Say hello kiss goodbye, p.12
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, page 12
Eee! “You own a cat?” Her eyes scoured the room, free of toys or pet hair.
“Somewhere.” His face fell. “Oh, you’re not allergic…”
“No! I love cats—and dogs. It’s just…you—”
“Don’t seem the type? Yeah, I know. I’d LOVE a dog, but I’m not home enough, so before Christmas, I adopted a feline friend to keep me company.” A grin tweaked his mouth. “She’s a…dog-cat.”
Tarquin’s just a big ol’ softie! Leia’s smile grew. “A cat who thinks she’s a dog?”
“Exactly! Her name’s Mrs. Chuzzlewit.”
Leia laughed. “What? From the Dickens novel? Oh, you didn’t…”
“I wish I did! But that was the name she came with. Seemed wrong to change it.” He sipped his drink, his eyes settling on her lips. “So! Want the grand tour?”
“Please!” Leia squeezed her glass. Let’s start with your bedroom! Her stomach let out a loud growl, and she cringed. Ugh. How sexy is that?
Tarquin snickered. “We’ll order dinner after, okay?”
Her heart sank. Nooo. This evening is turning into a date. I don’t want to be rude but… just get those trousers off! She nodded. “Sure.”
Tarquin’s private elevator whisked them straight to the penthouse’s second-highest floor: the tenth-floor rotunda. The steel door slid open, and he apologized in advance for the chill—“The bloody damp sneaks through the glass up here”—then, he introduced the room as “an octagon-shaped reading nook.”
Nook? It’s bigger than my bedroom. Leia’s eyes toured the sparsely decorated, dimly lit space, home to two cobalt blue couches, a small glass table topped with neatly stacked travel and architecture books, and a well-loved drum kit. Several large framed black and white photographs of old buildings adorned the walls, but apart from the rotunda’s floor-sweeping curtains and the steel ladder leading up to the domed-roof gallery, that was it. No floor lamps, no pillows, no cat…not even a whisker. Leia kept a chuckle to herself. Nice mood lighting. Is this part of his seduction routine?
“You’re gonna love the 360-degree view…it’s pretty unrivalled.” Tarquin left his glass on the table and traded Leia for one of the curtains, the soaring glass windows guaranteed to show London in all its glory.
“Wow, 360, eh?” Leia glanced down at her drink. I bet it’s incredible, but that’s not why I’m here. Damn. Should I make the first move?
He grasped the weighty indigo curtain and pulled it back, revealing the distant glow of the financial district.
“Oh! It’s”—Leia’s eyes fell to something much closer—“ah-mazing.” She sucked in a breath, staring at his ass as Tarquin fussed with the curtain’s tieback. Where have YOU been hiding? Under suit jackets and long coats, that’s where!
“You’ve got your pick of terraces—one north, the other south.” He peered beyond the glass. “Ah, bugger, it’s raining”—he tossed a glance over his shoulder—“but come see anyway. It’s definitely worth a look.”
Yeah, a closer one… preferably naked. Her heart thumped wildly, desperate to tear away his dark jeans and his confident persona to uncover what he was really made of. She set down her St. Clements beside his raspberry drink and joined him, the outside chill creeping through the windows, raising goose bumps on her skin.
“I’ll never grow tired of London.” Tarquin soaked up the multi-million-dollar view, his fingers restless, curling under the hem of his sweater.
Hmm. But I’ll definitely grow tired of waiting. He hasn’t even tried to kiss me since the rink. Leia furrowed her brow and looked out at a cluster of skyscrapers she didn’t recognize across the river, twinkling like priceless jewels in the drizzly night. If he plays the field like his friends say, why’s he acting like he’s sat on the sidelines? Round and round, she spun the delicate rose gold chain around her left wrist. Is he waiting for me to make a move? Or having second thoughts? Why even bring me here if… She let go of her bracelet and pursed her lips. Well, if he’s not willing, I’ll find someone else. I don’t have time to dance around whatever this is. There are LOTS of hot guys in London.
Staring ahead, Tarquin sighed. “Leia, I have to be honest about something.”
Oh! Here we go—‘I’m still in love with Alex.’ Yep, got it. Jutting out her chin, she braced for his excuses to fly. No harm, no foul. If I leave soon, I can grab late dinner with Saz. She tugged the hair tie on her wrist and focused on the Tower of London glowering across the Thames.
Tarquin shook his head. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”
But… Leia’s hair tie snapped against her skin.
He briefly closed his eyes then swung around, his gaze unguarded, breaths ragged. “You’re smart and inspiring…and I fancy the pants off you something rotten.”
The weight of his stare blazed heat through her core. So, he does want me. She swallowed heavily and brushed the skirt of her dress, unsure what to do with her hands. All the playful banter, the flirting, the near-kisses—it wasn’t a time-wasting game at all—unless a but was still coming.
She angled closer, mesmerized by his soft lips gently parting, begging to be teased and explored. Tarquin, I’ll kiss you so hard you won’t remember your own name. Watching him slide his silver ring up and down his left thumb, a primal need ached between her thighs. No feelings, just hot, uninhibited sex.
Leia was ready to shake off her old life—her old self—with Tarquin’s help.
“But I’m not sure if…” He swallowed thickly. “I don’t know if I should kiss you.”
Leia captured his wrist and gently drew him in, rising up on her toes to meet him. “You’re not sure?” She smiled into the whisper, her lips brushing his. “If you’re asking for my consent…here…” Cupping his face in her hands, she passed over his mouth again and kissed him softly, the tip of her tongue flirting with the seam of his lips. When he didn’t welcome her in, she pulled back. Seriously? Confusion soured in her stomach “Or maybe this is a bad idea.”
Tarquin let out a shuddering breath. “It’s not. Look, normally, I wouldn’t hesitate…” His stare wouldn’t leave her lips.
Oh, Tarquin, what’s holding you back? She stroked his cheek then slid her palms down to his chest, his taut muscles rousing her smile. His heart is hammering away, raring to go, but his head is overthinking this. Is he worried I’ll get attached, start texting him day and night? Nothing makes playboys run for the hills faster. But with me, he’s got nothing to worry about. Desire buzzed through Leia’s body, untethering her words. “Tarquin, I don’t have time for games. I’m here because I fancy you and would like to have sex with you.”
A small huff left his lips, parted in surprise. “Wow. You don’t pull punches.”
“I would’ve happily skipped skating and come back here with you hours ago. We’re both adults”—she curled her arms around his neck—“and I don’t think you would’ve brought me here if you—”
Tarquin tugged her closer, answering back with deep kisses and confident strokes of his tongue, leaving Leia with no doubt about his intentions. Lost in reverence for her mouth, his kisses felt urgent and teasing but without demand.
Leia had only known one other lover who kissed like this. He was a one-off the previous year, a mistake really, but she never forgot how he made her feel respected and adored, not a plaything for his pleasure only. For months, she’d thought she would never sleep with someone like him again, a nice guy who was also fun and gorgeous, who could unravel her with a first kiss—until now.
My whole body is crying out for more. I could kiss him for hours. He’s sooo good! Sliding both hands into Tarquin’s hair, she kissed him harder, deeper, feeling his fingers digging into her waist as tiny gasps escaped his mouth. She smiled against his lips. He tastes like raspberry! Sexy and sweet.
Pressing closer, she let her hands wander, down his firm shoulders and arms until they trespassed beneath his sweater, meeting the defined curves of his chest, wide and ripped with the perfect amount of hair. He’s not crazy furry! He’s toned but not bulky. Love. It. Leia was used to athletic guys, their bodies honed to perfection in the gym and on the ice, and Tarquin didn’t disappoint.
But unfortunately, her body was anything but perfect, the twinges in her right knee an uninvited nuisance. Ugh, that wobbly Salchow was a big mistake. She refocused, surrendering herself to his taste and tender touch, his delicious scent and eager moans, but each persistent throb deep in her leg pierced her bliss. I’m making it worse, stretching like this. She reluctantly broke away, her tights-covered heels settling back on the floor.
Tarquin smiled. “My lips are actually tingling.”
Leia grinned back. “I like kissing you—a lot!” Her hands skimmed his belt and lingered in his happy trail.
Tarquin’s dimples teased as his tongue flicked his bottom lip. “I can’t skate for toffee, but kissing—that I can do.” The thumb on his left hand stroked back and forth over her waist, his ring glinting in the dim light. “It’s a shame it’s not an Olympic event. I reckon I’d bag a bunch of gold medals for Britain.”
Confident, much? Leia smirked and fought back a laugh, enjoying the relaxed path their tryst was taking. He’s fun—makes a refreshing change. She dipped two of her fingers under the waistband of his boxer briefs. “But is that the best you got?” She leaned in, eager to explore more. “You don’t get a medal just for showing up.”
“You call that showing up?” He chuckled, scratching his temple. “Well, Judge Ginger, I plan to finish on top—so to speak.”
“Are we still talking medals…or missionary? I always thought guys were more into doggie style.”
“Oh, I love that, too! But sometimes nothing’s better than old faithful, you know?” His weighted gaze darted to her hand edging into his underwear. “Especially the first time. It’s more intimate.”
Intimate? Er, should I be worried about that? Her hand stilled. “You sound like a lovesick teenager!”
“Shh! Don’t tell anyone.” His grin dimmed as his eyes bore into her. “Truth is, I want to watch you come.”
Woah, okay! Tarquin doesn’t hold back either. I knew I liked this guy for a reason. She tugged him over to one of the two blue couches. “If I didn’t have performance anxiety before…” Pulling him down with her, she reveled in his delicious weight hovering above.
“You? Anxious? I don’t believe it.” He growled against her skin, stopping to leave soft kisses…one, two, three…each one a little more open and wet, a little more desperate.
Leia gasped, encouraging Tarquin’s mouth to roam lower down her neck. Oh! That’s… jeez, he’s good at this. His hands pushed up the skirt of her dress and skimmed her tights, sending her pulse into a frenzy. “Harder,” she whispered, the twinge in her leg all but forgotten.
He looked up, all heady gaze and puffy lips. “Sorry?”
“Kiss me harder,” she panted, her hands diving into his hair, twisting its softness between her fingers.
Tarquin obliged with soft bites and long sucks, his determined tongue dipping into the sweet, soft spot above her collarbone, sending shivers through her body and intensifying the hot ache pooling between her thighs.
Oh, god. Her eyes fluttered closed. Right. There. Yes! She bucked against him, meeting the long, hard ridge beneath the button-fly of his jeans. Fuck! A breathy groan escaped from deep inside her. His clothes need to come off. Now! She made fast work of his belt, threading it open as Tarquin pushed up from the sofa.
“What Leia wants, Leia gets.” He yanked off his cashmere sweater and tore at the buttons of his jeans, shoving the denim down his legs.
Impressive! Leia glanced up from the sizeable tent in his boxer briefs.
“Uh, I’m at a bit of a disadvantage here.” His lips rose into a mischievous dare she couldn’t ignore. “Can I see you, too?” he asked, motioning to her dress.
It is a bit chilly in here. “I’ve got an idea. How ’bout we role-play? Two strangers so hot for each other she doesn’t have time to take off her dress?”
“Oooh, saucy! That’s a bit ‘sneaky teenage shag behind the pub’, isn’t it?”
“I know, right?”
“You’ll get no complaints from me!” Tarquin eased her back against the cushions and Leia reunited with his mouth, desperate for his sweet taste.
Kissing hard and deep, her fingertips sailed up his back and shoulders, discovering chiseled muscle, the hard-earned prize of hanging off mountains and riding waves. If this is what extreme sports do, I’m a fan! She swept back down and traced his hips before joining the dark hair disappearing into his boxer briefs. A quick dip under the waistband and she curled her fingers firmly around him. He’s super hard—and thick! Tarquin groaned and rocked forward in her hand, prompting Leia to match his rhythm, her confident strokes up and down his hot silky skin pulling a loud grunt from his throat.
Leia pressed tighter, faster, her body arching, grinding against his while her mind shot off in a different direction. Dammit. We should’ve discussed… we can’t—fuck! She let him go, a gasping plea on her lips. “Tarquin…wait.”
She didn’t have to ask twice. His hands fled her hips, his eyes dark with want and concern. “Bugger! Is everything okay?” He pressed his slightly swollen lips together and shifted back, raking a hand through his hair, tousled from Leia’s adventurous fingers.
“Yes! I—it’s just…” She sat up on her elbows as Tarquin rubbed his forehead like he was trying to scrub all thoughts of sex from his mind. There’s no sexy way to say this. Leia swallowed into a twisty smile. “STIs? I’ve been tested—have you? Do you have anything…?”
His serious expression melted with relief. “Oh! Nope, no, never have I ever. I’m STI-free. My last test was before Christmas, and I always use condoms—even if my partner is on birth control. Speaking of, are you?”
This was easier than I thought. Gotta love a guy into hooking up. “Yep, I have an IUD, plus…” She unfastened the buttons on one of her dress’s pockets, removing her phone and a foil wrapper. “I brought four. I’m up for it. Are you?” Her heavy gaze fell to the thick bulge straining against the thin cotton of his boxers.
“Ooh, you challenging me, Ginger?”
Gingah! Gimme more of those silent Rs—but they better be the only thing about him that’s silent. She bit her bottom lip. Guys who aren’t quiet during sex are so hot. “You know it.”
He lay back down, gathering her in. “Well, Spice Girl”—he whispered—“tell me what you want, what you really, really want.”
A giggle burst from her lips. “Be careful what you ask for.”
“Don’t ask, don’t get.” He teased with a wink.
“That’s true.” Condom in hand, she arched an eyebrow. “So, Tarquin”—she pulled his underwear down over his hips—“I want your cock.”
“Well, he wants you, too.” Tarquin yanked off his boxer briefs and tossed them to the floor, his hardness standing to attention. “I love how direct you are.” He hooked his fingers under the band of her tights. “May I?”
“If you don’t, I will!” she blurted.
Tarquin smiled and hurriedly peeled them from her waist. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night.” His lustful gaze followed the black hosiery skimming along her pale skin. Down her hips, along her thighs, over her knees—where his eyes halted for a split second.
Shit. Leia tensed, feeling exposed in more ways than one. Is he repulsed? No longer interested? She tugged her rumpled dress back down her thighs. Bail if you want, Tarquin. Just don’t ask what happened.
A hint of confusion dipped his brows as he liberated her manicured toes from the tights, his eyes sweeping the lengthy S-shaped scar traveling south from the top of her right knee down her shin.
I know, it’s big and ugly—but it’s part of me. I’m not ashamed of it.
Tarquin didn’t seem alarmed or disgusted, though. Discarding Leia’s tights on the floor, he stretched above her, leaving hungry kisses up her right thigh, then her left, claiming her inch by quivering inch. “My god, you’re beautiful,” he whispered before delivering another open, wet kiss.
He’s not stopping. Leia lifted her head from the cushions, catching the playful bounce of his eyebrows.
“Hello…!” He curved forward again, his mouth warm and willing against her soft skin. Surging upward, his tongue stroked the thin strip of lace between her upper thighs. An extra intense suck and—
“Oh, GOD!” she moaned, clutching fistfuls of his hair, all her thoughts dissolving into syrupy slush.
Tarquin peered up at her, wearing a devilish grin. “I’ve been called many things, but cheers, love, that’s a new one.” He chuckled softly and shifted the lace aside, his tongue taking its time tasting, teasing her. “I’ve thought about this so much.” Eyes never leaving hers, he licked…and coaxed, his finger pushing inside.
Leia gasped. The longer he sucked, the more she throbbed, desperate for him, desperate to give in to her wild desire. I need more. Of him. Now. Her mind tripped, reeling with lust.
“Tarquin?” She scooped up the condom, the sound of rain dancing on the large window filling their silence.
“You ready?” he asked, taking it from her hand.
Ready for no-strings, no-angst, ravenous sex? “Yes!” She slipped out of her panties and waited, goose bumps dotting her bare legs as he ripped open the wrapper.
Tarquin rolled on the condom and settled down between her thighs, nudging her skirt a little higher. “You’re gorgeous.” He smiled and pushed inside her, his eyes closing like it was almost too much. “Oh…!”
Leia sucked in a breath. He feels so good. Thick and hot, filling me up. Bending her legs, she squeezed them around his waist.
Tarquin began to move above her, slowly at first, making sure Leia was comfortable before picking up speed. “You good? How’s London so far?”
“Amazing. I love London!” She hugged him, aching to taste his mouth again. I’ve missed this… but it’s different. He’s different. Her eager fingers scurried down his back to the swell of his ass, urging him closer, tighter, delirious with greed. “Faster,” she gasped, her splayed fingers gliding over his pumping hips to where he slid deeply in and out. This feels AMAZING. I don’t want to stop. Ever. I want more… no strings, no worry. Just sex. It’s such a relief… to finally give in to this.
