His by Christmas Page 12

  He hadn’t fired her yet. But then, he hadn’t exactly commented, either. Trying to stop her didn’t count. Suddenly her legs felt as if they wouldn’t hold her up, so she sat on the chair beside him.

  “You told me once that you didn’t do things that you’re not good at. Rumor has it that you’ve had sex with a lot of women, so one could assume that you’re good at it.” She twisted her fingers together nervously, then linked her hands, settled them in her lap and stared there instead of at him. “Here’s the thing, Cal. I’m pretty sure I’ve been looking at you the same way you’ve been looking at me.”

  “Justine,” he nearly groaned, and that couldn’t be a good thing.

  “In case that wasn’t clear enough—I want you, Cal. That’s a very big line to cross, but I’d be willing to bet you’ve been crabby because you feel the same way but you’re afraid of hurting me somehow. Either because of my past or the fact that I work for you.” She looked at him then. The jerk of a muscle in his jaw hinted at a conflict raging inside him. “I really wish you would say something. Preferably not about firing me.”

  He met her gaze, and the darkness in his was a little frightening. “Please go back inside, Justine.”

  “But—”

  “Please. Now,” he begged.

  She heard, Pack your bags and go. Something broke inside her and she couldn’t stop the words. “Why don’t you want me?”

  Chapter Ten

  Justine was horrified and humiliated by what she’d said. She had to get away. Now. “I’m sorry. That was—”

  A sob choked off her words and she stood, blindly turning away with tears stinging her eyes. Then she felt Cal’s big hand curve around hers before he gently tugged her into his lap.

  “Justine—what am I going to do with you?”

  She blinked furiously, trying not to cry and make this worse than it already was. “You could start by not pitying me.”

  “Is that what you think?”

  “Among other things.” Their faces were inches apart but she couldn’t look at him. She wouldn’t be able to stand it if she broke down. That would take this horrifying, humiliating scene to a whole new level of awful.

  Cal cupped her face in his hands and forced her to meet his gaze before tenderly touching his mouth to hers. His lips were soft and warm, gentle and sweet. It both shocked and charmed her. If this moment never ended that would be all right with her. As soon as that thought flashed through her mind, he stopped kissing her, but instead of pulling away, he rested his forehead against hers.

  “I don’t pity you. In fact, I’m a little annoyed that you didn’t recognize me being noble.”

  “What I got was you being a gigantic jerk.” She stared at him and decided it didn’t really matter what she said. After this she was probably getting booted out of here anyway. “You were distant and kind of jackass-y.”

  Amazingly, he grinned. “Don’t hold back. Tell me how you really feel.”

  His smile seeped inside and warmed her in places that had begun to freeze and shrivel. “I feel as if Cal Hart disappeared right after I showed off the scars on my leg and told you about losing my family. There was no explanation from you. Just radio silence.”

  “Jackass-y?” he asked.

  “Exactly. Obviously you were repulsed by how my leg looks. How is that noble?”

  “You’ve got it all wrong.” He slid both arms around her waist and snuggled her a little closer. “I think you’re beautiful—inside and out. And I wanted you. When you showed me the scars and told me how you got them, I still wanted you. That was a problem. Because seeing the signs of trauma to your leg made what happened to you real for me. It seemed wrong to make a move, and I didn’t want you to feel awkward what with working together or anything else.”

  “So you disappeared?”

  “I was protecting you,” he protested.

  “From yourself,” she clarified.

  “Yes. If I hadn’t pulled back, there’s no way I could resist touching you, and that would make it impossible not to have you.” Sincerity and longing darkened his eyes.

  “You wanted me?” She couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing even though she’d suspected. Now she was almost afraid to believe it was true.

  He kissed her and whispered against her lips, “I’ve wanted you from the moment I first saw you.”

  “That’s hard to believe. I’ve read about your dalliances. Every last woman was beautiful and perfect.”

  “No one is perfect,” he said.

  “The women you dated came pretty close.”

  He studied her. “Sounds like you’re having second thoughts.”

  “Not really. I’m just giving you an exit plan.”

  “What if I don’t want one?” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “In case you’re still not convinced, I’ll make this as clear as I know how. I want you more than I’ve wanted any woman. Ever.”

  “Oh, Cal—” She could hardly breathe. It felt as if he’d just plucked the brightest star from the sky and handed it to her. Shyly, she met his gaze. “There was a time when I didn’t believe I’d ever be happy again. Even for a moment. But I am right now.”

  “Good.”

  “But—” She hesitated, then figured she might as well get it all out there. “I’ll be honest. I haven’t done this for a long time. There’s been no one since my husband. I’m a little nervous.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, now I’m nervous.”

  “I’m not worried. You don’t do anything you’re not good at.” He’d said that about marriage, but she was pretty sure he’d made no such vow about sex. “I hope I’m not a disappointment.”

  “You never could be. And, just so you know, this is my first time with a cast on my leg. There will be logistics.”

  The heat of his gaze warmed her skin and started tingles dancing inside her. “I think I can handle logistics.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  Cal kissed her with a little more intensity. More focus. As if now that they’d made their intentions and expectations clear, he was making his move. Finally. He kissed her mouth, her nose and cheek, then nuzzled her hair aside and went to work on her neck. She was pretty happy about that when she shuddered in the most delicious way, just before he caught her earlobe between his teeth.

  She gasped with pleasure. “Oh, boy—”

  “You like that?” he whispered.

  “That is a big two thumbs-up.”

  So he did it again, then blew softly on the moistness he left behind. The sensation drove her crazy and made her shiver. His hand at her waist, he moved his thumb and brushed it back and forth on the underside of her breast. Even through the material of her dress and bra, the touch had excitement blasting to every part of her body.

  He was kissing her neck and smiled against her skin. “I feel your pulse racing.”

  “It definitely is.”

  She felt him touch her back. Then the zipper on her dress slowly lowered. When it was at her waist, she shrugged her arms out of the bodice and let it pool in her lap. A balmy, light breeze caressed her naked shoulders as Cal cupped her almost bare breast. Rubbing his thumb lightly across the peak made it tighten in response. With a desperation that was heady and new, she wanted to feel his hand on her bare skin. Then a cloud drifted over the nearly full moon, throwing them into shadow for a moment.

  It was enough to remind her they were outside, not so far from the sand, where anyone might walk by. “How private is the beach?”

  “Very private.” He met her gaze, his eyes searching hers. “But you’re uncomfortable.”

  “Yes.”

  “Can’t have that. Stand up,” he ordered.

  She did, and he reached out to slide her dress down to a puddle of material at her feet, l
eaving her in just her bra and panties. “I can’t believe you just did that. What if someone walks by?”

  “First, that was logistics in action. Second, no one will see us. But if they did, you could be wearing a bikini.” His eyes grew hot as he stared at her. “I lost track of how many times I thought about you swimming out here and wondering how you looked in a bathing suit.”

  “In case there’s any question, I’m not a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. That’s got to be a disappointment—”

  “Oh, sweetheart—believe me, I’m the exact opposite of disappointed.”

  The words and husky, heartfelt tone made her heart soar. She stepped out of the dress and picked it up. “Your room or mine?”

  He retrieved his crutches from the ground beside the chair and stood. “Surprise me.”

  “Logistics will be easier in yours, since you’re used to it.”

  “The condoms are there, too.”

  Justine felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I forgot about that.”

  “I didn’t.” He pointed with a crutch to the French doors opening to his suite in the villa. “Ladies first.”

  Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly catch her breath. “Okay. I’ll turn down the bed.”

  “And I’ll enjoy the view.”

  There was a sexy male satisfaction in his voice that somehow nudged her confidence further into positive territory. As she moved in front of him, she barely gave a thought to the limp she normally struggled to hide. He’d seen her flaws—the uneven gait, the disfiguring scars—and wanted her in spite of that. It was a precious gift. Walking in front of him, she smiled.

  The room was dark, so she flipped a switch just inside the door and a standing lamp in the corner bathed everything in soft light. Even though her confidence was up, dim lighting was definitely her friend. The layout was a mirror image of her suite—king-size bed, matching nightstands on either side, dresser and armoire. She hurried to fold the thick comforter down along with the blanket and sheet.

  Cal moved to her where she stood by the bed. He rested his crutches on the bench at the foot, then sat down on the mattress.

  “Come here,” he said, his voice deep and edgy.

  “Okay.”

  When she did, he took her hand and pulled her between his legs, then reached behind her back and unhooked her bra. He peeled it off, and before her modesty to cover herself kicked in, he cupped her breasts in his hands. Modesty was highly overrated, she thought, given how good the touch felt.

  “Beautiful,” he breathed. “And that doesn’t do you justice.”

  She couldn’t have responded even if she wanted to, what with the erotic things he was doing to her. He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, then took one into his mouth. Electricity crackled through her and settled low in her belly. She moaned and her breaths came in little gasps. Feeling light-headed, she put her hands on his broad shoulders to steady herself. But the width was a solid reminder of how powerful his body was, so at odds with the gentle way he stroked her.

  He lavished attention on her other breast until she was quivering with need. And then he dropped his hands lower, fingers toying with the waistband of her panties. She held her breath as he hooked his thumbs and drew them down, over her thighs, knees and ankles. He curved his fingers at her hips and urged her closer, then kissed the underside of each breast, her midriff and belly, slowly moving lower.

  She didn’t think she could take much more and was about to tell him so when he grabbed her playfully and pulled her down onto the bed beside him.

  “I’ve got you now,” he said, laughing.

  “Right where I want me.” She dragged her index finger over the T-shirt covering his chest, then frowned. “You still have all your clothes on.”

  “So I do.”

  He took care of that faster than she would have expected, what with the bum leg and all. He also retrieved a condom from the nightstand drawer and put it on. Then he lay back and pulled her on top of him.

  “This is logistics,” he said and shrugged.

  Justine smiled, and it felt extraordinarily tender. He was so adorable she thought her heart might explode. “I’ll show you logistics.”

  She straddled him, then slowly lowered her hips, positioning herself over his thickness. Slowly she took him inside her and sighed with satisfaction at the joining of their bodies. It had been so very long and she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this intimacy. The gratification of being held by a man and making love with him.

  She stayed still for several moments, letting their bodies grow accustomed. Then Cal slid his hand up the inside of her leg and brushed his thumb over the bundle of nerve endings at the juncture of her thighs, the most sensitive of places. The touch was like lightning and she gasped at the sizzle of sensation that made her toes curl. He arched into her and lifted her hips up and down, slowly at first, then faster. Before she was ready, pleasure built to the breaking point and exploded through her.

  When she collapsed on his chest, he held her as the delightful tremors rocked her world. When she pulled herself together, she started to move again. For him. In moments he went still and groaned, hands reaching for her, pulling her to him while he found his release. The sound of their panting breaths filled the room as they held each other.

  Justine had no idea how long they lay there, arms around each other, moonlight spilling inside, the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore. She just knew this couldn’t be more perfect.

  Playfully she dragged a finger over the dusting of hair on his chest. “I’m glad you didn’t fire me tonight.”

  He rubbed a strand of her hair between his fingers. “Never crossed my mind.”

  “I thought it might happen.”

  “Then why did you push the issue?” he asked.

  “Because you were acting weird. Walking around like you wanted to put your fist through the wall and mumbling about how much vacation sucked.”

  He grinned and settled his palms on her thighs, still straddling him. “All things considered, it doesn’t suck anymore.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “However, I am starving.”

  She nodded. “Because you were pouting earlier, just before you threw a tantrum and walked out before eating dinner.”

  “I’m not comfortable with the pouting and tantrum parts of that, but the rest is essentially true.” Without warning, he tumbled her to the bed and leaned over to kiss her, and they were a little breathless when he pulled back. “That was for making fun of me.”

  “Ooh, I’ll have to think of more insults.”

  “I’ll help. But first I think we should call room service.”

  “Excellent idea,” she said.

  Technically she was working and not on vacation, but her situation definitely didn’t suck. It felt balanced. And as close to heaven as one could get on earth. Paradise, indeed.

  * * *

  Cal felt movement in the bed beside him and opened one eye. Sunshine streamed into the room and Justine was curled up next to him. Memories of making love to her flashed through his mind and he smiled. He was pretty sure the look on his face would give sunshine a run for its money in the brightness department.

  Not wanting to wake her, he stayed very still and simply looked at her—the full mouth, delicate nose splashed with freckles, strands of beautiful red hair tickling his chest. A feeling of satisfaction and contentment stole over him, a sensation he’d never experienced before. Maybe it was because he’d been so sure he would never have her and something about that felt so wrong. And yet, after carbo-loading on a late dinner last night, he’d had her several more times—each more mind-blowing than the last.

  He’d always thought it a romantic cliché that you could never get enough of another person, but that thought crossed his
mind now as he stared at her. Silly. This was an interlude, nothing more.

  “Are you going to ogle me all morning? Or are you going to order room service?” Her voice was raspy from sleep and incredibly sexy. She opened one eye. “I’m starving.”

  “For me?”

  “Someone’s ego got a shot of adrenaline last night.” She smiled tenderly and moved closer, touching her lips to his collarbone. After that she gave him a mysterious look. “I’m starving for many things. You might make the list. If you buy me food.”

  “Breakfast in bed with a beautiful woman. Vacation is getting better and better.”

  After she gave him the extension for room service, he picked up the phone on the nightstand, then called and ordered. Since they’d shared meals for the last couple of weeks, he knew her favorites and ordered all of them.

  He hung up the phone, then reached for her. “Your wish is fulfilled, my lady.”

  She sat up suddenly, then remembered she was naked and pulled the sheet up to cover her breasts. The gesture was adorable, if unnecessary, since he’d seen and kissed every part of her all night long.

  “Cal, there’s a problem.”

  He met her troubled gaze. “Not from where I’m sitting.”

  “Be serious. I have to let the waiters in. That’s what I always do.”

  “George and William can handle it,” he assured her.

  “But we don’t have clothes on. We can’t just let them in here—” She waved a hand to indicate the large bedroom. “They’ll know what happened.”

  “They probably already suspect.”

  “No, they don’t.” There was feminine denial in her tone. Also adorable. “Why would they?”

  “They’re guys. Men know the way another man looks at a woman he wants.”

  “And you looked at me like that?” Her face took on a pleased expression.

  “Yes.” He tugged on the sheet, pulling it away. “They noticed.”

  “But unless they come in here, there’s no way for them to confirm. I’m getting dressed to answer the door.”

  He liked looking at her just the way she was. “Is there any way to talk you out of that?”