Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights #2)(31)

Jewel let out a long sigh. The restaurant business was the toughest, but it was her dream. She was reluctant to change that now. “I know,” she admitted. “That’s why I need to build a name for myself first. Develop a clientele. Working at the casino will be perfect for that. Especially if I move up the ranks.”

He knew she was talking about what he had mentioned last week. The possibility of her being head chef at the new restaurant. And when he’d said it, he knew that it was a possibility with the new steak house set to open in the summer. Construction was well underway for it, and his sister’s new club.

Joseph got up, and began to clear the table. When Jewel got up to help, he had her stay seated. He filled her wine glass and told her to enjoy being the one waited on for once. She was warmed by his thoughtfulness.

Joseph made quick work of scraping off the plates, and popped everything into the dishwasher while they chatted about his upcoming campaign plans. The special election was just two months away. Jewel loved hearing what ideas he had for the reserve. She knew he would do good things for their community.

When he was finished, he suggested that they go sit outside for a bit. Spring was here, and it was now comfortable enough outside to enjoy the evening air. Jewel readily agreed enjoying their easy banter immensely. She was definitely enjoying seeing this side of this powerful man. He seemed relaxed here. And he was also easy on the eyes.

Joseph took her hand forcing her to abandon her glass of wine and led her out onto his deck that had an amazing view of the river. The full moon beamed down upon the Mystic River making the surface appear like a myriad of diamonds sparkling up at them from the cresting river. Their proximity to the ocean constantly changed the depth of the river making flooding this time of year somewhat problematic. It was high now, but not too high. There had not been that much snow this past winter which helped keep it lower. But she loved the Mystic even though at times it could be fickle. It was one of the things she had really missed while she’d been in Boston.

Joseph took her over to the railing and positioned her in front of him. Opening up his legs, she stepped in between his jean clad legs. Placing her palms on his broad chest, covered in a grey v neck t-shirt, she felt the muscles underneath rippling to her touch. He was so large, so incredibly sexy. She was still having difficulty wondering what he saw in her.

The silence stretched between them, and she leaned deeper into his chest placing her head over his heart and listened to the steady thrumming of its beat. He affectionately stroked her back, and then she felt him tug her braid. She gazed up into his eyes, and saw storm clouds brewing in his copper colored eyes. He was staring down at her in wonderment. “What?” she murmured wondering once again what he saw.

“You, Jewel, are amazingly beautiful.” He spoke the words sincerely.

“I’m nothing special,” she returned off handedly. Her insecurities were creeping to the surface, but the words had slipped out before she could stop them.

Joseph’s hand reached for her chin, and tilting her head up even more, he looked fierce and angry when he spoke next. He looked like a warrior with that expression. “Yes, you are. And you’re mine.” And with that he claimed her lips. But this time he was gentle and took his time. When his tongue licked across the seam of her mouth, she opened up for him and let him explore her recesses.

As Joseph kissed the lovely woman before him, he was in no rush. But he wanted to stake his claim. He dropped his hold on her chin to caress her arms, and then her back. Finally his hands rested on the globes of her ass as he pulled her into him more, pressing the hard ridge of his cock up against her belly. He wanted her to know how she made him feel. How special she was.

He heard her sigh of satisfaction at the feel of him nestled between them. It felt good. Right. He’d never brought a woman here before, always having taken his pleasure at the hotel where it wasn’t as personal. But with her, everything was becoming personal. And when he told her she was his, he meant it.

It shocked him, but he really wanted it to be so. Maybe it was because his brother had found the one, he thought. But he didn’t care. She just felt right. Really right. But he wasn’t going to rush it. With her, he knew he needed to be sure. His past still gave him doubts.

When her hands began to explore him, his kiss turned more demanding, and the little vixen was making all the right sounds and the right moves. His blood rushed through his veins. She was pushing her core against him. She was ready.

He parted from her and probed her eyes. “Are you ready to take this inside?” he asked. The decision would be hers.

At her nod, he tugged her hand and led her back into the house and straight to his bedroom.

He had lit the lamp on the bedside table, and he led her directly to his large king sized bed. Releasing her, he began to get undressed and she followed suit. No words were spoken as they began to shed their clothes. He finished first, pulled back the covers, and made his way to the center of the bed. He watched her as she finished undressing and crawled in beside him. Reaching to caress her face, he kissed her once more until she was breathless, and when her hand began to slide down to his cock he let out a groan of pure pleasure. They were both ready for this. Reaching over her, he grabbed a condom from the side table and handed it to her, letting her help this time. She made quick work of rolling it down onto him. Instead of rolling on top of her, he pulled her on top of him. Her eyes went wide.