remember. But you only came once.”
She stared at his raging erection with a wicked smile. “You’ll have to try harder next time.”
“Honey, I don’t think I can get any harder.”
She crooked her finger and grinned. “Then come here so I can kiss it all better.”
He stood up as she swung her legs to sit on the edge of the bed. Sliding her hands over his butt, she opened her mouth and took him between her soft, moist lips. He had to grit his teeth to keep from shouting out loud as she nibbled and licked him. The sensation of her hot, greedy mouth was beyond incredible and he craved the sweet release that beckoned.
More than that, though, he wanted the sensation of joining. He wanted to be inside her the next time she came. After gently, and regretfully, pulling away, Chris rushed across the bedroom to grab a condom off the carpet. After protecting them, he propelled himself back onto the mattress and positioned himself at her entrance.
He plunged into her. Overwhelmed by the sensation of hot wet heat, he increased the friction. She scored his sweat-slick back with her nails as he rocked them toward release. Slipping his palms beneath her hips, he pulled her closer still and buried himself to the hilt.
Her pelvis swiveled in almost frantic circles as he pleasured her. He’d only begun and already she was coming again. He fought his own desire, wanting to make it good for her, but in the end he lost control. Arching his back, he groaned and quickly exploded inside her.
A few moments later they lay side by side, drowsy and spent. Chris had gutted the candles but left the fireplace going. He watched the glow of the flames dance on Rei’s golden skin as he lazily stroked his fingers over damp shoulder.
“Will you stay?”
She was lying on her stomach, her head pillowed on her folded arms, and barely opened her eyes to answer. “I’ve got to be at work in the morning.”
“So do I, but that’s why alarm clocks were invented.”
She seemed to consider it, though her features were oddly set. “No, I don’t think so.”
He wasn’t surprised by her refusal, but that hadn’t stopped him from hoping. He hid his disappointment with effort. “Let me guess. You snore? You talk in your sleep?”
“Yep. I also hog the covers.”
He could tell that her humor was strained and decided to let it drop. “Okay, then at least let me offer you a quick shower.”
He felt her relax beneath his hand, obviously relieved by the change of subject. She opened her eyes to offer him a genuine smile. “Mmm, hot water, slick soap and a gorgeous guy? That I’ll gladly take.”
Chris forced himself to smile back, confused by the tightness in his chest. He’d walked into this situation with the knowledge that she didn’t want anything serious. Rei wouldn’t tolerate anything nonsexual from him, but damned if for some reason he didn’t want to give it. He believed the compatibility software and he believed his own instincts.
Rei both intrigued and confounded him. She was so sexy and inviting one minute and the next she shut emotional doors in his face. He wasn’t even sure why he wanted them opened—those doors would only close behind her when she left. But he wasn’t interested in dating any other women. He had his hands full with Rei and “Jade” and wanting them to be one and the same.
8
REI STOOD in the bathroom in her bra and panties, running Chris’s comb through her hair to untangle the long strands. Their quick shower had actually turned into a half hour of wonderful wet sex. She was looking forward to her daily yoga routine tomorrow to loosen her sore muscles.
Chris had already dried off and tugged on a pair of briefs. He leaned against the bathroom door, watching her. “So, you won’t stay. But will you come back?”
“What do you mean? Tomorrow?” She looked over at him while she worked out a particularly stubborn knot.
“Yes, I want to see you again.”
The timbre of his voice alerted her to what he was really asking, but she deliberately misunderstood in hopes of avoiding the issue. “Sure. I’m not going to turn down an offer of incredible sex.”
“How about doing something outside of the bedroom?”
Rei wriggled her eyebrows at him. “Ooh, that sounds like fun. Maybe on the dining table or in that rocking chair in the living room?”
He startled, then laughed despite himself. “Well, I was thinking of