Page 198 of Hell Hath No Fury

“What about me?”

“You love what you do?”

Carlos laughed. “I do. I always knew I would never be a sit at a desk type of guy. I love working with my hands, and there is always something to do around here. I might not get to visit lots of places, but thanks to our guests, I get to hear about cities all over the world. I’ve met quite a few characters over the years, and as crazy as it might sound to some, I’m not sure I ever see myself doing anything different. I’m happy here, and I’ll gladlybe here, fixing whatever breaks, for as long as Drea and her uncles will have me.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Ashby slowly exhaled, letting his words sink in. She loved that he was as passionate about his job as she was hers. It was part of what made him so damn special. Part of why she was falling for him.

“I already know the answer, but I’m going to ask anyway,” he said, twisting her so he could see her face.

Ashby’s heart skipped a beat, his deep, soulful brown eyes full of so much emotion. She wanted to kiss him so badly, take away some of the hurt she saw there. But she knew she couldn’t.

“There’s no way for you to stay, huh?”

“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “My job, my life, is back in Portland.”

It was the truth. Didn’t matter how much fun the idea of staying was—how much she wanted it. Nothing about it made sense. She had a life—family, friends, a career—back in Oregon. The only thing she had here was Carlos. And while she knew they had something special, something that was once in a lifetime, that wasn’t enough to give up everything else, was it? To throw away everything she had worked for? Her head told her that it wasn’t a reason to stay. That it was perfectly obvious. But her heart was torn.

“As much as I want to, I can’t ask you to give that up. But I hope all those pets know just how lucky they are to have your hands all over them.”

“Kinda like how I want your hands all over me right now?”

The corner of her lips lifted into a smirk, a rush of excitement washing over her. He’d said he wanted a night to remember. She wanted that too. And that meant one last time together.

“Do you now?” Carlos wagged his eyebrows, returning her impish look.

Ashby nodded, afraid to say anything, not wanting to ruin the moment. She was sure there must be some cute, coy comeback—one that would rev his engines, driving him wild. For the life of her, she just couldn’t think of what it would be.

“Tell me, gorgeous…are you wearing anything under that robe?”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Ashby’s eyes flared wide, her pretty pink lips separated just enough, forming a small O. Carlos felt all the blood start rushing straight to his dick, the thought of those lips wrapped around him taking over his thoughts. He could hear the audible gasp that escaped her, her breath heavy, her gaze locked with his.

Shaking her head slowly, almost imperceptibly, Ashby licked her lips. Carlos had no idea if it was an unconscious move on her part, or if she was trying to be sexy—but it didn’t matter. The move was more than enough to ignite the already growing fire within him. He shifted her in his lap, returning her to the position she had been in, with her back against this chest. The softness of the spa robe she was in almost tickled his skin, fueling his desire to get her out of it. His hands worked at the knot at Ashby’s waist, loosening it, letting the lapels drape open.

“Carlos…” Ashby muttered on a sigh.

His name sounded incredible in her low, breathy tone. The open robe still mostly covered her, but he could see she was naked underneath it, her breasts heaving with each breath she took. He loved the look of her like this, knowing just what beauty waited for him under that terry cloth. Leaning down, he nipped at her earlobe, earning him a moan, his hands toying with the silky hem of the lapel. His hands ached to rip the cloth from her body, flip her over and have his way with her. He wanted her so bad he could feel it deep in his bones. But he also wanted this to last. He got one last night with her, and it needed to be perfect.

Ashby squirmed in his lap, obviously still anxious for what she had requested earlier. His hands all over her. And that was what he intended to give her.

Slipping his fingers under the fabric, he drew it open, taking his time in revealing her body, drinking in every beautiful inch of skin. She was built like a goddess—one that deserved to be adored and worshipped at all times. Her soft skin felt like heaven, calling his name as he softly ran his fingers along her belly. Another moan escaped her, his touch moving up to her luscious breasts, lazily tracing the tips of his fingers around her nipples. He was careful to keep his touch light, teasing them until they were taut peaks, begging for his attention.

“You’re killing me.”

“You like that, huh?” he teased. Ashby inhaled deeply, pushing her chest up, trying desperately for more contact. Carlos laughed lightly, loving that she was needy for him. But he wasn’t going to give it to her just yet. “So what if I did this?”

With the same featherlight touch, he walked the fingers of one hand down her body, heading for where he knew she really wanted to be touched. His other hand continued to trace a pattern around her nipple, his own urge to up the ante starting to fight back. His cock pulsed, getting harder by the second as he drew this out. When his hand slipped over her mound, her pussy already wet with anticipation, they both groaned, and Ashby shifted again, this time her ass rubbing against his dick.

Fuuuck…

Just as he had with her breasts, Carlos softly, slowly toyed with her folds, avoiding the little bundle of nerves calling his name. Ashby’s breathing turned heavy, her hips rolling, seeking out his fingers. Every new whimper and coo that came from her turned him on more, loving just how responsive she was to him.

“You’re so wet for me, Ash.”

“Please…please…”

Her begging was music to his ears. Knowing that she was just as turned on as he was, lost in this moment and craving his touch, was everything. Ashby whimpered again, letting him know it was time. Teasing her, bringing her to the brink was a dream, but he also knew just how incredible she looked and felt as she came apart. That was what he wanted—no,needed—now. He needed to feel her lose control from his efforts.