She slipped her purse over the hook and tugged self-consciously on her sweater, waiting to see what he would do next. He laughed ruefully. “I haven’t been much of a host so far, have I?”
“Not really,” she teased him back.
“I’ll do better.” Extending his hand into the light, he enticed her forward. “Good evening, Katie. You look beautiful tonight.” The blush that covered her cheeks started him wondering if it covered her entire body. Picturing her breasts a rosy pink made his entire body clench with desire.
Katie looked around inquiringly. “Where’s Gabriel?”
As though he’d heard his name being called, Gabriel skittered down the hallway, his toenails clicking against the hardwood floor. He slid to a halt in front of Katie and looked up at her expectantly.
Katie laughed and crouched down in front of him. Gabriel was in dog heaven as she scratched his head and neck and he emitted a moan of doggy ecstasy. Pleased by his reaction, Katie tussled with the dog a few moments longer.
She was so beautiful and unselfconscious playing in the hallway with his dog. Cain decided that if he didn’t do something, she’d stay there all night with the beast. “Gabriel, go.” At his command, the dog glared at him for a moment before sulking off to the kitchen for his own supper.
“What is this strange mutinous effect you have on my staff?” he asked her.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Katie stood and straightened her clothing, picking a stray dog hair off her pants leg.
The smile on her face and the glow in her eyes made him want to strip her bare and take her right in the damn foyer. His body tightened at the thought. Dinner first, he repeated silently to himself.
“Join me for dinner.” It was a command and she responded by placing her hand in his. The sense of triumph he felt almost overwhelmed him as he tightened his hold on her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm.
Cain was glad of the dark, as his cock had responded instantly to her, lengthening and swelling until his pants felt tight and uncomfortable. He was more than ready and willing to take her now. He knew the look on his face was one of carnal desire, and if she could see his face she would probably run screaming back to the safety of her own home. But she had stepped willingly into his world, and he was not willing to let her go.
“Where are we going?” Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke and Cain realized his silence was making her nervous.
“It’s a surprise, but one I think you’ll like. Trust me.” As soon as he said the words he knew they were true. He wanted her trust. If she trusted him, she would open herself totally to him in bed. Without that trust, she would hold parts of herself back. And he wanted all of her.
She squeezed his hand in assent and allowed him to lead her down the hallway and up another set of stairs. Opening the door at the top, he ushered her into the rooftop conservatory. He watched as she took in the sight before her, sensing her enjoyment and seeing it through her eyes.
Lush green trees and plants of all shapes and sizes filled the glass-enclosed area, illuminated by rows of small twinkling lights. In the center of the room a small stone pool with a waterfall gurgled cheerfully. The air was alive with the smells of lavender, roses, and other assorted flowers.
Katie glided to the center of the room and turned in a slow circle, taking in every inch of the room. “This is absolutely beautiful.”
He felt her enjoyment as if it were a living thing. The glow in her eyes and the softness on her face made him want to strip her naked and bury himself inside her warmth. Taking a deep breath, he strolled to the far corner of the room, carefully keeping to the shadows as he did so.
A wrought iron table, softly lit by a white pillar candle, was set for two with fine china and linen. Beside the table was a sideboard with a variety of covered dishes. Dinner awaited their pleasure. He pulled out one of the chairs and the noise made her glance to where he now stood. Hurrying over she surveyed the table.
“Your worries are over.”
Her comment took him off-guard. “What worries?”
“I’m sure I’ll like dinner. I’m enjoying myself. And, I’m sure I’ll want to see you again.” She ticked the points off on her fingers as she spoke, and he smiled, remembering their earlier conversation.
Chuckling, he seated her at the table, making sure the good side of his face was the one she could see. “Well, my mind is at ease now, and I can relax and enjoy the evening.”
His amusement faded away as he stared down at her. She licked her lips and then glanced down at the empty china plate. He could see her tugging at the hem of her sweater. God, she looked good enough to eat. Food first, he reminded himself.
The wine had already been opened, so he filled two long-stemmed crystal glasses with the pale white liquid and handed one to her. She sipped nervously, the wine making her lips glisten. Leaning forward so that he was blocking the flickering light, he licked her lips. The taste of the crisp wine and the heat of her lips were intoxicating.
Reaching behind him, he removed the cover from one of the dishes. Plucking a chocolate-covered strawberry from the plate, he held it to her lips. He didn’t allow her to eat it, but just ran the berry over her lips. Her tongue came out to taste it. “Suck the chocolate off.”
She smiled seductively and then her tongue curled around the chocolate coating. If he’d been hard a few minutes ago, he now felt like he was going to burst. Images of her doing the same thing to his cock were making him sweat. His entire body screamed at him to take her. Now.
“Are we having dessert first?” Her lips surrounded the lush berry and she sucked it right out of his hands. Chewing the delectable treat, she moaned like a woman in the throes of an orgasm.
Suddenly, he could wait no longer. Dropping to one knee beside her, he cupped her face in his large hands and brought it towards him. Lightly brushing her eyelids with his thumbs, he waited until they closed, and then he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his.
So soft. That was his only thought. He went back for another taste. The flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and tart white wine all mingled on her mouth. His tongue traced her lips, licking at them until she parted them and moaned. Responding immediately, he thrust his tongue inside her mouth and explored every crevice. He rubbed her tongue and sucked it, all the while, never losing his grip on her face. Cain tasted the sweetness of her mouth and knew he had never tasted anything so fine in his entire life.
Reluctantly withdrawing from her mouth, he placed kisses all over her face before he pulled back into the shadows. “I want you.” His voice was harsh even to his own ears.
“All right.” Her whisper was barely audible.
He dragged his hand through his hair. “I need you now. Fast.” His breathing was rough, but he held on to his control. Just. “Later I’ll go slow. I promise.” He wanted to be sure she understood what she was agreeing to.
“Yes.”
Her reply was stark in the quiet of the night. The only other sound he could hear above his own rough breathing and the pounding of his heart was the gurgle of the fountain. Abruptly, he rose and scooped her off her chair all in one motion. His arms were like steel around her and there was no longer any chance he’d let her go. Dinner could wait. He would have his dessert first.
Keeping to the shadows, he carried her down the stairs, not stopping until he entered his bedroom. Kicking the door closed behind him, he let her legs slide down his body until she was standing in front of him with his arms still locked around her.