THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family Book 6) Read online

  That meant he had to tread lightly, explaining things in a way that would get her thinking, while at the same time, try to understand why he wanted her so much. “I told you that I desire you more than I have anyone else in a long time. Honestly, I’m afraid I might be too much for you.”

  She tilted her head to look at him. “Too much? In what way?”

  He took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t rest until I’d made you want me as much as I want you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I doubt it.”

  “You don’t believe me?” he asked.

  “Why would you care, as long as you’re satisfied?”

  He was about to answer her, but the music stopped. Taking her hand, he led her back over to their table. After they took their seats he leaned over the table and said, “You do know if we were to sleep together, you would be satisfied as well, right?”

  “How would I know that?”

  Her answer surprised him. “Seriously?”

  She looked down, and swallowed, seeming at a loss for words. Finally, she admitted, “It’s never been that way before.”

  He frowned, trying to follow her. “What are you saying, Monica?”

  “Nobody I’ve ever slept with has cared if I was satisfied.”

  Was she saying what he thought she was? In a low voice, barely shielding the anger he felt—not for her, but for the guys she’d slept with in the past—he asked, “Are you telling me that you’ve never enjoyed a sexual encounter?”

  She held his intense gaze. “That is exactly what I’m telling you.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  IT WAS ONLY AFTER she’d spoken those words that Monica realized what she’d done—issued a challenge. She shouldn’t have said anything, but then again, maybe it was a good thing that she had. While most men would have considered it her problem, not theirs, she had a feeling Landon was different.

  “Monica?”

  She wasn’t sure what he was about to say, but she knew she wasn’t ready to hear it. “I don’t want to talk about it any longer, Landon. They are playing another song and I’m ready to dance again.”

  He stared at her for a moment before nodding. “Then let’s dance the night away.”

  Standing, he took her hand and led her back to the dance floor. The next five dances were all slow, and she appreciated that he’d let the matter drop, at least for now. Instead, she simply enjoyed being held in his arms, her eyes closed, and her head resting on his chest. Memories of the kiss they’d shared last night were flitting through her mind while his masculine scent enticed her senses. The deep, husky sound of him humming to the music soothed her, keeping her in calm waters and not sweeping her away under a turbulent wave.

  When the music came to an end, he said, “Hey, Cinderella. It’s almost midnight—time for us to leave to go back to the ship.”

  She nodded. “Alright.”

  It had been a wonderful night, first dinner and then dancing, with Landon by her side. She’d forever have fond memories of the time she had spent in Brisbane with him.

  When they walked outside, the limousine was there, ready to take them back to the ship. Once they were settled in the backseat, Landon did something Monica hadn’t expected—he reached out and gently placed her in his lap.

  “Landon?” She looked at him questioning.

  He leaned in close, almost brushing his lips against her ear, and whispered, “I just want to hold you for a while.”

  And she wanted to be held. Snuggling in his arms, she placed her head on his chest.

  “Monica?”

  “Yes?”

  “I never got around to telling you what type of woman fascinates me.”

  She recalled asking him that question earlier. “And what type of woman is that?”

  “The kind you are.”

  Monica lifted her head to look up at him. Although she had appreciated what he’d said, she wondered how he could make that assumption when he honestly didn’t know her that well. Granted, they had spent time together over the past few days, but still, it didn’t seem like anywhere near enough. Not to make the kind of statement Landon seemed to be making.

  “And what kind of woman do you think I am?” she asked, her pulse rate spiking at the intensity of his gaze.

  He gently caressed the side of her face. “I think you’re a woman with hidden passions. Someone who can rock my world just as hard as I can rock hers.”

  Monica’s heartrate stared beating in triple time. She cleared her throat. “And why would you think something like that?”

  Instead of answering, he lowered his head and captured her mouth with his. She immediately picked up on the fact that this kiss was different from the one he’d given her last night. Last night’s kiss had hinted at passion. This one was filled with hunger.

  His tongue was tangling with hers with a need she could feel in every part of her body, causing her to practically melt. He was not just kissing her, he was consuming her. She followed his lead, putting everything she had into the kiss as well. It was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Landon wasn’t dominating the kiss. He was sharing it.

  Monica was grateful for the privacy glass in the limo. Otherwise, they would have given the driver quite a show. She had never in her life been kissed this way. He had a sinful mouth, and he knew how to use it. And she was loving every tongue tangling minute of it.

  The kiss lasted for several minutes. They’d come up for air, look at each other with need in their gazes, and then the kiss would start all over again. She moaned in protest when he lifted his head and whispered, “We’re back.”

  Her mind was in a daze. “Back where?”

  He smiled down at her. “The ship.”

  The moment Monica eased off of Landon’s lap, she felt an immediate sense of loss. They said nothing when he took her hand and walked her up the plank to the ship. The elevator was crowded—they hadn’t been the only ones who’d hustled to make it back to the ship before the midnight hour. In a way, Landon wished he and Monica had been alone on the elevator but then again, maybe it was good that there were others around. It gave him time to think and to regain control of the situation.

  It had been his intent tonight to get to know Monica better. And if things had gone according to plan, he would likely have let nature take its course, leading them to the bedroom sometime before the cruise was over. The sexual chemistry between them was too strong for them not to eventually get there. However, what she had told him at the club was a game changer. The thought that some man, or some men, had been inconsiderate asses in the bedroom, made his blood boil.

  What type of guy would make love to a woman without making sure she enjoyed it? Then he recalled what she’d said to that Dusty guy that night in St. Paul. He’d been full of himself then and had probably been the same way in college. Was he surprised good old Dusty had been a dud in the sack? Not really. And who were the others?

  It didn’t matter. He intended to right this massive wrong that had been done to her. He inwardly vowed that before daybreak, Monica Bennett would know how it felt to really be made love to. And she would enjoy every minute of it. He would see to it.

  When they got off the elevator, still holding hands, he turned to her. “I know we haven’t known each other very long, Monica, but I hope you know that you can trust me.”

  She lifted a brow. “Trust you about what?”

  “I’ve been thinking about how I want to spend the rest of my time on the cruise. I think you’ve come to realize there’s a degree of sexual attraction between us that’s been there from the beginning.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of it, Landon.”

  “Have you considered doing something about it?”

  She didn’t say anything for a minute, then shook her head. “I’m not like many of the women here, Landon. I don’t just jump into any man’s bed.”

  Landon was glad she wasn’t. “But you have engaged in affairs before, right?”

  “Yes, but only twice.” She slo
wed her pace and then asked, “Is that what you want? An affair with me?”

  He could tell her point blank what he really wanted was her—physically and emotionally. All it had taken was a few days spent with her to know something was going on here. If he’d had any doubt before, he certainly didn’t have it now. There had to have been a reason their paths had crossed those two unlikely times. There had to have been a reason he was so attracted to her, in a way he hadn’t been with any other woman since losing Simone. And there had to have been a reason she had confided in him about the losers she’d slept with before—the two who had put their pleasures before hers.

  It was totally obvious to him that Monica had been placed in his safekeeping for a reason and he planned to take very good care of her.

  For the rest of his life...

  He figured she wouldn’t be ready to hear that part, so there was no need trying to explain it to her now. But he would, when he thought she was ready. By then, he hoped things would be obvious. But when the time was right, he would explain in earnest why for him, she mattered. And he intended to make his intentions clear, one day at a time. What was in his favor was that she had already agreed to spend the remainder of the cruise with him as a pretend couple. Now he wanted to make the pretense real.

  “I want to show you what you’ve been missing out on,” he said when they reached her cabin door. She leaned back against a wall, studying him. He liked that and didn’t want her to ever take anything at face value.

  She nodded slowly, as if she was contemplating what he’d said. At least she hadn’t questioned his abilities. Evidently their passionate kisses in the limo had convinced her that he could deliver. “So, it will be about sex and nothing more.”

  He intended to use every moment he spent with her to prove that for them, it would always be more than just sex. But again, she didn’t need to know that now. “It will be about treating you to the pleasures you’ve been, so far, denied. You never should accept anything less.”

  Before she could question what he’d meant, he quickly asked, “So… Are you going to invite me inside your cabin, Monica?”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  LANDON’S QUESTION MADE MONICA’S pulse rate spike. What was she to do? He’d moved to lean against the wall now too, looking sexier than any man had a right to look, and the expression on his face left no doubt that he was hungry enough to eat her alive.

  The very thought made a flare of arousal rush through her. Goose bumps formed on her arms and her mouth suddenly felt dry.

  “Monica?”

  She hadn’t answered and she couldn’t. Instead, she acted, unlocking and then opening her door. He followed her.

  Monica had barely stepped inside when Landon reached out for her, and she walked into his arms without hesitation.

  “I want to pleasure you tonight,” he said, his deep voice husky with warning…and promise.

  “Do you think you can, Landon?”

  A confident smile eased on his lips. “Oh, yes. Will you give me the chance to prove it?”

  The thought of what he would do had sensations flooding her stomach. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Then, giving her a heart-stopping smile, dimples and all, he framed her face in his hands and lowered his mouth to hers.

  An overwhelming burst of sexual need consumed Landon the moment his mouth touched hers. When she parted her lips, he went for her tongue with a hunger he felt in every part of his being. This would be a night she would never forget. He wanted that for her. He wanted that for them.

  The kiss went on forever, and her low whimpers of need were driving him crazy. He finally released her mouth and leaned in, whispering close to her ear, “I want to make love to you, Monica. And I will give you immense pleasure. I promise.”

  She eased closer to him and there was no way she could miss his aroused state. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she brought her lips close to his and whispered, “Do it.”

  He didn’t have to be told twice. Without a word, Landon swept Monica into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Once there, he placed her on the bed, then stood back a little, waiting. He needed to know she really wanted this, that in the morning, she wouldn’t regret her decision. He wanted her to feel more passion with him tonight than she’d ever felt before—or would ever feel again. When he was inside her, he wanted to stake a claim, wanted to brand her as his. Totally and completely.

  Easing off the bed, she moved towards him. “I want to undress you, Landon.”

  Her words broke the silence between them, and he repeated what she’d told him moments ago. “Do it.”

  He fought with his self-control as she reached for his shoulders, and slowly began rubbing her hands all around them before easing his jacket off and tossing it aside. Then, pulling him forward, she placed a kiss on his chin, his throat, and the part of his chest exposed through his shirt. His breath caught when he felt her tongue glide over him, licking him for a torturous moment before straightening to undo the buttons on his shirt.

  Her touch was nearly driving him insane, but he refused to give in to his desires. Tonight, and any time they made love it would always be about her.

  When she eased his shirt from his shoulders, her gaze lingered on his skin for a moment. “I fell in love with your chest the moment you took your shirt off at the pool today.” She leaned in and kissed it, making him suck in his breath.

  “What do you like about it?” he asked, fighting to keep his arms by his side.

  “It’s both beautiful and manly. I have a weakness for a man with a hairy chest.”

  That was good to hear—his chest was definitely hairy. “You know you’re killing me, right?”

  She smiled at him. “Then I guess I’d better continue removing your clothes. I definitely want you alive, Mr. Chestnut. After all, you have to keep your promise.”

  At that moment, her hands went to the zipper of his pants and she slowly eased it down. Then, as if she just had to know what he was packing, she slid her hand inside and cupped him. He sucked in a deep breath. Yeah, she was trying to kill him.

  “I wouldn’t do much of that if I were you,” he warned.

  She met his gaze with a grin. “Don’t you like it?”

  “I like it too damn much.”

  His words seemed to please her. “Can you remove your shoes for me, Landon?”

  He nodded and when that was done, she crouched down in front of him and slowly eased both his pants and briefs down his legs. That put her face to face with his erection. Leaning back on her haunches her gaze raked over him. When he saw her lick her lips, he couldn’t hold back the growl that erupted in his throat.

  Landon was discovering he was putty in her hands. Intense heat built up inside of him. “Now it’s my turn,” he said, reaching down to pull her to her feet.

  “Have at it,” she invited, twirling around in that sexy red dress.

  “I intend to,” he said, reaching out and pulling her closer to him. Although he was tempted to hurry and strip her bare, he refused to do that. He intended to take his time and feed the fire blazing between them. The biggest part of pleasuring a woman was showing them how much they were appreciated.

  Reaching out, he slid his hand underneath her dress. Just as he’d suspected, she wore a thong—an itsy-bitsy one at that. Moving his hand under the band, he touched her womanly folds and found her already wet.

  “Aren’t you supposed to take my dress off before you get to that part?”

  “Not necessarily.” And that would be all he would tell her for now. His concentration was focused on her face, needing to see her reaction as he moved his finger inside her. When her eyes glazed, he asked, “You like this?”

  “Yes,” she answered in a raspy voice. “I definitely like it.”

  “Good.” Landon eased her undies down her legs and she stepped out of them. Then he stood and reached for her thigh, gently caressing that portion exposed by the split in her dress. “I like this,” he said soft
ly. “Not every woman could wear this dress and look as good as you do in it. But you know what?”

  “What?”

  “I am aching to take it off you. I want you as naked as I am,” he said, proceeding to ease her dress down her hips. “I want to touch you all over. Be inside of you. I want your scent to be with me even after I shower, and I want mine to remain with you.”

  He crouched down to ease the dress from around her feet, and then, instead of getting back up, he leaned in and dragged his mouth across her stomach. Hearing her sharp intake of breath, he did it again, using the tip of his tongue to lick around her naval. Pausing to look up at her, he asked, “Did I mention I wanted to taste you too?”

  Not waiting for her response, he shifted his mouth lower and his mouth latched on to the very essence of her. He fastened on to her as if he was a starving man, and she the most delicious meal he’d ever had. Hearing her moans, he tightened his hold on her legs, then slanted his head and sank his tongue deeper into her, wanting her to feel how fiercely he was devouring her. He wanted to share the magnitude of what he was experiencing and opened her legs wider, slanting his mouth at another angle, determined to find her g-spot. He knew he’d found it when he heard her deep groan. In response, he went in for a deeper, concentrated penetration of his tongue. When her hips began moving voraciously against his mouth, he continued to savor her with a need and greed that he felt all over.

  Suddenly, she screamed. Tightening his hold on her, he plunged his kiss even deeper. He loved her taste. Determined to keep going, he lapped her up like a maniac until he felt her knees start to give way. It quickly became obvious she was too weak to continue standing.

  Pulling his mouth away from her, he quickly stood, then swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN