Page 15 of Tuxedos and Tinsel

Holding on to his broad shoulders, she raised her body and eased back down, once, twice and a third time. She shivered and moaned when Ian captured a nipple between his lips and tugged gently.

“Ah, yes. The brown-sugar sweetness I’ve been wanting,” Ian groaned.

Although Maya was on top, Ian dictated the pace, firmly holding her hips and moving with deep steady strokes. He thrust upward with every one of her downward strokes. She rode him faster and faster and he matched her pace, their moans filling the room. Ian locked his mouth on hers, reached between their bodies and teased her using his thumb, increasing the sensations. Sparks shot up her spine and she jerked her mouth free of his and screamed as an orgasm hit. Before she could recover, Ian bucked wildly beneath her.

“Maya!”

Their bodies shook and shuddered while they fought to catch their breaths. Maya collapsed against his chest and rested her head on his shoulder.Reason number ten why I need to stay away from this man.

At length, Ian asked, “Is it just me, or is it hot in here?”

She laughed softly. “Only in LA will you find eighty-degree temperatures in November.” She rose and went to turn on the air conditioner. “I’ll be right back. There’s a bathroom right down that hall you can use,” she added, gesturing in that direction.

Maya closed the door to her bedroom and lightly banged her head against it. “What are you doing, Maya Nicole Brooks?” As much as she enjoyed sex with Ian, she had to find a way to keep her emotions from coming into play. She had never been good at separating the two, but this time she would. Her heart depended on it.

Ian watched Maya’s naked body until she was out of sight. His passions stirred to life. He flopped back against the sofa and closed his eyes. The air conditioner did nothing to cool him off. The more time he spent inside her body, the more he wanted. And he shouldn’t want her this much. Sighing deeply, he came to his feet and went to wash up. When he came back, Maya still hadn’t returned. He dressed and then surveyed the room. Upon his arrival, Ian had been so focused on Maya he hadn’t taken more than a cursory glance around her place. Cream-colored walls and carpets—standard rental colors—but the blues and greens she had added gave the room a tropical feel. He noticed a stack of large boxes on the other side of the room. Was she moving?

“I’m ready.”

He turned at the sound of Maya’s voice. She now wore an off-the-shoulder pink top, a long skirt and short-heeled sandals. “Why did you change? I rather liked the first outfit.”

“Ha-ha. That outfit does not leave the house.”

“Yeah. You have a point.” For some reason, he didn’t want any other man seeing her in such revealing attire. “I like your place. Makes me think of a tropical island.”

Maya angled her head and crossed her arms. “Most men wouldn’t notice things like that.”

“I’m an architect, remember? I notice things most men wouldn’t,” he added pointedly. He gestured toward the boxes. “Are you moving?”

“No. Those are my Christmas decorations.”

“There are seven boxes over there. Are you decorating the entire complex?”

Maya laughed. “Of course not. But IloveChristmas. I collect angel ornaments, so two of the boxes are just for them. My Christmas music playlist is ready with ‘Silent Night’ by The Temptations at the top.” She shrugged. “It’s my favorite time of the year and I get a little out of control.”

He shook his head. “I’d say so.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t tell me you’re a Scrooge.”

Ian chuckled. “No, but I don’t typically decorate. I live alone and can’t see spending all that money on decorations no one will see.”

“Do you live in a house, condo or apartment?”

“House. Why?”

“Then lots of people will see your decorations when they drive by. You don’t have an excuse. When I buy a house, I plan to go all out—lights, snow...”

“Like those pimped-out houses featured on TV?” A huge grin blossomed on her beautiful face and she nodded. Ian couldn’t help getting caught up in her excitement. “That I’d like to see. And where would you get snow from?”

“I’d love to drive up to Big Bear and bring some back, but, depending on the weather, it would probably melt within a few hours, so I’ll have to settle for the fake stuff in the stores. You said you’re an architect. Are there any notable buildings with your signature on them?”

Ian smiled. “Not yet, but soon hopefully. I have designed a few smaller buildings.”

“Your house?”

“No, but I did do my brother’s. He wanted it as a gift for his wife.”

“That’s so sweet. Maybe I’ll get you to design my house one day.”