Save Me: A Singular Obsession Novella Read online

  “Oh my God, did you order this when I wasn’t looking?” Andie asked.

  “No,” he said, barely noticing the décor as he went for the zipper of her gown. “It must be a gift from the hotel.”

  Nibbling the soft skin of her neck, he peeled down the silky fabric, aided by a shimmy of her hips. Too impatient to remove anything else, he picked her up and they landed on the bed.

  Andie’s hands helped tug off his clothes and soon both of them were naked, crushing the delicate flower petals underneath them.

  Eric scooped up handfuls of the satiny confetti. He piled them on her body, unsure which was softer—the petals or her skin. Andie sighed and picked up more, rubbing them against his bare chest and pulling him close, trapping the fragrant petals between their bodies.

  Time blurred as he explored the length of his new bride’s body. He kissed every inch clear of petals, and shifting the ones in his way when a particularly delicious spot was covered.

  His hands moved a little roughly at first. It had been too long and he wanted her too badly. She didn’t complain, but he made an effort to check himself before he marked her creamy skin.

  Touching Andie was like coming home. He knew her body almost as well as he knew his own. His hands remembered every line, every curve, and dimple. His tongue explored the hollow at the base of her neck, working his way down until he was licking the indentation of her hips before shifting to the side to delve deeper still.

  Writhing underneath him, Andie’s whimpers turned to moans as he licked the hot flesh between her legs. Stroking and probing, he let his memory and instinct guide him. He pushed her harder and faster until she was straining, her hips pumping as she gave herself over to the pleasure.

  He ate her with abandon, teasing her with his hands and mouth until she shattered, crying out and squeezing his head between her legs. Using his strength, he pushed himself up, stroking the sensitive skin on her inner thighs with his torso before positioning himself at the entrance of her pussy.

  “I love you,” he said, taking himself in hand and teasing her, running his hard cock over her clit.

  “Please, Eric,” she whispered, breathing hard and tugging on his shoulders to bring him closer.

  Holding her hips, he entered her, forcing himself to go slowly, to savor the sensation. Pushing past her little opening, he slid inside, her hot clinging sheath enveloping him tighter than any glove.

  A broken ragged sound escaped his chest. He bent to kiss her lips as he slid home, rocking into her, trying to cover all of her body with his. She rose to meet his body but he pinned her down until she couldn’t move. Instead she clung to him, accepting his thrusts with a series of little gasps, her whole body tensing as her orgasm washed over her.

  Andie’s climax triggered his own. He held on a few more precious seconds, closing his eyes to savor each ripple and spasm, but he couldn’t stop or delay any longer. He rocked into her hard, grinding his hips as his cock jerked, spilling his seed into her waiting womb.

  Eric collapsed, holding onto Andie’s hand until he recovered enough to shift to the side. “Don’t move,” she said reaching out for him.

  He smiled and slipped his arms around her, pressing his face into her hair. “I didn’t want to crush you. That was literally the best thing I have ever felt in my entire life. And not just because I’ve been celibate for so long.”

  Andie giggled before her mouth turned down and she frowned. “I’m sorry I can’t say the same. I should have waited for you–for this.”

  Eric shook his head. “I didn’t ask you to. I didn’t have the right and you shouldn’t feel bad there was someone else. We were apart a long time. And it’s better that you got a chance to experience something of the world before we got married.”

  That white lie eased Andie. Her frown evaporated and she pressed her cheek against his chest. “It was an empty relationship.”

  “Most of them are. We’re lucky. And now you can tell me I’m the best lover you’ve ever had and I’ll believe you because you’ve finally been with someone other than me.”

  Andie turned wide eyes to his. “You knew I was a virgin back then?”

  “Of course I did. I am a doctor. Plus, I did a gynecology rotation.”

  She hid her head under the pillow. “I am so embarrassed.”

  “Why? It was sweet that you wanted me as your first. I knew then we had something special. I’m just sorry I was too much of a mess to make this work two years ago.”

  He pulled the pillow off of her head. “Why don’t we have some champagne before all the ice melts?”

  “Okay,” she agreed, giving him a weak smile.

  He stood and reached for the bottle, noticing a note taped to it for the first time. He opened it and read it, laughing a little when he saw who it was from.

  “What is it? Did the concierge make a shotgun wedding joke?”

  “No. It’s actually from my friend Patrick. He must be here at the hotel and he’s the one who chose your dress and ring. Had a lot of fun doing it too apparently—although he had help from his sister and her best friend, Peyton. He sent them pictures and they voted, so you can thank them for the gown and ring later.”

  Andie paused, admiring her sparkling ring. “I’ll have to do something really big to say thank you. Maybe name our firstborn after one of them or let them garner my wages.” She sat up and accepted a glass of champagne and one of the strawberries. Nibbling, her brows drew together. “Is Patrick called Trick sometimes?”

  “Yes. Trick Tyler. Why?”

  “I met him downstairs. He gave me a drink.”

  “Did he?” Eric asked with a scowl.

  “Not to flirt,” she assured him. “He knew I was waiting for you. Calen McLachlan pointed me out to him. Mr. Tyler thought you’d be better off if I had a few before I saw you.”

  He laughed. “I will have to thank him later.”

  “I thought it was weird until I realized he was your friend. I thought he was the concierge at first.”

  “Actually, he owns the hotel. He and his brother Liam.”

  The expression on her face was priceless.

  “The Tyler brothers own the Caislean chain,” he explained. “They are good friends with Calen.”

  She nodded. “So that’s how you know them.”

  He sat on the bed. “Well, technically I met Patrick before when I was gambling. He’s a killer at the poker tables. I only got lucky once—the last time we played. To be honest I couldn’t call him a friend back then, but we’ve spent more time together since I went to work for Calen. Now I think we are pretty close. We even share the same birthday.”

  “He did mention something about a rematch he’s never going to get. I hope he’s not pushing you to gamble again.”

  “Oh no, he’s very supportive. Just likes to tease. He’s a pretty nice guy for a billionaire. You’ll like him.”

  Andie tilted her head to one side. “He gave me two sidecars on the house, so I already do. You’ve acquired some impressive friends since I saw you last.”

  Eric leaned over her. “Nothing and no one made up for losing you.”

  Tears glinted in the corner of her eyes. “You have me now.”

  He nodded, a little too choked up to speak. “I do, don’t I?” he rasped.

  One fine dark brow went up. “So what are you waiting for?” she asked, wrapping one leg around him.

  He didn’t need a second invitation.

  Chapter 13

  Andie rolled over, pushing away the constricting sheet wrapped around her. But the warmth shifted, releasing her feet while tightening at her waist.

  Silky fabric slid over her bare skin, leading to the sudden realization that she’d slept naked. Why had she done that? Though by no means a prude, Andie always slept in a nightgown and panties unless it was very hot. If it was, then she slept in just panties. But this morning, she wasn’t wearing a stich, which was alarming enough to her muddled mind to rouse her to full consciousness.

 
; “What?”

  Her drowsy question elicited a deep chuckle from the man parting her thighs.

  “Eric? What are you doing?”

  Another rumble of laughter. Andie sucked in a hard breath as he lowered his head to her heated pussy. Every sensation was heightened—the tickle of his soft hair brushing her inner thighs, the way his soft lips nibbled and teased until she was wet and panting aloud.

  Her heartbeat drummed in her ears as she squirmed, torn between trying to get away and moving closer for more. He started using his teeth, gently grazing her sensitive flesh and clit in a rhythm that elicited a pulse from within.

  “Eric, it’s too intense.” She panted, pushing him away with weak hands.

  Always the gentleman, he backed off to let her recover, but she felt the loss almost immediately.

  Eric kissed her inner thigh, drawing a pattern with the tip of his tongue.

  “How’s this?” he whispered, probing lightly before inserting two fingers. He pushed them deep inside slowly, spreading them as he went to open her further. Andie arched like she’d been shocked by an electric jolt.

  This man knew her body better than she did. He found her G-spot immediately, tickling and teasing until she was crying out, pleading for more.

  Skin stroked against skin as Eric swept up her body, rubbing against her until he was there, his thick length probing at her folds. At first, she thought he might not fit.

  Though her break up with Todd had been recent, it had been months since they’d been together. Convinced he’d been cheating, she’d withdrawn from the physical side of their relationship long before she worked up the courage to tell him it was over.

  “I missed you,” Eric breathed as he slid home. Her mouth opened reflexively, gaping as the sensation of being filled and stretched set fire to her pussy’s nerve endings.

  As she clutched at his shoulders, her hips rose reflexively. She instinctively tried to grind against him, hungry for all the stunning little miracles that had been denied to her these past few years. But he wouldn’t let her have too much too soon.

  Eric held her hips. His grip wasn’t hard, but it was inflexible. He used the rest of his body to coax hers into following his rhythm. The drumming of her pulse was an echo of his driving hips. He didn’t let go until she was meeting him thrust for thrust—perfectly synced the way they had always been from the start.

  It had never been like this with anyone else. The heat and intensity was better than any club drug could ever be.

  For a second, she was angry. How could Eric have walked away from this? This wasn’t just sex between two well-matched lovers. This feeling was crazy and once in a lifetime. He should have known that. She should have known it.

  “I love you. I love you so much!” Eric reached up for her hand, the one with the ring on it. He caressed the thin platinum circle the way he ran his other hand up the bare skin of her hip and thigh. Her racing heart skipped, and she reminded herself that at least he knew it now.

  And so do I.

  Andie reached up and put a hand on either side of his face, kissing him. She poured everything into it—every scorching memory of their past, everything she wanted for their future.

  Eric’s reaction was just what she wanted it to be. His rhythm broke and stuttered, going wild. Angie held on tight, her eyes nearly rolling into the back of her head as her climax rolled over her. She spasmed around his cock, gripping him so tight it must have hurt. But she didn’t let go. Her sheath throbbed, milking him as he shouted and poured liquid heat into her.

  He thrust hard a few more times before collapsing on top of her.

  “I’m crushing you,” he said after a minute.

  “I like it.” And she did. His weight was welcome. They were never as close as when he was lying on top of her, spent, his seed still warm inside her.

  “Still have to move,” he murmured, rolling onto his back until she was lying on his chest. Eric stroked her cheek. “What do you want to do today, Mrs. Tam?”

  Andie burst out laughing. “Oh, my god! I almost forgot we got married.”

  She pulled her hand free to examine her sparkling ring. “I don’t know if I can wear it every day. What if I lose it?”

  “I’ll get you another one,” he said, pulling her close to kiss her forehead.

  Andie smacked him on the arm. “Don’t even suggest it. This is my ring we’re talking about. It’s literally the most precious thing I will ever wear. I can’t lose it.”

  He laughed. “Then never take it off. That way you don’t have to worry about losing it.”

  “Well, I have to take it off to shower, don’t I?” She frowned at the sparkling blue stone. Just thinking about wearing it grocery shopping or while she was working made her nervous.

  Eric tapped the stone. “Why? It won’t melt, trust me.”

  She wrinkled her nose and gave him another half-hearted smack before curling up against him. “Very funny. I know what rings like this cost. I’ve seen lots of girls in the club showing these off, and I’ve heard their men bragging about how much they spent on them—more than I make in a year sometimes. And mine is more beautiful and bigger than any of those. What if something happens to it?”

  Andie had never possessed anything so expensive and she’d never expected to. Now that she did, she was starting to become concerned. How did a normal person take care of something like this?

  Eric read her expression. He passed a hand over her hair. “When it gets nicked or scratched—and it probably will, that’s inevitable—this ring will be even more valuable. At least it will to me. Because every tiny flaw or imperfection means one more memory, more time we’ve been together as man and wife.”

  He took her hand and raised the ring to his lips. “So let it get dinged. Let its brilliance dim. It means we’ll have been married for years and years.”

  Andie blinked rapidly. Her throat was tight. “You always say the right thing. I’ve always hated that about you.”

  He laughed, hugging her tight as he rolled until he was pinning her down to the bed. “I’ve been fantasizing about this day on and off for the past two years. I intend to set a record for the most insanely hot sex-filled honeymoon known to man. Are you with me?”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “Hell, yes.”

  Chapter 14

  Hours later, after several sex-fueled hours and a leisurely and titillating shower, they had dinner at the Caislean 21’s superb restaurant. It was the finest meal Andie had ever had—a scallop and lobster appetizer and a French style hachis parmentier made with duck confit liberally sprinkled with foie gras and topped with the most buttery potatoes she’d ever tasted.

  “It’s a good thing we’re having tons of sex or you’d have to roll me to the front doors by the time we check out.”

  “Well, I hope that’s not anytime soon,” a smooth voice interjected. “But if it comes to that, we have a full gym and lap pool in the basement.”

  Startled, Andie looked up. Blood rushed to her cheeks, and she stared mortified at the hotel’s owner, Patrick.

  “Trick!” Eric was on his feet. The two men embraced, slapping each other on the back the way macho men always did when they wanted to show affection without looking girly.

  “How are you? How is married life?” The handsome brown-haired man held Eric at arm’s length, a big grin on his face.

  Andie didn’t hear what Eric said in response. She was too busy dying of mortification.

  “I have to leave for the club soon,” Eric was saying when she was able to focus on their conversation again.

  “Don’t worry about that. Calen’s got you covered—at least for the next couple of days. He told me as he was leaving.”

  Eric’s face darkened. “Oh. Was it Maia? She insisted on going home?”

  Trick’s face was sober. “Yes, she did. A PI she hired thinks she has another lead.”

  “A viable one?” Eric asked.

  The other man shrugged. “As good as all the others. L
ots of women fit that description unfortunately.” A flash of guilt passed over his face, and a hazy memory from last night rose. Someone was missing—a woman Eric had never met.

  “I wish there was more I could do,” Trick was saying, “but I have my own missing person case in a way.”

  He didn’t sound upset, just frustrated.

  “Really?” Eric sounded intrigued.

  “Yeah, I’m just making the rounds at the casinos, looking for someone I played once. You’re not the only rematch I’m itching for.” The tone was jovial, but something flickered in Patrick’s eyes.

  Recovered from her embarrassment, Andie smiled wickedly. “Let me guess. This rematch you’re looking for is with a woman.”

  Trick hesitated, then grinned. He turned to Eric. “It’s really too bad you don’t play anymore. This one has good instincts. I bet she would have been a hell of a cardsharp.”

  Andie laughed. “What makes you think I’m not now? I did grow up here.”

  She was exaggerating, of course. But she was no slouch either. Growing up in this town meant she’d played enough hands to be a passable poker player.

  Both men laughed before Eric nudged Trick. “So who is this woman? Anyone I might have met on the circuit? What’s her name?”

  Trick’s expression shifted, his eyes widening. “That’s a good question. I didn’t exactly get a name, not one that gets me anywhere . Did you ever play a beautiful brunette, about this tall? She would have kicked your ass,” he added, drawing a line in the air just above his shoulder to illustrate her height.

  Eric’s chin lifted a notch as if he was searching his memory. “There was that Japanese girl from San Diego. She was a pretty good player if I recall.”

  “No, that’s not her. The girl I’m looking for isn’t Asian. Her skin was a bit tan, but I don’t think it’s from the sun. She could have been white or Hispanic, but her eyes were blue.”

  Her husband shrugged. “Doesn’t sound familiar. But I’ve been out of the game quite a while.”

  Trick clucked his tongue. “Well, it was a longshot anyway. Anyone you know from the tables, I would probably know by now too.” He glanced down at their mostly finished meals. “I actually need to get going, and you need to try the chocolate mousse for desert. It’s the house specialty. I took the liberty of pre-ordering it for you on the off chance you’d want to try it, but if you’re not a fan of chocolate, then I’m sure someone else will—”