The Obsidian Collection Page 30

  “Am I going to be privy to those thoughts going on behind your eyes? I can see the wheels turning and the tension getting tighter and tighter within you.”

  She took a sip from the glass of water resting in front of her. The warm night caused beads of condensation to pool on the glass. She wiped away the moisture with the crisp, white linen napkin.

  “Before this goes any further, I need to ask a question.” She took another drink and continued, “Are you married, engaged or otherwise?”

  She held her breath, waiting for his answer. The silence seemed to drag on and on, but in reality only a few seconds had passed.

  He let out a small laugh. “It would be so easy to torment you. Your face is giving away every emotion you’re feeling. Why I wonder is it so important to you? I’ll bet in that tiny scrap of cloth you call a purse, you’ve come prepared not for just an evening dinner, but something more.”

  Heat suffused her cheeks, a combination of both embarrassment that he was correct and anger at his arrogance.

  “One could say the same for you, Brandt. I mean this,” she waved her over the table; “this is hardly a setting for a casual dinner. And maybe I’ll just take my scrap of cloth and go back downstairs, because I don’t sleep with married, engaged or otherwise attached men.”

  Her hand hovered over her purse. Would she or wouldn’t she? As much as she’d love to get up and walk away, the kiss they shared in the penthouse still lingered in her mind and a residual dampness in her panties remained.

  “I don’t think you really want to do that. I certainly don’t, so let’s stop playing games shall we?”

  “I haven’t been playing games at all, but you seem to be doing is avoiding my question. Are you engaged, married or otherwise?”

  “No, are you?” She bit back a gasp of surprise at his counter question. She was at the resort by herself, surely that was a big sign she was unattached.

  “No, but how do I know you aren’t lying?”

  “God, woman, how do I know you aren’t lying? You say you aren’t playing games, but it certainly looks like it to me.” Frustration laced his voice.

  She could see where he was coming from, because he was being difficult, she’d decided to be difficult too. It was childish and she didn’t know why she was doing it. “Fine, you’re right. I’m sorry, but now you know how I’ve felt all evening. The night is still young. Shall we start the evening over again?”

  His eyes twinkled and a dimple appeared in his cheek. Something she had previously missed. How she missed it she didn’t know, because if she’d spotted it earlier, she would have been tempted to kiss it. She leaned back on her chair to prevent herself from leaning forward to do just that.

  “I’m sorry too. Let’s just forget the last few minutes, shall we?” He took a sip of his water. “Because there are certain parts of the evening that I’d rather not forget.”

  Her mind immediately went to the kisses they’d shared. Her body warmed as it recalled the touch of Brandt’s lips on her shoulder. She bit her lip to stop the moan from erupting out of her. She wanted to share a few more of those moments before the evening was out.

  Erika ran her finger around the top of her water glass. “Okay, I agree, there are some parts that aren’t worth forgetting but worth re-living.”

  She had no longer finished speaking when a waiter appeared out of the shadows a dish of aromatic king prawns were laid in front of her; she hoped he hadn’t heard any of their conversation.

  Picking up her fork she took a bite and the flesh melted in her mouth, closing her eyes to savour the taste of the spices and tender meat. This time there was no chance of preventing the moan from erupting out of her. Opening her eyes, she looked directly at Brandt. His emerald eyes smouldered, waiting for an answering spark to flare the lust between them into life.

  She took another bite, but kept her eyes locked with Brandt’s. With each bite, the desire between them increased. A slight sheen broke out over his forehead, and the way he was moving in his seat, gave her a fair indication that his pants were getting too tight. Wanting to torment him further, her tongue crept out and she slowly ran it around the rim of her mouth.

  A moan drifted across the table toward her. She ducked her head to hide her smile. It felt good to know she was tormenting him a little. She couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen after they’d finished dinner.

  “So you never did tell me whether this place was yours or not.”

  “I think you know the answer to that one.”

  Why was it so difficult for him to be upfront with her? After having one guy lie to her for months before he eventually confessed to his cheating on her and then ending their relationship. It was important to her that Brandt be truthful with her.

  Before she could contemplate his reluctance to answer her question, the waiter cleared their plates before placing their main meal down as well as replacing their empty Champagne flutes with glasses of white wine.

  She picked up her utensils and cut a portion of the succulent meat. It was another taste of heaven. Whoever did the cooking really knew their stuff.

  “This meal is unbelievable. My complements to the chef.”

  “I’ll pass them on.”

  A few moments passed, with the only noise being the clink of silverware.

  “So getting back to what we were discussing before our meals arrived,” Erika started. “I’m not one to assume anything, including their financial status, when it comes to people. It’s always a big risk when you do.”

  He smiled his wicked smile again and her desire for him increased. It was time to lighten the mood. Even though she wanted answers, she wanted to have fun too and Brandt was all too tempting to have fun with. She slipped off her shoe and started to rub it up and down Brandt’s calf.

  His knife dropped to his plate, which clattered loudly around the garden. She had caught him unawares and felt empowered. How long would it take to make him lose his composure?

  “Opps, sorry, I was trying to find my shoe.”

  “Perhaps I can help.”

  Pushing back his chair, he knelt down and disappeared under the table. She gasped as a warm hand grasped her foot. He ran his fingers along her instep. She squirmed in her chair, trying to pull her foot back but his grip tightened. His hand crept up and down her calf.

  Her breath caught. “Are you having trouble finding that shoe?”

  “Ahh, here it is, right next to your other one. Let me pop it back on.”

  He gave her instep one last caress before she felt her shoe being put on. He gave her salacious wink before he took his chair again.

  “Dessert I think.”

  Round one to Brandt, but there would be plenty of time to even the score. She gave a wry smile and took a sip of her wine. She let the cool liquid slide down her throat and hoped it cooled the desire his caresses caused.

  “Dessert would be great.’

  With another nod, the waiter materialised again and placed a decadent chocolate concoction in front of Brandt only.

  This time, it was she who gave the wry grin. “Death by chocolate?”

  He kept his eyes on her as he dipped his spoon into his dessert and held it out for her to taste.

  The game still continued.

  She leaned across the table and wrapped her mouth around the spoon. She moaned and her eyes fluttered shut. It was rich, creamy and slid down her throat. It was addictive and something that was meant to be shared. She took the spoon from Brandt and repeated exactly the same movements as he did. Like he did, she looked into his eyes. There was something totally erotic about sharing a dessert.

  She dipped the spoon back in and hit glass. She looked down shocked to see an empty bowl.

  She let the spoon drop, the sound muffled by the tablecloth. “Well, that’s that then.”

  “Yes.” He stood up and held out a hand to her. “Shall we go for a walk and work off that dessert?”

  She could think of far better ways to work off th
e dessert than walking. She desperately wanted to have the strength to voice her wants and desires, tell him to walk her to his room instead of where he was thinking of taking her.

  Instead, Erika placed her hand in his. Brandt seemed the type of guy who would always make the first move. “Sure.”

  He folded his arm through hers and they walked down another lit path. Her mind flicked back to Sean’s reaction when Brandt showed up. Sean had been all for a quick fling with her, but the moment Brandt arrived; he’d backed down quicker than lava spewing out of a volcano. She stopped in her tracks; Brandt didn’t own the resort, did he?

  She couldn’t keep the words from pouring out. “Do you own this resort?”

  The muscles beneath her fingers tensed. “Would it matter to you if I did? Would you think less of me if I didn’t?”

  She was confident the way she answered his questions meant a lot to what would happen next between them. He may give the impression of not really caring what anyone thought. It seemed deep down he did.

  “You don’t like answering questions, do you? You’ve avoided answering all mine, all evening.” He appeared to want to interrupt, but she held up her hand. “I have to take some responsibility too. I haven’t really been straightforward with you either. So here it is. I’m single. I ended a relationship four months ago. This vacation was booked and I’d lose all my money if I cancelled, so I decided I might as well still come. Now I’m a single girl at a resort surrounded by couples, and yes, I was looking for action when I arrived.”

  She was on a roll and couldn’t seem to stop. “I really don’t care if you own the resort or not. But if you are just a bellhop playing in fantasyland, then I do object to being treated like a fool. I would like a little honesty in return and I don’t think it’s too much to ask for.”

  He took advantage of her momentary pause. “Are you finished?”

  “Ummm… yes.”

  “Good.” With that, he took her face between his hands and lowered his lips, stopping a hairbreadth away from touching hers. “Do you know you’re extremely attractive when you get worked up?”

  He completed the distance and tempted her with heaven again. Opening her mouth beneath his and his tongue invaded. Erika moaned, electricity shot through her veins and she wrapped her arms around him pulling him closer. Against her belly his erection tempted her into imagining his length stroking in and out of her, taking her to the stars and back. It would be sweet and sensual, but she also wanted hot and heavy. If he were to hoist her dress above her hips and take her on the grass under the stars, she wouldn’t complain. His hands gripped her ass and pulled her even closer. All coherent thought left her and she and Brandt ceased to exist as two separate entities. They fed off each other’s desires. Erika’s head fell back, exposing her neck to his lips. Instead of assaulting her earlobe as he had done previously, he trailed down her neck and kissed her collarbone. She thrust her chest forward indicating she wanted his hands on her breasts. With one hand holding her neck, his free hand trailed around and completed her silent plea. Her nipple peaked against the fabric of her dress in anticipation. His fingers traced the curve of her breast before cupping it. He rubbed his thumb over the protruding tip. Her body throbbed and warmth pooled between her thighs. She could easily orgasm from both his kisses on her neck and the massaging of her breast.

  Her breathing was ragged. She wanted him to use that mouth of his on her moist core. Lick and taste.

  Oh, God, she was so close.

  Erika ground her hips against his leg.

  Abruptly, he pulled away. “I think we should stop.”

  Stop? Her mind screamed in disbelief. She was mere moments away from getting off and he was stopping?

  “Well, I don’t.” She reached up to pull his head down to continue their kisses, but he resisted and took a step back.

  Confusion bombarded her. She’d never been with someone who sent out so many mixed signals. One minute, he was all hot and over her; the next, he was pushing her away as if what they’d been sharing was a big mistake. She would never understand men.

  “What the hell is going on? What are you playing at, Brandt?” She clutched her arms around her waist. “You invite me up here with a scene set for seduction. You ply me with wine and decadent food. Kiss me until I can’t think straight, and then you pull away. I don’t need this sort of shit.”

  She turned and stalked back to the table, not bothering to see if he was following. All she wanted was to get the hell out of Dodge and get back to her room. Hurt at being not enough to satisfy a man, again, bubbled through her. Erika tamped it down, determined not to show anything but steely resolve in front of Brandt. She reached the table and scooped up her purse.

  She instinctively followed her way back along the path she and Brandt had taken earlier. With each step, it became harder and harder to push away her disappointment and hurt. He’d basically led her on and then dumped her. Hadn’t she learned her lesson with Rod? Guys were all smooth talking. She would have been better off sticking with Sean, even though he backed away. At least they both knew all they wanted was one thing. Brandt had given the impression of wanting more, but had just ripped it away from her.

  She finally made her way back to the elevators and pressed the button, willing the car to hurry up and arrive at top speed. There were still no sounds of footsteps behind her. That alone screamed at her Brandt was just playing a game.

  Finally, the lift arrived and she dove into the empty space. She hit the button for her floor and the Close Door button. She looked up as the door glided shut and she locked gazes with Brandt. His eyes resembled ice chips, nothing like the smouldering embers of earlier. She had no idea why they were so cold when he called a halt to their kissing.

  The doors slid shut, ending whatever may have been. She’d give anything to be back in his arms, savouring those lips again, tasting his skin. She groaned and leaned against the mirrored back; she was getting herself all worked up again and there would be no finishing it off with Brandt.

  The elevator stopped, and she got out and headed for her room. Pushing open the door, she stepped out of her shoes and threw her purse onto the hall table. Reaching up, she took the pins out of her hair and gave it a little shake, letting the curls tumble down her back. The lamp she had left on, cast a golden glow around the room. She walked over to the windows and flung open the curtains. The view was nothing like what she had seen out of Brandt’s penthouse, but it was still tranquil.

  Restless energy burned through her blood, her body still humming from Brandt’s kisses and touches. Why hadn’t he finished what he’d started?

  Because you suck in bed, it was a chore to have sex with you, Erika.

  Rod’s words of her inadequacy in their bed sounded loudly in her mind, as if he were standing in the room with her.

  No. He’s wrong.

  There was no way Rod was going to mess with her head. He was the loser not her.

  Sighing, she turned away from the window and headed towards the bathroom, stripping off her dress as she went.

  She showered and pulled on the complementary bathrobe, wrapping a towel around her head, she left the bathroom and walked over to the cabinet that housed the mini bar. She pulled out a bottle of wine and a glass that had been chilling in the fridge. She poured a generous amount into the glass and replaced the bottle.

  She curled up in the lounge chair and took a sip, the dryness of the white startled her palate at first but she soon got used to it.

  She tended to over analyse things and knew she was headed down that road. Perhaps it would be best to leave tomorrow. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her stay trying to avoid Brandt. She snorted, who’s to say he would even be interested in her now. He clearly didn’t want her sexually, even though his body gave the impression of the total opposite.

  She drained her glass and slammed it down on the table, amazed it didn’t shatter. Enough. The evening may have been a total bust but it didn’t mean she had to let it rui
n the rest of her vacation.

  She slipped off her robe and pulled back the covers on the bed. Sliding between the cool sheets, she reached over and switched off the light.

  Her last thought before sleep claimed her was, she wasn’t going to let Brandt’s attitude spoil her break. The resort and surrounding area was big enough to not run into him. Plus there were all the added extra attractions the resort provided. But instead of the tranquil blue of the pool and ocean invading her dreams, it was piercing emerald green eyes and cheeky dimples that kept her company throughout her slumber.

  Brandt brought the glass of amber liquid to his mouth and downed the contents. The burn of the whiskey only increased the anger in him. Instead of standing at a window looking out over his achievement, he could’ve been lost in the warm, lush body of Erika.

  Never before had he lost his nerve when he’d been kissing someone. Not even Tonia, and he’d thought they had a future together.

  Erika had been so responsive and he could feel himself losing the essence of the person he was, with every passing second their lips were meshed together.

  He liked the way she felt in his arms and the way she didn’t bat her eyelids and agree with what he had to say. Yes, he had been difficult with her, but she’d called him out on it.

  So if he enjoyed her company that much, why had he called a halt to things between them? He knew he had brought her close to climax. He felt the way her body had been tightening just before the moment of ultimate release.