If only, he thought…
An hour later, Colton was on his way to meet Kelly at the hotel. She had already texted him that she had arrived and loved the suite. He had thought things through and had decided to take his older brother’s advice, using the decision-making skills he had acquired over the years. And if those failed, he could always go with what his younger brother had suggested, using his powers of persuasion to change the game.
Regardless of what approach he took, he and Kelly needed to talk. And he’d make sure they did before they moved forward with tonight.
**
Kelly glanced around the hotel room. If Colton’s goal had been to impress her, he certainly had outdone himself. The Saxon Hotel was gorgeous and on a luxury scale of its own. Granted, the St. Laurent had style, and the architecture was stunning. However, the Saxon had stepped it up a few notches. She couldn’t wait to try out that walk-in shower that was almost the size of her entire bathroom at her apartment. She got flutters in the pit of her stomach at the thought of her and Colton trying it out together.
He hadn’t just reserved a hotel room, this was a mega-suite, an atmosphere fit for royalty. She glanced at her watch. He had texted her a few minutes ago that he was on his way, and anticipation had her hormones sizzling. She had never done anything like this before, sharing only a night with a man. Granted, she’d dated Derrick in high school, and he’d been the first guy she’d ever slept with. While in her sophomore year of college, she’d dated Archer and had gone all the way with him, too. Sex, although enjoyable, didn’t rank high on her list of important things. She’d been too focused on getting her degrees. The only reason it was on her mind now was because of Colton.
The man was way too sexy and masculine for his own good. With a tush that was truly a work of art, a muscular chest, and broad shoulders, he was definitely a man worthy of all the fantasies she’d had about him. There was just something about him that lit her up every time she saw him. Every cell within her would come alive. No other man had ever had that effect on her.
She wasn’t sure he would have suggested they spend the night together if she hadn’t made the first move. His distaste of one-night stands was common knowledge. Unfortunately,that was all she could handle right now. And hopefully, he’d understood. Since he’d made these arrangements anyway, she could only assume she would be an exception to his ‘no one-nighters’ rule.
She had changed into what the girl in an erotic apparel shop had called a “fuck-me” outfit, right down to the stilettos on her feet. She had been shopping with Monica, who’d been looking for an outfit to wow Landon on their wedding night, when they’d come across the shop. Her sister had bought several outfits and had talked Kelly into buying this one. Monica, who knew of her infatuation with Colton, had also been the one to suggest that she bring it this weekend, just in case, since Colton’s response to the RSVP hadn’t indicated a plus-one.
She smiled when she thought of the sister she adored--the same one who, up until a year ago, had been anti-sex because her two experiences hadn’t been good ones. However, since meeting and falling in love with Landon, Monica had transformed into a high-level sexual being. For the past year or so, Kelly had lived vicariously through her younger sister and was ready to try out a few of those bedroom positions Monica had told her about.
Her heart stopped beating when she heard the sound of someone at the hotel room door. It had to be Colton. She walked over, making sure that she, and this outfit, would be the first things he saw when he entered the room.
**
When Colton opened the door and saw Kelly standing there, a jolt of sexual need rocked him to the bone. What the hell was she wearing? Whatever it was, it had certainly pushed his libido into overdrive. Was it even legal to wear something like that, even in the privacy of one’s own bedroom?
He leaned against the closed door, trying to regain his control. It was hard. As hard as he felt his body getting. Therewere just some things a man couldn’t control, and getting floored at the sight of a desirable woman was one of them. He drew in a deep breath, determined to maintain his composure, but when he breathed in her luscious, erotic, and sensual scent, he felt weak in the knees.
“Hello, Colton.”
Why did her voice have to sound so sexy? So, take-me-now arousing? Suddenly, all he wanted to do was thrust hard into her wet heat, ride her hard, then join her in a mind-blowing orgasm.
He needed to get control of the situation but found it almost impossible. Standing before him was a temptress with a pair of the most gorgeous legs ever made. And those stilettos had to be at least six inches high. How in the hell could she even walk in them? Then again, she wasn’t walking. She was standing in the middle of the floor looking like a woman who wanted to be taken tonight. Long and hard. How could he walk away from this? From her?
“Colton, are you okay?”
He was pretty damned sure she could tell he was okay, if his erection was anything to go by. After drawing in a deep breath, he found his voice to answer. “Yes, but we need to talk, Kelly.”
Colton saw the look of confusion in her gaze. Clearly, talking was the last thing she’d thought they would be doing. Then he watched understanding settle on her features. “I know some men like to get the issue of birth control out of the way first,” she said. “I understand. Although I haven’t been sexually active for almost four years, I take periodic injections.”
He blinked. Did she just say she hadn’t had sex in nearly four years? Damn. She must have seen the confusion in his face because she quickly added, “I didn’t have time for any involvements. There’s been too much school work over the past three-plus years. But I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything from my previous two times, so don’t worry about getting a rookie inbed. And I’m definitely into trying something new. In fact, there are several positions I’ve heard about that I’m dying to try out.”
Colton’s breath caught in his throat. In twenty-seven years, she’d only had two sexual encounters? Finding his voice again, he said, “The issue of birth control or your experience in the bedroom isn’t what we need to talk about.”
“Then what is it?”
“Let’s sit on that sofa over there,” he suggested, moving away from the door. When she sat beside him, it was almost too close for his comfort. “I made a decision about tonight,” he said.
She tilted her head and pursed her delectable-looking lips. “What kind of decision, Colton?”
“As to whether I can break my rule of never indulging in one-night stands. I’m the type of man who usually wants more.”
She stood and glared down at him. Even when he knew she was upset, there was no mistaking that flare of desire in the depths of her beautiful eyes. “I explained to you that I can’t do any more than one night. I’m the type who gives all my attention, all my focus, to one thing at a time. I don’t multi-task well. I tried doing that in my last serious relationship and failed miserably. Tonight, all I want to think about is how good we can feel together. But tonight is all I have to give you, Colton. Next week and for however long it takes, I have to focus on getting my business off the ground and making it a success. The last thing I need at this time in my life is a relationship.”
Colton held her gaze. A part of him wanted to just say the hell with it, and give her what she wanted--what they both wanted. One incredible night of mind-blowing sex. However, he knew if he were to make love to her, his life would never be the same. And he wasn’t sure he could take that.
When he stood, she didn’t take a step back, which brought their bodies into contact--his fully clothed one, to her almostnaked one. They were at an impasse, and they both knew it. He wanted more, and she wanted less.
“So, what will it be, Colton?” she asked, giving him a look that clearly said she couldn’t believe they were even having this conversation.
