Special Client

Special Client by Ambrielle Kirk

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Special Client Copyright© 2010 Ambrielle Kirk ISBN: 978-1-926771-53-3 Cover Artist: Justyn Perry Editor: Denise Lewis All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

Chapter One

Chapter One

They were late again. She couldn’t believe this. Tiffany glanced out of the kitchen window and tapped her bare feet on the cold tiles. It was the fourth time in two weeks that the courier service had been late. What did it mean that they’d pick up between the hours of two and six? Did they honestly think she should have to wait all afternoon on one pickup? She had an exhibition to attend and should have been on the interstate right now. Sipping lukewarm coffee, Tiffany sat down at her kitchen table. She was pleased with the direction her business was going. Making jewelry used to be a hobby, but after divorcing her cheating ex-husband eight months ago, she had turned her passion into a business. Now, Tiffany’s Jewels was thriving. One bedroom in her small apartment stored all her inventory while the kitchen was used as a home office. Her business had expanded so much that a meeting with an accountant last week confirmed it was time to move operations out of her home, rent a shop, and maybe open up a store or a couple of kiosks in local malls and shopping centers. She possessed the reserve funds for it and was dying to get her designs out to the public. 1

Special Client A knock at the door and sound of the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. She jumped up, package in hand, and swung the door open. “It’s about time. I was wondering—” “Sorry about the late pick up, ma’am.” Nathaniel, her regular pickup guy, reached for the package. “You know how Atlanta traffic is this time of day.” “I suppose there was traffic yesterday, too.” Nathaniel took the package and started back down her walkway. “No time to talk, Ms. Winters. I have another pick up after you.” He called back over his shoulder. “Same time tomorrow.” Before she could comment, he jumped in his truck and pulled off. Oh, the nerve! Tiffany slammed the door shut and rushed into her bedroom to change clothes. Something would have to give. If Elite Courier wanted to continue to earn her business they would have to start arriving on time as promised.

***

Martin glanced down at the handwritten address and then at the street sign. GPS better not have him lost again. He pumped his forehead with the heel of his palm and let out a deep breath. He should’ve double checked before coming all the way out here. This wasn’t Tiffany Winter’s business address. This was a residential street. He looked at the townhome apartments which lined the side of the street again, watched a young couple get out of their car, retrieve several grocery bags from their trunk, and disappear inside one of the homes. The golden sun dipped far into the horizon leaving streaks of yellow and auburn lining the sky. Heavy gray clouds loomed overhead and thunder rumbled in the distance. There was still about an hour left of daylight. Most people ate dinner around this time. Heck, he ate dinner around this time, but not tonight. Oh no! Tonight…he just had to follow his intuition! Tiffany had been complaining about pick up time frames since she first contracted with Elite Courier. Her merchandise was always delivered on time to her customers, so he didn’t quite understand what her problem was. What he did know was that he had to make amends with this difficult customer. He hated to knock on the door of her residence at this hour, but he had come all this way. Before he could change his mind, he got out 2

Ambrielle Kirk of his car. Feeling a bit under-dressed for some reason, he smoothed out his polo shirt and looked down to make sure there weren’t any wrinkles in his khaki trousers. This is foolish! Martin turned around and headed back toward his car. This was a mistake. This was her home, not a business address. He should’ve called her on the phone. What was he thinking? At the curb, Martin paused and glanced over his shoulder. One car sat in the parking space in front of her door. He should just go up to her door, apologize, thank her for her business, and assure her that arrangements were being made to hire more drivers. That’s why he’d driven out all this way. He sighed. Who was he really trying to fool? Was it the sexy voice he’d gotten to know during the last three months over the phone, or the prospects of retaining good-paying customers that lured him here? This was about business. Why did he need to convince himself of that fact? Whatever waited for him on the other side of that door —maybe a husband or kids— didn’t matter. He came here to discuss Tiffany’s concerns. Running his hand through short cropped hair, he walked back up to her doorstep. He rang the doorbell, then knocked on the door…and waited. He waited a few more seconds, almost a minute and nothing. Maybe this was for the best that she wasn’t home. He’d call her first thing tomorrow morning and apologize. He was just turning to leave when the doorknob jiggled and the lock slid back. Mesmerizing brown eyes peered up at him from beneath the chains holding the door to its frame. “You’re not here for that package, are you? The delivery guy left hours ago.” Her soft voice enchanted him, and he was suddenly conscious that he was still in his work clothes, and must look a mess. “Um…no I…I’m Martin. The owner of Elite Courier. You’ve been having some issues with our service?” Her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here?” “I’m sorry; I thought this was your business address.” “It is.” “Well, I only came to apologize and address your concerns.” He felt like an idiot. “I called your office hours ago, Mr. Martin.” She pursed her luscious red lips. “It’s Martin and— 3

Special Client He was cut off by a curtain of rain that came down out of nowhere. The huge droplets hit his head and shoulders and he diverted his gaze to the dark clouds above. “Oh.” Her forehead creased as she bit her bottom lip. “Why don’t you come inside to apologize?” Before he had time to respond, the door slammed, locks clanged inside, and then it opened again. She stood there in a white bathrobe, tissue paper stuffed between her toes with fire-engine red polish painted on most of them. The top half of her long, shapely, pecan-colored legs were hidden behind a robe, and a strap tied snuggly around her middle cinched her waist. Delectable cleavage rose from the low collar. He wanted to see more but forced his eyes to travel up her slim, sleek neck and rest on her face. Black soft tendrils escaped the frilly bun holding the hair at the top of her head, framing her face. Her lips were slightly parted, and a dimple riddled one cheek. Almond shaped brown eyes had him rooted to the doorstep. The pouring rain drenched through his clothing while he stood riveted to the spot. Her eyes moved over him, a weary expression on her face. “Are you going to come in?” “Yes. I am.” He stepped across the threshold and she pushed the door closed behind him.

4

Chapter Two

The moment Tiffany’s arm brushed against Martin’s, a light chill ran up her spine. Perhaps too much draft from outside wafted inside. It wasn’t quite spring yet, and winter’s chill hadn’t fully subsided. She led the way into her living room, hoping it wasn’t too messy. She wasn’t a complete neat freak, but she did live and work out of her home. A pile of letters and catalogs she planned to review over dinner tonight were stacked on the coffee table. Her television, remote control, a Snuggie blanket, and a plush sofa beckoned. Out of the corner of one eye, she peered at the man standing in her apartment. Tall, well over six feet. Shoulders wide, like a football player. Muscular arms held down at his side. Picking up boxes and packages all day did his body good. His tanned skin appeared smooth to the touch. The contours of his face were strong and his aquamarine eyes roamed the small living area. “Would you like to have a seat?” “Yeah, sure.” He turned to gaze at her, slowly, from head to toe. It made her feel… 5

Special Client Her face warmed when she realized what she was wearing. She swallowed and gestured toward the sofa. “Please, make yourself at home. I need to change.” Tiffany dashed off upstairs to her bedroom. What in the heck was wrong with her? She shouldn’t have answered the door half naked in the first place. She jerked a pair of jeans and t-shirt off a hanger and quickly slid them on. In the bathroom, she re-did her hair so that the bun on top didn’t look so unruly. He must think her a mad woman. No wonder the man wasn’t saying much. She descended the staircase to find him looking through one of her company’s new spring catalogs. It was open on the coffee table in front of him when she walked in. “You make all this jewelry?” He didn’t look up from the catalog. His lean muscular arms rippled as he flipped through the pages. “Yes.” She stopped beside the loveseat in front of him, and he lifted his eyes to meet her gaze, smiling. “Your work is beautiful.” The lump in her chest rose to her throat. “T-thank you.” She lowered her eyelids to the floor and noticed her half-painted toenails. Her face heated in embarrassment and she dug them into the plush carpet to hide them. Martin closed the catalog and ran his fingers through sleek dark brown hair. He appeared uncomfortable at being caught looking through her things, and in the awkward silence Tiffany didn’t want to come off as rude. “Look, I’ve been having a busy time with my business. Busier than usual. Your delivery guys usually do a good job of picking up within the promised time frame, but—” “I know. I came to apologize,” he interjected. “We’ve had two drivers who left us recently. One got called away on military orders and the other is on medical leave for hip replacement surgery. We’re short staffed and have hired more personnel, but we need them trained properly before turning them loose.” Tiffany had always sensed that Martin was business-savvy. The compassion toward his employees and concern for his customers impressed her. Maybe this was what attracted her to sign a contract with his business to begin with. When she didn’t say anything, he continued. “It’s been going on almost a month, so I’ll have Rachel credit your account first thing in the morning to compensate you.” 6

Ambrielle Kirk “No.” She waved her hands. “That’s not necessary. I understand. Look, I shouldn’t have even brought this up. It looks like you’ve taken measures to fix the problem. I’m sorry for bothering you.” The issue would be resolved. She hadn’t made a mistake by doing business with Elite. Now maybe he would stop looking at her as if he wanted something…or expected something. It made the heat run up her body in ways she’d never experienced. Martin locked eyes with hers. “You’re not a bother to me.” He lifted his nose, sniffed the air. “Are you baking something? It smells sweet.” She stood up. “I have a pie in the oven. Excuse me a minute.” The oven timer read two minutes remaining. She grabbed a pair of oven mitts and took the pie out, placing it on the cooling rack. She breathed in the scent of sweet apples, her mouth watering at the sight of crisp pie crust and juicy syrup bubbling on the top. “Smells delicious.” She spun around so fast she slipped and almost fell. Martin stood right behind her and steadied her with his strong arms. “Whoa! I’m sorry I scared you. It smells so good in here, I couldn’t resist.” He nodded toward the pie. “ I’m impressed. An artist and an excellent cook!” “I…ah…yes, I guess.” Her gaze met his. She wanted to stare into his eyes forever, they were that enticing. She backed away. “Would you like some?” It was the least she could offer after harassing the man and his employees for something beyond their control. “Of course. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” “Me, either,” she replied, rummaging through her utensil drawer for a pie cutter. “You know, I seasoned and shaped some turkey burgers earlier. You don’t want to eat your sweets on an empty stomach, now, do you?” “I would love to, but don’t want to intrude on your dinner plans.” Tiffany couldn’t remember the last time sitting down to dinner with a man. “No, I didn’t have any dinner plans. I usually eat dinner alone in front of the television and search through TiVo for the day time talk shows I’ve missed.” Oh, great! She didn’t have to volunteer all that information. Now, he probably thought she was a lazy home body. Lightning cracked outside. They both looked toward the small kitchen window. The rain fell so hard now that the sound resembled a zillion small pebbles dropping from the sky. 7

Special Client “It’s funny, I must have missed the weather report this morning,” Martin said as she removed four turkey patties from the refrigerator. “Would you like some help with anything?” Tiffany bit her bottom lip. She couldn’t believe Martin was standing in her home offering help. This was a trait she wasn’t used to in men. She shook her head to erase the unbidden image of her ex-husband, a man she had thought she knew, although it was obvious to her now that she never had. She didn’t know too much about Martin either. She’d had the opportunity to speak with him by phone on several occasions, but those talks always involved business. Sure, he had a sexy, deep voice that made her uncomfortable every time she requested to speak with him about her account. Sure, he was absolutely fine, well-built, stunning, woodsy-smelling, over-flowing with sex appeal and standing in her goddamned kitchen, for God sakes! But, he was still a man capable of stupid mistakes that men made to upset women, and so she still had to be careful. Then again, he was volunteering to help… “Um…the George Foreman grill is in the closet on the top shelf.” She pointed to her walk-in cupboard. She pretended to be interested in removing the twisty tie from the bag of burger buns, but turned to watch him stroll to the other side of her kitchen to get the grill. Martin bent down to move the step stool out of his way and she caught a glimpse of his nicely formed ass. She licked her lips. Her heart pounded in her chest. The loose fitting khaki pants did him no justice. She wondered what he looked like in his underwear….naked. He reached up with a tanned, corded, muscular arm to retrieve the grill. His ass contracted on the way down making the tender folds between her legs throb with need and her lips part in awe. Her chest tightened. Why was her body responding to him this way? She turned away, almost panting, ran cool water in the sink and shoved her hands under the faucet. She needed a shower, an ice cold one. It was getting too hot in this damned kitchen. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to stand the heat. It was never her intention to ask him to stay for dinner and then drool over his assets. “George Foreman grills are a must-have at my apartment. I have at least six of them. Indoor and outdoor.” He placed the grill on the kitchen counter. “Where’s your bathroom? I need to wash up.” She barely knew this man and he already piqued her interest. In the business calls they had shared over the past several months, she had found Martin’s ideas for improving logistics in her expan8

Ambrielle Kirk sion plans very useful. He had business smarts and she definitely respected him for wanting to make things right. Her mind was made up months ago to resist men, but in the presence of Martin, her body screamed yes. She hadn’t bothered to check out another man since she had parted with her former husband. Pulling herself back into the present, she saw Martin waiting for her to answer. She pointed down the hall. “Door on the left, near the bookcase.” Tiffany turned and glanced out of the window into the early evening sky as past memories overwhelmed her. The pain of her divorce only eight months ago still traumatized her. The divorce had been her idea, but she still had regrets. When she married Phillip Mosley, she knew that he had wandering eyes. She thought she could change Phillip once they were married. She’d been wrong. He insisted that she be a full-time housewife. Stay at home all day, cook, clean. Never leave the house unless it was to go the grocery store or run errands for him. It took Tiffany a long time to realize that she wanted to fulfill her own dreams. As soon as she started voicing her opinions to Phillip, he gave her some freedom. Only then did she begin noticing certain things about him. A string of clues led her to the mistress he’d been keeping for over a year. The protection of prenuptials and wedding vows turned him into an overconfident pompous ass. She couldn’t bear putting up with his controlling ways any longer, so she hired her own lawyer to finalize the divorce. He’d begged her to stay, but not even the million dollar net worth to his name could keep her attached to that man. “Let me guess.” Martin approached, standing closely behind her. “You’re wondering what I’m still doing here. You want me to leave.” She turned around to face him. “No, not at all.” Both their eyes traveled downward to gaze at the tight grip she had on the knife she was using to slice the tomatoes. “We don’t want to have an accident, Tiffany.” He wrapped his fingers around her fist and directed the knife back to the counter. She uncurled her fingers, and it crashed onto the granite countertops. “Sorry,” she whispered. “I have to admit, I’ve been intrigued by your voice that very first day you called me about our rates.” His eyes held hers. “Now I get to see the woman behind the voice…and I love what I see.” Tiffany’s heart skipped against her breastbone and her chest, neck, and cheeks heated. Why was she reacting this way? Was he nuts? Did 9

Special Client he come onto every woman? “I…ah…that’s good. I didn’t want to come off as too bitchy.” “No. You have a certain drive, ambition. I like that in a woman.” He took her right hand in his and interlocked his fingers with hers. “I’m quite surprised you’re not attached.” “Attached?” “Married, engaged.” He held up her hand and peered at it. She sucked in her breath, jerked her hand back and stepped away. “I invited you to stay for dinner, Martin, not to discuss my attachment or lack thereof to a man.” She opened the refrigerator door, bent over, and retrieved a head of lettuce from the box. “So, you are lacking?” She turned on him, in disbelief. “Do you have to be so nosy?” The grin disappeared from his face. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. I won’t ask anything else personal.” He gave her a sheepish look. “You’re free to ask me whatever you like, though.” He plugged the grill cord into the socket on her kitchen wall and pushed a couple of buttons. At least he was knowledgeable enough to work an electric grill. She didn’t want to talk about her life, but was humbled that he’d offered to discuss his. “How long have you owned Elite?” “For about five years. I figured I should use my master’s degree in logistics management for something other than supervising package handlers ten hours a day, so I opened up my own logistics and warehousing company.” She tore sizable pieces of lettuce off and tossed them into a strainer. “Good for you. We’re both entrepreneurs. At least we have that in common.” “How long have you been in your line of business?” “About a year and half. It was a business venture I wanted to start since college. I’d always enjoyed making my own jewelry.” Martin closed the gap between them. “What else do you enjoy doing? “You mean…what else would I enjoy doing?” He raised an eyebrow and gave a curt nod. “Well…I never travel much. I always said that I would visit Rome, Italy, and South Africa before my thirtieth birthday. That never happened.” She shrugged. “I’ll be thirty-one on Wednesday.” “Really?” His eyes widened. “Anything special planned?” “No, nothing special.” 10

Ambrielle Kirk “You should plan something. We only live once. Nothing should stop you from pursuing your dreams.” He leaned a hip into the counter, studying her. “I’m curious as to why you’re not…attached.” His eyes roamed her face. Persistent, wasn’t he? “You promised not to ask me anything personal.” “Just wondering.” His eyes lowered to the ground. Tiffany stared down into the sink. Maybe she was being a bit rude. She lifted her head. “I’ve been married and now I’m recently divorced, Martin. So, yes, to your earlier question…I am lacking.” His forehead creased in what looked like more confusion. She expected a string of embarrassing questions about her failed attempt at marriage. “What an unlucky man.” She narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?” “He was lucky to have married you. His luck ran out when he let you go.”

11

Chapter Three

Martin lifted the glass of raspberry iced tea to his lips and peered at her over the rim. He admired the way Tiffany’s long dark lashes slightly brushed the tops of her cheeks as she stared down at her turkey burger on the plate. She had only eaten half. He had learned so much about Tiffany in the span of one hour. More than he’d ever cared to solicit from other women in the past. Still, there was something she was holding back. Something on her mind, he could tell. She’d talk non-stop about her journey to become an accomplished entrepreneur and then would pause as if considering the weight of her words before they even left her lips. The thunderstorm still hadn’t subsided. Constant rain pelted against the windows and doors. He glanced at the small kitchen window. Night had set in about an hour ago, but he wasn’t in any hurry to get home. There was nothing there for him. Something had him overjoyed to be in the presence of this woman. Tiffany looked up from her plate. “Would you like another burger?” 12

Ambrielle Kirk His stomach grumbled softly in answer. He hoped he was the only one who heard it. “Heck yeah. Didn’t realize I was so hungry.” She reached for his plate and stood up from the table. His eyes drifted to her backside as she worked on preparing another turkey burger for him. The jeans fit the curvature of her ass perfectly. He wanted to get up and slide them down to reveal the plump mounds he knew existed within them. He closed his eyes, inhaled, then exhaled. His mind should have never gone there in the first place. “I suppose you’re still here because you’d rather not deal with the messy weather outside.” Her voice came out muffled, but he was paying attention enough to hear her. She had her back turned, looking down at the counter. He spoke from his heart. “I’m not here because of the thunderstorm outside.” “Why are you still here, Martin?” She turned, her eyes held his with challenge. “Because—” Lightening cracked outside and thunder rattled the entire townhouse. The lights dimmed and went out.

***

Tiffany’s heart nearly jumped from her chest when the fierce lightning bolt pierced the ground outside, blowing all the circuits inside and out. She clutched at the counter behind her like a blind woman. Her hand tripped over the spatula they used to flip the burgers and it clattered the floor. “Tiffany? You okay?” Martin’s chair scrapped back across the tile. “Yes, you?” She raised her hands out in front of her, blinking several times as her pupils adjusted to the drastic change. “I can hardly see anything.” “Do you have candles?” “Yes, I ah…the closet in the living room.” She moved forward slowly. “Shit!” Her knees came in contact with a chair in front of her— a miscalculation on her part—it wasn’t pushed under the table like it normally would be. “You all right?” She giggled, rubbing her knee. “Yeah, I’m a walking disaster right now.” His hand brushed lightly against her arm, then held on to it. 13

Special Client “There you are.” His clean, masculine, soapy smell was comforting. “How about we go in search of those candles before we start stumbling over each other?” “Great idea.” Martin followed her as she exited the kitchen. They stopped in front of the closet. The candles were in a box on the middle shelf—she knew that much. She bent down to grab the box and turned around. “We’ll have to take it to the dining room.” She brushed past him and assumed he followed. “It’s where I keep the lighter.” “Agh!” There was a crash as a hard object fell to the hardwood floors. “Walking into a wall is not a good thing.” “Oh…” She pressed her lips to hold back a giggle. “I’m sorry. Stay close.” Tiffany rummaged through the box and found the candles and candle holders. The lighter was nearby on the buffet table. She poked the candles inside the holders and lit them one by one. “Much better.” He glanced around the dimly lit dining room. They moved around the townhome placing candles on a random surface until they ran out. Martin continued to indulge her in conversation. Either he loved to hear himself talk or enjoyed quizzing her. No one had ever taken the time like he did to try to understand the constant chaos that was her life. “You said you were interested in seeing some of my work.” She lifted a candle and headed toward the second bedroom where she kept her inventory. Martin examined the jewelry on her display table. “Can you recommend some pieces?” “For a girlfriend?” She had spoken too soon. It wasn’t any of her business whom he wanted to place an order for. “I mean…what color does she like?” “What’s a popular color for women?” Tiffany peered at him through narrowed eyes. His sincerity shocked her, but then again, everything about this man was different.” Depends on the woman. I tend to like cool calming colors like blue, green, and silver.” He picked up a necklace with a silver infinity symbol for the pendant and a blue gem dangled between the bottom loop and held it in his palm. “Like this?” “Yes.” She nodded. “Exactly like that. I call that piece Indigo Infinity. The infinity symbol represents the idea of no bounds…endless.” 14

Ambrielle Kirk “I’ll take it.” “You may email me with the address of the woman you want me to ship it to.” “I’ll send you a shipping address tomorrow.” She shivered and grabbed the sides of her arm. “Temperature has dropped since the rain started. Do you mind if I get—” Martin clasped her waist and scooped her to his chest in one smooth move. “Earlier you asked me why I’m still here.” She gasped as her lips paused mere centimeters from his. They stared each other down. She had nothing to say—didn’t know what to say. Why did she feel warm on the insides all of a sudden? “I can’t resist this urge to kiss you,” he whispered. “That’s why.” Her eyes slid closed just as his lips pressed into hers. Her body tensed in surprise, then gradually relaxed as he softly meshed his lips to hers. She wanted this, but couldn’t understand why. He coaxed her lips apart slightly with his teasing, gentle tongue. Her hands glided up his back and he brought her closer into his body. Who was driving this kiss? She didn’t know. As their tongues met, she breathed in the spicy aroma of male. Her backside hit the work table behind her. He slid his hands between the table and her ass and kneaded softly, delving deeper into the kiss. She pulled apart, gasping for breath. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and sipped at the delicate curve of her throat. “Martin…” Tell him to stop. This is what they should do. But, she couldn’t… She pressed her stomach against his hardening desire. He lifted both her thighs with his forearms until she was seated on the table and scooted the jewelry out of their way. She offered him her lips again as he pulled her closer into the embrace. His shaft hardened against her heated pussy. She had almost forgotten what it felt like—no, she had never known this feeling. It consumed her like the steam of a jasmine and lavender infused bath—caressed her like her favorite silk robe. “Tiffany, you are driving me insane,” he mumbled into her lips. She wanted to ask if that was a good or bad thing but he descended onto her lips again with urgency. This wasn’t enough, this kiss. Her hands found the tail of his shirt and she slipped her fingers under it to stroke the velvet soft skin of his back. His muscles tensed and rippled as he ground his desire against her. A long beep startled her. A motor switched on overhead. She froze in her movements and her eyelids peeled open. Aquamarine 15

Special Client eyes filled with lust gazed into hers. The lights were back on. She contemplated her physical position—her legs wrapped around a man she’d known existed for months, but only just met him. The throbbing ache behind the crotch of her panties. No, she had not done this. Her face heated and flushed with embarrassment and she pried him away. “Oh, my God…what am I doing?” She slid down from the table and sidestepped him. Martin shook his head. “Tiffany, I’m sorry.” “I…” She rushed toward the door. Her feelings overwhelmed her. She was not doing this all over again. “You have to go.” “I overstepped my boundaries. I apologize.” “I don’t need any more apologies.” She motioned to the door. “Please, can you go?” He dropped his gaze and exited her inventory room. She didn’t have to show him where the front door was—he was already headed to it. He opened the door and paused in front of it to look back at her. “I can’t do this.” This time she was the one who averted her gaze. “Not with you.” “Sorry I offended you.” Tiffany lifted her head just in time to see him stroll across the parking lot, ignoring the drizzling rain overhead. She closed the door, pressed her back against it, and sunk her face into her palms. She had almost lost control. She had sworn to herself a long time ago, that she would never let another man overpower her.

16

Chapter Four

Tiffany lay in bed on her back and stared at the popcorn ceiling. She never knew how much she hated the grainy look until now. There was no sense in moving just because of that slight imperfection— she’d only been here less than a year. But it wasn’t the craftsmanship of the home that weighed heavy on her mind this morning—or the way the silk sheets stuck to her heated skin as the morning sun shone against it Nor was it the sound of a leaf blower outside her bedroom window or the smell of freshly cut grass. She wasn’t trying to be lazy on a Saturday morning, no. But she needed time to contemplate what had happened last night. Maybe she shouldn’t have called him this morning to apologize for her actions. She’d contributed equally to the kiss shared with Martin, but overreacted as a result of it. It served her right that he let the call go to his voicemail. She’d certainly succeeded in running him off for good. Isn’t that what she wanted? To run off men before they could hurt her again? Tiffany released an aggravated sigh. She had no idea what she wanted anymore. It had been so long since she’d been in the presence 17

Special Client of a man like that, but did that give her the right to act like a sex deprived fool? Even he had figured her out—said she was lacking. She lifted herself out of bed and stuffed her toes into her fuzzy bedroom slippers. An hour of this beautiful Saturday had already been wasted in bed thinking about something she could never go back in time to change. She headed downstairs in fitness attire and running shoes just as her cell phone rang. Her heart jumped as Martin’s full name and number flashed on her caller ID. “Hi, Martin.” “Hey, did I catch you at a bad time?” “No, I was…getting ready for a morning run.” She stalled in the living room, and finally sat on the sofa. “I’m sorry I missed your call. I was in a company meeting.” “That’s okay.” What did she call him for again? “Um…so, is everything going okay? How’s your morning?” “Okay.” She swallowed. “Martin, I called to apologize. I overreacted on Friday night.” “No need to apologize.” He cleared his throat. “I sort of acted out of character, too.” “One other thing…you said you’d call with the address for me to send that necklace.” Indigo Infinity. It brought back memories of the way Martin’s hands felt caressing her. “Why don’t you ship it to the Elite offices…to my attention?” “Okay.” He was going to make some lucky female’s day when she saw that necklace. Tiffany spent a lot of time on that piece. “That was all. Sorry for taking up your time.” “Got your plans in order for Wednesday?” His question came out of the blue. “Wednesday?” “Your birthday.” His deep chuckle echoed into the phone. “Did you forget your own birthday?” He remembered. She smiled. “Well, I usually treat myself to a nice dinner and a bit of splurging or shopping.” “Oh, come on. You can think of something better than that.” “It’s not a big deal, really.” “Have you ever been boating?” “Once.” Her parents had taken her and her brother when they were still in high school. Neither had enjoyed spending that spring break weekend with their parents. 18

Ambrielle Kirk “My pal just called to tell me he finished the maintenance on my motor boat. I thought to take it out on the lake sometime this week.” There was a long pause on both ends. Tiffany bit her lower lip. Martin cleared his throat. “I was thinking Wednesday. Would you like to come with me?” Her neck grew heated in excitement. “Martin, I can’t possibly-” “It’ll be worth your while, I promise. The weather will be nice—in the eighties. You can just chill or bring work, whatever you want to do. Sit back and relax and I won’t bother you. If you’re not busy, of course.” “I wasn’t really off on Wednesday.” She didn’t have anything planned for Wednesday. Should she stay home with no plans…or allow Martin to talk her into spending time with him on a boat, out on the lake, in peace with no business to attend to? “You’re your own boss, Tiffany. You told me how stressed you were with your business and so am I. Let’s get away from work for a change.” She giggled. “You’re very convincing.” “Is that a yes?” “Yes.” Tiffany smiled into the phone. “All right, it’s a date. But, I have one condition?” “Uh-huh?” “You bring apple pie.”

19

Chapter Five

Now that Martin had convinced Tiffany to spend an evening on the boat, he found it difficult to keep sane. The drive out to Lake Allatoona went by too quickly. He was certain he’d nearly talked her to death, yet he wanted to share everything with her and know everything about her. There was only one thing he couldn’t bring himself to ask her, the one thing he was dying to know the answer to… Tiffany slipped on the life jacket, and joined him near the motor. “Seems like you do this a lot.” “Once every few months. Sometimes I come to fish…other times, just to chill.” A gush of wind caused the boat to rock and she clutched onto his arm to keep from slipping. “Are you okay?” He moved a hand around her waist to steady her. “I warned you about your heels. They look good on you and all, but…” “They’re not heels,” she corrected. “They’re flats.” She bent to slip the shoes from her feet. “There.” He grinned. “Would you like to start her?” “Her?” 20

Ambrielle Kirk “Yeah, my boat.” She walked into his arms and he maneuvered her in front of the motor. As his fingers grasped her waist, he discovered that it was so small in circumference he had to wonder if she enjoyed eating. “Move the gear to neutral.” His palms glided lower and molded with the curves of her hips. They were a pretty nice size and he was certain that if he could take her from behind just once that he would have no problems keeping a firm grip on her. She looked back at him. “Now what?” Martin moved her hands to grasp the lever. “Move this to the start position.” Her hair smelled freshly shampooed—like cinnamon. He examined her delicate neckline. Why did she keep her hair atop her head in a bun? He wanted to see her tresses, wanted to know what they felt like between his fingers. “The red start button is what we need to push. We’re going to steer her just like a car.” He moved his hands around her to grip the steering wheel. “Ready?” The boat jerked forward and she settled back into his chest. Her tender flesh connected with his excited cock. The head throbbed. His face heated. Whether it was from embarrassment or arousal, he didn’t know. The night of the thunderstorm, he wanted to lay her out on her work table and bury his dick deep within her warmth. This was the reason he’d upset her before. He wanted too much and maybe too soon. So, why was he pushing his luck again? He put some space between them, but she didn’t make any moves to escape from being captured between his arms.

***

Tiffany sat atop the deck in a plush lounge chair. With her appetite satisfied from the delicious picnic lunch, she relaxed with a magazine. The late afternoon rays peeked from the clouds and a nice breeze flowed while the boat sat idle beside a large shady over-hanging oak tree. Martin stuck to his promise about a carefree day. He wouldn’t allow her to do any work in the mini kitchen to prepare their meal. This was why she was stretched out here while he fumbled around below deck with something he claimed the repair guy didn’t fix correctly. After offering unhelpful suggestions to no avail, he instructed her to wait for him so she wouldn’t get hurt. Tiffany had plenty of experience with men—from her anal ex-husband to her macho brother to her father’s old-fashioned ways—and she knew they couldn’t stand women getting in the way of their manly duties. She grinned. At least she’d learned something from her failed marriage. 21

Special Client Martin emerged with a beer and wine cooler in hand. His shirt was unbuttoned and gaped opened. Small beads of sweat decorated his chest. The page from the magazine she was holding slipped from her fingers and the article about retirement planning for selfemployed people was forgotten. He handed her a wine cooler, set his beer on the table between the two lounge chairs, pulled his arms out of the sleeves and tossed his shirt over the railing. The curly fluff of brown hair that trailed down into his jeans had her thinking about things that made her skin tighten. Tiffany swallowed. “Thanks.” “What you got there?” He reached for her magazine and inspected it. “Interesting article?” He sat down on the edge of her chair and his eyes skimmed across the cover page. “Do you ever tire of making your own business decisions? Do you ever wish you were back to working as an employee so you wouldn’t have to make them?” “Sometimes. I don’t work for myself because I can’t get along with others. I just saw a vision for a business that no one else did, so I started my own.” She twisted the bottle cap of her drink and folded her legs up against her chest. “I brought you a gift...for your birthday.” He turned to retrieve something next to him. Earlier, she’d been too focused on other things to notice the long box. “Martin, you didn’t have to.” “I thought you should have something nice for yourself.” With shaky fingers, she removed the wrapping. The insignia from her company embedded the top. She cracked open the lid. “Martin…” She lifted the necklace from the silk encasement. Indigo Infinity. He’d bought the necklace for her. “Blue is your favorite color,” he whispered. “I wondered why you made jewelry, but you weren’t wearing any. I thought you’d be beautiful with this one.” Flattery rendered Tiffany speechless. “Thank you.” She fidgeted to unhook the necklace. “I love this piece. I spent a while making it.” “I can tell.” He took the necklace from her. “Let me.” Relieved that her shaking fingers weren’t on display for him to see her nervousness, she bowed her head and allowed him to place the necklace on her. His fingers brushed her breastbone as he placed the pendant against the center of her chest. “And I didn’t want you to think me too cheesy….so I also got you something else.” He dug out 22

Ambrielle Kirk his wallet and pulled out a silver and red cardboard envelope about the size of one of her Visa cards. “Martin, this is too much.” Unfolding the top flap, she pulled out a gift card to one of her favorite department stores. “I looked for a while in the store, but I didn’t know what you liked, really.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve attempted to shop for women in the past and for some reason…they weren’t too happy with what I got them. They said I had awful taste. But, I wanted you to have something nice.” “Thank you, but…” She didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry. I guess it was really lame of me to—” Tiffany lifted her hand to his cheek and gently turned his face until his wandering eyes focused on her. “The birthday getaway. The dinner. These gifts. This is the nicest thing any man has ever done for me.” Aquamarine eyes more beautiful than the lake they were elevated on searched hers. His palms glided over her hand and he moved it down to his neck, where his vein pulsed against her fingers. “What is it about you, Tiffany? Huh? Why is it that I can’t resist this urge to kiss you?” She gulped, but was nearly out of breath. “I don’t know.” “I don’t want to do something that will upset you.” His calloused fingers traced the outline of her forearm.” She shivered. “What do you want to do?” Martin’s palms brushed her shoulder. “Can I show you?” Her body had already responded in answer. Every nerve ending pulsed within her torso. This man had succeeded in seducing her. She gripped the back of his neck tighter and pulled his lips to hers. Only one centimeter between herself and the softest lips she had ever known. The electricity that vibrated between them sizzled. She moved in to close the gap. Martin’s lips burned into hers. Their tongues met in frenzy and she fought to keep pace with his demands. Her fingertips kneaded the nape of his neck while his hands gripped the small expanse of her waist. Before long his body had descended onto hers. He pulled his lips away and she lifted her head to follow him. “Is that a yes?” She nodded. “Yes. Show me.” He lowered his head to nuzzle her throat. The tip of his nose dipped between each crevice. A light breeze passed over them, sway23

Special Client ing the tree limbs and draping moss overhead. Crickets chirped in the distance and an airplane rumbled softly above, but Tiffany cast them all out. As dusk set in and the sky changed to a cloudy gray, she wanted only to focus on the man in her arms. Tiffany closed her eyes as Martin dropped light kisses along her neckline. “More,” she whispered. Martin hissed into her shoulders and let his lips trail further to dance just above her cleavage. Fingers gripped his shoulders at the agony this pleasure-filled torture was causing. He lowered one shoulder strap and then the other. Curious as to what lay ahead, her eyes flew open. He met her gaze as he dipped again to sweep a moist tongue across the top of her breast. She arched off the lounge chair. Shame, pleasure, and longing infiltrated her senses. He nudged her straps down lower, exposing her breasts to the evening chill. She shuddered as he blew cool streams of air against her nipples. He enjoyed seeing her squirm, she could tell. His grin widened when she caught his eyes. “Martin, why are you teasing me?” “I’m not teasing you. I’m trying to find out how long I can last without taking you on the deck of my boat.” She shivered against his touch. The vision of them fucking on the deck of his boat swarmed in her head. “Is that what you want, Tiffany. Would you like me to take you out here…on my boat?” “Yes.” Oh, dear God…what was she saying? The warm velvet of his lips tugged at her nipple. His tongue played over both of them until they were taut as thimbles. Heat boiled low in her belly and she parted her legs slightly to accommodate his large size. Strong hands slipped under her airy sundress and gripped the tops of her thighs. He molded her flesh, rocked his pelvis gently into hers, and nibbled at her chin. His rock hard rod strained his zipper and nudged against her mounds. His fingertips flirted around the edge of her panties, slipping in and out of the waist band to tease her. She turned her head into his chest as he molded a palm to the seat of her panties. He groaned, massaging her pussy through the silken cloth. He folded back the fabric and slid fingers down her juicy slit eliciting a shudder from her. “You’re already wet. Is this for me?” Tiffany bit her lips. 24

Ambrielle Kirk Martin pushed one finger into her effortlessly. “I knew your pussy would be ready for me.” He added a second and gently thrust in and out of her with patient precision. “Martin, please…” “Yes.” Her dress, his clothes…all the fabric in the way, but she didn’t want to part from him. He bent lower, his fingers stroking her with even demanding pumps. The tension behind her pulsing clit grew and she contracted against him. He trailed light kisses along the insides of her thighs approaching her sensitive center. “I want to know what makes you come…and how long it takes,” he whispered. He withdrew his fingers, met her gaze before licking them. “You taste sweeter than the apples.” His lips found her center, but she jerked herself up into a sitting position. She couldn’t take anymore of his torture. “Martin, don’t tease me.” She grasped at the bulge behind his zipper and loosened the button. “You would deny me that?” He sucked in his breath when her fingers found his cock. “That is what you want from me?” Frustrated that his erection was hidden in his jeans, she dipped her hands inside and captured his leather-like rod. She moaned into his shoulder as she imagined what he could do to her with it. He laughed. “I want to do this with you…the proper way. But, you need more and you need it now.” His veins throbbed against her fingers. “Don’t you?” “You’re right.” She bit into her lips. How long had it been? She couldn’t even remember, she had denied herself release for so long. “I can give you what you’re lacking now.” He lifted her chin with his fingers. “However, this won’t be the last time. The next time, I will take my time like I want to.” The next time? Tiffany nodded just as he brought her lips to his for a kiss. The slight taste of her sex lingered there. He stood and rid himself of jeans and boxers. His thick sleek rod sprung out. She wrapped her fingers around the shaft and stared for a moment at his light creamy flesh captured in her dark caramel grip. She leaned forward, licking her lips. “No…” He shook his head. “You denied me that pleasure.” His wallet was within his reach. It took him all of five seconds to roll the latex down his throbbing pole. 25

Special Client Martin lifted her dress over her head, and directed her back into the cushions. Hooking the back of her knee with his hand, he wrapped the other around his back. “Open your eyes.” Calming blue irises mesmerized her. She glided her fingers around his neck as his thick head waited at her opening. “Tiffany, you are beautiful.” Her hips arched as he penetrated her in one swift movement. His groans mingled with her cries when he buried himself to the hilt. Numerous slow strokes later, she adjusted to his width. Their lips met, but did not kiss. Their breathing deepened, but still he held back. “More,” she demanded. “How much more?” “Just don’t hold back…” This was all the encouragement he needed and he slid his hands beneath her ass and rode her into a deeper ecstasy. Her heels dug into his back and the tension in her loins mounted. A motor boat rumbled, warning them of an approach. Martin slowed, turning his head in the direction of their would-be intruders. “Don’t stop…” He hoisted her up and trotted clumsily across the deck to the stairs that would lead them below. Once on the final steps he pressed her back against the wall and proceeded to pound into her. His arms were strong and he held her knees up against his side, her cries echoing around them. Martin moved further into the living area, setting her atop the kitchen table and lifting her legs over his shoulders. He continued the rhythm. The only signs of his efforts were the sweat beads on his creased forehead. Her body convulsed and she grabbed the edge of the table as the orgasm rushed through her. Her face was heated and her nipples tightened. Her fingernails gripped the flesh of his back as release swarmed through her. He leaned in closer and kissed under her exposed neck, his tongue flirting with the sensitive vein behind her ear. Butterflies swarmed the inside of her stomach and flames engulfed her as the shudders claimed her body. “That is so sexy…the way you purr when you come for me,” Martin whispered into her ear. “This is what you needed?” “Yes, Martin.” “I need you, too.” His body jerked and his head fell to her shoulders as he released his tension. He huffed in tattered breaths, and his strokes subsided. 26

Ambrielle Kirk Martin paused to regain his composure, then carried her with her legs still wrapped around him. This time, they made it to the bed. He laid her in it, rid himself of the condom and stretched out beside her. They gazed at each other for what seemed like forever without saying a word.

27

Chapter Six

Tiffany was jarred awake by the sudden rocking of the boat. Martin’s heavy arm draped over her midsection and she jerked upright. Panic gripped at her stomach and she clutched at the sheets around her. A light breeze fanned her back, alerting her of her nude state. What had she done? She’d just slept with a man she barely knew. The soreness between her legs reminded her of the level of intensity they’d demanded from one another. She’d shared intimacy with a man who would never truly love her. Martin moaned and tightened his grip around her waist. “Oh, my God!” She pulled the sheets covering her torso and scrambled to get up. Martin’s eyes flew open, staring at her in confusion. “What’s wrong?” She swung her legs over the bed and diverted her gaze. “We shouldn’t have done this.” He reached for her arm. “What do you mean? Why is it so wrong what we just did?” 28

Ambrielle Kirk “You don’t understand what I’ve been through.” Her eyes darted across the dimly lit cabin in search of her clothing. “This is probably the norm for you.” “Tiffany, look at me.” Tiffany understood now how she lost herself in the moment. He glared at her with sincerity. His tanned muscular body, rippled chest, and generous package tempted her even now. “Tell me what you’ve been through. I want to understand.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now.” “Was it your ex-husband? I can understand the pain from having someone you love betray you. I’ve had it happen to me and I would never do that to anyone.” Of course, that was what they all said in the beginning. Martin probably meant well, but she had her heart to protect. “I’m sorry. I don’t take chances anymore.” She stood up taking the covers with her. “Do you know where my clothes are?” Martin grabbed a robe from a hook on the bed frames and shrugged into it. “Stay here.” When he retreated, she escaped to the bathroom stall. She splashed cold water on her face and did what she could to finger her curls back into place. The feeling of longing and satisfaction was strange to her. The sex had never been something her husband wanted from her on a daily basis, so she had learned to live without it. Her needs had never been met. Tiffany didn’t know what scared her the most—her haste to lose control in the moment, or that Martin could stir instant arousal in her.

***

Martin drummed his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. The drive back to her home was in dead silence—a complete contrast to the friendly conversation they had shared on the way to the lake. He didn’t blame Tiffany for being cautious of men in her life. There must have been so much betrayal in her past marriage to give her the belief that all men were liars or cheaters. Now, what he thought could have bloomed into something other than a friendship, had taken a turn for the worse. Several cars whizzed past. Tiffany sat in the passenger side of the Tahoe. After their first dinner together, not one hour went by that he didn’t think about her. “Thank you for the boat ride again.” She smoothed her palms down the front of her jeans and peered at him under thick lashes. “And the necklace…and gift card.” 29

Special Client “Thank you for going with me.” He tore his eyes away from her back to the road. I don’t need another meaningless relationship right now. Only a friendship. He took the words she spoke just before they docked the boat to heart. How could he convince Tiffany that he wasn’t interested in playing games? What would it take to persuade her that she meant something to him? Certainly the intimate moments and kisses they had shared weren’t meaningless to her? He felt like a dog with a biscuit dangled in front of his kennel. Tiffany was worth the pursuit—he needed to prove to her that she was the one for him infinitely. Her strong-willed, independent nature had captivated him from the moment they first spoke. He was attracted to her brains and her beauty. Now that he’d been in her company, he wanted to remain there forever. “Why do you deny yourself something you want?” He pulled the car to a halt next to a four-way stop sign. “I’m not denying myself. I’m just careful…that’s all.” “If you want to remain friends only, I’m okay with it. I enjoy your company that much.” “I appreciate your understanding.” Martin pulled up to her front door and parked. She was already out of the SUV before he could come around to open the door for her. He grabbed her bags from the back seat. “This is not the last time I will see you?” Tiffany inserted the keys in the door before turning around to face him. The small smile she gave him meant more to him than she knew. “You still have my business, Martin.” Her eyelashes fluttered across her checks and she dropped her gaze. “If you can put up with me.” He grinned. “I think I can handle you just fine.” She grabbed for her bags and dropped them in the foyer behind her. “Bye, Martin.” Before she could grab the door, he took her hand. “When you’re ready to trust me, you know where to find me.” Her lips parted as if she would respond, but fingers slipped from his grasp and she stepped across the threshold. He wanted to reach out and claim her. Tell her how much he needed and wanted her, but he feared that the more he reached, the more she would push him away. Martin swallowed the lump in his throat and glared up at the sky. He would have welcomed a thunderstorm with open arms to match 30

Ambrielle Kirk his dreadful mood, but instead the sun blinded his vision. Grinding his teeth together, he held back a curse.

31

Chapter Seven

Days turned into a week. Tiffany’s business obligations piled up quickly without warning. It was easy to push other thoughts aside. Of course, at the end of the day, there was still something missing. Martin had appeared in her life for such a short while, but the memory of the time they had spent together had been embedded. One week turned into two and she simply could not stand living with the emptiness in her heart. Martin could fill that void. When she was with him, she felt special, not a burden like she had with her ex. Tiffany wanted to make Martin happy. She wanted to be the woman he called when he needed to relieve stress after a difficult day at work. She wanted Martin to be the man whom she could call on when she needed a good listener. She picked up the phone and dialed his number. “Elite Courier, this is Rachel.” Tiffany pressed the phone closer to her ear and cleared her throat. “Hi, Rachel. I actually dialed Martin’s extension.” “I know. Mr. Johansson is out in a meeting. His calls are being forwarded to me. How may I help you?” 32

Ambrielle Kirk “You know what? Never mind, I’ll call back.” It was a stupid idea for her to call. He had probably already moved on and forgotten about her. “Are you sure I can’t help you?” There was a pause on the line as the receptionist waited for her reply. “Ms. Winters, is this you? Is something wrong with your delivery schedule again?” Caller ID was more of a burden than some people thought. Tiffany wasn’t going to explain to this woman that she called to chat with Martin because she craved him. Her face burned in embarrassment of her own silent admission. “No.” She fumbled with the pen on her desk and came up with an excuse. “I have an extra pick up. Um…just a small package. Can you send someone by to get it?” “Sure, Ms. Winters. I’ll send one of the guys by. All the drivers just dispatched on the last route, but I should be able to get in touch with one in your area.” “Thank you.” “I’ll tell Mr. Johansson that you called.” “There is no need,” she said quickly into the phone. “This was all I wanted.” “Have a great evening, Ms. Winters.”

***

At what length would one go to be with the person who makes them truly happy? Martin could tell anyone he met that being persistent paid the bills…but would it earn him the privilege of being with the one he wanted? He rang the door bell and waited. Tiffany opened the door in a stunning black dress, heeled pumps, and luscious curls that brushed her shoulders. The sleek material, fitted and gathered at the bodice, accentuated her sensuous frame. Devoid of heavy makeup, he could tell, but she never failed to leave him speechless. Her legs went on for eons, her hips seemed to invite his grasp, and her breasts tempted him to touch. “I ah…” He cleared the lump in his throat. “You needed someone to pick up a package.” She gave him a devilish smile, grabbed for his hands, and pulled him inside. “You’re not my regular package delivery guy.” “I’m your new package delivery guy.” He grinned and fingered the curls on her collarbone. “And I bet you don’t have a package.” “Martin…” Her eyebrows creased in worry. “I have to tell you something.” 33

Special Client His hands enclosed around her waist. “What is it?” “I’m ready.” “To what, Tiffany…ready to what?” “To trust you...with my heart.” The moment she confessed this, his heart filled with excitement. “Your heart will be safe with me.” He bent to press a kiss to his forehead and inhaled the sweet aroma of her shampoo. “And I give you mine.” Lips meshed together as their arms enfolded each other with urgency. He had subdued his desire to be with her long enough. Tongues tangled in a demanding rhythm and he allowed her to set the pace. With slow and precise kisses, she revealed just how much she wanted this. She parted to catch her breath for a moment and their lips lingered on each others. “Remember the promise I made to you on the boat?” He slid his palms down her ass and kneaded them. Tiffany swayed into him, eyelids heavy. “Yes.” “I’ll make love to you slowly.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the plush microfiber sofa where he positioned her on the arm of the chair. “You look very beautiful tonight, but I think you already know that.” “I thought you would like this dress.” She smiled. “I wore it, hoping you’d come by. It was your gift to me.” Martin grinned. The gift card. It pleased him to see that she was happy. He leaned in to kiss the crevice of her neck, to lose himself in her cinnamon scent. He toyed with the delicate spot behind her ear using the tip of his tongue, eliciting a sharp intake of breath through her lips. Her heels made a thud against the floor. He knelt down to observe her pretty red toenails and lifted her feet into his palms. While gazing into her sexy brown eyes, he kissed the insoles and licked her delectable toes. The erection stirred behind his zipper as she purred her pleasure. He grabbed her heels and slipped her feet back into them. “I want you to keep these on your feet so I can see them in the air when I take you.” Her eyes widened—he literally felt her body shudder beneath his touch. He kissed his way up the insides of her legs… Heat shot up Tiffany’s spine and then spiraled out of control throughout her nerve endings. His touch and heated tongue against her skin caused fierce intensity within her. She struggled to regain 34

Ambrielle Kirk her composure—to remain calm and cool, maybe pretend that these feelings weren’t extremely foreign to her, but she feared it was too late. Martin knew just what to do to wake up a once-dormant sexual appetite. Martin’s hands slid up her thighs and under her dress where he massaged the tense muscles. His lips followed, trailing upward toward her center. Thumbs hooked into the sides of her panties and he pulled them down her legs then draped them over the coffee table. He tore his shirt over his head and placed it alongside the undergarment. Propping up a leg on each of his shoulders, he moved in closer to the source of her need. “I don’t mind waiting for something I want.” His fingers played at the juncture of her thighs. “It becomes a problem when I can’t bear to wait any longer.” “Martin…” His fingers delved into her heat and spread the soft folds to stroke the tiny bud that nestled between them. She dropped her head back as gentle fingers dipped inside her heat. Body arching upwards, she dug her finger nails into the sofa. There was nothing in reach to muffle her cries when his tongue laved over her clit. The rhythm, slow, maddening, induced a raging volcano within her core. Fingers held firm onto her ass, pulling her pussy toward his eager mouth. Small trembles raced through her like a wave and his tongue diverted from her tiny nub to her opening, delving deeper inside her pool of warmth. He ravaged her, his tongue flicking from lips to center to clit until she could no longer bear it. Her body spasmed intensely as the orgasm rushed through her. Toes curled in her pumps and her loins tightened and vibrated under his assault. Martin lifted his head, licking his lips—a confident grin tugging the corners of his mouth. He stood to unzipped his trousers and tugged them, along with his boxers, to the ground. His thick pole distended from a sleek patch of curly brown hair. She reached out and wrapped her fingers around his flesh, licking her lips as he moaned in pleasure. His veins pulsed under her fingers and the shaft grew harder than before. Tiffany lowered her mouth over the head and tasted his spicy arousal the moment her tongue sliced the silky opening. The tip throbbed inside her as she adjusted her lips around him. “Yes…” His groans encouraged her. Tiffany loved that she was in control, that she was the one causing him such pleasure. As she took him again and again to the back of her 35

Special Client throat, his fingers tangled within her hair. When her fingers brushed the tightened sac, he hissed between his teeth. Martin led her mouth away. “You will make me spend before I even get inside you.” He bent down to extract a condom from his wallet. The thought of him inside initiated a shudder up her spine. The sexy dress she wore was in the way, so she pushed the straps from her shoulder and shrugged it down her hips. His gaze moved wickedly across her body at the same time he rolled the condom down his shaft. She crossed her arms over her breast, but only for a moment, letting Martin remove them to expose her again. Their lips connected in a kiss and they collapsed onto the sofa. He broke the kiss, lowering himself to pull a taut nipple between his lips. He ran his tongue across the tip of one and gently tugged the tip of the other. His devilish tongue played across her breasts as she writhed beneath him. They paused to stare at each other as he guided his head to her opening. He delved his tongue between her lips at the same time he plunged his dick to the hilt inside her. Her pussy muscles clenched with each hard thrust and her hips lifted to meet his in synchronized movements. Their eyes burned into each other like hot coals. Martin stroked with precision into her, holding her thighs up and around him. “Tiffany.” Concentration was so intense that his forehead creased, beads of sweat peppering the surface. Her body was ready to succumb, but she wanted more. More. She didn’t want to leave his grasp, wanted to remain in his arms forever. His pace quickened to a fierce driving rhythm that drew her pleasure into a roaring inferno. His lips brushed against hers. “Look at me, Tiffany, when you come.” “Martin.” Her fingers gripped the back of his neck. “It has never been like this…until you.” “This is why I am here now…for you.” They climaxed together, the orgasm rocking their bodies like molten lava overflowing. The heat of it engulfed her and meshed them together. Martin didn’t stop stroking until the last sensations receded and even then his grip tightened around her and he held her against him. Tiffany had never known this type of intimacy. It wasn’t just the sexual need, but the emotional need as well that she had been miss36

Ambrielle Kirk ing. She stroked sweat-soaked hair from his face. “I think I’m going to keep you.” He grinned. “You’re the only client that I intend to spoil rotten like this.” “Will we ever make it to a real bed?” He positioned his head onto her shoulder. “Soon, Tiffany…very soon.”

37

Biography Ambrielle Kirk’s fiction ranges from contemporary erotic to dark paranormal romance. Her vivid imagination inspired her to create stories in her pre-teen years. Now, over a decade later, that inspiration continues to thrive, bringing flair and edge to everything she writes. Please visit her website at www.ambriellekirk.com for more information on current and future book releases.

Other Books by Ambrielle Kirk

A Player’s Agenda Special Client Soul Bond Book One: Liaison