Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
EMMA
A s the last of the guests finally trickled out, I let out a long breath, allowing myself to feel the bone-deep exhaustion that had been threatening to overtake me all evening. I rolled my shoulders, trying to ease the tension that had built up over the course of the day. I glanced around the room, taking in the wilting flowers and the flickering candles. The wedding had been a resounding success, but the magic of the day was fading, leaving behind a bittersweet ache.
Abi and Finn had snuck out hours ago, lost in newlywed bliss. I couldn’t blame them — if I had someone looking at me the way Finn looked at Abi, I’d want to be alone with them too.
Hell, only professionalism had stopped me from ducking out myself. With Charlie throwing me suggestive glances all night and making it his mission to get me hot and bothered, I might have self-combusted.
I scanned the room, searching for the determined Canadian. He’d almost stuck to me with more efficiency than my shadow tonight, encouraging me to enjoy the night.
I was just about to start my final walk-through when a warm body stopped behind me and a familiar voice sounded close to my ear.
“Quite the party.”
Turning, I almost bumped into Charlie’s chest. He took a step back, giving me space, but his intense, hazel gaze never left mine. At some point during the night, he’d loosened his tie and destroyed the careful styling of his hair. It stood on end in some places, almost artful despite the disarray. He looked like he’d just had a good roll in bed, all relaxed charm and smouldering eyes.
Inexplicable jealousy clenched in my gut, hot and angry.
“I thought you’d left with the rest of the guests.” I hoped my voice didn’t betray the little flip my stomach did at the sight of him.
“And miss the chance to steal more of your time? Not a chance.” His lips curved into a slow smile that did far too much for my sex-starved body.
I raised a brow, trying to maintain my composure.
Do not throw yourself at the man.
“Oh? And what makes you think I have any time to spare?”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Considering the bride and groom disappeared hours ago, and the last guest just stumbled out the door, I’d say your official duties are over.” He took a step closer, backing me into the wall while his voice dropped to a husky whisper. “Unless, of course, you have some pressing engagement elsewhere?”
My heart rate kicked up a notch. Was he really suggesting what I thought he was? I studied him, taking in the way he carried himself, the breadth of his shoulders under that perfectly tailored suit, the intensity in his dark eyes.
He’s gorgeous.
I became acutely aware of how long it had been since I’d been with someone. How long since I’d felt desired, wanted.
I’d been so focused on my career, pouring every ounce of energy into building my business, that dating had fallen by the wayside.
You could have this, a little voice in my head whispered. Just for tonight.
I bit my lip, considering. It was crazy, right? I didn’t do one-night stands. But Charlie... was looking at me like I was the only woman in the world.
“You’re right,” I said, surprised by the husky quality of my voice. “My duties are over.”
His eyes darkened, and he took another step closer. A few scant inches separated us and his body heat blanketed me. “In that case,” he murmured, “how would you feel about extending this evening? Just you and me?”
Meeting his gaze head-on, I asked: “What did you have in mind?”
“Well, if we didn’t live four thousand miles apart, I’d suggest dinner and hopefully many more dates to follow.” His smile widened, becoming almost predatory. “But I’d be terrible at a long distance relationship. I do happen to have a very nice hotel room not far from here. Room service, king-size bed, spectacular view of the city...” He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air between us.
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. He was right, if he lived closer, I would have found the time to date him. I’d never experienced such strong chemistry before and the thought of losing this in the morning saddened me.
But could I handle just one night with him?
It was crazy. Reckless. Totally unlike me.
And yet...
“Just tonight?”
Charlie nodded, his demeanour serious despite the heat in his eyes. “One night. No expectations. No tomorrow.” He grimaced. “Though I really wish there could be a tomorrow.”
Screw it.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves swirling in my stomach.
“Okay.”
The word was a barely audible exhale, but it was enough. Charlie’s eyes flashed with heat as he took my hand, lacing our fingers together.
His grin was positively wicked as he pulled me from the banquet room.
The lobby was mercifully empty as we crossed it, save for a lone security guard who nodded politely as we passed. I kept expecting someone to stop us, to ask where we were going or why we were going upstairs together. But no one did.
When we reached the elevators, Charlie pressed the call button and the doors slid open immediately. He gestured for me to enter first, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back as he followed me in. The touch, even through the fabric of my dress, sent a jolt of electricity through me.
As soon as the doors closed, he turned to me, his gaze dark with desire, lingering on my face, drifting down to my lips, before locking with mine. My breath caught at the intensity.
“Last chance to back out.”
But I didn’t want to. For once in my life, I didn’t want to overthink or over analyse. I wanted to feel, to experience, to live in the moment. Before I could think better, my fingers curled in his shirt and I tugged him towards me. Instead of answering, I went up on my toes and pressed my lips against his.
He responded instantly, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tight against his chest while his lips devoured me. I might have started it, but he finished it.
His lips were soft but insistent, moving against mine with a hunger that made me pant. I gasped, and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a way that made my knees weak.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as the elevator began its ascent. Each floor that passed was marked by a soft ding, but I barely noticed, lost as I was in the sensation of his mouth on mine, his hands roaming my back, pulling me flush against him.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing heavily. Charlie rested his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.
“Jesus,” he muttered. “You’re perfect.”
I couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped me. “You hardly know me.”
I ran my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and he opened his eyes, fixing me with a look that made heat pool in my belly.
“Oh, darling,” he said, his voice low and full of promise, “by the time I’m done with you, I’ll know you very intimately.”
The elevator dinged once more, and the doors slid open. We broke apart, both of us a little dazed. He took my hand, lacing our fingers together, his grip tight, almost as if he expected me to disappear. Heart pounding, I let him guide me through the halls. When we reached his door, he fumbled with the key card for a moment before finally getting it open. He stood back, allowing me to enter first.
The room was beautiful — spacious and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering the promised breath taking view of the city. But I had seconds to take it in before Charlie pulled me back into his arms.
This kiss was different from the one in the elevator. It was slower, deeper, filled with a promise of things to come. His hands skimmed down my sides, coming to rest on my hips as he backed me into the wall.
“You have no idea,” he murmured against my lips, “how hard it’s been to keep my hands off you all night.”
I smiled, nipping at his lower lip. “Show me.”
A low growl escaped him, and his hands were everywhere — in my hair, caressing my face, skimming down my neck. He caught the zipper of my dress and paused, his eyes meeting mine in a silent question.
I nodded, and he slowly lowered the zipper, his fingers trailing down my spine as he did so. The dress pooled at my feet, leaving me in nothing but my lingerie and heels.
Charlie took a step back, his eyes roaming over my body with undisguised appreciation.
I refused to let my insecurities take over. Instead, I reached for him, my fingers working at the buttons of his shirt.
“Your turn,” I said, my voice huskier than I’d ever heard it.
He grinned, shrugging out of his jacket and helping me with the buttons. Soon, his shirt joined my dress on the floor, and I took a moment to appreciate the view. He was all lean muscle and tanned skin, with just the right amount of chest hair. I ran my hands over his pecs, revelling in the way his muscles jumped under my touch.
“Like what you see?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I looked up at him through my lashes. “Very much.”
His eyes darkened, and then he was kissing me again, harder this time, more urgent. His hands found my thighs and he lifted me easily, pressing me back against the wall as I wrapped my legs around his waist.
The feel of his skin against mine was intoxicating. I ran my nails down his back, drawing a low moan from him. In response, he ground his hips against mine, letting me feel just how much he wanted me.
“Bed,” I gasped, breaking away from the kiss. “Now.”
Charlie didn’t need to be told twice. He carried me to the king-size bed, laying me down gently on the edge before dropping to his knees and tugging my thighs open. I stared down at him, his dark eyes locked on mine as his hands started their exploration.
“Were you this wet during the reception?” He brushed his thumb across my damp panties and I jolted. He grinned up at me, the picture of wicked delight.
He did it again and again, circling my clit through the fabric, watching me with eagle eyes for the slightest reaction. My throat closed up and my eyelids began to flutter.
He’s barely fucking touched you.
It had been a while, okay?
“Answer me, Emma.” He teased the edge of the material, his touch light but my body didn’t care. Heat gushed through me.
I swallowed. “Maybe.”
“Maybe what?”
“Maybe I was wet.” I panted as his fingers dipped into my panties, brushing against my clit before retreating. I let out a soft cry.
He hummed in approval, his gaze fixed on my pussy. “Who made you wet?”
“You did.”
“Good girl.”
In one swift move, he hooked my panties and dragged them off me. A satisfied light entered his eyes as he stared at my bare pussy, even as his shoulders tensed. His fingers danced along my inner thighs, teasing, tracing, promising, but he shied away from where I desperately needed him with an amused sort of determination.
“Are you trying to drive me crazy?”
“Maybe,” he said, his grin growing wider. “Or maybe I just like hearing you gasp.”
Then he moved his touch higher, higher, until he brushed against my clit again. I gasped as he wanted, my hips bucking involuntarily. He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my sensitive skin.
“Easy, darling,” Charlie murmured, his voice low and full of promise. “We’ve got all night.”
He continued to tease me, his touch light and playful, making me crave more while he traced intricate patterns on my skin. He kissed my inner thighs, his lips soft and warm while the stubble on his jaw scraped deliciously against me
And then, he shifted, his hands moving up to my hips as he leaned in, his breath hot before his mouth replaced his fingers and his tongue flicked out, finding the spot that made me moan.
“Please,” I whispered, when he went no further, my voice filled with need.
He chuckled. “Such a polite way to beg.”
But he didn’t make me wait any longer. He swirled his tongue against my clit, his fingers pressing against my entrance, pleasure winding tighter and tighter inside of me. I gripped the sheets, my body writhing under his skilled touch. He was relentless, his hands and mouth working together, driving me towards the edge.
“You taste incredible.” He lapped at me once more before he added, “But I want more.”
Two fingers pressed against my entrance, pushing inside in a slow, steady rhythm. He curled them upwards, hitting that magical spot that made my toes curl. I moaned, my hips bucking against his hand as he continued to work me with his mouth and fingers.
The pressure built, waves of sensation crashing over me as he brought me closer and closer to the edge. His fingers moved faster, his tongue more insistent, until I could barely contain myself.
“Fuck,” I whispered, my voice filled with need. “I’m close.”
Charlie didn’t stop, his focus unyielding as his lips clamped down on my clit, suckling hard and forcing me over the edge. My body convulsed with pleasure as I came, the orgasm washing over me and leaving behind a shuddering, gasping mess.
I writhed under him, my body wracked with pleasure as he continued to lap at me. He drew out the moment, stoking the aftershocks until I begged him to stop.
While I lay there, panting and shaking, he slowly removed his fingers, his tongue tracing one final circle around my clit before he lifted his head. His hazel eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of satisfaction and intense lust.
“You taste amazing.” He licked his lips. “I can’t wait to do that again.”
I grinned, my body still humming with pleasure. “I’m sure we’ll find time.”
After all, we had hours before sunrise.
Charlie stood, dropped his boxers on the floor and then gathered me in his arms. He moved so fast, I barely got a glance at his thick and hard package.
He repositioned us in the middle of the bed, placing me in the centre, and his fingers instantly returned to tease my pussy. He wasn’t done and I couldn’t muster the energy to utter so much as a gasp of surprise that he’d lifted me so easily. Still my body thrummed with anticipation and need, taking anything he was willing to give.
Hovering over me, his hard cock brushed against my thigh. I let out a moan, desperate for him to fill me. His fingers disappeared and he shifted, covering my body with his own. His lips found my neck, trailing hot kisses down to my collarbone as his hands explored every inch of me.
I arched into his touch, all thoughts of professionalism and self-control long forgotten. In that moment, there was only Charlie — his hands, his lips, the weight of his body against mine and the desperate, coiling need inside of me to come again. And again.
He unhooked my bra and tossed it aside without removing his lips from my needy body. With a firm grip in his hair, I dragged his face back to mine and revelled in the way he consumed me, owned me.
Meanwhile, it was my turn to do a little exploring. I dragged my hands up his sides, across his taut pecs and down to his abs, tracing every line I could find while Charlie continued to tease me.
If there was one thing I was starting to learn about this man, it was that he enjoyed working for his pleasure. So instead of sinking into me like I expected, he teased me with the tip of his cock pressed against my swollen lower lips. I let out a moan, desperate for him to fill me.
Before he could, I stopped him. “Do you have a condom?”
He paused, his brow scrunching up in thought.
“I’m clean. I don’t really do the sleeping with complete strangers thing,” I said, rushing on like he even needed an explanation. “But I’m not comfortable going without one.”
“It’s okay. I was trying to remember where I put them.” He got out of bed and walked over to his suitcase, his taut, toned ass on display. “And for the record, I’m clean too. It’s been a while.”
My mouth watered at the sight and I barely heard his response. The only way it would get better was for him to turn around and finally give me an eyeful of his cock.
He dug through his suitcase and then grunted when he found what he was looking for. Turning back to me, he held something out. My brain wasn’t interested in the thing in his hands, it zeroed in on his rock solid length.
The man obviously took care of himself. With a torso as chiselled as his, he had to. He was a complete contrast to me and my slightly rounded stomach. I hit the gym ( sometimes ) and I ate healthy food ( most of the time ), but working out always fell to the bottom of my to do list when my workload called for it ( nearly every week).
Besides, I was comfortable in my body, flaws and all. Going by the heat in Charlie’s eyes as they roamed my naked form, he liked what he saw. So what if I have a dessert addiction I’m unwilling to kick?
“Will these be enough?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
My gaze shifted to the roll of foil hanging from his hand. “Do you intend for me to be able to walk tomorrow?”
He laughed, his gaze filled with heat. “Absolutely not.”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my voice playful. “So, you were planning on leaving New York with a few notches on your belt, huh?”
“I’ve been too busy for much action lately. But…” he prowled towards me with the absolute confidence of a man who knew he had me, hook, line and sinker. At least for tonight. He sat beside me and leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, intimate whisper while his lips nearly brushed mine. “You’re making this one hell of a way to break my dry spell.”
The words sent a thrill through me, then he pressed his mouth against mine and any sense I had went up in flames.
“Well, I’m flattered,” I said breathlessly when he let me up for air. “It’s been a while for me too, so I guess we’re both due.”
Shut up!
Something flickered behind the desire burning in his eyes. Surprise or disgust?
“Really?” he asked, his voice a little rougher than before.
I bit back a dejected sigh and decided that I might as well face it head on now. In for a penny and all that.
I nodded, my cheeks heating. “Yeah. Work’s been crazy, and... I guess I haven’t found the right person to take my mind off things.”
He smiled, looking genuinely pleased. Just like that the tension upped and left me.
“I’m glad I could be that person for you.”
We lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment, just drinking each other in. Charlie was incredibly handsome, his chiselled features and rugged good looks making my body ache in all the best places.
With a sudden, determined movement, he tore the condom wrapper open with his teeth.
“As much as I want to ease you in,” he said as he rolled the condom onto his thick cock. “I really need to be inside you. Right. Now.”
My answering nod was just as frantic as his deep voice. He shifted over me, forcing my legs open and tugging me further down the bed. Then he leaned over me, that teasing but devilish smile curling his lips as he lifted one of my legs onto his shoulder.
He notched himself at my entrance but paused.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
“More than.”
“Good.”
He tilted my hips up and thrust into me with a slow deliberate pump of his hips that made me cross-eyed.
“Fuck,” he muttered, his eyes closing for a moment as he pressed himself fully inside me.
Fuck was right. I knew I’d be tight, but this? Jesus. I could feel every inch of him. It bordered on overwhelming.
He began to move with a gentleness that took me by surprise. His thrusts were slow and deep, each one sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. My climax started to build almost instantly.
“You feel so good, Emma,” he groaned, his movements growing more urgent as he fucked me relentlessly.
My legs began to shake, my fingers digging into the sheets as the pleasure built and built.
Then he paused, his hazel eyes locking onto mine. I gritted my teeth against a crazed demand for him to keep going.
“You okay?” he asked softly.
I nodded, unable to form words.
A smug, satisfied smile tugged at his lips. “That good, huh?”
I laughed, but he still wasn’t moving so it didn’t last long. “Charlie!”
Smirking, he picked up the pace. Digging my one ankle into the mattress, I met him thrust for thrust, chasing the high that had escaped me before. The room filled with the sounds of our mingled breaths and low moans. It didn’t take much to make me soar with how expertly he ground his pelvis against my clit and how his talented cock stroked the perfect spot inside of me.
How did I get so lucky?
The man was a beast in bed, gentle when it counted but gruff and commanding when the situation called for it. The exact sort of person I needed to break my dry spell.
If only he didn’t live on the other side of the country…
I pulled him down for a searing kiss. “Charlie,” I gasped against his lips. “I’m?—”
“I know, love,” he murmured. “Let go. I’ve got you.”
And with those words, I did. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me, and I cried out, clinging to him.
Rather than stop, his thrusts grew even harder and more insistent as he pounded into me, chasing his own climax. The veins in his neck bulged as he held on for dear life.
Finally, with a low, guttural moan, he buried himself deep inside me, his body trembling as he came.
For a few moments, we just lay there, panting and sweating, our bodies still connected. Then, with a sated smile, Charlie withdrew and lay down beside me, pulling me close so that I was draped across his chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my back.
“That was...” I trailed off, unable to find the right words.
“Yeah,” he agreed, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “It really was.”