Pure Attraction Read online

  Almost.

  Jessie pulled away and frowned at him. “We’re not doing this without a condom.” She hadn’t meant to sound so sharp, right in the middle of all this pleasure, but he didn’t look like he minded at all. In fact, his cock jerked against her, as if it had turned him on. Huh. She’d contemplate that later.

  “Of course not,” he said. “But let’s wait for a few more minutes for that part, okay?”

  He looked sincere, and he was such a good kisser that she decided to just go with it, even though she was really ready to get this started. She nodded, and he smiled.

  He kissed her collarbone, her neck, the tops of her breasts. He palmed one and took her nipple in his mouth, gently sucking. Jessie moaned, and he did it again, a little harder, and she moaned louder. It was as if he was learning her, paying attention to what she liked, memorizing it. He spent some time on one breast and then switched to the other, teasing, pleasuring her. Her cries were getting louder, and she wondered how far the sound would travel. Could anyone hear them back at the bar? She really, really didn’t want to be interrupted right now, not in the middle of this, but it was so hard to stay quiet when he used his mouth on her. He kissed the underside of her breasts and moved lower, over her belly button, and—oh, God—lower.

  Then, just as he was almost there, his mouth left her body. She was shaking with anticipation. Jessie opened her eyes and looked down to find him staring between her legs, his gaze heavy with lust and his mouth parted. Just staring. And she was about to explode. She swallowed, trying to be patient, but he didn’t move. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Are we doing this, or are we moving on to the next event?” Her voice was tight with lust, and she was hoping she didn’t sound too rude.

  Byron groaned. “We’re definitely doing this.”

  The next thing she knew, Jessie was on her back, her eyes closed, with pleasure exploding everywhere as Byron’s tongue made a long sweep between her legs, all the way up to her clit. He groaned and held his tongue there, making her writhe, and then he went in for more. He had been an amazing kisser, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he was good with his tongue everywhere. He gave her one giant caress after another, over and over.

  Suddenly his mouth was gone again, and she heard his long inhale, like he was taking in her scent, and a new burst of heat shot through her. It was as if he was getting pleasure from her pleasure, and the idea was an incredible turn-on.

  But she was so close, so she threaded her hands into his hair and pulled him down, letting him know exactly what she wanted. He redoubled his efforts, his tongue sending electric sparks through her as he explored, finding every sensitive place. The orgasm was coming, barreling through her. She held his face against her and came, came, came so hard, her throat was sore. Through the sound of her own voice, she heard his deep groan, like he was about to come, too. It was so much pleasure, heady and new, that she felt as if she was floating, with Byron the last tether to reality.

  After a few more breaths, Jessie forced herself to look up, still dazed. “Holy shit. That was amazing.”

  Byron was staring at her with unfiltered want, but he didn’t move to get a condom. He just smiled at her, his eyes dark with desire. This was the best, strangest and most interesting encounter with a man she had ever had.

  “Um, we can move to the next round if you...”

  The sound of laughter cut into her little bubble of bliss. Someone was coming.

  Jessie shot up to sitting, swaying a little in her dizziness, and Byron reached out to steady her.

  “Stay there. I’ll get your stuff,” he said standing up.

  His cock was so thick and hard, like it was about to explode, but he ignored it as he reached for her clothes, handing them to her. She fumbled with her bra and panties and then slipped her dress over her head as he pulled his shorts up over what had to be the world’s most uncomfortable erection. He winced a little but tucked himself in and pulled on his shirt.

  The voices were getting louder, and high heels clicked on the stone steps, coming their way.

  “Sorry about that,” she whispered, gesturing to his cock. “You want to go somewhere else? I’ll take care of it?”

  He smiled a little and shook his head. “I’m good. Really.”

  She blinked. He sounded completely okay with it, and before she could press him further, a couple walked out onto the pool deck.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  BYRON STOOD IN the circular drive of the Kalani, next to the back doors of his surf van. He had gotten up long before dawn and skipped his morning session on the waves to load the vehicle with boards of various sizes, just in case Jessie wanted to try something new. Then he’d headed for the kitchen to pick up the food he had ordered for both breakfast and lunch, just in case she was hungry. He wanted to be prepared for anything. Sure, he had plenty of staff to take care of details like these if he so desired, but he wanted to get this day exactly right.

  The early-morning sun was peeking out over the ocean, the first rays of light warming his face, and he clasped his hands behind his back to keep from fidgeting. From the little he knew about Jessie he guessed that she’d probably show up early, so he’d arrived earlier. The anticipation of seeing her again was deliciously taunting him.

  Last night by the pool had been like a wet dream. The way she looked at him was still so vivid, like she wanted to use him for her pleasure. He had long ago come to terms with his tastes, accepted them, but finding someone to truly share what he liked had proved elusive. Or destructive. So instead, he’d found alternatives.

  His business practice of dropping in for a few hours in different jobs had the side benefit of his being mistaken for the help. That was how he and Anna, his ex-gone-wrong, had started out, in fact. But that lie of omission never really felt like lying because, deep down, he was almost sure these women didn’t care who he was—they were just looking for a good time. So was Jessie, but he got the feeling it might matter to her. The spark between them had begun out on the waves, so it had nothing to do with his position in society, mistaken or real.

  His mind wandered back to the moments the night before when she’d seemed to be holding back her impatience. Was this a part of her she still wasn’t sure how to handle in bed? Byron had ideas about how to explore further. Are we doing this, or are we moving on to the next event? she had said, her voice a little sharp. He’d resisted the strong urge to whisper, “Meaner,” when she backed off.

  Time to take off your clothes. Her order came back to him, her voice filled with annoyance, and then she’d let him lick his way to heaven. Later that night in the shower, he had honed in on the moment when her resistance had broken, when his efforts to please her had paid off and she’d let go, surrendering to the pleasure that he was giving her. Byron had come thinking about that moment, and he had wanted to come again this morning the same way. But the idea that he’d see her again, maybe even have another chance to please her—that made waiting a better option. She probably wouldn’t be happy that her request for a female surfing guide hadn’t been honored, so Byron had some placating to do. He wanted to give her exactly what she wanted.

  But first, he had to tell her that he wasn’t the bartender. Even one hot encounter under false premises was weighing on his conscience. He had dropped the subject because she was so insistent, and pleasing her had felt more important at the time. But as he lay in bed last night, feeling satisfied but guilty as hell, he had made a promise to himself that before anything else happened between them, he had to tell her. Without getting distracted.

  He just hadn’t quite figured out how.

  Anticipation hummed through him, and Byron resisted the urge to look at his watch. He flexed his fingers, keeping himself still, his legs spread a little, ready for her. Jessie would be here any minute, if his calculation was right.

  Then she appeared in the front entrance to t
he lobby. Her long white hair flowed down over her shoulders, and her pouty lips hinted at a frown. In one hand she carried her longboard tucked in a black travel case. She raised her other hand to her brow to ward off the glare of the sun, and he could see the moment she caught sight of him. She stilled, and her mouth parted a little, like she was remembering the night before. Remembering the pleasure he had given her. Damn, now he was thinking about that, too. Byron resisted the urge to smile at her, resisted the sharp bolt of pleasure that rushed to his cock. He had definitely satisfied her.

  But that dreamy look disappeared just as quickly as it came on, and her frown was back in place. His cock gave another jolt, the twisted bastard. Fuck, this couldn’t be more perfect if he’d designed it.

  But first, figure out how to tell her who you are, buddy.

  Byron’s brain kicked back into gear. Would she want him to carry her board, or would she resent that gesture? He was leaning toward the latter, and in the time that he debated that move, she had started walking.

  Jessie crossed the circular drive, headed for Byron. She stopped in front of him, her hand on her hip, squinting in the early-morning sun. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m taking you out surfing. As you requested.”

  “You?” She looked around at the quiet drive, empty and glowing in the dawn light. “I requested a female guide.”

  “Yes, you did,” he said seriously, trying to keep his gaze from dipping to her mouth. “You’ll get that. I’m just substituting for Tomoko.”

  Shit. That was another slippery truth. He was digging a deeper hole instead of finding his way out of it. But he’d really prefer to come clean in a location where she couldn’t walk off before he explained himself.

  Jessie cocked her head to the side. “For how long?”

  “Just today.” He studied her, trying to read her reaction. Was she disappointed that he was there, or did he detect a hint of pleasure? She still hadn’t spoken, so he added, “If you’re unhappy and don’t want me as your guide, I can find you someone else.”

  She seemed to consider the idea, and then, to Byron’s relief, she shook her head. “A male guide has certain...advantages, too.” She said it with a laugh, and her eyes traveled over his chest and biceps, as if she was currently assessing those advantages. But then she frowned again. “This isn’t about last night, is it? About you not getting your orgasm?”

  Byron blinked in surprise as he registered what she meant.

  “No, not at all,” he said quickly. “Last night was my pleasure. Truly.”

  “Huh,” she said softly, almost to herself, like she was figuring out the answer to a question. Byron hoped like hell that the answer was a good one for him, too.

  She was so close. It would take so little to dip his head and brush his lips over hers. Just another taste. God, it was tempting, and it was getting harder to remember why it was so important to resist.

  “We should get on the road soon so we get on the water before the wind picks up,” he said, reaching for her board.

  She handed it to him, and he ignored the zing of attraction as their hands brushed. He could feel her gaze on him as he opened the back of his van and slid the board onto the surf racks, next to the other boards.

  She followed him around, peering in the back. “That’s a lot of boards. Are we waiting for more people?”

  Byron shook his head. “I brought some different sizes in case you wanted to try something new.”

  “Try a new board for our surf-off?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Not a chance. Or are you not up for the challenge?”

  Byron smiled down into the ocean-blue depths of her eyes, no longer holding back the heat in his gaze. “I’m up for any challenge you give me, Jessie. Anything.”

  * * *

  Jessie shifted in the passenger seat of the van and stole another glance at Byron. He was surprisingly quiet, his gaze fixed on the empty, two-lane road in front of them, the muscles of his biceps in stark relief as he gripped the steering wheel. The moment she saw him, standing in the early-morning sun, the memories from last night had flooded back. She could feel his mouth everywhere, on her breasts, down her stomach, between her legs...and then she came to her senses.

  What the hell kind of wish fulfillment resort was this? A strangely accurate one, if she was perfectly honest with herself. On the Kalani form, she had asked very specifically for a woman...and they had given her a man. And not just any man. The one man that she wouldn’t flat-out say no to. It was as if somehow they had dug deep into her subconscious and pulled out something that she didn’t want to want...but she did. The thought had crossed her mind that she should wake someone up and complain, just on principle, but that would be in exchange for this little adventure with Byron. Plus, that could have possible implications for Byron’s employment, especially given the underemployed vibes she had gotten the night before.

  He had looked just as interested in this morning together as she had, and at first it had made her a little wary. Was he just looking for a blow job, to balance out their sexual exchange, as per the unwritten rule of hookups? But Byron had looked so surprised, almost hurt, when she suggested it, so she was pretty sure that wasn’t what was going on.

  They had driven in silence for a little bit, and the farther they traveled from the Kalani, the more some sort of tension was building between them. And unlike every other time they had been near each other, the tension didn’t feel sexual. Had she misread the heavy desire she thought she’d seen in his eyes as they stood, almost touching each other, outside the van? Maybe her sharp tongue had had the same effect on him that it usually did on men. God, she hoped not, because last night had been really, really hot. And interesting, considering he’d seemed to get just as much pleasure as her. But that couldn’t be right...could it?

  His silence was eating at her, making her restless, so she took it upon herself to make conversation. “How far is the spot you’re taking me?”

  Her question seemed to startle him out of his thoughts.

  “Not far, though there’s a bit of a walk to the beach once we park,” he said, not taking his eyes off the road. “Figured we’d stay close to the resort since the sun is already up. The breaks on this side of the island get fewer surfers, too.”

  His hands flexed on the steering wheel, and he opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but then he closed it. She was getting the feeling that he wanted to tell her something, but he was holding back. She rolled her eyes. If it was about the sex, he might as well just spit it out. She wasn’t above making a demand or two, so he shouldn’t hold back if he wanted something.

  But as she formulated her question, Byron turned onto a narrow dirt path and parked at the end of it, not far from the side of the road. He shut off the engine, then turned in his seat to face her. His features were lined with tension, and the expression wasn’t like anything she had seen yesterday on the waves or in the bar...and definitely not by the pool. Had she done something to cause this?

  He took a deep breath and blew it out. “Before we get out, I need to tell you something, something that I tried to tell you yesterday.”

  Jessie let out a sigh of relief. This had to be about his job. Or his lack of a steady one. She didn’t care about that—not even a little bit—so she nodded, trying to put him out of his misery as soon as possible.

  After another pause, he continued. “I’m afraid I might have misled you yesterday with my comments about bartending.”

  He was so sweet, so careful, like he was trying hard to get this right. Jessie had this strange urge to comfort him, to take his face in his hands and kiss him, just to make him feel a little better. But that would definitely be a first in her history of hookups, so she resisted.

  “You’re not really a bartender?” she asked, just to move this conversation along.

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Not ex
actly. I mean, I do tend bar occasionally, so it wasn’t a direct lie, but no, that’s not my job.”

  She was trying to give him her most encouraging smile, though, admittedly, that smile hadn’t gotten a lot of practice. “Then what’s your mystery job title?”

  He paused, and that strange urge to help him through this revelation came back. She wanted to hold his hand. How bad could this be?

  After another agonizing pause, he blew out a breath. “The Kalani is my resort.”

  Jessie blinked a couple times. “What?”

  The word came out louder than she’d meant it to. Byron cringed, but he kept his eyes focused on her.

  “It’s a personal project of mine,” he said quietly.

  She just stared at him. Who the hell had a high-end resort as a personal project?

  “And if I’m fully coming clean,” he continued, “I’m the CFO of Hayden Properties, which owns the Hayden hotels and resorts around the world.”

  Jessie didn’t realize her mouth was hanging open until she tried to speak. Then words started to flood her brain again, none of them pleasant. “What the hell, Byron?”

  “I tried to tell you yesterday,” he said, much too patiently for someone who had just been snapped at. “I didn’t mean to hide it, but you were very insistent that I should shut up.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t have listened to me.”

  “I’ll remember that for the future.”

  A CFO? After the way he had been so...attentive to her? She had been sure he was a safe bet. But instead he was a high-end executive with the kind of money and power that had blown her last start-up so far off course. The kind of man she had constructed an entire business plan around avoiding.