Vanilla On Top (13 page)

Slickness and heat greet my advancing fingers, proving she’s enjoying this as much as I hoped. I tease the hard bud with the flat of three fingers, slowly rubbing while her hips pump steadily front and back, rocking against my erection. A moan of want spills from her as she pulls away, allowing my cock to spring down between the space of our bodies.

She shifts slightly and fits her body to mine once more, forcing my shaft to rub over the wetness at her very center. Fighting the call to angle and push in with every fiber of my soul, I glide my rod forward and back, slicking her moisture over the tight skin.

Her wiggling becomes more pronounced and I get the distinct feeling she’s trying to shove me inside her. I curl my arm lying underneath her head, encircling her neck to lay a hand on her top shoulder. Very softly, I hold her in place while my fingers drive her to her first peak.

Slowly I build her up, alternating between grinding her clit and stroking the sides with the slick lubrication from her body. Her gasps and moans increase until she’s writhing on my hand and slamming her hips back into mine. The beauty of the moment takes my breath away as she crashes over the edge—a series of short yells punctuating her release.

No longer able to hold off, I adjust the angle of my hips and inch into her while she’s still orgasming. Heat and tightening muscles engulf my steel hardness, wringing a groan of delight from me. The added sensation pushes her up and she comes again, peaking higher and louder than before.

I draw my fingers away, allowing her body to recover while I slowly pump in and out of her spasming depths. Grasping her raised leg, I glance down her body at the glorious sight of those sexy boots. I’ll never be able to look at them again without thinking of this moment with her.

My hand that clasps her shoulder releases and I stroke the soft skin, soothing her while I slowly make love to her. Once I bury myself to the hilt, I begin to pump faster, gradually picking up my pace.

I let go of her leg and return to her nipples, determined to tease and entice another orgasm out of her. Her relaxed body responds to the tweaking and pulling, and her nipple distends further than before, with a rosy glow.

Unable to quench my desire to kiss her, I lean closer and nuzzle her cheek. She turns her head to angle better and we lock lips, pouring our hearts into the connection.

Judging the time to be right, I slide my fingers lower to gather some of her moisture. Her previously relaxed hips react, reaching for my soft touch. We break our kiss and I return to lavishing her neck and shoulder with short, then long, lingering kisses.

As my shaft withdraws from her body, I curl my fingers, drawing more sensation from her silky folds. Then I plunge up and rub my fingers on her outer lips.

The minutes go by, and soon little chants of “yeah, oh yeah” spill from her, telling me I’ve set a good pace.

Her increasing excitement spurs my own and I move my attention to her aroused nub once more, testing its sensitivity with a few tentative strokes.

A jolt shakes her body and her inner walls clench around me. The added stimulation takes her by surprise, and judging by the rapid increase in her hips, it’s a good surprise. Again she holds her leg, pinning it up near her hip, to rest against my forearm, while I plunge into her over and over.

Her next peak takes us both by surprise, coming on her fast. I take full advantage of the sensations and increase speed. The strength of her release doesn’t diminish and her clasping muscles draw my own orgasm up and out of me, despite my best intentions to make love to her longer.

My grasp on her shoulder tightens as my hips pummel her firm cheeks. I stop thrusting, overcome with the intensity of my release, and the convulsing muscles around my shaft milk it for every drop.

We lay wrapped in each other for several minutes. If that didn’t tell her how I feel about her, I’m not sure what will. She moves slightly to disengage our bodies and I hold her close, unwilling to let this moment end.

Chapter Thirteen

Heather

We made love twice more in the night, each encounter unique and glorious. Even though no words were spoken, I know it in my heart things have changed between us.

I didn’t take charge, and neither did Tony. Each joining was a mutual experience deeper than anything I’ve ever shared with a man. As the morning sun peeks through my drapes, I open my eyes and sigh, unwilling to leave the warm bed.

The weight of Tony’s arm lies over my waist, corralling me closer even in sleep. A smile of pure happiness leaks from me as I realize this has been my dream all along. To wake up next to someone I care about, and who cares for me in return.

No one judging me or tearing me down, no empty declarations when I open my heart, no cold sheets on a long winter’s night.

Moving carefully, I slip from the bed and retrieve my robe from the bathroom door. A glance at the clock reveals I’ve plenty of time to get ready before work. I face the bed, staring at the gorgeous man sleeping on my pillow, unable to comprehend that last night really happened.

My lover lies in a crumpled tangle of sheets and blankets, his olive complexion and cut muscles stirring desire through me even after all my releases last night. Unlike the waxed men of Hollywood, Tony boasts a light dusting of hair across his chest. It accentuates his masculinity and muscle depth rather than hiding it.

Impulsively, I grab my old, but reliable, camera off the dresser and snap a few pictures of him. The sheet bunches near his rib cage, leaving his wide biceps and corded forearms bare. I felt the strength in those arms as he held me. A tingle runs through me at the memory of his embrace while I came.

The whir and click of the camera echoes in the silent room. My zoom lens allows close-ups on his relaxed face without disturbing him. The faded scar on his chin tugs at my heartstrings. The small imperfection adds to his appeal rather than detracting from it. Was he a wild boy? Did he tumble off his bike or get hit while throwing rocks with other boys? I’ll have to ask him.

Tony moves slightly, his arm searching for me. His eyes flutter open as a small frown mars his forehead.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” I say, placing the camera back on the dresser.

“Time to start the day?” he asks on a yawn. I nod and my mouth grows dry when he stretches, the sheet slipping down to reveal his lower abdomen and the dark V of hair that points lower. As I stare, the material below his waist starts to stir. I can’t believe he’s rising again so soon. The man must be pure testosterone. “Although, if you keep looking at me like that I’ll be tempted to stay in bed all day.” His accompanying smile implies he’s not adverse to the notion.

My heart beats faster as I fight the urge to lick my lips. “I wish I could. I’ve got that meeting at nine.”

He nods and rises, unconcerned with his nude state. The moment he stands my eyes drop to his growing arousal. His increasing interest triggers my own and I turn, rushing for the shower. I’ll never be on time if I give in to my baser needs every time I look at him.

“I’ll be quick,” I say while turning on the water. “You can have a shower next if you’d like.” Once the water feels right I step in, eager to be away from temptation. Maybe I should turn the water to cold to flush out the sexual thoughts of climbing back into bed with my new lover.

I pile up my hair and clip it, since today isn’t a day to wash it, and then reach for the soap. In the next instant the curtain whips open from the back of the tub.

“Mind if I join you?” A protest dies on my lips when I see the look on his face. Pure animal desire darkens his expression. “Hand me the scrubby.” His cock juts out at full attention. “I’ll do your back.”

The vibrant feelings after our morning shower interlude sustain me all the way to Mr. Sayers’s office.

My boss’s boss stares at me across his desk and asks calmly, “How do you think Mr. Carmine knew about you running Harvey’s job for him?”

A huge knot forms in my throat and I feel a sweat breaking out on my forehead. “They did go to lunch together.”

He nods. “Was it one of Harvey’s regular five Martini lunches?”

“I can’t say for sure, since I wasn’t there, but he did act like it might have been when he returned to the office.”

“Perhaps Apollo made the leap based on meeting him and seeing the man at his worst?”

My hands wring together on my lap. “It has been increasingly difficult to keep Harvey up to speed on current facts regarding recent transfers. He could have misspoken and placed doubt in their minds.”

“Let’s cut right to the chase, Heather.” I nod, desperately trying not to flinch. “We’re in a bind. None of the board was aware you’d taken over Harvey’s duties. I thought you’d stepped up and handled a bit more since his wife died, but not to the extent you obviously have. You’ve done an excellent job, especially in light of not having all the info you’d need to plan effectively.”

I know he’s referring to our recent shortage of cash. If I had been aware of our company’s recent contract losses and employee issues, I could have moved investments around to free up more money…and ridden Harvey harder about meeting the credit line requirements.

“Thank you, sir. I’m just sorry it wasn’t enough to save the company when we really needed it.”

Mr. Sayers sits forward a little on his chair. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” My eyebrows creep up in surprise. “We want you to see if it’s possible to orchestrate things in the next few days to free up funds.”

“Sir?”

He looks out the window, determination in his steely gaze. “I didn’t build this company for twenty years to have it taken from me. I want to fight this buyout, as do the other board members. But we need your help.”

“Mine? How?” If he’s asking me to do what I think, how can I keep it from Tony? How would that affect his job with his company?

Mr. Sayers’s attention snaps back to me. “All five of us are willing to invest our personal assets to support payroll and company overhead while you liquidate and move monies around.” My eyes widen at the risk and I open my mouth to protest. He raises a hand to stall me. “We all realize the dangers. But I’ve been looking over the portfolio you’ve built and I think we can manage it. That and I’ll be putting in a personal call to the bank handling our credit line and see if we can’t get an exception on the deadline we missed.” He smiles, a sad crooked smile full of hope and strength. “It’s not over yet. What do you say?”

Pressure settles on my chest as I struggle to voice my concerns. “Uh, it sounds like a long shot, but I’m willing to do whatever you need.” I clear my throat and glance at the floor then back up. “What does this mean for Harvey and for my position?”

His face loses all traces of humor. “I won’t deny what Harvey hid from us all these years may be the entire firm’s undoing—and I’m really furious over it, as are the other board members. But he also helped to build the company and make it what it is today. I don’t want him involved anymore and neither does the rest of the board. He’s going to be pushed into an early retirement. If—and it’s a big if—
if
we can get past this mess and save the firm, his job is yours.”

My heart expands at his words, the pressure in my chest indescribable. I’d be the first woman in the company’s history to be on the board. Granted, it’s a small board, but damn, it’s a huge step in the right direction for the all-boys crew currently holding the reins.

I nod and lean forward. “All right, then. Let’s talk terms, first for my advancement and next for the company.”

Surprise lights his eyes at my announcement, but a smile curves his face when he realizes I’m serious. If he thinks the board is going to get me for a cheap price because of my age or gender, then they have another think coming.

Oliver, which he insisted I call him after my third use of
Mr. Sayers
, and I go to lunch after our meeting. If I can save the company, I will be granted the CFO position and a salary close to what Harvey was making. The added money will increase my financial security and bring me one step closer to a brighter future.

At the end of our meal, Oliver reinforced the need for discretion. We can’t risk anyone from Apollo getting a whiff of what we’re planning.

I don’t like the prospect of hiding anything from Tony, and I’m not sure I can do it. What will happen to us if I do succeed and save my company? Has he ever lost a buyout before? Could he lose his job?

I shake my head, trying my best to dispel the guilty thoughts that my actions could hurt his career. This is the modern world and business should be separate from personal lives. Right?

My phone vibrates in my pocket, indicating a text has come in. I draw it out and see it’s from Tony.

How’s your day going?

Busy
,
I type back.
Yours?

Same. But my thoughts keep drifting to a blue soap scrubby….any idea why? ;-)

My face warms at the reminder of how he washed every inch of me with that scrubby this morning, until I was squirming and practically begging him to take me. And then how he made sure
all
my needs were met before we turned off the water.

LOL! You were very thorough with your washing. I will give you that!

I’m thinking of cutting out of work early, like 5. What time are you working ‘til?

Crap. With this new plan I have a boatload of work I need to get done.
I’ll be here until at least 8
.

Damn. Okay. Want to meet after? Come to my place?

I’ve never been to his apartment. I wonder where it is.
Sounds great. I’ll call you when I’m done.

Off and on throughout the day, my thoughts trail back to him and last night. It felt like we really made progress as a couple.

A couple. Wow. Is that what we are now? Even though we shared an incredible experience last night, I’m still not sure where I stand with him. He did mention the word relationship, which I thought would be taboo for a guy like him. Keeping him a little at arms length until we clear up the buyout might be for the best.

My cell rings and I see it’s Carla. I answer right away. “Hey, girl. How you doing? You’re in Philly this week, right?”

Carla groans. “Yeah. It’s been a long ass week so far. And that guy I dated last week blew me off.”

I scramble around to remember whom she’s talking about. Oh yeah, she went out with one of the speed dating guys. “His loss. Don’t waste any more time thinking about it.”

“Easier said than done. I was hoping I could talk you into going clubbing with me on Friday.”

“When do you get back?” I hate clubbing and I’m hoping she’ll be getting back so late she’ll be too tired and bail on the idea.

“I’ll be home around noon. Plenty of time to rest up and party.” I hesitate in answering and she jumps in, a cajoling tone to her voice. “Come on…don’t make me cheer up myself without you.”

I laugh. “Oh sure, like you’d be alone for more than five minutes at any bar.”

“That’s not the point. And besides I don’t want to pick up a guy. I want to have a girls night. Dance and forget men for a while. How about if I invite Gemma and Katrina, too? We could make a real night of it. Haven’t done that in ages.”

In spite of my inner reservations regarding a drunken girls night, I agree. If today’s workload is any indication to go by, I might need to blow off some steam by the end of this week.

The hours drag after our call. Dinner in my office is not fun. I never have enjoyed working late. After a certain time, the numbers blur and I can’t concentrate worth a damn. Some of the assets I need to move are thankfully on west coast time, so I get a bit more accomplished before shutting down for the night.

Anticipation thrills through me at the prospect of showing up at the next Apollo meeting and informing them we don’t have to take their offer, no matter how much it’s for. Guilt wars within me over the underhanded negotiation techniques I used on Tony. I wonder if he’ll be able to get the higher amount approved. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the deal doesn’t fly. Seven million is no small amount.

As I ride the elevator to my apartment, sheer exhaustion takes its toll. I don’t think we slept much last night and I’m really wiped out.

I want to see Tony, but I also want to sleep so I can be recharged for the full day I’ve got ahead of me. The board wants an update at two and I want to maximize what I can report to make a good impression.

I let myself into my apartment and drop my belongings on the dining room table. It’s almost nine and all I want to do is sleep. I grab my cell to call Tony. He answers on the second ring.

“I was getting worried about you. It’s late.”

“Yeah, sorry.” My voice warps a little as I suppress a yawn. “Someone kept me up late last night and I’m pooped. Who would’ve thought?”

Tony’s masculine chuckle warms me to my very toes. “If I recall correctly, it wasn’t all my doing. You were quite the active participant.”

“Well, I paid for it at work. Today was chock full of excitement.” Crap! I probably shouldn’t have said that.

“Oh, really? How did your meeting go?”

“Um, not bad. Better than expected. After all, your company did drop quite a surprise on us.” I might not be able to tell him what I’m doing, but I can speak in generalities and be safe. “The ramifications sent everyone into a tail spin, trust me.”

“I figured that might be why you worked late. I bet you could do with a neck massage. How about it? Want the address to come over?”

“Would you mind if we postponed ‘til tomorrow? I’m bushed.”

Silence greets me as I wait for a response.

“That’s fine, I understand. I’ve had days like that myself. Tomorrow it is.”

Relief floods me at his gracious acceptance. I don’t think I could have handled guilt tonight. We end the call and I take a long, hot bath and then slip into bed. Tomorrow promises to be another long day of deciphering spread sheets, balancing losses, and organizing data to do the impossible—saving Parkerson Advertising.