Ignoring his physical discomfort, he stepped farther into her roomy apartment. It was warm, inviting, and comfortable. Soft rays spilled from a corner lamp and bathed her sofa in a sensual golden glow. He grinned. That’s where he wanted her. Right there. Sprawled across those plush cushions.
A raspberry candle burned near her open window. The flickering light cast shadows on the tan-colored wall while the sweet fragrance scented the air.
Raspberry. His favorite. “Mmmmm…” he murmured low in his throat.
He found her stereo and put on some mellow music. The kind that set the mood for seduction.
Her voice sounded from behind. When he spun around, his brain stalled. Fuck, did she know how sexy she looked when she nibbled on her lower lip like that? His nostrils flared as he drew in a ragged breath.
She stood before him, holding two glasses of wine. An erotic pink flush colored her neck.
With the crook of his finger he beckoned for her to come to him. “Come here, Laura.” His voice was soft, coaxing, urging her closer.
She took three measured steps forward and handed him his glass of wine. He took a long drink, placed it on the table beside him, and angled closer until her body was only a hairbreadth away from his. He inhaled her. She smelled so damn delicious. He gazed deep into her alluring eyes, his expression letting her know this would be good. For both of them.
Jay reached out and traced the delicate curve of her jaw as he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. Her mouth was so soft and smooth, like spun silk. His fingers traveled lower to skim her neck. An erratic pulse drummed against his touch. For a brief moment his body tightened in anticipation as he envisioned himself caressing her flesh with his lips.
He dragged his hand lower. She drew a shuddery breath when he surfed his fingertips over the milky swell of her breasts. She shifted from one leg to another, her hips bumping against his groin.
He stifled a moan and eased open the thick cotton until he glimpsed her lacy chemise.
“I really like your robe.”
“Thanks.”
“Now take it off.”
Chapter 3
Take it off.
A shiver prowled through her and she became hyper-aware of the dampness pooling in her panties. She took a moment to recapture her breath and met his challenge with one of her own.
“Tell you what, Jay. I’ll strip if you do. Since we’re both in this project together, I think that’s only fair. Don’t you agree? Besides, I’m going to have to see Little Jay so I can observe his responses.”
A muscle in his jaw flexed. His nostrils flared. Jay took her glass from her fingers and set it beside his. He circled strong arms around her waist, splayed big warm hands over her back, and put his lips close to her ear. His sweet breath whispered over her nape like a lover’s caress. Languorous warmth stole through her. The resulting pleasure was most exquisite.
He murmured seductively, “I knew it, Laura. Underneath that professional white lab coat, you’re a rebel.”
She shrugged and brushed off his comment. She knew everyone around the office called her the Ice Princess. Little did they know that deep inside she burned hotter than her Bunsen burner. It just took the right man to ignite the flame.
Jay gathered the lapels of her robe in his hands and stroked the material before cushioning her in his arms. He groaned low in his throat.
Her flesh came alive. She fought to recover her voice. “Are you game?”
“How about we take this game one step further?” He reached into his jeans and pulled out a coin. He smiled. A slow, sexy smile that curled her toes.
She slanted her head, clearly interested. “Enlighten me.”
“How about we flip a coin? Whoever wins gets to call the shots. Sort of like strip poker, with a coin.”
She skated her tongue over her bottom lip. Now, that was a move she hadn’t anticipated. Apparently Jay hadn’t gotten his “Wildman” nickname for nothing. “What are the rules of this game?”
“We each take turns flipping. You flip, I call it, and vice versa. After each toss, whoever loses has to do whatever the other one asks.” He pressed the coin into her hand. “Are you game?”
She turned the coin over in her palm and met his gaze. Her brow rose. “And this game is to test the serum? In the pursuit of science?” More like in the pursuit of seeing him naked.
“Of course.”
“Well, if it’s for research, then naturally I’m game.” She blew a lucky breath over the silver coin and tossed it in the air. She caught it and pressed it into the back of her hand. “Call it.”
“Hmmm. Heads or tails? Heads is great.” He scrubbed his hand over his face as though deep in thought. “Heads is something you can really sink your teeth into, if you know what I mean.” He winked playfully.
She squeezed her thighs together. Oh yeah, she knew what he meant.
“But tails, oh baby, tails works for me, too.” He licked his lips and she wondered if he knew the allure of his charm.
Her breathing hitched. God, she loved his witty humor and this playful side of him.
“Call it, Jay.”
He chuckled. “Tails.”
Laura peeked at the coin and blew out a breath. Looked like the luck gods weren’t with her tonight. Probably because she was playing with the devil himself.
“You win.”
He rubbed his hands together as his gaze left her face and roamed over her body.
His voice was low, whispery-soft. “Remove your robe.”
Forging ahead, she stepped back until she reached the wall and hastily began to shrug
