Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
D ylan chuckled. “I want to tease you for not having faith in me, but that’s such a good suggestion, I’m on board with it.” He tugged her to a stop and scooped her up into his arms.
The feeling of weightlessness and his strength caused her breath to catch in her throat. He was wonderful. Mallory strung kisses from his jaw to the neckline of his t-shirt.
He placed her on the center of the bed, then pulled off his shirt.
The view was breathtaking, the honed perfection of a beautiful form, like the statues at the Louvre but live, at the foot of her bed. She put her hands behind her head like a spectator. “Glorious view.”
Dylan’s grin was cocky, but his gaze was greedily on her. “Your turn.”
Mallory sat up and leaned forward, her arms extended for his help. Dylan drew her shirt off slowly, so the fabric brushed against her sensitive skin. He stared intently at her white, lacy bra as if enthralled. She’d seen that expression on his face when he listened to a particular piece of music.
Nice to know she wasn’t alone in this enchantment.
Dylan braced one arm on the bed and traced his fingertips from her collarbone, over her breasts, to her waist, and back up. “When we’re out together, you’re so vivid and lively. Here, you’re so soft and delicate.” He repeated the motion, but slower and lighter, with fingers that wandered more freely. He followed the scallops on her bra, teasing the top of her breasts, bringing her nipples to aching points without even touching them.
Mallory cupped his shoulders and ran her palms to his waist and back up, imitating his movements. “When we’re out, you amaze everyone around us. Here, together, you awe me.” Sincerity threaded through her voice.
Dylan took her lips in a slow, drugging kiss that tasted of sweet sexiness while finally moving his fingers to her neglected nipples. The powerful combination shot pleasure through her body.
Mallory took the evening a step further by undoing the top button on his jeans. She tugged on his lean hips, urging him to join her fully on the bed.
He kissed her and lowered his body against hers, taking them both down to the mattress. The warm weight of him was amazing.
They rolled to their sides, still kissing, hands roaming, until the lava in her veins dissolved all thoughts except the urge to be closer. Then their clothes were off with a natural ease.
All the while, they shared more kisses and caresses. Dylan took her nipple into his mouth and sucked while toying with the other between his fingertips. Then he switched, tightening the sensations burning within her.
His skin was warm, his body toned and hard. The contrast to hers was fascinating, and her hands, lips, and body couldn’t get enough, pressing and rubbing, and relishing the difference.
The hollow ache in her core intensified. “Dylan.” Her voice sounded needy. The intensity of the want surprised her and was almost scary.
“Hmm?” He was kissing her ear.
Mallory shook. “I want you.”
“I want you too.” Dylan blew out a sharp breath and groaned softly. “Lovely.” He shifted her body so she was flat on the mattress and pressed his fingers to her lips, then trailed them down her body. He dipped them into the wetness at her core and circled back up to her clit. The pleasure and need grew stronger.
Mallory tightened her grip on him and met his eyes with a desperation she couldn’t voice.
He released her and reached for a condom, then she heard the sound of the wrapper opening. He was attuning her to be hyperaware of sound. Her back arched, and she rubbed against his erection. Her heart rate and her breaths sped up and tightened.
Dylan stilled and groaned. “You feel amazing, creamy, soft, petals.”
Her core clenched, aching for him, then he shifted his body and was filling her. His gaze met hers, sharing the flickers of shocked delight. His eyelids closed and he kissed her again, with a dreamy softness that roughened as he plunged in and out until they were both coming apart.
They clung to each other, each coming down from the shivery sensations, and Mallory kept her eyes closed, melted and relaxed, but her mind shifted to wonder. Being with him was…wow.
Dylan traced her jaw with light fingers as if he couldn’t stop touching her, and pulled the comforter over them before positioning her atop his chest. “There,” he said in a husky voice. “I wanted you right here, like this.”
“You got me.” Looking at him was a shivery turn-on; listening to him and being this close to him was even more of a thrill. Pulses of sensation shot over every inch of her skin, teasing her where they met. She ran her fingers absently along his back, wanting to stroke him everywhere she could, indulging in her desire.
“You’re killing me, in the best way.” Dylan tightened his arms around her, then they gradually loosened as he dozed.
As the hours passed, she’d awaken to his kisses, or awaken him with her own. With the early glint of sunrise on the horizon, she pushed him to his back and lay on top of him again. She used her lips, her tongue, and teeth to tell him she wanted more, needed more, had to have more.
Dylan shifted her down his body to his erection. She slid down slowly, widening her thighs, taking him deeper and deeper, then he was completely filling her. “Ahh.” The stretch and pull was divine.
They groaned together.
Mallory tipped her head back and lifted her hips before pushing them back down again.
Dylan used his fingertips and palms to caress her breasts, then he sat up, kissing her over and over, and moved his fingertips down to lightly tease her at the point where they were connected.
Their lips were pressed together as she orgasmed, and he quickly followed.
The hours followed held no more sleep, simply clinging and exploring until her alarm buzzed.
Dylan had to leave. A rush of resistance filled Mallory. She didn’t want him to go.
They’d fulfilled their fling. No hanging threads, no what-ifs. This was good. Let him go with grace.
They lay entwined on the bed. Dylan shifted his head against the pillow. His dark hair fell across his brow and into his eyes. “I have to leave soon.” He remained as he was. “Thanks for last night.” His deep voice was so beautiful. She’d never forget the sound.
Mallory brushed his hair back. “Thank you for last night.” Her voice was husky and sleep-deprived as she echoed his words with sincere sentiment. “When I hear you on the radio in the future, I’ll shiver at this memory.”
Dylan groaned, a sound of both pain and pleasure. He kissed her and moved his hands to play with her nipples.
Mallory’s breath increased. He had to go. She needed to lighten the mood. “I did a little research before going to Paris. Did you know the French invented the bikini?”
“Sounds like the French.” Dylan murmured the last word against her nipple. Then he sucked on her breast. The thrumming pull sent waves of pleasure through her body.
“Did you know it was a man?” Mallory gasped the question and arched her back.
“Sounds like a man.” Dylan lifted his head. He tugged her until she was on her back, then he arranged her thighs around his hips where he wanted them.
Mallory nodded.
Dylan plunged forward.
“Ah.” Mallory gasped. “Dylan.”
He met her gaze as he plunged harder and faster, taking them both under.
When they both came, he sank down on top of her.
Her soul drifted from her body. She had no thoughts. Just melted limbs.
“I didn’t want to go to Paris.” Dylan moved his lips to her ear, whispering. “I was shocked that I didn’t want to leave.”
Mallory couldn’t form words. She patted his back, then stroked her hand from his shoulder to his waist, relishing the feel of his muscles.
Dylan stuck his thumb between her lips, running the pad along the edge of her teeth. In response, Mallory flicked her tongue up to lick his salty skin then sucked on it, loving his responsive reactions.
He replaced his thumb with his mouth, cupping her face, his thumb wet against her cheek. “I couldn’t believe it when you showed up in my limo that morning, coming to Seoul with me.”
“Fate entwined our itineraries.”
“I like that.”
Mallory’s backup alarm buzzed, making her jolt against him. She’d never disliked an alarm more, but she had to let him go.
Dylan stared at the clock. He blinked. “My car is picking me up in thirty.” He said the words but made no move to leave.
“It’s time,” Mallory said, her voice sad but sweet.
Dylan gave her a soft kiss then eased away.
Mallory couldn’t focus on the emotions nudging to overwhelm her, so she went into denial and moved them toward the shower and dressing for the day.
Then, thirty minutes later, with a kiss goodbye, Dylan left.
Mallory watched the car drive away, to hold his image a bit longer. When the taillights disappeared around the curve, she turned back to the foyer.
The emptiness of the house hit her hard. She’d lived here by herself for a long time. But today the hollowness echoed the way she felt inside. Birds chirped outside, but there were no voices to be heard. The house was so quiet after having Jenny there with her mom, and then Dylan.
Dylan .
The emotion caught in her throat, the depth both expected and unexpected, more difficult than it should be. He was a sexy, exhausting, glorious memory, not a reason for tears. Still, the tears spilled hot and wet over her cheeks.
She should be bouncing and spinning and relishing the memory. Instead, she wanted him back. Mallory covered her mouth to block a sob, then let go. Okay, she could do this. A quick cry, then she’d only be happy that they’d shared a moment together. That was how she’d handle this.
There was a knock at the door.
Probably the neighbor. Good, she wanted the distraction of company. She wiped at her eyes and opened the door without checking the camera.
She’d lie and tell them she had allergies, or she’d tell them the truth—that she was lovesick.
Dylan stood on her front porch.