Throb (Life on Stage 1)

“Would you like a drink?”

“A glass of wine would be good.” Perhaps a bottle to calm my nerves.

He nods and gestures toward the bar stools on the other side of the kitchen island. The floor to ceiling windows in the adjoining living room catch my attention. Perched high on a cliff, the apartment’s view of the sparkling lights of downtown LA almost appear fantasy like. It’s amazing how a little distance between things can sometimes make you see a very different picture than the reality of being up close. “That’s some view.”

Cooper fills two crystal glasses and offers me one. He follows where my attention is fixed. “I don’t think I’ve noticed it in years.”

“Really?” I’m utterly perplexed at his statement. But he’s serious. “Why?”

“I’m not here much.”

“Where are you normally?”

“The office. The gym. A lot of work-related functions.”

“What’s your typical day like?” I sip my wine.

“Up at five. Gym at five thirty. Office by seven. Home by ten.”

“Ten?”

“I work late a lot.”

“Where do you eat?”

“At the office usually. Or at a function. I do a lot of business over meals.”

“Sounds like you need to stop and look around every once in a while.”

“You’re right. I do.” Cooper sips his wine, his eyes no longer admiring the view. Instead they’re focused intently on me.

“Can we go out on the balcony?” I ask, not turning in his direction.

“Are you stalling?”

I smile at how astute he is in reading me. He’s already figured me out better than the last guy I dated for six months. “Maybe. Is that a problem?”

“Not at all.”

He leads me to the balcony. It’s a beautiful night. Warm, breezy air wafts a hint of saltwater from off in the distance. The sky is so clear, not even the massive light pollution of LA can dim the twinkling stars. Standing behind me, one hand on either side of the railing, we quietly take in the view. Then his arm wraps around my waist and he buries his nose in my hair with a deep inhale. With his hard chest pressed tightly against my back and strong arms holding me, it’s easy to let my head loll back and relax.

“This is nice,” I say, exhaling a long cleansing breath that washes away some of my fears.

“It is.”

We stay silent for long minutes, enjoying the view and relaxing. I probably should have stayed that way, but sometimes my mind wanders and pushes out words past my filter. “It’s one night. Does that mean you’ll be dating someone else by next week?”

“Will you?” he asks in a curt voice. Of course I will—he knows that. I’m going back to dating another man tomorrow. And possibly heading for an overnight date pretty soon.

“That’s not an answer.”

“What do you want me to say, Kate? That I’ll stay celibate while I wait for you to finish dating another man?”

I turn to face him. The thought of Cooper being with another woman makes me crazy. So I channel everything I’m feeling and haul myself up on him, grabbing his neck and pulling him down for a kiss at the same time I lift and wrap my legs around his waist.

Our passion quickly ignites—turning angry, frustrated jealousy and confusion into a ball of fire that burns into a smoldering kiss. He pushes back as hard as I press, until our bodies meld together. He cups and squeezes my ass with one hand, the other maneuvering my head where he wants it so he can devour my mouth. I may have started the kiss, but there’s no mistaking who controls it.

Movement into the apartment and down the long hallway to his bedroom doesn’t even register until we finally break for air. “What was that for?” We’re both breathing hard; his voice is hoarse with need.

“I don’t want to waste any more time. I only have so many hours to wear you out enough so that you’ll be useless to another woman for six weeks.”

Cooper throws his head back, laughing. He finds me projecting his own superlative promises back at him entertaining. Reaching the bed, he leans forward and gently lays me down. The amusement dancing in his eyes quickly turns into something stormier as he stands and takes in the sight of me lying on his bed.

Lowering his body, one hand on either side of me supporting his weight, Cooper presses his lips gently to my exposed collarbone. He kisses his way up my neck, light nips alternating with whispery caresses. By the time he reaches my ear, the nips and kisses have escalated to bites and sucking.

His hand makes its way down my body, slowing to appreciate my curves before traveling lower. He lingers at the hem of my skirt before slipping beneath. A moan escapes from my lips when his fingers stroke me through the lace of my panties.

“You’re so wet. I feel it without even putting my fingers inside.” He finds my clit easily and massages up and down. “First I’m going to fuck you with my fingers. Because I want to watch you the first time I make you come.” Oh lord. My body is halfway there just hearing him say fuck you with my fingers. Seriously, there’s a pre-orgasm buzz pulsing through my body. I may not even make it until his fingers feign their first pump.

His hand slips under my panties. “Look at me.” His voice is throaty and incredibly masculine. “And then, I’m going to lick you until you scream my name.” He dips one finger inside of me. My eyes shut. It’s been a long time. Too long, but I’m suddenly happy I’ve been on a self-imposed hiatus.