Stay Beautiful

Trina M. Lee

Stranded by a snowstorm, two travelers discover one night of passion can forge a bond that challenges time and distance. Jonah is on the prowl for someone to pass the time with in bed when he meets Violet, a raven-haired beauty in need of assistance. She’s just what he desires to stay warm on a cold night. Feeling daring and adventurous, Violet decides being stranded with sexy Jonah may not be such a bad way to ride out the storm.

When a brief love affair becomes something bigger, Jonah and Violet are forced to make a choice. Do they fight for what might be, regardless of the fact they live in different countries? Or do they walk away and keep the memory of one beautiful night?

Ellora’s Cave Publishing

www.ellorascave.com

Stay Beautiful

ISBN 9781419933714

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Stay Beautiful Copyright © 2011 Trina M. Lee

Edited by Grace Bradley

Cover art by Syneca

Electronic book publication April 2011

The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.  (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

STAY BEAUTIFUL

Trina M. Lee

Trademark Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Bon Jovi: Bon Jovi Productions, Inc.

Chapter One

The snow just kept coming down. Large, fluffy flakes descended from the sky in a thick, white mass. It would have been beautiful if it hadn’t been so deadly. It was far too easy to take nature for granted, to underestimate its power. All it took was one badass storm to make everyone stop and acknowledge that they really weren’t in control after all.

It was bad enough the airport was shut down. Planes were temporarily grounded because of the weather and nobody was going anywhere. Hotels all over town were filling up and fast. Jonah watched another load of people file into the foyer. He sure as hell was grateful to have gotten a room already. There was no telling how long travelers would be stranded. Being stranded in a hotel sure beat being one of those poor suckers stuck at the airport.

A TV mounted in the corner near the receptionist’s desk played silent images of the storm on the news. The camera panned over those waiting impatiently in the airport. Jonah was just as irritated as the next person about the storm but since there was nothing anyone could do about it, he figured he’d make the best of it. A drink in the bar was a great way to get started with that.

Despite the bitch-slap from winter taking place outside, the hotel was still running like usual. The booze was flowing and the music was loud. A live band worked to keep the guests entertained though it was unlikely anyone would forget they were at the mercy of the weather gods. Jonah squeezed his way through the packed lounge, seeking a place to sit. No such luck. He ordered a double shot of rye and settled for leaning on the end of the bar.

He could sense the unrest among fellow patrons. People were frustrated and some even downright emotional. It would come as no surprise if things got chaotic before the night was through. Being stuck in the city alone was a bit of a bummer. Jonah scanned the busy hotel bar, taking note of the female clientele. Most of them appeared to be already occupied. What were the odds he’d find a woman here alone? It was more likely that he’d be spending the night with a liquor bottle and overpriced hotel food, watching bad sitcoms in his room.

It was early yet, barely dinnertime. Still time to find a lady to share his bed. The hot hostess in the lobby had given him a look. Maybe he should ask what time she was off.

After finishing his drink, Jonah sauntered out of the bar to the adjoining restaurant. As long as he was there, he might as well order dinner before the supper rush hit. The restaurant was comfortably occupied. It wasn’t yet busy but there were enough patrons to create a nice lull of voices.

He gave the restaurant interior a glance as he strode toward an empty table near the window. He likely wouldn’t have looked twice at the couple seated at a table ahead if the woman hadn’t stood up right in front of him. It was instinctive to sidestep her, which would have worked if she hadn’t thrown herself into his arms. Stunned and confused, Jonah came to an abrupt stop.

“Hey, baby, it’s about time you came down from the room. I’ve been waiting.” The kiss she laid on him then was adrenaline inducing. Jonah didn’t know what hit him. When she pulled back there was something unsettled in her deep, brown eyes. She was pleading with him.

His gaze strayed past her to the man seated at her table. It was easy enough to put the situation together. She was asking Jonah to save her. That was a request he’d never turn down.

“Sorry to keep you waiting so long, sweetheart. I promise to make it up to you.” Taking advantage of the moment, Jonah kissed her back with an intensity he hoped would leave her speechless.

Turning his attention to the guy at the table, Jonah was about to introduce himself when the guy all but scrambled to his feet. Making a series of apologies and excuses, he backed away, hands held up in surrender.

“Was that guy bothering you?”

“Thank you so much for not blowing that on me. He saw me sitting alone and he just wouldn’t take no for an answer, so when I saw you coming…” With a shy smile, she tucked a lock of black hair behind her ear and shrugged. “Anyway, I really appreciate you playing along. I’m sorry I threw myself at you like that.”

A blush tinged her cheeks pink and Jonah smiled. “Don’t be. I don’t mind at all.”

“Well, thanks again.” They stared at one another awkwardly for a moment. She suddenly thrust her hand out, offering it to him. “I’m Violet.”

Her hand was warm in his, smaller and soft. “Jonah.” He glanced pointedly at her table. “Do you mind if I join you? I mean, if I’m not being too forward.”

Violet appeared to be momentarily flustered but then she smiled and her whole face lit up. “No, I don’t mind. I’d love it if you joined me. As long as you’re not some kind of weirdo.”

Her laughter was melodic. It made him smile. “I guess you can be the judge of that.”

A waiter approached and Jonah ordered a bottle of white wine. After hearing the specials, he ordered the steak while Violet opted for a vegetarian pizza. Interesting.

He couldn’t help but sneak peeks at her. He didn’t want to stare outright but she was striking and he wanted to take a moment to enjoy looking at her. Those dark eyes were hypnotizing, drawing him in. The shy smile she beamed his way was adorable.

“So what is it that brings you to Toronto during such fantastic weather? Business?” Jonah poured her a glass of wine despite her protests.

Having been won over, Violet accepted the glass he handed her. “A wedding. My sister’s. Of course the loving couple jumped on a flight to Hawaii a day before the storm hit. I made the mistake of staying an extra few days to visit with old friends and family. How about you?”

“Business. I’m here from the U.S. actually. I was supposed to fly out this morning but as you can see, that didn’t happen.”

“Last I heard, they were hoping to have the airport open tomorrow if the snow stops soon. If not, who knows how long we’ll be here.” Violet grimaced, her gaze going to the window and the falling snow beyond. “If this keeps up, it won’t be long until people start losing their minds.”

“We could place bets on who snaps first. Maybe that guy over there.” With a wink, Jonah gestured to an older man sitting alone wearing an angry frown.

“You don’t seem to mind it, being trapped here. Doesn’t it make you feel helpless?”

“Sure it does. But since there’s not a damn thing I can do about it, I figure why not make the best of it?” He raised a brow and grinned. “This could be a disaster but it could also be an adventure. It’s all in your approach.”

She seemed to consider that, studying him as she sipped her wine. “I suppose you have a point. It doesn’t have to be all bad. At least we’re here and not pacing the floors at the airport.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Jonah topped up their glasses before clinking his against hers.

The conversation flowed almost as smoothly as the wine. By the time they’d finished the bottle and moved on to dessert a growing sense of ease and comfort had developed. The restaurant had quickly filled up, surrounding them with laughter and chatter.

Jonah watched Violet slip a spoonful of chocolate mousse into her mouth. It was the simplest action but it was sexy. His gaze lingered, waiting for her to lick the stray smear from her lower lip. He looked up to find her watching him knowingly. A grin spread across his face. Busted. At least she hadn’t caught him checking out her breasts, which he’d already done numerous times.

“So, what do you do?” Jonah took a bite of his apple pie though his interest lay elsewhere.

Slipping another spoonful of dessert into her mouth, Violet held his gaze. Amusement sparkled in her eyes. “I work in marketing for a local radio station back home. Nothing too glamorous but it pays the bills. I do get to meet a lot of interesting people. So it’s cool.”

“Sounds very cool. Better than being just another corporate slave.”

“You don’t like your job? Then why do it?” She shrugged as if it was really that simple. “What would you rather be doing?”

Jonah hadn’t thought about it in a long time. Work had come to take precedence in his life over hobby and passion. “Actually, I used to draw a little. Mostly pencil sketches, some paintings. I don’t get to do it much anymore.”

“So you’re an artist masquerading as a businessman. Interesting. Sounds a little tragic.” Violet sipped from her wineglass, pushing her dessert dish away.

Tragic. He hadn’t really thought of it like that. Drawing had been therapeutic for him. He did miss it. It shouldn’t be so hard to make time to pick up a pencil once in a while.

“Don’t tell me you’re going back to your room now. It’s still early. Come with me to the bar for a drink?” He had nothing to lose by asking. There was something about Violet he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He liked her and wasn’t ready for their interaction to end, regardless of whether or not she would sleep with him.

She made a face and sighed. “Going back to my room is the last thing I want to do. I got sucked into sharing a room with two older ladies who don’t speak a word of English. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind sharing considering the circumstances. But it’s been pretty awkward to say the least.”

“So I’ll take that as a yes.”

Jonah covered the bill and tip despite her insistence she could pay her share. He had to laugh at her feisty protests. Still, he waved them away with the promise that she could buy the first round of drinks in the bar.

Every hotel patron who wasn’t in the restaurant seemed to be crammed into the lounge attempting to lose themselves in liquor. What else was there to do? Well…Jonah could think of one thing.

He was intrigued when she ordered a whiskey on the rocks. He was impressed when she tossed it back and slammed the glass on the bar, waiting for another. With a critical expression, Violet surveyed the crowded room.

“This sure isn’t where I’d planned to be tonight but I guess it’s really not so bad.”

A small group had formed a dance area by pushing tables aside. Taking Violet by the hand, Jonah pulled her over to join them. It was a great opportunity to get a little closer.

“Oh no, I don’t dance.” Shaking her head, she tried to pull away.

“One song. That’s all I ask.” Jonah did his best to charm her, turning on the puppy-dog eyes he’d been famous for since childhood. “Unless you’d rather go for a swim. I bet the pool is open.”

“Since I didn’t bring pool attire, I’m going to have to pass on that one.” Pushing her hand through her shoulder-length layers, she tilted her head to the side and appeared thoughtful. “Fine. One song. And that’s it. Dancing is not my friend.”

She was right about that. Before they’d even started she was stepping on his feet. He couldn’t help but laugh. She slapped him playfully and he pulled her into his arms before she could change her mind. Jonah breathed deeply of her scent. It was refreshing and alluring. Like flowers with a hint of vanilla. It made him long to brush his lips across her warm flesh, to breathe her heady scent as he touched her.

Violet was stiff in his embrace at first. As they laughed and made light of the whole situation, she began to relax.

“I told you I can’t dance. I make a much better spectator.”

“What are you talking about? You’re doing great.” He feigned a pained expression when she stepped on his foot again. “See, fantastic.”

Her cheeks reddened and she stopped. “Okay, you had your one dance. That’s enough.”

“What? But the song isn’t over.”

“Close enough.”

Jonah didn’t give her a chance to pull away. He kissed her, a chaste but intense kiss. It left her momentarily flustered. She gazed up at him with a smile. Just when he expected her to deliver a brush-off line, she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

There was a timid quality to her that Jonah found enticing. She was delicious. The touch of her tongue was soft and sensual. He had to have her.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Violet’s lips moved against his. “I don’t usually hook up with strange guys in hotels.”

“First time for everything. I promise not to judge if you don’t.” Holding her close, Jonah boldly pressed his growing erection against her. “Besides, you know what they say about staying warm in a snowstorm. Nothing like body heat to keep the chill away.”

“Is that an invitation?” With a brow raised and a playful smile, Violet stroked a hand through his hair.

“Most definitely. I didn’t get stuck sharing my room. It’s all ours.”

He could see her thinking it over. There was no doubt in his mind that she spoke the truth. She didn’t usually do this kind of thing. It was evident in the innocent way she gazed up at him. There was longing in her eyes and also awareness. No, this wasn’t the norm for her but Violet had some bad girl inside. He could see it.

A one-night stand was a brief affair that some gave little thought to while others refused to take it lightly. One night could change a person. It could create a memory worth forgetting or one worth clinging to for life. Jonah waited for Violet to decide where she stood.

“I’ll accept your invitation. If you accept the challenge of making me hot enough to forget there’s a blizzard outside.”

That was a challenge Jonah was happy to accept. The stiffening member between his legs grew harder. “Consider it done.”

Chapter Two

A fireplace! Violet was so damn glad to see that. Her room hadn’t had one. Jonah’s room was small and simple, not so different from hers other than the addition of the fireplace and the lack of a second bed. She’d expected to be nervous. This wasn’t at all like her. Surprisingly, she was feeling daring. Besides, nobody would ever know but the two of them. What she did here would stay here.

She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror across from the bed. The secretive smile curving her lips caused her to do a double take. It felt nice to shake off the good girl and let her inner bad girl out. She didn’t do it often.

Accepting the glass of champagne Jonah held out to her, she watched him move about the room. He was tall and with that shock of dark hair and those golden brown eyes, he was more than a little attractive. Even though he was dressed in casual attire, jeans and a t-shirt, she’d sensed he was a mature professional. Or at least that’s what she told herself. Why else would she have so impulsively thrown herself into his arms to escape another man?

“Leave them open.” She stopped him before he could close the blinds. It was dark outside now. The snow continued to fall against the backdrop of night, illuminated in the glow of the street lights. “I like it. The way the snow looks. It’s beautiful.”

Abandoning the blinds, Jonah turned the TV on for a quick news update on the weather. “You are beautiful, Violet.”

“Oh please, stop. You already got me up here. You don’t need to sweet talk me.”

“But what if I want to? I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.”

A protest formed on her lips but she held it back. If he wanted to spend the night whispering sweet nothings, who was she to stop him? Hell, she was going to enjoy it.

He joined her where she sat perched on the end of the bed. Their eyes were on the screen where the newscaster updated the weather. The snow could continue all night. According to meteorologists, the city had already received more snow than had been anticipated. The good news was that it appeared to be slowing.

“I guess it will be a miracle if the airport is open tomorrow,” Violet commented when the commercials began to play.

Jonah turned the TV off and gestured to the fireplace. It was electric but that was fine with her. The flames still jumped and danced, catching her eye.

“Let’s just enjoy our artificial fire and worry about tomorrow when it gets here.”

“I like the sound of that.”

His hand was warm against her cheek as he pushed the hair from her face. Violet leaned into his touch. Excitement began to build deep within her. They kissed, a slow meeting of lips. Jonah delved deeper into her mouth, his tongue tangling with hers.

There was a passion in his kiss that stole her breath. He smelled good, like rain and fresh laundry. It had to be his cologne, but she didn’t care. Staying behind after the wedding was starting to look like a great decision after all. The other single bridesmaids had joked constantly about hooking up with the groomsmen. Violet hadn’t been interested. Boy would they love to hear about this.

Heat spread through her body accompanied by a pleasant tingle. The combination of alcohol along with the thrill of being there with him gave her a giddy rush. Jonah’s lips found the pulse in her neck and she sighed.

“You smell so good.” His breath was hot against her skin. “I can’t wait to taste you.”

Violet’s heart pounded, echoing in her ears. She didn’t protest when Jonah relieved them both of their champagne glasses. She wanted both hands free for this. After depositing the glasses on the small bistro-style table, he turned off the light, leaving them with only the glow of electric flames.

His arms went around her and she welcomed him eagerly. Jonah pulled her down with him so they lay side by side, facing one another on the bed. Kicking her boots off onto the floor, Violet stroked a hand down his strong jaw.

Capturing her hand, Jonah pressed a kiss into her palm. “If there is anything I can do for you, anything you want, don’t hesitate to say so. I want to make this a snowstorm you’ll never forget.”

“It’s already a storm I will never forget.” She laughed softly as he kissed her.

Jonah slipped a hand beneath the hem of her sporty tank top. The material was tight with little give to it. It was easier to simply strip it right off, which is what he did. Violet trembled slightly when she lay there in her pink bra. The hunger in Jonah’s eyes was brilliant, lit up by the fire.

Burying his face in her ample cleavage, Jonah made a little sound of contentment. His lips and tongue sought to devour her as he tugged one strap down her shoulder. One hand reached inside her bra to discover the contours of her breast. He pushed the fabric aside to expose her nipple. The warm, wet touch of his tongue to the sensitive bud sent fire racing through her veins to heat her loins.

Violet gasped when Jonah swirled his tongue over the rigid peak. The tingle that started between her legs grew into a throb. She barely noticed the hand he slipped behind her until he’d freed her from the confines of the bra. It quickly joined her top on the floor.

There was a flurry of sensation as Jonah’s hands covered her mounds while paying each nipple loving attention in turn. He rolled her so she lay flat on the bed beneath him. He made his way down her body, licking and tasting her. His tongue found a ticklish spot near her stomach and she squirmed.

Goose bumps rose up on her skin as he ran his fingers down her body to the waistband of her leggings. In one slow, smooth motion he stripped them from her. Immediately Jonah’s attention was on her black cotton panties. They were cute and comfortable but if she’d known she’d find herself in this situation, she would have worn her favorite thong. It was quickly evident Jonah didn’t give a damn about the panties. He just wanted what was inside.

He reached to peel away her underwear but she stopped him with a hand. “Wait. I want to see you too.”

With a nod and a sly smile, Jonah stood beside the bed and began to disrobe. Violet sat up so she could touch the firm expanse of his bare chest. A light dusting of hair disappeared below his jeans, teasing her. She tried to take in every part of him, to make note of every inch. The last of his clothing fell away and for just a second she thought she might blush.

There was no doubt he was a fine creation. Strong and firm without unnecessary bulk, Jonah was all man. Very much so. Violet’s gaze wandered over him, a smile curving her lips as she admired him for the work of beauty he was. Before she could open her mouth to tell him how gorgeous he was, Jonah was on her, tugging at her panties with an exciting surge of aggression.

His sudden impatience was infectious. The moment his fingers caressed the delicate place between her thighs, Violet ached for more of him. He stroked her damp folds, running a slick finger up over her throbbing pink pearl. Any last control she possessed dissolved when two fingers delved deep within her.

Moans of absolute pleasure filled the room. Violet clung to Jonah. It was almost too much. She didn’t want it to stop but there was a sense of urgency creeping up in the back of her mind that demanded she have his gorgeous cock inside her.

The man seemed to read her like a book. His free hand disappeared beneath a pillow only to produce a condom, which he easily slipped on.

“Smooth.” She couldn’t resist giving him a teasing grin.

Jonah’s laughter was low and comforting. “Hey, baby, I’m prepared to please you all night long.”

Their lips met and Violet lost herself in the heady sensation of having him between her legs, ready to claim her. There was a delicious pressure as he entered her tight sheath. She was happy to let him set the rhythm, moving to match his thrusts. Slow and deep, he forced cries from her that Violet barely recognized as her own.

The strength behind his thrusts was enough to make her cry out. The rush of splendor that spilled over her was exquisite. Every breath filled her with the scent of him. Jonah touched her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. It was unnerving to have this stranger above her, commanding her body as he gazed down at her through intense eyes. The thrill of the entire scenario captured her in an exhilarating high. Though she told herself it was just the kind of thing she would never do under normal circumstances, she knew that part of her longed for the adventure. No regrets.

Jonah grabbed her leg and guided her over and up onto her knees. He entered her from behind, driving her forward from the impact. He fell down over her, his chest pressed to her back. The touch of his lips on the back of her shoulder sent a tremor through her. There was a level of intimacy in the action that warmed her insides.

Violet reached back with one hand to slide her fingers into his thick hair. It caused her balance to become unstable and Jonah quickly put a strong arm around her waist to steady her. A sheen of perspiration formed between their bodies, creating a slick layer that caused them to cling that much harder to one another.

Their shadows caught Violet’s eye. She couldn’t help but watch the orange glow of the firelight dancing on the wall as their silhouettes moved as one. It was captivating and somehow more sensual than a mirror could ever have been.

Jonah moaned softly in her ear. The sound of her name as a breathy whisper on his lips was intoxicating. It was hard to believe that after tonight she would only hear that again in her memories.

When her knees could no longer hold her, Jonah sat back on the bed and pulled her onto his lap so that she faced him. Sitting upright left the control in Violet’s hands, although the position limited her movements. Jonah was buried deep within her while they stared into each other’s eyes. She could have gazed into him like that forever.

The strange intimacy between them got under Violet’s skin. Wasn’t a one-night stand supposed to be a night of physical gratification? As she moved on Jonah’s hard shaft, she found that by allowing him in at all, she’d opened all the doors. Whether or not she ever saw him again, something was changing in her tonight. It felt like being set free from chains she hadn’t realized she’d bound herself in. She embraced it.

A dizzying wave of euphoria crashed over Violet. The power in the orgasm that racked her was astonishing. Burying her face in Jonah’s neck, she inhaled his musky scent and muffled her cries against his smooth skin. She felt him shudder, felt him twitch deep inside her. His arms tightened around her and together they fell back against the small mountain of pillows.

Violet felt as if she were glowing. Jonah pressed moist kisses to her neck and face. She smiled and struggled to catch her breath.

“Sorry.” His low murmur was full of sex. “I didn’t mean to rush. I just couldn’t wait to get inside you.”

A glance at the bedside clock revealed that it was early yet. Violet snuggled in against him, determined to take advantage of every moment of this little escapade. “It’s barely past midnight. Plenty of time to take it slow during round two.”

“And round three and four.” Jonah chuckled when she gave him a playful jab.

The afterglow was nice. It was a feeling that would be priceless if one could bottle it. Violet waited until it began to ebb before excusing herself to the washroom. She brought her purse, toying with the idea of sending a quick text to a friend or two. No. It would ruin the fun of the mystery. For now, it was her little secret. She could tell the girls all about it when she got home.

Jonah looked up with a brilliant smile as she emerged wrapped in a hotel bathrobe. “I hope you like fresh fruit. Room service is bringing some up. More champagne too.”

“Oh, that sounds good.” Violet bounced onto the bed with more flare than intended. She couldn’t help the excited rush that coursed through her like electricity. “Hey, I think the snow is stopping.”

A loud knock on the door startled them both. Jonah hurried into his pants before opening the door. Violet wandered over to the window, peering down on the white city below. The flakes still fell, but gentler now, not so thick. It was going to stop soon. Part of her was sorry about that. Passing the time with Jonah was most definitely fun but it was more than that. She genuinely liked him.

Jonah joined her at the window, a chilled bottle in his grasp. He leaned in close to nuzzle her before glancing out at the night sky. “It’s kind of beautiful, huh?”

“It is.” She nodded and turned to follow him back to the bed where a fruit platter sat atop a pillow. “You seem used to the snow and cold. Where are you from anyway? Northern state?”

“New York. We get our share of ugly winters. Maybe not as bad as it gets elsewhere but it ain’t no Florida, that’s for sure.”

“Ah, New York. Nice city. I’ve visited a time or two. It’s a great place for doing business and creating art. Which you should do more of.” She gave him a pointed look.

Jonah scooped some whipped cream up on a finger and dabbed it on the end of her nose. “Yeah, yeah. What about you? Do you do anything like that? A hobby or something?”

She laughed and felt like a school girl when he leaned in to kiss the dollop of cream from her nose. “I like to sing in the car when I’m alone. Does that count? I’d never torture anyone I know by making them listen to me.”

“So that means we should go to the bar and hunt down a karaoke machine.”

“No karaoke machines. But a trip downstairs could be nice. We could take a walk. Maybe even outside in the snow for a few minutes.”

The fruit platter was divine after such strenuous activity. The champagne had to be expensive. Violet loved the way it bubbled on her tongue as she drank.

“That would mean we’d have to get dressed.” A frown creased Jonah’s brow. “I don’t think I’m ready to let you do that.”

“Aw come on. I promise to get naked again after.” She sighed when he fed her a raspberry. It was like being in a dream. “Tell me more about you, Jonah. Do you have any siblings? What’s your favorite color? Favorite band?”

“Slow down there, gorgeous. One question at a time.” Cocking his head to one side, Jonah gave her a long, appraising look. “Do you really want me to answer all that? Won’t it ruin some of the mystery?”

She thought about it and decided she didn’t care. She wanted to know more about him. “It might. That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

“All right.” He watched her slowly lick the cream off a strawberry before popping it into her mouth. “Damn, you’re sexy. Okay let’s see. Two siblings, a sister and a brother. I’m the oldest and therefore was the one always in charge of keeping the other two in line. My favorite color is black but if you make me choose a real color I’ll say blue even though it’s really orange. And my favorite band was Bon Jovi back in the day. I don’t think I have one now. I like a lot of bands. How did I do?”

Violet stuck her tongue out in response to the goofy look he gave her. “That was great. But I think I have twenty more questions for you now.”

“No way. It’s my turn to ask the questions. So…do you have a favorite movie? What kind of car do you drive? Are you single? What about kids? Do you have any?”

The laughter pealed out of Violet in response to his question topics. She couldn’t contain herself, especially when he was looking at her warily, as if she were going to confess to being married with five children.

“Um, favorite movie would be Moulin Rouge. I drive an SUV. I have been dating someone casually, but technically I’m single. No kids.”

“Technically single, huh?” He kissed a drop of whipped cream from her lip before she could lick it away. “I guess that’s a good thing. But Moulin Rouge is a bit of a chick flick, isn’t it? Don’t you like a good action movie? Horror? Anything?”

“Moulin Rouge is a love story. With music and elaborately costumed dancing girls. How can you go wrong?” She feigned a look of hurt, smiling when it earned her another kiss.

He took her hand and stroked a finger along the center of her palm, sending a pleasant shiver up her arm. “It doesn’t exactly have a happy ending though. Strange that it would be your favorite.”

“Is it? Yeah, it’s a tear jerker all right but it’s the power of the love story I like. The ending just makes it that much stronger. I longed for what they had, regardless of the outcome.” Meeting his enchanting gaze, Violet suddenly felt too warm.

Jonah’s soft caress continued up her arm. “I guess some loves are doomed before they really begin.”

“Maybe it isn’t about being doomed, but about those few precious fleeting moments.” Her voice became breathy at the touch of his lips. She watched as he kissed his way up her arm to the soft inner curve of her elbow. “I guess I’m a silly romantic that way.”

Looking up at her from beneath a fringe of thick lashes, Jonah merely smiled and said nothing. Violet suddenly wished she could snatch back her last words. He must think she was a naïve woman looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses. Although, what was so wrong with that?

Feeling flustered and awkward, Violet forced her tongue to work. “So how about that walk outside? It will make coming back here to warm up a real blast.”

Jonah glanced toward the window then back at her. His lips curved in a sexy grin. “Snowball fight? Let’s go.”

Chapter Three

The lobby was empty when the elevator doors opened. Music still played in the bar but a glance inside revealed that the majority of guests had retired to their rooms. Jonah followed Violet outside, bracing for the blast of icy-cold air. He must be crazy to agree to this. The eager smile she flashed him kept him moving when they left the warmth of the hotel.

The cold cut through him like a knife. He began to shiver almost immediately. It was a vast difference from the sexual heat and fireplace upstairs. He already couldn’t wait to get back up there. The promise of another hot round of sex made the wait a little more bearable.

“Holy shit! It’s freezing out here. You’re crazy for wanting to do this.”

The response he received was the explosion of a poorly formed snowball against the front of his coat. Violet smirked and scooped up another handful of snow.

“I thought you wanted to have a snowball fight. Don’t tell me you’re chickening out.” She let the next one fly, cursing when it fell short of its target.

Jonah chuckled. There was something about this woman that made him feel youthful. Not that he was old at thirty, but watching her find such joy in something everyone else was cursing made him pause to appreciate the moment. As a child he had spent endless hours outside building snow forts and snowmen. Now he barely gave the season much thought other than at times like this.

“You’re asking for it.” Grabbing as much snow as he could with both hands, Jonah ran after her and almost slipped on the slick sidewalk.

“Good Lord, don’t fall and break your neck. An ambulance would take forever to get here in these conditions.” Violet could barely get the words out amid her laughter.

Her laugh was a sound he could gladly listen to on repeat. It was filled with genuine amusement that matched the sparkle in her eyes. He came at her again, the snow too light and fluffy to form a proper ball spilled between his fingers. It fell around Violet in a light dusting of white.

“That sucked. I guess I’ll just have to throw you in a snow bank.” The perfect patch of snow covered the grassy area beside the sidewalk. Before she could protest, he gathered her up in his arms and tossed her.

The surprise on her face when she landed was priceless. Her eyes widened and she gasped before letting out a little shriek.

“Jonah! You ass!”

Every time she tried to stand up she would lose her footing and land back on her rear end in the snow. The laughter came so easily. It was natural and carefree. Jonah couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such simple but genuine fun with a woman. Violet had a gentle nature and a fun-loving quality he enjoyed. Getting stranded in a city that wasn’t his could never have been better. It would almost be a shame when it came to an end.

Poor Violet. She was in snow up to her knees, shaking it from her jacket with a frantic little dance. With her hair still in slight disarray from their bedroom romp and the incredulous expression on her pretty face, she was just about the most adorable thing he’d ever seen.

She trudged her way over to him and threw herself into his arms, covering him with snow. He couldn’t resist kissing the tip of her nose. It was red and ice cold. He moved to her lips, reveling in the heat of her mouth. It was a delicious contrast against the frigid air that surrounded them.

“Sorry about that. Couldn’t resist.” Jonah drank in her warmth, shivering against her.

In a swift motion Violet gave him a push, sticking a foot behind his at the same time. They went down together in a heap. The snow was thick and fluffy, cushioning their fall like an icy pillow.

“I didn’t see any reason that I should suffer alone.” A splash of snow in his face accompanied her words.

They wrestled playfully, like kids without a care for who may see or hear them. It didn’t take long for snow to find its way into places that made Jonah’s insides shrivel. Hopefully he wouldn’t end up with the flu after horsing around like this. Although it might just be worth it.

“I don’t know about you, but my ass is soaked and freezing. Let’s take a quick walk and head back inside.”

They huddled together as they walked down the block. It was hard to find areas that were packed down. Nobody had walked through in a while. Violet pressed close, her hand finding his.

“You never told me if you’re single or if you have a house full of kids to go back to.” She glanced up at him with a smile but there was a serious glint in her gaze. “Or do I really want to know?”

“No wife and no kids. I do have an ex-fiancée though that really likes to make my life hell. We’ve been apart for months now but we’re still dividing up some shared assets.”

“Ex-fiancée huh? Dare I ask?”

Jonah hesitated. How much did he want to share with her? It was easy to talk to Violet. A little too easy.

“We don’t have a big, crazy breakup story. We were both too involved in our careers and over time, things just kind of faded.”

They stopped in front of the hotel doors. Violet looked up at the sky and frowned. The snow had quit falling. She almost appeared to be disappointed by that.

“Do you think it was real? I mean, do you think true love can fade away?” With a shake of her head, she laughed. “Don’t feel like you have to answer that. I’m just being nosy.”

“If we were meant to be, then we’d be. That’s the long and short of it as far as I’m concerned. I love her, you know? But I’m not in love with her.”

The quiet was shattered by the approach of a plow. Violet and Jonah were cast in an orange glow as the flashing lights passed over them. If the snow didn’t start up again, it wouldn’t be long until the city was functioning properly.

“Have you had your fill of winter fun for one night?” Jonah asked while unsuccessfully trying to hide how badly he was shivering. “I’m more than ready to get back inside and into that warm, king-sized bed. Our fake fire was pretty nice too.”

“It was. Yes, I’m done here. Let’s go in and warm up. I can think of a few good ways to do that.” Standing on her tiptoes to kiss him, Violet brazenly rubbed a hand over the front of his jeans. Immediately his body responded to her, despite the cold chilling him.

“Get your cute ass moving before I decide I should fuck you right here.” It was a gruffly spoken command. His dick stirred as the blood began to rush south, abandoning his already chilled limbs.

Violet gave him an I dare you look and turned to go inside. He watched her for a moment, admiring the curve of her behind. Yeah, she was nice to look at all right. And damn did she ever feel good with her legs wrapped around him and her hot pussy sliding along his cock. Unfortunately, she was also amazing company.

He didn’t come here looking to meet an irresistible woman. It had been his job that led him to the city and the weather had kept him there. If he’d been more of a sap he may have thought there was a reason for that.

The heated lobby was almost too warm for their cold, bare fingers and frosty noses. They giggled and laughed their way over to the elevator while the front-desk clerk watched them from behind her romance novel. The hotel was otherwise quiet.

The mirrored elevator walls reflected their red cheeks and snow-covered hair. The doors slid shut. Jonah shrugged out of his jacket and hit the button for the twelfth floor.

“That was refreshing. Thanks for dragging me out there, Violet. It’s got to be at least fifteen years since I’ve actually played in the snow.”

“Really?” Violet’s jaw dropped. “You don’t do a lot of outdoor activities? Or you just don’t do winter?”

“I don’t take the time to do these kinds of things. I suppose I should.” Jonah briefly met his own eyes in the mirror. They were lit up with a light he hadn’t seen in a long time. “I spend a lot of time at work. It involves a lot of travel.”

He couldn’t help but notice how great they looked together as he gazed at their reflection. Violet was an exotic beauty with her ebony hair and sharp features. It was her love of laughter and positive personality that captured his interest far beyond her looks. Would it be a dumb idea to keep in touch with her after this? Or would that just be asking for trouble?

“What exactly do you do anyway? I don’t think you told me.”

Before Jonah could reply the lights flickered and went out. There was a series of noises as the elevator jerked to a sudden stop, knocking them off balance. Violet let out a little shriek followed by “Oh my God!” three times in succession.

Jonah reached out to steady her, feeling blindly in the dark. The sound of his heartbeat in his ears was rapid and deafening.

“Are you all right? The snow must have knocked the power out.”

She clutched his arm so tight it hurt. “I’m fine. Just not a fan of small spaces or plummeting to my death in an elevator shaft!”

“Stay calm. It’s not moving. I think it’s between floors.” Jonah groped his way along the wall until he found the emergency phone. Dead. “What the fuck? Since when do regular phones need power?”

“They don’t. Do you have your cell phone? I left mine in your room with my purse.”

“No. Mine is up there too.”

“Oh my God. We’re stuck in the fucking elevator.” Her voice held a note of disbelief though she shook with panic beside him.

“It’s going to be fine. Someone will know. There’s got to be an alarm or something. It could just be a surge and the power will come right back on.”

They waited silently as if it would do just that. It didn’t. The darkness was consuming. It was impossible to see anything. Jonah pulled Violet in close, hugging her to him.

“We should get these cold, wet coats off before we get sick or something.” Violet pulled away. The sound of her jacket being unzipped and dropping to the floor was loud in the dark quiet.

Jonah couldn’t help the thought that popped unbidden into his mind. What hot-blooded male wouldn’t have thought of it? After taking his coat off as well, he reached for her, finding her easily in the small space. Her scent was stronger with the absence of sight and he breathed it in hungrily.

“Outside sales rep for a software company.” Jonah laughed when he sensed her confusion. “That’s the answer to your question, about what I do.”

“Oh, right.” She rested her head on his shoulder. Her lips brushed his neck when she spoke. “That sounds kind of boring. Do you like it?”

A smile crossed his face. He loved how she said what she was thinking without sugar coating it. “I like the travel. I meet some amazing people, like you. And I see some places I may never otherwise go. But the work itself, no. I hate it. It was something I got into years ago. A friend of a friend gave me a job and it paid well. I never left.”

“You still could, you know. Start over.” She made it sound so simple.

“I wish it was that easy.”

Violet gave a deep sigh and ran her fingers through his hair. “I wish we weren’t trapped in an elevator about to plunge to our deaths at any moment.”

There was no holding back his laughter. Jonah was uneasy too. It wasn’t his ideal situation either but he didn’t really believe they were in any danger.

“We will be just fine. Let me take your mind off it.”

Jonah made sure her back was against the wall and then he dropped to his knees before her. He started by sliding off her boots. They felt like suede. Feeling his way along in the pitch black was exciting.

“Are you serious?” The utter shock in her tone made him grin. “Jonah, you’ve got to be kidding me. Here? In the elevator?”

“Are you telling me nobody has ever gone down on you in an elevator before?” He wasted no time stripping her of her leggings. It was a delightful surprise to find she had left her panties back in the room with her cell phone.

“Very funny.”

Despite her words she made no move to stop him when he pressed his face to the cleft between her legs. The musky scent of her sex was intoxicating. With one hand on her thigh, Jonah ran the tip of his tongue along her slit, just barely touching. He continued to tease her with slight flicks of his tongue until she moaned with the need for more.

He delved deeper inside to taste her warm honey. Just the taste of her sweetness made Jonah’s cock ache to be buried deep within her. Violet’s heavy breathing and soft moans were especially intense to Jonah’s heightened focus on the sense of sound. He purposely avoided her clit, waiting until she was beside herself with need. Just when he thought she was getting ready to smack him for teasing, Jonah sucked the tender bud into his mouth.

Violet’s cry echoed in the confines of the elevator. One hand held tightly to his hair. It hurt but in that great way that confirmed success. Jonah grasped one of her legs and slipped it over his shoulder. It gave him better access to enjoy all of her while he drove her over the edge.

She was close already. He could feel it. Her body tensed and her breath came faster. Every flick of his tongue had her crying out. Jonah held her securely with both hands on her sweet ass while he manipulated her entire being with his mouth.

Violet’s body spasmed and she came hard. Jonah eagerly lapped at her feminine juices, proud of himself for bringing her so fast and hard. If only he hadn’t left the condoms in the room with everything else. Fuck!

There was a sudden, startling noise as the elevator launched into motion. The lights came on, blinding them momentarily. Violet snapped into action, frantically trying to get her clothes back on before the doors opened. The word “fuck” became her newest repetition and Jonah choked on a laugh.

Rather than continue its climb to the twelfth floor, the elevator stopped at the nearest floor and the doors slid open. Nobody was there but voices could be heard from down the hall. Jonah held the door while Violet hastily shoved her boots on. She shot him a phony glare as they darted out of the elevator.

“You ass! I know you think this is funny.”

“Hell yes I do.” Relieved their elevator experience had been short lived, Jonah kissed her with a passion fueled by a growing affection. “Let’s take the stairs.”

A few people stood at the opposite end of the hall discussing the power failure. Jonah and Violet took the nearest exit to the stairs, laughing and talking with the excited tones of two people soaring on an adrenaline rush. Taking the stairs from the seventh floor wasn’t fast or convenient but they didn’t mind.

When at last they burst through the door to floor number twelve, they were breathless and tired but still laughing. Violet turned to him when they stood outside his hotel room door, a wary look on her face.

“Please tell me one thing you do have is the key to this room.”

Jonah dug through the pockets of his jacket, finding nothing. “Oh, shit. No wait.” A search of the inside pocket revealed the key card. “There we go.”

Violet slumped against the wall. “Don’t scare me like that. Good Lord I need a drink.”

“Water or wine?”

Jonah shoved the door open and they all but fell inside. He’d never been so grateful to see the inside of a hotel room.

“Both. But make it whiskey.”

He went to the mini fridge in the corner and retrieved two bottles of water. Studying the remaining contents of the fridge, Jonah found it to be lacking.

“I didn’t come as prepared as I should have. There’s whiskey all right. There’s also vodka, rum and tequila. This thing is stocked with about fifty of those small two-shot bottles.” Jonah looked up from the refrigerator to find Violet disrobing of her damp clothing. She wrapped her lithe frame in the hotel bathrobe and sat on the end of the bed, eyeing him expectantly.

Her lips curved into a sexy grin and she raised a brow. “Wanna play a drinking game?”

Chapter Four

“Have you ever played the ‘Never Have I Ever’ game?” Violet picked through their drink options, wrinkling her nose at the rum. “Do you have any preferences here? I’m not a rum drinker myself.”

“Nope. Haven’t played it. But I know the one you mean. I know how it works. And no, I have no preference. I’ll drink anything you don’t want.”

It was almost two in the morning though Violet didn’t feel tired in the least. Their little adventure outside and on their way back up had both sobered and awakened her. She was charged now and looking forward to enjoying more time with Jonah. Especially now that they were back in the room where they could enjoy each other in private.

They sat facing one another on the bed, the small mountain of miniature liquor bottles piled between them. They were each clad in a hotel robe with nothing beneath. Violet was comfortable with him. Entirely at ease.

“Want to go first? Remember, you have to drink if you’ve done it. ” Violet tossed a bottle at him at random, claiming a whiskey for herself. Jonah indicated that she should go first. She had to ponder that for a moment. “All right. Never have I ever slept with a coworker.”

She waited, watching Jonah closely. He met her gaze then looked down at the bottle in his hand.

“Dammit.” Lifting the tiny bottle to his lips, Jonah tossed back the entire thing.

“I knew it!” Violet declared with a giggle. “These are two shots. You don’t have to drink the whole thing at a time.”

“Good call. I don’t want to get whiskey dick.” Jonah eyed her for a moment. “You really haven’t slept with a coworker?”

“Never. Your turn.”

“Let me think. Hmm. Never have I ever been given oral sex in an elevator.”

The stare he gave her smoldered with sex. She tried to muster a dirty look but it only ended in a snicker. “No fair, Jonah. I think that’s cheating.” Opening her bottle, she drank back half of it and grimaced. “Never have I slept with siblings.”

“Ha!” Jonah leaned forward to capture her lips in a quick kiss. “I haven’t done that. But I bet you thought you’d get me on that one too.”

She reached to hold him close, kissing him again, a slow slip of tongue. “I thought it was a possibility.”

“Sorry, lovely lady. I’m smart enough not to screw more than one chick in a family. Better luck next time.” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Never have I ever had a same-sex experience.”

Heat rushed to Violet’s cheeks and she quickly looked away. “Shit! I should’ve seen that one coming. For the record, it was only once. And it was awesome.” She tossed back her shot and threw the bottle aside.

“Very hot. I was hoping to get you on that one.” Jonah ran a hand up her leg to stroke a finger along the inside of her thigh. “I don’t suppose you’d like to tell me all about it. In great detail, of course.”

Violet mustered a coy look. “But nice girls don’t kiss and tell.”

“Don’t try to convince me you’re a nice girl, Violet. I won’t buy it.”

Capturing the hand that caressed her inner thigh, she brought it to her lips and sucked his little finger into her mouth. She swirled her tongue around the tip before releasing him.

“It wasn’t one of those college experiments if that’s what you’re thinking. It was one of those things that just happens even though it seems unlikely. She was the sister of a friend. We ran into each other out one night, had some drinks and like they say, one thing led to another.”

“Yes. Go on.” Jonah’s tone was strained, his gaze locked on her lips.

Hoping to tease him a bit, Violet ran her tongue slowly over her bottom lip. “She had beautiful breasts, all natural. One benefit of being with a woman is that they are guaranteed to know a woman’s body. She touched me almost like I touch myself. That was one experience I’ll never forget. I’m sure you can imagine the rest.”

“Would you say it was your best sexual experience?”

“Is that a trick question?” Violet lightly traced a finger down her neck to her cleavage in a slow, seductive motion. Being with Jonah made her lose her inhibitions in a way that even alcohol couldn’t do. He was entrancing. “No it wasn’t the best though it was one of the best. Hey what happened to our game? I think it’s my turn.”

“I’d like to hear more about your night with a woman.”

“Moving on.” Violet laughed. “Never have I ever slept with someone who was married.”

Jonah’s jaw dropped. He reached for a bottle. “You’re determined to expose me as a total pig, aren’t you?”

“Seriously? Oh my you are a bad boy, Jonah. I really wasn’t sure about that one.”

He took a shot from a tequila bottle and made a face of disgust. “Allow me to defend myself. It was a moment of weakness. I knew she was married. I admit it. It was at my ten-year high school reunion. She was my first girlfriend back when we were teens. Seeing her after so long…we got to talking. She was married but unhappy. Like you said, one thing led to another.”

Violet studied him, noting the shadows that passed across his face. He’d loved that woman.

“So, what happened after that?”

He was quiet for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was thick with repressed emotion. “She regretted it instantly. It was a big, dramatic breakdown that ended with her crying and begging me not to tell her husband because she loved him and wanted to make it work after all. I left and never saw her again.”

“Wow.” It was hard to look at the pain he tried to hide. Violet felt like an ass for leading the conversation down that path. Still, she found it endearing that Jonah had laid his heart on the line for one night with a woman he loved. She couldn’t help but see him a little differently now. “I’m sorry to have brought that up. I didn’t mean to send you down memory lane.”

“It’s no big deal.” The smile that snapped into place was forced. Jonah leaned in close to kiss her, lingering to bury his face in her hair. “I’m focused on the here and now. And let me tell you, it’s looking good.”

It felt fantastic to be there with him. Closing her eyes, Violet concentrated on the heat of his skin and the way he felt next to her. She could get used to this.

Her eyes popped open at that thought. Was she insane? That would never happen. They didn’t even live in the same country. For the first time all night, she was seeing that as a bad thing.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this.” She paused, her inner voice telling her to shut up. “But I almost wish we could see each other again. You know, after all this storm nonsense is over. Is that wrong? It is, isn’t it?”

Jonah gazed into her eyes, searching for something. Did he find it?

“I wish this night would never end. Nobody has made me feel the way you do, Violet. It started with just the sex, which was amazing by the way. But getting to know you has been special. You’ve got me thinking about things, the things that really matter. Like the art I’ve neglected and the loves I’ve lost. I can’t tell you the last time I took the time to ponder anything that wasn’t work related.”

His admittance made Violet beam. It warmed her insides to hear him say that. It was reassuring to know she hadn’t imagined their connection. Jonah felt it too.

“Do you think we should stay in touch? Or would that ruin it?” The last thing she wanted to do was spoil the memories they’d created thus far. “I don’t want to do anything to destroy the way this feels.”

“Let’s just play it by ear. We’ll make that decision when the time comes. For now, I just want to enjoy you.” Jonah’s mouth was hot against her neck. The rough touch of his teeth on her sensitive flesh made her shudder. He pulled back suddenly, leaving her breathless. “My turn. Never have I ever joined the mile-high club. Though I’d sure as hell like to.”

“I’m not a member of that club either.” Violet winked at him from beneath a curtain of dark hair. “I imagine the moment I started getting it on in that tiny-ass bathroom, something terrible would happen with the plane and I’d spill out with my pants around my ankles for everyone to see.”

“Pants around your ankles, huh?” Jonah seemed to ponder this. “So in your ideal mile-high scenario, you’re taking it from behind.”

She lay back against the pillows piled before the head board and smiled. “Yeah, I guess so. Okay, let me think. Never have I ever made a sex tape.”

There was a long moment of silence. Jonah gave a dramatic sigh and grabbed a bottle of rum. “This is getting embarrassing. You’re going to think I’m a total man whore.” He took his shot and smirked. “Let me tell you, I learned my lesson on that one. You think it’s the women that are afraid of those suckers being put on the internet? Not always. My ex-girlfriend held our tape as blackmail material for a year.”

“Are you serious?” Violet was shocked. She covered her mouth with a hand to stifle laughter. “That’s not cool. I shouldn’t laugh. What did you do?”

Jonah looked a little smug when he said, “I broke into her house and stole it. I’m not sure if she was smart enough to make copies. I moved from Chicago to New York shortly after that.”

“That’s pretty ballsy. I guess you do what you gotta do.”

“I’m going to be drunk off my ass while you sit there sober and mocking me.” Jonah tossed a little plastic whiskey bottle at her. “You’ve got a streak of bad girl. I know you do. Let’s see. I think I know one you may have over me.”

“All right then.” Violet gestured for him to continue. There’s no way he would pick out her juicy secrets. “Let’s hear it.”

Jonah seemed sure of himself, as if he suddenly had her all figured out. “Never have I ever had a threesome. Bet you didn’t see that coming. It’s true though.”

Violet didn’t think her cheeks could possibly burn any hotter. She was going to have nothing left to hide by the time this experience came to an end. She expected to be more embarrassed than she was. Strangely, she didn’t feel judged by Jonah like she would with some people.

“I’ve done it once.” The shot of whiskey burned as it slid down her throat to warm her. A pleasant tingle through her limbs quickly followed. “It’s actually pretty hazy in my memory. It happened after a rock concert. My friend and I went with a group of our friends. She left with one guy and I ended up staying behind with the other two. It wasn’t as good as one might think.”

“Well that sucks. Two men and they couldn’t keep you happy?” With a shake of his head Jonah reached for her. He started at her feet, taking one in his hands and stroking his fingers along the ticklish sole. “They’re unworthy.”

A soft gasp escaped Violet as Jonah bent to place small kisses along her ankle. He was gentle and tender. She melted beneath his touch. There was a sensual quality to his caress that she felt in a place that wasn’t physical. Violet watched his hands glide over her skin, up over her knee to her thigh. His soft kisses followed and she giggled when he found a spot behind her knee that made her jump.

A swell of emotion burst up from deep down in her core, flooding her with a storm of sudden and unwelcome feelings. She looked at Jonah and felt things she shouldn’t feel.

“Never have I ever had a one-night stand,” she blurted. “I mean, not like this. I know I said before that I don’t usually do this. Usually pretty much translates into never. A hook-up with a stranger that I never saw again… This is my first.”

Jonah looked up, confusion etched on his handsome face. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Drink your shot. I know this isn’t your first one-night stand.” Violet forced her face to move, her lips curving into a smile. “I’m fine. Sorry. Just got lost in thought for a second there.”

Jonah did the shot and then with a great sweeping gesture, shoved all the liquor bottles onto the floor. “No, this isn’t my first. I’ve definitely sought nothing more than a warm body beneath me, a face I’ll forget and a name I didn’t even ask for. But this isn’t the same. I don’t think it ever was.”

Violet stared at him, speechless. He began his ascent up her body. The return of his lips to her bare leg caused her pulse to race faster. She watched him press affectionate kisses to the top of her knee and heat rushed to her groin. She’d gotten herself into this, thinking it would be a great way to pass the night and fulfill her hunger for adventure. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She wasn’t supposed to like him this much.

“I feel like I’ve known you longer than a night. It’s crazy and a little confusing.” She squirmed when he reached to untie her robe. Anticipation began to build fast.

Jonah paused just long enough to slip out of his own robe. His bare chest and well-muscled back drew Violet’s gaze. She drank in the sight of him, following every inch with her eyes. He was magnificent. She couldn’t wait to have him again.

“No need to be confused, lover. Tonight you are mine. Nothing else matters right now.”

Jonah slipped his hands beneath her to grip her hips. He lowered his face to her navel and gave a long, slow lick down her abdomen to the neatly trimmed triangle of hair between her legs.

“I love the way you smell,” he murmured. “The way you feel.” Closing his eyes, Jonah rubbed his face along her belly.

She slid her fingers into his hair. It was thick and soft, shining in the dim firelight. Violet let her gaze travel around the room. From the silly fireplace to the mini-fridge and the final few hours of night beyond the window, it was all so false. If only she could make it last just a little longer. She feared waking up at home in her own bed next week, struggling to keep the memory of this night fresh in her mind always. Eventually it would fade.

Violet concentrated hard on the details. The exact shade of Jonah’s hair was a rich brown with highlights of gold, caught only when the light hit it just right. The dark undertones gave it the illusion of being darker than it was. Color like that would never be found in a salon.

His body was warm, almost hot against her. Her own body temperature climbed steadily as he ran his hands up her sides to her breasts. There was a flutter in her stomach. Firm but gentle, Jonah outlined her nipple with a finger. Every stroke of his skin on hers was a sensation Violet tried to memorize. Whatever that hint of cologne was mixed with Jonah’s natural scent, she knew she would never be able to smell it on another man as long as she lived. Her future held that moment of sudden surprise when she would one day pass a stranger and have his scent send her spiraling back in time, to this moment.

Both hands covered her breasts. Violet stared down the length of her body, loving the way Jonah looked sprawled atop her. He lay between her legs, savoring her. The tip of his tongue dipped into her bellybutton and she twitched uncontrollably. His fingers found her nipples, rubbing them until they stood begging for more attention. A content sigh slipped from her in response.

Jonah moved farther up her body so he could suck a taut bud into his mouth. She moaned softly and arched her back. She couldn’t possibly touch enough of him. Her hands glided over his smooth skin, from his shoulders to his delicious chest and back. Violet loved the way he fit between her legs. His thick erection pressed against her thigh. She was eager for it.

Taking his time, Jonah languorously loved her nipples. From one to the other, he feasted on her breasts. She encouraged him with breathy moans. One hand disappeared between her legs as Jonah reached down between them. Wet and ready, she welcomed his fingers when they slipped inside her. There was a little burst of pleasure when he stroked as deep as he was able.

He kissed her. A delicate touch of his lips to hers. There was no rush. Jonah took his time devouring her mouth. He smelled like alcohol but she didn’t mind. It was another scent to file away for future reference, when she needed a warm memory to cling to in the cold, lonely night.

He explored her mouth thoroughly as if he too wanted to remember each detail. Violet held him close, unable to keep her hands still. She wanted to feel all of him. Jonah sucked at her bottom lip. He continued to pleasure her with his fingers, sliding them out of her slippery sheath to flick lightly over her throbbing clit.

“Has anyone ever told you that your touch is like magic?” Her whisper was low and throaty. “I think it just might be addictive.”

“Oh yeah?” He shot her a flirty grin before nipping at her neck. “Think it’s possible to overdose?”

“I guess there’s only one way to find out.”

His small bites became aggressive. The sexual rush coursing through Violet grew like a violent storm. The need for release was becoming increasingly powerful. Every time his fingers glided over her aching nub she writhed beneath him. The promise of climax was there, so close but so far. The way he manipulated her body was unlike most of her past lovers. Jonah had a way of reading her response to him that set him apart from the rest. He genuinely cared about her pleasure, putting it above his own.

Violet’s heart raced as the sensations of approaching orgasm grew. That crucial peak was right there, ready to crash over her like an ocean wave. She wasn’t ready. Not yet. Her sudden cry echoed around them. Jonah groaned as her inner channel convulsed and the muscles spasmed around his fingers. The euphoria that accompanied a mind-numbing orgasm engulfed her and she fell happily into its depths.

Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath. If she’d been forced to decide which orgasm of the evening had been the best, it would have been impossible to do so. Whether it was the alcohol, the overwhelming sensations or a combination of both she didn’t know or care. All Violet knew was that she was soaring on a high that no known narcotic could ever produce. It was dizzying and exhilarating. She never wanted to come down.

She didn’t realize she’d closed her eyes until she opened them to find Jonah staring at her with a lazy smile. It was a tad embarrassing to know he’d been watching her face during climax. Once a man sees the orgasm face, that one moment of total abandon and loss of control, he’d pretty much seen into the soul of his lover.

“Hey, handsome.” Breathless and ridiculously smitten, Violet let herself fall into his enchanting eyes. “See something you like?”

“Oh yeah. Watching you… You’re filled with such passion. I can’t help but want to be part of that.”

“You are part of that.” She pulled him close for a kiss that left her quaking.

Jonah didn’t need any further encouragement. Much like last time, he produced a condom as if it had been orchestrated to appear at just the right moment. Violet hid a smile and bit her bottom lip. She was eager to feel him moving inside her. Jonah held her gaze as he pressed against her warm entrance. It drew her like a moth to a flame and she fell headlong into him.

He stared down at her, watching her face as he entered her. It was excruciatingly satisfying as he inched his way in, dragging out that first intense thrust. That long, slow deliberate stroke swept Violet up to a place of utter contentment. She clasped her legs around his waist, holding him deep within her.

They moved together, their rhythm slow but steady. Several shallow, teasing strokes had her moaning for more. He was precise with his movements, timing sudden deep thrusts to take her by surprise and force the cries from her. Violet lost all sense of time. She ran her hands over his back, down to his tight rear end. Feeling him move atop her, the perspiration breaking out on his skin, Violet was captivated by every part of him.

Physical pleasure danced with the spiritual and emotional sides of her. It was a heady mix that reached to encompass all of her being. She was torn between sudden urges to laugh or to cry. It was as confusing as it was tranquil. Though she was completely at peace in Jonah’s arms, she sought to make sense of the strange array of sensations. As his thrusts grew harder and faster, it became increasingly difficult to tell where she ended and he began.

“Okay, baby. Your turn on top. I want to watch you.” Jonah carefully rolled them so she was on top, looking down into his beautiful face. His expression was eager and expectant.

Violet sat up straight to give him a nice view of her breasts bouncing in time with their lovemaking. She raised herself up until the tip of his cock was just barely inside her, then plunged down upon him. The sound of sheer pleasure that she elicited from Jonah was music to her ears.

Impaling herself upon him, Violet felt empowered. She loved being in control of the pace and depth. It allowed her to guide them along, hitting exactly the right ups and downs. She took advantage of the opportunity to tease Jonah by withdrawing his stiff manhood from her body until he was crazy with need. When she took him back inside her with a swift and sudden motion, he groaned and shook a finger at her.

“Sorry, lover. I can’t help but tease a little.” She chuckled softly and leaned down to kiss him.

He held her head tightly while he kissed her with primal aggression. He bit at her lip and sucked at her tongue. Jonah grasped her hips with both hands and pulled her down while he thrust up. It was unexpected and rough but it was absolutely mind-shattering. Violet cried out as he continued to pump into her with a speed that stole her control.

Their groins were lined up perfectly so that each thrust stimulated her swollen nub, pushing her toward the brink of orgasm. The sound of their bodies colliding in a passionate storm was loud in Violet’s ears. She tried to brace herself against Jonah but they were slippery with sweat. She collapsed on his chest, breathing hard, his name a broken cry on her lips.

So close. She was so close. Climax exploded over Violet with an impact that left her ears ringing. Despite the fact Jonah was buried as deep as physically possible inside her, it wasn’t enough. She needed to feel more of him. She was hungry. A carnal lust that could only be appeased by him. As he satisfied her, that lust grew so that she would never be truly sated again.

The climactic spasms seemed to last forever. Jonah’s hands were everywhere, as if he needed to touch every part of her at once. With his fingers in her hair and his lips against her ear, Jonah continued to fill her again and again until at last he erupted into orgasmic bliss.

For a long time the only sound in the room was that of their labored breathing. Each breath took energy Violet felt she no longer possessed. As she slipped into the trance-like afterglow, she felt lightheaded and flighty.

After several minutes passed, she slipped off Jonah to lie at his side. With her head on his chest, she listened to the rapid beat of his heart. She was exhausted but she was happy.

“I don’t know what it is about you, Violet, but you bring out something inside me I didn’t know I had.” Jonah stroked her hair gently. She could hear the smile in his voice. “You make me feel a little like an animal.”

It took strength she didn’t have to force the words out. “You are an animal. I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. In a good way, of course.”

“Oh, of course. Is there any other kind of being hit by a truck?”

A glance out the window revealed that the night was fading away. Though still dark, the sky was several shades lighter, indicating the approach of sunrise.

“Wow. We were up all night.” Violet couldn’t help but yawn. As the excitement ebbed away, fatigue set in. “I should shower but I don’t think I have the energy.”

“Just sleep. We’ll shower when we wake up.” Jonah appeared to be in no hurry to leave the bed. That was just fine with her.

Though her body was tired, her brain refused to stay quiet. She knew if she slept away her remaining time with Jonah, she would regret it. After being awake for nearly twenty-four hours, it was a battle she was going to lose.

Jonah’s hand in her hair was soothing, lulling her into slumber. She concentrated on the numbing sound of his heart’s steady beat. It chased away the thoughts she didn’t want to entertain and allowed her to simply enjoy the moment.

The day would soon come and with it, the possibility of being able to go home. It was bittersweet, to say the least. Violet refused to allow anything to ruin the night. The only thing worse than having it be the only one they would share was watching it slip away in the dawn’s first rays. So she closed her eyes and slept.

Chapter Five

The scent of fresh coffee roused Jonah from slumber. He flung out a hand, finding the bed empty. Suddenly wide awake, he sat up with a start. Violet sat at the small two-seater table sipping from a mug of coffee.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” She greeted him with a smile. Her hair was a mess and she was clad in the hotel robe but she was a vision worth waking up to.

“Have you been up long?” Jonah rubbed his eyes and stretched. For a split second he’d thought she had left. He would have been disappointed.

“Long enough to have breakfast brought up and run to my room to get my things. I’m thinking we may be able to fly out today so I figured I should be prepared.”

The digital clock on the side table revealed it to be just past ten in the morning. He’d only slept a few hours. Violet had fallen asleep right away, leaving him to stare at the flicker of firelight dancing on the ceiling. For a while he’d simply enjoyed the way she felt draped across his chest. Her even breathing had been soothing, calming.

When she rolled away and spread out across most of the bed, Jonah had dug the hotel notepad and pen out of the side table and begun to sketch. It had been so long since he’d just let the tool in his hand bring the images in his mind to life. After an hour of furious pen strokes he’d stopped and stared at the drawing of the sleeping woman at his side. Her hair was wispy and disheveled and her lips perfectly pouty, even in sleep. Then he had tucked it away in his suitcase.

“I guess we’ll have to call the airport and find out what’s up. Have you done that yet?”

Violet shook her head. “No. I thought I’d wait until I got a nice dose of caffeine and a shower. The snow out there doesn’t look so bad in the light of day.”

Great. It was a good thing they could leave. It could have been much worse. They could have been trapped for days. If only.

Jonah ran a hand through his mess of hair and joined her at the table. He didn’t bother with a robe and the chair was colder than he expected on his bare ass. He made a startled noise and Violet smirked.

Coffee felt amazing after such a long night. Though as long as it had been, it was still too short. A platter of eggs, bacon and toast sat between them with a dish of fresh fruit on the side. They made small talk over breakfast, each seeming to avoid the real issue. Did they exchange information? Send emails and make long-distance phone calls? Or was that just prolonging the inevitable conclusion that there was nothing more for them?

A slight frown creased Violet’s brow and he knew she was wondering the same thing. Jonah was a mass of confusion. His life had been going well. It was a smooth road of business success. He had been happy with his career and content to bond with a woman only as much as was required for some casual fun before moving on to the next. A recent promotion at work had reassured him he was doing well in life. Things were good. But now he wasn’t so sure.

His job was boring. He’d thought so before Violet said as much. He had no time to maintain the connection needed with a woman to have more than a casual encounter nor did he lose himself in the priceless moments of creation anymore. His art suffered. He suffered. Jonah had been numb, going through the motions. Regardless of what happened with Violet, he knew he didn’t want to live that way anymore.

“I don’t want to make a mistake here.” The words spilled from him before he could carefully craft them. “I don’t think we have a lot of time left together. I want to make the most of it. But I can’t help but wonder…do we keep in touch? Is that something you’d want?”

Violet’s fork clattered loud against her plate in the sudden quiet. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to stay in touch. But I mean, what do we do? Add each other to social media sites? Send emails? I think what it comes down to is, do we want to see each other again? Can we pull it off? Because if not, I think it’s better to leave and have one amazing night we can both look back on fondly for the rest of our lives.”

He nodded, finding it hard to meet her eyes. “You’re right. I would love to say we will see one another again but there are so many other factors that come in to play.”

“Right. Work. Distance. The cost of making a trip.” Violet shoved her plate away and refilled her coffee cup. “I know what you mean.”

The silence grew strained. Jonah was torn between what he wanted and what he thought was best. He laughed nervously. “Maybe we should wait until last minute, when we have to part ways. Make a split-second decision. Is that stupid?”

“Yes. It probably is.” She laughed. “But I can’t think of a better solution. So it works for me.”

“This is a little bit crazy.”

“Crazy is good. Sometimes.” She rose from the table and began to gather a few things. “I’m going to hit the shower. Then I might brave reality and see how many missed calls and messages are on my phone.”

The thought of Violet wet and naked with soap bubbles cascading down her body got Jonah up out of his chair. “Wanna save water and do a two-for-one? I’ll even scrub your back. Or anything else you want for that matter.”

Her eyes sparkled and her lips curved into an alluring smile. Instead of answering, she merely crooked a finger in a come hither gesture and disappeared into the washroom.

The bathrobe was pooled at her feet when he entered. She turned the water in the shower on and reached to test the spray before stepping in. The shower wasn’t designed for two but they made it work. If anything, Jonah preferred the close quarters.

“You first.” He pressed himself against the shower wall, allowing her first use of the hot spray.

He busied himself with the soap while Violet shampooed her raven locks. Gliding it over her skin with slippery ease, Jonah worked up a nice lather and though his hands were on her breasts, his eyes were on the bubbles that slid down the inside of her leg. Violet herself was a work of art.

He thought about the picture hidden in his bag. How he would love to draw all of her. Maybe he would after he got home. He was pretty sure he had every inch of her memorized by now. From the tiny heart tattoo on her ankle to the birthmark on her back and even the faint smattering of freckles on her nose, Jonah had drank her in.

Violet took the soap and gave up her place beneath the stream from the showerhead. As Jonah lathered shampoo through his hair, she rubbed him down. Her hands on his body felt so right. They no longer felt like the hands of a stranger, a temporary bed partner. They were Violet’s hands. She didn’t feel like a stranger anymore. Throughout the night he’d had many opportunities to get to know her. They’d talked, laughed and shared intimate secrets.

The touch of Violet’s soapy hands was heavenly. She stroked his hard length until his cock was covered in bubbles, taking a moment to lovingly soap down his balls as well. Long after he was clean she continued to stroke him.

They squeezed beneath the shower spray together to rinse off. Jonah reached to turn off the water and she stopped him with a hand on his wrist.

“Not so fast.” Slowly, Violet sank to her knees before him. She held his cock firmly, her touch just aggressive enough to get his blood rushing.

“It’s so small in here. And uncomfortable. Are you sure?” Jonah looked down at her and found himself thrilled with the visual of her knelt before him. Her wet hair clung to her face and shoulders and her eyes were bright.

“Just stand so the water doesn’t hit me in the face,” she instructed.

Before he could utter another word, she took him into her mouth. Wet and warm, the tip of her tongue played around the sensitive head of his swollen organ. She teased the tip before sucking him deep into her mouth. She was able to take almost all of him, a vision that looked glorious as he gazed down at her.

With one hand she gripped the base of his cock, holding him firmly while she licked and sucked until he thought he would explode immediately. It took conscious effort on his part to hold back. He wanted to prolong this as long as possible.

Violet started a slow, rhythmic motion, taking him all in and then slowly sliding him out from between her lips. Watching himself disappear into her mouth was almost more than he could take. She was certainly talented. Jonah watched the way she closed her eyes as she teased him with her tongue and he wondered how he would be able to let her go.

Water dripped from his hair into his eyes and he furiously rubbed it away. He wasn’t missing a moment of this. The visual was almost as good as the sensations. Though it wasn’t quite as fulfilling as being buried within her pussy, it was a damn close second. There wasn’t a single thing he didn’t love about this woman. From her funny, delightful personality to her tantalizing body and ability to see beyond the everyday to the things that really mattered, Violet was everything he’d never realized he wanted.

She fell into a steady motion, her hand working in time with her mouth to coax him toward the edge of climax. Jonah’s breath came faster. Hot water poured down his body, increasing the myriad sensations. His balls tightened and he could feel it, so close. Violet pushed him over the edge and he was suddenly free falling into ecstasy.

Jonah opened his mouth to tell her but she was ready for his release. She pulled back but continued to stroke him with her hand. He could feel it all the way to his toes when he came. An eruption of seed that coated her hand before finding its way down the drain.

A ragged moan mingled with the sound of the shower spray. The bathroom was filled with steam. It was almost stifling. After turning the water off he helped her up and captured her mouth in a bruising kiss. Lord, how he wanted her. It was as if he couldn’t get enough. Jonah knew that was partially due to their impending separation. He was suddenly desperate for as much of her as he could have before then.

They all but fell out of the shower in a tangle of limbs. Jonah clung to her, unwilling to break the powerful kiss. Violet fumbled to reach the pile of clothing and personal hygiene accessories on the counter. In a motion as smooth as any he’d pulled off, she pulled a condom from between some clothing items and tore it open with a grin.

“I’m prepared this time,” she murmured as she rolled it down his firm shaft. “Glad to see you’re still up for it.”

“Oh hell yes.” Jonah wasted no time lifting her up onto the counter. He was oblivious to the things he sent flying onto the floor in his haste.

Violet laughed, a seductive sound that made Jonah’s stomach clench. She threw her arms around his neck and held tight as he slipped into her waiting sheath. With a sigh, she slid her tongue between his lips. They were both wet and slippery. It was a challenge to hold her but one he was up for.

Glancing over her shoulder he was drawn to their reflection in the steam-covered mirror. He reached to wipe it, needing to see more of them. The water smeared on the surface, distorting their image. It didn’t matter. He could see them locked together as he thrust into her and it was a sight he didn’t plan to forget any time soon.

Violet locked her legs around his waist. He didn’t know where to put his hands. He wanted to touch all of her. From her face to her breasts and then her hips. Jonah could feel time slipping away even as he pumped deep inside her. The snow had only become a curse when it had ceased to fall.

“Jonah.” His name was a whisper on her lips. There was so much he heard in that whisper. She was dreading the end of this too. Were they just fooling themselves? Would either of them feel this way if they’d met under different circumstances? Irrelevant.

Her stunning breasts bounced in time with his thrusts. Violet threw her head back and moaned. She bit her bottom lip and utter bliss adorned her face. Jonah couldn’t help but watch with pride. This wasn’t about a one-night get-off for him. He genuinely wanted to please this woman.

Jonah licked a droplet of water from Violet’s neck. His eyes closed and he thought of nothing but the taste and feel of her. She was hot and slick around his cock. Her hair dripped water that cascaded down her shoulders and chest. The cold drops mingled with their body heat, creating a refreshing contrast.

Sensing that she was close to climax, Jonah increased his pace, ensuring that he rubbed against her clit just the way he’d discovered she liked it. He pounded into Violet with a desperation that was as enlightening as it was unsettling. Her moans became cries and Jonah felt a deep-seated satisfaction.

“Come on, baby.” He bit lightly at her neck and earlobe, encouraging her toward release.

He felt her tense, heard her cries and he couldn’t hold back. He came hard, spilling his cream in a sudden explosion. It had come from seemingly nowhere. Almost simultaneously Violet’s inner muscles spasmed and a flood of warmth encased his cock as she came.

She grasped the side of his face with a damp hand and kissed him with a passion that made Jonah crumble. He held her tight for what felt like a long time though it couldn’t have been long enough. After discreetly disposing of the condom, Jonah picked her up and carried her to the other room.

They sprawled next to one another on the large bed. For all that space, they needed very little. There was silence for a while. The call of “Housekeeping!” at the door shattered the stillness, forcing them to resurface and once again embrace reality.

Jonah turned the chambermaid away without opening the door. Regardless, the spell had been broken. He looked at Violet lying next to him, her wet hair soaking the pillows and sheets.

“Should we do it? Return to reality and make the necessary calls associated with that?”

She shrugged and attempted a smile that never succeeded being anything but a frown. “I guess we don’t have a choice.”

Jonah’s phone was flooded with emails, text messages and missed calls. Family, friends and his boss had tried to reach him. He stared at his phone, unable to give a damn. He glanced at Violet who was doing the same. With a sigh, Jonah placed a call to the airport.

“So? What’s the verdict?” Violet asked when they’d finally each managed to get some answers. Several minutes on hold had done nothing to lessen Jonah’s increasing anxiety.

“Tomorrow.” Jonah saw the anguish in her face. This shouldn’t be so hard. “First thing in the morning. How about you?”

“Tonight.” Her voice was soft, almost inaudible. That one word was like a knife in Jonah’s heart. “I fly out tonight, around seven. But I have to be there early to deal with the airport chaos and security. You know the drill.”

“Right.” He nodded, at a loss for words.

“Jonah…” She took the phone from his hand and set it aside. Pulling him into her tight embrace, Violet pressed little kisses to his forehead and temple. “We still have a few hours. Lay with me?”

He could deny her nothing. They buried themselves in the large, fluffy blankets. Jonah was torn between wanting to make love to her again and wanting to just hold her and talk. There was still so much he didn’t know about her. So many things he wanted to ask. Even more that he wanted her to know about him.

“I sleep with the radio on because I can’t stand the silence,” Jonah blurted. “And I secretly watch romantic comedies but God forbid I’d ever tell anyone.”

“Until now.” Violet laughed. “I’m honored you chose to share that with me.”

Jonah buried his face in her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. “I don’t know where that came from. I feel like I’m running out of time and I want to share so much with you. Although maybe we should pretend I never said that thing about the romantic comedies.”

“Sorry, no can do.” She ran a hand up his side, tickling him playfully. He responded by tightening his arms around her. “Hey, I like to fall asleep with the TV on for the same reason. The silence can be deafening.”

And it was. It descended between them like an unwelcome guest. Jonah racked his brain for something to say to fill the void. He felt like a dumbass for spitting out such random information as if it would mean anything to her. The longer the silence lasted, the more comfortable it became. He was content to listen to the sound of her breathing while he reveled in the way she felt cuddled against him.

Violet broke the quiet first. “Would it be incredibly inappropriate if I said I think I’m a little bit in love with you?”

Jonah let that sink in. Unexpected, yes. But not unwelcome. He didn’t always handle the emotions of women as well as he’d like. Violet was different. He didn’t group her with the rest.

“Is it crazy that I’m starting to think you’re the one? And that life is punishing me for the sins of my past by dangling you in front of me for just one night before it rips you out of my grasp forever?” A huge pressure was lifted from him. If he never saw her again, he’d have no reason to regret voicing his feelings.

“It doesn’t have to be forever.” Violet’s gaze locked on his. “There is no reason that it has to end at today. Not if we don’t want it to.”

“Lord knows I don’t want to let you walk out of my life so soon. But I don’t want to risk what we have. It might be better left in this room, where nothing can tarnish it but time.” Jonah resisted the urge to roll his eyes in response to his own words. It wasn’t like him to be so sappy.

“How very poetic,” Violet teased, beaming a playful smile at him. “But it’s also very true. I agree. There are always two sides to everything, right? It’s up to us to choose. We can take a risk and find out what might have been or we can walk away and live without ever knowing. Either way, very dramatic and potentially life changing.”

Jonah couldn’t help but laugh at the melodramatic tone Violet used. She was trying to lighten the moment. He knew that. It was working for the most part.

“I think it’s already been life changing.” With a finger beneath her chin, he kissed her. Her lips moved on his, a tender, delicate touch. “Violet, you make me feel like I can do anything. Be anyone. I’d given up on that way of thinking a long time ago.”

“Aw, Jonah.” She ran a hand through his hair affectionately. “You’ve had an effect on me too. This was a wild adventure for me. My first ‘one-night stand’.” She did air quotes with her fingers and rolled her eyes. “But you were a total gentleman and I won’t forget that.”

Jonah felt uneasy. He was conflicted with a storm of emotions and thoughts that battered him. His instinct was to escape before they could swallow him whole. If he didn’t, he may say or do something he could never take back. He wasn’t sure he was ready for this. It felt like an all-or-nothing kind of situation. It didn’t seem fair.

He kissed her again, this time with a passion that would not be quelled. His tongue entangled with hers in a frenzied dance. He had to love her just one more time.

* * * * *

Standing in the lobby with Violet and her bags, Jonah couldn’t help but curse the elevator. Of all the times for it to stop, on their way down to meet her cab would have been the most ideal. No such luck.

“Are you sure you have everything?” he asked for no other reason than he didn’t know what else to say.

“Yes. I’m sure.” She beamed up at him, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Thanks again, Jonah. It was nice. Really nice.”

“So I guess this is where we say we’ll never forget each other.” He smiled and pulled her into his arms. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to let go.

A taxi pulled to a stop outside and Jonah’s pulse raced. He breathed a sigh of relief when a family waiting nearby claimed it as theirs. It didn’t sit well with him that he was feeling so uptight over Violet’s departure. An evening with a bottle of whiskey might help with that.

“I won’t forget you.” She seemed to be having a hard time meeting his eyes. “Look, I know we figured it was better to just say goodbye and leave it that way. But if you ever find yourself in Vancouver, look me up. Okay?”

“Without a doubt.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering so that he could smell her hair. “Now you’ll have me inventing a reason to visit Vancouver.”

“I wish you would.” She laughed but it lacked humor. Violet clutched his hand tightly, almost painfully.

“As long as you’re there, I have a reason. Work is tight but as soon as I can get away…” He was afraid to make any promises he wouldn’t be able to keep.

She nodded but her expression was absent of any emotion. “Right. Look, I can’t do this. I suck at goodbyes and I just can’t let myself walk out of here without knowing you have a way to reach me. So here.” Violet pulled a folded slip of paper from her coat pocket and pressed it into his hand. “I don’t expect you to call. I agree that it’s best if we don’t. Let’s just say it’s in case of emergency or something… Throw it away if you want to. After I leave, of course.”

Jonah’s mouth went dry. He turned the piece of paper over in his hand. A sense of relief settled in. Though he may never even unfold it, that paper was priceless.

“I’m not going to throw it away. Don’t be crazy.”

“Oh, that’s me.” She gestured to the taxi that pulled to a stop outside.

“Let me help you.”

Together they wrestled her things out to the car. Jonah piled the bags into the trunk while combating a serious case of nerves. He slammed the trunk shut and hugged her to him with the desperate embrace of a man in turmoil. The heat of her lips against his ear as she clung to him was like a punch in Jonah’s stomach.

“When you get home, I want you to draw something, anything. Just for me. Even if I never see it.” She pulled back to fix him with a serious stare. “Promise me.”

Jonah’s thoughts strayed to the picture upstairs in his bag, the one he’d drawn while she slept. He smiled. “I promise.” He ignored the impatient look the cab driver shot him in the side mirror. “Take care of yourself, Violet. I’m honored to have been a part of your life, even if only for a night.”

“This is turning out to be harder than I thought.” She forced a laugh but it sounded as fake as it was. “I’m going to get going before this guy drives away with all my stuff in his car.” With a heartbreaking sigh, Violet kissed him and it felt like goodbye. “You have beauty inside of you, Jonah. Let it out.”

She never let him get another word out. Jonah watched as Violet quickly got into the back of the taxi. It stung but he knew it was best if she made a fast getaway. Rather than watch the car drive off, he hurried back into the hotel and straight for the elevator. No looking back. One night with the woman and his world had turned upside down. Between the lack of sleep and the strange rollercoaster of thought and feeling, Jonah felt as if he’d taken a beating.

Returning to the room didn’t help. Her scent lingered. Evidence of their brief affair was everywhere. The bed remained a mess of blankets and sheets. The unopened liquor bottles from their drinking game were still piled beside the bed where he’d shoved them. The afternoon sun attempted to shine through the cloud cover outside the window and Jonah felt betrayed by the lack of snowfall.

He had never fallen for a woman as fast and as easily as he’d fallen for Violet. Without unfolding it, he stuck the paper with her number on it into his wallet. Maybe he would consider calling her after some time had passed. Or maybe not.

Jonah sat heavily on the end of the bed. Against his better judgment he dug the drawing of Violet out of his suitcase. Perhaps one night was all some people ever knew of love. Was it better than never having that one night at all? Jonah had no answer for that.

Chapter Six

The chaotic atmosphere inside the airport quickly got to Violet. It seemed to suck the energy from her as she struggled through the throngs of people with her things. She still had some time to pass before checking her baggage and heading to security. Casting a desperate glance around, she spied a spot on a nearby bench.

“Oh thank God,” she muttered beneath her breath.

Violet all but fell onto the bench. She hadn’t brought that many things. The insanity of the airport seemed to make carting her bags around twice as awkward. The lack of sleep and emotional upheaval didn’t help.

She flashed an apologetic smile at the woman she had squeezed in beside. Once settled, she checked her phone. One email from her sister gushing about the honeymoon. With picture attachments. Nothing like a little salt in the wound.

She was happy for Jen, really. Happily ever after just wasn’t something she wanted to think about right now. Tapping her foot impatiently, Violet watched the minutes tick by on her phone. An attempt at surfing the web and playing a game for distraction fell flat. Her mind was preoccupied.

There was a lot of activity surrounding her. People seemed to share the general irritation and impatience that she too felt. She couldn’t complain though. It was evident with a good look around that some people had been stuck sleeping there due to the flight cancellations. She had to be grateful. She’d been in Jonah’s arms.

Was it possible to miss him already? It was a one-night stand. As much as she’d said that to herself in the taxi, it didn’t shake the feeling that they’d formed a genuine connection. It was certainly bittersweet.

Sitting there grew increasingly difficult. She began to fidget with the strap on her purse. She turned to her phone again, seeking numbness in technology. It was useless. The urge to get up and pace was overwhelming. She just couldn’t sit still.

After receiving a dirty look from her bench mate, Violet decided to head over to the baggage claim. Maybe if she ambled along it would be almost boarding time when she was done. Time seemed intent on driving her mad. It was insistent on dragging when all she wanted to do was get in the air before she did something stupid. Like ditch her flight and head back to the hotel.

Violet made her way through the people, trying to keep a leisurely pace. It was difficult with everyone else rushing about madly. Rushing along with them wouldn’t get her plane off the ground any faster.

Pulling two suitcases along behind her, she struggled to get her purse and shoulder bag to stop sliding down her arm. One suitcase hit the back of her heel and she stumbled. Both the purse and shoulder bag hit the floor and Violet watched with dismay as the contents of her purse spilled out.

“Son of a bitch!”

With an exasperated sigh that ended in another curse, she began to gather her things. She never saw him coming. Someone stopped to help, bending to scoop up her phone and keys.

“I gotta say, I thought you’d be harder to find.”

Looking up into Jonah’s enchanting eyes, Violet was stunned. Was this for real? Or had she fallen asleep on the bench and this was some kind of cruel dream?

“What are you doing here?”

Jonah caught her up in a hungry kiss and she almost dropped her bags again. It was surreal and unexpected but she’d never felt such raw passion and joy. She was oblivious to any stares they got from passersby. Violet fell completely into him.

“There was something I wanted you to have.” Reaching into a jacket pocket, Jonah produced a folded piece of notepad paper. “Don’t look at it until you get on the plane.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see.” Leaning his forehead against hers, Jonah clasped her hand in his. “I don’t know how I’m going to sleep in that bed tonight without you. I can smell you everywhere.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

He pressed a tender kiss to her temple and sighed. “Hell, no.”

They stood together, content to remain steadfast as the human traffic flowed around them. She wanted to drag out every last moment.

“I can’t believe you came all the way here.” With a laugh she kissed him, unwilling to allow the moment to end. “You’re crazy.”

“I thought we already established that this was a crazy situation. Why even question it? And while we’re on the topic of crazy, allow me to take it to the next level.” He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze directly. “We don’t want to do the long-distance thing. That blows. So let’s just agree here and now to see each other again. We pick a date and we be here. Just like that.”

Violet didn’t need to think twice about that. Everything in her cried yes. “What date? Just something at random? How far ahead are you talking?”

“What about this spring? March 25th?”

Excitement bubbled up until Violet was almost bursting with it. “Seriously? You want to do this? Just pick a date and see if the other shows up? What if you don’t come?”

“Nothing aside from death will keep me from showing up. I put my number on that paper. So you have mine too. If I can’t come for any reason, I’ll call. You do the same. Otherwise, I’ll see you March 25th?”

She knew it was spontaneous and poorly thought out but she didn’t give a damn. Staring into Jonah’s expectant expression, she knew she’d never be able to say no and live with herself.

“I’ll be here. And this is more than a little crazy so you better not stand me up.”

“Never. We can meet at the hotel.”

“Shit!” Violet felt a sense of dread when the alarm on her phone went off, indicating it was time to check her bags and head to security. “I have to go. I can’t believe you’re going to make me say goodbye again.”

Jonah relieved her of the two suitcases and fell into step beside her. “You didn’t really say it the first time.”

As they approached the baggage area, Violet felt that same sense of dread at having to leave him. This time, it wasn’t quite so heavy. The man had come to the airport to hunt her down so they could arrange to meet again. Whatever this was, it wasn’t just a one-night fling anymore. And it was bigger than both of them. She could feel it.

“Here we go. Again.” She beamed at him, almost unable to contain the giddy school girl shrieking with glee inside her. “Goodbye, Jonah. I look forward to next time.”

“Until we meet again. And all that jazz.” Jonah caught her up in a tender embrace and kissed her like a drowning man getting that first vital breath of air.

It left her almost dizzy. Violet had to steady herself. “You make it hard for a girl to say goodbye.”

Jonah reached to caress her cheek, his hand lingering. She leaned into it, knowing the heat from his touch wouldn’t last nearly long enough. “Stay beautiful, Violet.”

Slowly, he began to back away. She waved, watching him go. Dealing with security and finally boarding the plane was all a matter of going through the motions. Her thoughts were elsewhere. She had little desire to interact with anyone else, engaging only as much as she had to.

Once settled in her seat, Violet stared out the window, clutching her purse tightly. The paper Jonah had given her was inside. She didn’t want to look at it until the plane was moving for fear that whatever was on it would make her want to get off the plane. It was agony waiting until the plane launched into motion. Her fingers fumbled with the edges of the page as she unfolded it.

Her breath caught as she looked at the sketch. He’d drawn her while she was asleep. And he’d done an amazing job. Jonah truly had a gift and he’d shared it with her. It meant more than he would ever know.

Violet stared at the picture for a long time. Every stroke of the pen over each tendril of hair, the way he’d captured the curve of each eyelash, it was uncanny. It made her feel close to him, as if she held a piece of his soul in her hands. Leaving him hurt. Returning would be worth it.

The End

About the Author

Trina M. Lee has walked in the darkness alongside vampires and werewolves since adolescence. Intrigue, fueled by such things as The Lost Boys, Ginger Snaps and Anne Rice novels, quickly grew into a lifestyle of all things fangs and fur.

The first recognition she received for writing was at the age of 9. After writing a Christmas-themed story that was published in the local town paper, the Government of Alberta recognized her with an award for creative writing.

Trina lives in Alberta, Canada, with her fiancé and daughter, along with their 3 cats. She is always interested in hearing from readers via email or Twitter.

Trina welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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Also by Trina M. Lee

If Only for Tonight

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Table of Contents

Blurb

Copyright

Title

Trademark Acknowledgment

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

About the Author