Seducing His Heart Read online

“I’m good at what I do…”

  “The best at what you do.”

  She patted his hand, which was still holding hers.

  Whit leaned over and kissed her. It was a slow, probing kiss. Bess lifted her chin as he slipped his arm around her waist. He pulled her closer and increased the pressure of his mouth on hers, warming her. He raised his head, and his clear eyes bored into hers, staring. The intensity startled her. Hers widened. Something flickered in his then disappeared.

  He brought his lips to hers again, but more demanding this time. His hand cupped her cheek while his arm moved her flush up against his hard chest. A soft moan escaped as she opened for him. His tongue possessed her mouth. His heat melted her insides. She softened against him, like chocolate in the sun. She steadied herself, bringing her arms up to join around his neck. He tasted delicious, and she wanted him.

  As quickly as he kissed her, he retreated, burying his face in her neck, kissing his way down to the neckline of her sweater. His hand closed around her breast. His touch ignited heat that traveled all the way to her toes. Small flames licked her insides when his thumb found her peak.

  Bess slid her hands down his pecs, digging her fingertips into his muscles as she unbuttoned his shirt. He groaned when she came into contact with his skin. Her hand brushed through the dark hair on his chest. He slipped the shoulder of her sweater down, exposing her breast, resting in a white lace bra.

  “Beautiful,” he murmured, reaching into the cup and raising her flesh to his lips. He nibbled on her then flattened his tongue and circled her with it. She gasped as his actions made her throb. The heat between her legs grew, making her squirm. “Can we go somewhere more…comfortable?” He raised his head. Lust shone through his eyes and a slight sex flush colored his cheeks.

  Bess could hardly breathe.

  “I want you,” he whispered. Then, he stood and offered her his hand. “Come, Bess. Time to get what we want.”

  She rose silently, took his hand, and led him to her bedroom.

  Chapter Seven

  Whit had filled her mind and her senses, morning, noon, and night. From wondering what he was eating, to whom he was sleeping with, he had crept into her thoughts day after day. Her skin tingled when she recalled his touch. His pleasing scent lingered. The taste of him never left her.

  Curiosity had grown into almost obsession. Obsession had become passion. She wanted him with every fiber of her being. Now, she was going to fulfill that desire, and her whole body hummed in anticipation.

  The dogs snored softly and didn’t move. When the would-be lovers entered her room, she reached for the hem of her sweater.

  He stopped her. “Wait. No. Let me. I’ve wanted to for a long time.”

  “Make love?”

  “Undress you. It’s a fantasy of mine.”

  A blush of pleasure at his words warmed her. She dropped her hands and faced him. Whit lifted her top over her head slowly, then folded it and put it on a chair. He reached around and unsnapped her bra with one hand. She let it slip to the floor. His eyes feasted on her naked breasts as he raised his hands to touch her. She finished unbuttoning his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders.

  “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, lost in exploration of her chest with his mouth. She lost her fingers in his thick hair and kissed his head, bent in front of her. She reached for the snap on her jeans, and he undid his belt buckle. They removed their pants and stood facing each other.

  “Wait! Let me,” he said, as she hooked her thumbs in the sides of her white, lace panties. Whit slipped his hands under the sides and eased them down, his gaze following their descent. When she was naked, he dropped his boxers.

  Her gaze skimmed down his abs to his erection. Her eyes widened. “Wow,” slipped from her lips.

  He blushed and chuckled. His gaze traveled up and down her bare frame. “You’re amazing. Great body,” he said, stepping closer and resting his hands on her hips. He pulled her up against him and ravaged her mouth while he traced her curves. Wrapping her arms around him, she crushed her breasts to his chest. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once, coaxing, caressing, and exciting her.

  An ache grew inside. She wanted him, now. Bess ripped the covers down on her bed. Whit kissed her as he lowered her gently. “I’m going to take my time…”

  “But you’re…”

  “Don’t care. No rushing this.” He smiled down warmly at her then began his assault, first on her mouth. He moved to nibble on her neck, and then he returned to her breasts. She sighed, closing her eyes. Her mind shut off. Every touch acted like a tiny electric shock, going straight to her core. His expert fingers glided over her soft skin, stopping to lightly pinch a sensitive area, and to roll her nipples until they were hard. He devoured her breasts with his lips and mouth.

  “Models don’t have much upstairs, do they?”

  “Not like these. God, they’re gorgeous,” he said, panting.

  She gripped his shoulders, enjoying the feel of strong muscle and smooth skin. The smattering of hair on his chest tickled her abdomen. Try as she might, she couldn’t stifle a giggle. He raised his head.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You’re tickling me.”

  “I am? Where?”

  She ran her hand through his fur. “There.”

  He smiled. “Let me fix that.” He arched up, massaging her belly with his thumbs, then giving a lick or two. He opened his fingers and skimmed them down to her hipbones. Sitting back on his calves, he stared at her belly and below.

  She squirmed slightly, embarrassed.

  “Feeling shy?” He raised his gaze to hers.

  She nodded.

  “Don’t. Please. Let me look at you. I’ve wanted to for the longest time. Just for a moment.”

  “But…”

  “Oh, honey, don’t stop me now,” he whispered. He parted her thighs and stared. Bess could sense heat growing in her face until he began to massage her with his thumbs.

  If he’d thrown a can of gasoline on the fire building inside her, she couldn’t feel any hotter. She thought she’d explode. He had her fisting the sheets, writhing, and calling his name. His soft chuckle, as he slid a finger inside her, then a second, told her he was enjoying her torture. “Oh, God, Whit. Come on…please!”

  “I’m not finished, and you’re not ready.”

  “I am. I am. Oh God, I am!” She thrust her head back into the pillow and bit her lip. He eased his hands under her rear and raised her up. Before she could utter a word, his tongue made contact with her flesh, and she bucked.

  “Hold still!” he commanded.

  “Are you kidding,” she breathed, eyes closed. Again, she heard his chuckle as he went back to tantalizing and teasing her. She tried to keep quiet, but moans slipped through her lips. “If you don’t—”

  Before she could finish, an orgasm ripped through her body, making her shudder for a second, then contractions sent pleasure shooting through her. A loud groan shuddered in her chest as she tilted her hips. Reaching out in her frenzy, her hand came in contact with him. She wrapped her fingers around his erection and opened her eyes.

  Bess shot him an evil stare and watched his smug expression fade. “Now, we’ll see who holds the winning hand.”

  He laughed.

  “Okay, okay, poor word choice. But I’m in control now,” she said.

  “Oh, yeah? We’ll see about that.”

  She tightened her grip slightly as she pumped her hand, stopping him cold. His head bent over as he groaned out a few curses, searching wildly for his pants. He managed to locate a condom and unwrap it quickly. He turned toward her. “If you don’t let go, this’ll be over in a few seconds,” he said, panting.

  Bess laughed and dropped her hand. He covered himself then faced her. She opened her legs, and he mounted her, slipping inside, causing her to gasp.

  “You okay?” he asked, concern clouding his beautiful eyes.

  “Oh, God. Yeah. Hell, yeah. Oh, my God.” Her eyelids f
luttered as he pushed up all the way. After closing his fingers around her thigh, he eased her leg up and thrust in, burying himself deep. She sucked in air. It’s so good. So good.

  “How are you?” he asked, his expression still concerned.

  “Great! Oh, man, great.” She stared back at him and smiled.

  He kissed her and stepped up his movements. Her body heated again under his guidance. Emotion bubbled up inside her, but she tamped it down. She moved her hips in tandem with him, fastening her fingers around his shoulders. He lowered his head to suck on her neck. She licked his earlobe then raised her hand, combing it through his hair. The scent of their passion mixed with his sexy aftershave and his own, unique fragrance created an aphrodisiac for her nose.

  “I want you, oh God, how I want you,” he muttered, pumping into her.

  “You have me.”

  He quieted down and increased his speed. Pushing up on his hands, he stared down at her with lusty eyes. Thrust after thrust re-kindled her fire. Flames flared. She closed her eyes and came hard. Her hips undulated on their own as spasms shot warmth to every finger and toe. She looked up at him, and his expression of ecstasy was followed by a loud groan and her name. She studied his face as he climaxed and decided it was the most handsome she’d ever seen.

  Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gazed down at her with love in his eyes. “That was the most incredible…most awe-inspiring…”

  He stopped, continuing to look at her. The warmth in his gaze made her smile. She ran her hand over his rough cheek and down over his chest before she brushed her lips across his. His body is perfect. “You were wonderful. That was amazing,” she whispered.

  The peace between them was disturbed by a loud yawn and the click, click, click of two sets of claws on the wood floor. Bess glanced over to see Dumpling and Homer sitting next to the bed. The female looked completely bored and licked her nose. The male panted, his tongue lolling. Bess leaned over to make contact with her dog. Then, Dumpling marched over to the puppy bed and curled up. Homer followed her.

  “When you have a dog, especially a pug, you’re never alone,” Bess said.

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “I think so.”

  He rolled off her and stretched out. She cuddled up to him, resting her head on his chest. He closed his arm around her and stroked her hair.

  “So, was it everything you thought it’d be?” Begging for a compliment? How crude. What’s the matter with me?

  “More. I never imagined anything so intense.”

  She pushed up to make eye contact. “You imagined our sleeping together?”

  “Didn’t you?” He ran his finger down her cheek.

  Bess burrowed her face into his fur to hide her embarrassment. Only night after night after night. “I plead the fifth,” she squeaked.

  He laughed. “Not admitting anything? Okay. I get it.” They lay together in silence for a while, until Whit spoke up again. “Don’t you feel it?’ His hand caressed her breast idly.

  “What? I feel your hand.”

  “Come on. You know what I mean. The electricity. The chemistry.”

  “Between us?” She sat up.

  “No, between me and Homer.” He shrugged. “Of course, between us!”

  Trapped! Tell him the truth. “Okay, okay, yeah. I admit it.”

  He leaned over and kissed her. “Thank God. Thought I was losing my mind. Bess, honey, sweetheart. You and me.”

  “I don’t want to have chemistry with a man who can’t commit.” She pushed away from him, swung her legs over the side of the mattress, and stood up.

  “Commit? We’ve only been to bed once. Known each other a couple of weeks. And you want a commitment?” He scratched his head.

  “I didn’t say that. I said I don’t want chemistry…”

  “I heard, I heard. Chemistry happens. It isn’t something you can will…or wish away.”

  She stared at the floor. “I know. But why does it have to happen with a guy like you.”

  “Thanks a lot.” He left the bed and grabbed his boxers.

  She turned toward him, placing her hands on his upper arms. “You know what I mean. If you weren’t such a commitment-phobe, it’d be different.”

  “You might be doing the Snoopy Dance, then?”

  “Yeah.” She dropped her hands. I don’t want to love him. I don’t want to like him. But he’s an amazing lover.

  “So, you like me against your will?”

  “Sort of. Not really, but…well, maybe.” She nodded as she plucked her robe from the back of the door.

  Whit came up behind her. He wound his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. “Can’t we have whatever it is we have? Can’t we leave it at that?”

  “That’s so…so…open-ended.”

  “Come on, honey. What we have is special. Let’s enjoy it while it’s hot.”

  “And when it fizzles?” She faced him. “What then?”

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Don’t throw this away.”

  Push him away. Come on. If I’m so smart, so righteous. But the sex was incredible. “I’ll bet you say that to all your women.”

  He stepped back. “Ouch. No. Was that a line? No way. Is that what you think of me?”

  “You’re a player. You admit it. What else am I to think?”

  “That maybe I like you. Surely that I have the hots for you.”

  “Every man has the hots for a woman, a dozen women.”

  “I’m not a man-whore.” He reached for his pants.

  She turned a jaundiced eye on him. “Aren’t you? I see you out with different women all the time.”

  “I date only two women…now that’s down to one, after I accidentally stood Candy up. Only Elsa.”

  “Oh? I don’t share.”

  “You want exclusive after one trip to the bedroom?”

  She nodded. The sting of tears pricked at the back of her eyes. Silence followed. She retreated to the window to avoid his gaze. “Never mind,” she said, fastening her robe around her. “I don’t care. Date whoever you want. This was a one-time thing. Ain’t happening again.” A lump in her throat made her stop speaking.

  Whit moved closer. He rubbed her arms and softened his voice. “Hey. I didn’t say ‘no’.”

  “I don’t want to have to ask. I didn’t ask. Forget I said anything. Screw anyone you want, but not me. Not again.” The tears burst forth. I’ve got my pride. She turned away from him, making a beeline for the tissue box. Facing the wall, she wiped her eyes. Whit was right behind. “Can’t you take a hint? Go home. Go to her…whoever. And don’t bother me again. Ever!”

  He caressed her shoulders, his touch scorching her skin through her thin robe. She stiffened when he kissed her neck. “Don’t be like this. Come on. Give me a chance.”

  “A chance to do what? Give me Monday Wednesday Friday and her Tuesday Thursday Saturday? Uh uh. No way.” Bess shook her head.

  “Did I say that? Let me get a word in here, would you?”

  A shudder ran through her chest as she took a deep breath. Emotion choked her. I can’t be in love with him. I don’t even know him. But I want him. I want him so much.

  Whit turned her by her shoulders until she was facing him. She glanced up, too ashamed to look him in the eye. What she saw there held her gaze. His brows were knit, his eyes concerned, and his lips were compressed into a thin line. “I’d never do that to you,” he whispered. “I’d never hurt you. You’re special, Bess. Not like other women.”

  “Why? Because I cook?”

  “Because you’re you. I’m done with Elsa. Say you’ll be with me. Mine. Alone.”

  Her heart lurched. Does he mean it? She nodded.

  “No, say it.” His fingers squeezed.

  “I’m yours. Yours alone…if you’re mine alone.”

  “Fair enough. Yep. No more dates with Elsa…or anyone else. Only you.”

  Happiness pushed doubt out of her heart. She grinned at him. Whit took her
in his arms for a long kiss. Bess melted against him, letting joy flutter up inside. Inhibitions took a backseat to need. More. More.

  With one hand, Whit pulled the sash of her robe loose. It opened, and he slipped his hands under the fabric. Closing his fingers around her waist, he slid them up, over her breasts. Her breathing became rapid as he massaged.

  “Again?” She peered into his eyes.

  “Hell yeah, again. And again and again…” he whispered into her hair. She felt him harden against her belly, and every nerve came alive with expectation. “Do you have a spare toothbrush?”

  “I do.”

  “Good. I’m spending the night.”

  “You are? I mean, you are. Of course. Fantastic.”

  “Damn right.” He led her to the bed. A sneeze and a yawn came from the pugs on the floor as they rearranged their positions.

  “Pups, your walk is coming. But first...” He didn’t finish as Bess pushed him down on the mattress. Giggling, she jumped on next to him. He wrestled her underneath him and made mad, passionate love to her.

  At eleven, Bess, Whit, and the pugs left the elevator and went out into the night. They strolled down the avenue, taking their time, allowing the dogs to sniff every lamppost.

  “What’s on your menu for tomorrow?”

  “What am I cooking? Nothing new. Looking over some ideas for next week. I have the day off.”

  “Good. You can sleep in. After we’re finished, you’ll need the rest.”

  “With a dog, you can never sleep in.”

  “Go back to bed, then.”

  “And what are these plans?” She threw a flirtatious look at him.

  “Making love all night.”

  Goose flesh broke out on her arm. “How will you get up in the morning and go to work?”

  “I don’t know. You might get me fired,” he joked.

  “I can see the headline on your show now—‘Oversexed Newsman Sacked for Too Much Sack Time’.”

  “Clever.”

  “To answer your question, I’ll be experimenting with the crockpot tomorrow. Trying to cook fruit in there. Maybe make a fruit compote or applesauce.”

  “Can I stop by? Maybe take you out to eat afterward?”