Rogue Angel (The Rourkes, Book 10) Read online

  She stares at my thumb caressing her wrist. I glance down. She’s got goose bumps on her pale skin. A good sign.

  Our gazes collide, and I want to kiss her so bad I can’t hold back. I give her a soft kiss, nothing too aggressive. I want her to meet me halfway.

  Her voice comes out breathy. “I never do this, but do you want to walk me home?”

  “Sure.”

  I stand and take her hand, walking her out the door, making sure she takes the step down outside without incident.

  She stops on the sidewalk. “I didn’t mean that, actually.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Guess she changed her mind about me walking her home. Sucks for me, but what can you do? Maybe I can get her number.

  She steps closer. “I meant, do you want to go home with me?” She grimaces, her cheeks dotted with pink. “Oh God, I never move this fast. It's just—”

  “Yes.”

  3

  Becca

  I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m walking hand in hand with a sexy guy straight out of one of my builder renovation fantasies—hey, those home renovation shows can be very inspiring to single ladies—and we’re going back to my place. Me with Hot Builder Guy! I never move this quickly. I have a strict five-date rule before I invite a guy to my place so I’m sure he’s interested in more than just my body. Gah! I’m such a hypocrite because now I’m the one who’s so turned on by his body. His brother’s muscles practically burst out of his shirt, but Connor’s are better, perfectly filling out his blue T-shirt. This man is not a gym rat. He’s earned those muscles. Don’t even get me started on the way he fills out his jeans. And his hands are so nice too, warm and calloused from his work.

  And that kiss! An explosion of sparks racing over my skin, a flash of heat, and a pull for more like I’ve never felt before.

  I sneak another sideways glance at him and then linger. Mmm-hmm, hello, Hot Builder Guy. For once I’m not worried the sex will be a huge disappointment. He’s all laid-back confidence. And you know what? I deserve to have a little fun. It’s been almost a year since I’ve been with a man. Okay, nine months, but it sure feels like a year.

  I lift my gaze to his profile, checking his expression—he seems perfectly relaxed and fine with everything. I’m pretty sure he’s a good guy. He works with his brothers and is close enough with them to hang at a bar together. He bought me a drink, asked me questions about myself (instead of just bragging about himself like most guys), and last but not least, he carried me when I crash-landed on the floor. No man has ever carried me. I don’t know if it’s my height or my demeanor, but guys just don’t see me as the cutesy carrying type. All of that is enough to legitimately say this is a guy I like for more than just his body. My guilt eases, making me feel instantly lighter. Yes. There’s definitely potential for more than one night with Hot Builder Guy. Therefore, in conclusion, ipso facto—deep breath—it’s perfectly okay to enjoy a wild passionate night with him right away. I did have a goal to let loose a little more and expand my comfort zone. It’s all in my life plan.

  “Your eyes are burning a hole in me,” he says in a teasing voice. “Anything you wanna talk about, or you’re just enjoying the view?”

  Busted! I fight a blush. Hopefully he can’t see it in the dim glow of the streetlights. “I was just, uh, trying to remember if I had anything to offer you to drink.”

  “I don’t need a drink.”

  “I definitely have water.”

  He grins. “I do enjoy a fine glass of water. Hope it’s a good vintage.”

  I laugh. And then I get quiet. There’s nothing more I can add to the conversation that won’t reveal more than I want him to know. Like how much I want him and how far this is from my comfort zone. Truth is, I’ve been turned on ever since he leaned close and spoke in that sexy deep voice right in my ear. He smells so good. Like the ocean but also warm and sensual. Can a guy smell like that? Maybe it’s the testosterone pouring off him in waves. It’s enough to make any woman woozy with lust.

  I glance up at him, and he smiles, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. It’s a genuine smile, reaching his stunning blue eyes, which are sparkling down at me like he’s thrilled to be with me. Or maybe that’s just the streetlight reflecting off them. Who cares? I choose to believe he’s thrilled.

  “This is my place,” I say, gesturing to the six-story brick building at the end of the block. “It’s a prewar building, so my apartment has a lot of cute charming stuff like arched entryways and a built-in set of bookshelves. They just renovated the kitchen before I moved in, so that’s modern. The lobby is gorgeous too—white post and beam ceiling, inlaid wood paneling on the walls, marble tiled floor.” I almost say that we don’t have to worry about being too loud because of the thick plaster walls and concrete floors in the building, but decide it’s a little too on the nose.

  “Sounds like you watch a lot of the Home Improvement channel. Or are you about to convince me to sign a lease on an apartment here? Is this a real estate hustle?”

  I laugh a little. “No hustle.” I’m babbling because we’re almost at my building and I never do this and I don’t even know how to do this. I mean, obviously, I know how to have sex. I’m not a virgin. I just don’t know how to initiate the much-desired wild passionate night without being awkward. I did trip walking through a doorway because he was so close and smelled amazing.

  This is what it means to step out of your comfort zone. Just be cool like him.

  I pick up the pace, figuring the faster we get to my apartment, the less chance of me babbling more inane facts about my building.

  As soon as we enter the lobby, Connor exclaims, “Look at that post and beam construction! Very nice example of a prewar building.” He winks.

  My cheeks burn, my mouth flapping open and then closed. I’ve got no witty comeback. Just as I’m convinced he sees me as a total dork, he wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a squeeze before walking with me to the elevator. Okay, relax. He’s just teasing. Obviously he’s not overthinking things and worrying I only want him for his sexy body.

  “Prewar building with an elevator,” he says, pushing the button. “Nice.”

  “I thought so.”

  We step into the elevator, which is small and dim. I hit the button for my floor. Six.

  “Top floor,” he says, arching his brows over twinkling eyes. “Fancy.”

  The elevator makes its way up, cranking like it’s on its last legs.

  I relax a little. “It has high ceilings, too, with parquet wooden floors.”

  He gives me a sexy smile, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close so we’re nose to nose, chest to chest. I flush hot from head to toe. “Talk more construction to me.”

  I stare at his chest, embarrassed. “I’m probably boring you. You live and breathe this stuff.”

  He strokes my hair back from my face and then grazes his fingers along the line of my jaw before tipping my face up to his. “I do, but I like hearing you so jazzed about it.”

  My stomach dips. I feel like I’m on the edge of a cliff, about to take a freefall dive into the unknown. It’s the intense look in his eyes. My mouth goes dry. “This elevator is ancient.”

  “Uh-huh. I’m gonna kiss you now.”

  I immediately close my eyes. “Ready.”

  I feel his laugh rumble through his chest as much as hear it before he finally makes contact, his lips brushing over mine. Once, twice. I nearly sigh in blissful happiness until he pulls away.

  That’s it? I grab the front of his shirt and pull him back. “Hey, I wasn’t done.”

  “You weren’t?” he asks with what I can only assume is mock surprise. I’m not sure, though, since I barely know the guy. Oh God, I barely know this guy!

  His large hand cradles my jaw, and then his mouth covers mine, promptly silencing my inner voice. His sexy scent surrounds me. His lips are glorious. I want to climb him like a studly sex pole. Time stops as I revel in the thrill of finding a wonderful kisser. T
his bodes so well for the bedroom.

  The elevator halts with a jerk, and we come up for air. We’re here. Yes!

  I grab his hand and stride purposefully down the hall to my corner apartment. I get my key from my purse, stick it in the lock, and fumble opening the door because he’s kissing a trail of hot kisses down the side of my neck. Finally, I’m in. He follows me, the door shutting quietly behind him. I shove my keys in my purse and toss it on the small table by the door.

  I turn to him, eager for more.

  His piercing blue eyes meet mine. Why does it feel like he can see right through me? Does he sense I’m both excited and a little nervous? Is he waiting to follow my lead?

  The fantastic elevator kiss just moments ago gives me the confidence to be bold. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him passionately. He returns the kiss with equal enthusiasm. Yes! I melt against him, my limbs heavy, a delicious heat flooding me. Desire pools low in my belly. The kiss goes on and on. The urge to get as close as physically possible overwhelms me. His big hands rest on my hips, and I suddenly need more.

  I tear my mouth away, breathing hard. “I want you.”

  One corner of his mouth lifts, his blue eyes sparkling. “I got that much when you wrapped your leg around me and thrust repeatedly, but it’s nice to hear.”

  My leg is up high around his hip. I may have been grinding against him. Before I can lower my leg, he gives me a boost so both my legs are wrapped around his waist. Our mouths collide in a frenzied kiss, the heat raging between us. He’s pressing against me in just the right spot, and then it gets even better. He turns and pins me against the wall, his mouth devouring mine as he grinds into me. It’s so intense, so…oh, oh, oh. Don’t stop, don’t stop. It’s an endless kiss, and I’m climbing higher and higher on my private elevator to the penthouse suite of glittery starbursts of pleasure. My body jerks hard as an explosion of white-hot pleasure steals my breath, rushing through my core and radiating outward. Oh my God.

  He lifts his head. “Did you just—”

  “Yes!” I beam and kiss him soundly on the mouth. “It’s been way too long.”

  He starts walking down the hall with me still plastered against his front.

  “Wonderful man.” I heap on the praise as I stroke his heated shoulders and back. “Wonderful, wonderful man.”

  He smiles as he steps into my bedroom and flips the light switch, which gives a soft glow from the overhead fixture onto light wood furniture with white accents. I’m so glad I sprang for the king-sized bed because now I’ve got a big man to fill the space. And to fill me. I throb in anticipation.

  “You’re wonderful too,” he says, pulling back the white down blanket and lowering me to the mattress. “And beautiful.”

  He kisses me again, and I pull at his T-shirt, frustrated by all the clothes between us. He leans back and takes off his T-shirt in one smooth two-handed move. I sit up, eager to feel all that gorgeous muscle, and then we’re kissing and ripping at each other’s clothes.

  It’s hot.

  It’s wild.

  It’s everything.

  I break the kiss just long enough to grab a condom from the nightstand because I’m never unprepared, and then we’re back on track. He covers me, fitting himself between my legs, and our gazes collide for a charged moment. My breath hitches at the smoldering look in his eyes.

  He strokes my hair back from my face before cradling my jaw. The tender gesture undoes me. My throat tightens unexpectedly, my eyes hot.

  He kisses me gently. “Ready?”

  “Yes,” I manage through the tightness in my throat.

  He thrusts inside me in one smooth stroke, and we both moan. I ache in the most delicious way, my body straining to accommodate him. It’s been so freaking long. He stills and frames my face with both hands, kissing me deeply. It’s more than good. It’s bliss, like the merging of body and soul. I spear my fingers through his thick hair and then roam my palms all over the hard planes of his muscular heated back. I need to get closer still. I wrap my legs high around him, taking him as deeply as I can. He groans into my mouth.

  He lifts his head, gazing into my eyes. “Becca.”

  “More,” I demand.

  He nips my lower lip, jolting me, before pumping in hard thrusts, not too fast, not too slow, so-o-o good. On and on and on, his breath harsh by my ear. I close my eyes, lost in a haze of pleasure.

  “Yes, yes, yes,” I say, nearly incoherent. It’s never been this good before.

  He kisses along my jaw and then sucks the cord of my neck. Pleasure spears through me as an orgasm hits unexpectedly, rocking me helplessly against him. He groans into my neck, pumping hard and fast for his own release, bringing more and more pleasure, before letting go with a harsh sound. He gives me his weight, almost like a hug, and I smile to myself. A surge of affection has me hugging him tight.

  Holy crap. Two orgasms in one night! Unprecedented! And they were much better than what I achieve solo. What a wonderful man. Suddenly I have this craving. It’s like he awakened the orgasm monster and she’s hungry for more.

  I stroke his back, enjoying the shape and feel of all that spectacular heated muscle. “Question.”

  “Yeah?” The word is hot against my neck. Did I wear him out? Is he too tired to lift his head?

  I can’t help myself. I need, I need, I need. “Can I convince you to stay long enough for another orgasm? I know you were already so generous with the first two, but it’s sort of made me want more.”

  He lifts his head, a wide smile spreading across his gorgeous face. “Greedy, are we?”

  “It’s just that it’s been so long.”

  He kisses me. “You don’t need a reason. Yes. I will give you more. Later.” He rolls off me and finds his way to the bathroom.

  I throw my arms to my sides and stretch languorously. Amazing sex, amazing orgasms. I’m so damn lucky I found this guy. Hot Builder Guy. Connor somebody. I should find out his last name. Later. I’m so relaxed and sleepy now.

  A few moments later, he turns off the light and gets into bed, shifting me so he can spoon me from behind. I am in heaven. It’s been so long since I’ve been held.

  He strokes my hair back and whispers, “I’m beat from work today. We did a lot of demo. Let me sleep a bit and then I’m at your service.”

  “No problem. I’m tired too.” What a fantastic turnaround for my night. First I was stood up by some random guy from a dating app, and now I’ve had two orgasms and I’m getting held with a promise of more orgasms to come. A bubble of pure happiness spreads through me, making my entire body relax in contentment. “I should know your name.”

  He nips my shoulder, and I squeak in surprise. “You forgot my name and you still demand more orgasms?”

  I can hear the smile in his voice. “I know it’s Connor, but what’s your last name?”

  “No last name. I’m like Beyoncé. Scratch that. What’s the guy version?”

  “Elvis? Bono? Prince?”

  “Yeah, I’m like Prince.” He grinds his hips into me like he’s doing a sexy Prince move.

  I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

  I wake on the verge of orgasm and realize I was in the throes of my usual hot builder dream from my favorite home renovation show, Reno Magic, only this time instead of host Clint Owens, it was me and Connor last name unknown.

  I roll over to find him sleeping on his back. I don’t know what time it is, but it’s still dark outside. I can just barely make out his features in the glow from the streetlight peeking in the edges of the window shades. “Con, are you awake?” I whisper loudly. “I want you again.”

  He mumbles something unintelligible in his sleep, so I content myself with a slow slide of the covers down his naked body just to admire him for a bit. Not only does he have defined pecs and six-pack abs, there’s a deep V at his waist. His cock is impressive, even at rest, his thighs thick and muscular. I don’t think I’ve ever been with such a gorgeous man. I look up at his face. Still
sleeping. I decide it would be okay to kiss his scruffy jaw, so I do. He still smells amazing—like the ocean, warm sunshine, and a breeze of Hot Builder Guy sex appeal. What is that scent? I don’t know if it’s cologne or just him, but I love it. I kiss gently along his neck, breathing him in greedily, and then explore lower to his chest. I drop a kiss on his abs, which are crazy beautiful with muscular ridges, and then I lie next to him, watching him sleep so peacefully. Beautiful, sexy man.

  I can’t help myself. I need him awake. Maybe another kiss will do it. I hover over him, planting my hands on either side of his shoulders, careful not to rest my weight against him, and kiss him gently on the lips.

  He doesn’t stir.

  I sigh. I should leave him alone. He did say he was tired from doing demo work today. I admire his powerful-looking shoulders and biceps, imagining him at work shirtless, swinging a sledgehammer, taking out drywall and wooden beams, wiping the sweat from his brow. Oh God. Now there’s an ache low in my belly and a throbbing pulse between my legs. I’ve never wanted like this before. Just one more kiss, and I’ll let him sleep. A goodnight kiss.

  I press my lips softly to his. “Ahhh!” I shriek at the top of my lungs. He just flipped me over!

  His forearms are anchored on the mattress, holding his weight as he grins down at me. “You woke the beast.”

  My heart thunders against my rib cage, my breath coming hard. I attempt to play it cool. “I thought Beast was your brother.”

  “You let me know.” He kisses gently, slowly along the column of my neck, tasting, occasionally scraping his teeth against me, drawing a hot shiver. The adrenaline leaves my body, replaced by a heightened pleasure, all of my nerve endings tingling as he continues kissing his way down my body. He caresses my breasts, kissing and suckling each one, lavishing attention on them. This man. I melt into the mattress, moaning softly. Hot tingles race down my body as he goes lower still, kissing a trail down my stomach, further, further. My breath hitches, my hips lifting in anticipation.