Dangerous Lover: Take Me, Lover, Book 4 Read online

  She’d planned to date a nice guy instead of the type she was attracted to, and here she was with her lips still puffy from kissing the bad boy at table sixteen. Who she hadn’t avoided after all.

  Chapter Two

  Find a reason to get out of this. A doctor’s excuse. A test I forgot I have to study for. I don’t need to date another bad boy.

  But he’d retrieved her neighbor’s cat from a tree. And checked her smoke alarm. The man rescued people and pets for a living. How bad could he be?

  While she argued with herself, Joe buckled her into the helmet and helped her straddle the leather seat that let her feel every vibration of the Harley’s powerful motor and the road under them. Then he climbed on, and her torso and open legs were plastered against the length and breadth of Joe. Her arms hugged him close to keep the bike’s acceleration from pulling her backwards. A necessity she enjoyed a little too much.

  Okay, well, it was just one date. They’d go to a movie. He’d take her home. And she couldn’t tell if it was the angel or the devil on her shoulder who approved, anyway. Maybe after one date, both sides would agree.

  Between the aftereffects of the kiss, the proximity of their bodies, and the throbbing motor she felt every bit of right where she was primed to appreciate it most, Cherry made the trip in a blur of sensory overload that played havoc with her good intentions.

  As soon as Joe parked at the movie theatre, she wasted no time getting onto safer ground. The temptation to linger a little longer, press a little closer, was too strong. She pulled the helmet off and handed it back to him. He stowed it and then caught her hand in his as they started to walk.

  “So, tell me about your tattoo,” Cherry said, latching onto the topic to keep from saying take me now, finish what your kiss and your bike started.

  “What about it?” He gave her a half-smile, lazy heat lingering in his eyes.

  “What is it? When’d you get it? Why’d you get it?”

  “It’s a fireman’s cross. I got it after I started the job.”

  Like a military tattoo, something that identified the person with their particular branch. “I didn’t know firefighters did that.”

  “Do you know much about firefighters?”

  “I know they’re good at putting out fires,” Cherry said, her mind on the one he’d kindled in her.

  “What about you?”

  “I don’t have a tattoo.”

  Joe laughed, a low sound that she found far too easy on the ears. “Guess you can’t show me yours, then.”

  “No,” Cherry said, trying desperately not to imagine doing a strip tease to show him anything he wanted to see.

  “I meant what about your job,” Joe went on.

  “Oh. Well, I’m finishing up my master’s degree in accounting so I can become a CPA. And, while I’m doing that, I’m waiting tables at a diner and ice cream parlor.”

  “Sweet Delights,” he said. “I remember.”

  Oh. Right. The T-shirt. Her uniform.

  “I’ve never dated an accountant before.”

  “I’ve never dated a fireman before,” Cherry said.

  “Well, then, here’s to firsts.” He stopped and tugged her close as his lips skimmed her temple. The light caress sent a pulse of anticipation through her.

  And seconds, and thirds, Cherry silently agreed.

  The movie made a welcome distraction, enough noise and special effects to keep her attention, while the dim setting, close seating, and shared popcorn kept her all too aware of Joe.

  Whether or not it was smart to date him, she wanted him. The attraction was mutual. And, for all she knew, he wasn’t even interested in a relationship. Maybe he was looking for a fling with a busty waitress who had an ice cream fetish.

  That thought was enough to trigger a flashback to her new favorite fantasy. Cold vanilla melting on her skin, puckering her nipples before they met the heat of his tongue. Oh, God, the things she wanted him to do her with that mouth.

  A fling would be good. With Joe, a fling just might be divine. A hot night with a hot firefighter and the kind of sweet satisfaction that wouldn’t go to her hips.

  Besides, maybe her attraction for bad boys was less about them, more about her. She remembered catching a pop psychology segment on TV that claimed people dated those who had qualities they didn’t want to admit to in themselves. In that case, what she really needed to do was embrace her inner bad girl and live out her own fantasy fulfillment. She had the perfect opportunity to do just that with Joe.

  “Want to get a drink?” Joe asked as the credits rolled.

  “Not really.” Cherry turned towards him, feeling the point of no return pass by her. “I’d be too distracted.”

  “Oh?”

  “Mmm-hmm.” She let her eyes drift down to rest on that delicious mouth of his. “That was some kiss. I keep wondering what the next one will be like.”

  His fingers teased the back of her neck. “Same here. But if we don’t go someplace public, it’ll be harder to stop at kissing.”

  “If we go someplace private, you can kiss me anywhere you want to,” Cherry pointed out.

  His hand slid up and cupped the back of her head. “I’d hate to get arrested for public indecency just when things were getting good.”

  “That’s the kind of first I’d like to avoid,” she said in heartfelt agreement.

  “Your place?” He used his hold to keep her in place while his lips brushed across hers.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you planning to use me for sex and throw me away?” His voice took on a teasing tone that made her smile.

  “I prefer to think of it as recycling.” Cherry leaned forward and nipped at his lower lip. Channeling her inner bad girl was easier than she’d expected. “Also, it depends on the sex.”

  “A challenge.” His mouth curved in a bad boy grin that said he was more than up to it.

  Well, so was she. And the ride home straddling his bike would guarantee that she stayed that way.

  She was a quivering mass of unfulfilled lust when Joe closed her apartment door behind them, shot the bolt to guarantee they’d stay undisturbed, and draped her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. His hand on her upturned butt held her in place. “Bedroom?”

  “That way.” Cherry pointed vaguely and they were off, her body rocking into his with the motion. She closed her eyes and sank her teeth into her lower lip, reveling in the rush of arousal, attraction, anticipation. “Are we playing fire rescue?”

  He reached the edge of her bed and tumbled her onto it, then followed her down. “Yes, ma’am. Got a call about a pussy in distress.”

  She fluttered her lashes at him. “My hero. I’m sure my pussy is in good hands.”

  “Hands are only the beginning.” Joe sank to his knees beside the bed. He peeled off his shirt and leaned forward to rest his hands on her thighs. “I might need to give the kiss of life.”

  “And are you a trained professional?” Cherry managed to keep a straight face while her blood surged at the idea of Joe’s kiss of life.

  “Fully qualified,” he assured her. His hands moved up until they rested just below the juncture of her thighs. “Maybe you’d like me to demonstrate.”

  “God, yes.” She started to unfasten her jeans. His fingers took over the task halfway through, lowering her zipper, spreading the denim open. Then he kissed the skin he’d bared just above the edge of her panties.

  Lower, she urged him mentally. His fingers smoothed the white lace, teasing her while his lips caressed and explored her lower belly. His tongue swirled in the dip of her navel and she decided there was no need to rush him.

  Joe’s mouth traveled over her ribcage, leaving a wake of fire behind. His hands skimmed under her polo shirt and tugged it up, baring the lacy bra she wore underneath. Cherry raised her upper torso and grabbed the hem so she could haul it up over her head.

  “White lace. Pretty.” Joe ran his hands up her sides, not quite touching her breasts.

&
nbsp; “I wore it for you.”

  “Thank you.” He kissed the line of cleavage she’d bared. “I’ll try not to rip it when I take it off.”

  Cherry laughed and raised up again so he could reach the hooks between her shoulders. He unfastened it with practiced ease and drew the straps down.

  “You’re good at that.”

  “My performance ratings are excellent.”

  Cherry laughed again, dizzy with heat and need and a giddy exuberance. Then his mouth found hers and the laughter died away, replaced by hunger.

  His tongue danced with hers while his hands slid her bra cups down. Cool air rushed over her bared breasts as she shrugged her arms free of the straps. She let her hands wander the line of his shoulders, exploring the ridges of muscle before moving up the sides of his neck to dig her fingers into his hair.

  Joe shifted, lowering his upper body onto hers. She caught her breath as a wall of hard, hot male pressed against her tight nipples and the soft swells of her breasts.

  “Too much weight?” Joe raised his head to look down into her eyes.

  “No. Feels good.” She arched up into him, wanting more pressure.

  “I don’t want to crush you.”

  “I’m not that tiny.”

  “You’re perfect.” He murmured the assurance as his head dipped to hers again for another dizzying kiss. His lips left hers to caress her cheek, the line of her throat, and finally the upper curve of her breasts as he shifted to explore more of her.

  “So are you,” Cherry breathed out, then gasped as his mouth closed over first one nipple, then the other, suckling both with equal attention while his hand cupped and squeezed her breasts. An ache of need spread through her. She moved restlessly under him, unable to keep still.

  His hands skimmed down her waist to her hips and his fingers caught the edge of her panties. “I haven’t given you the kiss of life yet.”

  Joe peeled the lacy briefs off slowly, taking his time. He drew them down her legs at the same leisurely pace, making the motion a caress that woke every nerve ending from her hips to her ankles. He tossed the white lace aside and scooted down between her legs. Cherry let her eyes drift shut and exhaled a low sound of pleasure as his tongue began to lap lazily at her. He tasted her as if savoring the experience. Then he closed his mouth over her clit and suckled while her muscles pulled tight and then everything released in a blinding burst.

  “You did rescue my pussy,” Cherry panted out as an aftershock of pleasure pulsed through her.

  “Not yet.” The promise in his voice made her toes curl.

  She watched through half-closed lids as he stripped out of his jeans and low-hipped briefs. The sight of his engorged cock made her eyes open wide. It curved out from his body as if seeking hers, a sheen of moisture gleaming on the head. She licked her lips and imagined herself tasting the salty tang of him.

  Joe caught the reaction of her wayward tongue. “Want this?” His voice deepened as his hand wrapped around the base, working the shaft until another drop pearled for her.

  The sight of those masculine fingers stroking up and down, milking himself for her, aroused her even further. Giving in to temptation, Cherry sat up and slid forward, bending her head down until her mouth met the flesh that enticed her. Opened to invite him in. Closed around him while her tongue collected the seminal fluid that coated the head of his cock.

  “More.”

  His hoarse encouragement was all she needed to suck greedily while his hands continued to move up and down. His fingertips brushed her lips, retreated, returned. He pumped himself between his hands and her mouth, while she hungered for more of him. She wanted to protest when he pulled out.

  “Condoms?”

  “There.” Cherry pointed to the bedside table. She started to crawl up the bed to retrieve one, but Joe beat her to it, ripping a packet open and sheathing himself while she struggled to catch her breath.

  He pressed her back down to the mattress while he moved on top of her. “Wrap your arms and legs around me.”

  She did and held on while he sheathed himself in her flesh with one long stroke. He withdrew, then surged back inside, finding his rhythm. Cherry shifted with him, trying to get more pressure where she needed it.

  “Not the right spot?”

  “Not quite.”

  “Hang on.” Joe pulled out of her, and before she could shriek in protest at the loss, he flipped her over onto her belly and pushed her thighs apart and up. He slid a hand under her until he cupped her mound. His fingers pressed into her clit as his cock filled her again, this time from behind. The head rubbed over a sensitive point deep inside as he thrust. “How’s that?”

  “There,” Cherry managed before her mind slipped to a wordless place. “Oh, God, right there.”

  “Got you.” Joe held her in position with his other arm wrapped around her waist and stroked her into insanity. She came so hard it nearly blinded her and she lay still under him, trembling with aftershocks while he pumped into her until his shaft throbbed with the force of his own release.

  Chapter Three

  Joe stayed planted inside her, his body curved over hers, while his lips played over the nape of her neck. “Still planning to recycle me?”

  Cherry grinned with kiss-swollen lips. “I’d fantasize about cuffing you to my bed, except you’re stronger than I am and there’s nothing to attach handcuffs to on my headboard.” She didn’t have any handcuffs, either, which now struck her as terribly shortsighted. Being a bad girl clearly required better planning.

  “Maybe I’ll cuff you to mine.” Joe withdrew and rolled her onto her back then pulled her into his side. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand going low to cup her hip, the other cupping the back of her head as she settled it on his shoulder.

  “Kinky.”

  “You inspire me.”

  She kissed the pectoral muscle that flexed under her cheek and burrowed closer, breathing in the masculine scent of him. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

  “Only the ones who wear white lace for me on the first date. What are you going to wear for the second?”

  “You’ll have to show up to find out.” Cherry stretched, feeling deliciously sated.

  “I’ll hope for that T-shirt you had on the first time I was here. And no bra.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “How about no shirt and an ice cream bra?”

  “If you have ice cream, I vote we do that now.”

  “I have ice cream.”

  Joe put a hand under her chin to raise it up. “I’m in the mood for dessert. Be right back.” He planted a quick, hard kiss on her mouth, then rolled to the edge of the bed and stood.

  Cherry watched him until he walked out of her line of sight and breathed out a sigh of appreciation. The man had a backside to swoon over. Before he came back, she scooted over and pulled the comforter down to save it from close encounters of the dairy kind. She settled on her side, propped up on one arm, and watched for Joe’s return.

  The sight of him naked and holding an ice cream carton in her doorway made her heart thud. He had a spoon in his mouth. He paused and lounged to one side in the doorframe, holding her gaze with his while he licked the spoon clean.

  “Oh, lord.” Cherry fell back. “I hope you have time to call the paramedics before I die of orgasm overdose.”

  “I know CPR.” Joe walked closer, naked, muscled, and glorious. He scooped a spoonful from the container. Then he set the carton on the bedside table while he coated his index finger with the icy treat. He drew circles around her nipples, painting her like a bull’s eye while the cold puckered her nipples and sent a contrasting wave of heat through her. He used the last of the spoonful to coat the center of his target.

  Cherry gasped as the cold touched her hard, tight buds. Joe placed the spoon in the ice cream carton and licked his finger. The wicked grin he gave her melted her insides.

  “I love vanilla.” He joined her on the bed and pushed her legs apart with his knees, then l
owered himself over her, braced on his arms so his body didn’t rest on hers. He brought his head down to one breast and slowly, lazily, traced the outer circle of ice cream with his tongue while her brain melted. Around, around, moving closer to the center with each circle, until finally his tongue flicked over her nipple to lap up every drop.

  He moved on to her other breast and gave it the same treatment while Cherry shivered in delight and gave herself up to the experience. The heat of his mouth, the cool cream, the erotic awakening of every nerve ending in her torso primed her for the moment his mouth closed hard over her the tip of her breast. The suction made her inner muscles clench and made her almost painfully aware of an emptiness she needed him to fill. Now.

  “Joe,” Cherry said in a low groan. “Condom.”

  “Not yet.” He turned to suck on the opposite tip while her hips jerked in reaction.

  “Now.” She broke away from him and groped for a condom with frantic fingers.

  “Not so fast.” He captured her wrists and pinned them to the bed with one hand, her arms pulled above her head. “Your turn for dessert.”

  She might have actually whimpered while he used his free hand to get another spoonful of vanilla ice cream.

  “Are you going to behave?”

  “Probably not,” Cherry admitted.

  Joe gave her a long look, put the spoon back, and felt around the bed until he came up with his T-shirt. He wrapped it around her wrists and tied a knot she could have gotten free from, but she played along and kept her bound hands above her head.

  She watched while he coated his cock for her oral pleasure. He moved to plant a knee on each side of her and lowered his hips until the head brushed her lips.

  Mmmm. She licked, and sweet, cool ice cream melted on her tongue while the musky, male flavor of Joe provided an erotic contrast. She drew her tongue around the ridge of the head, up and down the hard shaft, over the plum-shaped top, and then she opened her mouth wide and drew him in. He worked his hips to push deeper, sliding in as far as she could take him, pulling back, sliding forward again.