bound, palms flat on his chest, she lifted a brow when he untied the bow and freed her hands.

Looking at the last heart, he held it up for her to see.

You’re Tops.

Regina laughed. He was letting her top him, take charge, but more, he was telling her that when it came to sex, he saw her as an equal, recognized that, though she enjoyed being submissive, there were times when she might want or need to be in control, and he was good with that. Looked like she had her very own Valentine hero after all, with candy hearts instead of flowers and chocolate.

Tucker placed the candy between his lips. “It’s yours, Gina. Take it, and let’s ride.”