Play a Game With Me Read online

  “Yes. Fucking yes,” she hissed.

  The loveseat shook as Max unleashed a pounding cadence that drove him deeper, heating up every nerve inside her body. With each powerful thrust, she saw flashes of brilliant light, so intense they burned to her core. He clasped her wrists and branded her skin with his tight grip as he held her so she couldn’t move.

  “Now,” he roared. Then he reached down with his other hand and pinched her nipple. Nothing had ever prepared her for the searing sensation. He held on tight, thrust into her one last time before he lost control. He groaned and buried himself deep inside her, finding his own release.

  She was thankful he held onto her as they sank to the floor.

  “Lord, Tess. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” His arms shook as he held her against his body.

  “Me neither.” She whispered, out of breath from the best orgasm of her life.

  Max pulled the cashmere throw off the couch and covered her back. She clung to his chest, with each deep breath her breathing returned to normal as he stroked her hair. She pressed kisses against the dip at the base of his neck. He tilted her head toward his and moved her up along his body to bring her kisses to his lips.

  A seductress’s tongue swept through his mouth. Warm breasts pressed against his chest, and her hands held his face to keep him from breaking the kiss—as if he’d want to. Every nerve in his body tingled where Tess’s skin touched his. She wiggled closer. Her lips moved harder, sucking the air from his lungs. He stroked her ass, making her purr against his mouth. The vibration of her lips heated his body, and his cock twitched to life. He rolled over, trapped her, and lifted his head.

  “I want you again.” He marveled at the way her eyes deepened with passion.

  “I certainly hope so because I want you too.”

  He sat up, discarded the condom and pulled her to her feet.

  “I think in bed. I have a feeling when we’re finished we’ll be exhausted.” Max pulled down the blankets and turned to Tess, holding out his hand for her to crawl between the covers. He followed her under the soft sheets and said, “I think you were kissing me.”

  “Devouring you is more like it.” She slid onto his body and ran her tongue over his lips before she bit the bottom one and sucked it into her mouth.

  “You taste delicious, Max.”

  His chuckle rumbled up his body, arms wrapped around her waist, and once more they got lost in another heated erotic dance.

  Chapter Four

  Tess stretched under the cool sheet, thinking about last night and Max. His earthy cologne lingered on the empty pillow, and she hugged it to her body. The man was a virile locomotive, capable of going the distance three times before they fell into an exhausted sleep. He left in the early hours, and she pretended to be asleep as he tiptoed around her space, gathering his things. The urge to open her eyes and stop him had washed over her for a moment before reason filled her head and she let him go. She doubted anyone would have noticed him leaving at four in the morning. But any later, someone might have recognized him sneaking out of her building and put two and two together.

  The clock’s red numbers now showed 5:30. Even to a morning person, it seemed ungodly early for Sunday. She slipped out of bed and took a hot shower, wishing Max’s hands were soaping her breasts instead of her own. Always a good place to ponder life, the hot spray pounded down on her shoulders while she analyzed her next steps. Did she want Max? If she based a relationship on sex, then most definitely.

  Could she live without him? She would have to. So it would be better if she never saw him again. Another night like last night and she’d become addicted to his touch.

  She rinsed the conditioner out of her hair and shut off the water. She needed a plan, one that made her a worthy match without divulging her relationship to Spencer Staffordshire. Ever since his divorce from her mother, her father’s dislike for Bostonian elite certainly meant he wouldn’t approve of her associating with the Westfields.

  Besides, she didn’t want a man who wanted her money. That left Max questionable. Was it money his mother sought or a proper name for Maximilian’s wife? Well, no matter how Tess analyzed it, neither Medici nor Staffordshire would work.

  Max’s mother. Tess paused with the dryer and hairbrush in midair. The gatekeeper herself. How did one get on the good side of a woman like that? She’d already irritated the lady once. Maybe she could make it up by complimenting the woman’s clothes. Maybe offer to introduce her to one of the new up-and-coming designers she knew. Fernando might do.

  Tess padded into her closet, her soft slippers slapped against her heels. Which creation had she purchased from the man at his last show she went to with her mother? Her red wrap dress would do. She’d pair it with her spike-heeled sandals. In the four-inch heels, her legs had attracted more than one whistle. Fernando liked the way the outfit looked on her.

  In order to pass the time until she knew Chris would be awake, Tess drank coffee and worked on her latest dress design. She closed her eyes and remembered the god-awful outfit Millicent Westfield wore at her garden party. The woman definitely needed help choosing her wardrobe.

  The person who sold Mrs. Westfield the dress should be fired. Even the color was wrong for the lady’s sallow complexion. If Millicent’s eyebrows were any indication, she probably once had lovely red hair and freckles. Over the years, her hair had gone salt and pepper gray. With the amount of make up the woman wore to cover her perceived flaws, one couldn’t tell if any freckles still existed.

  Tess’s phone beeped. She grabbed it off her table and read the brief text.

  Thank you for last night.

  Max. How to respond? Mad. Clingy. Pathetic—never.

  You’re welcome.

  She decided that gave nothing away. Let him guess if she was satisfied.

  Tess figured if Max was awake, then eight-thirty shouldn’t be too soon to call Chris. She pressed the button for his number before it dawned on her he might not be alone. Oh well, too late now.

  “Tess, are you all right?” Chris’s voice sounded groggy and a tad hung over.

  “I’m fine. How do you feel this morning?” She curled up on her couch and sipped her coffee.

  “Like the drum section of a marching band is playing in my head.”

  “Too much champagne last night?”

  “I suppose. I lost count after my sixth glass. You were smart to leave early. Did you have a nice time with Maximilian?”

  “Nice enough. I need a favor.”

  “Oh great, I can hear the trap being set from here. I warned you, Tess. Be very careful. No amount of conniving will veer Maximilian from his course in life.”

  “Christopher, please just listen.”

  “Fine.” He sighed, and she could hear the rustle of sheets and squeak of bedsprings as he shifted.

  “Remember you once told me that your parents and aunt often stay in the city after a gala like last night? You also said they usually have brunch at Top of the Hub.”

  “Ye…sss. I did say that.” He sounded leery.

  “Are they dining there this morning?”

  “I suppose so. I think Mom and Dad said something about meeting them there. I don’t like where this is going.”

  “You owe me a meal at Top of the Hub. I want it to be this morning.”

  “God, you really are insane. It’s Aunt Millicent’s birthday. Are you sure you want to sit through a boring family gathering?”

  “I’m sure. I’d like a chance to appease Millicent Westfield’s dislike of me.”

  “You’re just going to get in deeper, but since my parents asked about you, it might be good to have you along.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Just remember, Maximilian will be there, along with one of the women Aunt Millicent wants him to consider for a wife. It will probably be that insipid woman, Holly what’s-her-name.”

  “I can handle it. Besides, we need to maintain the appearance of dating, so your parents don�
�t guess your secret. What time will you pick me up?”

  “I’ll be out front at eleven. We can’t be late so be downstairs.”

  “Will do. And Chris, I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “I’m not worried. You’ve got my back, and I’ll have yours.”

  “See you at eleven.” Tess hung up with a big Cheshire grin on her face. So, Mr. Maximilian Westfield, I’m going to have you panting for more.

  A few hours later, she examined her appearance in her full-length mirror. The red sleeveless dress with its sweetheart neckline and tight skirt showed off all her natural curves. Her shapely calves in the high heels and her toned arms belied the lack of formal exercise she did. Lifting bolts of cloth and climbing four flights of stairs a number of times a day kept her fit.

  She flipped her hair over one shoulder and headed out the door to meet Chris. She stepped out into the morning sunshine, making sure he wouldn’t have to find a parking space in front of her building.

  She waved as he double-parked with the top down. She was glad she left a scarf in his glove compartment.

  “Are you being a bit defiant today? Your hair will be messy.” She eyed his perfect spikes.

  “We’re not going that far, and it’s a beautiful day. Besides, I want everyone to see the luscious babe riding with me. Holy shit, Tess, that dress is drop-dead gorgeous. Only you and maybe Sofia Vergara could pull it off.”

  “You’re a sweetheart. In this day and age, my breasts and hips are somewhat bigger than the acceptable look.”

  “Only on skinny models. Most men relish a little flesh, especially if it’s in all the right places. I bet you’ll have a dozen men drooling over you this morning. Remember, ignore my brother and whatever you do, don’t flirt with Maximilian.”

  “I’ll only flirt with you.”

  “I need to know one thing.”

  “Okay. Shoot.”

  “Did you and my cousin have sex last night?”

  Tess looked out the open window. She didn’t want to lie. “You know better than to ask a woman to kiss and tell.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes. Did Maximilian enjoy it?”

  “Christopher.” She put her hand to her chest to cool her flushed skin.

  “I’m only asking because your presence as my date will only infuriate him if he has a desire to see you again.”

  “No worries. He made it very clear I don’t walk in his stratosphere. I just want to make him squirm a little.”

  “Did you enjoy it?”

  “I won’t lie. He knows how to make a woman scream.” She shrugged her shoulders and shifted in her seat. The twinge where Max’s hand had branded her remained a sexy reminder of last night.

  Christopher’s laughter garnered a second glance from the valet at the Prudential Center. He hopped out of the car and tossed the keys to the man before he wrapped his arm around Tess and ushered her into the building.

  “Here we go. This should be a fun meal. I can’t wait to see the look on Maximilian’s and my brother’s faces when we enter. Right now they’ll both think I’m the luckiest bastard on earth.”

  Tess laughed at Chris’s strut as they walked into the dining room. The Westfields’ table sat in a glass-walled corner with a view of the Charles River off to one side. The vista never stopped impressing Tess. Today, however, Maximilian caught her attention as he scowled in their direction.

  ****

  Maximilian tuned out the blonde’s voice next to him. A nod of his head seemed to satisfy any need for an answer to the squeaky voice of Holly Goldford. Tess’s bare bottom across his lap filled the series of images flashing in his mind. His hand itched. Her silky skin had turned pink with each smack, and he fisted his fingers to relieve the sensation from memory.

  “Maximilian, you’re not even listening to me.”

  Holly’s simpering pout made his stomach roll. “Sorry. I have an important deal to handle this week, and I seem to be bad company today.”

  She leaned over to whisper in his ear. “I forgive you. Maybe we can go to your apartment later, and I’ll give you a nice back rub to relax you.”

  “I won’t have time today. Maybe another time.” He gritted his teeth at that stupid pout that appeared again.

  He turned to his mother, who sat on his right. “Are we ready to order?”

  “Christopher and his date are not here yet.” She glanced at her watch. “Have another mimosa.” She waved her thin hand at the waiter and a moment later another pitcher of the orange juice and champagne appeared on the table.

  Maximilian froze. Christopher was bringing a date? A flash of red caught his eye, and his sharp breath caught in his throat. Tess’s entrance had all the men she passed taking a second look at her swaying hips. He focused on her hand in Christopher’s.

  “Here they are now,” his Aunt Edith said with relief in her voice.

  “Mother.” Christopher bent down and gave his mom a kiss on the cheek.

  “I think you all remember Tess, except you, William. I don’t remember introducing you or Meredith. And of course Maximilian’s date.”

  “This is Holly Goldford,” Maximilian responded with an icy voice.

  “Nice to meet you, Holly.” Christopher gave her a hearty wave across the table. “I’d like you to meet Tess Medici, a very good friend of mine.”

  “Nice to meet you, Holly,” Tess echoed and smiled over at the blonde as she sat in the chair Chris held out for her.

  “Oh my, you’re British,” the young woman gushed. “I just love a British accent. It sounds so sexy.” She giggled. “I mean it sounds sexy coming from a man.”

  “I don’t know, I think it has its appeal when Tess speaks.” Chris tickled her hand resting on the table between them.

  Max stiffened. He’d get even with Chris for taunting him with Tess. How could his cousin bring her to this brunch? What kind of game was the man playing? Maybe Tess hadn’t divulged what happened last night.

  “Where are you from?” Will asked.

  “I grew up in London and Rome and summered here in Boston.”

  “So you speak Italian?” Will’s mouth fell open.

  “Mainly when I curse. It sounds so much better in Italian, and no one knows what I’m saying.” Tess winked at Will.

  Max coughed. He’d looked up the word she used last night. “Fuck it all” sounded sexy in Italian. Especially when she spat it out like a little hellion.

  She turned her crystal-blue eyes on him.

  Blood rushed up his face. He shot out of his chair and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. “I’m glad you all came today to celebrate my mother’s birthday. I’ll let her tell you her age. Brunch is on me, so enjoy the meal.” He straightened his sports coat and sat down.

  Tess didn’t miss Holly pat Maximilian’s hand before he pulled it away and rested it on his lap. Being in the same space with him made the air almost too heavy to breathe. She sucked in a breath that sounded like a choke.

  Chris grabbed her hand and whispered, “You okay?”

  She nodded and reached for her water instead of the mimosa. The cool liquid cleared her throat, and she gave him a small smile. “Something got caught in my throat, but I’m okay now.”

  He kissed her fingers and set her hand on the table. “Let me know if you need to leave. I’ve been known to get up in the middle of one of these boring meals and walk out without any excuse. So I’m your go-to guy if you want out.”

  “Thanks. But I need to handle what I started. It’ll be easier when the food comes. I’ll be able to focus on my plate instead of his eyes.”

  “Tess,” Edith spoke around Chris. “Dear, you should have Christopher bring you out to the country house sometime. Do you ride?”

  “Not since I moved to Boston. My horse is in Italy with my mother.”

  “You have a horse?” Will sounded shocked. “I didn’t picture you the type of woman who rode.” He scanned her body, hesitating as his gaze caressed her breasts before his eyes moved to h
er face.

  Tess straightened her shoulders and held his gaze, so it didn’t travel down her body again. “Jibson is an Irish hunter. Seventeen hands and flies over fences without effort.”

  “Impressive. I’d enjoy showing you our stables.” Will turned his head and blocked his fiancée’s view of his face. His lecherous smile made her lean closer to Chris.

  “Thank you, but if I go out to see the stables, I’m sure Christopher would be an excellent guide. Unfortunately, I’m busy getting ready for the next theatre season.”

  “You design costumes, isn’t that correct?” Meredith asked.

  “Yes. My mentor is in New York, and I help him whenever I can. I’ll head down to the city soon to work on a new production. He’s taught me so much more than I ever learned in college.”

  “How exciting,” Holly said from across the table. “I wish I could spend some time in New York. Boston is so boring.”

  “Do you work, Holly?” Tess asked to include her in the conversation.

  “I’m finishing my degree in psychology. Someday I want to be a counselor—unless I get married first.”

  Maximilian stiffened when Holly smiled over at him after those words. Apparently, this woman wouldn’t be his choice.

  “Psychology is an admirable occupation, dear.” Millicent added. “But not one for a young wife.”

  Tess opened her mouth, and Chris tapped her foot with his. They made eye contact, and his slight head shake warned her to keep her mouth shut. She placed her hands in her lap and remained silent.

  “Well, I don’t know about Holly, but I plan to continue to teach after Will and I are married.” Meredith offered. “Will agrees with me. Right?” She smiled at Christopher’s brother.

  “You bet. I want whatever makes you happy.”

  Millicent huffed, and Edith tried to smooth over the conversation by saying, “Meredith, I’m sure once you have children, you’ll want to stay home. But working until you’re pregnant is a nice idea.”

  The dynamics around the table made Tess feel like she was in London having lunch with her father’s friends. These people still lived in the last century.

  “Great, the food’s here.” Christopher’s comment changed the subject, and everyone gladly followed suit, discussing all the delicious entrees set before them.