The Billionaire's Secret (Tycoon Billionaires 5)
Jake’s body flashed to life and he realized how full of passion and opportunity that kiss had been – he couldn’t let that walk out of his life. He stood and rushed after her, catching up with her by the revolving glass door that led to the real world. It was pouring with rain outside, and she was rummaging in her purse for her umbrella.
He halted in front of her. “Astrid, wait.”
She didn’t look at him. “It’s okay, Jake. I think we understand each other.”
She darted past him and hurried toward the revolving door, where people were now running in from the rain. She stepped into a compartment, and the door revolved away from him, so he stepped into the next compartment, hot on her heels.
One thing Jake was good at was trailing people, and he wasn’t letting this one go.
She strode ahead in the rain, click-clacking away – still trying to find her umbrella in her purse. He caught up with her again.
“At least let me drive you home. You can’t walk two miles in this rain.”
“I don’t mind walking.”
“It’s pouring. Come on.”
He gently grabbed her arm. She halted. They were both getting drenched now. He realized she had tears running down her cheeks, mingling with the rain water.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry – you’re crying.” He reached out and pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms. “Did I do this? Did I make you cry?”
She shook her head and buried her face in his shoulder. She spoke, but her words were muffled and he couldn’t understand.
“Come on,” he said. “My car’s in the parking garage. This way.”
With his arms around her, he guided her to his beloved Ferrari and opened the door for her. Then he climbed into the driver’s side. They were both soaking wet, and Astrid looked miserable and dejected. He felt terrible, but here was the proof that he’d been right. He’d feared he would hurt her, and he already had.
He started the engine and drove out of the parking garage. “Astrid, what–”
“I don’t want to talk about it. Just take me home. You know where I live because you took me there last night. Let’s just go – we’ve nothing to discuss.” She twisted around and gazed out the window, so Jake drove them in silence for ten minutes through the heavy traffic until he pulled up outside her place.
She didn’t look at him. “Thanks for the ride.”
“You gonna be okay?”
She threw him a tight smile. “Sure.”
“Look, I know I don’t express myself too well, but I never wanted to hurt you. I never would intentionally.”
Her expression softened. “I know. It’s not you – not really.”
She was so beautiful and affection crackled between them. Jake r
eached out and caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes. “Don’t, Jake.”
She made no attempt to move. He leaned forward, unable to resist, and planted a kiss on her soft lips – which acquiesced. The kiss grew stronger – Jake pressed his lips against Astrid’s, and eased his tongue into her gorgeous mouth, sending dazzles of lust through his body. With the rain pouring hard outside and the wipers thrashing, they kissed and kissed – tongues intertwining and lips hungrily writhing. Astrid tasted exquisite – of chocolate and coffee; she was warm and comforting. She groaned gently as he pulled her close, kissing her with ever-increasing passion.
“I want to make love to you,” he said between kisses.
Her breath caught in her throat. “I want that too. I’m so attracted to you.”
He kissed her again. “As you said, there’s nothing wrong with two people taking comfort in each other’s arms.”
“No. I heard you when you said you’re not they guy I’m looking for. And perhaps you’re right. But now is now.”
“It sure is.”
“And we’re here.”