Spicy Seduction Read online

“I can tell.”

  He turned her to face him. “If I stay I won’t have to explain why I’m rising before the sun.”

  She swallowed. She was in trouble, especially when he flashed that dimpled grin. “Are you just being practical?”

  He tugged her closer. “Not a bit. I’d like to finish what I made a mess of years ago.”

  “As in screw?”

  “I want to watch your face and see your eyes as you peak. We’ll make love.”

  “Don’t you mean have sex?”

  He stared into her eyes. “That too.”

  Grace shook her head. “You won’t force me today any more than you would have years ago. I don’t want to be another link on your chain of women.”

  His face flushed. Grace bent her head. His reaction pleased her. Then he growled and the rich deep vibrations rolled through her with a force greater than the magic fingers she often used.

  He drew a deep breath. “Maybe I mean what I said. Back then I was on the edge of falling in love with you.” He released her. “I can’t believe I admitted that.”

  Grace stared into his eyes. His confusion mirrored hers. Did he also wonder what might have been? Could she take a chance? She touched her lips to his and wondered if this was the right move and the right man.

  He claimed her mouth with an eagerness that rocked her with the force of an earthquake.

  Chapter Five

  Jules leaned into the kiss. The feel of her lips brought a rush of emotions fusing the present and the past. Years ago he’d thought being with Grace would fill the empty holes in his life left by his parents’ betrayal. He’d known the moment he’d uttered the single word he’d loved her. Grace had been right to refuse. He’d wanted to apologize but never found the words.

  Here he was again, holding Grace and inside, the same deep emptiness ruled his life. The wise move would be to leave and return in the morning. Beneath the passion generated by the kiss, wisdom fled. Desire, need and some deep void urged him to stay.

  He slid a hand beneath her sweater to touch smooth skin. When her mouth opened to receive his tongue he was lost. Passion had always been his way of keeping loneliness away. The momentary relief made him forget his father’s arrest and death in prison and his mother’s suicide. Everything he’d known had vanished with their deaths.

  As the years rolled back, he pressed Grace closer. Would she fail him? Turning to his mother for comfort hadn’t worked. Her shame had swamped him and turned the ground beneath him into quicksand. He’d been unable to help her or himself.

  Jules drew Grace flush against his body. He fought the urge to take what he wanted knowing the attempt would fail. Even now he believed this like every union with any woman had ended within days or weeks, so would one with Grace. The fault was his. He had to step aside before he messed up again.

  The brush of Grace’s fingers on his nape sent waves of warmth along his spine. Her tongue touched his mouth in tantalizing flicks. He pulled back. She pursued. He cupped her ass. Lord help him. He lacked the will to release her.

  Lost. Damned. Totally unprepared for the connection between them,

  Grace raised her head. Passion flared in her brown eyes. “We should go to bed.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She blinked. Awareness washed dreaminess from her gaze. As though waking from a fantasy she stepped from his embrace. “I’ll make up the guest room for you.”

  Jules’ dick ached. He gulped deep breaths. How could she turn passion off like twisting the faucet in a sink? “Is that really what you want?”

  “I don’t know.”

  He cupped her face. “If I ordered you, what would you do?”

  A startled sound emerged. “Knee you.”

  He had to laugh. “Are you sure separate rooms is the answer?”

  She met his gaze. “Sometimes I dream about a man with hair as dark as yours but his face is blurred. I’m wary of taking what I feel now any further.”

  “I know.” For the first time in his life he believed making the wrong move would ruin what could be. He’d done that once with her.

  She turned away. “It’s late.”

  He followed her to the stairs. “Do you always turn desire off so easily?”

  “Never happened before.”

  Jules gulped a breath. Exactly what did she mean? Had the event years ago made anything between them impossible? “Sorry.”

  “So am I. I just…just…I’m not prepared.”

  “Neither am I.” He ran a hand along her spine. “Why don’t I show you the possibilities?”

  “What do you mean?”

  He wanted to claim her. Why? He feared the answer. He pushed those thoughts aside for later consideration. “Let me show you the pleasure passion can bring. We’ll just explore.” He felt as though some stranger chose his words. Was this the Jules who never failed to score? Except once.

  Grace paused on the first step. “The bedrooms are upstairs.”

  At the landing Jules grasped her hand and pulled her forward. “Which way to your room?”

  “To the right.”

  He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Tonight will be great.”

  She trembled. “Hope so.”

  He kissed her nape. “Someday I’ll fulfill all your fantasies.” What was he thinking? They had tonight and tomorrow night and maybe the days surrounding the wedding.

  She turned to face him. Her dark eyes twinkled. “Will you? Think about this one. I’ve always dreamed of being swept off my feet and carried up a staircase.”

  Jules swallowed. Why had he made a promise? Not wanting to find the answer he backed her until she tumbled onto the bed. He followed. His mouth found hers. His lips moved on hers until she opened. With his thighs embracing her hips he leaned forward. She tasted of chocolate. She smelled of arousal. She felt right in his arms.

  He drew away, rose and removed his shirt. She scooted back on the bed. He knelt beside her. She ran fingers over his chest lightly exploring. He groaned and unfastened his trousers, rose and pulled them off. His dick rose full and ready.

  “You’re wearing too many clothes, my love.” With practiced movements he slid her sweater toward her head. He bent to run his tongue over the nipples thrusting against her bra. She pulled the sweater over her head. While exploring her breasts with tongue and mouth, he slid a hand down to unfasten her jeans. His mouth followed. He moved to her feet, tugged her jeans off and tossed them on the floor. The mingled scents of arousal nearly made him act in haste.

  Jules sat back and studied her face. She looked sensual and vulnerable. The dual reading puzzled him. His gaze moved to her breasts and her panties. He wanted to thrust inside and send them chasing that often elusive moment designed to erase every thought but fulfillment.

  He couldn’t. He had no protection. Riding bare wasn’t his nature. Not until the day he said, “I do.” He wasn’t sure that day would ever arrive. He lay beside her and ran his hand over her breasts and belly. Smooth skin, perfect. She tempted him to speak words he held inside.

  Slowly he kissed his way over her throat to her breasts. He drew one nipple into his mouth and then the other and sucked. Her body trembled. Her fingers tightened on his hair. Soft whimpering sounds flowed around him. He continued his journey along her torso. When he reached the elastic of her bikini using both hands he eased them down.

  With mouth and tongue he explored. He delved deep and found her clit. The first touch of his tongue brought a startled cry. He licked and sucked. Her cries became pleas. He slid a finger into her tight channel and fought the need to have that tightness around his dick.

  “Come to me,” Grace cried.

  Jules paused. “Can’t. No protection.” He resumed his assault.

  Her cries rose in pitch. Her body moved in time with his prodding tongue and fingers. She pressed her feet against the mattress. Jules increased his speed. Her body tensed. A cry erupted.

  “So good,” she murmured. “I didn’t know. N
ot enough.”

  He cradled her in his arms. “Wish I’d brought condoms. Never thought I would need one.”

  She stroked a finger along his jaw. “What about you?”

  Jules smiled. “I’ll live.” Giving her an orgasm had been a thrill.

  She touched his cock. “Can I do for you what you did for me?” She stroked the head of his dick.

  “If you want.” He growled the words. “Grasp the dude and pump.”

  “The what?”

  “Just my name for a part of me that thinks for himself.”

  She moved her hand. “Like this.”

  “Harder and faster.” He grasped the sheets. Then she surprised him by shifting and running her tongue over his penis.

  “Salty.” She sucked him into her mouth.

  Though he wanted to stop her. Her movement brought the need to move. Her tongue slid along the length. She took him deeper and drew back. She continued this until he knew he would erupt. He didn’t want to frighten her. As he began to spurt, he pulled out and spilled on her stomach.

  He looked into her eyes and saw things he hadn’t expected. She seemed shocked and pleased at the same time. For a moment he gasped for breath. The force of the climax made him wonder what would have happened if he’d been buried deep inside her tight channel.

  When his breathing slowed he left the bed and went into the bathroom. He returned with a wet cloth and a towel to clean her skin. Then he slid the covers over them and pulled her into his arms.

  “That was wonderful, exciting and I can’t explain,” she said.

  “Neither can I.” He listened while her breathing slowed. He wasn’t sure what had happened but he wanted to experience passion with her again.

  * * * *

  The annoying ring of the alarm woke Grace. With an automatic gesture she hit the plunger. She rolled on her side and encountered a warm body. As memories flooded her thoughts, she sucked in a breath.

  Jules Grayson. What had she done?

  Her face felt hot. Dumb question. The fog of sleep lifted. She and Jules had been intimate but they hadn’t completed the act. The climax had surprised her by the intensity. Then she’d done things to him she’d read about in books smuggled into the group home to be read after lights out.

  Recollections of her mother and the many men who had arrived in the apartment for sex had tainted her life. A vow to avoid men had been made and not broken until last night. Why had she allowed temptation to rule? Only Jules refusal to consummate without a condom had allowed her to keep part of the vow.

  She gulped a breath. She’d promised to have dinner with him this evening. The meeting wasn’t necessary. She understood the contract for the feature in Good Cookin’, After Tony checked the terms on Sunday she would sign. When they reached the bakery she would break the date. She slid to the edge of the bed.

  “Where are you going?”

  Jules’ voice, heavy with sleep halted her. “To dress, shovel the walk and driveway and go to the shop.”

  “Without your trusty companion? You plan to walk.” He cupped her shoulders. “And without a morning kiss?”

  He tossed the covers aside. Grace noticed his heavy erection and gasped.

  “Don’t worry. The dude wakes every morning raring to go, especially when there’s a beautiful woman around.” He planted a kiss on her lips, rose and strode to the bathroom.

  Grace admired the way his butt moved. She reached for her clothes and dressed. Downstairs she started a pot of coffee, found shovels and a broom. She pulled on boots, coat and gloves.

  Before long Jules joined her. Together they cleared the walk and the driveway. Back inside she filled two mugs with coffee. She warmed her hands on the ceramic surface and finished the drink before going upstairs. She laid out her clothes, grabbed underwear and entered the bathroom.

  As the water warmed her chilled feet, Jules slipped behind her. “Thought we could share.” He grinned. “Practical. You’ll save on the water bill.” He laughed. “A first for me.” He edged closer.

  “What do you mean?” She felt his hands rub soap on her back.

  “I’ve never slept over and neither has any woman I’m involved with.” He turned so she could wash his back. This is a definite perk.”

  He stepped around her. His mouth covered hers. Grace felt the water had reached the boiling point. His erection pressed against her belly.

  She stepped away. “We don’t have time for that.”

  “If I had protection I’d show you how much time we would need. Get dressed. I’ll be right out.”

  Grace slipped from the stall and toweled dry. She watched Jules grasped his erection and pump. His face contorted.

  She scurried to the bedroom, dressed and dashed downstairs for a second cup of coffee. How long after today would it take to build the walls Jules had broken down?

  I am not like my mother.

  “No breakfast?” Jules asked.

  She laughed at his expression when she shook her head. “At the shop, I’ll have a cinnamon cupcake and hot chocolate.”

  “And you consider that a healthy breakfast?” He slipped on his coat.

  “I suppose you always have hot cereal, eggs and things like that.”

  “Depends.”

  “If you want healthy, I have granola cupcakes.”

  He followed her to the door. “I’ll try both.”

  At the shop Grace tackled the sidewalk while Jules uncovered her van and cleared the small parking lot. Before long they stopped and kicked snow from their boots before entering the shop.

  Grace turned to Jules. “Sit while I organize.” She started coffee, water for tea and the hot chocolate. While they brewed she filled the cases with the flavors of the day. After choosing one of each of the ones she’d mentioned earlier she carried the pair to the table and cut them in two. “We’ll share these.”

  Jules brought coffee and hot chocolate to the table. He lifted the granola one and took a bite. “Clever and good. Oatmeal, honey raisins and nuts. I like the glaze but I’m not sure what creates the flavor of the honey.”

  “You have a good palate. This week it’s reduced pomegranate juice and honey. When the season’s right I use berries.”

  They had just finished when Bonnie arrived. She looked from Jules to Grace. “Am I missing something?”

  “Not a thing,” Grace said.

  Jules rose. “See you around six.”

  Grace nodded. She figured he would cancel their plans but he hadn’t. Why hadn’t she? Foolish question. She wanted to be alone with him again. She started toward the office. “Let me know where,” she called.

  “I’ll pick you up.” The bell chimed as the door closed.

  Bonnie appeared in the doorway. “Is he as hot as he looks?”

  Grace shrugged. “Can’t answer that.” She prayed a blush wouldn’t betray her. Hot. No. He’d been incendiary.

  “Or won’t,”

  “Can’t. He came to the shop as I headed to the bank. Seems Lauren is worried about the van’s tires and sent him. He drove me home and brought me here this morning. He helped shovel the walks so I fed him.” She hadn’t lied. Just gave the abridged version.

  “Did you warn him about Charlene?”

  Grace gasped. During the evening’s activities she’d forgotten. “I’ll tell him this evening.”

  “For a stranger, even if Lauren sent him, he went above and beyond.”

  You have no idea.

  Grace buried that thought. “He’s not a stranger. I knew him years ago.” She waved Bonnie away. “Time to fire the ovens.”

  Chapter Six

  Jules left Cupcakes Sweet and Spicy a frustrated man. If Bonnie hadn’t arrived he would have a kiss to carry him through the day. Would Grace be eager for the hours to fly before their dinner date? Was she having thoughts about escaping? He planned to arrive before the shop closed and hurry her to finish whatever needed to be done.

  Another problem occurred. He couldn’t wear the same clothes a
s he’d worn yesterday and today. He needed a change but how to smuggle his overnighter from the house? He wanted no questions about his intentions. Tony and Lauren might feel a sense of protection for Grace.

  He groaned. Was he a fool? Seeing Grace again had brought a rush of memories of their past, especially those of the day she’d turned him down. He wasn’t proud of that day. Her response to his kiss had taken him by surprise, just as she had last night. Years ago he’d seen her as someone who could fill the emptiness inside. Still did and he wondered why. He was successful and had enough money safely invested to last him for the rest of his life.

  When he pulled the Jeep into the driveway of Tony’s house he sat and cleared his thoughts. He planned several approaches to the questions they would ask. Playing the coming scene demanded finesse. He had no intention of naming Grace and smearing his friend’s opinion of her nor did he want gossip filtering through the village.

  He strode up the walk and rang the bell. Lauren answered. “The lost returns. I was about to make some calls.” Her hands flew to her hips. “Is Grace all right?”

  Had Grace called Lauren? “As far as I know, she is.”

  “Did you hurt her?”

  “Why would I?”

  Lauren grinned. “She blew you off.”

  He swallowed. “In a way, I guess.”

  “So your charm failed.”

  Jules hung his coat in the closet. “I took her home.”

  “If you hurt her I’ll be unhappy.”

  Jules glared. “I’m not in the habit of hurting people. I will say you were right about her tires.”

  “You took her home. Then what?”

  “You’re not her mother or mine.” Jules walked past her. “I should have called.”

  “Yes, you should have. We heard about a lot of wrecks last night.” She entered the kitchen ahead of him. “Are you hungry?”

  “I could eat.”

  Tony handed him a plate. “He always says that. Manages to put away enough for two men and never gains an ounce.”

  “I work out. Exercise is good.”

  Tony removed the lids from the warming section of the table. “I will not ask what kind of exercise. Ham, scrambled eggs, hash browns.”