Kitabı oku: «The Honeymoon That Wasn't», sayfa 3
He shrugged. “How would I know?”
“Defense attorneys can make oodles of money. Especially defending white-collar clients.” She whispered. “My brother’s favorite kind of criminal.”
“What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
“I wasn’t referring to the innocent ones.” She paused thoughtfully. “Although they usually end up racking up a lot more legal fees.”
“You’re so cute when you’re being materialistic.”
“Hey.” She lightly pinched his shoulder. “I was being analytical.”
“Oh.” He smiled and brought her closer so that she pressed her cheek against the base of his throat. His lips were touching her forehead. This is where he wanted her. Not leaning away from him analyzing the legal profession.
Besides, the dance floor had gotten more crowded. Good for him. It gave him an excuse to draw her closer. Bad for her in that she could be overheard and, since half the people there were either lawyers, judges or somehow related, she’d be better off zipping it.
Her arms tightened around his neck and she rubbed her cheek against his jaw. His body immediately reacted. If the song suddenly ended and he had to walk back to the table, he’d be screwed.
“Hello, Dakota.”
She lifted her head and smiled at the distinguished-looking older man dancing beside them with a much younger blond woman. “Hi, Judge Hawkins.”
He nodded to Tony and then said to Dakota, “We’re not in the courtroom. I think it would be okay to call me David.”
“That would feel a little too strange.”
He smiled, nodded and they moved apart, but not before the man gave Tony a sizing up.
Tony ignored him. “Is that his wife?”
“Nope. He’s divorced. Three times now.”
“He looks old enough to be her father.”
“Probably is. He likes them young.”
He obviously liked Dakota, but Tony didn’t point that out. The song wound down and he hoped like hell the band would stick to a slow beat. They did and everyone on the dance floor stayed. Several other couples crowded in and damned if they didn’t all seem to know Dakota. Their once-private area was getting to be as bad as Grand Central Station.
When it was announced that it was time to cut the cake, he didn’t even mind. Maybe after that they could get out of here. Even if he and Dakota just rode to the airport together, alone, no parents, no coworkers, and the evening ended there, he’d be okay with that. Not happy, but okay.
Glasses of champagne were passed out while Dallas and Eric got ready to cut the cake. Dallas got a little impatient when the photographer kept trying to reposition them and she dug into the cake with her fingers and offered the piece to Eric. Everyone laughed. Except Mrs. Shea, but that was no surprise.
In Tony’s experience, shortly after the cake was cut the bride and groom usually left the reception. That meant he and Dakota would be leaving, too. He glanced at his watch. No matter, they’d have to leave within half an hour to get to LaGuardia in time for their flight.
An older, distinguished-looking man had intercepted Dakota right before the cake cutting, and Tony scanned the room locating her in time to see her drain a flute of champagne and exchange it for another. She caught his eye and smiled, then raised the glass to him before gulping down half the contents.
What the hell? Was she on some kind of mission to get plastered? Maybe she didn’t like flying? A lot of people didn’t. Better that be the reason than anything personal. He wanted to be with her this weekend, but not if she had to get loaded to be with him.
“We’re going to have to leave soon.” Dallas dabbed at the white frosting clinging to the corner of her mouth. “Where’s Dakota?”
“Over there.”
“Ah, she’s talking to Judge Mayfield and his wife. She shouldn’t be long. We’ll meet at the door in fifteen minutes. Eric is having the limo brought around front.”
“Is she okay?” he asked.
Dallas smiled “Yes. Trust me.”
That’s about all he could do. “I’ll be ready.” His gaze went to Dakota.
She was laughing at something the judge said, her face slightly flushed. She tossed her hair back over her shoulder, the honey-colored strands catching the light from the chandelier. The red dress shimmered as she moved, emphasizing the tempting curve of her backside. Yeah, he was ready all right. He had been from the first time he saw her.
“WHO EVER HEARD of a limo without champagne?” Dakota sighed, hiked her dress up to her thighs and then swung her legs up on the seat where she sat opposite Tony. Predictably his gaze went straight to the hem of her dress, and then ran down the length of her legs. “We’ll simply have to have the driver stop for some.” She lifted her fist to knock on the dividing glass, but Tony lunged from his seat and captured her wrist.
“Don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink?” He got up and joined her on her seat, using his hip to nudge her legs aside.
“Excuse me?” She indignantly lifted her chin, and slightly slurred her words then asked, “Do you think I’m drunk?”
He hesitated, exhaling in exasperation, and she had to really struggle to keep a straight face. “Look, we can’t stop. We’ll miss our plane.”
“Plane? What plane?”
He stared at her. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Of course I’m kidding.” She pulled her hem up a little higher and used her pointed toes to trace a path across his back. “Remind me.”
“Oh, God,” he muttered, passing a hand over his face, and then covering his mouth and exhaling loudly.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.”
“Why are you still holding my wrist?”
“What? Oh, sorry.”
As soon as he let go, she knocked on the dividing glass.
“Yes, ma’am?” The driver’s voice immediately came over the intercom.
Tony pressed the response button. “Sorry, my mistake. We’re fine.”
“Hey, I wanted—”
Tony cut her off with a brief kiss, and then whispered, “When we get on the plane you can have all the champagne you want.”
She slipped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. “What if I want something else?”
His breath warm and uneven against her cheek, he said, “Such as?”
She shifted so that her hip rubbed him right where it counted, and he tensed. She made him wait a few seconds and then whispered, “Chocolate.”
“Ah…” He chuckled softly. “When we get to the airport you can have that, too.”
“For now I’ll settle for a kiss.”
“You will, huh?”
She nodded, and then waited, surprised by the uncertainty in his eyes. Maybe it was a trick of the shadows, or maybe he didn’t want to take advantage of her because he thought she was drunk. The idea softened her and she tightened her arms around his neck, bringing him close enough that their noses touched. She slanted her head and met his lips.
His reluctance lasted all of a second before he kissed her back, going down with her when she laid back against the cushioned seat. The tinted dividing window prevented the driver from seeing anything and it would be easy to get carried away. Especially with Tony’s broad chest pressed to her breasts, his arousal growing against her lower belly. But they were too close to the airport and if she really wanted to torment him, now was the time.
He’d conspired with Dallas and deserved a helping of torture. Just a little before they got down to the good stuff, she reminded herself, when he parted her lips with his tongue and her determination started to evaporate. She moved her left thigh to rub his hard-on and he groaned against her mouth.
She hadn’t planned on torturing herself, too, but every pore in her body had come alive, her nipples so ripe they ached, and it was a good thing she’d opened her eyes in time to see the first sign for LaGuardia. Knowing they were about to be interrupted, she reached for his zipper. And then secretly smiled when he groaned, and stilled her hand.
“THE CAPTAIN HAS turned off the seat belt sign and you’re free to move around the cabin. However, if you remain in your seat, we ask that you keep your seat belt fastened. Thank you.”
The flight attendant had barely finished her spiel and Dakota reached for her seat belt.
Tony stopped her. “Where are you going?”
She gave him a sleepy smile and twisted around in her seat to face him. “Nowhere.”
Neither of them had a coat so he’d given her his jacket to wear over the dress but this particular position gave him a sneak preview that he didn’t need right now. She’d gotten him so damn worked up in the limo that he didn’t trust his cock anymore.
Getting checked in had cooled him off. Replaying the scene in his head helped do it again. The ticket agent looked as if she thought he was kidnapping Dakota. Fortunately she pulled it together long enough to provide her identification and tell everyone who’d listen that they were on their honeymoon.
“Where are we going?” she asked, and promptly covered a yawn.
“Dakota. You know where we’re going. Dallas talked to you, remember?”
She blinked at him. “Sort of.”
God, he didn’t like this. He cleared his throat. “What exactly do you remember?”
“She packed a bag for me, right?”
He nodded.
“Did she remember my toothbrush?” She yawned again. “My electric one.”
“I’m sure she did.”
“I think I’ll take a nap now.”
“Good idea.”
She shifted so that she could lay her head on his shoulder, and with one hand he shook out a blanket the flight attendant had given them earlier. He draped it over her, and she snuggled closer.
Man, he sure hoped Dallas knew what she was doing. She swore Dakota wasn’t drunk. Just a little tipsy. That she understood exactly where she was going. And who she was with. Because if she didn’t, this weekend or any chance they might have had was going to be so messed up.
4
“THANKS, OTIS. I’ll take it from here.”
“May I get you some ice, sir?”
Tony shook his head. “Nah, we’re okay.” He tipped the bellman three times what he normally would, hoping the guy didn’t call security. Or worse, the police. All the way up on the elevator ride, he’d eyed Tony as if he were Jack the Ripper. Not that he blamed the older man. The way Dakota was acting, everyone from the flight attendant to the cab driver had to be wondering if Tony had drugged her.
He’d practically had to hold her up just to get her off the plane. And then she was so disoriented she kept asking where she was up until three minutes ago when they’d arrived at the suite.
“Do I have any clothes?” Dakota asked, yawned and then stretched, before sinking onto the couch.
Otis stopped on his way to the door and slowly turned around. “May I assist you in any way, miss?” he asked solemnly, his gaze steadily on her and deliberately away from Tony.
She’d taken off his jacket in the taxi and the way she sat, her dress slightly askew, exposed a lot of cleavage. Her lips curved in a teasing smile. “I don’t think so. We’re on our honeymoon.”
The relief on the man’s face was almost laughable. “Ah, I see. Very good.” Backing toward the door, he looked approvingly at Tony. “Very good, sir. I’ll bid you good-night then.”
“See ya, Otis.” Tony hurried to double lock the door as soon as the man was gone. When he turned back to Dakota, she had her eyes closed.
She looked pale against the navy-blue-and-cream floral cushions. But a couple of days on a sunny beach would fix that. The problem now was whether he should leave her here in the living room.
“Dakota,” he said low enough not to wake her if she was sleeping.
She sighed and snuggled down deeper into the cushions, letting one of her high heels slide off her foot. Her feet were long, narrow but dainty, and shining through the sheer black hose her toenails were a bright red.
Her tousled hair looked more sexy than messy, and thinking of how soft and warm and willing she’d been in the limo had him itching to get down to business. But not when she was like this. Coffee. Strong and black. He wondered if that really worked.
He looked away and studied the living room. The tropic-styled suite had to have cost a small fortune. Tony was no expert on decorating or art but he knew about wood and carpentry and the hardwood floors alone had set the owner back a year’s rent for a Queens apartment. Anyone could tell that the rattan furniture was of the highest quality and the artwork on the walls and interesting native pieces casually set on corner pedestals weren’t cheap knockoffs. Expensive knockoffs maybe.
Even the bar area was no afterthought. At least ten feet across against a mirrored wall, the back shelf was stocked with full-size bottles of premium brands and not the miniature version. The refrigerator was full size, too, and loaded with different varieties of beer, according to Otis. Four bar stools with blue-and-cream-colored seats that matched the couch were arranged around the tall, curved rattan bar.
No fake plants either. Eight-foot palms stood on either side of the sliding glass door to the balcony. It was dark but he knew they faced the ocean. Not just because the front desk clerk had told him. Tony could hear the waves lapping the shore.
Man, it sucked that Dallas and Eric had spent all this money and Tom was screwing up their plans. No doubt they had something equally nice someplace else but that wasn’t the point. It wasn’t even about the money. Tony had already decided he’d pay for the suite and everything else this weekend. He didn’t care what Dallas said. But it was all the hassle she’d gone through to counter Tom’s prank that irritated Tony.
He couldn’t think about that right now. It pissed him off too much and he had another problem to consider…sobering up Dakota. His gaze went back to Dakota. For a second he thought he saw her eyes open, but as he moved closer he realized it had to have been a trick of the light.
He’d already lost the bow tie and shrugged out of the jacket. He draped it over the rattan chair that matched the couch and bar stools, and then grabbed their bags and carried them to the bedroom.
The friggin’ bedroom was almost as big as the living room, with a canopied king-size bed and one of those white nettings you only see in movies draped over it and tied back to the bedposts. There was another couch and another sliding glass door that led to a separate balcony. More palms, more paintings.
He found the large walk-in closet and placed their bags on the built-in luggage racks. Kicking off his shoes, he unfastened his belt at the same time and then hung it on a gold-plated hook behind the door. He pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants and started unbuttoning it as he walked out into the bedroom.
Dakota stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Frowning slightly, she tried to smooth her hair. A few curls sprang back to rest on her cheek. “Tony?”
“Yeah?”
“Where are we?”
He cleared his throat. “You don’t remember anything.”
“Well, yes, of course I do.” Her gaze slid down to his exposed chest, lingered for a long satisfying moment.
“What exactly do you remember?”
“The wedding.”
“I hope so.” He chuckled. “And?”
She put two fingers to her temple. “Wow, do I have a headache.”
“Yeah, a vat of wine will do that.”
She gave him a glare that was immensely reassuring. Yup, she was definitely coming around.
He grinned. “Let’s see if Dallas packed any aspirin for you.”
He brought the bag from closet and set it on the bed, then left her to root through it while he went to get some water from the bar.
The refrigerator was stocked with Evian and Perrier. He grabbed two Evians, one for each of them, and then returned to the room.
She shook her head. “No aspirin.”
“Wait a minute. Let me check in here.” The place had everything else and he wouldn’t be surprised if the bathroom was stocked with personal items.
He slowed as he entered and let out a low whistle. He’d seen some fancy bathrooms before but this was totally awesome. A huge bathtub with three marble steps leading up to it. The entire floor was cream-and-tan marble. Not the cheesy fake kind either. The tub and dual vanity fixtures were gold and in the corner was a glass shower large enough for three people.
If you were into that kind of thing. Tony was a simple man. He just wanted Dakota. Naked. In that tub. Or shower. It didn’t matter. As long as it was with him.
“Tony?”
The sound of her voice made him jerk. “What?”
“What’s taking you so—oh, my.” She walked past him, her fascinated gaze sweeping the room. “I definitely could get used to this.”
“You mean you don’t have one at home?”
“I wish.” She swayed a little but other than that she seemed steady and coherent.
“I haven’t checked to see if there’s any aspirin.”
“A shower,” she said. “That’s what I need.”
“Good idea.” He backed toward the door. “I’ll call room service. Order some coffee.”
“Wait. I need help with this zipper.” She gave him her back.
He moved in and found the small tab and slowly drew it down, his heart thumping at each inch of pale silky skin he exposed. She wasn’t wearing a bra, which surprised him; she was so firm and high he’d had no idea. As he pulled the zipper down past the curve of her backside, he saw that she was wearing a red thong.
Drawing in a sharp breath, he stepped back. “Anything else?”
She slid her arms from the sleeves, and then holding the dress over her breasts, she turned around. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked into her eyes, found them focused and aware, and leaned toward her.
She met his lips, tentatively at first, brushing lightly, using the tip of her tongue gently along his lower lip. His groin tightened. But then she slipped her tongue into his mouth and pursued him with an eagerness that brought him to his senses.
This wasn’t Dakota. This was the booze talking. The last thing he wanted or needed was her mortification tomorrow morning.
With every shred of willpower he possessed, he pulled away.
“What’s wrong?” She clutched the dress tighter.
“Want me to start the water for you?”
She lifted a shoulder, the move casual and sexy as hell. “Sure.”
He rolled back his sleeve and stuck his hand in the shower to turn it on. The heat of her stare seared his back and he took his time getting the right water temperature while he tried to figure out just how noble he wanted to be.
“There you go.” He dried his arm on a white fluffy towel and pulled his sleeve back down, carefully avoiding looking at her.
“I’m not drunk,” she said, “if that’s what you’re worried about.”
He looked at her, his cock twitching at the exposed curve of her bare hip the limp dress didn’t cover. “You had a lot to drink.”
“Not as much as you think.”
He smiled, but then she moistened her lips, the tip of her pink tongue leaving a tempting sheen across her lower lip and he totally lost track of rational thought.
“Want to join me?” she whispered.
He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, and then caught sight of the reflection of her naked backside in the mirror. She had on the thong but that meant nothing. His cock sure as hell couldn’t tell.
“Tony.”
He looked into her confused eyes. He should say something, but nothing came to mind.
She sighed, and then covered a yawn. “If you’re not going to join me, would you get out?”
He smiled, and then forced himself toward the door. The yawn and droopy eyelids had done it. Three more hours and the sun would be coming up. It wouldn’t hurt either of them to grab a couple of hours of sleep. He’d take the couch for now. Tomorrow, when she’d be totally clearheaded, was another story.
WHAT THE HELL was Dallas thinking? Dakota started emptying the small bag her sister had packed for her. Two bikinis, one yellow, one red, both so itty-bitty she wasn’t even sure how you put them on. The yellow gauzy strip was probably supposed to be a cover-up, although it sure wasn’t going to cover up a damn thing.
Even the two pairs of khaki shorts were totally unacceptable. So brief you practically needed a Brazilian wax to wear them. And the halter tops and skimpy sundresses? Dakota shook her head. She’d have to find a hotel boutique first thing. She checked her watch. Nine-ten.
Her gaze was drawn to the bedroom door, the only thing separating her from Tony, and she automatically pulled the lapels of the robe together.
As much water as she’d had to drink last night, she’d apparently had more wine and champagne than she thought. Her head ached and remembering how brazen she’d been made her wince a little. Not that she’d changed her mind about having hot monkey sex with Tony. But she normally wasn’t that out there about it. Probably served her right for carrying the tipsy thing so far.
Turned out the joke was on her. She could’ve been sleeping with Tony instead of alone. He got points for being honorable, but damn… Ironically, the knock came at that moment.
She drew in a deep breath. “Come in.”
He opened the door. No shirt. No socks. Just last night’s tuxedo pants. A beard-darkened jaw and a gorgeous expanse of muscled chest and pecs so well defined she wanted to run her hands over them. Touch his nubby brown nipples, the crisp swirling hair…
“I heard you so I knew you were up.” He gestured toward the closet. “I need my bag.”
“Of course.”
“And the bathroom. The one out there doesn’t have a shower.”
She struggled to keep her eyes level with his. Not that he noticed. His gaze had lowered to her chest, and she realized she was clutching the robe so tightly her fingers were starting to ache.
She cleared her throat and released her death grip. “It’s all yours. I’ve had my shower,” she said, unnecessarily, considering her damp hair.
“I won’t be long.” On his way to the closet he stopped, and eyed the pile of clothes she’d left on the bed. “I hope Dallas included something for the beach.”
“Um, not really.”
“What’s that?”
She followed his far-too-interested gaze to the yellow bikini. “My sister’s idea of a joke.”
He studied her for a moment. “I take it you remember everything now?”
“Of course I do.” She started refolding the clothes, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. A shameful flashback to last night made her wish she were in court. She’d even be willing to face Judge Hadley, an attorney’s worst nightmare. Anything but standing here, having to lie to Tony. On the other hand, she wasn’t lying. She did remember. “I knew what was going on.”
“Then you’re okay with everything.”
She didn’t have to look at him to know he was grinning. She heard it in his voice. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
“A little testy, aren’t we? I heard that a Bloody Mary can take care of that hangover.”
“I’m not hungover. I’m absolutely fine.”
Hiding a smile, she replaced the clothes in the bag.
“What are you doing?”
Dakota looked at him, startled by his urgent tone. He still wasn’t wearing a shirt. Not that she expected one to magically appear, but jeez, how was she supposed to talk to him? “Excuse me?”
“The suite is paid for—we have the rest of the weekend. Don’t go.”
“I—I’m not.” She shrugged, flattered yet embarrassed at his desire for her to stay. “I was just putting away the clothes I won’t be using.”
A teasing grin curved his mouth. “I’m down with that. We’ll stay naked the whole weekend.”
“Funny.” She tucked in the pseudo cover-up. “I’m going to the hotel boutique and pick up a few more suitable things to wear.”
“What could Dallas have packed that’s so bad?”
She half laughed, half groaned. “You have no idea. Wait till you see what’s in your bag.”
“I know what’s in my bag.” He ducked into the closet and carried out the black leather garment bag. “I packed it myself.”
“Really?” She folded her arms across her chest. He’d have to admit the conspiracy now. “When?”
“Yesterday morning.”
“Nice that you had that much notice.”
He frowned at her. “I didn’t know she was gonna ask you at the last minute. That had nothing to do with me.”
Dakota sat on the edge of the bed, thinking it over. Now that she wasn’t so annoyed or panicked it suddenly made sense. This was all her sister’s doing. Dallas had given Tony warning because she figured he wouldn’t turn her down. But she’d blindsided Dakota. Because Dallas knew she’d have found another way. Bless her! Dakota tried not to smile.
“Hey, don’t get mad at Dallas.” Tony set down the garment bag, and then sat next to her. “She had a lot on her mind. Probably thought she’d already asked you.”
“You don’t have to defend her.” It was ridiculous how hard her heart pounded just because he’d sat next to her. Although he really hadn’t left much space between them.
“She probably figured you needed a vacation. Working all those long hours like you do…”
“How do you know how much I work?”
“I know more than you think.” He gave her one of those teasing winks that she was absurdly susceptible to, and then added, “Have you looked outside yet?”
She shook her head, and then hoped he didn’t jump up to open the drapes.
He stayed right where he was, if anything, leaned a little closer. “Wait till you see it, Dakota, sky and water so clear and blue you’ll want to pack up your Manhattan apartment and become a beach bum.”
“I like the city. Besides, how do you know I live in Manhattan?”
“You look the type.”
“Meaning?”
He smiled. “This isn’t a courtroom. You can’t interrupt. Okay, like I was saying, the sand is as white as fresh snow and the—”
“We live in the city. How would you know what fresh snow looks like?” She didn’t know when he’d taken her hand. But he was doing this soothing stroking motion on the inside of her wrist.
“You keep interrupting and I’ll have to do something about it.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah.” The stroking stopped.
He lowered his head and her heart pounded harder. All he did was brush his lips over hers and she thought her chest would explode. He slid his tongue inside and she hoped that whimper didn’t come from her. When he put his hand on her thigh, turned out she didn’t care.
She tentatively touched his chest, his skin taut and warm beneath her palm, the swirling hair just as soft and crisp as she’d imagined. His kiss deepened and the robe slid off her shoulder. She shivered, and his warm lips left hers to trail down the side of her neck, slowly making its way to her collarbone. His tongue swept the hollow and she shivered again. So violently that his head came up.
“Cold?”
She shook her head.
He smiled. “Sure? I can warm you up.”
She smiled back. “You’ve already done that,” she said and let the other side of the robe slip off her bare shoulder.
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