Her teasing words prompted him into action, and Jared quickly called in a replacement. Twenty minutes later he escorted Chloe through the main doors of the resort, figuring the best place to take her was to her own suite, where she’d have a measure of comfort. Even though they both felt this powerful pull between them, and the connection was strong, stronger than anything he’d felt before, they were still strangers, and he wanted her to feel relaxed with him, relaxed enough to give herself to him. Completely. Thoroughly. Unapologetically. For some inexplicable reason he needed her at his mercy in ways he’d yet to understand.
The cool air in the hotel was a welcome contrast to the uncomfortable humidity outside. When he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the elevator, he felt her body quiver. She shot him a glance. The heat between them was tremendous and had his pulse pounding. He sucked in a breath and took a moment to steady himself.
Careful, Jared…don’t lose control.
“Are you okay?” Chloe stepped into him, her delicious scent curling around him like an aphrodisiac, her breasts pressing into his chest provocatively.
He clenched his jaw and cushioned her into his arms. “Not even a little bit,” he managed to force out as his cock throbbed against her stomach.
That brought a smile to her face. “Good.”
Just then the elevator doors pinged open and he ushered her inside. Sexual energy whipped between them as the lift began its ascent. Less than two minutes later, Chloe stood in front of him. Her fingers shook as she inserted the key card into the lock, letting him know she was as unnerved by this encounter as he was.
As his breathing grew rapid, he let his glance trail over her lush backside and it was all he could do to contain himself. The animal inside him clawed its way to the surface, itching to break down the door, drag Chloe inside and have his wicked way with her.
After she opened the door, he pushed on it and hauled her inside with him. Without giving her a moment to catch her breath, he dipped his head, and his lips smashed against hers. Need ruling his actions, his tongue thrashed inside her mouth, searching for more than simply her heat. Searching for something he couldn’t quite put a name to. His body shifted into overdrive as her soft moan floated through the room. Forcing himself to slow down, Jared inched back and ran the pad of his thumb over her kiss-swollen lips.
Chloe bumped against his groin, and getting right to the point, she said, “Now about this stress.”
Pleasure engulfed him as she pulled at the hem of his shirt, her fingers eager to get him out of his clothes. He let out a low, tortured growl, and it was then and there that he realized just how hot and sticky he’d grown under the tropical sun. He didn’t want her touching him when he was like this. She deserved better.
Reining in his lust, he nodded his head toward her bathroom. “Let me get cleaned up, sweetheart.”
She offered him a sultry smile, and the gleam in her eyes held all sorts of promises. “Let me help.”
She took his hand and guided him into the bathroom. Once inside she carefully went to work on removing his clothes. He watched the way her hair fell forward as she released the button on his jeans. Her movements were sensual and tender, and she was so damn beautiful she took his breath away.
Unable to take another moment of her slow seduction, he roughly gripped her shoulders and pulled her to him. Her eyes opened wide and he smothered her question with an urgent kiss, showing her that passion, not anger was the driving force behind his actions. She mewled into his mouth, and he gripped her dress and pulled it up and over her breasts. Her hands met his and she helped him tear it from her body, then she went to work on removing her bra.
As he stood back and took pleasure in her nakedness, fierce possessiveness raged through him and he trembled. Almost violently. Jesus, he ached for her in ways that astounded him. He couldn’t deny that there was an uncontrollable physical attraction between them, but the odd tingling in his blood stream warned him of something deeper. But why? How? What was it about this woman that separated her from the others? He brushed his thumb over her nipple, slow, intimate movements meant to entice, arouse.
“Chloe…”
Needy hands clawed at him. “Jared…please…” Her simple plea combined with the desperate, greedy way she wanted him warmed his darkest corners and prompted him into action.
He made short work of his clothes, turned on the shower and climbed inside. “Come here,” he demanded, his shaky voice dark with desire.
With a hungry look in her eyes, she stepped in, and he quickly dragged her into his arms, crushing her body to his. He raced his hands over her nakedness. “You feel so good. So fucking good.”
She shared in the urgency and writhed shamelessly against him. Their lips met, their hands caressed and their bodies ignited. Not even the cool shower water could tamp down these kinds of flames.
He abandoned her mouth and pressed his lips to her neck, tasting and savoring the flavor of her skin. As the water pelted against his back, Chloe grabbed the soap and lathered him. Her hands roamed his body with a mixture of curiosity and urgency. His groin tightened. It was the most erotic thing he’d ever felt.
The fresh scent of soap combined with the sweet smell of Chloe reached his nostrils. He inhaled, and pulled it into his lungs. Entirely lost in the aroma, his body thrummed and a low growl rumbled up from the depths of his throat.
Her small hands curled around his cock and he threw his head back. Jesus… She began stroking