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  He waggled his brows playfully at her. “I’ll scrub yours if you scrub mine.”

  “Deal,” she said eagerly, making room for him.

  He dropped the towel from around his waist and watched her eyes widen as she took in his size and length. She licked her lips, wetting them, fueling fantasies of her sweet mouth on him, taking him deep. Sucking softly. Using her tongue to lap and swirl over the head of his cock.

  He shuddered at the provocative thought and climbed into the tub with her.

  “You don’t mind smelling like a flower?” she asked, her eyes dancing with a teasing light.

  “Not if it means being in here with you.”

  “Ahh, such a sacrifice.” She reached for the washcloth and added a large dollop of liquid soap. “You first,” she said, and made him turn around so she was kneeling behind him and had access to his back.

  He relaxed as she washed his shoulders, enjoying the rough texture of the cloth against his skin, down his spine, and along his thighs… until at some point it was only her hands and fingers skimming along his flesh below the water, touching and caressing and exploring.

  She moved closer from behind, her knees widening on either side of his hips. The position caused her breasts to flatten against his back, and his jaw clenched as her palms glided around to his chest and her thumbs rasped across his rigid nipples. Then those slender fingers of hers were traveling downward, feathering along his taut stomach and lower still.

  She nipped at his neck and nibbled her way to his ear, her breath hot and damp against his skin. “You have such an incredible body,” she whispered, then took his throbbing cock in her hand and stroked him in her tight grasp.

  He reacted with a jerk of his hips and a rough sound of pleasure he was helpless to hold back. His release simmered right below the surface, and not wanting it to be over so soon for him, he pulled her hand away and turned around, pinning her against the side of the tub and maneuvering her sleek, wet body beneath his.

  He stared into her eyes, brimming with a light-hearted tenderness and passion he felt, as well. “Now it’s my turn to get even,” he growled, and proceeded to tease her just as mercilessly as she’d aroused him.

  Foregoing the cloth, he used his hands to wash her, to trace her voluptuous curves, her breasts, her belly. He kissed her, too, as she squirmed and slipped against him. Her skin was like satin and her legs tangled with his as he continued to familiarize himself with every secret spot on her body.

  He found a ticklish area just below her ribs, and she laughed and writhed, nearly dunking herself in her mirth. He loved the playful, unfettered sound that drew a reciprocating chuckle from him, as well. Loved how comfortable she was with him, so trusting, without any inhibitions to get in the way of their pleasure and enjoyment of each other’s bodies, and he hoped the fun, sexy moment would pave the way to a deeper, more intimate trust later.

  He slid his hand between her thighs and brushed his fingers along the slippery folds of her sex, so infinitely soft and warm. He pressed deeper, and she gasped and wriggled and arched into his touch, but he deliberately kept her climax just out of her reach.

  When he knew he’d tormented them both enough, he reached for the removable shower head attached to the tub’s spigot. “Now for the rinse cycle,” he said, and set the hand held unit to a steady, pulsating spray. “Sit up on the edge of the tub, right over there in the corner, so I can wash off the bubbles.”

  She hesitated for only a brief moment before doing as he asked, but sat with her knees clamped together, more prim than he would have liked. He gazed at her naked upper body, lush and curvaceous and perfectly built with high full breasts crowned with tight nipples and the gentle flare of her hips.

  “You are so beautiful, so sexy,” he rasped, wanting her with a hunger he could barely contain. He aimed the warm water at her chest, watching as it flowed down her gorgeous body like liquid silk.

  With a soft, surrendering sigh, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back against the marbled wall. “Oh, God… that feels incredible.”

  He felt the pulse of his blood in his groin, a mounting ache in his balls. “Touch your breasts, Faith,” he urged huskily. “Help me wash away the soap.”

  His request was completely unnecessary, but there was something incredibly erotic about a woman caressing herself so sensually, and Faith was no exception. Her hands cupped her breasts and her fingers plucked at her nipples as the water continued its gentle cascade down her body.

  He wanted to lap every bit of moisture off her, wanted to tasted every inch of her on his tongue, and it was then that he noticed she hadn’t touched the champagne, and he was suddenly feeling very thirsty. Letting the shower head drop into the tub, he reached for the chilled bottle, popped the cork, and poured the icy, bubbly drink over her chest.

  She sucked in a startled breath, her eyes flaring wide with disbelief, but before she could object to being doused in the cold champagne he was warming her with his mouth. She shuddered at the insistent tugging of his lips as he suckled her breast and rasped his tongue over her beaded nipple. With her hands twisting restlessly in his hair, and her breathing as ragged as his, he treated her other breast to the same sensual torture.

  He lapped his way down her ribs, swept his tongue across her quivering belly, needing to sample her elsewhere. Everywhere. But her thighs were still pressed together, keeping him from his ultimate goal.

  He drew back, looked up into her eyes that were hazy with desire, and traced the seam of her thighs with his finger, coaxing them to part. “I’m still very thirsty. Spread your legs for me, sweetheart.”

  She bit her bottom lip and let her thighs fall open, enabling him to see all of her, vulnerable and open to him in the most intimate way. Closing his thumb over the opening of the bottle, he shook the contents, hard, then released the pressure building beneath his finger. The frothing champagne sprayed between her thighs, bathing her in the sparkling, carbonated liquid.

  She inhaled a quick, shallow gasp, and he could only imagine what she was feeling—the cold champagne in heated places, the shimmer of effervescent fizz on her sensitive flesh, tingling along her sex like a dozen tiny tongues pleasuring her all at once.

  Her hands moved to touch herself, and he caught her wrists and held them at her sides. “Let me…” he said, and bent his head, taking her in his mouth, his tongue hot and rough and determined. He found her clit and sucked gently, greedily, the flavor of champagne and hot, honeyed woman a heady combination that went straight to his already straining dick.

  He tongued her deeper, and she gave a stifled scream and climaxed, shaking with the force of her release.

  Once he coaxed every last sensation from her quaking body, he pulled her back into the water so that she was straddling his waist and his shaft was nestled between her smooth, trembling thighs. He looked up at her face, into her dazed eyes, needing her more than his next breath.

  He didn’t have a condom handy, but he was more than willing to improvise, especially when he knew it wouldn’t take much to make him climax. He brought her hand to his erection and circled her fingers tight around his cock.

  “Make me come,” he growled, and crushed his mouth to hers.

  His tongue delved deep, matching the long, heated stroke of her palm. Wild lust and savage longing mingled, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. Didn’t want to.

  He let go and came in a fierce, searing rush, surrendering completely to the insane pleasure of it all.

  Chapter Five

  Faith reached for the plush robe hanging from the back of the bathroom door and slipped inside the soft terry material, while the best lover she’d ever had finished with his own shower after their very illicit tryst in the tub. Her body still thrummed from her recent, champagne induced orgasm, and her heart… oh, Lord, her heart was in the process of taking a very dangerous free-fall for Dr. Matthew Carlton.

  The thought sent a startling jolt of reality through her. It was just sex, she told he
rself as she tightened the sash on the robe and valiantly ignored the tempting outline of Matthew’s body against the fogged shower doors. Nothing but a few amazing, unforgettable orgasms so far—undoubtedly the best she’d ever had—just as she’d asked him for. And the rest of the night promised to be equally outstanding and memorable.

  She just never expected that being with Matthew would feel so perfectly right, beyond physical attraction and in ways she’d never imagined. She was drawn to him as a man who loved his family and made time for them, a big brother with a generous spirit who enjoyed spoiling his sister, and that sensitive, compassionate side she’d glimpsed many times as a pediatric surgeon. And mostly, a man who’d gone out of his way to treat this as more than an one-night stand.

  He was a man who possessed so many outstanding qualities, yet she couldn’t stop the doubts tightening her chest—the fear of believing in the impossible with a man out of her league personally and professionally, and ultimately getting hurt when he decided the newness and excitement of their affair had finally worn off. That particular lesson with Martin was still too fresh in her mind to forget.

  Vowing to keep her distance emotionally, and praying that she had the willpower to do so for the next twelve hours or so, she headed into the adjoining master bedroom and came to a sudden stop when she caught sight of the garments laid out on the bed. Certain that Matthew wasn’t planning on wearing a dress and provocative undergarments this evening, she could only assume that the items were for her.

  She stepped closer, brushed the tips of her fingers along the sexy black dress she recognized from the boutique downstairs, and experienced a blend of mixed feelings over wanting to look desirable for Matthew, and refusing to accept anything more from him tonight than sex. Gifts certainly weren’t part of their deal… but then again, neither had been staying the night in one of Chicago’s most luxurious hotels.

  Hearing him exit the bathroom behind her, she turned around, not sure what to say, or what to do.

  He must have sensed her uncertainty, because he approached slowly, cautiously, securing the sash on his own robe around his waist. “Will you wear that for me tonight?”

  He’d asked, a polite request not a demand, making the choice solely hers, and that simple gesture made a lump rise to her throat. Then there was that sincerity she saw in his dark eyes, along with a deeper longing that made her ache to do and be anything he wanted.

  Damn her traitorous emotions, anyway!

  She smiled, just for him. “I’d love to wear the dress and other things for you.”

  He looked immensely pleased with her decision. “Then I’ll leave you to get dressed while I change in the spare bedroom.” He kissed her on the cheek, his lips warm and smooth and much too fleeting. “I’ll meet you in the dining room when you’re done.”

  Then he was gone.

  It took Faith a good half hour to get ready, to clip her hair up in a stylish knot, reapply her make-up, and put on the lingerie and outfit Matthew had bought specifically for her. Standing in front of the dresser mirror, she took in the elegant long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder dress and the strappy shoes that were about a half size too big but would more than do for an hour or so. Her stockings were black, too, matching the garter belt, panties, and strapless bra ensemble he’d bought for her.

  All traces of the conservative elementary school teacher had vanished, replaced by a sensual, sophisticated woman with seduction on her mind. The new look thrilled her, but also made her more than a little nervous, because for as much as she enjoyed the temporary transformation, it didn’t change her modest lifestyle or who and what she was. And she hoped with all her heart that wasn’t his intent.

  She headed out to the dining room, the delicious smell of dinner awaiting her, along with Matthew, dressed in a white dress shirt he’d left unbuttoned at the throat and brown slacks he must have purchased at the boutique, as well.

  His gaze surveyed her appreciatively, from the low-cut bodice down to the knee-length hem of the dress. “You look gorgeous.”

  She felt her cheeks flush, but had to admit she liked feeling so beautiful. So pampered and spoiled by him. “Thank you.”

  He pretended a frown and tapped a finger against his lips. “Something’s missing.”

  She glanced down at herself, unable to imagine what she’d forgotten. “And what’s that?”

  “Accessories.” He produced a flat velvet box, opened it, and showed her what he had in mind.

  She gasped, her heart stuttering in her chest as she caught sight of the pearl and diamond choker and earrings she’d tried on at the boutique. “Matthew.” She shook her head, in disbelief and denial. “I can’t accept those!”

  “Sure you can.” A confident man, he merely smiled, undaunted by her refusal. “How about you consider it a memento of our special night together?”

  “That’s one hell of an expensive memento, as was the dress!” She laughed, the sound strained, certain she’d never have another reason to wear such a lavish gift. “I’d be just as happy with a key chain souvenir from the gift shop downstairs.”

  He chuckled and stepped behind her, securing the choker around her neck before she could object. “But that wouldn’t go nearly as well with your outfit.”

  He coaxed her to put on the earrings, too, and she did so while telling herself that she couldn’t, wouldn’t, keep the jewelry. She’d wear it for now, for the night because it was all part of the fantasy, but she’d leave in the morning with only the items she’d come here with… and her heart intact.

  Seemingly satisfied with himself, Matthew bowed gallantly and swept his hand toward the formal dining room. “Dinner awaits us,” he announced, and escorted her to her table.

  Sitting beside him, Faith positively glowed. Matthew loved the way she looked in that sexy black dress, and the way the necklace she’d been so reluctant to accept from him sparkled in the candlelight. As they dined on beef tenderloin, he enjoyed the way her eyes shone bright and her expression turned animated as she talked about her third grade class of seven-year-olds as if they were her own.

  He understood her dedication to her job and the kids she taught, because he felt the same way with his young patients. Those sick children all became a part of his life in some way, even if only for a brief time, leaving a lasting impression that never completely faded.

  Just as Faith was leaving a lasting impression on his heart and emotions. On his soul. It was as though he’d found his other half, a woman who accepted him for who he was on the inside, not what he presented on the outside. She was meant for him, of this he had no doubts.

  Now it was a matter of making her realize that, too.

  They fed each other dessert, a rich, delicious chocolate soufflé they washed down with sips of fine champagne while he regaled her with amusing stories about his childhood and siblings, hoping she’d see just what an ordinary guy he was, despite his medical degree and the old family money he’d been born into. He also made sure Faith knew he took nothing for granted, that his parents had taught him to work hard and earn his way in life, and he was doing that quite well.

  But for as much as they’d shared during dinner, there was still one important issue they needed to discuss tonight, before they went any further. And he had a feeling if he wasn’t careful in his approach their night together might end before it truly had a chance to begin.

  He scooted out his chair, stood, and held his hand toward Faith. “Care to dance?”

  “Ahh, dancing,” she said on a soft, wistful sigh as she placed her fingers in his palm and allowed him to help her up. “Now there’s something I haven’t done in a long while.”

  He guided her to the middle of the spacious living room, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her close. The area was dimly lit, the music drifting from the stereo speakers light and instrumental. “It’s not something I do often either… usually just at the occasional social function, but tonight it gives me the perfect excuse to hold you in my arms.”

>   She slid her arms around his neck, her fingers playing through his hair, her breasts warm and firm against his chest. “Ulterior motives, hmm?”

  He caressed his hand down her spine, aligning their lower bodies, their thighs. “Guilty as charged.”

  She smiled up at him as they swayed together, her earlier caution with him completely gone. Her damp lips parted, and he knew she wanted him to kiss her, that she was more than willing to let things progress from there. He wanted that too. Soon.

  He took the hand he was holding and pressed her palm over his beating heart, needing that intimate connection between them before he shattered the tranquility of the moment. “Faith… what happened between you and the last guy you were dating?”

  She stiffened, and that quickly he could feel her erecting those protective walls around her again. “Why does it matter?”

  “Because I don’t want to make the same stupid mistake he did and end up losing you.” While his tone was teasing to put her at ease, he was totally serious.

  She drew a deep breath, which did nothing to dispel the internal pain he saw flash across her features. “Matthew, we agreed on this one night, no more—”

  He pressed two fingers against her soft lips to quiet her. “Just humor me and answer my question, okay? And if there’s anything you want to ask me in return about my past relationships, I’m an open book.”

  She arched a brow, a hint of disdain glimmering in the depths of her eyes. “Including your broken engagement?”

  He wasn’t surprised she knew about that—the gossip among the single women in the hospital was ruthless, and most of the time, inaccurate or over-inflated. It was that severed engagement and the dating that followed that had instigated his current reputation as a player, and he’d felt no need to defend himself… until now, when it ultimately mattered.