Simply Sexy

CHAPTER FIVE

SHOULD SHE or shouldn't she? Rina didn't want to think any more than she wanted to hesitate. She'd hoped for this moment and fate only provided so many opportunities. She wanted Colin, and it had been too long since a man had made her feel so desired, so needed. Gathering her courage, she dropped the towel and backed toward the vanity, grasping on to the Corian countertops with both hands. Her position had the erotic effect of pushing her breasts upward in silent invitation.

His gaze slid down to her chest and he let out a slow groan. "Honey, that's going to have to mean yes."

Yes to what, she wasn't certain, and at the moment she didn't care. Moisture settled low and dampened her panties, excitement a companion she barely recognized, it had been so long. "I'm so glad you're a man who knows how to read a woman's signals," she said at the same moment he dipped his head, nestling his face between her breasts.

He exhaled slowly, the warmth of his breath hitting her skin as he began to taste the champagne with luxurious laps of his tongue. Starting in her cleavage, he worked his way outward, teasing her with nibbles and tastes until her nipples tightened into rigid peaks begging for equal treatment. He was tormenting her, taking his time, making a slow feast of her flesh until every nerve tingled and desire so overwhelmed her, she whimpered aloud.

He lifted his head, his blue eyes glittering with banked desire. "Tell me what you want."

"Is that what men like?" she asked. "To be told?"

"I'm not going to answer so I can be the subject of some damn article."

His jaw clenched and Rina realized she'd stepped over the line or, at least, he thought she had. The article was the furthest thing from her mind. Without thought, she ran her fingers through his hair, settling her hands in the silken strands. "That's not why I asked."

He cocked his head to one side. "Why then?"

"Because…" How did she explain what she barely understood herself? "Because I've never…" She grappled for the right word. "I've never played that way. With a man, I mean. It's always been pretty straightforward, them doing what they wanted and it either felt good or it didn't." Her past consisted of a satisfying sex life. Satisfying but nothing like the intensity and steam she was experiencing with Colin. She shrugged. "I never had the courage to ask for what I wanted."

And no man had ever asked. Another contrast brought to life by Colin. Another place where Colin stood head and shoulders above the rest. In one breath, she wished he weren't so compelling, in another, she thanked her lucky stars she'd found him and they'd share whatever moments fate allowed.

"So I was wondering. Did you ask what I wanted so you could please me?" She rolled her eyes, embarrassed by her naiveté. "Or because you just liked to hear, oh, I don't know, sex talk. Which I've never done and don't know if I'd be good at. Any more than I'm good at this." She gestured around her. "God, I'm killing the mood, aren't I?"

He laughed, but she inherently knew he wasn't laughing at her. "Trust me, there's nothing you could do to kill this mood." He grasped her hands and brought them to his lips for a kiss, then he replaced each hand by her side on the counter once more. "Now we're back where we started. Now you need to know that I asked because I want to please you. But-" His lips twitched and he grinned. "I wouldn't mind hearing some sex talk from your lips."

Settled back with her breasts thrusting upward, Rina felt a little wanton and a lot daring. He picked up where they'd left off, his tongue embarking on another sensual exploration, and her body responded immediately. Hot darts of desire flickered through her.

"Now tell me what you want."

His roughened voice hit her already sensitized nerves and made her bold. "I want you to stop teasing me."

In response, his tongue swirled in circles around one nipple, heightening her arousal and causing her body to shake and her hips to pivot back and forth in search of something even more fulfilling than the treatment she was receiving now. But he didn't give in, didn't offer her what she desired. Instead, he just slowly teased her distended nipple, never providing her the relief she sought.

He lifted his gaze, stopping the arousing sensations, and she wanted to cry out in frustration. "Trust me enough to tell me what you want," he coaxed, holding her gaze.

"Take me into your mouth." She struggled for an even breath. "Hold my breast in your hand and take my nipple into your mouth."

His pupils dilated and his eyes burned hot, as hot as the flame he ignited inside her. "Like this?"

He cupped her breast in his palm, kneading the soft flesh and plumping it in his hand.

"Mmm." She leaned her head back and moaned. "More."

And then finally, he drew her nipple into his hot, wet, greedy mouth, biting down lightly with his teeth. Alternately grazing, then soothing with his tongue until the fire he lit exploded in a haze of passion. Her hips began gyrating of their own accord. She needed to ease the ache and he understood.

This time he didn't wait for her to ask, just lifted her so she could wrap her legs around his waist and thrust the most needy part of her against his thick shaft. Her body soared at their first intimate contact, which felt so good yet wasn't nearly enough. She bucked against him, her hips pushing, writhing and gyrating into him until her world exploded in a sensational climax she hadn't expected. One unlike any she'd experienced before.

She hadn't made love to him, but the contractions shaking her body were as strong and vigorous as if she'd taken him inside her. She was still trembling as he set her down on the counter between the sinks. "Oh, God."

He ran a hand through his hair. "That about sums it up." He stepped back and leaned against the flowered wallpaper behind him. "You sure know how to knock the wind out of a guy."

Glancing down, she realized that although she'd been satisfied, he'd been far from it. "Colin…"

He waved a hand in the air, cutting her off. "Don't even suggest it. The first time's going to be the right way, honey. Not with you trying to give me something back just because I made you come."

She blushed at his blunt words, but before she could conjure a reply, he picked up the shirt she'd left on the corner counter, holding it out for her to slip into.

Her heart pounded in her chest and her legs felt like Jell-O as she stood and let him help her dress. As he buttoned her blouse, the act of him dressing her felt more intimate than what he'd just done to her, and the incongruous thought made her smile.

"Something funny?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I'm just thinking."

"About?"

"Just that I picked the right guy to get back into the swing of things again."

He tangled his hands through her hair, groaning as he fingered the tousled strands she'd taken great pains to create. "Why's that?" he asked.

"Because you cared about what I wanted. No man's done that for me and it's a gift I'll always remember."

"Rina, I-"

A loud knocking sound interrupted them. "We'll be right out," she called.

Colin clamped his hand over her lips. "I'll," he mouthed, obviously wanting to protect her reputation. "I'll be right out," he whispered.

"I'll be right out," Rina called, a heated blush rising to her cheeks. "Do you think anyone will know what we've been doing?" she asked softly.

"It's Corinne. Emma said I could find Colin upstairs."

He muttered a curse. "I don't want her finding us like this. It's not fair to you."

Rina cared more about how much she liked the sound of us rolling off his sexy lips than she did about what Corinne thought. But she appreciated that he cared.

He started for the door she'd thought was a linen closet. "I'll catch up with her in the hall."

"It's about Joe," Corinne called when no one answered her.

"Uh…Colin's in the room next door," Rina replied.

"You get dressed and I'll meet up with you downstairs." He offered her a quick wink and he was gone.

But her body reminded her, he wouldn't be forgotten.

HE SHOULDN'T HAVE touched her. Knowing they were on opposite sides, knowing he had to convince Joe to ax her beloved job, Colin should have walked out of the bathroom without looking back. He couldn't, of course. He wanted to be with her too damn badly.

And now that he had, he was shaken. During their intense conversation at the party, they'd connected as though no one else was in the room. Once they were alone, that connection had deepened, both physically and emotionally. When she'd admitted that she'd never asked a man for what she wanted, not even her deceased husband being the implication, Colin had been compelled to put her feelings before his own. He wanted to be the first man she trusted in such an intimate way, and she hadn't disappointed him.

But now he faced a more difficult truth. Rina was the first woman he was scared to lose.

A knock sounded loud again, drawing him from his thoughts. Buttoning the shirt he'd grabbed from Logan's closet, Colin stepped into the hall to head off Corinne.

"I could hear you banging from in here." He left the bedroom door open so she could glance inside and see he was alone. Although he wished he wasn't…But he meant what he'd said to Rina, and any satisfaction he received wouldn't be found at her hand. "What's wrong with Joe?" he asked Corinne before his damn erection became obvious again.

"He had a ministroke."

Colin's stomach plummeted. This wasn't news he wanted to hear.

"The hospital called my cell phone and I've been searching all over the house for you."

For a brief minute, Colin softened toward the woman who not only looked extremely upset but who'd bothered to take the time to find him before heading out for the hospital. "Thank you. Can I give you a lift there?" he asked.

She nodded. "I'm too upset to drive."

He grasped her elbow and started for the stairs. Corinne was an enigma, a woman he didn't understand. One minute her feelings for Joe seemed genuine, the next she acted erratically without thought for Joe's wishes. Colin groaned, knowing Corinne and his feelings about her weren't important. Joe's health was. "What did the hospital say?" he asked.

"Just that he was stable," she said as they rushed down the long, circular stairs.

He retrieved their coats. "Wait here," he told Corinne.

Colin sought out Emma and Logan to make sure one of them let Rina know why he'd disappeared and covered her ride home. Though he could wait and tell her himself, he didn't want to waste a minute getting to Joe, nor did he want to give her some explanation that was bound to be awkward after what had just transpired between them.

He couldn't spare the time to make her feel as special now as she deserved, and he would have to make it up to her later for leaving. She deserved it. But Corinne had given him an excuse to run now and he grabbed the chance.

Because Joe's scare came at an opportune moment, at a time when Colin needed space.

He was a man who always left before things became intense, and he didn't know what to do with his craving to be closer to Rina now. He felt crowded by his emotions because never in his life had he connected with a woman on such an elemental level.

Rina humbled him. He'd had more invested than just sex in that one encounter, all the while knowing he'd hurt her in the end. Hurt himself, as well, since losing her was inevitable.

For himself, it was better he build in some emotional distance now. For Rina, it was better she know up front that she couldn't count on him for the long run.

RINA ACCEPTED another glass of punch from the server and turned to the good-looking man who'd approached her, then proceeded to talk about his portfolio for the last fifteen minutes. He bored her to tears but at least he was paying attention to her.

Unlike Colin, who'd ditched her. He could have waited and told her about Joe himself or taken her with him to the hospital. He could have done many things. Instead, he'd opted to leave her at the party alone. His actions spoke volumes about something she'd known all along. Colin Lyons was the love-'em-and-leave-'em type. As hurt as she was, she reminded herself she'd wanted a fling and Colin had just proven he was the right man for the job.

Rina squared her shoulders, determined to make the best of the party and gather information for her column. "So tell me," she asked Edward Worthington III. "Is your portfolio really as large as you claim?" She leaned in closer and batted her lashes.

He leaned closer. "Come home with me and I'll show you," he said, his implicit meaning obvious.

"Rina already has a ride home," Emma said, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her away. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Research. And tonight I've discovered that men like outgoing, friendly women."

"Men like to think they'll get lucky, and Edward is out to prove himself ever since his fiancée ditched him because his mother took over their wedding plans. Now wave goodbye and let him move on to someone who's really interested."

Knowing Emma had a point-she always did-Rina waved goodbye to Edward. She'd only been flirting to take her mind off Colin anyway. The column was the last thing on her mind.

"Research my patootie," Emma muttered. "You're sulking because Colin left, and that's completely unbecoming."

Rina agreed with the unbecoming part, but since she refused to enlighten Emma as to what had transpired in the bathroom, she clenched her jaw shut tight and followed the older woman into the foyer.

"My driver is ready to take you home," Emma said, patting her hand. "We'll talk more tomorrow when your head is clearer."

"Nonsense. I'll drive Ms. Lowell home." Stan Blecher stepped up beside them. "I heard you tell your driver where she lives and it's on my way home."

"Eavesdropping's rude," Emma muttered.

"So is your attitude, but you don't see me complaining," the older gentleman said.

Rina had never seen Emma put in her place before and bit the inside of her cheek to contain her laughter. "If you're sure you don't mind, I'd appreciate the ride," she said to Stan.

"Of course not. It's been ages since I had someone as young and beautiful as you in the seat beside me." He glanced at Rina and winked. He obviously wanted to make Emma jealous.

"I told you he was a lecher." From the sulking pout on the other woman's face, his tactic had obviously worked.

"He's a gentleman, Emma," Rina said softly.

"Then let him take you home. I don't give a fig if I ever see him again." With a haughty raise of her chin, Emma pivoted around and walked away. But not before adding, "Colin's a little boy at heart, Rina. Give him the chance to explain."

Rina rolled her eyes because she didn't see her friend giving Stan any chances at all. She met Stan's gaze and shrugged, unsure of what to say now that Emma had taken her leave.

Stan grinned. "Emma lies. Within a week she'll be putty in my hands."

"I hope so." Rina meant her words even more after Stan drove her home.

On the way, he'd told her about the death of his wife, how much he and Emma had in common and how he just wanted companionship in his later years. Emma, with her outspoken attitude and bubbly personality, suited him fine. Rina agreed. Though she hadn't met Judge Montgomery, only caught sight of the stuffy man from across the room, she didn't think Stan fell into the other man's league. No way would Stan side with Judge Montgomery against Emma. Relieved, she hoped Emma would give in and find the happiness she tried to give others.

Twenty minutes after arriving home, Rina stepped out of her own shower, free of the champagne but not free of Colin or the memory of him bringing her to climax. Alone.

Men. What woman could possibly understand them? At this rate, her series would probably never answer the question.

What did men want? Darned if she knew.

Towel drying her hair, she glanced at Norton. As soon as she met his gaze, he whined and rolled over onto his back. "At least your needs are simple, boy." She leaned down to scratch his belly, when the doorbell rang.

Norton scrambled to his feet and Rina rose, following him to the door. "Coming," she called.

It was 1:00 a.m., late by most standards but early enough for Frankie to stop by for some chocolate-chip ice cream and a chat after her Saturday-night date. This was the first time Rina could contribute to the dating part of the conversation and she needed her friend's advice. "Am I glad to see you," Rina said as she swung the door open wide.

"Well, at least someone is."

Rina winced. "Bad date?"

"The worst." Frankie stomped inside and made herself at home on Rina's couch, propping her cowboy-booted feet so they hung off the armrest without touching the furniture. "How about you? How was your first date since arriving in this quaint New England town?"

Rina closed her eyes and remembered Colin's touch, his warm mouth and his heady scent.

"That good, huh? Care to tell me your secret?" Frankie grinned.

With her straight inky-black hair, olive skin and good heart, Frankie shouldn't need anyone's help to find a man. They should be banging down her door. Only they weren't, which made the opposite sex and their desires that much more of a puzzle.

Rina sighed. "No secret to share."

"So was this a good date or a bad date?"

"Both. I can't say he used me because he certainly didn't get any satisfaction and I did, but he left me at the party and…"

"Whoa. Back up and start over." Frankie's wide-eyed gaze was filled with curiosity.

Rina blushed, realizing what she'd revealed. "Emma spilled champagne on us and we went upstairs to clean up. Let's just say Colin and I had a moment and leave it at that. But when I arrived back downstairs, I found out he'd received an emergency telephone call and he left immediately for the hospital."

Frankie frowned. "So is he, or isn't he, a jerk? Tough call."

Rina laughed. "No kidding. He did arrange a ride home for me," she said in Colin's defense.

Frankie shot her a knowing look. "So how interested are you in this guy?"

"He makes me feel good." Rina paced the floor in her living room, adrenaline making it impossible for her to relax.

"Which is what you said you wanted in a first time-out fling."

"Right. Unfortunately he also really gets to me in here." She tapped her chest, over her heart. "His parents died when he was young and he's got scars that haven't healed."

"So he's afraid of being hurt and so are you. Not a bad thing considering you aren't looking for a serious relationship, right?"

When Rina remained silent, Frankie pinned her with a stare. "Right?" she asked again.

"Right. Right," Rina said, hoping by verbalizing the words she'd feel them a bit more. "It's just that he-"

"What?"

She winced. "I feel like I'm being disloyal when I say this, but Colin arouses feelings inside me that Robert never even touched. Physical and emotional." Rina walked to the window and looked out into the snow-covered night. "And that scares me."

"Why?" Frankie asked. "Because if a man did it for me like this Colin guy does it for you, then let me tell you, nothing could keep me out of his bed." She cleared her throat. "I mean life. Nothing could keep me out of his life."

Rina rolled her eyes, but unfortunately, Frankie's point was dead on. "You know what scares me so much? The guy is a guaranteed wanderer. He'll go when this is over." She turned back to face her friend. That fact, which had originally made Colin the perfect man, now put Rina in a frightening situation.

"That just means you have to keep things shallow."

"If it were that easy, I wouldn't be craving chocolate-chip ice cream, now, would I?"

"I thought you'd never offer." Frankie jumped up and headed for the freezer. "Ice cream is a girl's best friend." As she loaded up two bowls, she continued. "There's no problem that I can see. From what you told me, it's been two long years since you've indulged and you're due for some male company. Keep things strictly superficial and you'll be fine. No heartache, no hurt involved."

Exactly what Rina had been telling herself. Unfortunately, everything about Colin was complicated and involved so much more than surface feelings. Before Rina could reply, the jarring ring of the phone startled her. No one ever called at this hour and Rina immediately thought of her parents in Florida. "One sec…" she said to Frankie, then grabbed for the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Rina."

"Colin." Relief settled over her that this wasn't bad news.

"Mmm. Now this is where the night gets interesting," Frankie said.

Rina kicked her in the shin. "Shh," she whispered.

"Hi, honey. Listen, I needed to talk to you," Colin said, his deep voice pulling at her in inexplicable ways.

With his use of the endearment, Rina's mouth grew dry and her nerves kicked in. She lowered herself onto the couch beside Frankie, her legs suddenly unable to support her.

"Did I wake you?" he asked.

"No. I was just entertaining a friend," Rina said, a little devil on her shoulder urging her to bait him.

Because though he'd left for a good reason, there were other ways he could have handled things. Especially after how intimate they'd been minutes earlier. She wasn't angry nor would she hold his ditching her against him. But why not make him wonder?

He cleared his throat. "I see. Well, I just called to make sure you got home safe."

At his concern, her heart skipped a beat. "How's Joe?"

"He had a ministroke. It shouldn't affect him long-term, but it will slow his recuperation and therapy. The doctors are trying to stabilize his medication to prevent it from happening again." He paused. "Thanks for asking."

She heard the pain in his voice and softened, knowing how much he loved the older man. "But he'll be okay?"

"This time. Rina, look. I'm sorry I left you."

His husky voice traveled through the phone lines, bringing her arousal to life all over again, along with more wariness this time. "I understand."

"Good. Then I won't keep you. I'll see you at work. 'Night, Rina."

"Good night, Colin." She hung up the phone and met Frankie's curious gaze.

"Still unsure of him? Or is it yourself you don't trust?" her friend asked too perceptively. "It's obvious what you want from the guy and it's equally obvious he's interested. He cared enough to make sure you got home okay. Better than my date who left me on the sidewalk, and will probably never be heard from again."

Rina rubbed her hands up and down her arms. "I need to take that leap of faith, don't I?"

"No one can answer that except you."

Frankie had a good point, and Rina stood up taller. "You're right. What kind of example do I set for my readers or myself if I overreact and get crazy the first time a guy screws up?"

"I like what I'm hearing."

Rina nodded. "So do I. I'm a woman of the new millennium. I know what I want and I know how to go after it."

Frankie applauded and Rina bowed for her audience. But she hoped she could sustain the bravado come Monday morning when she faced Colin again.