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  He shook his head, chuckling. “You’re right. Don’t answer that.” But damn, he kind of wanted to hear her answer. For the first time ever, he was picturing a woman in his life. The visions scared him.

  She giggled, a sound he loved. “I’m not opposed to marriage. I just want it to be on my terms and with a man I’m totally in love with who makes my panties melt. I’d rather remain single than settle for less.” When she finished speaking, she flushed and squirmed in her seat.

  Fucking precious.

  “Did I say all that out loud?”

  “You did.” He reached across the table and set his open palm in front of her, pleased when she set her hand in his. “Challenge accepted.”

  Her cheeks turned bright red, and he was beyond shocked by his own words, but he meant them. He just had a feeling about Christa. A feeling that made him want to know every damn thing about her.

  “Enough about me. Tell me about you.” She stared at their connected hands and dragged her thumb across his palm. He was disappointed when their food suddenly arrived and he had to let go of her.

  He drew in a breath after the waitress left again. “I grew up here in Dallas. I also didn’t have the money for college, so I joined the Army. I spent fifteen years playing GI Joe, and then got out because I was tired. A buddy of mine, Tank, asked me to come work for him when I got out, and I’ve been working there for about a year.”

  “I’ve heard of Tank from Jason. His name is actually Jake, right? Computer programming or something?”

  “Exactly. It’s called Westside Programmers.”

  “Do you enjoy it?”

  He scrunched up his face. “Will I sound like a dork if I say yes?”

  She giggled. “Yes, but the good kind of dork, so that’s okay.”

  He blew out a hard breath. “Thank God. I aspire to be the good kind of dork.”

  “Is your family still here in Dallas?”

  He shook his head. “Nope. My parents retired and moved to Florida about three years ago, but they didn’t sell their house, which worked out perfectly for me because I moved into it when I got out of the Army. Kept me from worrying about money for the first few months, but I eventually bought it from them.”

  “Ah, that’s so sweet. It must have pleasant memories then. I wouldn’t want my childhood home under any circumstances.” She shivered dramatically.

  “I’m sorry about that. That sucks. But yes, in my case, that house holds great memories. It’s weird filling it with my own furniture and occupying the master bedroom instead of my childhood room, but it’s kind of fun, too. I’m slowly renovating it. Updating the kitchen and bathrooms and stuff.”

  “You’re doing it yourself?”

  “Mostly. On weekends. I get other guys to help me when they’re free. And I’m no electrician or plumber.” He wanted to turn the subject back to her. “What about you? Do you like being a flight attendant?”

  She gave him a wicked grin. “Will I sound like a dork if I say yes?”

  He laughed. “Yes, but the good kind of dork, so that’s okay.”

  She laughed and took a bite of her food, chewing it before speaking again. “It’s fun. I’m an oddball in the industry because I like the redeye. Usually, that’s where new flight attendants pay their dues, but I enjoy it, so I’ve done it for a few years. Bex and I work the same flights together most of the time.”

  “Remind me which one is Bex? The brunette? There were four of you from Open Skies at Trent and Destiny’s wedding, right?”

  “Yep. You know Libby, and then there’s Rebekah. We call her Bex. She’s the brunette. The fourth one is Shayla.”

  “Right. Got it. I remember her. She’s outgoing.”

  Christa giggled yet again. “Loud, you mean.”

  “I didn’t say that. You did,” he teased. “I don’t think I spoke to Bex.”

  “Not surprising. She’s shy.”

  “And you’re not?” He hoped he didn’t offend her.

  She flushed again as she chewed another bite. “I am. I admit it. Or maybe I’m just an introvert. But Bex is quieter than me.”

  “Well, I must say I was concerned when we left the house, but you haven’t had any trouble talking to me since we got here,” Mack pointed out.

  She gave him yet another smile. “You kept the conversation going with lots of questions. I’m not always this good at communicating though, outside of asking passengers what they want to drink. There’s your warning.”

  “Got it. Lucky for you, I’m fairly talkative, so I’ll drag it out of you.”

  This was going fantastically. Best date ever, hands down.

  Except…there were red flags running through his mind. Several of them. For one, she was so damn innocent. He worried she could even be a virgin. Was that possible? She was twenty-seven. For another, there was no way she was anything but vanilla. He couldn’t remember when he’d dated someone vanilla. Not for a damn long time.

  Mack had been aware of his dominant tendencies from about the time he could search the internet. By the time he was an adult and old enough to do his research, he realized he wasn’t alone. The world was filled with dominants who preferred a kinkier side of life, especially in the bedroom.

  Hell, Hatch was at least as dominant as Mack. Did Libby ever talk about it with Christa? Surely she would have mentioned as much. Women talked. But maybe Libby was private about her sexual preferences. Perhaps she never said a word. That would mean this sweet, innocent woman sitting across from Mack didn’t have the first clue how Mack liked sex.

  And that was a problem because he liked her, and he would need to think hard before he took this any further.

  He studied her expressions, glancing at her many times while they ate. He didn’t have to have all the answers tonight. No reason to rock the boat and mention his preferences. It was too soon for that anyway. He needed to chill and enjoy his time with her. Go on a few dates. Keep his kinkier side to himself for now. If things never developed further, she never needed to know. They would just go their separate ways. If their relationship got more solidified, then he’d have to reevaluate. Either telling her, or God forbid, changing his ways.

  Mack shuddered inwardly.

  Chapter 3

  For the first time since she could remember, Christa was actually disappointed when Mack pulled up back at her condo. She’d had a great time. He was funny and friendly and so very gorgeous. She’d had trouble keeping her eyes off him. Plus, she thought he’d enjoyed her, too.

  He walked her to the door, and even took her keys from her and opened her front door. It was quiet inside. The only light came from a small end table lamp Libby had left on before she’d gone to Jason’s where she slept most nights these days. Thus the reason she was moving in with him, and Christa was moving to a smaller apartment she could afford on her own.

  Mack stepped inside with her without saying anything, which pleased her and made her wonder if he might stay a while.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked as she tossed her purse onto the couch.

  “No, thank you. I won’t stay. I know you have to work the next three nights.” He approached her slowly, holding out a hand to grab hers when he got closer. His voice was deeper as he pulled her against him and cupped her face with his other hand, threading his fingers in her hair. “I only came inside because I didn’t want to kiss you on the porch.”

  She drew in a breath as he lowered his face, parting her lips before his landed on hers. The kiss was sweet and soft and warm and gentle and so very nice. And then he stepped even closer, releasing her hand to slide his to her lower back. He hauled her against him and deepened the kiss, angling her head so that he could dip his tongue inside and stroke hers.

  She grabbed his waist and held on, afraid if she didn’t, she might sway too far to one side and fall. Damn, he could kiss. Her breasts felt heavy and tight in her bra as he dragged his thumb back and forth against her cheek.

  When he slid his hand down to cup h
er butt, she smoothed hers up to his shoulder blades. Best kiss ever, hands down. She never wanted it to end. And for a long time, it didn’t.

  By the time he eased back and released her lips, they were both gasping for oxygen. He held her gaze, slowly smiling before he asked, “Panty-melting?”

  Her cheeks heated several degrees as she returned his smile. “Definitely.” She was surprised and impressed that he’d remembered that comment from earlier.

  “Good. Wouldn’t be worth going out with me a second time if I didn’t meet that criterion.”

  Damn, he was blunt. She had told him she wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t make her panties melt. It shocked her he would bring that up again. No one ever discussed such a thing on the first date. Was he just slick and toying with her? Or was he seriously into her?

  “I should go,” he stated without moving an inch.

  She licked her lips, considering telling him he most certainly shouldn’t. But her stupid brain and common sense stepped in and reminded her that inviting him to her bed on the first date could spell disaster. It seemed like most women rarely went out a second time with a guy they gave it all up for the first night. She didn’t want to be that woman. She wanted to see him again.

  He winked at her and finally eased back. “I’ll see you Saturday for the move.”

  She nodded. Saturday seemed so far away. He would be there first thing that morning, as well as several other guys to help with the move. She could wait that long. She had no choice. She needed to work all three nights between now and then, and she still had packing to do.

  He slid his hand into hers and pulled her behind him as he walked toward the door. When he spun around, he cupped the back of her head and kissed her again. Hard. Fast. Heated. “Saturday,” he repeated, his voice husky.

  “Saturday,” she mimicked yet again.

  He turned around, opened the door, and stepped outside. “Lock your door behind me, Christa.”

  She smiled. Why did that one statement make her all kinds of hot? “I will,” she murmured. She watched him walk back toward his SUV and waved as he ducked inside. Finally, she shut and locked the door.

  For a long time, she simply leaned against it, smiling from ear to ear.

  “Holy shit, that was hot,” she whispered to the empty room.

  Moving slowly, she made her way up the stairs and into her room. After dropping her heels near the closet, she unzipped her dress and draped it over a chair. Next, she headed for the bathroom and shut the door. For a moment she stared at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door—the same one she’d used before leaving for this date.

  She was wearing her favorite black lace matching panty and bra set that made her skin look even lighter than usual. Her hair was spilling all around her shoulders. Her chest was covered with splotches of red, a lingering result of that amazing kiss.

  She ran her hands up her waist and over her breasts, flicking her nipples and then closing her eyes so she could picture Mack touching her. She could still feel his palm on her butt and his hand in her hair. Part of her had been surprised that he’d left without trying to take things further. It had been chivalrous or something. Sweet. Endearing.

  But Lord, she had craved more. If he’d continued, she wouldn’t have turned him down.

  With a sigh, she spun around and turned on the bath, feeling the water until it reached a good temperature and then plugging the drain.

  She wiggled out of her panties and unhooked her bra before piling her hair on top of her head. As she eased into the water, she moaned. Leaving it running, she leaned back and closed her eyes. Even if she never saw Mack again, he would provide endless hours of fodder for her imagination.

  She cupped her breasts and flicked her thumbs over her nipples, arching at the contact as the water rose up to the undersides of her breasts. She gripped her thighs together and drew her knees up, the pressure growing between her legs.

  She wanted to touch herself, and she would, but first, she wanted to let the need build. The look on Mack’s face as he’d lowered his lips to hers made her bite her bottom lip to stifle a moan. No one was there to hear her of course, but she was used to keeping quiet when she masturbated just in case Libby might hear her.

  Her nipples were stiff peaks as she circled them and then pinched them as hard as she could tolerate. Would Mack be a gentle lover or rough? Maybe both. In her mind, he slammed her against the wall and slid a hand up under her dress.

  She gasped, her mouth falling open as she parted her thighs. She wished she could prolong the torment, but she needed to touch herself.

  Gripping one breast, she slid her other hand between her legs and found her folds. She wouldn’t touch her clit yet. If she did, she would come immediately. Instead, she dragged her finger between her labia and then pressed it slowly into her channel.

  Meanwhile, her mind continued to create the perfect backdrop. Mack grabbed both her wrists and pulled them over her head. He held them firmly with one hand and slid the other back down her body. When he cupped her breast, she arched, pinching her own nipple for him.

  She was panting as her imagination continued. He released her breast and grabbed the hem of her dress to pull it up over her butt. He found her panties and tugged them to one side. He held her firmly against the wall, one knee between her parted legs.

  He dragged a finger through her folds and then thrust into her.

  Christa gasped at the sudden intrusion. God, it felt so good. Even mimicking what she pictured him doing was amazing. Not as good as the real thing, but close. She added a second finger when she pictured him doing so, and she gasped when she flattened her palm to her clit and rubbed it.

  That was all she needed. With the new material in her mind, she was on the edge in seconds. Her legs were shaking and she couldn’t catch her breath. Thank God Libby wasn’t in the condo because she didn’t think she was being as quiet as usual.

  Finally, she couldn’t stand waiting another moment, so she pulled her fingers out and rubbed her clit rapidly, as fast and hard as she could. Her breath caught in her throat, and water sloshed all around her as she came.

  Her entire body shook with the pulses of her orgasm, the most intense one she’d experienced in a long time. By the time she opened her eyes, she had to lurch forward and turn off the water. It was close to running over the edge.

  She smiled as she leaned back, relaxing in the deep warm water. Her body still trembled every few seconds. Damn, that was hot. It had been a while since she’d had that kind of material to work with. Lately, she’d resorted to imaginary men in her mind’s eye. Tonight, that wasn’t necessary. It wouldn’t be for a while. No matter what happened with Mack, she could easily live off his image as masturbation material for a very long time.

  Chapter 4

  Mack’s date with Christa rarely left his mind for the next five days. He didn’t text or call her, mostly because he knew she was working and he didn’t want to appear desperate. He also couldn’t think of what to say that wouldn’t make him sound like he was in middle school.

  But he thought about her, and he was overly eager to see her Saturday morning. When he arrived at her condo with the rest of the guys, he learned something new about her. She was not a morning person.

  At first, she wasn’t anywhere to be found. Two moving trucks had already backed up to the condo. Libby was directing everyone, showing them what piles went in which truck. Tank and Sweets were rubbing their hands together, ready to start. But Christa was nowhere. Mack kept glancing around. He didn’t want to ask about her. He wanted to find her.

  When he stepped inside, he finally hit the jackpot and it made him grin. She was coming down the stairs, obviously half-asleep, eyes barely open, yawning, blond hair a mess, waves of it tangled down her back. She was wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts. Her dainty feet were bare.

  His cock jumped to attention.

  She groaned and turned around when she spotted him, heading back up the stairs.
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br />   He chuckled and followed her, easily catching up at her bedroom door. He’d never been upstairs, but he assumed this was her room. It was packed except for her bed which was a tumble of blankets and sheets and pillows.

  He couldn’t help himself. She was so fucking cute. He followed her into the room and continued behind her even as she entered the bathroom. She knew he was there because she kept glancing over her shoulder and groaning.

  “Not a morning person?” he asked as he leaned a hip on the doorframe, crossing his arms. He wanted to reach out and grab her, haul her into his embrace, kiss her senseless like he had last time he’d seen her. But they’d only been on one date. That would be too forward.

  She grabbed her toothbrush and rolled her eyes. “I went to bed at four, tossed and turned until six, and now it’s eight. Don’t give me shit about being a morning person. Morning for me starts at two p.m. most days. Check back in then.”

  He chuckled again. “Good point. My bad. Did you work last night?” He thought she’d been off.

  She shook her head as she brushed her teeth, and cleared her throat as she dropped the toothbrush in her travel bag on the counter. “No, but I worked the three nights before. I try to keep the same schedule when I’m not working, or I’ll get all messed up. It’s inconvenient when I have to do something during my sleeping hours. Like today. Can’t be helped, but I’m going to be exhausted. I’m tired already.”

  He couldn’t resist touching her, so he finally reached out a hand and let her come to him. Thankfully, she took it and shuffled closer. When he had her against him, she tipped her head back and forced a smile. “Good morning?”

  He threaded his hands in her hair and angled her head for a kiss, lingering several seconds. Maybe he was being presumptuous after one date, but he couldn’t resist, and he wanted her to know exactly where he believed things stood between them. When he pulled back, he said, “Now it is.”

  She blinked at him, swaying slightly, which pleased him immensely. “I overslept,” she whispered.