Abbey's head was spinning. She turned around slowly, not really aware of what she was doing, and headed for the elevator. Nick had put her through a test? That's what this was about? He thought she was only interested in him for his money?
She felt ill as she pushed the button for the elevator. As she waited, the illness disappeared and was replaced with the heat of anger.
That slime! That son of a bitch! He'd tested her as if she were some kind of experiment. He really didn't believe her when she'd said she wasn't a prostitute. Now he just thought she was a different kind of hooker. The kind that goes after rich men and marries them for their money.
Damn him!
The elevator door opened and she stumbled blindly into it. She pushed the button and rode up to the next level. She stepped out into Nick's corridor and knocked on his door.
There was movement inside, but it took several moments before the door opened. That gave Abbey long enough to think about what she was going to say.
She'd give Nick a taste of his own medicine and teach him a lesson.
"Abbey!"
Despite her new resolve, Abbey's heart leapt into her throat at the sight of him. Nick was disheveled and definitely drunk, but still looked damned sexy. He'd discarded his tie and his shirt was undone. It gaped open, revealing a swathe of toned chest muscles and washboard stomach.
She swallowed and reminded herself why she hated Nick Delaware right now. She tore her gaze away from his body and lifted it to his face. Not much better. Concentrate Girl!
Nick stepped aside and she moved past him. He clumsily tried to catch her arm but she shook him off.
"Abbey," he said quietly. "We need to talk."
She shook her head. "I've had enough of talking." She drew in a deep breath, turned around and smiled. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his chest. The muscles were taught under her fingers.
"I want you."
Nick's Adam's Apple jumped. He touched her hand and withdrew it from his chest but trapped it inside his own. Abbey stopped breathing.
"Abbey, I want to talk to you. It's important."
The last thing Abbey wanted to do was talk. Not only was it not part of her new plan, but it was also not very possible with Nick looking so delicious.
"Later," she said, husky. "There's something I have to do first. Something I need to do." She lifted her hands and linked them behind his head. Gently she drew him down, although he needed little encouragement. They kissed, long and slow. A fire burned in her belly and spread to her thighs and her ni**les as every part of her begged to have this man inside her.
Nick's kisses increased in ferocity. His tongue explored, hers responded, and before she knew it his hands were behind her, caressing her bare back, pulling her to him. His erection was rock hard and was proof of how much he desired her.
His hands didn't stay long on her back. They roamed to her rear, cupped her cheeks and squeezed. Then they moved down, brushing against her flesh at the edge of the dress. His hands lifted the hem and moved upwards, slowly caressing every inch of her thighs until he reached her bottom again. She was wearing a thong and when he realized this, he let out a strangled cry.
"Oh, Abbey," he whispered hoarsely against her lips. "My sweet Abbey."
His words and velvety voice sent a thrill through her body, puckering her skin in anticipation of what was to come. She realized she'd never wanted any man as much as she wanted Nick. Somehow, tonight, she felt as if things were so much more intense between them. So much more than just sex. There was a need there, a desire that ran too deep for words.
Get a grip, Girl. Keep your cool.
But she was very far from cool. Her body was exploding with heat. Her heart thumped so hard she could hear the blood rushing in her ears.
Nick stopped kissing her long enough to pick her up and stare into her eyes. His eyes were smoky with lust and passion and something else...need.
He held her to him and carried her to the couch. Abbey had enough of her wits still with her to shake her head and whisper, "The bed."
He changed direction and carried her to the bedroom, all the while his eyes never leaving hers. There was pain in them -pain mixed with desire -and it tore at Abbey's heart when she recognized it.
This was going to be harder than she thought.
He kissed her again as he laid her gently on the bed. Then his body covered hers, pinning her to the mattress. His weight felt good, reassuring.
She pushed his shirt off his shoulders and he pulled his arms free of the sleeves. She let the shirt drop to the floor then concentrated on his pants. He stood, took them off together with his shorts, then gently pulled her from the bed to stand against his naked body.
"I want to look at you, Abbey. I want to see your body."