Sugar Love Page 12

  She considered for a moment. “Not so bad as long as I could distract myself by watching you.”

  “I checked you out a time or two, myself,” he said with a wink. He leaned forward, placing his lips near her ear. “And, I’m so turned on, now, I could come on the spot.”

  Her eyes widened. She let her gaze drift toward the towel in his waistband. Sure enough, a bulge protruded beneath the towel.

  “Why do you think I tucked my towel in front?” he whispered. A low, deep chuckle met her ears. “You, sweet thing, turn me on, big time.”

  “What shall we do about that?” she said, heat flooding her sex. All reason and caution fled the scene.

  “Maybe a private workout is in order.” A wicked grin crossed his face.

  Fireworks spiraled up her spine.

  “Shall we go upstairs to your place?” she said, hopefully.

  “Nah. I’ve got just the place. Give me your phone.”

  She handed it over.

  He tugged her toward his gym bag, dropped their phones inside and urged her toward a small workout room.

  Opening the door, he said, “After you.”

  “We’re going to do something in here?” she squeaked.

  Wood covered the floor. Ballet bars stretched across one wall. Mirrors reflected her astonished face.

  “Come on. It’s a fantasy of mine. There’s no class in here for at least an hour, and no one comes in these rooms unless there’s a class.” His face held an adorable puppy-dog plea kind of expression.

  “Okay,” she whispered. I’ll die if we get caught.

  He followed her into the room, closing the door behind them. Then, he whirled her around to face him. He pressed both hands against her cheeks and kissed her.

  “I got so turned on picturing you on the treadmill,” he murmured into her lips. “I might have glanced over my shoulder a couple of times.” He pressed his muscular thigh against her leg.

  Shit. What did he see? Effie tried to smile.

  He backed her against the wall and wiggled one leg between her thighs.

  She let out a quiet moan. Her body, it seemed, wanted to betray her desire to protect her heart.

  He ground his hips against her. His bulging erection felt hot and heavy against her belly. “Shit. This is so hot. I can watch your sexy ass in the mirrors.”

  The sucking-him-off idea tormenting her when she was on the treadmill slithered into her mind. Am I brave enough to try it?

  There was only one way to find out. But, if someone sees me… She glanced left and right, then, up at the clock. He said there’s no class for an hour. What if he doesn’t know the schedule?

  There was only one way to find out. Drop to her knees and open wide.

  Chapter 14

  Effie

  Effie, pressed against the empty dance studio wall in the gym in Zander’s apartment building, scanned her brain for any Saucy Lady videos showing women going down on a man. She refused to even entertain her lousy experiences with Jim. One video she’d watched several times came to mind.

  The woman had gripped the man’s cock, fingering herself, and, as she sucked, she looked ecstatic.

  In a bold-for-her move, she slipped away from the wall.

  Zander tracked her every mood, pivoting in a half circle until his back faced the wall.

  She put her palm on Zander’s chest and pushed him into the hard surface.

  His pupils widened. A wicked grin spread across his face. “So, she’s going to get bossy with me, is she?”

  Okay. Game on.

  She crouched down before him, then tugged at his waistband, drawing his pants beneath his solid erection.

  It popped free, hanging heavy and engorged. Zander cupped her head with his two hands, one cool and hard, the other warm and soft.

  Imagining someone held a video camera, filming her for Saucy Lady, she pretended she had to get everything right for the camera. She fit her mouth over the head of his cock and licked.

  “Oh, shit, Effie.” His fingers gripped her skull.

  He tasted musky, but she found it kind of pleasurable. It was nothing like the “pencils and science laboratory” smell Jim had reminded her of, with his crooked penis. She gripped Zander with both hands, sliding her palms up and down. Opening her mouth as far as she could, she sucked along the length of him until she gagged a bit. She backed up and found a comfortable rhythm of sucking, gripping, and stroking. I hope I’m doing this right.

  “This is so hot watching you from behind. Oh, yeah. Like that.” His fingertips dug into her scalp.

  Afraid someone might walk in, she kept up the sucking, working hard to keep him from the back of her throat. Her fear of being caught coiled in the back of her mind, lurking like a snake about to strike. Arousal warred with apprehension. Her gaze kept sliding toward the door.

  “Shit, yeah. That’s so hot, Effie. Fuck. I can’t hold it in.”

  His hips bucked, and hot liquid streamed into the back of her throat. She struggled to swallow his slippery, salty offering.

  “Oh, fuck, Effie.” After a few more pumps, his head fell back against the wall with a clunk.

  His erection began to sag in her grip. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and rested the top of her head against his hard thighs. Her body buzzed with pleasure. Her breath came in hard pants while he stroked her hair. Finally, she bent her head back to look up at him.

  “God damn, Effie. I’ve always wanted to do this. I never found anyone adventurous enough to try it,” he said, a piercing gaze directed at her.

  “I guess I’m adventurous,” she said, pushing to standing. She tugged up Zander’s pants as she rose. Then, she fell into him.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I must have done something right to have met someone as wonderful as you.”

  Yeah, too bad it’s a business transaction. A fantasy. A bubble that will dazzle, then pop. No contact after the contract ends, remember?

  She lay her cheek on his broad shoulder.

  The click of the doorknob sounded.

  Effie jerked away from Zander.

  A woman dressed in workout gear waltzed in, looking all trim and fit and muscular. Her auburn hair hung in a long ponytail down her back.

  “Oh,” she said, spying them. “I’m sorry. I thought I’d prepare a little early for my class.” Her gaze skip-hopped over Effie and landed on Zander.

  “We were just leaving. We came in here to have a talk,” Zander said. He smiled at the pretty brunette.

  A wave of insecurity shot through Effie, accompanied by thoughts of lacy panties and musings on what he did in his spare time. “Right. We needed to have a chat. But, we’re done.” She turned to leave, scurrying toward the door. She side-stepped Workout-Girl, not wanting to touch her.

  “Hey, wait up,” Zander said, taking a few easy strides after her. “Have a good class,” he called to the dumb brunette. He caught up with Effie in the hall, grabbing her hand. “What was that about?”

  “She’s pretty,” Effie growled. “I’m a total klutz.” And you already have at least one girlfriend.

  “Hey, now,” he said, slowing her with a tug. “Don’t be jealous of a stranger. You just gave me an awesome orgasm. I’m enjoying being with you today. And, she doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

  “You have to say that,” Effie said, pouting. “It’s probably in the sugar baby contract. Somewhere in the fine print.”

  He flashed a warm smile at her. “Look, I’m touched you’re jealous.”

  “You are?” Shame heated her cheeks and neck. “Because I feel stupid right about now.”

  He lowered his head for a kiss. “Don’t feel stupid. I can’t remember feeling this happy with a woman, Effie.” He tugged her toward his workout bag, snagged it up, and then drew her out of the gym. “You’re amazing. You’re the first person I’ve actually felt at ease with, telling you about my fake-arm.”

  “I am?” Her brain scrambled from the sex, she struggled to
recall what he referred to. Oh, right. He told me something about his prosthesis yesterday. I’m his confidant. Nothing more.

  “You are,” he said, dropping his lips for another kiss. When he released her, they headed toward the lobby. They trekked across the polished marble floors. Several high-end shops occupied the bottom floor, along with a cafe. He looked up, and a scowl bruised his face.

  She followed his gaze.

  A couple strode toward them. The woman was ten times more beautiful than the workout teacher and about a thousand times prettier than her. She clearly recognized Zander as she beelined toward him.

  And the guy looked like a total jock, all white gleaming teeth and practiced smile.

  “Fuck.” The word exploded from Zander’s mouth.

  The big-lipped, slender, redheaded woman came to a stop directly in front of Zander. “Hey, Zan,” she said, oozing familiarity. “You look tired. Are you getting enough sleep?”

  She brushed his shoulder with her hand as if grooming him.

  “Get your fucking hand off of me,” Zander said in a tone that gave Effie the chills.

  “Who’s this?” Big-Lips stabbed her thumb at Effie, keeping her eyes trained on Zander. Without waiting for an answer, she said, “I didn’t realize you were into fat-hipped women. I thought you preferred my shape.” Her lacy bra peeked over the top of her low-cut blouse.

  The lace looked familiar.

  Oh, my God. She’s the girlfriend whose panties and bra are in Zander’s house.

  “Yeah, Zander, are you bottom feeding?” the jock guy added. “Show some self-respect, man. You might be a cripple, but you still have the looks to get a decent date.” He side-eyed Big-Lips and smirked.

  She tittered and reached for the jock’s arm.

  “You two can just fuck off,” Zander said. “Stop with the garbage statements.” He released Effie’s hand.

  He’s ashamed of being seen with me. Effie eyed the doorway, wondering how fast she could dart outside and disappear.

  “I hoped we’d run into you. We really want you to come to our event. You know, bury old wounds. Fresh start,” Big-Lips said.

  “Right,” said the jock. “But, for God’s sake, bring a better-looking date. I had no idea you were paying for this.” His lip curled into a sneer.

  “What?” Big-Lips eyes grew wide. “What do you mean paying for it?”

  “He went to an event and bought himself some pussy. That’s probably his sugar baby.”

  “You have a sugar baby?” Big-Lips said, eyes wide. She flashed him a look of wounded outrage.

  “That’s none of your business,” Zander snapped. “You stay the fuck away from me.” He whirled and stalked toward the lift.

  Effie raced after him.

  “Wait for me,” she called. She dashed into the elevator with him.

  When the doors closed, he said, “God damn it. They’re the last people I wanted you to ever meet. They’re fucking imbeciles, those two.”

  Effie pressed against the elevator wall, unsure of whether to get off at the next floor or accompany him to his penthouse. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t compete with beautiful women. My self-respect, what little is left, is worth more than my education.

  Zander looked anguished. “I’m so sorry you had to hear their vitriol. Those two are evil.”

  “Who are they?” Effie asked, her voice small and soft.

  “She’s my fucking ex. She’s a bitch. She’s not supposed to be within…” He bit back his words. “She’s dating my biggest rock-climbing rival and adventure gear competitor, Bryant Mitchum. The asshole just bought ArcTix One.”

  “Oh…” Effie said, her eyes widening. That explains his response to Haley’s shirt. But, it doesn’t explain his reaction to her or hers to him.

  Zander continued. “ArcTix One is a smart, sharp company. They’re threatening to blow us out of the market. While Bryant is soaring to the top of the climbing world. He’s taking over everything I worked for.”

  Effie pictured the Big Lip’s face when she heard Zander had a sugar baby.

  Big-Lip’s glamorous façade cracked, like she wanted him back. Or, maybe they’re not done.

  He turned a pleading gaze toward her. “Please don’t believe a word they said. They thrive on cutting other people to ribbons.”

  His head fell back against the elevator wall. He banged it several times against the hard surface.

  All she could think to say was, “Uh huh.”

  “You must hate me. That had to hurt.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Talk to me. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” she said. “I, uh…I think I should get back to my dorm.”

  Something horrible and dark and wounded flashed in his eyes. Then, he zipped himself together. “Of course. As you wish. I’ll have Antonio drive you back. I need to get to the office.”

  She nodded, needing to get as far away from him as she could. Her breathing was so ragged she thought she might pass out. All she could think about was getting out of the contract. She’d give him back the diamond cube consolation necklace. Throw the workout clothes on his bed. As far as she was concerned, this was the end of the road for her.

  No way could she compete with lacy underwear clad women who looked like a million bucks.

  Chapter 15

  Zander

  Gripping a top of the line EXcape tennis racket, Zander raised his artificial-arm high and brought it down with a swoosh, sending the tennis ball sailing over the net.

  “Game!” he shouted, as Kent lunged for the ball, barely missing it.

  “You bastard,” Kent called good-naturedly. He bent over his knees and inhaled deep gulps of air.

  Zander walked in circles to cool down.

  His thoughts spun about like hornets. Sure, he was getting fantastic sex again. But he didn’t know where Effie was at, emotionally. One minute hot, the next cold.

  She bewildered him. They didn’t talk for two days after the Trisha encounter. He’d been wondering if he’d ever see her again, contract or no contract. Then, he’d convinced her to have phone sex last night. Today, before his tennis game, she’d texted him to tell him she’d go on another date with him. She was probably preoccupied with school or something, he reasoned.

  All he could think about was having her in his arms again.

  Still, constant uncertainty threatened to pull him back into the dark place he’d occupied less than a year ago.

  To keep from slipping into insanity, he’d decided to take a more active role in his company again. He even showed up for a meeting with Attica, after Kent assured him that Attica was on the up and up.

  “And,” Kent had advised, “if ArcTix One has Attica on their radar, EXcape had better step up to the plate.”

  So, Zander had shown up, and sealed the deal, something that brought a measure of success to his week.

  Kent strode around the net toward him, twirling his racket in his hand. “You up for some lunch?”

  “Sorry, man, I have plans.” Zander suppressed a smile.

  “Let me guess…your sugar baby?” Kent crossed toward the fence where his gym bag rested.

  “You guessed it.” Zander couldn’t hold back his grin.

  “So, things are going well?” Kent crouched next to his bag. He fished out a zippered cover and placed it over the head of his racket.

  Zander went to his own gym bag a few feet away. “More or less. I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’m taking a more active role at the company again. It’s all due to being with Effie.”

  He thought about the great phone sex they’d had last night. Their heat was so intense he thought the phone might explode.

  An even more idiotic grin spread across his face as he covered his racket.

  “That’s great,” Kent said, in a tentative sounding voice without looking up. “Really good to see you interacting with the staff more.”

  Zander cocked an eyebrow. It sounded like a “but” would soon follow Kent’s cauti
ous enthusiasm. Warily, he closed his gym bag, shouldered it, and strode off the court.

  Kent caught up with him.

  “So,” Kent said, hesitating, a minute later.

  Here it comes, Zander thought, as they passed the other courts.

  “What?” A sliver of annoyance lodged in his belly.

  The sharp whack of rackets meeting tennis balls and the squeak of shoes on the hardcourt surface provided a backdrop of sound.

  “You’re keeping it casual, yeah? You know the unspoken rule. A sugar baby’s only useful until the sugar melts. After that, it’s, ‘adios, señorita.’” Kent smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  Zander mentally crushed the outburst at the back of his throat. “Oh, sure. Casual all the way.” He waved his hand in the air. “We’re having fun, that’s all.”

  “Okay,” Kent said, stretching out the word. “Mia probably misinterpreted. She said she thought you were falling too hard and fast. I’d hate to see your heart get shattered, again, Zan. That’s all.”

  Zander’s jaw tensed. “I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this. I even got it written in the contract, like you suggested—no contact after the contract ends.”

  His pace increased as he beelined for the locker room.

  “Right, right. I know,” Kent said, hustling to keep up. “Mia only overheard a conversation you had with your sugar baby yesterday. I meant no disrespect.”

  “Mia needs to mind her own business.” Zander’s positive mood began to sink.

  “Come on, Mia’s a great assistant for you. She’s been a rock while you’ve been recovering.”

  “She has,” Zander said, pulling up short at the men’s room. “Despite me being an asshole at times. But my private life is mine to sort, not yours, hers, or anyone else’s.”

  Kent clapped him on the back. “Look, man, forget I said anything. I know you know your priorities. The sugar baby deal is all fun and games. You’re not going to make the same mistakes you made when you and Trisha split. I know you’re keeping the business front and center.”

  Zander’s breathing increased, thundering in and out of his windpipe. “Do you feel it’s your mission to keep reminding me of the past, Manning? News flash. I live with it every day.”