Crashing into Love Page 10

  The car stops in front of me and I make quick work of sliding in and closing the door. I don’t want any more people to see me than I have to. I look up at the roof of the car and say a quick prayer that he doesn’t throw me out on my ass as soon as he sees me. Not only would that wreck the business relationship we have with Alexander, but it would be mortifying for me.

  “Here is fine,” I say to the driver, breaking the silence. “I’ll walk from here.” He doesn’t respond, just pulls over to the side and nods as I let myself out of the car.

  Making my way to the back entrance of the club, I notice that I’m the only one dressed like this and I’m getting nervous. Don’t get me wrong—I look smoking hot in my black and gold strapless mini dress and black heels. My hair is pinned up, trying not to draw attention to the long strawberry blond locks.

  I tuck my clutch under my arm and open the door, allowing my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Bars and clubs in Chicago are much like the casinos in Vegas. It’s always dark, allowing time to pass quickly without the patrons ever noticing.

  The bartender says hello to me, and I wave back. He’s a young man, showing off his muscular body in only black leather pants. Or at least I think that’s what he’s wearing. It’s what I noticed the male servers wearing last time I was here.

  “Hi. I’m looking for a friend.” I lean over the high bar. “Did a man dressed in a suit with gorgeous blue eyes come in here earlier? He’s super good looking,” I laugh nervously.

  His deep mischievous laugh coupled with his deep, husky voice causes a shiver to run through my body. “I think he went back with the boss. But you can’t go back there.”

  “Oh, that’s okay.” I don’t know if it’s actually Baker and there is no way in hell I’m walking into a meeting in the back of a bar. I’ve seen all the movies and know what happens when you do that.

  “Would you like a drink? On the house?” He could charm the panties off almost any woman without that smile. Just not me.

  I’m staying steadfast on my path to Baker, and I won’t allow anything to deter me.

  “Tito’s on the rocks with a twist, please.” I considered ordering a fancy cocktail, but I’m not here to relax and hang out, plus I’m a professional vodka drinker.

  He knocks on the counter then turns to make my drink. He’s back in seconds and I take a sip. Amazing.

  I end up standing there a bit longer, watching the people come in and out. Some head to the elevator and up to the other floors and some make their way to the bar for the first drink of the night.

  Two and a half hours go by and I feel stupid sitting at the end of the bar, so I buy myself another drink. I down it and pay my tab, then get up and lick my wounds, sauntering to the exit. There are exponentially more people here than when I arrived. The music is louder, and the men are dressed for a night of catch and release. The women stalking each man like prey.

  I’m waiting for a group of people to enter when I see a cab pulling up, and I begin to push my way out the door to grab it before it’s gone.

  “Red!”

  My feet freeze when I hear my name. I spin around to see Baker standing behind me in a black suit, with the tie loose round his neck. His hair is disheveled, and his eyes are tired, but he’s still the most stunning man I’ve ever seen.

  “Hey.” I smile nervously. He may not like that I’m here. I may have overstepped considering I’m just the assistant and this is business for him.

  “You here on business?” He smiles and steps closer. The combination of his cologne and his whiskey filled breath, entrance me.

  “Um, sort of.” A slow smile creeps across my face.

  “Same here. Did you get a drink?” He pulls me out of the way and nods to the bar.

  “I’m good.” He laughs and snakes his hand around my waist, pulling me in close.

  “Why are you here? To see me?” He licks his lips, and we lock eyes. A shiver runs through my body, while a flush fills my face.

  I shake my head, trying to think of a response quickly. Then I decide to go with the truth.

  “Actually, yes. Chari told me you were here and strongly suggested I get my booty home and changed so I could come meet you.”

  “So, how about that drink?” I don’t answer but allow him to lead me to the bar. The bartender who served me all night laughs when we walk up.

  “Found your man, I see,” he says and winks at me. I don’t recall getting this many winks in all my years of dating. First from Baker and now this guy? I wonder what kind of class is teaching these guys to wink at women.

  Baker pulls out a stool for me and I sit down. He looks at me as if trying to figure out what I’m doing here.

  “How was the meeting?” I ask him and a look of understanding transforms his gaze.

  “Since you’re aware of what’s going on, I will say it could have been better.” He runs his long fingers through his messy dark hair and sighs.

  “That I do. But only because I know what everyone is working on.”

  “Do you go check on the other guys too? Or am I the lucky one.” He takes a drink of whiskey and I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallows. When did swallowing become so sexy.

  I fan my face trying to get rid of the heat that’s radiating from me.

  “Is that what you think I’m doing? Checking up on you?” I should be pissed but I’m not. If he thinks I care enough to check up on him, then maybe Chari was right.

  “Just asking.”

  I swallow the Tito’s and the intensity of his stare holds me prisoner. An onslaught of emotions hit my veins and I am high for the first time. Not high on drugs, but high on love. Or lust. Either works for me at this point. I’m going to melt into a puddle of Sutton right here, in the middle of this bar.

  “Now what?” My voice soft and quiet in the loud room. He’s finished his drink, making a face after stretching his lips over his teeth and tightening his jaw. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

  Baker tosses a couple of bills on the bar and turns back to me, his face intense. His eyes are dark and full of desire. “I think we should head to your place, that’s what.”

  Twenty-Two

  I think we should head to your place, that’s what.

  Did I hear him correctly? I only had a couple drinks, so I’m not hallucinating. Baker is staring back at me with those bedroom eyes. I can’t even explain how off kilter I feel right now.

  I mean, I don’t know whether or not I’m down with this . . . oh, who am I kidding? It’s Baker. The man I’ve been crushing on for who knows how long and trying to pretend like I’m not dying to jump his bones.

  “You mean, you want to take me home?” My voice is still squeaky and I’m sure he thinks I’m totally clueless.

  His chuckle is more of a deep rumble. Deeper than I’ve heard before with desire peeking through. His eyes are hooded, and his jaw is set.

  “No, Red.” He pulls me off my chair and leads me out of the bar, holding my hand. With him slightly in front of me, I stare down at his wide shoulders, strong arms and land on his taut ass. He doesn’t stop until we’re down the block and I spot his car.

  He opens the door for me, his fingers trailing down my back and then to my elbow as he guides me into the car. My body is immediately keyed up and nothings even happened yet. He hasn’t even said what he wants to happen, just that he wants to take me home.

  Sutton, you’re not dense. Why can’t you see that he wants you as much as you want him?

  Most of the time, I don’t have these feelings until we’re in the throes of passion, but with Baker, all it takes is one look. I’ve never even considered my back as an erogenous zone until him. His touch sends a bolt of lightning straight to my heart.

  “I assume you remember where I live,” I quip after he’s pulled into traffic and heading to my house. Technically it’s an apartment, but it’s my home, so whatever.

  “I catch on to things quickly,” he states simply, his voice deep and gravelly again.
The veins in his forearms stand out as he clutches the steering wheel. The other is poised on the armrest as he drives.

  “Like what?” I try to keep the conversation flowing so I don’t drown in the sexual tension that fills this car.

  “Like how you like me.” He glances at me quickly, not taking his eyes off the road for more than a second.

  I watch him lick his lips. His eyes are wild and bright. I swallow before responding to him.

  “I don’t like you,” I lie. I lust after him. That’s different. Very different.

  He laughs aloud, throwing his head back. “Don’t lie to me, Red. I’ll go first if that’s what you want. I like you, hence why I’m racing to your apartment.” He takes a sharp left turn and I clutch the seat.

  “I didn’t lie. I don’t like you. I lust after you.” I decide to throw in the towel. If I’m going to keep telling the truth, I might as well go all in.

  I keep going. “Why did you wait until we were outside of work to tell me this?” Yes, I’m going to ignore the fact that I just confessed my lust filled need for him.

  “It took me seeing you outside of work to admit it.” Baker nearly growls and I sink further into my seat rubbing my knees together. “Besides, you just declared you’re in lust with me, so I think we’re in the same place.”

  None of the dates I’ve ever had—and I mean ever—have been this intense. With Baker, it’s different.

  He pulls into a spot close to my place and rushes me out of the car and up the stairs. I bite my lip nervously as he grips my left hand in his. I clutch my purse with the other one and he only lets go so I can unlock the door. Allowing the door to shut behind us, I turn to lock it, dropping my bag on the table next to it. Then I shift back and forth on my feet nervously.

  “Um, would you like some water?” I walk into the kitchen before he responds. I need water.

  “No, thank you. But you go ahead and hydrate.” His grin is mischievous, and I nearly choke on the water.

  I finish and set it on the corner of the sink, leaning in and focusing on my breath.

  “You’re different,” I declare, then walk around the corner to stop in front of him. I can feel the heat radiating off him and we haven’t even touched yet.

  “I’m dying for you.” He moistens his lips, looking me up and down before focusing back on my eyes. “You’re incredibly gorgeous, Sutton.” My name wisps from his mouth and I move closer to him.

  He links his hands around my waist, and I hitch my breath as I hold on to his biceps, warm and solid under his clothes.

  “You think so?” I whisper. His tongue darts out over his lips and he nods at me.

  “I know so,” he says before silencing us both by pressing his lips to mine.

  His lips coax mine apart and his tongue darts out across my lips so softly, so easily . . . I moan against him and press myself into his hard body as he holds me tighter. His hands run up and down my dress, his body becoming hotter as we lean into each other. One tilt of my head and he deepens the kiss.

  Baker takes control of my lips, his tongue dancing with mine. He tastes of whiskey and smells like orange spice. I inhale his smell, dizzy with desire.

  All this time I’ve thought about Baker, waking up from dreams of him, trying to keep my emotions in check at work. But this, it’s real. He’s touching me. Kissing me. Gripping my ass and groaning against me. I let out a moan when I feel his cock lengthen against my stomach. This is happening and I’m not going to stop it.

  “Bedroom,” he mumbles against my lips.

  I break the kiss and stumble around leading the way. Once inside, I sit on the edge of the bed and take off my shoes. Standing, he removes his jacket, laying it on the chair in the corner. He toes off his shoes, pulling his socks off and tossing them on top.

  I lean back on my elbows, watching him tug off his tie. Then I glance down and feel the need to remove his pants for him.

  He moves in front of me and stands me up. Then spins me around and pulls the zipper of my dress all the way down. Stepping out of it, all I can think is I’m naked with Baker Hayes! Thankfully, I don’t say it out loud and allow myself to submit to the pooling between my legs.

  His lips dust across my shoulders as he unsnaps my bra. “So lovely,” he whispers, and I barely hear him.

  Reaching around, he pulls my bra off. The cold air hits my nipples, and they pucker. He pinches them before cupping the weight of my breasts in his large hands.

  “Baker . . .” He seems to find every hot spot on my body with his callused hands and sets them on fire.

  “Lie down, Red.” He nudges my hips with his hands, and I giggle as I crawl across the bed, turning around and lying on my back. I watch him peel away his shirt and pants. While I wanted to undress him myself, he’s much faster than I would be.

  “What’s that look for?” He crawls onto the bed and grins, his arms coming over my shoulders.

  “I wanted to undress you myself.”

  He smirks at me and kisses me instead. Hot and hard, making me lightheaded.

  “Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, won’t it be awkward at work?” I have to ask, or I’ll obsess over it each day when I go into the office. I need to know if this is serious for him or just a bit of fun.

  “No, it won’t be awkward. Yes, I’m sure.” His lips meet mine—hard and searching. “Are you?” he asks me, and I don’t answer.

  I bite my lip and blink up at him. Baker—sweet, kind, electric Baker. The man who brings me coffee, keeps me engaged in his cases and even makes me laugh.

  Just . . . Baker.

  But is he just Baker? What will this do to our friendship or even to my job? I know I’m thinking way too much, and I shouldn’t be, but I’m more than ready for this, so I don’t know why I’m obsessing.

  “I’m sure.” I swallow and he smiles softly at me.

  “It’s just that we’re friends,” I blurt out. Wiggling my naked body between us, my nipples brush against his chiseled chest.

  “I don’t want it to get weird, you know.” I half-heartedly shrug and wrap my arms around his neck.

  “Yeah, I know. But I’ve weighed the risks, and I’m taking my chances. With you.”

  “Okay then.” I smile and laugh but he cuts me off and kisses me deep and slow, his tongue dueling with mine.

  I throw myself into the kiss and latch my legs around his waist, pulling him close. He rests his cock over my sex and grinds against me in just the right spot. Stars explode behind my eyes and I itch for more. So much more.

  H breaks the kiss and I gasp as his lips graze down my neck, suckling welts into my half-tanned skin. His large hands cover my breasts, bringing his lips down to kiss each one before turning his attention to my nipples and flicking them with his expert tongue. I writhe beneath him and beg for his touch in one particular soaking wet spot.

  “Baker,” I heave. “Touch me, please.”

  Twenty-Three

  He smiles at me and chills run down my spine and combine with the throbbing of my clit. It’s as if he knows I’m dying from anticipation as he leans back and slides my panties down my legs and tosses them over us.

  I’m glad I didn’t skip my waxing appointments like I wanted to. Baker growls under his breath, staring down at me and licking his lips. My lips part further on their own accord, seeking the heat of his mouth and not the chill of the air.

  His lips dip down to my inner thigh and I mewl in response. Of course, he’s an incorrigible tease, what else did I expect.

  “Baker,” I whisper aimlessly.

  I feel him smile against my skin and continue down my thigh to my knee before shifting to the other one and moving back toward the promised land. My clit throbs and I feel like I could come from the pulsing alone. I don’t think it’s ever been like this for me. This deep seeded need for someone that causes physical pain in my heart.

  My fingers curl through his hair and I try to guide him where I want him, but he doesn’t budge. So, I distract myself by memo
rizing the hard planes of his shoulders and back. The dips of his biceps curl around my thighs, locking me in place. The veins on the side of his neck throb and tense from his effort.

  “God, Baker, you’re so irritating.” I half laugh, half cry. He keeps his mouth planted in the crook of my thigh and a small laugh arises from deep in his chest, the vibrations hitting me hard.

  “That’s probably true.” He pulls away, smirking up at me.

  His eyes are so intense, boring into mine as he takes his thumb and slides it through my slick folds. I nearly jump off the bed at the sweet contact of it circling around my clit. His thumb then slides into my opening and I clench around it. He holds it there as we lock gazes. Then he leans in for a deep and demanding kiss.

  My whole body is wired, every nerve singing for more. His tongue trails down my body and touches my clit ever so slightly. My body bucks as he nips and sucks, holding me down so I can’t scoot out of his way.

  “You taste fucking amazing,” he growls into me, the puffs of his breath sensitive on my nub.

  “Don’t stop,” I say, my voice full of pain and desire from the need coursing through my body.

  He smiles back at me and drops his eyes back to the promised land. My hips jut toward him and I clutch his head tighter and tighter. I let go, flinging my arms back and digging into the sheets and my thighs clamp onto his head.

  I feel it coming—a blaze of white light and the spiral of warmth from my core set my body on fire. I clench my eyes as the stars burst through and his tongue swirls around my clit, drawing it out even more, igniting a second orgasm on the heels of the first.

  Just as fast and paralyzing, I come down trying to catch my breath. I must black out for a second, because I don’t sense him until he is right over me, kissing me with my taste still on his lips.

  He claims my mouth, his kiss making my toes curl as he draws my legs around his tight, muscular waist. My arms are like jelly and I pull them up, wrapping them around his neck, pulling him onto me. His hands wander up and down my sides before stopping on my breasts, pulling and pinching my nipples. He slides his hands down my stomach, grazing my clit and making me shake even more from the aftershocks of the two insane orgasms he just gave me.