Without limits ssion and.., p.23
Without Limits: A BWWM Collection of Passion and Desire, page 23
“Tell me what you want,” he said.
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Pressing her lips firmly together, she cleared her throat and tried again.
“I’ve been single for a while and I don’t have any real prospects or the horizon, so dating wouldn’t be high on my priority list. Besides, I don’t know many men who are going to want to date a woman while she’s carrying another man’s child,” she paused. “I’d hope that you wouldn’t date anyone, at least during the pregnancy. As a man, I’m sure you have needs so after the baby is born you’d be free to date whomever you want.”
“I agree. However, that means I may need you to accompany me to certain functions that require for me to have a plus one. While I plan to be discreet about the surrogacy, I know it will be hard to keep this completely under wraps from the media if we’re out and you’re showing.”
“That’s fine. I’m a big girl. I can handle the press. I would just need at least a few days’ notice if it requires an out-of-town trip.”
“Your requests are reasonable. Now, let’s talk about the subject you’re avoiding. I don’t want you to feel pressured to have sex with me,” he said.
She looked away from him, shifting in the chair, before meeting his gaze again. “That’s not it. I’m just trying to figure out how to say this without coming across as some sort of crazed person.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think there is anything you can say that will make you appear more insane than you thought I was when I approached you with my idea.”
“True,” she murmured. “Full-disclosure, I’m terrible at relationships. I’ve been told I’m too ambitious, too independent and everything in between. I’ve decided to give dating a rest for a while. However, I need to get laid. Not just regular sex, but mind-blowing, toe-curling, eyes-rolling-into-the-back-of-your-head sex.”
It took every ounce of his willpower not to knock everything off his desk and show her that he could give her exactly what she wanted.
“If those two additions are made to the contract, everything else is satisfactory?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “But I need to tell you something else before we move forward.”
He leaned back into his chair. “Go ahead.”
“A big motivating factor for me is that fact that this arrangement will allow to me help my parents. Due to some health reasons they’ve fallen behind on some of their bills. The money you’re offering is going to allow me to help them.”
He was quiet for several moments. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
She nodded. “Believe me, I’ve thought this through. I know what I’m getting myself into.”
He studied her silently for several moments. Just as the urge to squirm almost won out, he sat up straight. “Okay. I’ll have my attorney add the changes and have the contract over to you by the end of the week.”
She exhaled shakily. “Okay.” Then she picked up the folder that had been in her lap. “I brought this in case you agreed to my requests.”
He took it and glanced at the paperwork inside of it. The documents showed that Sage had a clean bill of health.
“Would you like for me to provide a copy of my records to you?” he asked.
“No. I know the clinic would not have agreed to your surrogacy request if you had any medical issues.”
“Speaking of, would you like to arrange a meeting with Kirk? I don’t want this to cause you any trouble with him,” he said.
Sage smiled. “It appears Doctor Hill already suspected what you were up to when you requested to meet with me. I didn’t confirm his suspicions, but he’s not going to be surprised by any of this. Since we won’t be doing this via in-vitro, there won’t be any issues of conflict there.”
He rose to his feet. “Then it appears we have a deal, Ms. Miller.”
“I believe we are on a first name basis at this point.”
“If not, we will before it’s all said and done,” he stated as he came around the desk. “Do you have dinner plans?”
Her eyes widened. “Um…I don’t, but you don’t have to take me out.”
Offering her his hand, he assisted Sage to her feet. “I know, but I want to. I’d like for us to get to know each other. We’ve agreed to co-parent a child. Our lives will forever be intertwined. It will be better if we at least have a friendship.”
“You’re right,” she said. “I’m sorry. I’m still trying to process everything.”
“As am I,” he admitted. “We also don’t have to get started immediately either.”
“We couldn’t if we wanted to. I’m every twenty-eight days like clockwork. So my ovulation window should be between days ten and fourteen. I’ll buy an ovulation—”
He reached out and took her hand into his. “No. I don’t want it to seem that clinical or pressured. I’m okay with charting your ovulation day so that we know which days are optimal for conception, but nothing more strenuous than that.”
She nodded. “That sounds good.”
“Great. Now, what time would you like to meet for dinner?”
“What time do you plan to leave the office?” she asked.
“I cleared my afternoon schedule for you,” he said. “So how does six o’clock sound?”
“Works for me.”
“Italian?” he asked.
“Love it.”
“Text me your address and I’ll be by to pick you up at 5:30,” he said.
“You don’t have to do that,” Sage protested.
“Yes, I do, so don’t argue the point.”
She smiled as she leaned down to pick up her purse. “I’ll let you get away with that this time.”
He placed his hand at the small of her back as he led her to the door. “Thank you, for I don’t expect you to allow me to get away with much.”
“That you can count on, Orrick.”
Chapter Five
I’m ovulating.
Sage stared at the text for several seconds before hitting the send button. Once she did, she put her phone on her desk and tried to ignore it. Her nerves had been rattled since she’d taken the ovulation test using the kit after first waking up, but she’d managed to wait until she was settled at work before letting Orrick know.
Getting to know him over the past two weeks had been a pleasant surprise. He had a wicked sense of humor that matched his ambitious lifestyle. She didn’t know any other billionaires, but he was not what she imagined one to be in the least. While he expected quality, he wasn’t pretentious about it.
Her phone buzzed. She took a deep breath and ignored it. A few seconds later, she gave in and picked up the phone.
Orrick: “Let’s have dinner.”
Sage: “6:30 work for you?”
Orrick: “Perfect. I’ll see you then. Pack a bag for the weekend.”
Sage stared at the message for several minutes before putting the phone back down. They’d discussed what would happen when this moment came. Now that it had, she was nervous as hell. While she’d shared a few passionate kisses with Orrick, that was as far as they’d gone. This weekend, that would change.
She did her best to focus on the work she needed to get done. Somehow she managed to do it. The end of the workday came around faster than she expected.
She rushed home to get ready. Her level of excited sort of frightened her a little. The last thing she needed to do was get attached to Orrick. If this arrangement worked out the way it was supposed to, the only connection they’d share would be a child. Something that scared her on one hand, but thrilled her beyond measure on the other.
But to even get to that point, she had to figure out what she was going to wear. Something that screamed sexy, but didn’t appear to be overeager. Fortunately, she’d gone to the spa last weekend in preparation.
She settled on a pale yellow sheath dress that rested just off the shoulder and paired it with a white belt and shoes. She’d just finished putting the final touches on her make-up when the doorbell rang. Taking a deep breath, she put the lipstick down before heading to the front door.
After she opened it, she fought back a moan. The man was too gorgeous for his own good. She couldn’t recall a man making a suit look so good.
“Hi,” she greeted.
He stepped forward and brushed his lips against her cheek. “You look beautiful as always.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “You look quite handsome yourself. I’m ready. My bag is right there by the door. I just need to grab my purse.”
He leaned down and took the handle of the small suitcase she’d packed while she grabbed the small clutch, he offered her his arm. A short time later she was settled into the soft leather seat of his vehicle while he drove to downtown Jacksonville.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Light. I’m glad it was because it allowed me to leave work on time. How was yours?”
“Excited that it’s Friday. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend,” he said.
“Speaking of which, what do you have planned?”
He grinned. “If I tell you it won’t be a surprise.”
“As long as you feed me, I’m sure I’ll love it,” she joked.
Her eyes widened as they pulled up to Pine Crescent. It was a new steakhouse that was quickly gaining a reputation for having a great chef and menu. Orrick pulled up to the valet stand and a few moments later he whisked her inside. They were quickly seated.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about this place,” she said.
“I chose it because you said you love a good steak,” he admitted.
“Thank you,” she murmured, picking up the menu. “I’ll add that to the list of your good traits.”
He chuckled. “I have to be a good listener in order to be successful in business.”
“You’re too modest,” she replied before taking a sip of her water.
“You sure you don’t want a glass of wine?” he asked.
“I’d love one to take the edge off my nerves, but I’ll refrain. Everything I put into my body counts. If I’m going to be bad, I’d rather save it for something I really want.”
“Why are you nervous?”
“You really have to ask?” she countered. “Having a baby is a major deal. The way we’re doing it, is very unconventional.”
“My younger brothers’ think I’m insane.”
“My sister thinks it’s a great idea. I’m afraid to tell my brother.”
“What about your parents?” he asked.
“I haven’t told them yet. Even when I do, I won’t go into details. I’m not sure they’d understand.”
“Do they not approve of your job?”
“Oh no. Nothing like that. My parents are just old-fashioned in a lot of ways. They would definitely prefer marriage before children.”
Orrick reached across the table and took her hand in his. “You don’t have to worry about facing any of this alone. Anything you need from me, just ask. If you want me there to speak with your parents about our arrangement, tell me. I’ll make sure my schedule is clear.”
His words had a soothing effect on her. The knot that had been between her shoulder blades loosened a little. She could do this. It wasn’t going to blow up in her face like she feared.
Thankfully, the server brought out their food which served as another blessed distraction. It took everything in her to hold in the moan of pleasure she experienced as she bit into the steak. The soft and buttery meat literally melted in her mouth with minimum chewing. She lowered her head and closed her eyes to savor the moment.
As she swallowed, she lifted her head and looked across the table. Orrick’s expression made her thighs clench in response.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing. I just love how expressive you are. I can’t wait to get you home and see how it translates over into other areas.”
Sage inhaled sharply, then quickly looked around. It didn’t appear that anyone else had heard the statement.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “They’re too busy enjoying their own meals to listen to our conversation.”
“Still, are you sure you want to have this discussion here?” she asked.
“Actually, I don’t feel like talking at all. I would much rather bend you over this table and lift up your dress to see if I can elicit the reaction you just had a moment ago.”
Sage placed a hand to her throat and hoped that her pulse wasn’t as visible and it felt. “Orrick, if you want me to make it through the rest of the dinner without needing CPR, I need to you tone it down a little.”
The look he gave made her think he was going to argue the point. Instead, he gave a small nod. “I’ll back off for now.”
She reached for her fork, knowing the reprieve was temporary and that she had to figure out how she was going to keep up with Orrick once it did.
Chapter Six
“Welcome to my home,” Orrick stated as he invited her to step over the threshold of his home.
Sage stepped inside, still trying to get her bearings. As it turned out, he didn’t live too far from downtown Jacksonville. His home had a darn good view of it as a matter of fact. And if there weren’t enough, his home was located right off of St. Johns River. She was pretty certain that he not only had a dock, but a boat to go with it. It was almost too much to take it.
“You have a beautiful place,” she said.
“Thank you. I’ll give you a tour before the weekend is over.”
Sage laughed. “I would hope so. You can’t keep me inside of your bedroom all weekend.”
“That’s exactly what I have planned,” he replied as he closed the front door.
She turned to look at him, not able to tell if he was serious or not. Judging by his expression, he wasn’t kidding.
He placed her suitcase next to the door. “Don’t give me that look. I kept my word at the restaurant. Now we’re behind closed doors and I can finally act on the ideas that have been running through my head since you texted me this morning.”
She took a step toward him, raising her hand to rest it on his chest. The man was sexy beyond words and for now, he was hers. She planned to take full advantage of that fact.
“Is that so?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ve had dirty fucking thoughts all day long.” With a groan, he wrapped his arms around her and hauled her up against him, one hand gripping her ass, the other cupping her neck. “I can tell by your rapid breathing that you’re turned on. Is your pussy wet, baby? Are you ready for me already? I can’t wait to get between your legs. To lick every inch of that sweet pussy and feel you come on my tongue.”
Sage opened her mouth to respond, but all that came out was a moan Orrick caught between his lips as he crashed them against hers. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and devoured her. While she’d been on the receiving end of her fair share of kisses, she was certain she’d been doing it wrong her entire life, because the way he did it.
Oh god.
It wasn’t just an activity. It was an experience. He put his entire body into the way he kissed her, allowed her to feel every inch of him. And there wasn’t a doubt in her mind every single one of those inches wanted every bit of her.
Orrick pressed her up against the front door and used the hand gripping her ass to tug her closer. To allow her to feel the massive erection between his legs. She couldn’t do anything but throw her arms around his neck and wrap her legs around his waist, grinding herself against him. Wanting to alleviate that delicious ache in her pussy. The one that throbbed in time with his thrusts. She couldn’t think when he did this. Couldn’t think with his hands exploring her and his hard cock thrusting against her and his groans in my mouth. Wondering what would happen next. Pondering what else he could possibly do to soak her panties.
How could she have gone all of this time without feeling this kind of connection?
Now that she had, she didn’t want it to end.
“I feel you grinding your pussy on me, sweetheart.” He pushed against me, a slow rock of his erection right where she ached for him. “Don’t worry, baby. I know how to treat this pussy right. I’m going to slide nice and deep inside you, going to come so hard and fill you up. But that’ll be after I give you everything else. After I make you come with my fingers and my mouth.”
His voice rumbled in her ear, so low and so deep, the near growl reverberated all the way down to her toes. He took her mouth in a kiss, slow…teasing. Quick flicks of his tongue followed by soft nips against her bottom lip. “Where do I get to fuck you for the first time, sweet Sage?”
Damn. This was totally happening. Not in some far-off sense. Not during a vague someday. Today. Now. As terrified as that made her, especially with his gigantic cock rocking insistently between her legs, she wanted him with a desperation that should’ve been alarming.
“Wait…I need to tell you something…”
“Then talk, but make it quick. I need you naked so I can get my first taste of your pussy. Need it like a starving man needs a meal,” Orrick moved his lips to her neck, suckling on the sensitive skin. Sending goose bumps all over my flesh. “I’ve been starving for you from the moment you opened your door.”
She moaned, letting my head drop to the side, allowing him more access while letting myself just be in the moment. This wild, amazing, wonderful moment where the best man she knew…the one she’d wanted to do this with from the second she met him…actually wanted her back. And not just wanted her, but had been starving for her.
“Sage?”
“I…uh…I have a hard time reaching orgasm sometimes. I wanted you to know that in case…well, you know,” she mumbled.
Orrick froze before lifting his head. His gaze inquisitive. “Is it a physical thing or mental?”
“A little of both,” she answered honestly.
“Do you orgasm if you’re pleasuring yourself?”
“Yes, but I use a toy,” she said.
“Did you bring it with you?”
She shook her head. “I wasn’t sure you’d be okay with it.”
