Girl On a Layover, page 10
It had been two long years since he’d been with a woman, and the thought of breaking that drought, of being inside her, almost had him exploding before they even got naked. He had to make this good, had to convince Yuki they were meant to be together, always.
Yuki hooked a leg around his thigh, and he took the hint, lifting her and wrapping both of her legs behind his back. Her dress hitched up her thighs, and he grasped her bare skin as he kissed her deeper, then groaned as she rocked against him.
Declan ducked his head to kiss a path along her low neckline, the softness of her skin there and the scent of roses driving him mad. “Right, I think we should move this to the bedroom,” he murmured against her skin.
Yuki nodded before whispering, “It’s all one room except the bathroom.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw.
He carried her across the room to the bed, pausing only to let her kick off her shoes, then set her down on her back on the white sheets. Wanting to take a moment to appreciate her, he drew back and stood before her to enjoy the visual feast.
Yuki looked deliciously rumpled, her long dark hair spread around her head like a halo, pink lip gloss smudged, and her dress hitched up almost to her waist, revealing silver lace underwear between her legs. That sight had him groaning again, and he palmed himself through his trousers, squeezing to keep himself in check.
She sat up, staring at him, watching his hand. “I can do that. Let me.” The words fell from her lips like a benediction. She wanted this.
Declan exhaled roughly and ran a hand through his hair, which had flopped in front of his eyes. Yuki leaned forward and tugged him by the belt, undoing it before he could say a word. She pushed his trousers and boxers down to mid-thigh, then her hands were on him, and her grasp on his straining erection was enough to make his eyes roll back in his head.
“Condom? Now?” she asked, gazing up at him. Seeing her like that, on her knees on the edge of the bed, touching him, stroking him, almost gave him an embolism.
“Wait.” He cleared his throat and placed a firm hand over hers. “I won’t last long if you keep doing that.”
“Oh. But I like it. Declan, you’re beautiful.” She leaned forward to kiss the swollen tip, and he stumbled back on jelly legs.
“Condom. Where?” he managed to croak out.
Yuki grinned. “Bedside table. Here, I’ll get it.” She turned and crawled across the bed, and he marvelled in the sight of her arse, round and perfect, still encased in her figure-hugging dress.
While she rummaged in the drawer, Declan ripped his shirt off over his head, removed his shoes and got rid of his trousers and boxers completely.
Then she was back in front of him, opening the foil packet and sheathing him in a perfect, fluid stroke that had him cursing. It was too good. His pulse pounded in his head. “Christ, sweetheart. You’ll be the death of me.”
Yuki smiled—a cheeky expression that tightened his chest. “I hope not. You have a job to do. You need to keep me warm. I’m a bit cold. Might take off my dress.”
That made zero sense, but he stared as she undid her side zipper and dragged her dress off over her head. Clad only a translucent silver bra and those skimpy matching knickers, she blew his mind.
As heat surged to his groin, he grew impossibly hard, robbing his head of blood. He refocused, concentrating on the ugly painting of a sailing ship on the wall for a count of three so he didn’t black out.
“Declan, are you with me?” A laugh was captured in her voice.
He shook his head to clear it. “God, yes.” Declan climbed onto the bed and hovered above her, leaning on his forearms. He lowered his head to suck her tight little nipples through the lace of her bra.
Yuki bucked her hips with a gasp. “Don’t make me wait any longer.”
Declan was in full agreement. They’d waited long enough. While inching her underwear down, he kissed his way across her breasts and tugged the edge of her bra down with his teeth. Sucking her sweet flesh, he groaned when, a second later, she squirmed. Then her knickers were gone. Somehow, she also managed to undo the clasp of her bra behind her back.
With Yuki lying naked beneath him, he lowered himself and rested more of his weight on her body. The feel of it, their bodies pressing fully together, had them both gasping.
Declan licked and teased her nipples, circling with his tongue until the little peaks tightened and she cried out. She wrapped her legs around his waist and said the words he’d longed to hear: “I want you, Declan. Now.”
“Yes, my love.” He kissed her lips as he touched her, stroking her, aligning their bodies.
When he entered her, the heat of her body shocked him to the core. He surged forward, her slickness easing the way. He hadn’t meant to go so fast, but he was seated inside her in one smooth motion, leaning over her, watching her dark eyes widen as she squeezed around him.
“Declan, oh, you’re so deep.” Yuki gasped again as he shifted his weight, and she wrapped her legs around him.
Declan gritted his teeth. She felt too perfect. It was too much. He flexed his hips and began to move. Grabbing a handful of her arse, he pulled her towards him, groaning as she followed his lead and rolled her hips.
He wouldn’t last much longer… couldn’t hold on…
Yuki grasped his shoulders and squeezed, her body tensing and then shuddering.
“Oh God!” She cried out and screwed her eyes shut.
As she tightened around him, Declan was lost. A shower of lights sparked behind his closed eyelids. A shimmer of gold. Thrusting into her heat with an urgency he couldn’t deny, he let go and rode out the waves of his climax.
When he came back to reality, he lay sprawled on top of Yuki, his face pressed to her throat. He kissed her there, then remembered something he’d said to her without thinking, in the moment.
“Are you alright?” he asked gently, hoping she didn’t think him a complete embarrassment. He’d struggled to make it good, worried he’d finished too quickly.
“Mmm,” she hummed against his shoulder. “You were always gorgeous. Now I suspect I’m addicted.”
Declan kissed her neck, just under her ear. “Addicted?”
“Addicted to you. To us.”
Well, that had to be the best news he’d heard all year. For several years, in fact. “Ah, Yuki. My beautiful girl. I’m addicted to you too.”
She nodded against his shoulder. “I know. You said you love me.”
Declan stilled. He’d said that, no denying it. He lifted his head to look her in the eye, and what he saw made him relax somewhat. Yuki seemed… content.
She snaked an arm between them and pressed her palm over his heart. “It’s okay. I think I’m in love with you too.”
After that, there was nothing to do but take her in the shower. Then the bed again. And show her exactly how much he loved her. Adored her. Later, he let her take him, and Yuki rode him like she’d never get enough.
They had all night. And it was just the beginning.
Morning arrived with a crash of cymbals and flashing lights in her brain. Okay, that wasn’t quite the case. But someone was banging around in Yuki’s room, making a hell of a racket.
Declan. Last night. They’d slept together… well, not that there’d been much sleeping.
Mmm. What a delicious man.
Yuki opened one eye. Why was every light on, making her eyeballs burn? She sat up slowly, clutching the sheet to her front while pushing her hair out of her eyes. Once she’d adjusted to the brightness, she realised the windows had been thrown open, letting in a burst of golden sunshine along with a fresh sea breeze. Declan stood in the tiny kitchenette, busy with the coffeemaker.
“Morning, Miss Yuki. Can I interest you in a croissant and coffee?” He’d turned to face her, his smile as white and movie-star-shiny as it had been when they first met.
Her stomach flipped, and not just because she was hungry. She grinned at him, probably blushed too. Her face sure felt hot. The things he’d done to her… Well, it was sensational. “Oh, yes, please.”
Declan sauntered towards the bed, a tray balanced on one hand like an expert. In his other hand, he held flowers: purple orchids like the ones in the resort’s gardens. He set the tray beside her on the bed and placed the orchids in her outstretched hand. When he leaned in to kiss her, she sighed with satisfaction.
“Voilà, one breakfast. Sorry I woke you, but I wasn’t sure if you were flying out today.” Declan shrugged, then sat on the edge of the bed, down near her knees.
Yuki stilled, her hand frozen on the coffee cup. “I was meant to fly back to Sydney this afternoon, but now I’m not so sure. My ex wants me out of the apartment, but I don’t even want to go get my stuff yet. I don’t want to see him.”
Gently stroking her knee through the sheet, Declan replied, “You should come home with me. I have a house in Byron Bay now with plenty of space. You can have your own room. No pressure.”
Noting the tense set of his jaw, Yuki knew this was important to Declan. She also knew he was a kind man who might not actually want her to move in with him. He probably just felt sorry for her. “Is it okay if I think about it? I can change my flight later if I need to.” She took a sip of coffee. Its heat soaked into her bones and warmed her; the thought of seeing her ex again had chilled her to the bone.
Declan nodded, his gaze focussing intently on her face. “Of course, sweetheart. I’m sure you could stay here for a couple more days if you want. Sinead said she booked their suite until Wednesday.”
“I’m not too sure about hanging out with the re-newlyweds until then. But it’s an option. Bridie said I could stay with her in Melbourne too. That’s also a possibility.”
She studied the scruff on his jaw, wanting to rub herself up against it like a cat. But she needed to be sensible. They were having a grown-up conversation; jumping his bones again would be entirely inappropriate.
He raised an eyebrow at her. “You don’t sound sure. What do you want to do?”
Yuki sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’m due back at work on Tuesday, but even so… I don’t think I’m ready. I have a ton of leave days I haven’t used, and I think I need more time off to think.”
Declan nodded again, then stood and turned away from her. He walked over to the window and leaned on the frame with one elbow while looking out. “Some time off is a good idea. And I forgot to tell you, someone found your phone yesterday. They’re holding it for you at reception. Apparently, only you can collect it.”
From his body language, she could tell he was tense. It was strange, especially given how relaxed he’d been last night after they’d thoroughly debauched each other. “Oh, it’s turned up? That’s good. I’ll go grab it after breakfast.”
Yuki took a bite of her croissant and groaned at how perfect the pastry was. Flaky, buttery, and delicious. When she glanced up at Declan, he was staring at her mouth. Maybe he wasn’t completely immune to her charms this morning.
She licked her lips. “You could always come back to bed. There’s no reason for us to be up yet.”
Declan sighed and walked over to her again. After kissing her on the top of her head, he murmured, “Actually, I have to go. My flight leaves this afternoon, and I still need to pack and speak to Gabe about work. But call me as soon as you know what your plans are. Okay?”
Yuki looked up, his forehead was creased in apparent concern. “Oh. Okay.”
He stroked his fingers through her hair and caught her gaze. “Ah, Yuki, I want to be clear with you. I want us to be together, to have more of what we shared last night. But I don’t want to force you to decide immediately when you’re going through a tough time. So, if I don’t hear from you in the next few days, I’ll check in with Sinead or Bridie. I can come and get you anytime.”
Why was he talking as if she were about to fall off the face of the earth? She was trying to figure out which way to go. She had some stuff to sort out. That was normal, right?
Yuki reached out to grab the back of Declan’s neck and pulled him down for a kiss. She most likely had horrible morning breath, but she needed this. He kissed her back gently, so carefully. She pulled away a moment later, still wanting more. But Declan didn’t appear to be on the same wavelength.
“I’ll see you soon,” he said. Then he turned and walked out of her cabin before she had a chance to say goodbye.
While finishing her croissant, Yuki tried to figure out what it all meant. Wherever she decided to stay, she could still make a go of it with Declan. Couldn’t she?
When Declan walked into the breakfast room, he found Gabe sitting alone. Perfect. He wanted to run something past him before talking to Yuki or Sinead.
Since waking at five o’clock, his head had been spinning with plans for the future, but he couldn’t trust his own instincts when business and love were combined. His prior relationship disasters were a testament to that.
Don’t beat yourself up. It takes two to tango. Or ruin a relationship.
His therapist’s voice was loud in his head this morning. That he’d called her in the early hours and left a voicemail might have had something to do with his current mood. He didn’t want to push his luck with Yuki. If he tried to pressure her into a relationship, he might end up pushing her away.
As he approached Gabe’s table, his friend smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling up in the way they did when he was relaxed. “Good morning. Have a good night?”
Declan sat and drummed his fingertips on the table. “Yes. Not exactly…I mean, yes. But now I’m stressed.”
Gabe stared at him for a moment before saying, “Okay. Out with it.”
Declan exhaled slowly. “I’m in love with Yuki.”
His friend shrugged and then topped up his cup from the small ceramic teapot on his table. “I guessed as much. You could hardly keep your eyes off her yesterday. What happened? Did you two…? Wait, was it bad?”
“Oh, things are fine in that department. Better than fine. Mind-blowing, in fact.”
Gabe grinned. “So, what’s the problem?”
Declan spoke fast, letting all the thoughts spinning around in his head come tumbling out. “I want her to move in with me. I’ve already asked her. And I want to marry her. I have my grandmother’s ring, and I can picture the dress she’d wear. A wedding in Ireland. Then kids. I think we should have three, but we’d need to discuss it. But she needs a man who won’t disappoint her, and what if I do? What if I can’t give her what she deserves? But I don’t think my heart can take it if she turns me down. So maybe I should back off.”
“Woah, slow down, mate. You’ve got yourself in a right mental tangle, I can see that. But let’s take one thing at a time.” He paused and eyed Declan, his expression serious. “You love her. Does she love you?”
With a quick nod, Declan said, “Aye, I think so.”
“Good. Excellent. But moving in with you. That’s pretty fast. I take it she’s told you about her ex kicking her out? The guy’s a real dickhead, no doubt about it.”
Declan leaned forward, placing his phone on the table. “Have you seen social media? That guy’s all over it, telling everyone how Yuki was just a silly young girl, holding him back. Apparently, now he’s moved on and found true love with his heiress. They’re going on some big reality TV wedding show. He claims Yuki was cheating on him. It’s dire.”
“Oh shit. No, I haven’t seen it. Not sure I want to. I’ll talk to Sinead. We need to make sure Yuki’s protected if the media come after her.”
“Thanks, mate. I knew you’d get it. And there’s something else. I want to organise a new job for Yuki, just in case. If she goes back to work as a flight attendant, there’ll be no hiding from public scrutiny. I was thinking, Sinead’s travel agency needs some more experienced travel and tours staff. People who speak different languages.”
Gabe leaned back in his chair now, nodding thoughtfully. “Right. Good idea. Sinead can see if she’s interested. I’d prefer if she was really into it before we offer her anything formally.”
Drumming his fingers on the table again, Declan tried to relax and sort through the worries in his head. “Good. I think that’s everything. I’ll head home and make sure I’m ready if Yuki wants to come and stay with me. But I won’t force it. It has to be her choice.”
“Of course. Try to relax. We’ve all got her back, and yours too.”
When Declan left the resort, he needed to know he had a plan in place. It wasn’t the plan he’d have chosen. He’d wanted to suggest dating, getting to know each other better, maybe going somewhere quiet for another weekend away.
Now he understood Yuki would be under fire from all directions. She didn’t need anyone else putting pressure on her. Declan would let her come to him, or not at all. As much as it would kill him, he’d let her go if that’s what she needed.
Yuki had showered, dressed, put on fresh makeup, and was feeling as good as anyone could on only a few hours of sleep. However, when she entered the hotel reception, she couldn’t help but notice that the staff fell suddenly silent. Did she have something on her clothes? Spinach in her teeth? No, she hadn’t even eaten any. She glanced down at her outfit—neat shirt and pants—and couldn’t see anything wrong.
There was the woman in a black uniform behind the reception desk, someone she hadn’t seen before, who’d gone suspiciously quiet. The porter hauling a cart of luggage stopped and stared, and even the gardener, who held a watering can in one hand, flooded a poor potted palm while gaping at her.
She approached the reception desk with growing unease. Something was wrong. “Um, hello. I believe someone found my phone. I’m Yuki Yamimoto.”
“Oh, of course you are. Just one moment.” The receptionist looked flustered, her eyes shifting sideways while she spoke and her cheeks flushing a rosy pink. Of course, Yuki’s probably were too, given that everyone was staring at her.
What on earth is happening?
While Yuki waited for the receptionist to return from the back office, a creepy-crawly sense that someone else was watching her prickled at the back of her neck. As she turned to face the open doors and the resort’s circular driveway outside, something moving in the trees to the left captured her attention. A whirring, clicking sound, then… Crash! Someone fell out of a palm tree beside the doors and landed on the concrete.
