She was turning her face away, the thought filling her mind, when Rico said, his voice so gentle and soothing that her heart melted, “It’s okay, Asia. I won’t hurt you. Just relax.”
Then he loosened the clasp on her bra and moved to slide her panties down her legs. Softly, he slid heated palms up her legs until his hands rested on her hips.
Her eyes still tightly closed, Asia felt his hand slide over her mound. She stiffened but the gentle fingers moved down to stroke the sensitive bud between her legs, making her bones liquefy, making her moan. Under Rico’s expert caress the tension in her legs eased and she shifted to give him greater access. He stroked and caressed, his hands the source of such sweetness that she almost cried out in pleasure.
To her relief Rico moved up her body and positioned himself over her. “It will be fine, Asia,” he whispered. “You’re ready for me now. I won’t hurt you.”
And then he sank deep inside her, driving his manhood into her core.
Asia cried out, her body filled with the hardness of him, and as he thrust into her she lifted her legs to wrap them around him. And then she clung to him, meeting his every thrust, taking all that he could give.
And then she was climbing, climbing to that highest peak of rapture, her breath coming fast, her body tingling all over.
And then she was over the edge, falling, falling into a sea of sensation that had her trembling all over.
Rico must have felt her reach her cl**ax because as hot lava exploded inside her he gave a guttural groan and plunged deep inside where he stayed, his h*ps jerking, his body releasing all its pent-up passion.
They lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, and for a long time they did not move.
And as Asia lay cradled in Rico’s arms a wave of sadness washed over her. She bit her lip, almost on the verge of tears.
Stupid woman that she was, she’d gone and fallen in love with Enrico Megalos, a man who could have any woman in the world, a man who would probably never settle for someone like her.
CHAPTER NINE
Asia drew into her shell, totally avoiding any contact with Rico. She needed time to be alone, time to think.
Coming to grips with the fact that she was in love with one of the most desired bachelors in Florida - and one of the least likely to settle down - was a very difficult task. So what if she’d been working with him for over a month? So what if they’d been seeing each other after that and had mind-blowing sex? It was time for her to face reality. She had to stop living in dreamland and pull out of this pretend relationship because she knew how it would end - she was the one who was going to get hurt.
She planned an impromptu visit to her parents, happy to tell Rico that she’d be in Canada for the next two weeks. At least she had a good reason for not keeping in touch. By the time she returned to Florida she would have built up enough strength to have a talk with him, let him know it was best that they didn’t see each other anymore. That was, assuming that he’d even remember her after she’d been gone for that length of time. Men could be fickle creatures.
But when Asia got back home two weeks later there was a message on her answering machine that threw all her well-made plans upside down.
“I miss you, Asia. Call me as soon as you get back.”
Now what was a girl to do? She loved him. She’d finally given up fighting that sad fact. But could she risk her heart? Did he really miss her or was it just the sex?
She heaved a sigh and flopped down onto the sofa, more confused now than when she’d left for Canada. She wanted to see him. Desperately. But she knew that if they found themselves alone she’d be the one ripping his clothes off, not the other way around.
And then where would that leave her? The stupidest thing a girl could do was to let a man know how much she wanted him. Unless he’d already made a commitment. And Rico hadn’t.
She sat there nibbling her fingernail, and then a thought came to her - maybe she could see Rico, but on neutral ground. And she’d get a chance to observe him in a totally different environment, get to see who he really was. She would invite him to the youth center.
******
It wasn’t until the following weekend that Rico was able to find an afternoon free to visit the youth center. When she’d called and invited him he’d been intrigued and had willingly accepted but then he’d followed immediately by telling her he wanted her to come over and he’d be sending a car for her. She refused. She didn’t say as much to him but she was determined not to fall under his spell and into bed with him again, not until she figured out how he truly felt about her.
“So where’s this young man of yours?” Shelley asked for the umpteenth time.
“He’s coming,” Asia said, trying to keep the exasperation out of her tone. He’d told her he’d be there at four o’clock. It was five minutes after. He'd probably got stuck in Saturday afternoon traffic.
Or maybe he’d stood her up? He was a billionaire, after all. Too big to mingle with the little people. By eight minutes after the hour she was convinced that her theory was right. And it didn’t help that Shelley kept pestering her about when he would arrive. And then he ran into the auditorium, a basketball under his arm, wearing T-shirt, sweat pants and sneakers. “Sorry I’m late,” he said with a grin, and loped over to give her a peck on the cheek. “I realize I wasn’t fully equipped and stopped to get some gear.” He pointed to his gym wear. “You like?”
Her heart melting with relief, she smiled back at him. “I like,” she said, "very much.” Then she felt a nudge and turned to see Shelley by her side.
“Hey, aren’t you going to introduce us?” her friend demanded, none too quietly.
“Of course. Rico, this is my very good friend, Shelley Smith. Shelley, Rico Megalos.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Rico,” Shelley said, taking his hand. She was practically preening for the man. But who could blame her? Today he looked hot in every sense of the word.
Asia could not tear her eyes from Rico. It had been three weeks since she’d last seen him and, if her body’s response was anything to go by, he was not forgotten. At the sight of him her ni**les had turned to pebbles in her blouse and her heart began to pick up speed. Calm down, Asia, he’s only a man. No need to hyperventilate.