AllFreeNovel
Share Us
* * *
Just one night with Olivia?
Was Dane crazy? One night would never be enough. He’d never felt more alive than he did tonight. What was he thinking, telling her it would be just one night with her? He knew she was on the rebound and this could never last, yet they’d both wanted a night of sensual pleasure, raw passionate no-strings attached lovemaking. But the way Dane felt, as Olivia laid her head on his chest in the darkness of her suite, he knew then…one night wasn’t going to be nearly enough.
Dane didn’t want to admit it to himself, but he was falling dangerously in love with her. He was officially addicted to her. He wanted Olivia more than anything he’d ever wanted in his life. He wanted more than just to protect her. He wanted to pleasure her every day of her life. He wanted to be with her. But he knew deep down, it wouldn’t work out because as much as they wanted the raw physical sex, and it was amazing!—he knew it would end up the same way it did with Sophie. Dane stared up at the sparkling starry-night designed ceiling, while holding Olivia in his arms. He looked down at his sleeping beauty for a moment.
A few weeks ago, Olivia was Dane’s bride for a day, after her ex jilted her. Now she was his lover for a night.
Just one night. How did she feel right now? He knew how her body felt, but how was she feeling emotionally about their night together? he wondered. Would she be okay with this no-strings attached night?
Dane would never forgive himself if he inadvertently hurt Olivia emotionally. She’d been through enough. But he’d die if she ever left him—as Sophie had when she’d woken up to the fact that she’d jumped into a new relationship straight from another. But even so, what he felt for Olivia was far greater and more profound than any feelings he’d had with any other woman in his life. His feelings for her were more intense.
But Dane had to do something drastic—as much as his body wanted Olivia more than it wanted oxygen—he would have to put a stop to whatever temporary feeling she was having for him, for both of their sakes. As hard as hell as that would be, in the morning, he was going to have to move out of Belmont Palace and back to his condo, until Olivia found a place to stay.
Chapter 16
The following morning, Olivia woke up underneath the silk sheets in her guest suite, a warm glow in her heart. Her body was still buzzing from all that crazy lovemaking with Dane. He’d made love to her over and over and over again in different erotic positions she’d never even thought of. The man wasn’t only hot, he was an admirably skilled lover. He knew how to please a woman.
Luckily, Dane’s room wasn’t far from her own and he went back to get more condoms. She could not believe the sweet level of intimacy they’d shared together. He made her feel as if she were the most important, special woman in the world.
A feeling of euphoria washed over her. Olivia felt as if nothing could ever sink her spirits again. So this was what true love felt like…
She reached her hand over to the right side of the king bed to feel for Dane.
Nothing.
She whipped the covers off her and propped herself up on her elbow. Dane was gone. Why did he leave her? She glanced at the clock on the side table. It read 6:45 A.M.
Why had Dane left so early? Where could he have gone at this hour? Did he have regrets about last night?
Emptiness swept over Olivia. A sinking sensation engulfed her tummy. She couldn’t help but feel she’d made a terrible mistake, albeit, a deliciously, soul-pleasing mistake. Dane had been there for her during her horrifying holiday season. He’d made everything right for her. He took her in when she had nowhere to turn. What did she do? Did she just ruin a beautiful friendship by sleeping with him?
Olivia didn’t know what she would do if things turned sour between them—or weirdly awkward.
A knock on the door startled her, causing her heart to thump harder. Was it Dane? God, she hoped so.
“Just a minute,” she said eagerly, getting up and wrapping the sheets around her. She then went into the bathroom and grabbed her nightie and threw that on before putting her dressing coat over it. At least she looked presentable, she thought to herself, smoothing her just-had-wild-sex-not-too-long-ago hair down. She drew in a deep breath.
Her heart raced like a galloping gazelle in her chest. What was she afraid of? It was probably Dane. Though she did consider it odd that he’d knock and wait this time—after their sweet level of intimacy last night.
Oh, God. What was wrong with her? She was like a nervous schoolgirl getting ready to see her crush.
When she finally made her way over to the door and opened it, her face fell. So did her spirits. It was Ted, the butler. He had a silver tray in his white-gloved hands, with a breakfast tray and a delicate vase of fresh-cut yellow daisies. She felt bad for Ted and hoped he didn’t notice her disappointment in his presence at her door.
“Oh, um…what is this?” she stammered.
“Good morning, Ms. McAlister. Compliments of Mr. Belmont.”
“Mr. Belmont?”
“Dane, ma’am.”
“Oh, yes, of course. And please,” she said softly, “you don’t have to call me ma’am. And…is Dane not around?”
“He had to leave suddenly, but he wanted me to bring this to you.”
“At this time of the morning?” Her countenance was dubious.
“If you wish, I can take it back to the kitchen until you’re ready.”
“Oh, no. That’s fine, thank you,” she lied. No, it wasn’t fine. It wasn’t fine at all. She wanted to see Dane. Was he that turned off by her after sleeping with her he didn’t even have the decency to at least tell her good-bye before taking off? Yet, he had no trouble ordering an early morning breakfast for her?
“Very well. Would you like me to place the tray on the table?” Ted inquired.
“Sure, thank you.” Olivia opened the door wider.
Ted placed the tray down and left the room with a polite nod. After Ted left, Olivia closed the door and pressed her back to it, closing her eyes.
“I’m so stupid. Why did I think there could be anything between Dane and me?” she whispered to herself.
It was only for one night, remember?
She moved from the door and slumped on the edge of the bed by the table, glancing wearily at the tray. He’d remembered her favorite flowers it would seem. Yet, the mixed signals she was getting confused the heck out of her.
She would have preferred to have breakfast with Dane, just as they’d been having for the past few weeks in the inviting glass conservatory before their morning walks on the beach, not alone with a tray in her room. So what changed this morning? Dane and she had crossed boundaries in a crazy, sexy way. They were now friends with benefits that very well may be running out.
God, they’d done so many erotic things with each other, it was insane. It was driving her insane thinking everything about that magic would vanish forever. Clearly, it was a sign he didn’t want to speak to or sleep with her again.
Just one night.
The words swept into her mind and haunted her. Of course, they’d said it would only be for just one night. That was what she’d wanted, right? So then why was she having second thoughts and regrets over getting what she’d asked for? Because she didn’t think he’d take it so darn literally, or perhaps it had been wishful thinking that he wouldn’t…
An hour later, Olivia was changed and ready for work. She barely touched her breakfast, as her appetite had been shot down completely.
When her cell phone rang, her heart thumped hard. Was it Dane? When she read the display, disappointment clouded her again. It was her sister, Bria.
“Hey, Bria,” Olivia answered, trying to hide the disappointment in her tone.
“Hey, sis, just checking in on you. Everything good?”
“Yes, I can’t complain.”
“So are you seeing that hot guy of yours yet?”
“Bria!”
“What?”
“I told you, there’s nothing going on between us. As soon as I find an apartment, I’ll be out of here.” And out of his life. Olivia’s throat tightened when the words escaped.
She knew deep down it was for the best. She already had one major heartbreak under her belt. She really shouldn’t be entering into another relationship so soon, despite what her body was telling her.
“Whatever you say,” Bria said, chuckling.
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“You told me the other day, you’ve been walking on the beach a lot in the mornings.”
“So?”
“Well, I just read an article about your guy. Apparently, someone else likes to take morning walks on the beach at this time of the year.”
Olivia shook her head and rolled her eyes. She tried to suppress a grin. “You’re very funny, Bria. Like I said, there’s nothing going on between us.” Unfortunately.
“Okay, if you say so. Have you gotten any more of those weird texts?”
“No. Thank goodness. At least not recently.”
“Good. Hopefully, those buggers got the message. I bet your guy’s put his security on them.”
“I’m sure things are taken care of but right now. I’ve got to focus on work and getting things together.”
“I hear you. Oh, you will follow me to the open house at the college tomorrow, right?”
