Chapter Eight

Tara was slowly going out of her mind.

She was having a conversation in a public restaurant with no panties.

And she loved it.

She ate the delicious, homemade ravioli and sipped her wine. She listened to Rick’s stories about growing up with his brothers, laughing at their antics, and enjoying the warmth in his eyes while he spoke. At the same time, she was excruciatingly aware of her body. Every inch of her skin burned. Her muscles tightened with the effort to keep herself from launching across the table to make him ease the ache inside. Her pussy leaked wetness down her thighs, and she kept shifting in the chair, trying to find some relief. Her breasts swelled, causing her nipples to tighten and press against the scratchy lace of her bra in agony.

Her senses went into high alert, almost like an animal venturing outside. The scent of Rick’s musky cologne mixed with Italian herbs and sauce was utterly intoxicating. The coolness of leather beneath her sensitive ass cheeks only increased the desire. The languorous slide of red wine down her throat, warming her blood.

The man was a wizard. Throughout the meal, he’d lean over and slide his fingers over her arm, causing goose bumps to prickle her flesh. His leg pressed against her bare calf, and when the waiter came to ask if they needed anything else, he deliberately used his foot to kick her legs apart, freaking Tara out that the waiter could smell her arousal.

It was torture. It was decadent. It was heaven.

“Are we ready?” he finally asked.

Her legs trembled. She wondered if she’d be able to walk out of the restaurant on her own power. “Yes, please.”

Tara managed to get up, and he gripped her elbow, guiding her out to the sidewalk. The muggy, hot air closed around them, adding to the sensuality of the evening. He opened her door, and minutes later; they pulled away and drove down the famous Vegas strip.

The flashing neon lights glittered and the moon hung in the sky like a ripe fruit. “Did you enjoy dinner?” he asked.

Tara bit down on her lower lip to stop from asking him to do all sorts of filthy, delicious things to her. “Yes.”

“I’m glad. Sweetheart, lift up your skirt and prop both feet on the dashboard.”

She gasped. Swung her gaze around. He kept his eyes on the road, only a slight smile giving away his amusement at her reaction. “People will see me! I can’t do that.”

“My windows are tinted. No one can see you. I will never embarrass you, Tara. I will never ask you to do something that may hurt your career, ” he said seriously. “Our play is for pleasure only. Do you understand?”

Slowly, she nodded.

“Then please do as I ask. Keep the shoes on.”

Practically dripping with her arousal from the demand, Tara began to soften and relax into a place where she didn’t have to control her thoughts. An odd sense of freedom beat inside her. Freedom from everyone, and anyone’s opinion. Freedom from her own constant mental chatter. More importantly, freedom from the endless responsibilities of daily life. Here, in the car with Rick, she only had to obey his commands.

Tara lifted her skirt. Then placed her feet on the dashboard.

“Wider. I want you to spread your legs so you’re open to me. Lift your dress up to your hips. I want to be able to gaze at your beautiful pussy.”

A low moan escaped her throat. She hiked the dress higher, and spread her legs wide. Her clit throbbed for pressure. Tara was sure just a light swipe of pressure would hurl into orgasm.

“Perfect. My God, you’re so hot. So sweet. Do you still taste like vanilla ice cream?”

Her breath shuddered and her eyes half closed.

“Let’s find out.”

One hand reached across the seat. Lightly caressing her inner thighs, he ran a teasing finger upward, tracing her labia and deliberately ignoring her throbbing clit. He took his time, his thumb grazing the hard nub so lightly; she bit her lip to keep from crying out. Tara tried to stay still and not twist or arch for more, and almost as if he rewarded her, suddenly his fingers plunged inside, curling just enough to hit that delicious spot inside her.

She threw her head back and yelled his name. Those wicked fingers played her like a finely tuned instrument, stroking and teasing just right to drive her slowly out of her mind. Plunging in and out of her wet, clenching channel. Then he removed his hand.

Tara bit back a whimper. He lifted his fingers to his nose and breathed in her scent. She watched him with half fascination, half shock as he sucked on his fingers, licking her essence as if she were a tasty snack he enjoyed devouring. Her heavy breathing filled the car.

“Yes, perfect. Vanilla was always my favorite flavor.”

“Rick—“

“I know. You want to come. But half the fun is playing the edge. I love watching you become aroused for me, until all you care about is getting me to fuck you. I want you to be crazy for me, Tara.”

“I am. I’ve never felt like this before. Please.”

He veered the car off the road, and parked. Tara realized they were back at her apartment. Shaking with pure need, she waited for his next command, her gaze fixed on his face.

Rick unbuckled his seat belt and reached over. Slowly tracing the curve of her lips, his features softened. “You’re so fucking beautiful. Inside and out.” He ducked his head and kissed her deep and hard, his tongue thrusting inside. She hung on to his shoulders, letting him take over her mouth and her body and her heart. Finally, he broke the kiss and gently smoothed her dress back down her legs to cover her.

Tara blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you coming in?” she asked raggedly.

“No.”She jerked with the rejection, but he tangled his fingers in her hair and forced her to meet his gaze. “Listen to me, sweetheart. I want you so bad I may explode in my pants like a damn teenager. But I just found you again and I want to move slowly. The next time you’re in my bed, you’re never leaving again.” Those green-gold eyes glittered with lust and determination. “Next time you’re in my bed, I want to know you’re mine.”

The truth shook through her. His patience and control allowed her to surrender, knowing he’d keep her safe. Knowing he’d care for not only her body, but also each emotional part buried deep inside.

If she was ready.

Tara shook with indecision. Her need for orgasm and to be held in his arms dominated her mind and her body. But she was afraid for her last wall to crumble and leave her vulnerable again.

He watched her and slowly nodded, accepting her hesitation. “Will you join me for dinner again tomorrow? I can show you my apartment. I’ll cook.”

Her body screamed for her to demand the orgasm promised. Every inch of her skin felt sensitized, like she was in a higher state. Rick was right. She wasn’t ready, and she needed more time. “Yes.”

He got out of the car, guiding her carefully over the crooked pavement, and walked her to the door. He kissed her again and waited until she got her key.

“Good night, Tara.”

“Good night, Rick.”

She closed the door, already looking forward to tomorrow.