“You don’t have to like me,” Evan growled. “Just let me make you come.” He tore the bra from her upper body with a strong tug. The lacy garment was delicate, and it gave to his superior strength.

  Yes. Yes. Yes.

  Even as Randi mourned the loss of her favorite bra, she moaned as he freed her breasts from their confinement.

  In one smooth move, Evan slid onto the couch and between her thighs. She yanked him down, gasping as their heated skin collided. It was both torture and bliss. Her nipples grew impossibly harder as they abraded against his muscular chest.

  Wrapping her arms around him, she moved her hands over his shoulders and down his back, touching every inch of bare skin she could find. He felt hot, hard, his skin was like velvet beneath her fingers.

  He grasped her hair and pulled her head back, his lips and tongue trailing boldly over the vulnerable flesh on her neck. “I. Need. This. Too.” His voice was raspy and desperate.

  His words echoed in her mind, and her body ignited as he boldly admitted that he wanted the same thing she did right now, needed it with the same urgency.

  She longed to just let him take the lead, satiate her need, but she had to tell him one thing before she completely lost control.

  “I don’t do oral sex,” she warned him. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t. She actually couldn’t. She’d tried to overcome her fears with a college boyfriend, and it hadn’t been a pleasant experience.

  “Fine,” he answered sharply, sounding like he couldn’t care less what she was willing to give him as he rose to pull off her boots and unbutton her jeans.

  Desperate and panting, she helped him. After kicking her feet out of her jeans, she reached for him again, but he stood and tore off his own denims. Randi sighed as he lowered his boxer shorts in one smooth motion and stepped out of them.

  Backlit by the fire, Evan was gloriously naked and exquisitely made. His cock was long, thick, and so rock-hard that she wanted desperately to have him inside her. She reached out her hand to touch him instinctively, but he grasped her outstretched fingers. “No.” His tone was insistent.

  He moved back between her thighs, draping one of her legs over the couch and placing the other over his shoulder.

  “These match,” he observed, rubbing his thumb over the red silk of her panties.

  “My favorite set,” she panted helplessly, trembling as his finger traced her wet pussy though the material. Her body was ready to incinerate, and he hadn’t even started to fuck her. She moaned as he slid one finger under the elastic and lightly touched her clit. “Oh, God. Evan. Please.” She desperately needed him inside her. Now. “What are you doing?” Why was he waiting?

  “You said you didn’t do oral sex. I was assuming that you were talking about performing it and not receiving it. I hope so, anyway.” He yanked at the panties, and they gave way just like the bra. “Because I really need to taste you, Miranda.” He tossed the panties on the floor as his head dove between her thighs.

  She squealed as he claimed her pussy with one long flick of his tongue, the sensation so incredible that her breath seized as he started to consume her, feasting on her vulnerable flesh like she was his only sustenance. Randi raked her hands through his hair, fisting it hard as her body rocked in crazed response to his lips, teeth, and tongue, all of them working together to drive her crazy.

  Her hips lifted, and she ground her pussy against his mouth, desperate. “Evan. Please.” It was like her body was roaring to life, and it was hungry for more.

  Finally, he centered on her clit, his teeth biting gently at the bundle of nerves, his tongue flicking quickly against the quivering flesh.

  “Yes,” Randi moaned, lost to everything except Evan’s touch.

  The possessive, dominant way he consumed her left her mindless. It was as though he had only one goal in that moment: to make her come. His laser focus on his task and the obvious enjoyment he received from the carnal act was overwhelming. Evan was like a force of nature that was absolutely relentless.

  She climaxed screaming his name, her hips bucking against his hungry mouth as her body trembled with relief.

  Her heartbeat was thundering in her ears as he climbed up her body, her breathing still ragged. “Fuck me, Evan,” she pleaded. While her body was sated of the need to come, she still felt empty. She needed to touch him, watch him experience his own pleasure.

  “I plan on it,” he answered gutturally.

  Randi tried to reach for his engorged cock again, but he pushed her hand away as he grabbed a condom from the floor. He must have removed it from his pocket before he’d torn off his jeans. Now, he rolled it on like a madman.

  “If you touch me, I won’t last,” Evan growled as he lowered his body over hers.

  “I don’t care,” Randi murmured as she wrapped her arms around his neck and stroked the warm, sleek skin on his shoulders. She wrapped her legs around his lower back.

  “Well I sure as hell do,” Evan grumbled as he claimed her with one smooth thrust of his hips. “Jesus, you’re tight,” Evan groaned as he buried himself to the root of his cock.

  “Oh, God.” It had been so long, and Evan was built big. His entry was both pain and ecstasy. Randi could feel his body tense as he waited for her to adjust to his size, staying still as he remained deeply buried inside her. “Don’t wait. Fuck me, Evan.” Her muscles relaxed and let him in. The pain had only lasted a second, and then there was only the fullness of him and the exquisite pleasure of having him deep inside her.

  “Can’t. Wait.” Evan started to move with a tortured groan.

  Randi felt her whole body start to vibrate, and her belly tightened as Evan started to retreat and pounded back into her as though his life depended on it.

  Reality receded and there was only Evan and her as their bodies strained together, Randi feeling like she wanted to crawl inside of him and never come out. His scent surrounded her, intoxicating her. His cock was pummeling her, and his damp flesh was abrading against hers, but it wasn’t enough.

  “Harder,” she pleaded, needing more.

  Her nails scored his back as she tried to get him closer.

  “Fuck! That feels good,” he growled, thrusting himself deeper, harder.

  Carnal desire swept them both into its clutches as their bodies slapped together in a hard, fast, and hot rhythm that had Randi writhing beneath Evan in one big whirlpool of longing.

  “Come for me, Miranda. Come with me,” Evan commanded right before his mouth closed over hers.

  The coil in her stomach unfurled just as Evan’s body began to tense, the feel of his hot mouth invading hers, putting her over the edge. She grasped his tight ass, wanting to hold him inside her as he groaned into her mouth.

  She climaxed in a stormy sea of desire that nearly swept her away; the only thing anchoring her in place was her mesmerized gaze on Evan as he pulled his mouth from hers with a guttural, feral groan. He threw his head back, the cords of the muscles in his neck flexing and tiny beads of perspiration were trickling down his face as he found his own release.

  In that single moment, as one, they splintered apart, and Randi knew she’d never forget exactly how Evan had looked when they did. Consumed by passion, he was a sensual, glorious sight that was worth remembering.

  He only rested his weight on top of her for a moment before he lifted himself from her to get rid of the used condom.

  She missed the feel of him the moment he left her. The scorching heat of his body against hers was sublime, and filled some of the dark, empty places that had resurfaced after her loss.

  He returned even before she’d completely caught her breath, lifting her from the sofa and flopping into a recliner with her on his lap. She snuggled against him, getting drunk on the scent of Evan and sex. They were both damp with exertion, even though the storm was probably still raging outside the walls of his massive home. He stroked her hair like she was special to him, and she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

  Her mind tried to berate her for what had just happened, but she pushed the negative thoughts from her brain. She refused to regret what she’d just done. Evan had filled some of the lonely places inside her, and made her body sing with sensation. She’d never had sex remotely as good as she’d just experienced, and she wasn’t going to hate herself for enjoying it so much with a man she didn’t even really like. Life was too short for those kinds of regrets. She was going to relish exactly what she had right now, right this moment, and to hell with the future.

  “I have a problem,” Evan said remorsefully.

  Randi giggled at his serious tone. She was starting to get used to his somber demeanor. She was starting to think that his personality wasn’t all arrogance, and that he sometimes said things seriously because he never had the opportunity to laugh. “I thought we just took care of your problem.”

  He shook his head. “Not that. Another problem.”

  “What?” she asked curiously, pulling back to look at his face.

  His gaze met hers, and she noticed a slight, endearingly naughty twinkle in his eyes. “I think I’m starting to like you.”

  His tone was morose, but Randi knew he was trying to tease her. His attempt was adorable and sweet, since she knew instinctively that what he was trying to do wasn’t easy for a man like Evan.

  Randi burst out laughing and hugged him to her chest. She sobered and tried to mimic his serious tone, but knew that she failed miserably. “I think I like you, too.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Dear S.,

  I’m sorry I didn’t write earlier, but I lost power at my place. I had to come into town for a day or two until the storm passes. I live about ten miles out of town. I hope you’re safe and warm.

  Dear M.,

  I hope you’re okay. Do you have a friend to stay with in town?

  Dear S.,

  Not really a friend. Actually, I’m staying with the guy I was telling you about, the one you thought I should stay away from. Before you warn me away again, he’s not so bad. In fact, I think I like him. He was kind to me last night and took me into his home. I think maybe I misunderstood him.

  Dear M.,

  Then definitely don’t dump him. Maybe you should try to understand him a little better. And yes, I’m staying very warm. I met someone who helps chase away the cold.

  Randi hesitated as she saw her pen pal’s answer. He met someone? How did she feel about that exactly? She cared a lot about her mysterious S., and she wanted him to be happy. She’d known all along that they’d never meet, and she couldn’t be selfish and wish him to be as miserably alone as she was, just so he could write to her forever.

  Dear S.,

  I’m happy for you. So I guess you won’t be alone on date nights anymore?

  Dear M.,

  Don’t know. It isn’t really date night yet.

  Randi laughed out loud. It was only Monday.

  Dear S.,

  Here’s to hoping you won’t be writing to me on Friday. I hope she’s good enough for you.

  Dear M.,

  She’s way too good for me, actually.

  So what about you? Are you going to be available on date nights in the future?

  Randi sighed and stretched her sore body in the recliner, holding her laptop on her thighs. She’d put some of her muscles into positions the night before that hadn’t been tested that way in years.

  Evan had taken her up to his bed, where they’d explored each other’s bodies at leisure, leaving them both spent when they’d finally fallen asleep.

  She’d woken up this morning to find him gone. After showering, she’d come downstairs looking for her laptop and her clothes. She’d found both, and was now sitting in the recliner she and Evan had shared the night before, talking to her mysterious S. while she waited to see where Evan had gone.

  Wherever he was, he must have taken Lily with him. Her dog was trained to come when called, and Randi had looked everywhere. “Maybe he took her for a walk,” she muttered to herself, still perplexed about where he’d gone.

  Dear S.,

  Inevitably, I’ll be available.

  Dear M.,

  What about your guy? I think you should get to know him better. Maybe you misjudged him initially. You did say he was nice to you.

  Randi hesitated, knowing she couldn’t say much about Evan. Whoever her mysterious letter writer was, he probably worked for the Sinclairs.

  Dear S.,

  He’s just visiting. It’s not really a serious thing.

  Dear M.,

  Maybe it could become more?

  Dear S.,

  Unfortunately . . . no.

  Dear M.,

  Why? I thought you were starting to like him.

  Dear S.,

  Long story. We come from two completely different worlds.

  Dear M.,

  What if he wants more, and he doesn’t care if you’re from separate planets?

  Randi chuckled at his comment.

  Dear S.,

  I don’t think that will become an issue. It’s just a fling for us, a way to get over something that’s been between us for a long time.

  Evan might desire her, and maybe he’d even come to like her, but she wasn’t deluding herself about the possibility of a schoolteacher with her jaded background and a billionaire having any chance at a lasting relationship. Evan would be off to do business again, and she’d go back to her job after the storm was over.

  Dear M.,

  I’m here if you want to talk about it.

  Randi took a deep breath, tempted to tell him everything. But she couldn’t. There was still so much about her personal life that he didn’t know, and his connection to the Sinclairs was uncertain. She might share her emotions with her mystery guy, but there were still some things she didn’t dare write about.

  Dear S.,

  Thanks for always being here for me. It’s always meant a lot. Good luck with continuing to stay warm. I’m off to find my dog. I can’t figure out where she went. We’ll talk soon.

  Randi signed out of her email and off the computer, closing the lid and setting it on the floor. She tried desperately not to feel a pang of regret at the news that S. had a new woman in his life, and obviously one he cared about. While she wanted to be happy for him, she’d come to rely on his friendship, advice, common sense, and compassion in the last year. There had been times that she’d felt connected to him by something even deeper than friendship, but she had no idea exactly what it was. At times, it was almost as if they were kindred spirits, understanding each other on a level a little different than friendship. Unfortunately, she’d probably never know.

  She had wanted to meet him, but a streetwise woman with her background had more sense than to believe that meeting a stranger she knew only by email could be anything other than dangerous. In fact, it could end up being a disaster of epic proportions if they didn’t connect well in person. They’d both lose a friendship that they’d come to depend on in the last year.

  “Oh well, it doesn’t matter anymore. He has his woman now,” she whispered quietly to herself, hoping the unknown female realized what a wonderful guy she had. If she didn’t, Randi would kick the crap out of the unknown female herself. She might have never met him face-to-face, but he’d spent enough lonely nights with her, comforting her after she lost Joan, that she knew he had an enormous heart.

  Randi yawned as she rose from the chair.

  I need coffee. Bad.

  She wandered through the massive house, searching for the kitchen, noting that although the house and furnishings were beautiful, they seemed . . . unused, cold. It was likely because it was rarely used, and there wasn’t really a personal feel to the residence.

  Wondering if she should continue to search for Lily, she was surprised when Evan came through a door in the kitchen that she hadn’t seen before. Lily was right behind him.

  “Hey, sweet girl,” Randi crooned, squatting down to let Lily give her morning doggie kisses. She cuddled the enthusiastic dog as she looked up at Evan. “Good morning,” she said cautiously, flushing as she remembered all that had happened between them the night before.

  “It’s much better than good now,” Evan remarked huskily, his eyes devouring her.

  Randi acknowledged that Evan looked as hot in casual clothing as he did in a suit and tie. Even though he was dressed in another pair of butt-hugging jeans and a green sweater, he still exuded power. It was an aura he carried with him no matter how he was dressed.

  “I was worried about Lily,” Randi told him as she stroked the dog’s golden fur. “I didn’t know she had turned traitor on me. I thought you didn’t like dogs.”

  Honestly, she trusted her dog’s judgment, and apparently Lily had weighed in on Evan’s side. Her canine was looking back and forth between them, her glances at both of them completely adoring.

  “I never said I didn’t like dogs. Just that I never had one. She’s nice. I took her outside to use the facilities,” Evan said properly. “And then she followed me downstairs to my office.”

  Lily licked her cheek one last time before Randi stood up.

  “Why does she do that licking thing? I fed her, but she was still doing the same thing after I gave her some food. I thought maybe she was hungry, but I guess not.” He looked honestly perplexed.

  Randi laughed. “She’s showing affection. She likes you.”

  She found the coffeemaker and the individual capsules to put inside of the machine. She popped one in, closed the lid, and touched the button to brew after finding and placing a mug underneath the spout.

  “Does her owner still like me today, too?” Evan asked carefully, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.