Joe noticed the pain in Vicki’s eyes from Jessica Neimier’s words, and he silently cursed the woman. One after-work drink with Jessica and she'd built up a lie to taunt others with. “Vicki,” he started.
She shook her head and marched out of her office, stopping to talk with her secretary before leaving, not even looking back to see if he were following.
Damn it! He was making progress with Vicki, and Neimier had to mess it up. He shook his head in disbelief as he quickened his pace to catch Vicki, barely making it to the elevator before the doors closed.
“You don’t understand, do you?” There was pain and exasperation in her voice.
“I guess I don’t.” The elevator ground to a halt and the doors opened. He cupped her elbow in his palm and escorted her through the lobby, out the double glass doors and to the waiting taxi he’d called the second she’d left his office.
“Joe, you can let go of me.”
“And let you run?” He’d seen the fight-or-flight response in her gaze.
“I won't. Please let me go.” Her voice was soft.
He stared down into her green eyes. They were clouded with unhappiness, and he needed to back off once again, or he was going to lose her. “Okay.” Joe released her arm, and she slid into the waiting cab. He didn’t know what the hell was going on; he only knew some man had hurt her, and it had been someone she worked with. He hated being at a loss about how to fix things.
He needed to watch his step, especially if he didn’t want her bolting on him. Take it slow. Take only what she’s willing to give, and don’t push. But it wasn’t easy for him to take it slow. He wanted her like he wanted no other woman, and the taste of her filled every one of his senses. She was a challenge, one he relished.
Joe handed his duffle bag to the cabbie, and then climbed into the cab after her. As soon as the driver got behind the wheel, he told him Vicki’s address. The second he shut the door, the cab shot forward. Vicki was thrown sideways toward the door. Joe reached out to help her, but she stiffened at his touch. Back to square one. “Talk about it,” he said. Better to get things out in the open.
“About what?” She threw her hands in the air, just missing hitting him on the nose. “About the fact my reputation in the office is shot to hell because everyone thinks I’m another one of your playmates?” Her voice was low and tight.
His brain picked out one word. “Playmates? What the hell are you talking about?”
“Figures. Men are always so damn clueless.” She turned her face away, staring out the window.
“Yes, we are.” And he was clueless. He didn’t have any idea of what she was talking about. “What’s going on inside that amazing head of yours?”
She whipped around and pinned him to the seat with her gaze. “Do you really expect me to believe you and Jessica aren’t lovers?”
“Yes.” He forced himself to keep his arms at his sides instead of taking Vicki by the shoulders and shaking some sense into her. She was the only woman in his life, and had been since he walked into TechTronics. Why was she so distrustful of him? “There is nothing between me and Neimier. The woman’s a barracuda, and I’ve avoided her as much as possible. I like determined women, but not aggressive women like her.” He lowered his voice and leaned toward her. “More like the woman you were in the elevator that Friday night.”
Her lashes swept down, but not before he observed regret filling her eyes.
“Vicki.” He couldn’t bear not touching her, so took her hands and waited until her gaze met his. “I didn't lie to you when I said I wasn’t involved with anyone, and I’m not going to begin lying now. There is nothing between Ms. Neimier and me. You’ve got to trust me on this. And trust me, what we have is special, not something to feel guilty about.”
Her lower lip quivered. “I want to, Joe, but … ”
A fist closed around his heart at the ‘but’. He couldn’t, wouldn't, let her go, not until he was able to free her from the ghostly ex's hold. “Will you answer one question for me?”
Her gaze turned wary even as she answered him. “Of course. I haven’t lied to you, either.”
“Do you want me?” He thought she craved his touch, but he had to know for certain. Even with her telling him earlier she was willing to have a relationship with him, he needed it confirmed with recent events.
Her gaze lowered once again, concealing her expression from him, and for a moment he had doubts. She took a deep breath, and her breasts swelled, her nipples pebbling against the thin fabric of her blouse. She shifted slightly against the vinyl seat. Hope flared as he waited. He wanted the answer from her lips. “Yes,” she whispered.
“Yes, what?” he pressed, even though he had promised himself he wouldn’t. He needed to hear her say the words. Her lashes rose, and passion, lust, and still a bit of apprehension filled her gaze. Her hesitation punched him in the gut. He had a lot of work to do.
“Yes, I want you.” While her voice was low, the words were clear. "I want to have a relationship."
Joe let out a breath he didn’t even realize he’d been holding. “I want you, too. Day and night.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Why not?” He lifted her right hand and kissed the center of her palm, feeling the slight shiver his kiss produced.
“Because I’m not like other women.”
“Damn straight.” Her eyes widened. “You’re more, and I can’t wait until we’re alone after business hours. Then I can show you how much I want you and revel in the fact you aren’t like other women. Don't let another man's opinion of you ruin mine.”
Another shiver shook her slender body just as the cab pulled to a stop. Joe glanced up. They were outside her apartment building. “I hate to cut this short, but we’d better get you packed so we can make our flight.”
“You want to help me pack?” Her voice was breathless yet yearning.
“Yep.” He opened the door, climbed out, and offered his hand. For once, she didn’t even hesitate and placed her palm in his, allowing him to help her from the taxi. Joe moved his lips next to her ear. “I want to make sure you pack the black teddy.” He turned and paid the driver, then asked him to wait to take them to the airport. Once the driver agreed, he slipped an arm around Vicki’s shoulders and started walking.
“Are you always this physical?” she asked.
“Only with you.” He found it was true. He wanted, no, needed physical contact with her at all times. It would make keeping their relationship impersonal during business hours difficult, but he’d do it. Once they were off the clock, he wasn’t going to hold back. “Does it bother you?”
“Sometimes,” she said as they made their way up the steps. As he reached for the door, she said, “I need to get my card key out.” She opened her purse and extracted what looked like a credit card, then slipped it into the small slot on the wall.
When he’d arrived on Saturday, someone had been leaving the building, so he hadn’t noticed it. After a faint hum, then a click, the green light flashed. He pushed open the door. “Nice security feature.”
“It was one of the reasons I moved here.” She waved at the security guard behind the desk, a different one than from the weekend. Vicki stopped and talked to the guard about feeding her cat, another nice service of renting in the building, before they went to her apartment.
Once there he was surprised again. She had to unlock two deadbolts along with the heavy door lock. After they entered her apartment, Joe shut the door and stared at it. In addition to the two deadbolts, she had three chains. He hadn't noticed on Saturday. Why so much hardware?
“Break-in?” he asked.
“No.” She gestured him forward. “I just like to be safe.”
From what? Who the hell had scared her so much she had to lock herself away in her own apartment? The ex, more than likely. He needed to know the whole story, because if this man was still a threat to her, he'd make sure she was safe. Forcing back the urge to question her about it, he sauntered into her living room. On Saturday he’d been too busy concentrating on Vicki to notice much of anything else. He blinked several times, staring. Everything was beige. The carpet, the walls, the sofa, even the bookcase had been stained to match. Was she that much of a perfectionist?
“I’ll go pack—alone,” she said, leaving the room.
He paced around the compact living space. There were no family photographs. He knew her parents were still around, so why no pictures? Stopping at the bookcase, he ran his fingers over the spines. Shakespeare, Plato, War and Peace. Sexy and intellectual.
He moved to the next shelf. Ah, these were more like it. Erotic romance books by different authors and publishers. Picking one at random, he opened it and began reading. Holy shit! He slammed the book shut and put it back. The passage he'd read had the hero spanking the heroine, and while it gave him ideas, this wasn’t what he needed right now. He was hard enough as it was; reading one of those books was better than watching soft porn. If his Vicki liked reading them, they could have some fun.
Feeling something soft twirl around his ankles, he glanced down and saw her gray cat, entwined around his feet. “Hello, Sly.” He reached down and stroked the feline’s sleek coat. Before he realized what he was doing, he lifted the feline into his arms and began scratching him behind the ears. The cat gave a soft purr. He could swear Sly was giving him permission to pursue Vicki. Needing to be with her, he strode into her bedroom.
Damn, this woman was a study in opposites. While her living room looked bland and monotonous, her bedroom was a different matter. The walls were painted white, and she’d hung several landscape paintings to brighten up the room. A black suitcase sat open on her bed, and beneath it lay a patchwork quilt. For a moment he wondered if her sheets were the plain cotton type or something sexier. Sexy, he decided, and promised himself he’d find out.
His gaze found her by the walk-in closet, her hand hovering over what looked like a sexy black dress. “Perfect.”
Vicki swung around, her hand covering her heart. “You scared me. And I thought I told you to wait in the living room.”
“You did.” He grinned as he crossed the room to see what she’d already packed. Setting the cat down, he picked up the item lying on top. “Very nice,” he murmured, holding the lacy red teddy by the straps.
“I’m glad you approve.” She marched over to him, snatched the garment from his fingers, and put it back in the suitcase. The dress followed.
“What else do you have in there?”
“Joe!” She grabbed his hand before he could investigate.
He glanced up at her, noting her flushed cheeks. “When was the last time you had a man in your bedroom?”
“Saturday.”
He frowned, and she laughed. “Remember, you followed me in here then as well.”
“True. Before then?” Why was he prying? She had mentioned it had been a while since the ex.
She shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. “To set your mind at ease, Mr. Nosy, I’ve never had a man in this bedroom except you.”
“Hmm. Maybe we should christen the place.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips, allowing his breath to caress her knuckles.
“What time does our plane leave?” she asked, her voice breathless.
“One.”
Her eyes widened. “It’s eleven. We’ve got just enough time for me to finish packing, get to the airport, check in, and clear security.”
“So we miss it. We can take the next one.” He drew her into his arms with a soft touch, his lips finding her earlobe and nipping at it. “Think about it, Vicki—us together in your bed, naked. My cock pumping into your wet pussy, my lips on your breasts as I bring you closer to your climax. But at the last minute, I stop moving. Then I flip you onto your stomach and take you doggy style, hard and fast until you’re screaming.” Oh, hell, he was arousing himself with his words.
Her hips pressed against his, and she let out a tiny moan.
“Just say the word, my beautiful Vicki.” He cradled her closer. For a moment he figured she was going to give into him, then she leaned back, and he gazed into her eyes. Regret filled them.
“Joe … ”
“No, precious.” He placed his finger against her lips. “You’re right, now is not the time. I want you to trust me. The next move is yours.” With those words, he released her and strode out of the room so he wouldn't give into temptation.
Ten minutes later he yelled, “We’ve got to go.”
“I’m coming,” she called back.
Her words slammed into his libido and he smiled. Oh yes, he’d have her coming, all right. All night long.
“Want to join the mile-high club?” Joe asked, after the pilot announced their cruising altitude and turned off the seat belt sign.
“Joe!” She glanced around. It didn’t seem as if anyone was paying attention to them, not that it mattered all that much; outside of the flight attendant and pilots, they were the only people on the charter plane. She hadn't been able to believe it when she and Joe were escorted out onto the tarmac. She'd stared at him as they boarded the small plane, but he'd grinned and said, "Perks."
He'd guided her past the single seat to a pair of double ones. Now she knew why. The man was outrageous, and she didn’t have much resistance where he was concerned. Excitement surged through her veins, because with Joe she was able to be herself. She’d almost given in to him at her apartment. She couldn’t get the images of them on her red satin sheets, fucking, out of her mind. But they had a plane to catch--of course, at the time, she didn't know it was a private plane.
“What?” A devilish grin curved his lips. “No one will notice.” His palm rested against her thigh.
Heat penetrated through the skirt with a direct effect on her pussy. If she hadn’t been so aroused already this would have gotten her there, and fast. She shifted in the leather seat. She’d never flown in such luxury before, and while she liked the extra room, they couldn’t … “You can’t be serious?”
“No?” He raised an eyebrow as his fingers inched up her hem. “With your skirt covering us when you straddle me, who would know?”
“Everyone.” With a gentle grip, she removed his questing fingers and put them on his armrest before she turned from his blatant sexual gaze and stared out the window. God, it was hard not to give into the excitement running through her body, but they were in a public place. But I had sex in an elevator with him. That was different. Only the two of them knew about it. Warm skin against her jaw brought her out of her thoughts. He applied soft pressure until her gaze met his. She was becoming addicted to his skin against hers.
Joe leaned down and brushed a light kiss against her lips, then raised his head. “You’re so easy to tease. I said the next move was yours, and I meant it.”
When the words penetrated, she almost smiled. Yes, the next action was hers. Slipping her hand behind his neck, she lowered her lips to his. First she gave him a teasing kiss, but then each kiss became, little by little, longer and deeper. She enjoyed the way their tongues tangled together, dueling with each other. She whimpered when he pulled back and knew she was a goner the second she viewed the fire in his eyes. Satisfaction filled her. He wasn't as unaffected as he appeared.
“Let’s go to the bathroom,” he said, undoing his seat belt and reaching for hers.
Grasping his fingers, she lifted them from the metal buckle to her cheek. “No, Joe.”
He gazed at her, his blue eyes blazing with passion. She’d take care of his passion, but she wasn’t going to have sex in an airplane lavatory—or at least, not today.
The flight attendant stopped next to his seat. “Excuse me, can I get you anything right now?”
“Yes.” Victoria smiled at the woman, a wicked idea already forming in her mind. “We need a couple of blankets, please.”
“Of course.” Within minutes the flight attendant handed her two good-sized blankets wrapped in plastic.
“Thank you.” Victoria took them and gave them to Joe. The attendant continued, "I'll be dimming the cabin lights in a few minutes so you can rest. I'll have your meal ready in two hours."
"Thank you," Victoria said with a smile.
“What are you up to?” he asked after the flight attendant walked away.
With a grin, she undid her seat belt, kissed his cheek, and stood. “I’ll be right back.” She slid by him and down the aisle.
Inside the luxurious lavatory, she stared at herself in the mirror. Who was this woman? Her cheeks glowed with excitement, her eyes danced with mischief, and her body tingled with sexual need. Never had a man made her crave his caresses, his kisses, or his cock the way Joe did. It frightened her, but at the same time desire flowed through her. Her cheeks flushed, and she knew it was from arousal rather than embarrassment.
“What do you want?” Joe. A simple answer. She wanted him. But was she ready to take the risk on a relationship? She took a deep breath, because there was always going to be a risk to her heart no matter what.
The answer came back in an instant. Yes! Time to start living again. She’d never had this sexual connection with Derek, and they’d been engaged. Heck, sex with Derek hadn’t gotten beyond the kindling stage, but with Joe it was a raging forest fire that continued to build. She needed to see where this relationship could go, to grasp the need with both hands and see where it led her. It was time to allow Vicki out and let her have control. A little laugh escaped her lips. She wasn't schizophrenic. She was very aware she kept a part of herself under tight control. The wild kinky side. While a part of her still worried she could be risking her job, she also trusted Joe when he said that wasn’t an issue.
True, she didn’t work for him, and she didn’t report to him for anything. They were peers, not one a subordinate to the other. Plus, after watching him for the last six months, she’d never noticed him make a pass at anyone regardless of the rumors circulating about him. He'd been telling the truth about Jessica Neimier. Her heart lightened.
Time for her to take control. Joe had been calling the shots since their encounter in the elevator. Now, as he’d said, it was her turn. Power filled her veins.
Being cocooned in their seats gave her some measure of safety and was a lot less obvious than the two of them walking into one of the bathrooms together. There wouldn’t be much room in the seats. All the more fun. She'd never thought about having her movements restricted in some way before. Oh, she'd read about it, but now she was excited thinking how those limitations would heighten their pleasure.
She took a deep breath, lifted her skirt and slid her panties off. Today she was wearing thigh-high stockings without a garter belt to make her feel beautiful and sexy. She folded her underwear into a small bundle and concealed it in her hand. Forcing air into her lungs, she opened the door and walked back to her seat, heart pounding.
Joe gave her an inquiring look when she returned. She just smiled, feeling wicked, scooted by him and tucked her underwear into her purse. Before she sat down she spread the blanket on the seat, then as she sat down, she lifted the back of her skirt. She'd rather get the blanket wet than her clothing. Goose bumps danced along her skin when her bare butt connected with the cool soft fabric. “Vicki?”
“Yes.” She lowered the shade on the window as the cabin lights dimmed and they heard the announcement of the start of the in-flight movie. Good, at least the cabin would be semi-dark. She took the other blanket from his lap, arranged it over herself, covering from just below her breasts almost to her knees.
“What are you up to?” His voice dropped to a husky, sexy tone, sending shivers of awareness through her bloodstream; his eyes were blazing.
“Me?” She worked her skirt up beneath the blanket and tucked the fabric into the waistband--this way, there was nothing in his way.
“Yes, you.” Joe stared at her with amusement.
Without answering, she grasped his left hand and brought it under the blanket. He inhaled deeply when she parted her legs, allowing his fingers to rest on her naked pussy.
“Fuck,” he whispered before glancing around. She bit back a giggle. They were alone.
“I’m making the first move, Joe. Now it’s your turn.”
Reaching up, he flipped off the small light, making their area darker. Then he pressed a button and the armrest between them slid down between the seats. “Lean back,” he ordered. While he hadn't planned on this, her bold move made his blood boil. The nice thing about a charter flight was privacy. Vicki pushed the button, and her seat not only slid back, it reclined, raising her legs and opening her up to him.
His gaze clashed with hers and he withdrew his hand from beneath the blanket, twisting in his seat, his right hand diving beneath the blanket. This time there was no hesitation. His fingers parted her pussy lips and he thrust one digit deep into her welcoming depths.
He stifled her moan of pleasure with a hard, deep kiss, his tongue acting out what he planned to do with his fingers. Never breaking the kiss, he stroked her with one finger, then two, then three, caressing her harder and faster as her body became more aroused.
She was so wet. He would never get enough of her. When she opened her legs wider, allowing him greater penetration, he knew this woman was the right one for him—bold and adventurous. She was giving him the gift of her trust, and he wouldn’t abuse it. Her body began to tremble, and she tightened around his fingers. Yes, she was getting close.
He thrust into her harder and quicker, his thumb on her clit. Her moans were suppressed by his kisses as they grew more and more demanding. She met him kiss for kiss. Her hips arched up. She was about to climax. He thrust his fingers deep into her, and he flicked his thumb over her clit as she exploded around him, her cry of release smothered by his mouth.
He let her orgasm subside before removing all but one finger. With a gentle caress, he started all over again. He wanted her to get her pleasure and then some; she was trusting him and he was going to make sure she enjoyed herself.
She tore her lips from his, drawing in big gasps of breath. “Joe?” Her eyes were clouded with passion, but there was also a question in them.
“You’re so moist, so hot.” He whispered in her ear as his lips caressed the lobe, and he was glad she’d left her hair up. His tongue laved the delicate shell as he continued to tease her. Her breathing increased when he slipped a second finger into her wetness. “Tight, warm, and welcoming, just like I remembered.” He kissed her neck before moving back to her ear and nipping the lobe. “Do you know how hard it was for me on Saturday to play the gentleman and not try to seduce you into bed?”
“It wouldn’t have taken much.”
Joe groaned. She was finally opening up to him. Pleasure shot through his veins. “Now she tells me,” he whispered, and she let out a little laugh. “Feel my fingers, sweetheart, knowing I’d rather be thrusting my cock into you hard and fast.” He moved them in short bursts as his thumb played with her clit.
“Oh, God, Joe.” Her words were breathless as she arched her pelvis toward his thrusting fingers. Her climax was building.
“Again, baby. Come for me. Let me feel your pleasure, knowing later tonight we’ll be together in a big bed, naked and fucking.” Her sex tightened around his fingers as if it was trying to pull them in. “That’s it,” he crooned, as she pressed down hard against his hand. “Tonight I’m going to pleasure you so much, you’ll scream. We’ll come together so many times. I’ll use my mouth, my fingers, and my cock all over your body.”
He captured her lips just as her second climax ripped through her. He stilled his fingers, but his thumb kept moving over her clit as wave after wave roared through her body. Her hips bucked against his hand. He let her do what she wanted. This was all for her.
When he released her mouth, her head fell limp against the seat, her breathing harsh. He contemplated dropping to his knees in the small space and sucking her to another wild climax, but decided that particular pleasure could wait until tonight. More than ever he wanted to hear her scream out her orgasm.
With care, he pulled his fingers from her sex then brought them to his lips, tasting her precious nectar. He watched her for several minutes before asking, “Okay?”
Her expression was pretended dread. “I don’t think I can breathe.”
He chuckled.
“Wicked man, making me come a second time.” Her lashes rose, revealing green eyes alight with passion and satisfaction. Gone was the prim and proper Victoria and in her place sat wild, wanton Vicki. He grinned; he had finally gotten her to release her wild side.
Wetness seeped from between her thighs. She glanced over at Joe. His cock strained against the fabric of his pants. Her teeth tugged at her lower lip. She wanted him to feel pleasure too. She pressed the button, and the seat moved upright. She straightened the front of her skirt until it covered her once again. Then she took the blanket from her lap and folded it, acting as if nothing had happened. Turning toward Joe, she placed the blanket over his legs and slipped her left hand beneath. Her palm caressed his fabric-covered hardness.
“Vicki.” His voice was gruff as he curled his fingers around her wrist.
“Your turn,” she whispered, prying away his fingers. “My experience with you in the elevator showed me just how virile you are.” She adjusted the blanket covering his lap, making sure it covered his groin and his legs cradled most of the fabric. “I would suggest you keep your legs together so we don’t lose the blanket.” His climax wouldn’t be as easy to contain as hers.
Joe sucked in a deep breath when she undid the snap and lowered the zipper on his slacks, freeing his cock. Oh, Lord, his right hand gripped the armrest like a lifeline as her fingers caressed his dick.
“Naughty man,” she whispered, her breath brushing his cheek. “Leaving home without briefs. I never took you as a man who would go commando in public.”
“I like the freedom.” He struggled to get the words out.
“So do I.”
Her words only increased his hardness. As her fingers curved around his cock, he could barely control himself from thrusting into her palm. “Vicki.” He said her name with a groan as she gave him a long stroke. Never had a woman’s hands felt so good. His adventurous, spirited Vicki.
“Yes, Joe.” Her breath skimmed his ear. “I’m going to jack you off, here and now.”
Did he want to stop her? Hell, no. This was Vicki, the sexually explosive woman he craved. “Condom,” he whispered; thank goodness the flight attendant was in the galley at the front of plane and they were in the back.
“What?” Her eyes were blazing with desire and lust.
“There’s a condom in my pocket. Take it out and put it on, so I won’t spread my come all over this damn plane.” While the blanket would take the brunt of his desire, he'd rather not worry about too much of a mess.
A grin teased her lips as she found the small packet. She opened it and placed the condom over the tip of his cock, holding it in place.
“What have you done?” he asked when her warm fingers encircled his dick, skin to skin.
“Don’t worry.” She shifted herself in her seat, sliding even closer to him. “I’m holding the end of the condom over the tip. You’ll come into it. I need to feel you and only you, not some damn rubber.”
“God, baby.” He arched his hips as she teased him with her gentle touch, moving up and down his cock. Once in a while she'd caress the head with the pad of her thumb, careful not to snag the condom, her breathing rapid against his face.
She never increased her pace, but it didn’t matter. He was ready to explode anyway. She began squeezing right below the head of his cock. Shit! Joe clamped his lips together to stop himself from shouting out. The tingles began at the base of his spine, and his balls tightened.
His body stiffened, and he grasped the back of her head, bringing her mouth to his as he erupted. Vicki kept stroking him as he emptied himself into the latex. He sagged back against the seat, eyes closed.
She kissed his cheek. “Ah, Joe. What do we do about the condom?”
Forcing his eyes open, he slipped a hand beneath the blanket. He slid his fingers past the head of his dick to grasp the condom between thumb and forefinger. “I’ve got it.” His cock jumped as she brushed her fingers over the head and she removed her hand. Carefully, he slipped the condom off. “Tuck me back into my pants and zip me up,” he whispered. This was pure torture, he decided seconds later as her touch shot straight through him. By the time she had him neatly back into his pants and zipped, he was hard again. “Open the airsickness bag.” She did as he asked. He took it from her and deposited the condom in it, then stood. “I’ll be right back.” Joe made his way to the lavatory. Once inside, he disposed of the condom, then undid his pants and let them drop. He threw back his head, breathing through his nose. His body still hummed with need as he fisted his dick. After several minutes of self-pleasure, he cleaned up and made his way back to her.
Vicki’s seat was in a reclined position once again and her eyes were closed. The blankets were folded at her feet. Joe noticed a new air sickness bag sitting on his seat. He lifted it before resuming his place. There was something in it. Opening the bag, he peeked in.
He let out a groan and turned his head to see her watching him, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Just something for you to think about,” she whispered, before closing her eyes once again.
Joe bit back a growl of frustration. This woman was going to be the death of him, but he didn’t care. Folding the paper bag and its contents with consideration, he slipped it into his carry-on.
His dick had grown hard once again, but what could he expect when she’d just let him know she was still naked beneath her skirt? The little tease had given him her panties.
Victoria smiled as she walked off the plane in New Orleans, sans panties. She didn't know how she’d had the nerve not only to climax on their flight from his fingers, but also for her to do the same to him. Something inside her had taken over. Vicki.
She sounded schizophrenic, but she wasn’t. She knew damn well she’d been suppressing her sexual side for years. All it took was Joe to make her free. A weight had been lifted from her.
Of course, a year of celibacy hadn’t been a good idea, either. If they hadn’t been trapped in the elevator she might have been able to suppress Vicki for a lot longer, but no more. Vicki didn’t like being prim and proper. And if she was honest with herself, she didn't either.
Her fingers curled around the handles of the plastic bag she was holding. Joe had run into one of the gift shops, bought something, and returned. He made her promise not to peak. She watched as Joe retrieved their luggage, and she enjoyed the way his muscles played beneath his shirt. She’d like it even more tonight, when her fingers caressed those same muscles as he fucked her. She shivered in delight.
The second they stepped outside the airport, hot sticky air found its way beneath her clothing, causing instant moisture to cling to her body. She glanced around for the taxi stand. Her heart stopped as she spotted a familiar figure a short distance away. Derek? It couldn't be.
Blinking, her vision cleared, and the man wasn't there. Shaking her head, she banished all thoughts of him. Obviously she was still reacting to the email from this morning. Derek couldn't be in New Orleans. It was impossible. He couldn't know where she was.
She turned back to Joe, who had his hand raised, beckoning to a limousine as it pulled to the curb. A uniformed driver climbed out. “Mr. Bradshaw, Ms. Collins, welcome to New Orleans. I’ll take care of the luggage. Please be seated inside, out of this heat.”
Vicki glanced over at Joe, who was grinning at her. He took the plastic bag from her, opened the door and leaned inside. His eyes twinkled with mischief when he straightened.
“Lift your skirt and sit with your bare ass on the seat,” he whispered as she started to climb in.
Her heart sped up, and she couldn’t resist glancing at him over her shoulder. But Joe had moved, blocking anyone’s view of her. Stepping into the limo, she saw a small towel placed on the leather seat she lifted her skirt and sank down onto the soft fabric. Her pussy gushed at what Joe might be planning.
“I thought this might be better than a sizzling, oppressive cab ride to the hotel,” Joe said, sliding in next to her, his thigh against hers.
“It was very thoughtful of you,” she said, before turning to gaze out the window. But she didn't see anything, her thoughts filled with Joe.
“You’ll find I’m very thoughtful.” He leaned forward and raised the privacy panel between them and the driver.
Vicki swallowed. Her heart stopped. What was he planning now? “What are you up to, Joe?”
“Oh, I’m up all right.”
She couldn’t help herself. She giggled at his words and glanced at his crotch. As the car began moving, Joe opened the minibar, pulled out a glass of ice, and set it on the floor.
“Lift your skirt to your waist and open those gorgeous legs for me. I want to have some fun with my pussy.”
“Your pussy?” She exposed herself to his gaze. Oh, Lord, she was so wet she was dripping onto the seat. Wickedness flowed through her.
“Yes, mine.” Joe slid to his knees, pushing her thighs apart with his body. He pulled her ass to the edge of the seat, keeping the towel under her. “Hook your legs over my shoulders.”
“Joe,” she started to protest, not sure if she was ready for this step.
“Do it,” he ordered, and Vicki found herself obeying him. Okay, maybe she was ready. His dominant, stern voice turned her on.
Tingles of excitement ran straight to her pussy. Ice clinked in the glass, and then Joe’s fingers were at her entrance. “Oh, dear God,” she moaned, arching as he placed his tongue into her hot core. He had an ice cube in his mouth, creating a delicious mixture of coolness with her heat. The ice mixed with her body heat and melting water slid down her folds as Joe licked her, slowly, tortuously. After one cube melted, ice jangled as he fished around the glass for another piece.
Oh, shit. She was already on edge. Pleasure swept up her spine, making her shiver. She didn’t know how long she could take this. So good, yet so wicked. As scandalous as they were on the plane? They were alone then; the flight attendant was in the front of the plane and they'd been in the back. Here, they were in the back of a limo being driven to their hotel, and Lord only knew what the driver was thinking. Even with the security partition up he could guess at what they were doing. All rational thought fled as Joe inserted an ice cube into her pussy and began sucking. Unable to help herself, Vicki pushed herself into his mouth. Her belly tightened and her orgasm was seconds away. The tinkling of ice reached her ears. This time he placed it on her clit.
Vicki bit her lip to prevent herself from screaming as she climaxed, and climaxed hard. She thrashed against the seat, her legs tightening around Joe as he continued to suck her and play with her clit.
She collapsed against the seat, exhausted, and Joe raised his head, grinning at her. He licked her juices from his lips. “Didn’t I say I was thoughtful? I figured you might need cooling off.” He lowered her legs from his shoulders.
“I think you’re the one who needs cooling off.” She sat up and cupped his hard cock through his pants.
“Later.” Leaning over, he captured her lips with his. Seconds later, the car stopped. “We’re here,” Joe said. “Lift your ass up.”
After she obeyed, Joe slid her skirt down and pulled the towel from underneath her. He folded the fabric and put it back into the plastic bag. He adjusted his cock and returned to his seat. When they emerged from the limo, Vicki wasn’t sure if the driver was smiling because it was his job to do so or because he knew what they’d been doing. And did she care? A thrill of naughtiness swept through her veins.
She forced herself not to squirm at her nakedness beneath her skirt. This was becoming a habit, running around without her panties. A sexy habit. She fought back a giggle at her silly thoughts.
A bellman jogged up to them, took their luggage, and led them into the hotel. People were milling all over the elegant lobby area. Joe took her hand and guided her to the registration desk. Within ten minutes, not only were they on their way up to the hotel room, but they were also checked into the conference. Vicki scanned the list of activities as they walked down the hall.
Joe opened the door with a flourish, and she sauntered inside to a large sitting area with a sofa and chair. Giving the place a quick glance, she observed two doors. Behind her, Joe was talking with the bellman as she walked over to the window and looked out. The Big Easy. She could see the French Quarter from their room, and it was just coming to life as the sun faded. Her heart hurt for the Crescent City.
A hurricane had devastated the area several years ago, but it was recovering, albeit slowly. The city was fighting back and would be better than ever. If there was one thing she’d learned over the years, people were resilient. Like she was after her grandmother had died.
She turned from the view. Joe stood by one of the doors. Tiptoeing over, she peeked inside the room.
An extra large king-size bed dominated the space, and their luggage was placed on the rack at the end of the bed. Without saying a word, she checked out the second room. This one was smaller and held a more modest queen-size bed. While she knew they were going to be sleeping together, at least the suite gave the pretense they were in separate beds.
Was she jumping the gun in thinking that using the second room was not in the plan? She shook her head. Joe had whispered such delicious naughty things to her, and she no longer possessed the will to resist him. A fling, a fantasy come to life, that’s all she needed to remember. Within days it would be over and they'd return to reality. Or would they? Before she could dwell on the question, Joe pulled her into his arms.
“You’re wearing too many clothes.” His breath brushed her ear.
“I believe we have a reception to attend.” She extricated herself from his embrace before she could give in to the temptation to sink into him. They were here on business, and she needed to remember that.
“Victoria is back.” The regret in his voice came through loud and clear.
“Don’t say that.” She whirled around, hands on hips. She hated it when he commented on her proper side. She was one person and one of them had to be sensible.
“It’s true.” He folded his arms over his chest as he watched her.
“I am Victoria.” She gritted her teeth after she said the words.
Joe shook his head, his eyes alight with impishness. “Victoria is the prim, proper persona you put on. Vicki is the real you. When you choose to let her out, that is.”
She wanted to argue with him, but knew she couldn’t. He was right, damn it. “I’m both Victoria and Vicki—she’s the same person. So quit thinking I’m two people.”
“Ah, but you are.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “You have a public side and a private side. Victoria is the public side, whereas Vicki is the private side. Every once in a while, the private side slips out.”
“At inappropriate moments.”
Joe frowned. “Is what we did on the plane bothering you? What I did in the car?”
She shook her head. She wasn’t bothered by what happened, but … “I’m just having a hard time believing I was so uninhibited.” Even though she had enjoyed every second of it, her mind was still playing catch-up. Yes, she wanted Joe. But a part of her psyche kept warning her this might be a disaster.
“What?” He cupped her chin in his palm. “You’re so beautiful when you come. Whether it’s from my fingers, my mouth, or my cock. You make me wild.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. His words were explicit. Would she ever get used to it? Probably not, but it still excited her. “But making you … ” Her words trailed off.
“Come.” He rested his forehead against hers. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with anything we’ve done together. We’re consenting adults. Trust me, if I’d have thought for one second we’d have been caught, I wouldn’t have allowed it to happen.”
His words rang true in her heart. “I believe you, but … ”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I love the way you come apart from my touch. And your touch does the same thing to me. I've never had it happen to me before.” His voice was husky.
“Really?” A tingle of empowerment filled her body.
“Really.” He gazed down at her. “I’ve never let a woman touch me in public, nor taken her in public as I have with you. I have no control where you’re concerned.”
His words thrilled her, because she had so little control around him as well. “Thank you.” Maybe they weren't so different after all. She captured the thought and pulled it around her like a blanket.
“You’re welcome. Let's check out the bed.” He tightened his grip on her.
She laughed as she spun out of his arms. “Not yet, Mr. Bradshaw. We’ve got a reception to attend, then we’ll test the mattress.” She sashayed into the main bedroom, picked up her bag, then walked out. She gave him a shy glance over her shoulder while she made her way to the smaller bedroom. “And maybe test a few other things in this suite.” She disappeared, and a click sounded as the bathroom door closed.
Joe laughed before going into the main bedroom. The little witch was teasing him again, but then he could tease her all night long while they were at the reception. Oh, he’d be careful he didn’t cross the line in public, but he knew they’d be dancing, and he could tease the hell out of her as they moved together. By the time they got back to their room, she’d be so hot and ready. And he’d take her in more ways than one tonight. He still had a few surprises in store.