Virgin Thief Page 7

  His gut tightened when he saw her vulnerable expression. “I'd like to get to know you. I haven't made a pass today."

  "Maybe you're waiting for the right moment to strike."

  The sarcasm in her voice bothered him more than he wanted to admit. The way things were going between the two of them; there wouldn't be a right moment to make a pass. “I'm not going to make a pass at you today. My plan was for us to talk."

  He could tell by her doubtful look that she didn't believe him. He even doubted himself because if the timing had been right, he would have kissed her and probably tried for more. “Are you ready to go back?"

  Chloe nodded.

  * * * *

  Handing the wrapped painting of a Bull Moose grazing in a mountain meadow to the young man, Chloe smiled. “Thanks so much and I'm sure you'll enjoy this."

  The young woman, her arm tucked through his said. “It's going to have a place of prominence in our living room to remind us of our honeymoon in Montana."

  Chloe smiled again, feeling unexpectedly wistful. The couple was only a few years younger than her and by the looks of them were floating on a cloud of pure bliss. They thanked her again and left the shop. She walked over to the door, and hung up the closed sign.

  To her surprise she'd been busy with lots of browsers and buyers this afternoon, which had helped keep her mind off this morning at the river with Nick.

  She walked back to the counter, opened the cash register and counted the money. Nick kept wiggling into her thoughts like a persistent mouse trying to get through a tiny hole in a house wall.

  He had made somewhat of an effort to talk to her. She, on the other hand, hadn't been that forthcoming. As far as she was concerned the two of them stood on shaky ground. If she opened herself to him emotionally, where would that leave her? Unfortunately for her, she had already opened herself physically to him. Just by making love with him, her emotions had come into play, too.

  Chloe stuffed the stack of bills into the money bag and zipped it close. Sighing, she wandered around the shop, lowered the lights, and set the heat before she gathered up her purse and jacket.

  She dreaded the evening alone with nothing but thoughts of Nick to keep her company.

  * * * *

  Nick stepped out of the shower and snagged the towel off the rack. A two mile run before night settled in hadn't helped his sexual frustration or his frustration in general where Chloe was concerned. Instead of feeling relaxed, the run had keyed him up causing more restlessness to course through his body. After he dried himself he dressed in clean jeans and a blue and black flannel shirt.

  According to Chloe he should be wearing a green plaid flannel shirt. Her determination to find out his favorite color was an attempt to keep him at arm's length. But hell how could he blame her? She'd been fishing for his real feelings for her today. Unless he sorted out his own jumbled up feelings, he knew he wouldn't get to first base with her again.

  Nick walked out of the bathroom, grabbed a jacket, his keys and headed outside to his truck.

  Ten minutes later he knocked on Chloe's door, trying not to fidget like a bored kid sitting on a church pew. His heart raced enough to irritate him when she opened the door. She wore ultra faded jeans and a zip-up blue hoodie over a white tee shirt. He'd never seen her dressed in anything but jeans since she'd returned to Turner. Not counting the black thong. The image of her bending over in her black thong made his cock throb. He was an ass man and Chloe had an unforgettable ass, so shapely and soft to the touch. “Hi."

  "Hello.” Her tone was cool and guarded.

  "Are you busy?"

  "No. I was reading a book."

  "How about some company?"

  If she told him to get lost, Nick wasn't sure how he'd react to that. Without a word, she backed up so he could come inside.

  Nick shrugged out of his jacket and hung in on a coat tree near the door. While Chloe walked over to the couch and plopped down on it. He joined her, but made sure he gave her some space.

  On the drive over to her house, he'd decided no more games. He settled back against the couch and turned to look at her. She stared straight ahead, her hands clasped in her lap. “I can't get you out of my mind."

  He watched her lips press into a tight line. Finally she shifted enough to face him.

  "I think we need to be friends,” she paused. “No more than that."

  Another bout of frustration tore at his nerves. He plowed a hand through his hair to give himself something to do. “We've been over this before. Do you really think we can be just friends? Besides, friendship doesn't work for me. Not with you anyway."

  "You know what I think?” When he didn't answer, Chloe continued. “I don't think you know how you feel about me. Oh, it's crystal clear you've got the hots for me."

  He couldn't or wouldn't deny he had it bad for her. Sitting so close to her, he had a damned hard time thinking straight. Why did his cool always fly out the window when he was near her? “I'm not going to deny that. I'd be lying if I did."

  This time Chloe didn't respond.

  "That's why I wanted to see you today. So we could talk."

  Chloe studied him for several moments. “And you want to talk tonight, too?"

  Talking wasn't the only thing on his mind. He wanted to strip her bare and lay with her.

  "Nick?"

  He caught her eye and held it. “I want to make love with you."

  The pulse in her neck pounded, while she moistened her lips with her tongue. She wanted that, too. “That's as honest as I can be. My gut tells me, that's what you want, too.” He lowered his eyes and saw that her nipples were hard and pointy under her hoodie.

  Chloe looked away from him. So far she hadn't send no. He inched closer to her. With two fingers he tilted her chin in his direction. “Let me take you to your bed."

  "I don't want to want you."

  "Some things are bigger than us,” he whispered before he touched her lips with his.

  His arm slid around her shoulders so he could pull her closer to him. At first, her body stiffened against his when he nudged open her lips and slid his tongue inside. To him, it seemed like a nanosecond flew by before she melted against him. Chloe gave her all to their needy rough kiss, which raised his hopes for the two of them.

  When he couldn't breathe, he broke the kiss. The sight of her pink cheeks and swollen lips sent electric thrills straight to his dick. Nick stood up and held his hands out to her.

  She hesitated before placing her hands in his. In silence he led her down to her bedroom. The night light next to the bed bathed the room in a soft glow as they walked toward the bed.

  Memories of that first night in her bed, tumbled back to him. He itched to get her clothes off to see if she wore that black thong again. His hands fumbled with zipper of her hoodie as he slid it down. “Tell me you're sure about this."

  "I'm not sure about anything when it comes to you.” Chloe peeled her hoodie off and tossed it on the floor. “I want you beyond sane reasoning. And for me, this is totally insane."

  Practical and sensible didn't seem to fit into the equation between the two of them. Fifteen years ago had been an impractical lusty whim on both their parts.

  "Don't think, honey.” Nick helped her out of her tee shirt. Under it was a white lacy bra. He realized the white bra turned him on as much as her black bra had. Maybe it had nothing to do with sexy lingerie and everything to do with the woman.

  He nibbled her lips while he reached behind her and unhooked her bra. When her breasts spilled into his hands, he groaned and lowered his head to taste. Chloe tugged at the buttons of his flannel shirt. He had to tear his lips from her hard nipple so she could get his shirt off. Her hands slipped under his black tee and her warm skin felt like smooth satin against his chest. Something had shifted between them. Chloe skimmed her fingertips down his chest, until using one finger, she circled his belly button. This time they needed to explore each other. No going at it like two dogs in the street. />
  His cock, hard and swollen, begged to be free of his tight jeans. Nick let go of Chloe so he could undress. She reached for his cock as he kicked his clothes aside. Again she skimmed her fingers up and down the length of it. Nick removed her hand so he could get down to the business of stripping off her clothes.

  While he pushed her jeans and white lacy panties over her hips, he looked up at her. The expression in her eyes made him pause. This was more than sex for her. It was written all over her face. “Chloe? Do you want me to stop?"

  If they made love, he knew with a sudden jolt of clarity they would be crossing a line this time. “Chloe?"

  "No,” she whispered.

  A feeling of relief and wariness swept through him. Besides her body, Chloe's emotions were in his hands, too. He finished undressing her and stood back up. It was damned hard not to touch her perky breasts and or cup the soft flesh of her ass between his hands.

  He framed her face with his hands. “You're beautiful. You were fifteen years ago and now you're even more beautiful."

  "Do you really mean that, Nick?"

  "Yes.” He brushed soft kisses over her lips, and her cheek before he nibbled the lobe of her ear. Then he laid her down on the bed, while his eyes savored her curvy body. The dark thatch of hair between her shapely thighs made his cock ache even more.

  Nick lowered himself on top of her. She rubbed her warm flesh against him like a graceful cat. Staring into her eyes he dipped his head and captured her lips. He felt her hand wrap around his cock as their kiss deepened. For the first time he tasted the genuine sweetness of Chloe. Overloaded with hormones fifteen years ago, he hadn't taken the time to savor the young woman who had lain beneath him.

  As his blood in his veins boiled, he took his time exploring her with his tongue. He moved his hand to one of her breasts and teased her nipple with his thumb. Her tiny moans and sighs sounded like music to his ears. Nick ended the kiss and gazed down at her. Chloe's eyes slowly fluttered open for him.

  His desire grew for this woman as he looked into her eyes. But his self-control bordered on the edge. As he slid down her body, her hand fell away from his cock. Not liking that one damn bit, he suckled one nipple into his mouth. He needed to pleasure her for his own selfish reasons. Not to prove he was the world's greatest lover, but to prove to himself he could be sensitive to Chloe's needs.

  Her fingers tangled into his hair as her back arched up asking for more from him. He complied by gently tugging on her nipple with his teeth. The taste of her was unique and all woman. He kneaded her other breast with his hand. Chloe rubbed her pussy against his belly. Feeling her wetness clinging to him, he fought to keep control.

  "Now Nick,” she whispered above him.

  He raised his head. “Not yet.” His voice sounded rusty to his own ears.

  "Please.... I need you inside of me."

  Her need was written all over face. He saw the yearning in her eyes and heard it in the tone of her voice. If that's what she wanted, that's what he would give her. He battled with urge to take her from behind again. But an even stronger need to watch her face as she came won in the end. He positioned himself over her while her hands helped guide his cock into her midnight heat.

  With a quick thrust he entered her, feeling her pussy tighten around him. He groaned loud and long at the hot feeling of her sheathing him. Pushing both hands under her, he dug his fingers into the soft flesh of her ass. Chloe rose up to meet him as their rhythm matched each other's. Clenching his teeth, he closed his eyes for a time to savor the feel of her as he pumped himself in and out of her pussy. Their rhythm increased as Nick drove his cock harder and deeper into her. He opened his eyes to watch her. Her eyes tightly closed, she caught her bottom lip between her teeth, while her head lolled to the side. Little moans still escaped her tightly drawn lips.

  Damn, he wanted to watch her come. And soon because he knew he couldn't hold on to his control much longer. He pulled his hand from under her and caressed her clit with two fingers. Her eyes flew open as she met his gaze.

  "I want to watch you come."

  "Oh ... oh..."

  With his forefinger he fondled her clit. Her hands clutched his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin.

  Nick plunged hard and deep into her and suddenly she screamed with pleasure. As her body convulsed around him with her orgasm, he closed his eyes and rode her until his own body gave into sweet, satisfying release.

  * * * *

  Nick collapsed on top of her, his cock still buried inside of her. While her breathing slowly settled back down, her heart didn't. She felt like it would burst from the swelling of emotions inside of it. He nuzzled her neck. The weight of his relaxed body felt right. Making love with Nick also felt right which scared the hell out of her. She still didn't know his real feelings for her.

  Not wanting to spoil the moment, she closed her eyes and slid her arms around his sweat-slicked broad back. The problem was every inch of him felt right to her.

  Nick raised his head, and then planted a lingering kiss on her lips. “This time was special."

  Was there even a tiny shred of hope that Nick felt even half of what she felt? This time she couldn't argue with him. “Yes."

  A lazy grin spread across his rugged face. “Are you going to let me stay the night?"

  They had never spent the whole night together. She elbowed aside her conflicting her emotions. “Yes."

  He kissed her again.

  Chapter Nine

  Nick clawed his way out of a heavy sleep, only to discover he was alone in Chloe's bed. He listened for the shower water running or any other noise inside her house. But he didn't hear a damn thing. Frowning, he turned his head and glanced at her digital alarm clock and saw that it was after eight. He never slept this late. He sat up and scrubbed his hands down his face, before he climbed out of bed. “Chloe?"

  Scratching his chest and fighting to ignore the uneasy feeling eating at him, he wandered toward the kitchen. He walked over to the window over the sink and looked outside. Her car wasn't in the driveway.

  "Dammit!"

  He'd never had a woman run out on him from her own house before. Why would she just take off without even saying goodbye? She'd agreed last night had been special for the both of them. He glanced around the room and noticed the empty coffee maker on the counter. And he didn't spot a note on the table.

  She couldn't run far. Not in this small town.

  Nick strode back to her bedroom. Ms. Chloe Kastle had some explaining to do.

  * * * *

  The pounding on the front door of the shop startled her. She dropped the pencil holder to the floor by her desk. Pens and pencils scattered around her feet. She'd been methodically arranging the writing instruments to steady her hands. She didn't open the shop until ten a.m. She knew without a doubt it wasn't an impatient customer wanting to shop.

  It was Nick.

  Hopefully he would just go away, but when the pounding grew louder, she knew he wouldn't. The man hadn't reached his level of success by giving up that easily. Taking a deep breath, she straightened the collar of her cocoa brown turtleneck.

  Chloe walked out of the office and saw Nick's head cocked to the side so he could see around the closed sign hanging on the glass of the door. When he spotted her, anger burned in his eyes.

  Her heart pounded as loud as his pounding on the door when she angled over to it. After she unlocked it, she slowly opened it.

  Nick pointed a finger at her. “This morning was a first."

  "A first?"

  "Yeah, a first. I've never had a woman run out on me from her own house before."

  Was that why his eyes blazed with anger? Because she'd run out on him? No doubt a woman had never run out on him before from anyone's house. “Well, pardon me."

  "I want to know why I woke up to an empty bed this morning.” He shouldered past her and pushed the door closed behind him with his hand.

  "Won't you please come in?” She didn't try to ke
ep the sarcasm out of her voice.

  "Real funny, Chloe."

  No, there was nothing funny about Nick's obvious anger or her own cowardice. She'd loved cuddling up to him last night as they had slept, but as dawn approached she'd felt she couldn't face him in the morning light.

  Nick moved close to her, so close she considered him right in her face.

  "Why the hell did you run out?” he demanded.

  "I had work to do here."

  He shook his head. “I already told you, you're a lousy liar. I've been trained to spot a liar a mile away."

  Okay, so maybe he had her on that one.

  Nick planted his hands on his hips as he frowned at her. “Why do you run out this morning?"

  The moment of truth hovered between them like a hawk over its vulnerable prey. “Because,” she paused. “You're dangerous to my heart.” She had finally admitted it to him.

  "And you don't think you're dangerous to mine?"

  Chloe blinked, not at all sure she had heard him right. “Your heart?"

  He fisted his hand and thumped his chest. “You don't think I have a heart?"

  "Well ... no. It's not that."

  "Then what the hell is it?"

  Oh ... dear. He appeared to be getting more pissed off with each passing second.

  "I think our relationship, if you can call it that, might be slightly one sided."

  "And how did you reach that conclusion?"

  "For starters, you've never once told me how you feel about me. Fifteen years ago, you told me I was hot. Last night you told me I was beautiful. But since catching up with each other, you have never once said how you feel about me."

  "Okay, Ms. Kastle. It's a two way street."

  So he made another valid point. Damn him for being an attorney anyway. She placed her hands on her hips, too, mimicking Nick's stance. “You go first."

  "No, ladies first."

  Chloe shook her head. “Sorry, no can do."

  "You're the one that ran out this morning? I would say that means you're the one with issues."

  "Issues?” Her voice rose to a loud pitch. “You're talking to me about issues?"

  "Yes, ma'am, I am."

  "Of all the nerve."