Desire (#1) by Cox, Carrie (important of reading books .txt) 📕

down to my stomach. I pushed my butt against him, wiggling against his hardness. I heard him groan as he began to rub the spot between my legs that gave me the most pleasure.

Then I felt the hard head of his erection probing my opening. I eased myself back against him and gasped with pleasure as he entered me from behind. The thick length of him pushed into my opening, further and further until it filled me. Then he began to move. I moved with him, trying to meet his thrusts. As his thrusts grew harder, my breasts jiggled wildly. He reached his arms around me cupping and caressing them as he pounded into me.

“You feel so good,” he said and moved his hands to hold my hips, pulling me to him as he entered me time and time again. As he built up speed, I felt a tightening, and he slipped his fingers between my legs to caress my pleasure spot again.

Holy crap. I was going to come again.

I surrendered to the waves of pleasure as I came for the second time. I heard his breath coming hot and fast against the back of my neck as he gave one last thrust and groaned.

After he pulled out, I waited for a moment, holding myself up on the corner of the desk.

I suddenly felt self-conscious as I stood naked in front of a man I hardly knew. I bent down to scoop up my clothes then pulled them on as fast as I could.

He watched me as he zipped up his trousers. “You’re beautiful, Katherine.”

I flushed as I stared down at the floor. It was ridiculous to be shy with him after what we had just done, but I didn’t know what to say.

He seemed oblivious to my discomfort and walked around the other side of his desk.

“I’d like you to attend the small fundraiser this Saturday,” he said watching me pull on my shoes.

I answered automatically, “Oh, I don’t think that is a good idea.”

He frowned. “Of course it is. Your work will be on display. It will be a good career move for you. No doubt you’ll pick up some new clients.”

I paused with one shoe still clasped in my hand. He was right. It was the perfect opportunity to try to get more work. There would be rich, influential people at the party, people who may own artwork in need of restoration.

“I hired you through the recommendation of Suzanne Nolan.”

I nodded. I knew my college friend had used her influence to get me this job, and I was very grateful.

“I wouldn’t usually hire an unknown, without references.”

I swallowed then said, “I appreciate you taking a chance on me.”

He shrugged. “What confuses me is that your work is clearly excellent, so you must have a great deal of experience.”

His dark eyes focused on mine, and I flinched and looked away.

I’d thought about this and practised the lie many times, but it still tasted bitter on my tongue. “I wanted a fresh start, and I didn’t want to trade on my old employer’s name. I wanted to make a name for myself. To build a reputation.”

His eyes narrowed again. He didn’t believe me.

“I better go,” I said, backing away. “I need to get a move on if I’m to finish the mural by tomorrow night.”

He nodded, and I turned on my heel, almost running out of his office. I tried to smooth my hair and my clothes before I reached Geraldine’s reception desk, but I was clearly unsuccessful. She gave me the evil eye as I scooted past her workstation.

I mumbled goodbye as she pursed her lips in disapproval, and I rushed out of the office area and into the relative safety of the main house.

Chapter 5

The rest of the afternoon passed slowly. Every so often I would turn to the staircase expecting to see Benjamin Easton. But I didn’t see him. I tried to convince myself I didn’t mind, but every time I heard footsteps approaching I held my breath, but on each occasion it turned out to be Carter or Mrs. Wicker.

I didn’t see Colin Easton again either. I guessed he’d gone off to lick his wounds. Benjamin hadn’t treated him very kindly. I’d been a little preoccupied, but even I noticed that he seemed to be looked upon as some kind of poor relation.

As I applied a thin coat of varnish, I wondered whether I should attend the charity function on Saturday evening. Under normal circumstances, I would have jumped at the chance to pitch to potential clients. The party would be teeming with rich art lovers.

I didn’t know what Benjamin expected of me. Was he interested in me? I mean, I knew he desired me, that much had been blatantly obvious this afternoon, but was he interested in getting to know me?

I chewed on my lip as I pried open the lid of another small tin of varnish and stirred the thick liquid. My biggest concern was the way he found me so easy to read. I didn’t want anyone asking questions or raising suspicions about my past. Benjamin Easton was the type of man who liked to be in control, would he be content with my breezy explanation? I didn’t think so. It was probably better to cash the cheque and leave. Start over again somewhere.

I blinked back tears and shoved the lid back on the varnish. Dammit, I didn’t want to start again. I was tired of running.

***

I didn’t see Benjamin Easton the following day. The disappointment built in my chest as the day drew on. I tried to concentrate on the project and keep my mind occupied, but as I was just working on the final stages, there wasn’t much to do. I could have finished up by lunchtime, and left my invoice with Mrs. Wicker, but I hung on hoping I might see Benjamin again.

Mrs. Wicker came into the Great Hall to admire my work.

“It’s just beautiful isn’t it?” She gazed