Once Upon a Dare (Risky Business)(5)
“I don’t,” he growled. His gaze rolled over Olivia, lingering on her mouth. There was no doubt about his meaning, or the tension simmering between them. She fought the urge to lick her lips, wondering if he tasted as sinfully good as he looked. “When I see something I want, I find a way to make it mine. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to share.”
His expression was hunger in its purest and basest form. She swallowed, not trusting her voice. Desire surged from between her legs. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had made her feel so sexy.
Forget the dare. She was riding a wave of pure, animalistic need that demanded to be unleashed. It didn’t make any sense. She was as straitlaced as they came, and Cole was a virtual stranger, but Olivia wanted him more than she’d wanted any man in a very long time. It didn’t matter that she didn’t know what he did or where he lived. It only mattered that she know what he felt like inside her.
She took a final sip from her martini glass, solidifying her resolve. Her heart hammered so hard in her chest she was sure he would know she was a fraud. She was probably the only twenty-eight-year-old in the city who couldn’t check the “one-night stand” box on her resume.
That was about to change.
“Your place or mine?”
Surprise flickered across his face, but was quickly replaced by a grin. Her heart fluttered and she was grateful for the support of the stool. Without it she would’ve surely melted into a helpless puddle on the floor of the bar. Cole Bennett had a killer smile.
“I’ve got a room at the hotel across the street.”
“Perfect,” she replied, slipping off the stool and planting her feet firmly on the hardwood floor.
He pulled out his wallet and threw a hundred dollar bill on the bar. In one swift motion, he placed his hand on the small of her back and turned her toward the door. Before she could think too much about what she was doing, he was gently guiding her through the bar and out onto the busy sidewalk of Manhattan with a gesture that spoke of possession.
They didn’t talk much as they made their way across the street and through the hotel lobby. It was a comfortable silence, but the anticipation building within her was unbearable. She was enjoying the warmth of Cole’s touch on her back, but she wanted more—much more.
…
Cole watched the elevator creep down to the lobby and silently cursed his room on the thirty-fifth floor. Why hadn’t he booked a room on a lower level? The answer was obvious, but as he admired Olivia’s reflection in the gold plated doors ahead, he cursed again.
Truthfully, he hadn’t thought she’d have the guts to leave with him, but now that they were in the hotel, he was going to make damn sure she had an unforgettable night. This woman was sexy as hell and he wasn’t taking any chances. He had to know if she felt half as good on the inside as she looked on the outside.
When the elevator finally reached the landing, the doors opened with a quiet whoosh and he stepped inside. He turned to see her hesitate briefly and his stomach dropped. Indecision was written all over her face, but damn, she was beautiful even with doubt clouding those baby blues. He wanted to take her in his arms and show her what she’d be missing, but this had to be her choice. His erection strained against the unyielding fabric of his dress pants. Christ, if she walked away now, he’d be taking one hell of a cold shower.
His patience was rewarded when she stepped forward, a half-smile lighting her slender face. He reached for her hand and pulled her close as her fingers interlaced with his.
“Which floor?” she asked, reaching for the control panel with her other hand.
“Thirty-five.” He paused as she pressed the button. “You know, I was starting to think you’d changed your mind,” he murmured, sliding his free arm around her waist and pressing her body to his. Olivia was tall, maybe five-foot-nine, but with heels she was just the right height to rest her head on his shoulder.
“Are you calling me a tease?” she challenged, tipping her head back to look him in the eye. Her breasts swelled against his chest with the change of position, and his cock strained even harder against the zipper of the unforgiving pants.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He brought his hand to her mouth, dragging his thumb roughly across her full bottom lip. He felt a shiver race down her spine as her hips arched toward him. “But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about all the ways I’m going to make you come.”
Before she could reply, he pressed her against the side of the elevator and brought his mouth to her ear. “And I always get what I want, Olivia Masterson.”
Sliding a hand up her back, he lowered his mouth and placed a soft kiss just below her ear. Then he traced a line down the gentle curve of her neck with his tongue, savoring every inch. She tasted like a summer breeze, light and sweet. How it was possible, he didn’t know and didn’t care. He just wanted more. He nipped at her skin, pinching it gently between his teeth, and she sighed with pleasure, her body melting into his.
There was a lot of repressed sexuality under her businesslike exterior, and he suspected it had been a while since she’d allowed herself to give in to passion and lose herself in a man’s embrace. He moved his mouth up Olivia’s neck and chin, coming to rest on her lips. She responded savagely, her tongue darting into his mouth with surprising intensity. Oh, yeah, she would definitely be a screamer.