She cried out when his fingers plucked at her nipples, arousing them to greater sensitivity.

  “Shhh,” he calmed her as he kissed the corner of her mouth.

  He cupped her breasts, plumped them in his hands and slowly lowered his face toward them. Emma caught her breath, desperately wanting what she knew was to come.

  • • •

  Tucker buried his face between Emma’s breasts and drew a long, deep breath. After weeks of waiting, he finally had his hands on her again. She’d been consciously avoiding him since the night they’d had sex in her apartment. Their chance encounters had dwindled to almost nothing. He never would have seen her at all if he hadn’t lived directly across the hall.

  He’d missed her more than he’d ever imagined he could. His bed had been empty and lonely. If he couldn’t have Emma, he didn’t want any woman.

  But she was here with him now, trapped in the elevator, and he planned to make the most of his opportunity. He nuzzled the undersides of both breasts before leisurely tracing a path around each swollen nipple. Her whimper made his balls clench.

  He’d sensed Emma waffling and had been afraid she wouldn’t let him touch her. He’d have respected her wishes, even though it might have killed him. But as it always was when they were together, the chemistry between them sizzled.

  He knew she wanted him. There was no way to hide her physical reactions—the dilation of her pupils or the way her breath caught in her throat—the way she looked at him when she didn’t think he was watching, with a deep sensual hunger—or the way she licked her lips, like she could taste him.

  They’d both been lonely and sexually frustrated for too long. Being alone together in the elevator was akin to lighting a match next to a stick of dynamite. It could explode at any second.

  Damn she was gorgeous with the dim light flickering over her pale flesh. His swollen cock was making his jeans uncomfortably tight, but he wasn’t going to rush things. That’s what had gotten him in trouble the last time. No, this was all about Emma, about bringing her pleasure and making her come.

  She dragged her fingers through his hair and guided his head toward one of her taut nipples. “Take it in your mouth.” Her voice was low and husky, seductive in the dark elevator.

  Pleased by her sensual demand, he closed his mouth over the nipple and sucked. Emma released her breath in a long hiss. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered when he released her breast.

  “No,” she wailed, and tried to tug him back. Tucker placed a soft kiss on her nipple before moving to the other one. He could sense her relief. She was wound even tighter than he was, and that was saying something.

  As he continued to use his lips and tongue to tease and torment her breasts, he slid his hands down her torso, shaping her waist and hips. Emma had serious curves. He explored her through her clothing, loving the womanly flow of her body, but he wanted to touch bare skin.

  She moaned and ran her hands over his shoulders and biceps, stroked his chest. He really wanted her hands on his dick. That would come later if things worked out as he hoped.

  He curled his fingers into the fabric of her skirt, inching it up until it was bunched around her waist. He anchored the skirt with one hand and skimmed the inside of her thigh with the other.

  There was no way he could do everything he wanted to, not with her touching him. He was close to losing control and he couldn’t let that happen.

  Tucker dragged the flat of his tongue over her pert nipple before he raised his head from her breast. He straightened so his mouth hovered over hers once again. “You have to help me,” he whispered as he nibbled on her lips.

  She blinked at him. He could see both curiosity and desire in her eyes. “How?”

  He peeled her hands from his shoulders, brought them down by her sides and wrapped them over the handrail that was attached to the wall of the elevator. “Hold on tight.”

  Emma clutched the metal until her knuckles turned white. Tucker grabbed the ends of her skirt and tucked it in the waistband. As much as he wanted her naked, he knew that wasn’t going to happen. He was very cognizant of the fact they were in a public elevator. Thankfully it was old enough not to have surveillance cameras, and the owners were too frugal to bother installing them.

  When he was satisfied her skirt was securely anchored, he knelt down and hooked his fingers in the waistband of her panties. Ever so slowly, he tugged them down her hips and legs. It was like unwrapping a present, one he’d been anticipating for weeks. When they were around her ankles, he carefully lifted one foot at a time and slipped her panties off.

  Fuck, she looked hot naked from the waist up with her skirt bunched around her waist. She was still wearing her high heels and those thigh-high stockings. They were a hell of a lot sexier than pantyhose could ever be. He encircled one slender ankle in his hand and slid one of her feet sideways until her legs were several feet apart.

  Determination filled him. He’d give her so much pleasure she wouldn’t even think about running from him again.

  • • •

  Emma looked down at herself. Her breasts were heavy, her nipples fully erect and begging for Tucker’s touch. Her shoes and stockings were still in place, but with her skirt raised and her panties gone, she was totally exposed to him.

  What was she doing? She was almost totally naked in an elevator with Tucker. Panic threatened to reassert itself, overriding the sensual pleasure that had smothered her common sense. She felt exposed and vulnerable and moved to cover herself.

  “No,” he quickly admonished her. “It’s just you and me. No need to hide.” Tucker tugged her hands away from her breasts and placed them back on the railing. He covered them with his own, much larger ones. “Keep them here or I can’t pleasure you.”

  It surprised her how arousing she found the thought of being captive to Tucker’s sexual whims. Desire flooded through her veins. Her pussy clenched with hunger, and her nipples throbbed in anticipation. She nodded.

  Sitting back on his heels, Tucker stared up at her and a slow, easy smile crossed his face. “Remember, if you move, I’ll stop. It’s up to you.”

  Starting at her ankles, he explored her entire body. His rough hands left goose bumps on her skin as he skimmed them over her heated flesh. He stroked up her calves and thighs before covering both cheeks of her behind and squeezing. “You’ve got a great ass.”

  Emma didn’t know what to say, but thankfully he didn’t seem to expect a reply. The metal railing dug into her palms and fingers as her grip tightened. Her legs were shaky and she needed the support.

  Tucker continued his exploration, his fingers skimming her rib cage, her sides and her waist. He touched her everywhere except where she desperately wanted to be touched. She squeezed the railing in frustration as his hand skimmed beneath her breasts and then trailed lightly down her stomach and thighs.

  “Tucker,” she cried.

  “What, honey?” Leaning forward, he ran his tongue up the inside of her thigh, licking off the moisture that trickled from her core. “Tell me what you want.”

  “Touch me.”

  “Here?” Slowly, he trailed his fingers through her damp curls, just grazing her clit.

  “Yes,” she hissed and thrust her hips forward.

  “You’re so wet.” He stroked several fingers over the swollen folds of her sex and held them up to her mouth. “Taste how good you are.”

  Tucker’s fingers lightly traced her lips until she opened them. Slipping them inside, he moved them slowly in and out of her mouth. “Suck them. Hard.”

  She licked at his fingers, tasting her essence on her lips.

  “Damn, I wish that was my cock in your mouth.”

  She sucked harder as his words made her hotter. She tried to close her legs to help ease the throbbing ache, but he quickly put a stop to it. The minute she moved, he pulled his fingers from her mouth and sat back on his heels.

  She couldn’t believe he would leave her like this. His smile was filled with gentle understanding and implacable determination. It would be his way or no way. “It’s up to you,” he reminded her.

  Emma licked her lips, needing his hands and mouth on her, needing him to pleasure her. The past two months had been interminable. She’d spent too many nights lying awake imagining Tucker touching her.

  She could either do things his way or not at all. The heel of her shoe scraped along the floor of the elevator as she moved it back to its original position.

  When he continued to crouch in front of her, she flexed her hips, thrusting her mound toward him. Tucker made a sound of approval, reached up and gently pinched her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. Caught off guard by the unexpected caress, she cried out, her entire body clenching with pleasure.

  “Doesn’t that feel good?”

  She nodded, unable to speak. Tucker pinched the taut nubs again before reaching into the pocket of his jeans and bringing out two little strings of shimmering stones with a loop at the top. “Do you know what these are?”

  Emma shook her head, unable to take her eyes off the sparkly gems.

  “I bought them for you several weeks ago and I’ve been carrying them around with me.” Lifting one of the little strings to her nipple, he slipped the loop over the turgid nub and tightened it. The slight pinch sent a blast of heat rocketing from her breasts to between her thighs.

  “It’s called a nipple dangle. It will help keep your nipple aroused, giving you more pleasure.” Tucker secured the second one in place. She was expecting the pinch this time but it didn’t stop her body from responding. Her core clenched as heat flooded her.

  Emma glanced down, enthralled by the wanton picture she made standing there. Although the strings of stones weren’t overly heavy, the slight pressure from them combined with the pinch from the loop was extremely arousing. She never would have tried something this daring on her own.

  Reaching out, Tucker flicked one of the dangle of stones with his index finger, making them sway. Arousal shot through her and she cried out. Her inner muscles clenched hard.

  Tucker settled himself between her legs again and traced her slick folds. Emma clenched her teeth to keep from crying out. He leaned forward and flicked his tongue against her clit. At the same time, he slid one thick finger deep inside her.

  “Tucker!” she cried, half afraid he’d stop and half afraid he wouldn’t. It was too much, too intense, but she wanted more.

  “Tell me what you want,” he urged her as he continued to thrust his finger in and out of her tight channel.

  “More,” she panted.

  He slid another finger inside her, stretching her even further as he caught her clit between his teeth and held it captive while he flicked it with his tongue.

  She leaned back, causing the small strings of stone attached to her nipples to swing. Thought was totally beyond her. She was drowning in the sensations of desire swamping her.

  “Reach for it, honey,” he encouraged. He nipped at the inside of her thigh as his thumb pressed hard on her clit.

  Emma tossed aside all thought of control and let herself go. When he plunged his fingers deep once again, she shattered. Convulsions shook her entire body. Her inner muscles clenched around Tucker’s fingers as he continued to pump them in and out. Clutching the railing for support, she screamed as waves of pleasure swept her away. It was even more intense than she remembered, more than she’d ever imagined it could be, more powerful and overwhelming.

  Sobbing at the physical and emotional overload, Emma’s knees gave out. Tucker caught her, pulled her onto his lap and cuddled her close to his chest. When he wrapped his arms around her, she felt the pounding of his heart against his chest. Exhausted, she rested her head on his shoulder. He began to rock her gently in his embrace.

  Emma slid her arms around his neck. Both their bodies were slick with perspiration and her breasts slid against his torso. Moaning, she buried her face against his shoulder and kissed him. He tasted salty and male and absolutely delicious. She shivered when her sex clenched hard in response.

  Her knees were spread wide as she faced him and she clamped her thighs tight around his waist for stability. The hardness of his erection was pressed firmly against her still-pulsing mound.

  Tucker’s breathing grew more ragged and his arms constricted until she could hardly breathe. She had to get hold of herself. Emma inhaled slowly and then exhaled.

  Tucker finally loosened his grip and caught her chin in his hand. Tipping her face up so that he could see her, he kissed the tearstains on her cheeks.

  “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” The look on his face was one she’d never seen before. Tenderness, lust, possessiveness, and something she couldn’t quite name were all displayed for her to see.

  He opened his mouth to speak again, but the world suddenly exploded in a flash of light.

  Chapter Six

  Emma flinched when the bright light hit her eyes. Tucker brought his hand up to cover her face even as he began to swear. The reality of the situation hit her like a slap in the face. What had she done?

  Scrambling to her feet, she tugged her skirt down to cover herself and snatched her jacket off the floor. The elevator lurched suddenly and began to move upward. She stuffed her arms into her jacket and managed to secure two buttons with her shaking fingers. Just in time, too. The bell dinged, signaling their floor.

  Emma scooped her silk camisole and panties off the floor and stuffed them into her jacket pocket before seizing her purse and holding it like a protective shield against her body.

  Tucker plucked his shirts off the floor and slung them casually over his shoulder. For some reason, that little gesture made her blood boil. He didn’t have a hair out of place and looked casually relaxed while she felt hot, sticky, and totally emotional. She didn’t know whether she wanted to kiss him or smack him, so she settled on just glaring at him.

  He cocked his eyebrow questioningly, but she sniffed haughtily and turned away as the door opened. It was just her luck that Mr. Meyers was waiting for them in the hallway, leaning heavily on his cane. He cast them a worried look.

  “Are you kids all right?” The older man wore suspenders, a bow tie and glasses, just as he had every day since she’d moved into the building.

  She reached out to slide open the metal gate, but Tucker beat her to it. She scowled at him before stepping out into the hallway and meeting Mr. Meyers’s anxious gaze. Forcing a smile on her face, she reached out and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. It was sweet of him to be concerned. “We’re perfectly fine.”

  Tucker hovered behind her. “We just got caught in the elevator when the power went.”

  “I was worried. I knew you were in there because Mrs. Jacobs from the first floor called me and told me that she’d seen the two of you getting on the elevator. But I didn’t know how to get the doors open and the building superintendent didn’t answer his phone. I called emergency but they told me to call back in twenty minutes if the power wasn’t back on.” The older man barely paused for a breath as he continued. “Seems there was a bad accident at the intersection of Main and Anderson Avenue when the traffic light went out. And that’s not the only one. The police and fire departments are all busy.”

  Emma felt her smile become genuine. Mr. Meyers was a good neighbor, more than willing to get involved and try to rescue someone in need, even though he was in his eighties. People weren’t always that caring, and it wasn’t something she took for granted. “Thank you so much. But other than being hot and rumpled, we’re fine.” She felt the need to try to explain the state she was in.

  Mr. Meyers laughed and nodded. “I imagine it would get extremely hot in that elevator after about twenty minutes.”

  “You have no idea,” Tucker muttered behind her.

  The older man cocked a questioning eyebrow, but Emma didn’t want to give him a chance to ask any more questions. She could feel the moisture seeping down her thighs and between her breasts. Right now, she just wanted to be alone. “Shouldn’t one of us call the emergency operator back and tell her we’re fine before she sends someone here?”

  “Right you are, young lady. I’ll take care of that and then I’ll give Mrs. Jacobs a call and let her know that you’re both fine.” He shooed them down the hall with one hand. “You two go and try to cool off.” Turning, he walked back toward his apartment. “I find it even too hot just standing out here. Now that the power is back on, once I make my phone calls, I’m going to go and sit back in front of my air conditioner and read my newspaper.”

  “Thanks again, Mr. Meyers. I plan to do just that.” She watched until he was safely in his apartment before hurrying down the hallway toward her own with Tucker close on her heels. There was no way to ignore his large presence behind her.

  Emma picked up her pace until she was practically running. Opening her purse as she went, she fumbled for her keys. Her hands were shaking so badly that she dropped her leather bag and all the contents spilled out onto the floor.

  Swearing under her breath, she dropped to her knees and frantically began to scoop her wallet, papers, breath mints, and assorted cosmetics back into her purse. She stilled when Tucker’s large hand covered hers.

  “Emma,” he began, but stopped when she stood suddenly and rushed to her apartment door. If she’d missed something, she would find it later. The important thing right now was to get away from Tucker and all the unsettling feelings he’d stirred within her. She’d thought she was emotionally equipped to deal with an affair with Tucker. Now she wasn’t sure.

  She jammed the key into the lock, turned it and pushed the door open. The relative safety of her apartment beckoned. Tucker grasped her by the shoulder and turned her to face him. “You forgot your mail.”

  Sighing with relief when she realized he wasn’t going to push her to talk, she summoned a polite smile and reached out to take it. “Thank you.” She was pleased that her voice sounded even.