Slow Hands

sultry dance.
    Maddy’s breaths grew choppy, her cheeks flushed with color. Between deep, lazy thrusts, she said, “You know, I really do like the way you pay attention.”
    He didn’t follow at first, then suddenly remembered the terms of their deal. His demand that he be the one to call the shots—to pay attention as he saw fit.
    “Good. Because I am an attentive guy.”
    Wanting to see her beautiful face above him, her brown hair haloed by sunshine, he wrapped an arm around her and scooped her against him. He rolled onto his back, settling her onto his groin without ever losing their deep connection.
    “Mmm,” she said, lifting her hands to her hair, scooping it back, holding it off her neck to cool her skin. Beautiful.
    She remained still, sitting straight up on him and not moving, visibly savoring the new position. Jake reached for her breasts, stroking and playing with her nipples while Maddy began to ride him. With restraint he didn’t know she possessed, she pulled up until he almost slid out of her entirely. He actually felt the cool breeze blowing on his wet cock, before she slid back down to wrap him in her warmth once again.
    “You’ve learned the value of slowing down,” he murmured, unable to prevent a smile as he watched her.
    Maddy nodded. “Mmm, hmm. I’m a fast learner.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.”
    Maybe she’d be open to learning a few more things from him. Things that had nothing to do with moments like this—moments of pure sensual bliss. Perhaps she’d someday allow him to teach her a little more about relationships, romance, the human heart. Maybe even the existence of love.
    He had thirty days in which to try. And so far, Jake thought he was off to a pretty good start.

9
    O VER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS , Maddy remembered what it was like to be a woman. A sensual—sexual—woman. Rather than a bank drone, a dutiful daughter, a supportive sister.
    She and Jake had spent the entire weekend together, staying out on the boat Saturday night rather than coming in to shore. Whatever his obligations were, he’d at least had Saturday and Sunday free. They’d sailed and laughed, talked and made exquisite love. But on Monday, he’d disappeared again, saying he’d be busy for the next two days—another forty-eight hour commitment—and promised to see her in a few days.
    She’d forced herself not to think about where he was, who he was with and what he was doing. Jake had given his word that he’d have no sexual contact with anyone else, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t seeing anyone else. Professionally. Or personally.
    Lord, she hadn’t even asked him if he was involved in any kind of relationship. She’d focused solely on his, um, job.
    Let it go , she’d reminded herself many times. No way would he have agreed to the terms if he was seriously involved with another woman. Besides, there was nothing she could do, anyway. She simply had to trust him.
    Honestly, she did. The man had taken her check, which had both relieved her and broken her heart a little. Mainly, though, it had been a relief, because it had sealed their bargain. While trusting any man was not easy for her, especially after Oliver, Maddy did have confidence in her business judgment.
    He’d stick to his end of the deal. She knew it.
    And that’s how she managed to get through the forty-eight hours without driving herself crazy wondering if he was on the arm of some rich old hag like Bitsy Wellington, explaining that he couldn’t provide any more intimate services.
    Fortunately, all those worries had disappeared on Wednesday night. He’d shown up at her door with a new-release DVD, a big bag filled with popcorn, Lemonheads, Gummi Bears and other movie-theater type candy, and informed her they were having a movie date.
    Since she’d answered the door in nothing but an emerald-green teddy, however, he’d decided the date could wait.
    They’d made love right on the living room floor and they’d been wild, rolling helplessly across the carpet, absolutely ravenous for one another. Maddy had, as usual, been surprised by both his patience and his stamina, not sure where the man got his strength. Eventually they’d ended up right in front of the windows overlooking the twinkling lights of the city.
    He’d taken her from behind, the two of them kneeling in front of all that glass and all those stars, an enormous orange moon hanging like a paper cutout right above them.
    Talk about wanting to howl at the