She had been through this part of town only a handful of times and was fascinated by its growth. It was far different from the area she worked at, that she could not help but the comparison.
He drove through the city and then turned off onto a private road where the buildings were few and far between. The Palace speared up, white and dazzling under the light of the moon, glowing with elegance. A long sweeping driveway about two miles long allowed her to see the stunning landscape and elegant sculptures strategically placed.
"You lived here."
"Yes. A bit much, but the place has been in the family for several generations."
"A bit much." Melanie laughed at the gross understatement. "Yes, I can see how cramped it is. You must have been scrambling for space." She was unaware of the slight tinge of bitterness in her voice until he gave her an inquiring look. "I'm sorry."
"No need." Pushing the door open, he came around to open her door. "I did not mean to sound as if I never appreciated the life I was brought up in and sometimes I take it for granted." He held her hand and drew her towards the wraparound porch. "We will not be able to do the full tour of course, but I just wanted to show you a little of what we're doing."
"Are we going inside?"
He shook his head. "It's locked up tight. The guard who was supposed to be on duty tonight had a family emergency." He guided her around the side where there was a gazebo in the middle of the lush grounds. Palm trees waved their leaves in the stiff breeze. The sound of a stream trickling beneath a wrought iron bridge drew her attention.
"Oh, how breathtaking!" She pulled him over to stand on the bridge and just looked down at the clear water gurgling over smooth stones.
"What do you think?" Letting go of her hand, he stood behind her, curving his body to hers.
"It's spectacular."
"Two tennis courts, basketball, three swimming pools, saunas, a tropical desert, play areas for kids, inhouse theater experiences, live shows and gambling." His chuckle warmed her ear as he bent to take a bite. "It's going to be quite an experience."
"When is the grand opening?" She was having a hard time catching her breath.
"Spring." He turned her to face him. "I'm hoping you'll be there with me."
"Rodney--" Fear spiked along with hope.
"I know I'm moving too fast and am trying to slow things down." His voice thickened as his fingers trailed over one smooth cheek. "I want you."
Before she could respond, he had closed his mouth over hers. The response died in her throat as desire took on a heady turn. With a sigh of longing, she lifted her hands and went on her toes to wrap them around his neck. Feeling her surrender, he dove into the kiss, his hands sliding provocatively over her slender curves.
Sensations thundered through her like a rocket being launched. When he wrapped his hands around her waist, she clung.Nothing in her limited experience had prepared her for this maelstrom. It was like being picked up by a mighty wave and pitched backwards and forwards. Her heart was beating so hard, it was knocking against her breast.
With superhuman effort, Rodney ended the kiss and forcibly put her away from him.
"Come home with me." His eyes were blazing, a molten fire that refused to be extinguished. "For Christ's sake, I'm on the verge of begging. If you say no--"
"Yes." She whispered a little shakily. Lifting her hand, she pressed it between her breasts as if to keep her heart from plopping to the ground. "Yes." Consequences be damned. Tonight was going to be for her and whatever happens then so be it. But she could not go home with this ache between her thighs.
"Thank God." With a wild laugh, he picked her up and practically ran to the car.
He strapped her in himself, before hooking his belt. Throughout the journey that took them from the seclusion of the hotel and into traffic, they did not speak. She had her head turned away as she gazed sightlessly at the traffic whizzing by.
She would have time for regrets in the morning. She could always tell him she'd changed her mind, but she didn't want to. She had needed anyone the way she needed him right now. It was almost like a physical ache inside her. Like a fever that refuses to be quenched.
"We're here." His quiet voice had her jolting slightly. Opening her eyes, she stared at the lovely old brownstone with the shimmer of the river behind it.
She had seen photos of his place on the internet of course. Housekeeping had done a spread on the outside, just the outside with its lovely landscape and gentle flowing river.
She unhooked her belt when he came around to open the door. Taking her hand, he linked their fingers and walked to the massive glossy brown front door.
"I'll give you the tour later." He told her as he uncoded the alarm.
"But for now--" Spinning her around, he pressed her against the door and closed his mouth over hers. Any vestige of uncertainty or doubt she had slowly dissolved. This was where she wanted to be. With him. She clung, meeting his lips, his tongue, passion for passion, desire as thick as molasses poured through them.
He lifted her into his arms, his mouth still fused to hers and fumbled his way up the spiral staircase. He somehow managed to find his bedroom, shoving the door open with his foot, his mouth still devouring hers hungrily.
