Page 53 of Saving Stella

I can do what I want.

Emboldened, she said, “Yeah. And so what?”

“He’s not good enough for you.”

“Ha!” What the heck was he talking about? “At least he wants me.”

As those bright green eyes burned even brighter with rage, Stella knew she had pushed him near the edge. Still, she couldn’t help herself and continued. “I’m a grown woman with needs. I can sleep with whomever I want, whenever I want, wherever—Cliff!” She let out a gasp as his massive hands clamped around her arms, and he leaned forward, head inches away from her.

“If you have needs, then you come to me.”

What? “That doesn’t make—mmm!”

His mouth covered hers in a rough kiss—and Stella found that she didn’t mind it at all. His lips were firm and hot, and the moment they met hers, it was as if a fire keg exploded inside her. His hands cupped her jaw. Gentle, yet firm enough so she couldn’t move away.

Not that she wanted to.

But bending her torso toward him was awkward and uncomfortable. So, she unbuckled her belt so she could fully turn to him. To her surprise, she found herself lifted over the console and planted on his lap.

“Cliff—oh!”

He mouthed at her neck, sending the most delicious zing straight down her body and to her core. She gripped his shoulders, fingers digging into the hard muscle there as she pushed up against him. His hands cupped her ass, lifting her skirt over her waist. She shuddered as the friction of his jeans against her thin cotton panties rubbed her at just the right angle.

“Fuck, I can smell how wet you are.” He caught her mouth in a kiss again—harder this time. Bruising even.

And she loved it. Loved the way his mouth couldn’t get enough of her. How the bulge in his jeans grew harder as she rode him. How his big hand slid between them and slipped under her panties.

She moaned into his mouth as his digits traced her wet slit. She pushed her hips down on him, wanting more. He obliged by slipping one finger inside her.

“Yes,” she murmured into his mouth. “More.”

He slipped another one inside her, and she bucked against him, the sensations dizzying. His other hand gripped her arm, holding her so tight, he would probably leave a mark.

“Yes, that’s it. Ride my fingers, Stella. Make yourself come.”

She rode his hand, pushing herself to the peak. The orgasm came out of nowhere, ripping through her like a tornado. Immense pleasure washed over her, and he seemed to enjoy it, too, as he whispered filthy words of encouragement. Her body shook, the waves of pleasure crashing over her, over and over again.

Finally, her orgasm passed, and his fingers withdrew from her as she fell back on top of him. She closed her eyes and lay her head on his shoulder. From here, she could get a direct line to the pulse under his ear where his scent was strongest. It was so yummy, and all she wanted was to soak herself in that smell.

“Don’t ever think I don’t want you.”

Her eyes flew open.

Oh Lord.

They had just?—

“You’re so goddamned beautiful, Stella. And sexy.”

Her? Beautiful? Sexy?

“I can’t keep my hands off you. But we shouldn’t have done that.”

His words stung, but deep inside, Stella knew he was right. She sighed as the earlier haze of desire and lust faded from her mind. “It’s too complicated. With Charley and Devon.”

“It just won’t work.”

“Is that why … why you didn’t try to kiss me? Back in New York?” Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed back from him so she could look at his face. “Why you treat me the way you do?”