He passed her the envelopes and then grasped her shoulders. Hauling her close, he leaned down until his lips were almost touching hers. “You also forgot this.” With that, he kissed her. When she gasped with surprise, he thrust his tongue into her mouth.

  Emma knew she could have stopped him simply by pulling away. Instead, she found herself leaning into his kiss. Her tongue stroked his and she felt the now-familiar heat rising inside her once again. She was damp between her thighs and her nipples ached as the jeweled nipple ornaments brushed against her coat jacket. Moaning, she raised her hands toward his chest and touched . . . nothing.

  Tucker had stepped away from her and was watching her, his eyes blazing with passion. “You know where you can find me if you want more.” After throwing down that provocative challenge, he turned away and let himself in through the door across from hers. She was still staring at him when his door closed with a thud.

  She stood there totally stunned for a moment before shaking herself free from her enthrallment and hurrying into her own apartment. She closed the door, leaned against it for support and fanned herself furiously with the envelopes still clutched in her hand. The man was impossible! She tossed her purse onto the sofa, kicked off her heels and dumped the mail on the kitchen table on her way to the bathroom.

  She turned the water on in the shower and peeled off her sweat-soaked clothes, shivering as she remembered Tucker’s hands shoving her skirt up and around her waist. She was still unbelievably aroused, and just rolling her stockings down her legs became an act of pure torture. When she was finally naked, she glanced at herself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at her.

  Her eyes were luminous, her skin rosy, and her lips were swollen from Tucker’s kisses. With her short brown hair mussed up, she looked a little wild and certainly like a woman who’d been well pleasured. It was only when she looked a little lower that she noticed the little strings of jewels hanging from her nipples. She’d become so used to the small adornments she’d forgotten she was wearing them.

  She carefully removed them, taking the time to examine them more closely. They were beautiful. The strands of multicolored stones set into silver appeared small in her hands, and looking at them like this, it was amazing to think about how much pleasure they’d given her. She’d been startled and absurdly pleased when Tucker had told her he’d bought them for her. She wondered where he’d purchased them. Certainly nowhere around here. He’d probably found them online. She placed them safely on the countertop before she stepped into the shower.

  The cool spray pummeled her heated flesh and washed away all signs of her orgasm. When she started to feel human again, she grabbed her shower gel and soaped herself from head to toe before rinsing off. Washing between her legs was pure agony, as she was still unbelievably aroused. Not wanting to linger any longer than necessary, she turned off the taps and stepped out onto the bath mat. She quickly dried off and then hung the damp towel over the rod before heading to the bedroom to dress.

  The air was warm, as the power outage had shut down the air-conditioning. Even in the short length of time it had been off, the extreme heat had started to take control. Naked, she strolled across her bedroom and went straight to her dresser. She opened her lingerie drawer, grabbed a pair of panties and tugged them on. Next she dug out her favorite denim shorts and paired them with a halter top, not bothering with a bra.

  Her breasts were fairly substantial and she usually wore a bra to work. It almost seemed prophetic in some way that she hadn’t worn one today because of the unbearable heat. But around the house, you couldn’t pay her to wear one. Besides, who was going to see?

  Emma detoured to the kitchen and poured herself a large glass of lemonade before settling into the comfortable chair right in front of the air-conditioning unit. She grabbed her e-reader and clicked on the new book she’d downloaded, determined to put today’s incident totally out of her mind.

  She didn’t know how long she’d been reading when she noticed the lack of cold air blowing on her parched skin. It was only then she noted the absence of noise. She’d been lost in the latest erotic romance by Ms. Lillian, one of her new favorite authors.

  It had been a mistake to start the book today, as the provocative love scenes only conjured images of Tucker and her in the elevator, but she’d desperately forged ahead, attempting to block all thoughts of him from her mind. She’d managed for brief moments, but even the compelling story couldn’t get her mind off Tucker for long. She turned off her e-reader and set it on the small table beside her.

  The silence was so complete that she knew the power had gone out again, at least in this building. “Great,” she muttered as she heaved herself out of her chair.

  She strolled to the kitchen, opened her freezer door and dumped the last two ice cubes from the tray into her glass. She’d meant to fill up the trays when she’d poured her drink earlier but had gotten distracted. If the electricity was out for long, she’d have to venture outside in search of ice.

  She went to the living room window, opened it and glanced outside. It was still light outside, so she couldn’t tell if other buildings had lost their power too. The stoplight on the corner was still working. Emma quickly closed the window to help keep in the cool air. It would be stifling in the apartment soon enough.

  It was probably just a minor glitch in the power grid, but it wouldn’t hurt to check. Padding back to the kitchen, she grabbed her cell phone, figuring she’d check out the town website to see if there were any updates on the power situation. It was dead. She’d forgotten to charge it . . . again.

  Time to go low-tech. She pulled out her portable radio and turned it on. Nothing. She shook it, but it did no good. The batteries were dead. How could that be? She’d replaced them . . . she thought for a moment and groaned as she remembered it had been Christmas when she’d done it. And not this past one, but the one before.

  Chewing on her bottom lip, she pondered her options. Should she wait and hope that the blackout wouldn’t last long, or should she go next door to Tucker’s and borrow some batteries so she could listen to the local news report? Tucker would have a portable radio, batteries and probably even more ice. Heck, he most likely had a charged cell phone too.

  Besides, as an electrician, he might have an idea how long this situation might last. Another blackout so soon after the one in the elevator couldn’t be good. With the heat wave they’d been experiencing, everyone in the town had been running their air-conditioning nonstop. They could be without power for an hour or even a day or more. It was only prudent to find out what was going on, and for that, she needed a radio.

  She groaned and set the dead radio on the counter next to her phone. Who was she kidding? She knew she was just looking for an excuse to be with Tucker again. The man had whetted her appetite for sexual pleasure and now she wanted more. It was like eating chocolate. You knew too much of it wasn’t good for you, but you couldn’t stop yourself.

  Not giving herself time enough to talk herself out of what she was about to do, she hurried to the bathroom and tugged down her halter top. Just thinking about Tucker had made her nipples pucker, but she pinched them between her thumb and forefingers to make them even harder. Picking up one of the nipple ornaments, she slipped it on and tightened it, making herself moan. Her panties were wet by the time she finished securing the second one.

  Watching herself in the mirror, she shimmied, making them swing. She shivered with pleasure and tugged her halter top back into place. You could see the outline of the dangles through the material, but only slightly.

  When Tucker had put them on her, he’d mentioned that he’d bought them several weeks ago. It excited her to think about a man as large and strong as Tucker carrying around these delicate nipple ornaments in his pocket for all that time.

  Emma hesitated. Was she being wise in seeking out Tucker and risking a relationship with a man who could easily break her heart? Or was it already too late?

  If she was honest with herself, she’d been drawn to Tucker’s quiet, steady presence from their very first meeting. He had an innate strength and a kindness about him that she found very attractive. But now she also knew just how sexy and talented a lover he was.

  “This is just silly.” She glared at herself in the mirror, turned on her heel, and stalked to her front door.

  She was a grown woman. If she wanted to have a lover, she could. It didn’t mean they were serious, or even that she was looking for anything permanent. It would be two adults enjoying one another. It would last as long as they wanted one another. After that, they’d go their separate ways and still be friends.

  Emma ignored the pang in her heart at the thought of Tucker with another woman. It was bound to happen eventually. In the meantime, she planned on taking advantage of their time together. She’d already wasted two months yearning for him. Maybe if she gorged herself on him, she’d get him out of her system. Staying away from him obviously hadn’t worked.

  Their encounter in the elevator had shaken her, but that was only natural. She’d been embarrassed by how wanton she’d been, and in a public place too. She was lucky she’d managed to dress before the door opened or Mr. Meyers would have gotten more than he’d bargained for.

  Now that she’d had time to calm down, she believed her earlier assessment was correct. There was no reason not to pursue a sexual relationship with Tucker. She would just be smart about it and protect her heart from getting too involved.

  Determined to follow through with her idea, she jerked open the door, took two steps across the hall and banged on Tucker’s door. She waited a minute, shifting her weight from foot to foot. She glanced down the darkened hallway, but no one else peeked out to see what was going on.

  She was just about to bang on the door again when he opened it. Her mouth dropped open at the sight of a dripping wet Tucker wearing nothing but a dark blue towel. The muscles on his chest glistened with moisture, and she was gripped by the urge to lick off every single droplet.

  “Come in. You’re letting out what’s left of my cool air.” Emma quickly stepped inside and allowed him to close the door behind her. He eyed her speculatively, but said nothing else.

  “Do you have any ice and batteries?” she blurted out.

  “Sure,” he responded easily. “Give me a second to haul on some clothes.” Tucker turned and headed toward his bedroom.

  Emma almost drooled at the sight of those long muscular legs and broad shoulders as he walked away from her. The towel loosened as he walked. Just a little bit more, she urged the towel. She shook herself as he disappeared from her view and glanced around at his apartment, suddenly curious about Tucker and his home. Although they’d been out on several dates, she’d never seen the inside of his place. It was neater than she’d expected. Homey.

  Unable to resist, she wandered around the living room and began nosing through the bookshelves. You could tell a lot about a person by their bookshelves. His were filled with some biographies, a few bestsellers and some thrillers. A picture of a much younger Tucker with an older couple, who were most likely his parents, sat next to a paperweight made out of a chunk of raw ore.

  He had the requisite large television set. She thought about opening the cabinet beneath to check out his movie collection but decided that would be too invasive.

  Chapter Seven

  “Anything in particular you’re looking for?” Tucker’s voice made her jump, and she realized she was no longer alone. She whirled around to face him.

  Emma’s eyes widened when she noted he wore only a pair of running shorts that covered even less than the towel had. There was a large bulge in the front of them, letting her know just how very aroused he was.

  He ran a hand through his damp hair. “For some reason you’ve been keeping your distance from me for weeks. If there’s anything you want to know about me, all you have to do is ask.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Emma stared at him, at a loss as to how to proceed. Most men she’d known wanted to avoid conversation at all costs, but here was Tucker offering to answer any and all questions.

  At that moment, she couldn’t think of a single thing to ask. None of her fears or uncertainties seemed to matter with him standing mostly naked in front of her. She licked her lips and stared at his wide, damp chest.

  Tucker stepped up next to her until he was looming over her smaller frame. Without her heels she was a lot shorter. She tried to back away but came up solidly against the bookshelf. He cupped her face in his hand, leaned forward and gently tasted her lips.

  In spite of her doubts and fears, she returned his kiss, tentatively at first and then more boldly. He allowed her to take the lead, but when she opened her mouth he quickly claimed it for his own. His tongue swept inside, dueling with hers, tasting her until she was breathless.

  He kissed his way across her jawline and down her neck. “Don’t say anything. Don’t think. Just feel, Emma. Just be with me.” He nipped at the curve of her shoulder and then sucked the small sting away.

  Emma’s nipples were hard nubs against her top. They ached so badly she rubbed them against the solid expanse of his chest, hoping to find some relief. He groaned and pulled her closer. His fingers edged beneath the cotton halter top. No matter how many times he touched her, it always felt new and exciting. He skimmed his hands up her bare skin to her breasts.

  “You wore them for me.” There was both pleasure and satisfaction in his voice when his finger grazed one of the strings of stones, making it sway.

  “Yes,” she sighed.

  Sinking to his knees, Tucker pulled her down to the floor with him so that she was sitting astride his knees. He carefully lifted her top over her head and dropped it onto the floor. His eyes flowed over her naked torso even as his large, rough hands cupped her breasts. Leaning forward, he flicked her engorged nipple with his tongue while he used his thumb to play with the other, teasing until both were so taut it was almost painful.

  Moisture continued to flow from her core, dampening her panties. Emma arched against him, rubbing herself against his straining erection. She’d been deluding herself for months, telling herself she was over Tucker. He’d fundamentally changed her. There would be no getting over him.

  Since he’d sent her well-ordered world spinning off its axis, she might as well claim the benefits. She wanted to feel everything, do everything and anything with him. She’d worry about what it would cost her once their affair was over and done.

  Tucker sucked and licked her nipples, feasting on them as if he couldn’t get enough of her. She grasped his shoulders and held on tight as she ground her mound against him.

  He leaned forward, tipping her backward and supporting her weight until she was lying on the floor. He unzipped her shorts and pushed them down her legs. She helped, kicking them away.

  He skimmed his fingers over the band of her panties but didn’t remove them. Burying his face in her crotch, he breathed deep and nuzzled her through the thin fabric. Unable to help herself, she clutched at his head and pulled him closer. His warm, muffled laugh vibrated through her body, arousing her to an even higher pitch.

  “I want you to touch me everywhere. I want to feel your hands and your lips all over my body.” She couldn’t believe the sultry command actually came from her mouth. She’d never been this brazen, this demanding when it came to sex. Tucker brought out a totally different side of her personality.

  He tucked his fingers into the band and quickly skimmed off her panties. He made a low hum of pleasure deep in his throat, stood and shucked his own shorts. Her pussy clenched hard as he stripped. Tucker’s body was honed to perfection from hours of physical labor. His biceps rippled and the muscles in his thighs flexed.

  She licked her lips at the sight of his hard, throbbing cock.

  Sprawled on his living room carpet, totally naked except for her nipple adornments, she felt as if she was in the middle of an erotic fantasy. Just like the steamy romances she enjoyed reading, the ones that were her guilty pleasure. Emboldened, she opened her legs wider, planted her feet on the floor and arched her hips toward him. “Like what you see?”

  “Oh, yeah.” The low, sensual tones slid over her skin, making it tingle.

  Dipping her hand between her thighs, she stroked her fingers over the damp, sensitive flesh. His gaze was like a physical caress and her core clenched. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

  His eyes gleamed with a mixture of desire and satisfaction as he knelt between her spread legs. He captured her hand and brought it to his mouth. One at a time, he licked and sucked her fingers, his tongue gliding over them, tasting her essence. She wrapped her free hand around his erection, squeezing it gently.

  “You keep that up and I’ll come.” His blunt declaration excited her. Tucker gave a groan and sat back on his heels. His erection slipped from her hand.

  His chest expanded on a breath. A muscle flexed in his jaw. He really was struggling for control.

  Tucker lifted her legs and draped them over his shoulders. He spread her sensitive flesh wider so he could see every inch of her. Never had she felt so exposed. “You’re so wet and ready for me. You want me, don’t you, Emma?”

  “Yes, I do. I want you, Tucker.” She owed him nothing but the truth after having lied to them both for the past two months. Whatever else was between them, there was no denying the physical attraction.

  Having made up her mind to not worry about the consequences of their relationship, to go with the flow, at least for now, she wanted to enjoy the entire experience. There was nothing she didn’t want to do or try with him. Her entire body throbbed and ached while he continued to sit there, motionless, staring at her.

  Just when she thought she might have to take some action to get things moving along, he leaned forward and traced the slick folds of her sex with his tongue, going from back to front. Emma gasped as the delicious sensation shot throughout her. His tongue flicked her distended clitoris, and she tightened her legs around his shoulders, trying to drag him closer.