“Samuel, this really won’t work. I didn’t come out here to start some sort of sexual odyssey with you.”
Chloe cringed as he began to nibble his way down her neck, right into that sensitive spot at the juncture of neck and shoulder. Hearing the breathiness in her voice, she cleared her throat and tried again.
“Seriously. I’m here to look at my options. I need some personal time, personal space. I…uh…need to…ooh…make plans…”
Chloe gave up trying to speak as Samuel ran his hands up and down her sides, fitting them into the groove of her curves. Just the lightest touch of his hands—even through her jeans and thin sweater—sent electric thrills racing through her.
It was the most bizarre feeling, but she could swear she felt the electric attraction rush between them. It was as if they were connected somehow through their lust and mutual attraction.
“I’ve been thinking of this since the wedding. You were always so careful to not get caught with me alone. Did you really think you could avoid this? Avoid me, little girl?”
Chloe wanted to protest the endearment. Yet he didn’t say “little girl” with contempt or patronizingly. It was said caressingly, as an acknowledgement of the almost ten year difference between their ages.
For a moment she considered pretending uneasiness at the large difference between their ages. From one gasp to the next she discarded the idea. She doubted she could carry off the outraged maiden act. He would undoubtedly know she was quite mature for her age and always preferred company of anyone, male or female, a number of years older than herself.
“I would hardly call twenty-six ‘little’, Samuel.”
“At almost thirty-seven it seems young enough.”
Chloe shivered. His voice was so sexy! Mary had mentioned he sang vocals for their band. She could well understand that voice crooning, beckoning, to females everywhere. Thankfully, it was that thought more than any other that snapped her back to reality.
The thought of the hundreds of other women who had fallen under his spell; the thought of that beautiful voice and sensually caressing hands being used on hordes of other women, was better than a bucket of cold water.
Chloe pulled herself back. Samuel still retained hold of her body, but his lips were thankfully not connected anymore.
“I need to be heading back to Dominic’s cabin. I have to call Mary, leave her a message to say I’ve arrived safely.”
“Call her from here.”
Chloe rolled her eyes and dodged out of his embrace. Samuel was a heady temptation, she needed the fresh air to cool her off.
“Sure. Have your number come up on her cell phone’s caller ID. I don’t think so.”
She could feel the weight of Samuel’s stare on her back as she crossed the room to pick up her backpack. Seeing the messed up bed sheets as she passed back by the bed made her blush.
Even though he couldn’t have been asleep for that long, as it had only been less than two hours since she had last seen him, she felt that strange sensation of having woken the sleeping wolf in his lair.
Maybe if she could simply get out of here and sort her screaming hormones out, she could start to relax again. Briefly, she wondered if she had packed her vibrator and spare batteries.
As she scooped up her bag, mentally running through what she had packed, and then unpacked, it took a moment for Samuel pulling on a sweater and sneakers to register.
“What are you doing?”
“Putting on sneakers and a sweater. It’s a bit nippy outside.”
“Don’t be stupid, you’re not coming with me.”
Samuel raised an eyebrow cockily.
“Of course I am. Dominic would have my head if I simply let you run wild outside alone. A gentleman always escorts his lady home, or so Artemais and William have always insisted.”
“But—”
“Besides, there’s a shortcut I can show you. It’s not precisely a track, but your car will get through it with no problems if I drive.”
Chloe sighed. Arguing with him would only delay them longer. “And you can walk back by yourself?”
Samuel grinned cheekily. Instead of answering yes or no, he simply stated, “It’s only a little over a mile.”
Satisfied she could withstand any further seduction attempts, Chloe nodded and slung her backpack over her shoulder. She was tired and hated sleeping through the day. If she didn’t get to bed really soon, the dawn would crack before she crawled into bed and sleep would become impossible.
“Then lead on, Macduff.”
“Ooh, Shakespeare. Be careful, little girl, or you might just turn me on.”
Chloe laughed and rolled her eyes, slamming the door shut behind them.
Chapter Three
Chloe cringed at how easily Mary’s keys turned the lock in her real front door. Dominic must have fixed the lock after all. Chloe sighed; she could be such a moron sometimes. She must be more tired than she realized.
Swinging the door open, she turned around, slightly breathless at the nearness of Samuel and his large body.
“Thanks for the escort. I think I can take it from here.”
Switching on the hall light, she illuminated the foyer and main room. From the front door, she could see the kitchen and living room, and the small hall that led into the bedrooms.
Turning back with a firm smile planted on her face, she looked up to Samuel. He was studying her, his eyes roving over her face as if searching for something. She started mentally reciting French conjugation, determined not to let a speck of the lust she felt show in her eyes.
His deep blue eyes glowed with a heat and hunger. Chloe wondered if French conjugation was enough to keep the insane feelings of lust out of her eyes and mind.
Samuel leaned forward, and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. She felt heat swell up inside her again. How the hell does he do this to me? One tiny caress and I simply melt inside?
Chloe pressed her lips together, determined not
