The Sweetest Encounter Page 10

  Chapter Fourteen

  Dallas, a few weeks later

  Franco and I were finally going away for a few days. He was taking me skiing up in Killington, Vermont; we were staying at his friend’s cabin. I was overjoyed to be going on this trip with him. For the past two weeks his schedule had been nuts. My job was flexible, and Gillian did not care when I took off. Besides, Beth had been a superb assistant; she was always one step ahead of me. We were already working on the designs for the upcoming Spring Fashion Week in February.

  My stomach felt jittery as I finished packing. I zipped up the Louis Vuitton bags and strolled into the closet. I bent down to pick up the rest of my stuff. My ski gear was in the living room in the newly decorated space. Thank God. The interior designer and her team did a spectacular job. I was amazed they pulled it off in such a short amount of time. It was worth the hefty price I paid to get it done in time for the holidays. Next week, my family would be here for Christmas.

  I pulled my bags towards the living room and heard the intercom buzzing. Yes, he’s here. I put the bags down next to my ski equipment and rushed to answer the phone.

  “Good Morning, Harry,” I said, beaming. “Is Mr. Donnelly here?”

  “Yes, Miss Hollingsworth,” he said. “I’ll send him up.”

  “Thanks,” I said, and hung up the phone. I moved towards the foyer to wait for him. I was eager to see him, since he had been on duty for the last few days. He worked so hard at being a firefighter. I knew he loved his job, but the hours were ridiculous. I didn’t spend enough time with him because of it.

  I stepped into the hall as the elevator doors slid open. I had a cheesy grin on my face when I saw him stepping off. He wore a black and blue North Face bubble jacket, blue distressed jeans, and black Timberland boots. He looks smoking hot.

  “Yankee,” I screeched, and dashed over towards him. It was as if I had not seen him for weeks.

  “Whoa,” he said, catching me as I hurled myself into his strong arms. “What a nice welcome. I missed you too, baby.” His green eyes darkened with need as they flickered over me. He held me for a second and then bent down, catching my lips. I moaned as he kissed me roughly. I was tingling all over and looked forward to this little getaway. “Are you ready to go?” he asked, smiling when we finally came up for air. “We have to get on the road soon.”

  “Heck yeah.” I laughed, glancing over at him. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week, suga. Let’s get my things.” He laughed, shaking his head, and then laced our fingers as we walked down the long hallway.

  “I feel the same way, Dallas Cowboy,” he said, stroking my palm. My body tingled from his touch as we stepped into the living room. He glanced around in awe. “Baby, you have furniture now. It looks awesome. When did this happen?”

  “On Tuesday,” I said, feeling happy. “I wanted it done before we left for my trip.” The penthouse now had a touch of my style: country chic, warm and earthy colors.

  “Wow,” he said as we walked further into the room. “I love it, baby. It looks so much brighter in here. Are those paintings real?” He pointed to the pictures lined up against the wall.

  “Yes, they are.” I beamed. “There are plenty more upstairs too. I’ll give you a tour when we get back.”

  He nodded and glanced over at me, grimacing. “Wasn’t it expensive getting it done that quickly?”

  I looked at him, a little surprised from his comment. He never discussed money with me. “It was pricey,” I said, gauging his expression, and he looked green for a second. I definitely would not be telling him that I paid almost $500,000 to get it done. He didn’t need to say anything, but I knew my lifestyle bothered him. “But you have to pay sometimes to get things done the way you want them. My daddy would have a cow if he came here and the place was a mess.” I laughed, steering the conversation away from money. “Suga, let’s get my things now, since we have to get on the road.” I pulled him over towards my bags and ski equipment.

  “Damn, baby!” he said, looking over at me when he saw my things. “It looks like we’re going away for a month instead of four days.”

  I hit him playfully on the arm. “A girl needs to pack for emergencies.” I peered over at him with a smile. “It’s only a few bags. And we’re going up into the mountains.”

  He looked over at me, grinning slyly, and pulled me into his arms. “I don’t know if you’ll need clothes when I’m done with you, sweetheart,” he whispered, licking my ear. I shivered from his sensual touch. My panties moistened up hearing his sexy voice. Then he pulled away abruptly, bending down to pick up the bags and ski equipment. “Just saying.” He glanced over at my shocked expression and burst out laughing.

  “You’re going to get it, Yankee,” I threatened him playfully with my fists. I love it when he teases me. “You can’t just leave a girl hanging like that.”

  “I’m just giving you a little taste of what will be in store for you.” There was a twinkle in his eyes as he held the bags. “Is this everything?”

  “Yes,” I said, smiling. “I’m just going to get my jacket and handbag.” He nodded, and I raced into my master bedroom to slip on my blue fur-trimmed ski jacket and grabbed my light blue mini satchel bag. I wore light blue distressed jeans, a black long-sleeved cashmere sweater, and Manolo Blahnik wedge boots with fox trimmings. I grabbed the rest of the stuff and joined my sexy man in the living room. “I’m here, suga, let’s hit the road.”

  “Cool.” He smiled over at me, holding my bags and ski equipment like it was nothing. “Let get out of here, baby. I parked illegally. I rented an F-150 truck.”

  I glanced over at him, a little confused. “I didn’t know that firefighters got tickets. What happened to your Jeep?” I asked, my brows creasing in a frown.

  “We don’t,” he said, grinning. “But I forgot my sticker, and my Jeep has been acting up. I probably have to get another one soon. I bought that one used. Let’s go, gorgeous.”

  I nodded and glanced around the penthouse one last time. I followed him as he walked towards the elevator bank. I checked out his butt the whole time. Damn, he looks good. I could not seem to control myself around this man. Lord of Mercy. My emotions were out of control. I was definitely giving up the booty this weekend.

  ∞∞∞

  A few hours later, we pulled up to the cabin. It was a long drive from New York to Killington, Vermont. I looked around at the peaceful environment and felt great. I was ecstatic to be here with him. I stretched out my legs in front of me. They cramped up a few times during the long ride. We stopped a couple of times at the rest areas along the way to eat and used the restroom. Heck, the most I ever drove was probably two hours if that much. Though, I appreciated that he went to all this trouble to spend time alone with me.

  I gazed over at him and reached across to squeeze his arm. “Thank you for taking me up here, Yankee,” I said, smiling. “It’s breathtaking.” I reached over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  “No problem, gorgeous.” He grinned and pulled the truck slowly into the driveway. “We’re finally here, baby.” The truck stopped in front of a two-story log cabin.

  “Thank God,” I sighed with relief. “I thought we weren’t ever gonna get here. My legs are sleeping.”

  Franco burst out laughing. “You’re such a princess,” he said, teasing me. “We stopped a few times. You’re not used to driving long distances.”

  “You got that right, darlin’,” I said, chuckling along with him. “It’s my first time driving in a car this long. We always take daddy’s plane if we have to drive more than two hours.”

  He shook his head and reached over to kiss me softly. “I’ll make it up to you, baby. I promise. Let’s get you inside so that you can stretch those gorgeous legs.”

  “You bet,” I said, moving to open the door.

  “Baby!” Franco said, pulling me back. “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll get the door for you.” I glanced over at him and shook my head. He was such a gentleman.

&n
bsp; “Thank you, Franco.” I smiled as he got out of the truck. He walked around to my side and opened the passenger door. I moved to get out of the truck and was startled when he scooped me up in his strong arms.

  “Franco,” I shrieked in surprise. “I’m too heavy.” I held on to the back of his neck as he carried me up the stairs towards the front door like I weighed nothing.

  “No, you’re not.” He smiled and set me down on the porch. I waited while he fumbled with the keys and then pushed the door open. “Go on inside, and I’ll grab our stuff,” he said, peeking over at me. “Josh said the caretaker stocked up the fridge and cleaned the place. I’ll be right back.”

  I nodded and stepped into the cozy room. The place was small but nicely kept. A fireplace was in the living area, and a sofa and two recliner chairs were in front of the window. I walked further into the room, looking around the comfortable space.

  “You okay, baby?” Franco asked, stepping inside with our bags.

  “Yes.” I smiled, feeling happy. “I’m just trying to get familiar with this new environment. It’s warm and cozy.”

  “Yeah. I know it’s a little small compared to what you’re used to,” he said, glancing over at me with a grimace. “But it’s clean, and we get to be alone finally.”

  “Darlin’, I love it, and it’s just right,” I reassured him as I walked across the room. “I am so touched that you planned this wonderful little getaway. You are such a thoughtful person, and I love you for it.” I hugged him and he wrapped his arms around me, touching the top of my head with his lips.

  “I love you too, baby,” he said, holding me close. “I always want to make sure you’re happy.” He moved back and rested his hands on my shoulders. “I’ll be right back.” I nodded, and he reached down and planted a soft kiss on my lips. I opened my mouth to get some tongue action in, but he pulled away. “Let me get the rest of the stuff and then we can do whatever you want to do.”

  My insides tingled from his words because I could not wait to be alone with him. “Okay,” I said, pouting, and stepped out of his strong embrace. “Hurry on up then.”

  “Such impatience, woman,” he said laughing and went back outside.

  Taking off my jacket, I plopped down on the sofa. I reached down to kick off my boots. I wanted to cuddle up with Franco by the fireplace. I felt tingly inside and thought back fleetingly to my disastrous relationship with Hank. I had never felt this loved and protected by him and we were together for three years. Whatever I felt for him paled compared to what I was feeling now for Franco.

  Our lifestyle was different, but it did not bother me as much as it bothered him. Franco probably thought my daddy was supporting me, but I had my own money. Heck, when my daddy sold the oil refineries, everything went to me. My grandfather Holt left me all the oil refineries and part of the ranching business in his will when he passed away twenty years ago. Franco did not know I was wealthier than my father. I would not mention it now because it might scare him off. I knew I had to reveal it to him soon but wasn’t stressing about it now. I just wanted to enjoy my time with him without the added pressure.

  My salary from Diva Fashions went to a charity I set up here in New York. It gave out scholarships to students who could not afford to go to art or design school. It was a project that was close to my heart. I believed in giving back, and our company had numerous foundations that we formed and joined. I planned on doing more charitable things here in New York City now that I’d moved here. The door slammed, and I came out of my thoughts to see Franco strolling into the room. My insides tingled, knowing that it would be on between us tonight. I was so blessed to have this sexy man in my life.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Franco, the next morning

  I rolled over in the comfortable bed and found the most delicious woman curled up on my chest. A grin spread across my face as I watched my gorgeous Texan spitfire sleep. She looked so peaceful, and I hated to move, but my arm was numb. She had lain on it all night. I was still trying to grasp that she was here with me. I was sporting my usual morning boner, but with Dallas lying on top of me, it felt like I was about to blow. I craved her so much but didn’t want to put pressure on her.

  Last night, she fell asleep in front of the fireplace after dinner. She was exhausted and didn’t even budge when I carried her up to the bedroom. When I laid her on the bed and moved away, she protested, not wanting to sleep alone. It took a lot out of me to share a bed without making a move. I did not want to rush her and would wait until the time was right. It wasn’t last night. I wanted her to be fully awake when we finally made love. I moved my arms slightly and her eyes popped open.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” I said, smiling as I looked into her sleepy eyes. “Sorry to wake you, gorgeous, but you slept on my arm all night.”

  “Sorry, darlin’,” she drawled, turning over on her back and relieving my numb arm. I could listen to her talk all day in that sexy twang. She glanced over at me with a rueful look. “I’m so sorry about last night, Yankee. I did not mean to fall asleep on you.”

  “It’s okay, baby, you were exhausted,” I said, putting her mind at ease. I bent down to kiss her juicy lips. She tasted so sweet. I groaned, deepening the kiss. She opened her mouth wider, kissing me back with hunger. I pushed her down into the mattress, ravishing her mouth. My cock was getting harder and harder as it poked out of my boxer briefs. I knew she felt it.

  “Franco,” she murmured softly. “Make love to me.” I stopped kissing her and looked down into her lust-filled eyes. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I want her.

  “Baby, you sure about this?” I questioned, looking into her beautiful eyes. God, I ache to be one with her.

  “I’m sure, Franco,” she responded as color flushed her cheeks. “I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. I can’t hold back anymore.” I looked into her heated gaze and was so freaking happy that I finally got to taste all of her.

  “Baby, I want you just as bad,” I groaned, dipping down again to capture her luscious lips. She opened her mouth and I slipped my tongue inside, swirling it around hers. My body was feverish with desire for her. She groaned in the back of her throat as I devoured her juicy lips. My fingers trailed up her long, smooth legs, touching the edge of her panties. I pushed them to the side and touched her wet folds.

  “Umm Franco,” she moaned, spreading her limbs and giving me better access. “Ooh, my Lord. That feels sooo good.” I stroked around her wet folds, touching her clit. Her breath hitched when I dipped my fingers into her juicy pussy. My fingers moved in and out as she arched her hips into me. My cock was so engorged, I felt like it was going to bust.

  “Baby, you’re so wet,” I groaned, delirious with the need for her. “I want to taste you.” I moved down to latch onto her bare mound, sampling her scrumptious pussy. It was better than I imagined. I lapped up her juices with my tongue swirling it in my mouth. God, she tastes like she smells: warm vanilla sugar. I was close to coming and restrained myself. The effect that she had on me was off the charts, and I had never craved a woman the way I did her.

  “Oh God,” she screamed, pushing her hips into my mouth as I ate her sweet pussy like it was my last meal. “I’m coming.” I felt her tensing up and she tightened her grip on my head. Then she screamed out my name, gushing pussy juices into my mouth. God, I am in heaven knowing that my woman came. “Oh, Yankee,” she drawled, looking down at me with a big smile. “You scored big time. That was incredible.”

  “Baby, you haven’t seen anything yet.” I smirked, moving up to kiss her delicious lips. I knew that she probably tasted herself on my tongue. “This is just the beginning,” I whispered between kisses. “I’m just getting started.” I reached over to take off her sexy silk nightgown, revealing her lush breasts. My breath caught in my throat as I glanced over her sexy-ass body. My God, her nipples are begging for my tongue. My mouth salivated and I reached to touch the soft, supple flesh. Her nipples hardened instantly, and it turned me on
more knowing that she was just as aroused. I dipped down and took a nipple into my mouth, sucking on it like a lollipop. God, it tastes like candy. I had to get inside of her soon or else I would be shooting my load.

  “Franco,” she moaned urgently. “I want you now. I can’t wait any longer. Please. “

  “Okay, baby,” I said, taking my mouth away from her luscious breast. The condoms were still in my duffle bag downstairs. Damn, how stupid. “Baby, I have to run downstairs to get protection.” I moved to get out of the bed and felt her pulling me back.

  “It’s okay, darlin’,” she drawled, looking at me timidly. “I’m on the pill and I’m clean. I’ve been taking it for years.”

  My heart was beating fast as I looked into those big amber eyes. God, I get to go raw inside this exquisite woman. I never trusted any of the girls that I dated in the past. I always used a condom. “I’m clean too, baby. Are you sure about this?”

  “I trust you, Franco.” She smiled at me seductively.

  “I love you, baby,” I said, feeling crazy happy. I knew it was hard for her to put her trust in me after what happened in the past. “I trust you too. I want you to know that you’re the only woman that I would ever go raw with.” She smiled, pulling my head down, and I kissed her hard. I was eager to be inside of that sweet pussy. Then I felt her pushing my boxers down over my ass and I kicked them off. They flew somewhere across the room, and I pulled the little string bikini down and it ripped in my hands. “Sorry about that, baby.”