6. Scarlett
Chapter 6
Scarlett
The storm raging outside seems like a distant memory, a world away from the warmth and almost palpable electricity in this cabin. I’m acutely aware of the space between us shrinking.
There’s something stormy in his gaze, too, a flicker of desire in his icy blue eyes that sends a fire roaring through my entire being. I lock onto it, feeling something inside me begin to melt from the creeping heat that makes my pulse race in response.
For a moment, my breath halts in my chest. He steps closer, closing the distance as the tension crackles between us. The flannel shirt slips from my fingers, tumbling soundlessly to the floor as he wraps his arms around me, drawing me in, grounding me even as my thoughts spiral out of control.
His spicy scent wraps around me as the world tilts on its axis. He stops abruptly and pauses, holding me firm but tender, his eyes searching mine for something.
“I want to make you mine,” he confesses, voice gritty with sincerity, a rawness that lays everything bare between us. “But it’s your choice. I promise, whatever you decide, your job’s not on the line.”
His words hang heavy, an open offer that slices through all the subterfuge of boss and employee, sending my heart thundering wildly. It’s a challenge wrapped in assurance, offering a gateway into something that could change everything.
The decision isn’t difficult. Every instinct screams to dive in and let this storm inside collide with the one outside. I reach up, curling my fingers into his hair, pulling him down to meet me with an undeniable fierceness. Our lips crash together, and it’s not just a meeting but a catalyst as sparks ignite amid the winter chill.
His grip tightens, firm and possessive, yet there's that underpinning gentleness I’ve come to realize defines him. The kiss deepens, exploring and claiming in the silence of the space around us.
Breathless, we pull back slightly, and there’s only us. The intimate connection forged with unspoken words shared across charged air.
“I’ve been fighting my feelings for you since the day you walked into my office and told me it looked like a kindergartener had organized my files,” Noah murmurs, his rough voice close to my ear, sending shivers coursing through my already electrified system. “But I won’t pretend that this isn’t exactly where I want to be.”
I grin, a fierce kind of happiness blooming that’s made stronger by its unpredictability. “Your files really did need a ton of help.”
“I have something else needing a ton of help.” He rubs his hard body against mine, and my insides turn to mush at the insinuation. “And you’re the only woman for the job.”
“Yes, I am.” We stumble back to the bed behind us.
He kisses me and my knees go weak. I can’t believe I’m standing here in my grouchy boss’ bedroom while he kisses me to within an inch of my life. Hello, Twilight Zone.
His tongue slips into my mouth and tangles with mine, causing my thoughts to scatter as my mind shuts down. The only thing I know right now is him.
When the backs of my knees hit the bed, he gives me a gentle push and I fall onto the silky comforter. Leaning up on my elbows, I watch him rip his shirt over his head. I feel like I’m dreaming and reach down to pinch myself as my eyes roam his muscular chest down to the leather belt holding up his pants.
While I watch, he unhooks and pulls his belt off before shoving his pants down his muscular legs. Oh, man. I’m in so much trouble. His massive erection bounces free, and I swallow, wondering how this is going to work.
“I’ve never done this before,” I blurt out before my brain catches up with my mouth.
“Fucking hell, I’m glad.” His words send my pulse into overdrive. “I can’t stomach the thought of another man touching your gorgeous body.”
“Caveman,” I mutter, watching as he grips his erection. My unused girly parts clench as he slides his hand up and down his hardness. The darker head slips through his fingers with each stroke, causing me to forget all about my apprehension.
“Yes, I am,” he growls as I drop back against the bed and slowly unbutton the dress shirt I’m wearing. His icy blue eyes watch as I slip the shirt off and toss it aside. “Fucking hell, you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” I manage to mutter past my dry throat as I unhook and pull off my bra.
He prowls over to the bed and leans down to run his tongue along my collarbone, sending electricity shooting down my spine. He reaches between us to drag my pants down my legs. A shiver runs through my body.
“We can’t have you getting cold,” he mutters and grabs a remote from the bedside table to turn on the fireplace next to the bed. Warmth and flickering flames fill the room around us.
“That’s a neat trick.”
“Wait until you see the rest of my cool tricks.” He smirks and kisses the sensitive spot beneath my ear.
“I can’t wait,” I breathe, and as his warm breath flutters across my sensitive skin, my eyes roll back in my head. He runs his thumbs over my nipples before leaning down to wrap his lips around one of them. I grip the back of his head.
My mind completely shuts down as sparks of pleasure shoot down my spine. He switches his attention to my other nipple, and I forget how to breathe. I barely notice when he tears away my underwear and spreads my pussy lips. He slides a finger around my wet opening a few times before pressing it a little deeper.
I lose track of time while his magic finger drives me wild. When he slips another finger in with the first and rubs both against my sensitive walls, I whimper his name.
Reaching between us, I wrap my hand around his hardness and feel wetness leaking from the head.
His cock jerks in my grip as I stroke him. He groans my name and pulls back from my hold. “I’m not going to be able to control myself if you keep doing that.”
“I don’t want you to control yourself,” I protest as he kisses his way down my body. He spreads my legs wide and places soft kisses on my inner thigh.
“I need to taste your sweetness.” Leaning up on my elbows, I stare into his eyes as he runs his tongue up the center of my opening. “Before I fuck your tight pussy.”
My arms give out and I fall back against the soft bedding while he devours me. He closes his lips around my clit and sucks while scissoring his two fingers deep in my pussy. Fireworks explode behind my closed eyelids as an orgasm blasts through me. I forget everything but the feel of his warm, muscular body pressing against mine.
He crawls up my body and places a soft kiss on my lips. I barely have time to catch my breath before he places his erection at my opening. This is happening so fast, but it couldn’t feel more right. When he doesn’t move fast enough, dig my nails into his muscular back and whimper, “Please.”
“You’re mine,” he growls and thrusts deep, and I gasp at the sting. Taking several deep breaths, I force myself to relax while he slowly pulls back.
He circles his hips, and the slight sting slowly turns into pleasure. His hips pick up speed while he kisses me.
I wrap my legs around his hips and try to keep up with his rapid thrusts. My heart pounds away in my chest as electricity flows down my spine. He slips his arm under my leg and drags it up on his shoulder. This new position allows him to slide deeper with each thrust.
My inner muscles clamp down tight around his cock as pleasure flows through every molecule in my body.
He frantically thrusts a few more times before stilling above me. The veins in his neck stand out as his cock jerks deep inside my core. When he releases my leg and rolls over to pull me against him, I lay my head on his chest.
He rubs slow circles on my shoulder before leaning up to kiss my forehead. “I love you, firecracker.”
“Firecracker?” It’s the only thing my mushy mind can come up with. I place my chin on his chest and stare into his eyes.
“That’s right. You’re my little firecracker.” He smirks. “You’re strong and sassy, and I love to light your fuse.”
Warmth blooms across my cheeks. “I think I’m pretty level-headed to have put up with your grumpy butt without committing murder,” I tease, remembering how grumpy he stayed.
“Remember your interview?” He laughs, the memory lighting up his eyes. I feel a prickle of awareness humming through me. “You blew me away with your fierce independence and adorable laugh.”
I nod, instantly transported back to the day, and I think we’re remembering it a little differently. I remember stepping into a chaotic office and wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into. “Yeah, I remember. I was this close to bolting when I saw how bad it was,” I admit.
He laughs, the sound deep and rough, resonating through the bedroom. “You didn’t bolt. You walked right in and told me my office looked like it was organized by a kindergartener. And that’s when I knew you were exactly what I needed,” he says, a seriousness creeping into his tone. “You showed up, saw the mess, and still took it on. You lit up the room, and I started looking forward to going to work every day. Just to see you. Somewhere along the way, you stole my heart.”
“I love you, too,” I admit, watching his eyes widen as he smiles and hugs me closer.
“Fucking hell, I’m the luckiest man on earth.”