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  He untied the knot at her waist, then drew the zipper down the side of her dress. It fell with a whoosh around her feet. She started to step out of it, but Blake was faster—on his knees before she could move. He lifted her feet one at a time and picked up the dress to throw it in the direction of the sofa.

  Clad in only a flesh-colored thong and the Louboutins, Krista shivered as he touched and kissed his way up her body, from her ankles to the back of her knees, and on each round cheek of her buttocks. Each pass of his hands was followed by the heat of his lips, wherever they touched. He licked his way up her spine until he was standing behind her again.

  He gathered her hair in one hand and raised her hands to clasp its heavy mass on top of her head. The position caused her breasts to jut out in front of her, a sight he spent minutes to savor. “Gorgeous,” he purred.

  Keeping his eyes on hers in the mirror, he pressed open-mouthed kisses along her neck and shoulders. His hands cupped her breasts, his fingers pulled at her tight nipples.

  Krista moaned. “Blake …” she breathed out. He heard the need and frustration in that one word.

  “Sssh, baby. This is still part of my birthday present to you. Let me make you feel good.” Blake finally turned her around. “I love these heels on you. They align us so perfectly.” Then, and only then did he merge their mouths in a long kiss.

  Krista made a small sound of protest as Blake ended their kiss, but it was only for a moment as he lifted her in his arms and carried her the short distance to the huge bed. He laid her down gently and stood to strip off his clothes.

  He paused when he saw Krista raise her hips to take off her last piece of clothing, leaving her fully naked to his impassioned gaze. “Baby,” Blake rasped. “Please don’t take off the shoes. You look stunning in them.”

  He peeled off his pants and briefs in one quick motion and walked to his dresser to retrieve the champagne bottle. He turned back to see Krista watching him, admiration and desire apparent in her gaze. “Do you like what you see, sweetheart?” Blake wasn’t vain about his looks, but he loved to think Krista wanted him as much as he wanted her.

  “You are magnificent, Blake,” she whispered, her voice husky with need. “I got lucky when I chose you to be my first lover.”

  Her words went straight to his cock, getting him ready to claim her once more. But first, he needed to worship her as he’d promised. Bottle in one hand, he knelt in front of her. With the other, he reached for her ankles and pulled her towards the edge of the bed. A pretty blush suffused her face and her creamy skin as he parted her legs to reveal her female flesh, already glistening with moisture.

  “Remember what I told you last night about page 117?” He poured the champagne slowly over her breasts and stomach, and watched the still-cool liquid flow down her body into the crevice between her parted legs, shimmering brightly against her neatly trimmed curls. “This is my version.”

  He kept his eyes on hers while his index finger followed the path the liquid took, all the way down to her cleft. Seeing her close her eyes, he demanded, “Look at me, baby. Watch how I adore you.”

  His first taste of her quivering flesh was glorious. Sweet, so mouthwateringly delicious. Spurred by Krista’s incoherent cries, he flattened his tongue and delved deeper into her softness.

  He ignored the sting of pain in his scalp when she pulled his hair, as he sucked on the sensitive little nub between her legs and curved his fingers against the wall of her sex. A sense of triumph filled him as Krista shouted her climax, loud enough to deafen him for a second.

  Blake allowed her a few minutes to recover before standing up and donning a condom. “Did you like that, baby?” At her nod, he said, “We’ve barely started. There’s more. So much more.” He lifted one of her legs and placed it over his shoulder, then surged into her with one quick thrust. Although her channel was slick with desire, it was still tight. He gentled his thrusts, realizing this was only the second time she had welcomed anyone into her body.

  Krista squirmed on the bed, her hips meeting his thrusts. “Blake … please … harder … faster …”

  “I don’t want to hurt you.” He brought her leg down and moved closer to kiss her softly.

  “You won’t. You can’t. Just love me, Blake. Please.” Krista raised her hips again, her sex clenching around his flesh.

  That was the only invitation he needed. He thrust into her faster, his tight leash on his control broken. Wrapping her legs around his back, Blake plunged them headlong into ecstasy.

  ***

  It was even more mind-blowing the second time around. Krista sighed, clutching one of the pillows to her chest. She grimaced when it stuck to her champagne-soaked skin. Eww! I need a shower, but Mr. Fastidious is already there.

  He’d invited her to share it earlier, but she drowsily pushed him away. His tuneless singing woke her up and got her thinking of him and of their intense lovemaking.

  She gave a full-body shimmy on the bed. A startled laugh burst out of her when the heel of her new shoes snagged on the bedsheets. I’m still wearing the Louboutins!

  Oh no! Poor Blake’s back might be hurting right now. She must have dug her heels into his back a few times while in the throes of passion. Wait! She sat up abruptly, almost tumbling in her rush. He’s not supposed to give me shoes as a gift. Superstition forbade it.

  Krista jumped from the bed and ran for the living room. She grabbed her phone from her purse and went online to search for what people believed would happen when shoes were given as gifts. She breathed a sigh of relief when she discovered that the bad luck could be reversed with a symbolic gesture.

  “Krista!” Blake’s bellow made her dash back to the bedroom. Is he hurt?

  “What’s wrong?” He was putting his clothes on.

  He dropped his pants back on the floor and enfolded her in a tight hug. His heart was beating fast. “I thought you left. I don’t know why I would think that, but when I didn’t see you on the bed, I panicked and was about to run after you to bring you back.”

  Something like a pinch touched her heart at the emotion she heard in his voice. Running her hands up and down his back, she said, “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

  She stepped back and led him to the bed. He sat down, and she stepped between his legs. Opening her balled-up fist, she showed him the coin in it. “I just went out to get this.”

  “What’s this?” Blake moved backwards on the bed and lifted her to sit on his lap.

  “It’s my payment for the shoes.” At his baffled look, she explained. “They say when you give someone shoes, you’re granting them permission to walk away.”

  He shook his head, negating that idea. She touched his mouth to silence his protest. “To counter that, I have to give you something to make it look as if I’m buying them from you.” She beamed at him. “The best one peso I have ever spent in my entire life.”

  Blake looked stunned, the reaction incongruous with her statement. After a moment, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. “I love you, Krista.”

  Krista froze, her eyes wide in surprise at the fervent declaration.

  “I desire you, and I love you. I want to have more than one week with you.”

  “Blake … I …” She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t expecting this. She didn’t know how she felt. I’m not ready. Tears pooled in her eyes and fell down her face from all the emotions that coursed through her.

  “Hey hey, Krista. Sweetheart, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Blake tenderly brushed away her tears. “I told you because that’s how I feel.”

  He raised her trembling chin to get her to look at him. She read disappointment in his eyes, along with kind understanding. “You don’t have to say anything back right now. I know I’m going too fast for you. I can wait until you know how you feel. When you do, I hope you’ll tell me honestly.”

  What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I say it back? “Oh Blake! I like you a whole lot, and I want you like I have never w
anted another. I gave you the coin because I don’t want to walk away from you.”

  She clutched his shoulders. She had to make him understand. “But I don’t know if what I’m feeling for you is love. This is all new to me. You are the first and only man who has ever made me feel this way.” God, I need Maddie right now. I’m so confused.

  “Krista, baby, that’s good enough for me.” He kissed her again. “No more tears, all right?” She sniffed and nodded. “Can I introduce you to my brother as my girlfriend?”

  “Yes, I would like that,” Krista replied with alacrity, her tears gone. She had to tell M’amie she finally had a boyfriend. She hugged him, overflowing with joy. “I have a boyfriend. It only took thirty years. Best birthday ever!”

  Her smile fell when she realized she should also tell her parents, and introduce her first boyfriend to them. Her American boyfriend. But not yet. Not until she was sure of her feelings for him. It would be a battle to get her mom to approve of Blake. If she wasn’t one hundred percent convinced herself, how could she fight for him … for them?

  Krista stilled when she felt Blake’s manhood stirring beneath her. Again? He’s insatiable. A wicked smile lit up her face. She moved to get off him and off the bed.

  “Where are you going?” he called out, puzzled.

  Found them! Turning around from the dresser, she showed him the books he gave her. Maybe she wasn’t sure about loving him, but she was absolutely certain about wanting him. Throwing the books on the bed, she said in her most seductive voice, “Let’s do some research.”

  WEDNESDAY

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kapatid [ka-pa-teed] n. – sibling, used for both brother and sister.

  Blake woke up to the sound of pounding on the door. What the fuck? He grabbed his watch from the bedside table and saw it was eight in the morning. So much for his internal clock waking him up at six. He would bet his BMW Maddie was making that racket outside. His brother wouldn’t have been as impatient.

  He felt a foot slide along his calves, followed by a low moan. His birthday girl was waking up. They wore each other out last night trying out the lovemaking scenes in Krista’s erotic novels. Some of the positions described in them were so ridiculous, they laughed more than they made love.

  Blake’s eyes clouded over with disappointment when he remembered what else happened the previous night. I said, “I love you,” but she didn’t say it back. He got it, though. While he had been in enough casual relationships to know the difference, she had no basis for comparison. He’d have to give her time to process what she felt for him. Time, yes, but not distance. He resolved to stay close while she set about making her decision.

  Still ignoring the noise outside, he waited for Krista to open her eyes, then he swooped down to plant a hot kiss on her surprised mouth. He didn’t allow her to run away from his morning kiss this time.

  Her response was instant and oh, so sweet, meeting his tongue’s passes with her own. He wished he had more time, but he reluctantly ended it with a quick nip of her lower lip. “Happy birthday, love.” She smiled shyly and moved to nuzzle his neck, until the strident banging of fists against wood startled her.

  “What’s that noise?” Krista pulled away, alarmed. Before he could respond, she jumped from the bed to look around for her clothes. His sexy lady was starting to get comfortable in her own skin. She’d slept naked in his arms for the first time.

  She found her panties but not her dress, so she put on one of his t-shirts. Her legs were so long, his shirt only reached mid-thigh, but it covered the most essential parts. She stopped her frantic search and looked at him for an answer. She was absolutely gorgeous with her hair mussed and her lips all plumped up from having been thoroughly kissed.

  “It’s a surprise,” he grinned.

  He had also hastily pulled on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. He took her hand and led her to the side of the front door. Motioning for her to stop, he pulled his shirt down to cover more of her legs. The action only stretched the shirt tighter around her ample breasts. He didn’t want his brother to be leering at his woman the first time he saw her, but there wasn’t time to do anything about it now.

  He swiftly opened the door, jumped back, and put his hands over his ears, fully anticipating the shrieks of joy from the two best friends when they saw each other. Amidst the “Surprise!” “Oh my God!” “Happy birthday, m’amie,” and “I can’t believe you’re here,” he nodded to his brother— a signal for him to come in.

  “Happy birthday, bro.” He smiled and gave Aidan a hug. Even knowing that he was coming to an island, his brother wore a long-sleeved white shirt, and black slacks. With his military bearing and aviator sunglasses, Aidan looked like the poster boy for air force recruitment.

  They broke off the back slaps when an indignant voice behind him grated out, “It’s your birthday today, too?” It was Maddie, looking incredulous at the coincidence.

  Blake knew these two would strike sparks off each other. He’d arranged for them to be on the same flights, both incoming this morning and outgoing to Makati the next day. Before Blake could introduce them, Aidan dropped his overnight bag on the floor and approached Krista. Holding out his hand, he said, “Happy birthday, Krista. It’s great to meet you.”

  “Thank you, Aidan. Happy birthday to you, also.” She took his brother’s proffered hand and shook it firmly. The greeting made her shirt ride up her legs. With a blush, she stepped back to hide behind Maddie, who was still glaring at Aidan.

  “Come on, let’s go to your cottage,” Maddie demanded, obviously in a rush to talk to her best friend.

  “Wait, I need to get my stuff. You haven’t even greeted Blake yet,” she reprimanded her friend gently. She went back to his bedroom to collect his gifts and presumably, her dress.

  Maddie was, indeed, being rude. Her face red, she came up to him and grudgingly offered her cheek for him to kiss. “Hi, Blake. How have you been?”

  Blake obliged with a peck on her smooth skin. “Hello, Maddie. I’ve been just peachy. It’s nice to see you again.” He grinned at her, openly enjoying her unenthusiastic observation of social pleasantries.

  “Thanks for keeping my visit a surprise for Krista. I appreciate you making the arrangements for my arrival at such short notice.”

  He shrugged. “It was my pleasure. I knew she was going to be happy you’re here to share her special day.” Now that he and Krista had reached an understanding, he could afford to be indulgent to her closest friend. “How did you know to come here instead of Krista’s cottage?”

  Maddie put her hands on her hips and raised her left eyebrow. “How long have we known each other, Blake? Two years? Surely you don’t expect me not to know your designs on Krista?”

  “Touché, Mademoiselle Duvall.” Blake grinned in acknowledgment of her correct assessment. He checked that his brother wasn’t close enough to hear. “So, you didn’t come here to cockblock me?”

  Maddie frowned. “No. As if I could have stopped you. I’m here for my best friend. I have news that couldn’t be told over the phone. I also brought work for you. For the resort.”

  His jaw tightened at the mention of work. He hated the intrusion of real world affairs into his idyllic retreat. “We’ll do it tomorrow. Today, we celebrate Krista’s and Aidan’s birthdays.”

  Maddie gave him a typical Gallic shrug. “You’re the client.”

  Damn right I am. He forgot his annoyance when he saw Krista exit his room dressed in last night’s clothes. She carried the shoe box, books, and remnants of the calla lilies he gave her for her birthday. They had crushed a few petals during one of their erotic re-enactments.

  He approached her and put his arms around her. “I guess I’m going to miss you this morning, huh?” She nodded. Yup. He expected this. That was why he had planned yesterday’s full day with her. “Do you still want to do parasailing and jet skiing today?” Another nod.

  “Let’s meet at the clubhouse for an early lunch, say eleven thirty, then
head out to the beach afterwards. How does that sound?” Three hours should be enough for their girl-to-girl talk. Maybe Maddie could help her sort out her feelings for him. He hoped so.

  “Sounds good,” she replied and met his kiss with a sweet smile. “See you later.” She included Aidan in the parting acknowledgment, then left with her friend.

  ***

  “You didn’t tell me you got a girlfriend,” Aidan remarked, heading for the coffee maker.

  Arms crossed, Blake replied, “She wasn’t mine yet when we last spoke.” His brother raised an eyebrow. When they talked on the phone on Sunday he mentioned Krista, but not what she meant to him.

  Aidan leaned back on the counter, sipping his coffee. “Fast work, bro.”

  He knew that was coming. Blake got a mug from the cupboard and made his own brew.

  “Not really. We’ve known each other since May. She works for me.”

  Blake was prepared for his big brother’s censure. The company had a fraternization policy. It was something he had to take a closer look into, moving forward and regarding his relationship with Krista. As CEO, he had everybody in the company reporting to him, even indirectly. But, he was an expatriate; there might be a loophole somewhere he could exploit.

  “Hmm, that seems unusual for you. You don’t normally date colleagues. She must be special.”

  Huh? That was unexpected, but he’d take it. He had enough stress about being possibly accused of favoritism—or even worse when he promoted her, sexual harassment—without worrying what his family thought of the situation.

  If word of their relationship got out, Krista could be subjected to gossip and drama among the female staff. Right now, she was well-liked and respected by her colleagues, but that was because she’d deliberately crafted an image of untouchability.