Cross My Heart Page 9

  “We’re heading back?” she asked, trying not to sound as disappointed as she was.

  “No, I thought we’d do something special for dinner this evening.”

  She looked at him curiously. “Special? How special?”

  “My surprise.”

  Chapter 8

  Miami nightlife was hot, sultry, sexy and definitely not to be believed. By the time the boat landed, they’d changed clothes and were ready to go. David looked every inch the coolly immaculate movie star, complete with hat and dark sunglasses. Natalia was admittedly stunning in a thin-strapped, floral-silk wrap minidress, trimmed in hot pink with matching stiletto sandals. David intended to show her a night in his world.

  They ate dinner at a huge glitzy restaurant, receiving first-class service and attention. Lobsters, steaks and seafood covered their table as champagne and drinks flowed like water. Later they club-hopped, dancing reggae to steel drums, salsa and calypso with maracas and freestyle with the latest hip-hop artists. They hit three clubs with music as unique and varied as the people themselves.

  By the time they got back to the yacht, they were exhausted yet still energized. They stayed on deck talking and enjoying their last few hours together. The engine hummed as they prepared to head back to Key West. Natalia leaned back against the rail as music played softly all around them. Smiling incessantly, she looked up at the millions of stars sparkling like diamonds above her head and then sighed. “My head is still spinning. I think I had way too much fun tonight.”

  “No way. You can never have too much fun,” David said.

  “Maybe you can’t, but I live in the real world where this doesn’t happen every weekend. In fact, this never happens.”

  “I’m glad you had a good time.”

  Natalia chuckled, remembering the day’s events. “Correction. I had an amazing time. As a matter of fact, I had an amazing time all weekend.”

  “I’m glad,” he said sincerely.

  “The past few days have been absolutely magical. Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed this getaway,” she said. “Actually, you made it magical for me.”

  “I still can’t believe I spent Saturday in Bimini and tonight in Miami.”

  “Why not? It’s just a matter of deciding to do it.”

  “For you, maybe. But I don’t do impulsive.”

  “Sometimes impulsive can be simply wonderful.”

  She shook her head slowly. “No, impulsive can get you in trouble. Impulsive can lower your defenses and entice you without your even knowing it.”

  Without hesitation he leaned in. His lips touched hers leisurely and long, lingering so slowly it seemed as if time itself had slowed for them. She closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his mouth, then wrapped her arms around his neck as she opened to him. His tongue slipped inside, then delved deep into her, tasting the sweet essence of her desire. How could a kiss be this mind-blowing and still so sweet? He turned, reversing course, leaning his back against the rail and pulling her against his body. She moved closer, pressing against him until she felt his penis harden. She knew it was for her. The knowledge ignited the already churning, burning fire in her stomach, setting in motion a raging inferno.

  Her thoughts spun, her legs weakened and her body went limp. She yielded and lay against him, his one hand spread wide on her back, his other hand holding the nape of her neck to deepen the kiss. They swam, locked in unimaginable bliss, kissing, caressing, touching and feeling the intense desire surging within and between them. Then the kiss slowly ended. Breathless, she rolled her head and arched back. He burned a trail of kisses down her neck, over her shoulders then back up to her lips again. His hands caressed her, stroking the softness between their molded bodies.

  “That was impulsive and that was nice,” he said.

  “Yes, it was. But that was also trouble,” she added.

  “I’ve wanted to do that all night,” he muttered, kissing her tenderly then nuzzling her neck and holding her close as he stroked the roundness of her breasts and her nipples instantly hardened for him. She gasped, feeling the sensation press against the silky material. He teased her and she yielded and responded. “David.” It had been too long. “David.” He groaned, enjoying the sound of his name on her lips until he silenced her with another kiss. She was on fire and every nerve in her body was ready to explode. She didn’t just want him. No, she needed him. She needed him now.

  A few seconds later, the kiss ended. They were both breathless and off balance. She laid her head against his chest, praying that this dizzying feeling would never end. The thunderous pounding of his heart and the stiff hardness pressing against her was telling. He wanted her, too. He held her tight as he caressed and stroked her back lovingly.

  They stood silent, each debating the right and wrong of the moment. This was where reason returned and emotion receded. Natalia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the protective embrace of a man she knew would sooner or later break her heart. But her emotions were all over the place. This was all happening too fast. Still, the clarity of her desire could not be denied. “What am I doing here with you?” she whispered more to herself than to him.

  “This doesn’t have to go any further. A kiss is just a kiss.”

  “I think we both know better than that,” she whispered.

  She was right. David closed his eyes and kissed her forehead. In just a few weeks she had changed his life and now, in just a few moments, she had devastated his entire body. He was on fire. No woman had ever affected him as she did. He tipped her chin and looked into her wanton eyes, knowing that she felt that exact same fire and that he wanted her now more than ever, but not this way. She needed to know everything.

  Natalia leaned up to kiss him. He leaned back and away. But she wasn’t having it. “Don’t tell me you’re gonna be shy,” she said as she started unbuttoning his shirt, then kissed his neck.

  David closed his eyes, feeling her lips on his neck and chest. His body was already hard, but to his amazement she was getting him even more excited. The thing was that he knew he needed to tell her about their connection. “Natalia, wait,” he held her hands. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Don’t you think we’ve talked enough the past few days?” she asked as she reached up to kiss him again. This time she nuzzled his neck and chest.

  He closed his eyes and groaned. “No, wait, you need to know about me, about us, about why I’m here.”

  “I don’t care why you’re here. I’m just glad you are.” She wanted him and she knew that he wanted her. The waiting and wanting was consuming her. She placed her hands around his neck and drew him in. She kissed him. Passion and longing ruled. He held her as the kiss deepened. Their tongues intertwined in possessive passion.

  When the kiss ended, he stepped back and walked away. “Natalia.” He took a deep, cleansing breath to recite the most difficult monologue of his life.

  “Don’t,” she whispered, moving to stand behind him. “Don’t. We’ve been dancing around this all evening; for days, in fact. I know it and I know you know it. There’s an attraction—we both feel it, we both know it,” she said. “I know what I want, David. I want you. Do you want me?”

  He turned. His voice caught in his throat. The mere questioning of his desire for her was ludicrous. He wanted her more than anything. “Yes, yes, you know I want you, too. But this may not be what we need to do right now. I don’t know where this is going and I don’t want to lie to you.” She looked up at him as he stared down at her. “I can’t promise you happily ever after,” he said. She smiled. He took her hand and kissed it. “Natalia,” he said, touching the side of her face.

  She’d always been clear on what she wanted out of life—a career, a family and love. She’d found a career she enjoyed and had a family she cherished, loved and adored. But love had always been elusive. She had never found her Mr. Right. So when it came to David, she was very clear. Tonight was for her. Now it didn’t matter how long it w
ould last.

  Instinctively, she wouldn’t open her heart because hearts got broken. She’d seen it a hundred times in her job. No, this was physical. This was sex. She wanted his body—hard, firm and solid. “I don’t want happily ever after. I just want tonight. I want right now. Make love to me, David.”

  “I want nothing more than to make love to you right now, Natalia, but I don’t want you to regret this later.”

  “Regrets are for those who want and expect more. I don’t. I know what I want. I know what this is.” She took his hand. “Take me to your cabin.”

  Chapter 9

  Take me to your cabin.

  Her simple request set his body on fire all over again. He swept her into his arms and kissed her. Passion erupted as she molded her body to his, giving them each what they craved. The fantasy of being in his arms was real and that reality was larger than any fantasy she could possibly imagine. The kiss deepened and they were consumed by the overwhelming feelings growing inside. Blinding passion covered them as the kiss enveloped the moment. Her knees weakened as his arms circled her waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “I never knew how hungry I was until I met you,” he whispered as the kiss ended and everything else began. He licked and nibbled and tasted her, relishing her neck and shoulders as his hands drifted to her breasts. He felt each nipple harden in the palm of his hand. Now just feeling the rounded orbs wasn’t enough. He wanted more. He wanted all of her. His body shook and tensed as his penis throbbed with need.

  She gasped, holding her breath and nearly exploding inside. A split second of nervousness needled through her. She hadn’t done this in a while and never with a man she’d only known for a few days. But somehow the length of time didn’t matter. In her heart she felt as if she’d known him all her life. She closed her eyes, letting the thick haze of desire surrounding them consume her. When she opened her eyes, he was smiling at her. It was all the reassurance she needed. She looked deep into his penetrating eyes.

  “Are you okay?” he asked softly. She nodded. “I want you so badly.”

  “Then show me,” she said breathlessly. “Show me.”

  He led her back into the salon, then they descended the glass-and wood-framed circular staircase. They walked down a narrow corridor to arched double doors at the end of the hall. He opened both doors and she walked in first. There was a stylish sitting area with a desk, bookcase, sofa and chairs, just like in the upstairs salon. She walked into the room, following the natural path of the décor. As soon as she turned the far corner, she saw a huge, plush bed in the middle of the room.

  Raised up on red mahogany panels, it was loaded down with pillows and a gold paisley duvet that looked like it had been stuffed with clouds. The lighting in the room was subdued and the same soft, melodious music that played in the salon upstairs played down here, as well. “Wow, this is so beautiful.” She walked into the room farther and looked around. Wherever she turned she was amazed at the exquisite beauty. She stopped at the large bed against the far wall. After running her hand over the top, she sat then lay back, looking over at him. He’d stayed back, leaning against the wall’s built-in cabinetry, watching her. “Are you going to join me?”

  He smiled easily as he walked over and stood beside the bed. “Actually, I’m enjoying the view. You are the epitome of perfection lying there,” he said, his voice still husky with desire.

  “Is that right?” she said as she bit her lower lip seductively while sitting up on her knees, and reached out to touch him as he approached. “Do you want to touch me?” she teased. He nodded. “Well, you’re gonna have to wait your turn.”

  Teasing wasn’t her style, but right here, right now it felt so right. She wanted this to be unforgettable and she intended to try anything and everything she ever imagined and fantasized. She placed her hand on his chest. His heart was beating rapidly. She reached up and caressed his face then boldly began unbuttoning the rest of his shirt. When she finished, she pushed it back over his shoulders and then tossed it onto the chair closest to the bed. Smiling at the full sight of him, she gently raked her nails down his neck, his shoulders, his chest and then down to his tightly muscled stomach. She felt him quiver and shudder, so she gave her intrepid spirit free rein. The smooth, hot feel of his body enticed her to become bolder in her actions.

  She leaned in and blew on his tiny pebbled nipple like a birthday candle. His body jerked in response. She stopped and looked up into his eyes. Seeing that his desire had grown tenfold, she went back to his nipple and blew again. He jerked again. She licked him, she kissed him, she nibbled him. Each time she felt his body tense and his muscles tighten. The sensation of having this control over him was intoxicating. “I think you like that,” she said as she leaned up and whispered into his ear, then licked his lobe. “Do you like that?” she asked; her hot breath tantalizing his ear made his body quake again. He nodded slowly. “Do you want me to stop?” He shook his head no. Happily, she continued. Then, moments later, she decided that teasing and touching him wasn’t enough. It was time to step up her game.

  She unbuckled his belt and pulled it free from the loops. Then she unhooked and unzipped his pants and let them fall to the carpet. He let her take charge as the muscle in his jaw visibly tightened. She looked down, admiring the hefty bulge in his boxer briefs. Her task wasn’t quite complete; still, she smiled and nodded her success. Anticipation propelled her to move from the bed and stand in front of him. With her hands sure and skillful, she eased around the elastic waistband, then started pulling them down. But her private enjoyment didn’t last for long. He grabbed her wrists, smiled and shook his head.

  “My turn now,” he said thickly as he sat on the bed and pulled her waist toward him, reversing their positions. Spoken plainly, they were words of warning, words of promise. Of course he wasn’t going to make it that easy for her. She looked into his eyes. Half-hooded, they had a gleam that she’d never seen before. Placed intently between his legs, she stood waiting for whatever he had in mind. He looked her up and down then grabbed the soft fabric belt tied around her waist and pulled the bow free. The dress instantly opened. He stared at her exposed body with delightful pleasure. He knew she’d had two children, but to look at her body, no one could ever tell.

  Full and luscious, her ample breasts were covered by a thin lace bra. Her stomach was completely flat and her legs were long and shapely. He pushed the dress back over her shoulders and let it slowly fall to the floor. He reached out and touched her breasts then ran his hand down the front of her body, stopping when he got to the lace panties. She gasped. He turned her around slowly. The back of her was just as enticing.

  Touching her, he reached up across her shoulders then eased down her back until he got to the elastic waistband again. Her rounded cheeks were perfect, just the right size and shape. Grasping one, then the other, he pulled her back, pressing his face to her lower back as he continued to stroke and massage her rear. He kissed her, then wrapped his hands around front and held her breasts in the palms of his hands as he licked and tantalized her back. His rhythm was easy and fluid. Breathless, her legs weakened. She leaned back, almost staggering. He held her in place, continuing to kiss and nibble her body. She arched her back and looked down, seeing his hands on her breasts and feeling his mouth now biting and nibbling her derriere. The feeling was intense and she was wet all over again. “David, let’s do this,” she muttered.

  “Umm, not yet, my darling. I have so much more to touch.”

  True to his word, he touched her, caressed her and fondled her. Her mind shattered. His hands were masterful and she knew she couldn’t take much more. She was almost ready to explode. “I want you inside me now,” she whispered.

  “Soon,” he promised. “Soon.”

  She writhed against him as he continued his assault. His hands all over her body, his mouth kissing, licking and nipping everywhere—it was maddening. He leaned her up to steady her on her feet, then turned her around. The sight of
her lace-covered breasts hit him instantly. With one flick of the front closure, he freed her. The full heaviness of her perfectly formed orbs and the delicate nipples sent him over the top. He grabbed her and pulled her forward. She arched her back as his mouth opened and he took one nipple and breast into his mouth. He suckled, licked, teased it, and she shook from the excitement. She grasped his shoulders to halt him, but he was too intent. He backed off and took the other nipple and breast into his mouth. She closed her eyes and moaned. He felt so good. Her panting breathing increased.

  Now, both breasts pressed together, he took his time and indulged his hunger. Still holding on to his shoulders, she barely managed to steady herself. She placed her knee on the bed, then moved to straddle his body as he sat. The position found her sitting on his lap, his covered penis pressed firmly against her covered core. He continued licking and suckling her and she began gyrating her body to the slow rhythm she felt inside. Slowly, he kissed her breasts, then her chest, her neck and finally he found her mouth.

  The kiss exploded, from abandoned hunger to unrestrained rapture. He ravaged her mouth with an unyielding hold so strong she thought that her body would literally disintegrate. Still she held tight, needing everything he gave. There was no beginning and no ending. Her body was etched into his. She moaned, he groaned and the guttural mix of their voices seemed to intensify their passion. They were ablaze.

  Her heart never pumped so fast or so hard. Her body quivered. The sensual turbulence was mind-boggling. The kiss broke without warning. They looked into each other’s eyes. Both exhausted and breathless, they knew this was only the start of their pleasure. She stood and stepped back. He looked at her, questioning. She took a deep breath. “We need some…”

  “…got ’em.” He nodded, stood, opening the side table and pulling out a box of condoms. He pulled one out and placed the box on the table. He removed his boxer briefs. His penis was thick, long, hard and ready for her. He opened the small packet and watched as she took it from him, then looked up as she pulled it out. She unrolled it a bit then eased it onto the tip of his penis. She saw his stomach tighten and lurch. When she was done she moved farther back onto the bed and lay back.