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  Outside the pub, Sam hailed a black cab and half an hour later Hayley found herself standing in his Knightsbridge apartment. The door closed behind them with a soft click, a reminder of her foolhardy behavior. But Sam took her into his arms and she forgot her fears, sinking into the moment, the pleasure, letting go of her worries. His hands slid beneath the hem of her blouse. Warmth seared her bare skin, a moan of pleasure escaping when he spanned her waist. All he’d done was touch, but his stroking fingers sent pleasant jolts through her. Fairly innocent touches, but she couldn’t wait to get to the really good stuff. If this felt good, the rest would be dynamite. Sam unbuttoned her blouse with nimble fingers and slowly peeled it open to display her lace-covered breasts and bare stomach.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered, brushing the back of his hand over one lace-clad nipple.

  Tension filled Hayley but she released it with a slow breath, attracting his close attention. Immediately Hayley was pleased she’d succumbed to temptation and donned her good lingerie. Pale blue lace enhanced her curves much better than her everyday plain white cotton.

  “Very beautiful,” Sam said, tracing the flesh at the edge of her bra with a delicate finger. “I can’t wait to taste.” The black blouse floated to the floor.

  The glow in his eyes told her he meant it, pleasing her and allowing Hayley to drop the last of her reservations. She melted into his body, savoring the brush of breasts against his muscular chest. Her fingers slid through his hair, the silky texture tickling her palms as she clutched him to her. His masculine scent surrounded her, filled her lungs while his touch destroyed her and built her back up into a creature of pure sensation.

  Somehow they found themselves in his bedroom with Hayley scarcely taking in the surroundings in the modern flat.

  Sam released her to flick on a bedside lamp, bathing the room in a glow of light. A king-size bed dominated the room. Covered with a duvet in shades of blue—soft teal blue to aqua and navy—it reminded Hayley of the sea. A large window displayed the lights of the city spread out below them. The magical panorama drew her attention until the rustle of clothes attracted her eyes elsewhere. She turned in time to see Sam’s white T-shirt hit the ground.

  Her breath caught at the sculpted muscles and golden expanse of flesh. Her fingers tingled with the need to touch, to explore some more. Hayley took half a step toward him before he stopped her with a grin.

  “Oh, no, you don’t,” he said. “If I let you touch me, I’m going to lose grip on my control. It’s tenuous tonight. Let me touch you first, give you pleasure.”

  Wide-eyed, she watched him, her hands dangling at her sides. Her breasts moved rapidly up and down. She realized she was panting and heat crawled across every inch of her body.

  Sam prowled closer, his grin fading to intentness. Sudden nerves jumped in her belly, but she managed to remain still. He knelt in front of her and lifted her feet one at a time to slide off her shoes. Capable hands massaged one foot and traveled up her calf, skating across the delicate skin behind her knee. His fingers crept higher, over the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, teasing a gasp from her when his fingers met the bare flesh above the top of her thigh-high stockings.

  “You’re so soft,” he said, lifting his head to look at her face. One finger slipped beneath the lace of her panties, teasing sensitive feminine folds. Sweetly invasive fingers skated across her aching clit, Sam watching her reaction the entire time. “And I love the stockings. The sexy lingerie.”

  Hayley jumped at the flash of pleasure from his stroking fingers, and he chuckled, the rich sound bringing a new flare of warmth inside. She gasped, wishing he’d hurry, yet contrarily wanting him to maintain the slow pace so she had plenty of memories to savor in the future.

  He stood in a fluid move, brushing his lips across hers while his hands blindly sought the button and zipper closure of her black skirt. Talented hands. The skirt slid away, leaving her standing in bra, panties and her thigh-high stockings.

  “Stunning and beautiful,” he whispered, standing back to study her closely. Hayley quivered with the sizzle of arousal, and realized her previous boyfriend had done a number on her, belittling her generous curves because of his own lack of expertise. She’d never felt more turned on or more ready to take the next step. And it was all Sam—his appreciative, seductive words, his sensual touch.

  “Do I get to see you?”

  “Not yet, sweetheart. Let me unwrap you first. I want you hot and needy and desperate for me.”

  Hayley gulped. “I am,” she confessed. “Your job is done.”

  “No way. I’m not even started.” His rich laugh soothed the flicker of awkwardness assailing her. “We can do better yet. Much better.”

  Sam scooped her into his arms without warning and dumped her in the middle of his sea-blue duvet. She bounced lightly, watching his every move. Hers, she thought. Sam was hers, even if just for one night.

  He opened a bedside drawer and plucked several condoms out before sliding it shut.

  Hayley closed her eyes briefly, her mind a tangle of disbelief and shock. She hadn’t even thought of protection. She thought of the possible consequences, of history repeating itself, and shuddered inwardly. Thankfully, Sam was thinking for both of them.

  When she opened her eyes again she almost groaned. He’d removed his jeans, leaving form-fitting black boxers in place. His erection was evident, calling up an insistent ache at the juncture of her thighs. Her mouth rounded, and she swallowed audibly, watching the play of his muscles as he moved.

  The mattress depressed when he sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Turn over,” he said, the words a quiet order.

  Hayley turned over onto her stomach without question, her heart pumping in an upbeat tempo. What was he going to do? Sweet anticipation sent her imagination careering past all sorts of scenarios.

  His hand drifted over her shoulder. He skimmed his fingers over the smooth skin of her back. The taut fit of her bra abruptly loosened and he slid the straps down her shoulders. He straddled her body and she felt his warm mouth move down her spine while his hands cupped her buttocks and gently massaged her cheeks. Hayley groaned, wanting to melt into a puddle, but the coil of tension in her core grew bigger, more demanding. Every touch brought a shiver of pleasure, a need for more. She willed Sam to hurry, but he continued at the same deliberate pace, touching and kneading her muscles, driving her toward madness.

  He rolled her stockings down her legs one at a time, taking time to pet and kiss her inner thighs, the delicate skin behind her knees, the arch of her foot, until she tingled all over. Never before had a man cherished her so much, made her feel so sexy and feminine. So wanted and desirable.

  “Roll over, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I want to see your face.”

  Slowly, she rolled over to almost drown in his dark, gleaming eyes. He whisked off her panties and, in the next blink of an eye, her dangling bra disappeared too. The heat in his eyes intensified, bathing her in warmth and desire. Her breasts prickled, and she desperately yearned for his touch.

  “I’m not sure where to start.”

  She closed one eye in a cheeky wink. “At the beginning?”

  Sam laughed. “Good idea.” He stroked the creamy swell of one breast before plucking at a nipple and rolling it between finger and thumb. The tugging sensation followed by a pinch sent arousal spiraling low in her belly. Each erotic caress, each brush of lips and touch of his fingers drove her pleasure higher. The air crackled with sensual tension and, just when she thought it couldn’t get better, the warm, wet suction of his mouth took her to the edge of control. Hayley stirred, pleading words backing up in her throat.

  “Sam.” It was all she could get out. Hayley shifted restlessly, her hands stroking across his back. She wanted more, much more. “Please don’t make me wait. Let me touch you.”

  He lifted his head, leaving her nipple glistening in the light of the bedside lamp. “You are touching me.”

  “I need more,�
�� she said, digging her fingernails into his shoulders. “Please don’t tease me.” Nothing like a little begging…

  “Just a little more. You can do it,” he encouraged, his lingering look doing nothing to dissipate the tension simmering through her body. He moved down her body, the tight squeeze of his fingers holding her in place when she would have moved to hurry him along. Each breath sounded ragged, the sultry promise in his eyes whenever he glanced at her driving her hard and fast. “Part your legs for me.”

  Each husky instruction pushed her higher, a delicious assault on her senses. He trailed one hand over her hip, placed a kiss on her inner thigh. A swirl of fingers across her clit made her jump, but when he lowered his head and licked her, an intense streak of heat pushed a moan from her lips. He nibbled and teased, licked and laved her swollen bud until suddenly, her body convulsed with the force of her release. Slowly she came back to herself, drifting in the aftershocks. Her eyes opened slowly to focus on him.

  Sam grinned. “You are amazing.”

  “Wow.” Hayley packed everything she felt into the one word because he was the amazing one. She couldn’t believe she was actually in his bed, that this was happening.

  Still grinning, he climbed off the bed and shucked his boxers, letting his erection spring free. Unabashedly nude, he grabbed a condom and ripped it open, the crinkle of foil loud in the silent room. Competently, he rolled it on and returned to her side. If Hayley had expected him to get straight to the main course, she was wrong. He kissed and fondled her, petted her until he’d learned every sensitive spot to drive her crazy with need. Talented fingers plucked at her nipples, he flailed them with his tongue and gave teasing nips that made her nerve endings vibrate. She floated on a haze of passion while he nuzzled the smooth vulnerability of her throat, nipped at the sensitive place between neck and collarbone. Hayley sighed when his hands slid in a long, luxurious stroke down her back.

  Generous with his own body, he let her explore and touch him, stroke his shoulders, kiss his neck, his mouth. His aftershave and hot male scent filled each breath until her heart lurched painfully once again and pleasure swarmed over her body. Need. It swamped her as she rained kisses on his neck and shoulders, everywhere she could reach. He delved between her legs, teasing her fevered flesh until she trembled, and finally moved over her. With a seamless stroke, he pushed inside, stealing her breath and making her muscles contract with need. Their lips met in an explosive kiss, her fingers kneading broad shoulders, the hunger between them growing. It felt so good, so right. Such a beautiful birthday present, she thought with a dreamy smile. She arched against him, their breathing becoming harsh, the sounds of sex and pleasure filling the room. The pace quickened. With hard, digging strokes, he swept her under, into a private place where sensation and laughter ruled, a place where the present didn’t exist.

  They made love twice more during the night, laughing and loving together, the languid and lazy flare of desire in his eyes making her feel special. Hayley tried to stay awake, part of her knowing she had to go. The entire evening was a fairy tale and, like all good stories, it had to come to an end. Her eyes fluttered closed and she lost the battle.

  She woke suddenly, disoriented in the strange surroundings until the events of the previous night rushed back. Slowly she turned her head to see Sam sprawled on the other side of the king-size bed. A blast of guilt hit her, along with a crashing headache. She’d slept with a stranger. Used him because of her own needs and inadequacies. Without another thought, Hayley scrambled from the bed and searched frantically for her clothes while keeping an eye on the sleeping man. Hot color bloomed in her cheeks.

  God, despite her impulsive nature, she hadn’t done anything this bad in a long time. Not only was it like playing Russian roulette, it was plain wrong on so many levels. She never behaved like this now. It had to be the drinks. Heck, she’d never drink again. The throb at her temples felt like an appropriate punishment for the crime. She plucked her stockings off the floor, grabbed her skirt and bra. To her consternation, she couldn’t find the rest of her underwear, but she discovered her shoes before scuttling from the bedroom to dress. Her blouse—it was on the floor somewhere. She sighed in relief when she located it, and finished dressing rapidly. Hayley found her purse by the door and let herself out, heart pounding in fear. The last thing she wanted was to confront Sam. They were worlds apart. A secretary and a playboy. No, she’d chalk this up as a bad mistake, an uncharacteristic one-night stand and a blip on her impulsive radar that should never have happened.

  Chapter Three

  “I’m not sure this is a good idea, Suzie.” But despite her protest, Hayley followed her friend into the convention room of the city hotel, her bracelets jingling with each unwilling step. It was the subtle shaking of her body that did it. She clenched her hands to fists and the jangling ceased. The absence of her charm bracelet—the one she wore all the time because her grandmother had given it to her—made her scowl. The last time she remembered wearing it was at the party last week, which meant it was highly possible she’d lost it at Sam’s apartment. She was too chicken to contact him, her cheeks turning pink at the thought of her brazenness that night. Spontaneity gone haywire. A bad, bad flaw in her personality, according to her parents and grandmother, and the direct cause of her teenage pregnancy. They’d been relieved when she miscarried and told her she’d escaped lightly. It was a chance to mend her ways…

  Hayley shriveled inside as memories washed over her, combining with the present. Looked like she’d failed again, her natural impulses taking control the minute she let down her guard.

  “I’m really nervous about doing this conference,” she confessed, the flip of her stomach backing up the statement. Terrified about the possibility of running into Sam, but she’d been trapped by her promise to Suzie. At least she was in disguise. He might not recognize her. A swallow did nothing to shove her nerves back where they belonged. Hidden. “What if I muck everything up for you? Are you sure it’s a good idea?”

  “Look.” Suzie halted abruptly to glare at her. “I’ve told you a dozen times. You’re going to wow the attendees at the conference. They’ll love you. Besides, you’ve signed a contract. It’s too late to back out.” Suzie coughed, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, but continued walking with her gliding stride. “And I bet someone hits on you. You look really sexy in that outfit.”

  “Is it too much?” Hayley glanced down at her close-fitting top. Sure she’d displayed more cleavage than usual, but it was all part of her gypsy persona. And besides, she figured if the men were busy looking at her boobs, it would lessen the chances of exposure as a fake. With the women, she’d be friendly and go with her intuition.

  “Will you stop it?” Suzie said with a touch of impatience. “I wouldn’t have booked you if I didn’t think you’d do a great job. This is business.” She walked away, leaving Hayley gaping after her friend. She wasn’t usually so short-tempered. Hayley presumed the stress of organizing her first conference was responsible.

  Hayley hurried to catch up and grasped Suzie’s arm, bringing her to a halt. “But what if I—” Oh, cripes. She was really losing it. The last thing she needed to do was blurt out her fear of coming face-to-face with Sam. Her act of spontaneity might turn up to haunt her and entice her to repeat the offence. Just the thought of it made her knees tremble. What must he think of her? She could imagine her parents’ or her grandmother’s reaction all too well. Williams women don’t do that sort of thing. Didn’t your mistake teach you anything?

  They always referred to her pregnancy as your mistake, and it was part of the reason she’d taken the plunge and moved out of their home and into a flat. She loved her parents, she really did, but sometimes their constant lectures and stern judgment wore thin.

  “I’m sorry, Suzie. I’ll do my very best job for you.”

  Suzie took her hands and squeezed them briefly before giving Hayley a reassuring smile. “I can’t believe you’ve turned all wimpy. What’s h
appened to your backbone? This is a big deal for me and I wouldn’t have booked you if I didn’t think you were up for the job. For goodness sake, Hayley, it’s too late to find a replacement for you now.” The words were harsh, but Suzie’s face bore genuine caring and understanding. She knew part of Hayley’s history, but not all of it, and certainly not the latest faux pas.

  “Sorry,” Hayley muttered, feeling small and petty. This was Suzie’s chance to shine and maybe snag a promotion. “Temporary insanity.” Hayley smiled weakly. “You’re right. I can use the money. Suzie, I’m really sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Do you have any headache tablets in your purse? My head is pounding and I forgot to grab some from the flat.”

  “Why didn’t you say? I feel terrible.”

  Suzie laughed. “You mean to say all I needed to do was pretend I felt sick and you’d go along with my conference plans without a single complaint?”

  Hayley shook her head, grinning. She produced a box of tablets from the depths of her black handbag and handed them over. “No way. I would have complained a little for form’s sake. So when do I meet the hunky boss? I didn’t meet him at the party.” A fib. Her nose was in real trouble.

  “No, he left the party early. Someone said he left with a woman. I’m not sure if he’ll come to check things out or not.”

  A sudden stab of anxiety cut through Hayley. Guilt, she assured herself. There had been a lot of people at the party. Her name wouldn’t come into it.

  “This is the main conference room, where the attendees gather for part of the day and tonight. They also break for workshops in smaller conference rooms, just down the hall. Lunch and dinner is in the room over there on the right and the cocktail party will take place in the smaller room on the left. I thought we’d put you to work during the lunch breaks and maybe while the main conference is in session. I’ve had my crew set up a special corner for you and we’ve made it look like a French café.”