Letting Go Read online

  I let him pull me to his side as his arm wrapped around me. I didn’t have the energy to fight him off and I couldn’t explain the overwhelming tug at my heart that told me this was where I belonged. I didn’t know this man and I never expected to see him again. Call it fate, destiny, whatever you want. At that moment every trivial thing telling me to run from him seemed to fall away.

  

  I was vaguely aware of elevator doors opening and realized he was carrying me. Did I fall asleep? I reached up and touched his face as the elevator doors closed. He looked at me with the promise of a million stars in his eyes. “How, what…?”

  He gently whispered, “In due time, Cassidy.” His response was to a question I wasn’t asking. He punched a few buttons on the panel and the elevator started moving.

  He leaned down and placed his forehead on mine. I closed my eyes and lifted my chin, welcoming his kiss. It was soft and tentative, almost seeking permission to possess me. I ran my hands over the stubble beginning to form on his cheeks and pulled him closer. He accepted my invitation and his tongue assaulted my mouth. A hint of liquor was on his breath and had me wanting to taste more of him. My entire being was vibrating with need. He released his hold on my legs and I slid ever so slowly down his body as he held me up against him, my feet barely touching the floor.

  Our tongues continued dueling and exchanging blows. He traced my upper lip then greedily sucked on my tongue before pulling my lower lip between his teeth. Aphrodite herself must’ve taught him to kiss. He ruined me; no other kiss had ever compared and never would. I moaned my appreciation into his mouth. Before I was aware of it, he had pivoted and I was now up against the back wall of the elevator. I ran my hands up to the back of his head and wrapped his hair around and through my fingers. He growled in approval.

  The elevator stopped and alerted us that we had reached our destination. With the speed of a bullet he pulled Stop on the panel and we were suspended in air. James pulled me to him and removed his jacket from my arms, throwing it aside. I noticed that his tie was already undone and hanging around his neck. The top few buttons of his shirt were open and my hands were itching to touch his chest. I could see the muscles in his neck tensing as he lowered his mouth to my jaw and kissed a path to my ear. His hot breath on my earlobe had me reeling.

  I grabbed his arms, desperate for something to hold onto. His mouth traveled along my exposed collar bone as my chest began heaving. His hands were now encircling my waist. I wasn’t used to a man making me feel small and being able to easily overpower me the way he did. I loved it. Even through the layers of my dress I could feel his arousal against my lower abdomen. I gently swiveled my hips which immediately caused him to curse.

  “Cassidy?” He pulled back and gazed into my eyes, looking like a starving man in front of a buffet.

  It was a question and I answered him. “Don’t stop, please,” I begged him.

  “I don’t want to do anything you’re not prepared for. If you ask me to stop, I won’t lay a hand on you.”

  I was panting but managed to breathe out, “But I want your hands all over me.”

  He smiled that devilish smile and pounced on his meal. We were nose to nose winded like a couple of marathon runners.

  “Those eyes have haunted me for months.”

  His hands cradled my face while his thumbs traced my cheekbones. I was shaking as he wrapped his hands around my neck and feathered them down my shoulders and to my arms. He intertwined his fingers with mine and slowly raised our joined arms above my head. “Don’t move.” He pulled away and stood to his full height. “That dress is exquisite, like it was made for you.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle and his eyes immediately questioned me. “It’s a rental.” He was amused and tilted his head at me. I really need to learn how to keep my mouth shut.

  Finally, he spoke, “We can fix that.”

  Before I had a second to question him he attacked my mouth once more. He then lowered himself so that he was kissing the top of my chest. He wedged his leg between mine and I shifted slightly eager for the pressure of his thigh against my pussy. Damn that dress and all its layers. He knew just what I needed. His hands pulled down on my shoulders so that I was rocking back and forth on his thigh as his groin pressed into my hip. I was humping his thigh like a horny teenager and it was miraculous.

  Before I could object, he spun me around to face the elevator wall. The cool steel against my cheek was a sharp contrast to how hot I was feeling. My hands lowered to my sides.

  His hands were on mine again and he guided them up once more, “You make me want to lose control. I told you not to move.” I had never been so turned on in my life. One more touch from him and I was likely to explode.

  He buried his head in the back of my neck. I let my head fall back to him and his mouth was there, waiting for me. I felt his hand in my hair while the other traveled down my side. His hands were like liquid fire on ice and soon all that would be left of me was a puddle on the floor. He started pulling pins out of my hair while running the other hand along my side and under my breasts. I was trembling with a need I didn’t know existed. Once he had all the pins out of my hair he circled my hair around his wrist and pulled back before massaging my scalp.

  “Oh, God.”

  “You can call me James, though God is nice, too,” he panted in my ear.

  I let out a chuckle that was immediately silenced when he bit the curve of my neck. He was still massaging my scalp while his other hand moved down my stomach to my hips. He hit along the inner curve of my hip and I bucked against his arousal. His hand abandoned my scalp and joined the other on my hips as they started trailing down to my thighs. I pressed my thighs tightly together seeking some form of relief as he pressed harder against me. There was nowhere for me to go—pinned between him and the elevator wall—and I was grateful.

  His left hand spanned across the space between my hips while his right hand vanished under my dress gaining access to my body. My pussy was a pool of want in my satin panties. Ever so slowly, he trailed his hand back up my leg to my panties. I felt his knee behind me, nudging my legs apart, and I happily obliged. His thumb brushed against my mound while his fingers dug into my thigh. I could already feel the inevitable spiral of my release looming and I took in a sharp breath. He continued massaging my mound, causing my womb to tremble, while running his hand back down my quivering thigh to my knee. He left a sizzling trail of desire behind his fingers. He then skimmed across the back of my knee and it took all of my being not to break out into giggles. My breathing quickened and he instantly heard my body’s confession.

  “Ticklish are we? Just here or are there other places?”

  I simply nodded, unable to form words, and I could feel his smile on my neck. His hand continued to travel the expanse of my leg. Before I knew it, my dress was hiked up around my waist and pulled to the side as he pressed his cock against my rear. Why must he be clothed? I want him naked, now! Every muscle in my body was flexed. I was going to be sore tomorrow and it would be sweet misery.

  His hand possessed my soaking center as he cupped my aching sex while his other hand spread across my breastbone. My entire being tensed even more and I ground into his fingers greedily.

  “You’re wearing satin, I love satin. You’re so wet for me Cassidy. I’m wet for you, too. Do you feel that? My cock is so hungry for you.”

  His tongue glided across my exposed shoulder blades with the precision of a surgeon’s blade. My head was tossing from side to side. I couldn’t take much more of this, and the way he talked to me was making me lose control. I was immediately aware of what I had been missing all these years. His hand moved up to circle my neck.

  “Don’t hold out on me Cassidy. Just let go.”

  His fingers found their way inside my panties as a shiver ran up my spine. His long fingers ran over my lips to find me wide open and waiting for him. He slid his middle finger inside my trembling core while applying pressure to my pulsating nub,
and so began his expert assault. I let out a scream and jolted back against him. I couldn’t get close enough to him.

  “James, oh God.”

  I threw my arms behind me desperate for him, grabbing the first thing I came into contact with; it was his hair and I pulled it. He continued biting, sucking and kissing my shoulder, neck and my ear. He was grinding into my behind vigorously and I was like a knotted rope ready to unravel. In and out, in and out, my hips met every thrust of his hand.

  “More, James, give me more,” I mewled.

  He knew exactly what I needed without asking further and added a second finger. “Fuck, Cassidy, you’re so tight. I can’t wait to bury myself in you.”

  I didn’t want this to end—ever—but my body was racing to the top of the hill so fast and I couldn’t stop it. It was only a matter of seconds before I fell down and tumbled over the edge. My entire being fell apart panting his name.

  Chapter Five – Exposed…

  ~ CASSIDY ~

  He carried me over the threshold of the elevator and before I knew it we were at his hotel door. I vaguely recalled him scooping me into his arms and nuzzling my neck; I was way beyond spent. The day had caught up to me full force and I was still feeling the tremors of my previous orgasm reverberate through me.

  “My key is in my breast pocket,” he breathed into my ear.

  His voice pulled me from my trance and the realization of what just happened hit me. He saw the alarm in my eyes as I took in my surroundings; I must have looked like a deer caught in headlights. He probably thought I was a complete tease since I was the only one who got off. Of course, he may have thought I was a slut for so easily succumbing to his advances.

  He stroked my cheek as he said, “Pleasing you was all I wanted. I’m not that guy, Cassidy.” He saw the question in my eyes and elaborated, “I don’t have to take every time I give. That’s not how I work.” I was well aware that things very well may never be the same again.

  We walked into his suite which was almost entirely dark. Setting me down on a stool next to the kitchen island, he went to the fridge and took out two bottles of water, handing me one of them. I took the bottle and started drinking and couldn’t help but feel awkward. I just kind of had sex with a man I hardly knew. And the things he did to me just then in that elevator? No one had ever done that me, not like that anyway. What must he think of me? I was a cheap, wanton hussy. Oh, God. I had to leave.

  “I shouldn’t be here…”

  He moved like lightning. “Cassidy, don’t be embarrassed…” How did he do that? He could read me like a book. “I know I have a lot of explaining to do, but you’re exhausted and you need to rest.” I started chewing my lip and gazed up at him questioningly. He closed the distance between us and placed his hands on my shoulders, gently rubbing up and down. “You can trust me, Cassidy; I’m not going to hurt you. We won’t do anything that you don’t want to do.” His voice was low and breathy.

  Wanting to believe him with every fiber of my being, I hoped beyond hope that my faith in him was well-founded. I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest just as he wrapped me up in his arms and kissed my temple. Several moments later he took my hand and led me to the staircase.

  We reached the top of the stairs and a long hallway lay ahead of us. I was so exhausted I didn’t notice how many rooms and doors there were. Walking us into his room, he turned the lights on low.

  “I’ll get you some more comfortable clothes.” I stood awkwardly by the bed as he walked over to a chest of drawers. “Are you a t-shirt girl?”

  “A t-shirt is fine.” He pulled out a gray t-shirt and walked back to me. I looked up at him as he cupped my cheek and turned my face into his touch, savoring it.

  He pulled away quickly and handed me the t-shirt, “Let me help you. Turn around.”

  I willingly obliged him. He expertly released the clasp on my dress and slowly pulled the zipper down. I heard him inhale sharply and a shudder ran through me.

  “You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?” He was running his fingers over my back where the zipper had fallen open and laid a kiss on each shoulder blade. “Put the shirt over your head, Cassidy, before I go back on my word.”

  I understood his meaning and pulled the shirt over my head. I put my arms through the sleeves of the shirt and placed it down over the dress. The shirt practically hit my knees and I chuckled.

  “It fits you well,” he said sarcastically.

  “Maybe if I was ten!” We both laughed.

  I held on to the dress and turned to face him. He crouched down in front of me and gently pulled the dress down my legs. I lifted one leg, realizing I still had those wretched heels on. They were lovely, but even after over a week of practice I hated them and wanted to burn them.

  I went to lift my other leg out of the dress and lost my balance. He was at a disadvantage, crouched down in front of me. I tumbled forward and took him with me. I found myself lying on top of him, nose to nose, cursing myself and I started to apologize.

  He started laughing at me and I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. At least he was lighthearted. “You really are a klutz, aren’t ya? Are you ok?” His hands ran the expanse of my back while holding on to me.

  I started laughing, too. “I’ll be fine when these damn shoes are off my feet and out of my life!”

  The electricity was building inside me like a dimmer switch being turned to max capacity. Being this close to him was dangerous and we both grew silent. He tucked my hair behind my ear as my heart began hammering against my chest. Just when I thought he would lean in to kiss me, he jumped to his feet, pulling me up with him.

  He guided me to the end of the bed and sat me down. “Let’s get these off of you.” He knelt in front of me and removed my heels. Once both shoes were off he started rubbing my feet and I let out a deep sigh. “Feel good?”

  “You have no idea.”

  His hands worked expertly over the soles of my feet and my Achilles. Abruptly, he jumped up again, walked to the head of the bed and pulled the covers down. He came back to me and held out his hand.

  “Give me a minute.” I excused myself to the bathroom, as my bladder was in desperate need of relief. Finishing up, I washed my hands and gazed in the mirror. Looking like I’d been hit by a train, I had raccoon eyes thanks to the mascara, eyeliner and tears. I cleaned it up as best I could and opened the door.

  I was breathless.

  He had changed his clothes and I missed it. His feet were bare and he’d traded the tuxedo for pajama pants. As I continued to devour him with my eyes I noticed he wore a tank that clung to his well-muscled body. I spotted another tattoo on his upper arm that I couldn’t quite focus on in the low light.

  He pulled me toward the bed and had me lie down before turning out the light. I heard some rustling of clothes while I relaxed. Wondering if he was removing his shirt, I grew excited waiting to find out and tried to seek him out, but the darkness was blinding. It was by far the most comfortable bed I had ever slept in; I was sure being exhausted helped. The sheets felt wonderful against my naked legs. His scent blossoming around my head made me feel tipsy.

  Sensing the weight of his body as he laid down next to me, I waited for his touch when he said, “Goodnight, Cassidy,” but it never came. The man had mad skills when it came to self-control. If only I had the energy, I would’ve pounced on him, but sleep claimed me before I could.

  

  ~ JAMES ~

  It seemed like I laid next to her for hours, just listening to her soft breaths, before sleep took me. I replayed the entire evening in my head more than once; she was absolutely breathtaking that night. I didn’t know how I managed to stay away from her for so long; I was an idiot to wait as long as I did. As the rays of dawn started peeking through the windows I rolled over to gaze at her. I bolted upright; she was gone. “Cassidy!” I jumped out of bed and proceeded to search for her with no luck. “Dammit!”

  

&
nbsp; ~ CASSIDY ~

  I came to before the sun made its arrival. Slowly everything from the night before came back to me. His arm was around me as he cradled me to his chest; the warmth was almost insufferable. I turned my head to find he was dead asleep. Suddenly overcome with panic, I decided I had to get out of there. I slipped out of the hold of his stellar body and got off the bed with ease. I didn’t want to risk waking him so I just grabbed my dress and shoes and made my way out of his room and down the stairs. Finding my purse on the kitchen island, I headed for the door.

  “Cassidy!”

  I nearly screamed I was so startled. Still trying to remain quiet, I tip-toed to the door and slipped through as stealthily as I could, just to have it slam behind me. Wearing nothing but his t-shirt and carrying my dress, shoes and purse, I ran down the hall as fast as I could. It took me a second of fumbling with my keys, but I finally got into my room. My door closed and I swore I heard another, “Cassidy!” booming down the hall.

  “Shit, shit, shit.” Why was I running from him?

  I threw my dress and shoes to the floor and sank down the door. My knees were pulled to my chest while I rested my head on them and I felt my door shake like there was a gorilla pounding on it. Bang, bang, bang! My entire body vibrated from the force of him hitting the door.

  “Cassidy, I know you’re in there. Please open up.”

  I pushed myself up the door and sighed. I didn’t know what to say to him. “Go away!”

  “Cassidy Charles, open this door! You can’t run from me forever.”

  “Yes I can!” This was ridiculous. We were acting like twelve year olds.

  “Don’t make me call hotel security! You let me in or I’ll let myself in.”

  He wouldn’t dare, would he? I decided to face him. I opened the door yelling at him, “You wouldn’t!”

  He was on me instantly. I didn’t even have a moment to take in his appearance. His arms were around my back as he lifted me off the floor. As I clung to him he walked us over to the kitchen before setting me on the island.