The Beauty Series Bundle (10 page)

A
ddison is out with Zac
, and I’m uncomfortable because I see a change in Ben as soon as we get inside the apartment. He’s next to me every time I turn around, brushing against me any chance he gets, sitting next to me on the couch. He’s pursuing me in a much more aggressive manner, and I don’t like it.

I lie and say I need to go to the store for tampons to get away from him. He insists on driving me, but I decline by telling him the walk will help with cramps. How asinine. I’m a terrible liar, but I think the talk of tampons and menstrual cramps keeps him from insisting.

I’m walking around in the drugstore a few blocks from the apartment when Bret begins to sing in my purse. I’m standing in front of a mirror in the makeup aisle when I look up and see the goofy grin on my face as I answer. I didn’t even realize I was smiling. “Hello, caveman.”

“Hey, American girl. How’s it going back in Wagga Wagga?”

He may ask how it’s going, but what he really means is how is it going with Ben, and there’s no way I’m going there. “Everything’s good. Are you having fun with the fam?”

“Not really. I’d be having a lot more fun if I were with you.” No argument here.

“We’ll have plenty of fun when you get back.” And what was the plan after the holidays? Would he keep making the drive into town to get me?

“What are you doing to pass the time without me?”

I laugh because it’s so ridiculous. “I’m strolling around a drugstore.”

“And you’d be doing that because?” He doesn’t give me time to answer. “Did that little bastard do something to you?”

I know the worst thing I can do is tell him about Ben’s behavior, so I lie. “I was bored and wanted to get out for a while, but it’s a bad night to get bored. There’s not much open on Christmas Eve.”

“It’s not safe for you to be out walking the streets alone after dark.”

Shit. He sounds mad. “I’m only a few blocks from the apartment.”

“I don’t care if you’re across the street. I want you to take a cab back.”

“Really, I’m fine.”

“Says the girl right before she gets nabbed by some crazy-ass psycho. I’ll be quite upset with you if you are kidnapped and murdered, so please take a cab back. Got it?”

I smile at his concern for my safety, even if he is a little overbearing. “I will if it’ll make you feel better.”

“Yes, it will make me feel much better. Have you changed your mind about going to your friend’s house for Christmas?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I’m without plans. I’m going to watch a marathon of Christmas movies and drink lots of eggnog. I’m an only child so I’m used to entertaining me, myself, and I. It’s really not a big deal.”

He’s quiet and I’m not sure he’s buying my story. I hope it’s not the pity thing again. I can’t stand that. “Not a big deal, huh?”

“No, it’s not,” I lie. It is a big deal. Who wants to be alone on Christmas?

“If you say so.”

“I believe I just did.”

“I just wanted to check in for a minute before I got tied up. My brother has solicited my help in putting toys together. Yay.”

He sounds annoyed, but I think it would be fun. “Okay. Well, have fun building dollhouses. Merry Christmas, caveman.”

“Merry Christmas, American girl.”

A
ddison and Ben
have been gone to Zac’s for hours, so it’s just me, Jimmy Stewart, and a half-emptied carton of eggnog. It’s possible I mixed it with some mighty fine bourbon and garnished with a dash of cinnamon. Christmas is on now.

I hear Bret singing and I’m surprised because Lachlan didn’t mention calling me today. I expected him to be way too busy with his family. “Hey, caveman. This is a pleasant surprise.”

“Well, I hope you still think that a couple of minutes from now.”

Oh, shit. “Is something wrong?” The words aren’t out of my mouth when the door buzzes. “Hang on a second. Someone’s buzzing the door.”

Weird. Who’s here on Christmas Day? I push the intercom button. “Yes?”

“It’s me.”

It’s a man’s voice, but this is Ben’s apartment. How am I supposed to know who he is? “I’m sorry. Ben isn’t home.”

“It’s me, Lachlan.”

Well, shit. Do I talk to the phone or the intercom? “Lachlan! What are you doing here?”

“Do you really want to have this conversation with me standing downstairs?”

“Of course not. Sorry. I’m in apartment 311.” I press the button to allow him into the building and stand at the door waiting.

Shit, I look a mess. I’m wearing jogging pants with something stupid written across the ass and an equally stupid T-shirt. I’m not even positive my clothes don’t have stains or holes. My hair is piled into a messy bun on top of my head and I’m wearing my glasses. They’re trendy, but I’d still rather be wearing my contacts for Lachlan. Too late now.

He comes around the corner from the elevator dressed in dark stonewashed jeans and a white button-up. He’s as handsome as I’ve ever seen him and I want to crawl into a deep, deep hole so he can’t see me like this.

I smile because I can’t see him and not beam. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s Christmas. I didn’t want you to be alone. And I wanted to see you.”

“What about your family?”

“My mother was rather annoyed with me when I told her you were alone today. She insisted I come and spend the evening with you.”

Oh. I feel deflated when I realize this is his mother’s insistence.

I shrug and stare at my bare feet. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you so I look like hell.”

He reaches out and grabs the hem of my shirt, giving it a little tug. “You’re always beautiful. And I love the glasses.”

I’m dazed by his simple touch. He has that kind of power over me.

It takes a moment, but I finally come to my senses and invite him in. “I’m sorry. Come in.”

He prowls through the door and I feel him on my heels as I shut it. He grabs me from behind. I’ve come to accept this as his thing, but I like it.

He uses his hips to pin me against the door. His hands are pressed on each side of my head, locking me inside his cage of muscular arms. Because my hair is piled in a messy bun, he has easy access to my whole neck, but I realize I miss the glide of his hand pushing my hair over my shoulder. He leans forward and begins kissing the back of my neck, and I evanesce.

I know what he’s doing. He wants the thrill of screwing me in the rival’s territory. It means he’s won and I’m fine with him taking me as his prize.

He brings his hands to my hips and navigates me to the couch, but we don’t sit. He steers me to the arm until it hits me across the top of my thighs. I hear the sound of his zipper behind me and then the tearing of a foil wrapper.

A few seconds later, he pushes my pants and panties to my knees. Shit, I don’t remember which panties I’m wearing. I hope they’re not some of my old ones.

I feel his hand at my lower back and he pushes me over the arm of the couch. He glides a hand up my spine to my shoulders. I should be mortified at being bent over with my pants to my knees, but I’m not, and the thought dissipates altogether when he slides two fingers inside me. I rock back against his magic hand because I can’t hold still. It feels too good.

“You’re always so wet and eager.” I love the things he says to me when we’re like this. I implore him to say something else and he reads my mind. “Tell me what you want.”

“You.” I manage to whisper, but I’m not as good at this as he is.

He takes his fingers out and I feel his hard tip sliding up and down. “Tell me where you want me.”

“Inside me.” It comes out a little louder, but still barely more than a whisper.

“When?” He’s still teasing me, but uses a little more pressure.

“Now,” I manage to say a little louder.

“I’m sorry. I can’t hear you, Paige. When did you say you want me?” He’s taunting me.

“Right now!” I scream as I push back and force him inside me.

I hear him hiss through his teeth. “Then right now you shall have me.”

I feel his hands on my hips and I hear him groan as he sinks deep inside me with more force than I thought possible. I call out from the shock of it. “You like it this way, don’t you?”

I can’t lie. I love it. “Yes.” It’s all I can manage with him pounding into me.

He slows his pace a little and I feel one of his hands leave my hip to slide down my spine. “I love having you this way.”

I’m like a cat bending to his touch. He holds so much power over me … I wonder if he knows.

I spiral until he takes me to that place, the one where I implode as he drives hard into me one last time. A few moments later, I feel his kiss against my back. “Pack a bag. You’re coming home with me. But don’t change. I want you just the way you are.”

He doesn’t have to ask me twice.

P
aige is
in her room packing when I hear the lock jiggle. Ben Donavon comes through the door to find me in his living room, sitting on the arm of his couch—the same one I just bent Paige over—and I stifle my laughter. He’s not happy with my presence and is about to question it when Paige comes out of her bedroom.

He sees her bag and reads the situation for what it is. She’s choosing to leave with me, not stay here with him. “Going somewhere?”

“Yeah, I’m staying with Lachlan tonight.”

He’s pissed off and that makes me more eager to get her away from him. “When should I tell Addison you’ll be back?”

She looks to me for an answer, but I don’t have one. I haven’t thought about a plan beyond tonight. “She’ll call and let her know.”

He’s furious because this isn’t his plan. His involved coming back to the apartment to have some alone time with Paige. Too bad. The only one-on-one she’s getting tonight is in my bed.

I put my arm around her and take her bag. “Ready, baby?”

Paige glances at me and grins. “I think so.”

As we walk out the door, I taunt him over my shoulder. “Merry Christmas, Ben.”

He doesn’t say anything back. Sore loser.

I
see
Paige’s gift by the door when we pull up. I called and canceled the delivery to the apartment and instead had it brought to the vineyard the moment my mum convinced me to spend Christmas with my “girlfriend.”

My poor mum. She thinks she sent me here to woo her potential daughter-in-law, not indulge in my latest lewd act.

Paige sees the gift on the porch when we get out of the car. “Check it out. Someone left a Christmas gift for you by the door.”

I try not to grin. “Hmm, I wonder who would have done that since all of the staff are still gone for the holidays.”

I unlock the door and grab the gift before she has time to investigate the name on the card. We go into the living room and I put it down on the coffee table. “Want to go ahead and take your bag to the bedroom?”

“Sure.”

I watch her disappear down the hall, and it makes me smile. She’s familiar with all of this—me, my house, the things I want to do to her. She hasn’t been shocked or apprehensive about anything so far. The others were uptight and stuffy, but Paige is different. She’s so much better.

She comes back into the living room and sits next to me on the couch. I pass her one of the glasses of wine I’ve poured. “Thank you.”

She lifts it to her mouth and then makes a guess at the type. “Merlot?”

“Very good, my young apprentice.”

She smiles, pleased with herself. “I have a great master.”

“Perhaps.” I take the wine from her hand and put our glasses aside. I lift the large gift from the coffee table and hand her the card. “I’m dying to see who this is from. Read the card to me.”

She smiles as she takes it. “Merry Christmas to Paige, from Lachlan.” Her smile fades when it registers. “You got me a gift?”

“I did.”

“When did you have time?”

“When isn’t important.” I place the box across her lap and I’m surprised by the joy I’m feeling. I’ve gone from one extreme to the other today. I was discontent when I woke this morning and thought about not being with her when she opened this, but now I’m antsy to see her reaction. “Open it.”

“But I don’t have a gift for you.”

I shrug. “Doesn’t matter. Open it already.”

She tears the paper slowly. I can tell she’s guarded, perhaps thinking of all the things the large box could contain. Of the things running through her mind, I don’t think this one she considers.

When she opens the box, she sees the case adorned with one word: Martin. She knows what’s inside. I can’t decipher what I see on her face. Is she not happy?

My other companions were ecstatic to get gifts. Of course, I usually give them something lavish, like jewelry. Maybe she was hoping for something along those lines. Should I have given her diamond earrings instead?

She swallows hard and pulls the brown case from the box. She places it across her lap and looks at me. She seems sad, and I don’t know why. I wish I knew what she was thinking.

She pushes the brass drawbolt latch up with her thumb and opens the top of the case. She stares quietly at the Martin D-45 she admired in the window of the music store before she grazes her fingers over it. I’m no closer to knowing what’s going through her mind. It’s frustrating and I begin to wonder if I’ve done something wrong. Perhaps it isn’t the right guitar.

I can stand it no longer. “You have to tell me what you’re thinking.”

She blinks several times and I see the tears in her eyes. Shit. That wasn’t what I was going for at all. “I’m thinking it’s beautiful but way too expensive and I can’t accept it.”

“Don’t think of how much it cost. I bought it for you because I want you to have it. You’re keeping it. Now, take it out and play something for me.”

She puts the case on the coffee table and removes the guitar. She slips the strap over her head and hesitates like she’s still thinking it over, but then strums it for the first time. And it’s over. I know there’ll be no more talk of not accepting my gift because she’s in love with it.

She begins strumming a song and nothing sounds familiar about it, but I like it. “What song is this?”

“Paperweight.” She strums a few more chords and then begins singing. Two lines in and I’m completely lost in her. Her voice is uninhibited and I love everything about her when she sings—her song choice, her voice, her facial expressions, but mostly the feeling I get. She’s special and destined for great things when the right person in the music industry discovers her.

When she finishes playing, she looks over at me and smiles. “It’s perfect and I love it. It’s the best gift I’ve ever been given. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.”

She gets up and puts the guitar in its case before she climbs onto the couch and straddles me. She takes my face in her small, delicate hands. I hadn’t noticed how dainty they are until I saw them strumming the Martin. She’s watching my eyes. “And thank you for coming back to me.”

I’m taken by surprise because her words sound so intimate, like those that would be whispered between two people in love. She’s very good at our little game. She makes this feel real.

My first thought is to take her to the bedroom, but then I remember that we are alone and decide I want her right here in the living room. I lift her shirt over her head and unfasten the back of her bra to free her perfect breasts. I suck one of her rosy tips into my mouth and I feel her arch closer as she drops her head back. I roll my tongue around the erect pebble and then scrape my teeth over it.

“Oh, Lachlan,” she quietly moans as she grinds her pelvis against mine.

My sweet little American girl isn’t much of a talker when we’re like this, but I’m going to work on her a little at a time. “Tell me what you want me to do to you, Paige.”

“You know what I want you to do.”

“I might, but I can’t be sure, so I need to hear you say it.”

Her face is red because she’s embarrassed to tell me, but I’ll eventually have her so she isn’t afraid to ask me to do anything. I rub my hands over her breasts. “Do you want me to kiss you here?”

“Yes.”

“Then say it.”

She swallows hard. “Lachlan, I want you to kiss my breasts.” It’s a soft whisper, but I let it count because this is going to take some conditioning.

I take her other breast in my mouth and suck it hard. I tug lightly on her nipple and it makes a popping sound when the suction breaks.

She’s still wearing her bottoms so I lift her from my lap and lie her down on the couch. “Now, what do you want me to do next?”

“Take off my pants and panties.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I grin at her as I tug on the waistband of her pants and panties. She lifts her hips and I slide them down for a second time today. I take them all the way down and toss them onto the floor. “Next?”

She smiles and I think she is starting to relax with our game. “Take off your clothes while I watch.”

“Anything you want. You only have to ask.”

I unbutton my shirt and toss it casually over the back of the couch. I take the two foil squares out of my pocket and put them on the coffee table before I unfasten my daks and drop them and my jocks to the floor. “Next?”

She’s licking her lips. “I want your mouth on me.”

I grin at her vague request. “You have to tell me where.”

She points at her piercing through her navel. “Start here. Then, I want you to go down.”

“Anything for you.” My American girl is getting braver. This is going to be so much fun.

I kiss her jeweled piercing over her belly button because she’s asked me to, but I know that’s not where she really wants my mouth, so I begin working my way toward the real prize. She relaxes her legs as I go lower, but I stop just before I get to that spot. “Is this low enough?”

“No.”

“Tell me when I get to where you want me.”

I start again and I hear her direct me. “Go down a little more.”

I know when I hit the spot because she arches her back in response. “Yes. Right there. Don’t stop.”

I lick her center and then use my tongue to circle the stiff nub, but it’s when I slide my fingers inside her below my tongue that she begins to come apart. I feel her hand grab my hair as she squeals out. “Don’t stop doing that, Lachlan.”

When she’s finished coming, I feel her relax and she lets go of my hair. At this rate, I could be snatched bald by the end of our time together.

I reach for the condom on the table and tear into it. She sits up on the couch and watches me roll it on. When I finish, I crawl up her body and search her face. “Now, tell me what you want me to do to you.”

“I want you to … fuck me.” She’s hesitant and soft-spoken.

Not good enough. I grab her thighs and pull her against me.

“Say it like you mean it.” I’m hard against her slick entrance and she’s lifting her hips to rub against me. She wants me to enter her and I will, but not until I hear her say it the way I want.

She grabs me around the neck and pulls me down until we’re eye to eye and there’s nothing gentle about it. “Fuck. Me. Now. Lachlan.”

That’s my girl. “Okay, okay. All you had to do was ask,” I laugh.

I give her what we both want and sink deeply inside her. She brings her legs up around my hips to coax me on. “Harder, Lachlan.”

“You like it rough, don’t you?”

She tightens her legs around me. “Yes!”

I drive into her, filling her as deeply as I can when I have no choice but to explode. Her legs are wrapped around me tightly and there’s an unfamiliar feeling deep inside her. What was that?

It was neither bad nor good. Just something I’d never felt before.

“Did you feel something different just now?”

“No, but you obviously did by the look on your face.”

“Yeah, I did. I felt something twitch. Or pop.”

I’m still inside her, so I pull out to investigate and see if we have an issue. The condom is busted to hell and back. “Fuck! The rubber broke.”

My first response is to panic, but then I remember that Paige is on the pill. “You’ve been taking your birth control pills, haven’t you?”

Condoms are the one thing I have absolute control over in my sexual relationships. I refuse to depend on anyone else to be responsible. The cost of failure is too great, but now I’m forced to relinquish control to Paige and really need to hear her say she’s been doing what she promised she would.

She sits up and grabs my face. “Yes, Lachlan. I take my pill at the same time every day, so relax. I’ve got us covered.”

She has us covered. Her words work to calm me a little. “You’re right. I just panicked for a minute. When are you supposed to start your period?” I need to know how long I have to worry about this.

“Probably Tuesday.”

“Good. That means we’ll only have to wait a few days to know everything is all right for sure.” God, just thinking about everything not being okay makes me want to throw up.