No Strings__ - By Janelle Denison Page 0,28
question, or hearing her answer. Listening to her story gave him a whole new perspective on her strong-willed personality. Beneath her driven and focused attitude was a woman who’d been emotionally manipulated by a man she’d trusted, and now she channeled all her energy and passion into the one thing she could control—her career.
Yes, he now had a greater understanding of where her motivation to succeed came from, but it didn’t change the fact that her single-minded determination, to the exclusion of everything else in her life, made Chloe the exact kind of woman he’d never get involved with on an emotional level.
His physical attraction to her, however, was beginning to be a whole different issue.
“I know we probably have different views on fundamental and personal matters,” he said as he cut off another slice of steak, “but that hot kiss on the plane, and again this afternoon during charades, is more than enough proof that we’d be a perfect match in other ways.”
A sensual, knowing smile tipped up her lips. “Well, sexual chemistry wears off, and then you’re left with everything that doesn’t work in a long-term relationship.”
He held her gaze, deliberate and direct with his reply. “Who said anything about long-term?”
Her eyes widened ever so slightly, a little bit shocked at his blatant overture. Yeah, he went there. Put into words what they’d both been sidestepping since the day they’d started working together at Perry & Associates. He wasn’t alone in this attraction, and being on this secluded tropical island, their desire for one another was at an all-time high, making the situation ripe for a hot, no-holds-barred tryst.
He’d just issued a subtle invitation, but by the end of the evening there would be no doubt in Chloe’s mind exactly what he wanted—a steamy, lust-fueled night of sex with her.
With that decision made, he picked up the die and rolled for his turn. The word Truth remained faceup and he watched a slow, tempting smile curve the corners of her mouth. He was certain things were about to get very interesting, since she’d be selecting one of the wooden sticks.
Would she keep things modest as he had, or go for something more extreme?
* * *
CHLOE LOOKED FROM Aiden to the game containers on the table, quietly contemplating which category she’d choose—mild or wild. Her mind was still reeling after the very personal discussion they’d had...all because Aiden had picked a more reserved question. Considering she was still dealing with the churning in the pit of her stomach that always accompanied thoughts of her relationship with Neil, Chloe was ready to go the spontaneous and fun route to alleviate the tension of everything she’d just revealed to Aiden.
Besides, his insinuation of an affair had completely changed the tone of the game and gave the atmosphere between them a seductive vibe, and that was definitely the path in which she wanted to continue this soiree.
She waited a few seconds while their waiter whisked away their finished dinner plates, then selected a wooden stick from the wild container. She felt her face flame as she silently read the very risqué question, and knew that Aiden was definitely going to enjoy answering this one.
“If I was a type of fruit, what would I be and how would you eat me?”
Pure, unadulterated wickedness was the only word to describe the grin on Aiden’s lips. “That’s easy. You’d be a ripe, juicy peach,” he said in a low, throaty sound that hypnotized her. “And you’d be so good to eat. I’d open you up with my thumbs and catch all that sweet nectar on my tongue, and suck gently on the soft center of your core until my entire mouth is filled with the taste of you.”
Holy crap. The look in his eyes was so freakin’ hot, and combined with that erotic description of him eating her as a peach, well, she felt breathless and thoroughly aroused. Beneath the table, she crossed her legs as a steady, throbbing sensation settled between her thighs, but the pressure only increased that agonizing need he’d just inflicted upon her. To be touched, stroked, sucked...
“Your turn,” he said, as if he hadn’t just filled her mind with such provocative, unforgettable, erotic images.
She reached for the die and gave it a light toss across the table. The first Dare presented itself, and Aiden didn’t hesitate in plucking one of the sticks from the wild category. Chloe swallowed hard and prepared herself for an outrageous challenge.
Aiden smirked as he divulged