All Lit Up (5 page)

Her brain was so passion rattled she didn’t even know what he meant by that. Did he want just one night of sex with her, or did he want more? Did she even dare hope for the latter? “Daniel—”

He cut her off and pointed to his window. “Okay, you go that way so no one sees you, and I’ll go downstairs to distract my parents.”

She nodded and appreciated that he respected her need for privacy. But she hated that this night had come to an end so abruptly. She’d spent numerous years fantasizing about this man and this moment, and just when she was about to experience the pleasure of his lovemaking, once and for all, forgetting about past hurts or even what the morning brought, their night had come to a grinding halt. Perhaps some things just weren’t meant to be.

She turned her back to him. “I’ll see you later then.” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice but failed miserably.

He grabbed her, spun her around and meshed her groin to his. “You’re not getting off the hook that easily.”

“What do you mean?”

His grin turned wicked. “You still owe me.”

“Owe you?”

“A thank-you, remember.”

“Oh right. Th—”

He pressed his fingers to her lips to hush her. “You can thank me by coming back to the inn with me. I’ve been working hard and want to show you what I’ve accomplished.”

“I don’t think tonight…” Even though she was anxious to see his handiwork, as he’d been banging around in that room alone all day, she just needed to get home, jump into a cold shower and pull herself together.

His gaze slid over her and bombarded her with desire. “You have to come tonight,” he commanded in a soft voice, one that told her he had no intention of taking no for an answer.

As her skin flushed hotly, she inched backwards and moved toward the window. Each step brought her closer to his desk, and that’s when she noticed the stack of books behind his laptop. What the heck? Since when had Daniel started reading romance novels? She was about to ask, but he stepped in front of the pile, as if to block her line of sight, and in a firm tone, said, “Tonight, Anna.”

He had an odd look on his face and there was an urgency in his voice that she hadn’t heard before. She paused, wondering exactly what it was that he
really
wanted to show her. Was it the room, or was it something else entirely?

She gave a resigned sigh. “Okay, but just for a few minutes.” She opened the window, stuck her foot out, and shot one last glance his way. “By the way,” she murmured quietly. “The kiss was perfect, Daniel. Just like I knew it would be.”

Something about the genuine smile he sent her way had an invisible band tightening around her heart, and she knew she was in serious trouble here, because any more time spent with him would draw her in so deep, not even a compass could help her find her way out.

Daniel hurried to the inn, desperate to get there before Anna so he could make the final arrangements and address any deficiencies in the room. Since she had to go through her parents’ house first and would undoubtedly face another inquisition, he had plenty of time to set the stage for a night of sweet seduction.

He pulled his van into the driveway, killed the ignition and rushed toward the inn. He shot a glance around and spotted two other vehicles nearby. All was quiet in the neighborhood, and as he navigated the walkway, he took note of Candace and Lindsay’s respective rooms. From his ground-level view he could see the lights were still on, and he wondered if they were all working late. Or maybe something else was going on up there. He’d seen the sideways glances between Anna’s colleagues and the men Pamina had hired to help them. Not to mention the array of sex equipment set up in their rooms, just begging to be tested.

Daniel climbed the stairs and met with Abra on the top landing. As Abra’s impenetrable, almond-shaped eyes gave him a once-over, they seemed to glisten with ancient knowledge and universal wisdom. It occurred to Daniel that it was the same peculiar look he’d seen the mystical Pamina give the girls a time or two. As he studied the cat, he had the sneaking suspicion that beneath that ball of fur, Abra was more than just a mere feline. Daniel shook his head and scoffed, brushing off that crazy thought.

But seriously, if he didn’t know better, he’d think there was some magical force bringing the couples together at the inn, and Pamina, along with her cat, was somehow behind it all.

Not wanting to disturb the other members of the household, he quietly opened the door and stepped inside. As he shut it, he noticed the way his hands had begun to shake. Jesus, he couldn’t believe how nervous he felt.

Nerves, however, played no part in tonight’s seduction. After reading all those romance novels, it was glaringly apparent what kind of man Anna liked and what kind she didn’t. Right now, with his knees knocking and his heart pounding, he definitely fit into the latter.

Gathering himself, he drove his hands into his pockets and bolted upstairs. Once inside the room, he lit the candles, started a fire in the newly designed fireplace and then stepped back to take in the ambiance. He’d spent hours preparing the room to make it just right for Anna—a woman like Anna deserved nothing but the best—and he prayed she’d be pleased with his efforts. Once he was personally satisfied with the setting, he opened a bottle of wine to let it breathe, before making his way downstairs to gather the rest of the supplies.

Five minutes later he stood waiting at the foot of the stairs, trying to quiet his pounding heart. The shoes tapping a steady beat on the walkway outside heralded Anna’s approach. He drew a calming breath as Anna climbed the steps and pushed open the front door. The sight of her perfect body, silhouetted by the golden streetlights, made him quake in anticipation. She was about to flick on the switch when he stepped forward and put his hand over hers to stop her. He wanted her all to himself and was not about to draw unnecessary attention to them.

“Hi, Anna.”

“Hi,” she murmured, sounding breathless and looking a little startled to see him waiting for her. “You got here fast.”

He put his mouth closer to hers and whispered, “That’s because I didn’t want to waste a minute.” He pressed against her and could feel heat rising in her body.

“You…uh…you wanted to show me something?”

He gathered her hand in his and led her to the staircase. “I think everyone is still working. We should be quiet so we don’t disturb them.”

“Okay.” She lowered her voice to match his. “They’re probably staying overnight. Sometimes when we’re on a deadline, we don’t like to waste time traveling.”

He arched a curious brow. “So no one would think it odd if you stayed overnight?”

“No, not at all. Why?” Anna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and blinked up at him.

“No reason.” None that he wanted to share right now, anyway. If things went according to plan, neither one of them would be going anywhere tonight. But if she got caught with him in the morning, he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. She was a private person, and he respected that.

Padding softly they climbed the stairs, and Daniel led her down the hall, anxious to pick up where they’d left off at his place. He pushed open the door, and ushered her inside. When Anna gasped and put her hand on her chest, he couldn’t help but smile, pleasure welling up inside him.

“Daniel, it’s beautiful,” she said, her eyes wide in surprise as she took in the room and drew a breath to pull in the aroma from jasmine-scented candles. “So elegant and romantic.” She turned to see the fireplace, now fully restored and brandishing a blazing fire. “You’ve been busy.”

She stepped farther into the room and stopped abruptly when she noticed the small round table set for two, a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket of ice water, and a fruit and cheese tray in the center of the table.

“So I take it this is what you wanted to show me?”

He laughed lightly, but it sounded edgy, even to him. He tried to tamp down his nerves as he stepped up behind her. He pressed her against his chest, and his cock brushed along the small of her back.

“Well, yes. Among other things,” he murmured.

“I see…”

And see she did, because the tremble in her body told him she knew exactly what he was referring to.

He turned her in his arms. “You said you wanted to design a room that inspired romance. So I figured we should try it ourselves first. If it can’t inspire romance and seduction for us, then it’s not going to inspire it for others, right?”

“So, this is all about research then?”

“I take my job seriously, Anna. And I like to leave my clients very, very satisfied.”

He listened to her throat as she swallowed. “Leaving a client satisfied is pretty essential in a small town.” His gaze fixed on her lips as she wet them with the soft blade of her tongue. “Where word of mouth is most crucial.”

Speaking of mouths…

“Most crucial indeed.” Daniel slid his hand down her back, enjoying the feel of her curves, and guided her to the table. He pulled out the chair and gestured with a nod. “Have a seat.”

As she obliged, he walked over to the radio and turned on the music. A soft romantic tune filled the air as embers sparked in the fireplace, drifting upward and creating warm shadows over Anna’s face.

She smiled up at him. “Everything looks gorgeous.”

“Yes, everything does,” he said sincerely as they exchanged a long lingering look.

She toyed with the stem of the wine glass and glanced past his shoulder at the fire. “I never knew you were so romantic.”

He sat, poured two glasses of wine and grabbed a strawberry from the platter. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me, and I think we should rectify that. Starting now.”

She took a sip of her wine and he poised the strawberry over her mouth. “Open.”

When she parted her lips, he squeezed the berry, letting the juice run over her lips and down her chin. Her pretty pink tongue darted out to lap at the juice, but he had a better idea. Daniel leaned across the table and brushed his mouth over her lips and chin. As the distinct taste of Anna, combined with the sweet strawberry flavor, exploded on his tongue, he damn near lost it then and there.

He moaned. “Mmmm…”

“Delicious,” she agreed.

As firelight flickered over them, he watched color bloom high on her cheeks. She waved her hand in front of her face to cool herself down.

“Are you getting warm?” he asked.

She took another small sip of her wine then grabbed the hem of her sweater and waved it. “Downright hot,” she said boldly, a playful gleam in her eyes. “You?”

Rattled, he swallowed a tortured moan, his muscles tightening, his cock thickening, his body raging with lust. The passionate look on her face spoke of desire and need, and tonight he planned to give her exactly what she wanted. He just needed to keep it together. But Jesus, he’d wanted her for so long and needed her like he’d never needed another, that it was impossible to maintain his cool. As flames surged inside him and filled him with raw hunger, he shifted restlessly and tried for casual.

“I guess it’s a…little warm in here,” he responded.

When his voice came out choppy, something inside her seemed to give, and a tender look came over her face. “Daniel?” She leaned in and her mouth was so close he could feel her warm breath on his skin. Her hand touched his and her soft fingers scorched his flesh. “It’s not just a little warm in here. It’s hot, and you’re burning up.”

As though sensing his discomfort, she took the lead, climbed from her seat and closed the small gap between them. Seductive eyes met his as she stood at his side. He loved the way she moved, so easy and sexy. Not to mention the way his sweet, innocent Anna was taking charge. It totally blew his mind and excited the hell out of him.

When she touched his face, Daniel marveled at the change in her. He pushed his chair back to face her, and she threw one leg over his until she was straddling him. She writhed and centered her hot pussy over his aching cock.

Sweet fuck!

Deft fingers went to his buttons and the little vixen slowly undid them. “I know just how to cool you down.”

His breath came in a low rush. “Oh yeah?”

She peeled his shirt off, then grabbed a strawberry from the tray. Holding it over his chest she squeezed it, letting the cool juice drip over his skin. He shivered in response.

“Feel better?” Her blue eyes darkened and were scalding with passion as she watched the nectar drip to his waistband.

“Not yet,” he managed to get out.

She bent forward and her tongue singed his flesh as she followed the path to his jeans. His internal temperature skyrocketed, and it was all he could do to catch his breath. He gulped air and his mind began to swim with delicious ideas. Like how he wanted to peel her clothes away, lay her out on the rug in front of the fire and spend the night between her legs.

“How about now?” She ran her fingers over his chest. Her touch was erotic and intimate, and fuelled his lust.

As his blood boiled, his body shook all over and his words came out choppy. “Far from it, sweetheart.” He ran shaky hands through her hair and shot her a smoldering look that conveyed his need.

“You’re still hot?” Her voice was low, sultry, and everything in the way she was looking at him touched him on a deeper level. Fuck, he wanted her. Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever.

“Yeah, still hot.”

She paused for a moment, then grinned at him. The sexy curve of her mouth filled him with passion and possessiveness.

“What?” he asked, not understanding the odd expression that had come over her.

Emotions played across her face. “I love it when you look at me like that.” She brushed her finger over his lip and her touch seeped under his skin.

“Like what?” He pinched his eyes shut for a brief second and struggled to maintain control, but need stole every ounce of his strength.

Instead of answering she perused the room and murmured, “The ambiance really does inspire romance and seduction. You were right, a woman doesn’t stand a chance.” She laughed softly. “You’ve really outdone yourself.”

“You deserve more.”

She turned back to him quickly and dark lashes blinked over passion-imbued eyes. “Daniel…”

The way she said his name, so whispery soft, shattered any semblance of control he had left. Sudden, urgent need overcame him, and he was no longer able to fight down his carnal cravings. He wrapped his hands around her waist, anchoring her body to his, and stood up quickly.

“Whoa.” She wrapped her arms around his neck to hold on. She’d better hold on tight because he was hell-bent on giving her the ride of her life. He pressed his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply as he carried her to the fire. The warmth from the flames moistened their skin and melded their bodies together.

Heat arced between them, and he forced himself to breathe slowly as he lowered her to her feet. Emotions pressed against his chest and he cleared his throat in an effort to summon a modicum of control. Anna wasn’t like the others, and being with her was different. She was important to him, and he didn’t want to screw it up.

When her soft hands touched his bare chest with purpose, he inched back and took a second to regroup.

“Are you okay?” There was genuine concern in her voice.

Shit. So much for acting like one of her romance-novel heroes. “Anna, I’m sorry,” he confessed, feeling exasperated. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’m not like this. Ever.” He swayed back and forth and tried desperately to dispel his nervousness.

She stepped into him, her floral scent arousing him even more and throwing him off kilter. “But, Daniel, I like it.”

He frowned, confused. “What? You do? Why?”

Her light chuckle curled around him as she gave him a look that suggested he was dense. “Don’t you see, Daniel? That’s what I’ve always liked about you.”

With all his blood rushing south, he couldn’t quite comprehend what she was telling him. He gathered her tight and felt her pert nipples against his bare chest. “I don’t understand.”

“What’s not to understand? I love it when you show this side of yourself to me. I’ve never seen you do that with anyone else. No one can fake nervousness like that.”

He wasn’t exactly sure what she was talking about. Why would she think he was faking? He gave a quick shake of his passion-rattled brain and tried to make sense of things. “But the books you read. I thought you liked your men alpha, strong and take-charge.”

She laughed. “You are all those things, Daniel. But you’re more than that. You’re kind and sensitive, and when you show me that side of yourself”—she pressed her hand over her heart—“it really gets to me.”

“So you like bumbling idiots. Well that would have been nice to know before I spent all those hours on research.”

Her jaw gaped open. “Is that what the romance novels are about? You were trying to become the man you thought I wanted.”

His grin was sheepish. “Well…”