Mr. Hotness Read online

  “Wait! What?” He wanted her to keep talking. He couldn’t understand how anyone would disown someone like Naia.

  “Yeah, they’re from the old country and very traditional. When Alaia—my sister—told my parents she was going to be a single mom, they flipped.” She sighed and stood silent for a moment, her entire body wound tight under his touch. “Our father couldn’t accept what she’d done and never spoke to her again. Ama never goes against his decisions. Alaia regretted the break, but she couldn’t give up Megan. In their eyes, she’d betrayed them.”

  Her body shuddered. In the reflection of the window, he could see tears trickling down her cheeks. He turned her around and cupped her face.

  “Hey—”

  She shook her head and stared at the floor. Her shoulders rose and fell as the tears slipped down her cheeks. She took a deep breath, swiped at the tears, and gave him a watery smile. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

  “Because I’m here? And you needed to get it out?”

  She shrugged.

  “Didn’t your father forgive her upon her death? And how did you end up being disowned, too?”

  She shook her head. “No. He never knew I’d sided with my sister until her death when I became Megan’s guardian. He ordered me from the house when he found out, refusing to even see his granddaughter. I begged him to change his mind, but he wouldn’t listen. I’d always thought he hadn’t seen Megan because he didn’t want to see my sister and she refused to allow her daughter alone with them. But it wasn’t that. To be angry with his grown daughter? That I could understand, but to extend it to an innocent child—well, I vowed never to contact him again. If he wanted to see us, he’d have to apologize. Only because he faced his own mortality and he wanted to die ‘free of guilt’ did he forgive her and me.”

  There was no bitterness in her voice, only sad acceptance.

  “How long did you raise her on your own?”

  “Four years. She didn’t meet her grandparents until after her sixth birthday.”

  “Do you regret it—being disowned?”

  “Oh, no.” A radiance lit her face as love washed away the tears. “She’s the joy of my life. My sister’s never truly gone while I have Megan.” She looked him in the eye. “You should meet her.”

  Her sheer beauty sliced through him, and he inhaled deeply. “I’d like that.” And he meant it. He should be surprised, but he wasn’t. The more he learned about this woman, the more he wanted to be with her. “If she’s anything like you, I’m sure I’ll like her.”

  She raised an eyebrow and grinned, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Now, where’d I leave off before all of that”—she waved dismissingly—“happened. Oh, yes, I remember now.” She rubbed against him, and he groaned, stepping away from her.

  “Woman, if you don’t stop, I’ll take you against this glass.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Promise?” Her voice rasped across his nerve endings.

  Someone coughed behind them, and they jumped apart.

  “Um….” an amused voice said, “I rang the doorbell. When no one answered.... I’ll just leave your dinner on the counter if that’s okay.”

  Joe turned, blocking the bellhop’s view of Naia, and said, “Sure. That sounds good. Thank you.”

  When the server retreated and the elevator doors slid closed, he shook his head and laughed. As if they had anything to be ashamed of. She giggled behind him and swatted his butt. Spinning, he reached for her, but she dodged to the left and sprinted around the couch.

  He strode toward her. “You know you can’t escape me, right?”

  She laughed. “That’s what you think.”

  He lunged over the couch and caught hold of her robe. She shimmied out of it and let it drop to the floor. His brain froze for a second, and she darted off. Laughter trailed in her wake. He leapt over the couch and gave chase.

  She raced into the bedroom, putting the bed between them. He had her trapped.

  “What are you going to do now?” he asked as he closed in.

  Without a word, she leapt onto the bed and ran. He lunged and grabbed her ankle. She fell, hanging half off, half on the bed. He flipped her over and dragged her back toward him. Instead of struggling, she grinned at him and let him pull her under him. He captured her hands and pinned them above her head. She wiggled underneath him and nipped at his chin. Her chest rose and fell in rhythm with her breathing. And those breasts….

  He leaned forward and sucked a nipple into his mouth. She moaned, arching toward him.

  Panting, she said, “You have too much on.”

  Ignoring her, he drew the other nipple into his mouth. She moaned and writhed under him.

  “Please.”

  He pulled the condom out of his pocket, dropped his pants around his bare feet, ripped the package open, slipped the condom on, and slid into her.

  “Oh God,” he groaned.

  Her heat engulfed him, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him tight. He pistoned his hips, increasing the tempo until she cried out and orgasmed around him. Her orgasm sent him over the edge. With a shout, he came and collapsed on top of her. Worried he’d crush her, he withdrew and rolled off of her.

  “We need to eat,” he said, but he just lay there, staring at the ceiling.

  She smiled, but her eyelids drooped. “We do.”

  “I’ll clean up and meet you in the other room.”

  She nodded, not moving. Forcing himself to get up, he rolled over and headed to the bathroom. When he came out, she still lay in the same position. Her eyes were closed, her face in repose, and her chest rose and fell in the deep cadence of sleep. A soft snore escaped her lips. Contentment filled him.

  Rolling his shoulders, he yawned and padded into the other room. He poured himself a glass of ice water and drained it. Pouring a glass for her and another for himself, he returned to the bedroom where he put them on the nightstand. Food could wait.

  Stripping, he gently adjusted her to lie lengthwise on the bed, pulled the covers up, and curled around her. Another yawn overtook him, and he closed his eyes.

  Chapter Nine

  Early morning light filtered in through the windows. Naia’s stomach grumbled, reminding her of the missed dinner. A heavy, muscled arm pinned her to the bed, though. With a quick glance behind her to ensure he still slept, she eased out from under his arm and slid out of bed. Cool air caressed her bare skin, and she shivered. She snagged her robe off the floor and padded into the other room.

  Next to the counter, the cart with their dinner stood. She crossed to it, lifted a lid, and crinkled her nose in distaste. Cold fries and a medium rare hamburger left out overnight spelled food poisoning. Setting the lid back down, she turned and spotted the strawberries next to the room-temperature champagne, melted whipped cream, and the hardened chocolate.

  Her stomach gurgled at the sight of edible food, and she hurried to the table next to the window and picked up a strawberry, sinking her teeth into the ripe, red berry. Tangy, sweet juice exploded in her mouth, and her eyes closed of their own accord. God, that was good. Sitting at the table, she ate berry after berry and admired the city awash in the early morning desert sun. She reached into the bowl for another one, but came up empty.

  Oops! Joe hadn’t gotten even one.

  At the thought of Joe, she smiled. Hot, amazing in bed, and a good listener. A triple threat, as Liz would call him. She never talked about what had transpired with her sister. Only Liz knew…until last night.

  Why had she told him? Because it had been time to let it all go. Or maybe because he seemed to care. Or maybe because she liked him…a lot.

  Leaning her head against the chair, she closed her eyes and sighed. She had too much going on in her life for a man. Despite what Megan and Liz thought, she enjoyed being alone.

  Didn’t she?

  Part of her yearned for what Liz had with Brandon. Maybe Joe could be her Brandon.

&nb
sp; “Hey.”

  She jumped at the sound of his voice and opened her eyes.

  He looked down at her, a twinkle in his eyes. “I see you ate all of the strawberries.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “Uh, yeah. I’m sorry. They were so good and….”

  He chuckled. “It’s okay. I need more than fruit anyway after last night.” He crossed the room, his loose boxers leaving little to the imagination, and grabbed the menu. Returning, he sat down next to her. “The American Breakfast looks good. Two eggs, bacon, and toast with some orange juice.”

  She looked over his shoulder. “Eggs Benedict with avocado instead of Canadian bacon. That sounds really good.” Her stomach grumbled.

  He grinned at her. “I think your stomach agrees. Why don’t we order breakfast and shower while we wait for it to come?”

  A tremor of desire snaked down her spine, and she shivered. When she opened her mouth to speak, it came out in a breathy purr. “Do you think we have time?”

  His eyelids drooped to half-mast, and lust replaced the twinkle in his eyes. “It can be long or short. It’s up to you.”

  She grabbed his hand and said, “Lo—”

  His kiss interrupted her. Her nipples pebbled, and she pressed herself against him. Her stomach grumbled, and his answered. They broke apart, laughing.

  “Apparently, we need to eat,” he said.

  Rather than shower, they called down to order food and cuddled on the couch in companionable silence while they waited for breakfast to arrive. Naia hadn’t snuggled with a man since Mason. She frowned. Mason. His betrayal had scarred her, but coming on this one-night stand had liberated her. The pain of his betrayal faded within Joe’s arms.

  She smiled and snuggled deeper, yawning. He rubbed her arm and kissed the top of her head. Having Joe’s arm around her shoulders, her head on his shoulder just felt right. Her fear of seeing him again, of the night becoming more than sex was melting away. Although she hadn’t dated much, if at all, she dealt with men all of the time. This man was special. How his fiancée could leave him to find herself baffled Naia. Lucky for Naia, the woman had.

  Megan would approve.

  “What’re you thinking?”

  Naia flushed. Should she tell him? Hedging, she said, “What are you thinking?”

  A chuckle rumbled through his chest. “I was thinking I’d like to date you. I’ve wanted to date you since I first saw you.”

  She leaned away to see his face. “Why?”

  “Initially, because you’re stunning.”

  “So, I’m just a pretty face to you, huh?” She raised an eyebrow and grinned.

  “And an amazing body. When I discovered you’re insatiable, that clinched it for me.” He caught her hand and winked.

  She snorted, but a niggling of fear reared its ugly head. What if he betrayed her like Mason had? “What if you get tired of me and turn to someone else?”

  The words just slipped out, and she cringed.

  The laughter fled his eyes as he regarded her.

  “I can’t imagine ever getting tired of you. You’re a beautiful, smart woman, Naia. That kid in college was stupid. I’m not that kid. Can I promise forever?” He shrugged. “I don’t know. I think we need more time together.” He paused. “Give me at least until the end of the weekend.”

  Her heart sped up even as warmth suffused her. Did he mean it? “You’re kidding, right?”

  Again, he shrugged. “Yes and no. I do know I want to spend time with you, get to know you better, date you, hold you in my arms, make love to you, and wake up in the morning with you there. I haven’t wanted that since Cynthia left on her adventure. Heck, I don’t even know if I wanted that with her. I don’t know what it means, but I’d like a chance to find out.”

  “I—”

  The doorbell dinged, and a voice through an intercom said, “Room service,” before the elevator door slid open.

  A server pushed in a cart and lifted a couple of lids before looking up at them. “Your American Breakfast and Eggs Benedict with avocado.”

  The scent of food tickled her nose, and her stomach responded.

  “That’s us,” Joe said.

  “Where’d you like them?”

  “The counter’s fine.”

  The server set them on the counter along with silverware and napkins. “Are you done with these?” He motioned to the plates from the previous night.

  “Yes, thank you,” Naia said.

  “Can I get you anything else?” he asked.

  She smiled. “No. Thanks.”

  He turned to go.

  “Wait,” she said and rushed into the bedroom, returning with a tip. “Here.” She handed him a ten.

  Without another word, he gathered up the two plates and left.

  She stared at the food, wondering if the Eggs Benedict would fill the gaping maw passing for her stomach. Joe closed the gap between them. Her stomach grumbled and churned in protest that she wasn’t eating. Joe’s answered hers. They grinned at each other, carried the plates to the table by the window, sat, and dug in.

  Chapter Ten

  They rode to the airport in companionable silence, his arm draped over her shoulders. The date had ended too quickly, but the weekend was young yet.

  “What are you doing tomorrow?” Joe asked.

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. With Megan gone, I’ll probably work. I have some projects I need to finish up and—” She pulled her phone out of her pocket and looked at it.

  His shoulders tensed, and he took a deep breath. People answering phones on dates irked him.

  “Excuse me. It’s Megan. I need to take this.”

  He relaxed. Megan was her child, in essence.

  “Hi, Meggy. What’s up…? Uh-huh…. Yes…. Yes, I did.” She glanced at him and licked her lips before looking away. “Um…well…yes, I think so.”

  An excited squeal penetrated the phone line. Joe grinned. Megan was asking about him. What would Naia say?

  “Yes, I do. Honey, I’m not alone…. What? Well….” She paused and turned to him, covering the speaker. “She wants to talk to you. I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

  Their gazes met. A soft vulnerability lurked in hers.

  “Do you want to see me again?”

  She nodded.

  He breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Do you?” she asked.

  “You know I do, but it’s up to you whether you want her to talk to me yet or not.”

  She frowned and nibbled on her lower lip.

  “Aunt Naia? Are you there?” Megan’s youthful voice filled the silence.

  Naia held the phone closer to her ear and said, “Hey, Meggy. Let me go on a few dates with him first before you meet him. Okay…. Yeah, I know…. Yeah, he is…. Sure…. I’ll see you Monday…. Love you…. Bye.” She turned to him. “I promised her I’d take a selfie with you and send it to her. She’s dying to see what you look like.”

  She held the phone above them. He leaned in and smiled as she snapped a picture. She typed, Me and Mr. Hotness and hit send.

  He raised his eyebrows. “Mr. Hotness?”

  She giggled. “Yeah. That’s how I think of you.”

  Pleasure cascaded through him. “Really?”

  “Uh-huh. The moment I saw you, I dubbed you Mr. Hotness.”

  “Hm.” He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “I like that nickname.”

  She shivered. His lips closed over hers, but her phone buzzed again.

  Wow. Mr. Hotness is perfect name. luv u. Followed by hearts and funny emoticons.

  Love you, too. See you soon. Have fun.

  u 2. Lips filled the screen.

  Joe smiled. Megan seemed like a sweet kid.

  “You’re lucky,” he said.

  “Yeah.”

  “So, what are you doing for the rest of the weekend again?” he asked.

  She looked at him and grinned. “I think I’m going t
o be spending it with Mr. Hotness.”

  He leaned over and kissed her. He planned on making it many, many more weekends and meeting the fabulous young lady she called “niece.”

  Sign up for the Decadent Publishing Newsletter here http://eepurl.com/SQ75f and never miss stories like:

  Saving Me by Bella Juarez

  Chapter One

  Angel Rivas held her breath as she picked up the pen and signed her name to the contract for her new clothing line to be featured by the biggest online retailer on the planet. After this initial launch, she’d agreed to create a line for Macy’s and Torrid in six months. She’d never thought there would be anything to compare to the hectic schedule of a high-demand supermodel, but she’d been wrong. Running a business with her mother as her financial officer was overwhelming, and she found it almost impossible to maintain the necessary timetables. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a decent night’s sleep, and getting laid was out of the question at this point. Smiling, she set down the pen, camera shutters snapping as flashes went off all around her. As she and the CEO shook hands, the press shouted questions at her.

  God, how she wanted a damn day off.

  After changing from her business suit into one of her new signature maxi dresses, she slid into the back of the limousine waiting to take her back to the airport. Her phone showed she’d missed nine calls and twelve text messages. While she took out the leather-bound notebook that always traveled with her, she exhaled for the first time in what seemed like days.

  Taking a tablet from the large tote next to her on the seat, she made notes as she went through her messages. Her mother had called four times with business concerns and once suggesting Angel spend a day relaxing at a spa while in New York City. A lovely thought, but she’d never be able to relax with so much to do before the launch. The first samples of the new line were due at her fashion house tomorrow, and the schedule ran way too tight. If something went wrong, she’d need to address it immediately or run late for delivery to her new client.