It hit him then, like a truckload of lumber. “Fuck, I can’t believe I forgot.”
She lifted her head and cocked her head to the side. “Huh?”
He got to his feet and raked his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t wear a condom.”
Catherine bit her lower lip and frowned. “I’m on the pill. And I received a clean bill of health the last time I went to the doctor.”
“Same here.”
One side of her mouth kicked up into a playful grin. “You’re on the pill too?”
He reached down and plucked the blindfold off. “Smart-ass,” he whispered, before kissing the temptation of her mouth. When he lifted it she was staring at him, her eyes half-closed. Her hair was a wreck and she had blotchy red marks all over her body, but Dean thought she looked more beautiful than ever.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that before, Dean,” she admitted in a quiet voice. “Never.”
Dean knelt down and, with one arm under her legs and the other supporting her back, he picked her up, cradling her close to his chest. “Me either,” he said as her arms snaked around his neck to hold him tight. The look of sheer pleasure on her face speared his heart. He started out of the room. “Time to wash, sweetheart, and I plan on taking my time cleaning every inch of you too.”
Catherine’s stomach grumbled, and she blushed. “Apparently I’m hungry.”
He kissed her nose. “I’ll spring for room service.”
“Sounds like a plan, but, Dean?”
“Yeah, sweets?”
“I’m going to want to wash you too. Every inch.”
For the first time that he could remember, Dean actually got a little weak.
18
The next morning, Catherine was floating on a cloud. She and Dean had shared something profound the night before, and it went beyond hot and heavy sex. She knew it. Could feel it. There was something about the way Dean had looked at her when he’d slowly drawn the blindfold off, as if she meant something to him. Did he see her as more than a good time? He’d been so tender and loving when he’d washed her afterward in the Jacuzzi-style tub. As if he cared. He hadn’t said anything to indicate he was becoming emotionally involved, but didn’t actions speak louder than words? Catherine wanted to think there was more to their relationship than mutual desire, chemistry, and sating each other’s needs.
In the past, Catherine had dated men who’d seen her as a comfortable companion. The wild, erotic stuff had only been something she’d read about in books. She’d never once experienced anything quite as intense as what she’d shared with Dean. And there’d definitely never been a deeper connection with any of the other men she’d dated. She wasn’t sure what to think, and she had absolutely nothing to compare it to, which was sad when she thought about it. Heck, every man she’d ever gone out with had been Mr. Reliable. No frills and for sure no surprises. Yet Dean made her feel alive and sexy and wicked. Even a little bit cherished.
She’d known him only a few days. Good Lord, what kind of woman fell for a man she barely knew outside the bedroom?
Could she be any more pathetic? She’d never believed in love at first sight. Until now.
When she thought of how many times she’d orgasmed, Catherine couldn’t seem to help the smile that beamed across her face. Seriously, what woman wouldn’t grin like a fool after a night like she and Dean had shared? Her orgasm meter had been dangerously in the red zone before meeting him.
At the moment, Catherine sat on the couch, dressed in Dean’s black tee and a pair of white cotton bikini panties. He’d woken her early with a kiss, which had quickly turned to more. He’d ordered breakfast and they’d talked. Now, as he talked on his cell a few feet away, Catherine couldn’t help but stare. The solid wall of his bare chest kept her spellbound. His jeans rode low on his hips and he was barefoot. He looked hot barefoot. He looked hot no matter what, Catherine admitted to herself.
When he ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk, Catherine finally saw her chance to find out more about him. Maybe even spend the day together. “Who was that?”
“A guy who works for me,” he explained, frowning. “There’s a problem with some material that was supposed to arrive this morning. I’m afraid I need to go in and deal with it.”
Catherine’s hopes plummeted. There went her grand idea of spending the day with him. “Oh.” She looked at her computer, which was still sitting open on the coffee table from the night before. “I suppose I could check e-mail and get some things done. And I’m meeting Gracie later. She’s taking me to see the orchestra that’s performing in town.”
He crossed the room and took her face in his palms, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Or you could come with me. Want to see my office? I promise to have you back in time for the performance.”
Her heartbeat sped up at the thread he was tossing her way. A chance to see him outside the bedroom? Yeah, like she’d pass that up. “I’d love to! Just give me a minute to get dressed.” She jumped off the couch and was headed for the bedroom when his deep voice calling her name stopped her. She turned and quirked a brow. “Yeah?”
He grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m going to need my shirt.”
Feeling naughty, Catherine smiled and grasped the hem, then yanked it over her head. She tossed it at him, but it landed on the floor. Dean didn’t even try to catch it. He only stood there, staring at her, a dark look in his eyes. Unsure if she’d done something wrong, Catherine started out of the room. A pair of strong
hands stopped her.