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  The kitchen bustled with activity, but Dan didn’t let her stop to investigate. He just kept leading her toward the door. When they reached the exit, Jessica put on the breaks. “Dan, I can’t.”

  “Five minutes. We’ll get some air, have a drink. Then we’ll come on back and get as serious as you want.”

  “That’s not the point,” she said, clearly not ready to give in. But just then Owen McCabe saved the day. He was on the far side of the room, but he’d spotted them. His voice, calling out Jessica’s name, was barely audible over the din.

  “Uh-oh,” Dan said. “Owen, six o’clock.”

  “Damn.”

  “Come on, before he gets any closer.”

  She let him pull her out the door, onto the metal steps leading to the roof.

  They were in Midtown, on East Fifty-third between Lexington and Park, and when they’d climbed the two flights of stairs, they walked into a night filled with magic.

  They weren’t high enough up to have an unobstructed view, but what they did see was incredible. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, lights blazing, made incredible exclamation points on either side. They were just high enough that the noise from the street was more of a whisper than a roar.

  “There,” he said. “Isn’t this better?”

  “Still, I should be—”

  “You should be right here.” He handed her the champagne. “Drink,” he said. “Breathe. Relax. If nothing else, we need to make Owen wonder what we’re doing.”

  She looked at the bubbly Dom Perignon, then back at him. “Okay. Five minutes.”

  “Is that all? Boy, you don’t have very high expectations, do you?”

  She seemed puzzled for a second, then she snorted in a very ladylike way. “You think Owen thinks we’re out here having sex?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  “Oh, that’s just silly.”

  Now it was his turn to be skeptical. “You don’t think that’s the first thing he’d do if he had the chance?”

  She paused. “Owen? Yes, you’re probably right.”

  He stepped closer to her, touched her arm. “You don’t think it’s the first thing any man in that room would do if they had the chance?”

  “Oh, please.”

  He pulled her close so he could feel her against him. “Do you have any idea how desirable you are?”

  “Owen isn’t here now.”

  “And for that, I’m truly grateful.”

  She finally met his gaze. He didn’t hide his thoughts at all. And when he saw her touch her upper lip with the tip of her tongue, he bent down for the kiss that had beckoned all evening.

  He wrapped her in his arms, not willing to chance her getting away, but from her response, the move was probably unnecessary. She opened her mouth just enough for him to fully taste her, to linger in that wet heat. She moaned, and he pressed against her, letting her feel what she did to him. Her little gasp told him he’d succeeded.

  “I’ve wanted to do this since you walked out of the bedroom tonight,” he whispered.

  She responded with her lips, bringing him down again as she teased him with her tongue. His whole body tensed with the feel of her, with the electricity coursing through him. His hand moved slowly over the bare flesh of her back, the softness enough to drive him over the edge.

  When he felt her fingers grappling at his back, he was the one to moan. He wallowed in her taste, moving his mouth to get her from every angle, to touch her completely and thoroughly, to possess her.

  Pulling her tighter, closer, the party disappeared, the rest of Manhattan faded away, until all that existed were the two of them.

  He rubbed against her, hard and anxious, letting her know that all she had to do was say the word—

  “Jessica.”

  Owen’s voice stopped them cold. She jerked back, pulling away as if she’d been burned.

  “Hey there, Owen,” Dan said, disliking the man more and more.

  “Jessica,” he said again, ignoring Dan. “I was looking everywhere for you.”

  “I was just taking a little break,” she said. “Is there a problem?”

  “ET wants an interview, and I thought you should get out there.”

  “I thought they wanted to talk to Sheree and Shawn.”

  “They do, but I think we need to have a presence.”

  “Okay, sure. I’ll be right down.”

  Owen gave Dan a look that would singe the hair off his eyebrows. “I’ll take you to them. They’re not in the building.”

  She reached out and took Dan’s hand. “Okay, let’s go.”

  When Owen saw Dan was joining them, he wasn’t pleased. The rest of the night was all business, but her thoughts never strayed too far from that kiss.

  FIVE WORST GIFTS TO BUY A WOMAN

  1. Never give a woman any kind of household appliance or something that is going to make “housework” easier. For instance, a blender, a toaster, a new vacuum, anything in an infomercial.

  2. Any sharp objects made by Ronco that slices or dices, or a set of Ginsu knives. These may one day be used as a weapon against you when you come home with lipstick on your collar after a “night out with the boys.”

  3. Any lingerie made of flannel. It gives her the idea that you do not consider her the sexy woman that she is. Take out that wallet and buy her something sexy from Victoria’s Secret.

  4. Any type of cubic zirconium jewelry you see on a home shopping channel.

  5. Please do not buy her clothes because you think for one minute you have good taste in woman’s clothing. Believe me, she’ll smile and say it’s beautiful, while choking back tears and mumbling under her breath, “Where the hell would I ever wear this outfit without being arrested for bad taste?”

  Source: JokesMagazine.Com “Ten Worst Gifts To Buy A Woman”

  http://jokesmagazine.com/frontpage.asp

  7

  THEY LEFT THE PARTY at a quarter to three, the quiet of the limo startling after so much noise. Jessica seemed pleased and exhausted. From what he could see, the event had been every bit the success she’d been hoping for. It hadn’t been as victorious for him, however.

  The kiss on the rooftop haunted him. He’d felt something powerful up there, something that hadn’t stirred in him for a long, long time.

  Jessica leaned back on the black-leather seat and closed her eyes. His gaze lingered on her face, memorizing the lush curve of her lips. He wondered how much of what he felt was primal, and what part of it was his excitement at having someone with such an agile mind as a sparring partner.

  The last woman he’d been involved with hadn’t been nearly as bright as Jessica, although she was by no means dull. Lily had been an intoxicatingly beautiful woman and, had she tried, she could have done something with her life. She’d been preoccupied with her beauty, however, and spent inordinate amounts of time primping, shopping, anointing. In the beginning of the relationship, when it was filled with that first blush of excitement, he hadn’t minded a bit. Eventually, though, he’d grown tired of it, preferring the company of his friends. She’d broken up with him, which had been a relief. That was over a year ago, during which time he’d had only one brief encounter, and that was with an old friend who’d visited from Oregon and had left after three wild days.

  It wasn’t a stretch to place his ardor for Jessica on the doorstep of lust. And yet, he was just as eager to talk with her as he was to make love to her. Well, maybe that was stretching it pretty thin. He definitely wanted to sleep with her, to explore all of her fantasies. In fact, that was something he intended to pursue as soon as he could. She’d sworn that she would tell the truth, and he was going to press her as far as he could. Get her to open up as no woman ever had, at least to him.

  What did she fantasize about? It wasn’t being tied up, that much he knew, but what? In her dreams, was she holding the reins? Or did she yearn for something sweetly romantic? God, he had to know.

  She turned her head and opened her eyes just
enough so she could see him. “Are we there yet?”

  He looked out the window, recognizing the deli on the corner. “Soon.”

  “I don’t think I have the energy to get out of the car.”

  He scooted over a bit, slid his arm in back of her so her head rested on his shoulder. “You can lean on me,” he said.

  She shifted a bit, getting comfy. “You were great tonight. Owen was only a minor nuisance.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Sorry we didn’t get that dance.”

  “I’m not worried about it. We’ll have our chance.”

  She didn’t say anything, and a few moments later her breathing was so slow and even, he thought she must be asleep. They’d be at the hotel in five minutes, so he’d have to wake her, but in the meantime, he enjoyed the feel of her resting against him. She was so warm, so delicate. His fingers brushed her shoulder, amazed at the softness, the creamy texture of her skin. Then his gaze moved down to her breasts, the tantalizing view a little too enticing.

  It wasn’t a wise thing to get all heated up, not tonight. She needed her sleep and he needed to get himself back on track.

  The truth was, he didn’t want to rush this thing. He wanted to complete his research, and do right by her. There was no rush. She wasn’t going anywhere.

  The limo turned the last corner and pulled in to the hotel. She woke when it came to a stop, sitting up with a little shake of her head. “We’re here.”

  “That we are,” he said, sorry that the ride had ended.

  The door opened, and Dan got out, offering Jessica his hand. She took it and smiled as she got out. He tipped the driver, then put his arm around her shoulder as they made their way inside.

  She didn’t say anything on the ride up, and he felt just as comfortable in the silence. After a slow walk down the hall, they entered the suite. She stood quite still while he turned on some lights. When he walked back to her side, she reached out and grabbed his lapel, pulling him down to eye level. She kissed him softly on the lips, just a peck, really. “Thank you,” she said.

  He wanted more, but all he did was smile as she let him go. “You go ahead and use the bathroom first,” he said. “You need to get to bed.”

  “I have to be up at seven,” she said.

  “Ouch.”

  “I’ll say. But the only thing I have to do tomorrow is a photo shoot. Shouldn’t be too bad.”

  “That sounds interesting.”

  “It won’t be. But you can always watch the models change if you’re bored.”

  “I’d never be that bored.”

  She gave him a half smile. “That’s it. I’m falling asleep on my feet.” She headed to her bedroom, weaving a little.

  Dan watched her until she shut the door, then he reached up and undid his tie. He was glad the pullout bed was comfortable, because he needed his beauty rest, too. His jacket came off next, and then his cummerbund. Although he felt like tossing them all on a chair, and worrying about it in the morning, he hung them up like a good little guest. By then, Jessica had appeared in her kimono and hurried to the bathroom.

  He stopped on his way to making his bed, staring at the bathroom door. Was she naked underneath that robe? He could picture her so clearly it was painful. He wanted to walk in on her, lift her up and sit her on the edge of the counter. Spread her legs apart and stand real close, so that the heat of her could warm his already hot body. Kiss her until she forgot about sleep, forgot about work. Run his hands over her stunning breasts, feel the heft of them, the rigid peaks of her nipples. He’d take his time tasting her, sucking each nipple until her fingers clawed his back.

  And then he’d get on his knees, pulling her forward until her hot center was open before him. He’d work his tongue slowly, teasing all around her clit until she begged, and then he would be relentless. To make her come until she couldn’t stand it another second. When she was almost to the point of madness, that’s when he’d stand up. Hold her right there at the edge, and he’d enter her in one hard stroke, filling her, making her come yet again.

  The bathroom door opened and he spun to his left, acutely aware of the bulge in his tuxedo pants. He didn’t want her to think sex was all he ever thought about, although with her, that was mostly true.

  “All yours,” she said, and she made her way to the bedroom.

  “Thanks,” he said over his shoulder. He didn’t relax until he was alone, and then, the relaxation only went as far as his shoulders.

  He grabbed some pajama bottoms, which he didn’t much care for. He slept in the nude, but his mother had gotten him the blue cotton pair two Christmases ago and he figured it was only right to put them on now.

  Once in the bathroom, he turned on the shower, peeled off the rest of his clothes and stepped inside. He probably should have made the water cold, but that idea seemed excessive when there was a perfectly acceptable alternative.

  He grabbed the soap and after a quick wash, he took matters into his own hands. Well, hand. Eyes closed, he thought about picking up where he’d left off, but he’d liked the foreplay too much. The venue changed to the living room. Right out there, with the couch already made into a bed. And Jessica wasn’t in the kimono. No, she was wearing that incredible scarlet dress. He placed her in front of the sliding glass door. Behind it, Manhattan glittered like a jewel, but his gaze would be squarely on her reflection, so clear he could read her eyes as he stood close behind her. Close enough to nibble on the soft curve of her neck, right where it became shoulder. He’d run his fingers softly over the expanse of her back, giving her goose bumps, making her quiver. Then he’d find the soft little lobe of her ear and run his tongue up into the shell, then nip again at the lobe as he grasped her zipper and pulled it down, down.

  His breathing got heavier as the images spilled in front of him, each more erotic than the next. But he didn’t want it to end, not yet. There was still too much to see.

  JESSICA SPREAD her legs, and ran her hand down her stomach as the images in her head went from hot to scalding. She’d tried to sleep, but it was useless. Not while Dan was on the other side of that door, and not with the memory of his kiss still on her lips.

  My God, what he’d done to her. It was crazy. She hardly knew him, and she wasn’t one of those fickle females who’d drop her panties at the first sight of a good-looking guy. Okay, so Dan was more than good-looking. He was incredible, and the way he kissed.

  Her fingers found the fold of her sex, and she didn’t waste any time going for the magic. She’d learned years ago to take care of her own needs, and saw nothing wrong with it. In fact, her ability to pleasure herself had kept her out of trouble on more than one occasion. Tonight, for the first time she could recall, she felt how incredibly lacking it was. Not that she couldn’t get herself off, that was just a matter of imagination and persistence, but oh, how she wanted to feel him next to her. To see his body, to see what he would do with her.

  His creativity, she felt certain, ran to more than just computer software. No, this was a man who would take his time. Who would use everything at his disposal to bring her pleasure. His kiss had told her so much…too much. And she wanted more.

  She fixed an image in her head while she increased her speed and pressure. Dan, walking in right now, naked, hard. Big and hard. So hard. Throwing back the covers, catching her with her hand in the cookie jar. Giving her that wicked grin of his. Climbing onto the bed, pulling her hand away. Telling her to relax, and let him do the driving.

  Her nipples hardened as she pictured him taking each one between his lips, circling, sucking, while his hands explored her body. She’d reach out and find that hard length of his and do her own exploration. There was something so intoxicating about the softness of the flesh encasing something so rigid. She loved playing with penises, although she didn’t often get the chance.

  But then she’d let him go as he slid down, licking her every inch of the way from her breastbone to her nether lips.

  Oh, God, she had to
slow down…If she didn’t she would…

  …COME. He wasn’t ready yet, but dammit, the picture in his head! He had her up to the glass, so cold she’d cried out when her naked back had pressed against it. His hands holding her ass, holding her up so that her body was perfectly aligned for his entry. He’d taken her mouth with his, and kissed her deeply, and then he’d thrust inside her so hard he’d nearly lost it that second.

  But he’d held on and now, in a picture so vivid he could practically taste her, he continued to thrust, pretending it wasn’t his hand.

  It was too late, he couldn’t hold back another second. He pumped, fast, and his pelvis pushed involuntarily until there…there…“Jessica!”

  “OH, GOD, Dan!” Jessica pulled her hand away and buried her head in her pillow. She’d been so loud, she’d probably wakened him, and that would be a disaster. She shivered as an after-thrill took her, then squeezed her legs tight as she tried to slow her breathing.

  The door was thick, he probably hadn’t heard. Or thought it was the TV. Or something. She couldn’t worry about it, not when it was so late and she had to get up so early.

  She fluffed her pillow, straightened the blankets and closed her eyes. And immediately pictured Dan. Naked.

  This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all. She reached over and grabbed the remote, turning the TV onto a late-night black-and-white movie. She turned down the sound so it was just loud enough that she’d have to struggle to make out the words. That should do it. She hoped.

  MARLA LOOKED at the clock on her bedside table. It was almost four, and she wasn’t the least bit sleepy. She couldn’t stop thinking about the night. About Shawn.

  Oh, God, he’d talked to her so much! Every time he wasn’t having his picture taken or doing some other work stuff, he’d come right back to her and just picked up the conversation as if it had never been interrupted.