A Shot in the Dark (Dark #1) Read online

  Once the chicken was seared, Laney added some lemon and capers to start the piccata sauce. The water was boiling in the pot when she added the risotto. Dinner was coming along fabulously. It would turn out well and she couldn’t wait for Josh to taste it. She took a sip of her wine and savored the flavor of the crisp fruitiness in her mouth.

  Josh moved behind Laney and pulled the hair back behind her ear. He took a little nibble of her lobe and whispered, “You look so sexy tonight.” He proceeded to leave little trails of kisses down her neck while warming her insides with the heat of his breath. The sensations sent chills running through her body. She could barely resist the urge to take him right then and there. Forget about the dinner. She wanted him. She took another sip of wine in an effort to regain her composure.

  “There’ll be none of that right now, Doctor,” she said in her breathiest voice.

  “Does that mean I can try again later?”

  “I didn’t say you had to quit trying. I just said you weren’t going to get anywhere right now.”

  “Touché.” Josh put his hands on her hips and pressed his lips against Laney’s neck. He gave small sensual kisses starting from one side of her neck and moving to the other. Chills ran down Laney’s spine. “I’m just going to put it out there that if you keep that up, we might not make it to dinner.” She smiled and stirred the risotto.

  “What if the only thing I want for dinner is you?” His voice was gruff and heady. He wasn’t going to make this easy on her. She wanted him—badly.

  “Then you should have let that be known before I started slaving over this fabulous meal for you.” She turned around and connected her lips to his. It was her turn to make him want. It was a dangerous road she was going down and if she started, she might not be able to stop. She placed her hands on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. She parted his lips with her tongue, searching for a deeper connection. She moved one of her hands down to his chest.

  He was responding to her touch. His body was getting warmer and the tension grew in his neck and chest. “One More Night” by Maroon 5 came on the radio.

  She found the sexual innuendos in the song hot. It must have been too much for him because he turned her back around and continued kissing her neck. This time the kisses elicited more passion and desire. She could feel his want, his need, and his desire for her as he bit down on the crevice of her neck between her shoulder and jaw. She leaned back and pressed her body into him. His cock was growing hard as he pressed up against her. She pushed into him more and rubbed against him.

  This time it was too much for him to take. He pulled his hands up to her breasts and began to squeeze them and caress them at first, but then slowly increased the strength of his grip as he toyed with her nipples through her sundress. They quickly responded to his touch, hardening into tight buds.

  Her body melted in his arms and as he entangled his fingers in her hair and pulled, her neck fell back and her mouth was instantaneously connected to his. The heat from his mouth traveled down the length of her body and into her pulsating sex. She was on fire, and all she wanted was for him to dive deep inside of her.

  He picked her up and in one quick swoop, turned off the stove, and was carrying her into the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and continued to caress her body as he rested himself over her. He pulled up her dress and slid his hand between her legs, exploring her moist folds. The soft lacey yellow thong that she had picked out to match her bra was now more of annoyance than it was sexy. He must have felt the same way because he ripped them off. Laney let out a soft moan of pleasure.

  “God, Laney, you’re so hot and so wet.” He put his mouth to her inner thigh and bit it soft enough so it didn’t break the skin but strong enough she felt herself become dangerously close to the edge. He nibbled her other thigh as the rising of a crescendo began to take over her senses.

  Her body was on fire and she didn’t know if the heat was emanating from her or from Josh. Either way, she was basking in a sauna of pleasure.

  He continued to nibble up her thighs until the swelter from his mouth had ignited flames on her hot, moist sex. He lapped at her folds as she pulled his head firmly into her. She wanted more of him and her sudden sense of urgency left her body begging for more of his mouth, hands, and manhood. When he pressed his tongue against her throbbing bundle of nerves, she was jolted into euphoria as her arms and legs clenched around Josh’s body.

  She no longer controlled her body; it now belonged to Josh and she was completely under his spell. She was his, in every sense of the word.

  “God, you’re so beautiful. You’re such a fucking turn on,” he growled.

  “You’re so freaking amazing! Please don’t stop,” Laney cried breathlessly.

  As she finished riding the pulsating waves of pleasure, Josh slowly sat up and pulled his shirt off. Laney eagerly followed, pushing him down on the bed and climbing on top of him, straddling his legs. She kissed and rubbed his chest, admiring his perfectly tanned skin. Eagerly wanting to quench her thirst for his body, she reached for his belt, removing it swiftly and with minimal effort. As Laney unbuttoned his pants, Josh’s cock stood at attention, begging for her touch. She had a burning desire to have him in her mouth, to taste him and pleasure him. As she began licking and sucking on his throbbing tip, she could taste the saltiness of his pre-cum, causing the heat to return between her legs. He pulled her head down so she would take more of him into her mouth. She hadn’t been with a lot of men, but she knew he was well endowed as she tried to take him completely. Could this man get any more perfect?

  She ran her tongue along the sensitive area just below the tip, causing him to pant. With one hand, she grabbed the shaft of his cock and caressed it up and down.

  “Oh God, you feel so good.” His excitement only helped to stimulate her even more and made Laney want to please him. As Josh began rocking his hips into her, she worked eagerly to pleasure him. Her own body was beginning to feel neglected and almost as if he sensed it, he began to tease and pinch her nipples. She rubbed her mound against his leg, desperately trying to find any friction to satisfy her own hunger.

  “I want you to come with me.” As if on command her body released, sending her into powerful spasms as he exploded into her mouth pumping her full of him. She loved the salty taste and continued to pleasure him as he rode out his orgasm.

  Without warning, he lifted her to her feet. He pulled off her dress and grabbed a condom out of a pocket in his pants. He laid himself down on her bed and rolled the condom into place. She crawled on top of him and slowly straddled him. The wetness from her orgasm served as a lubricant and helped as she settled on top of Josh and taking him in completely. She paused to get used to the fullness within.

  Josh waited until Laney was ready. When she was ready, Laney moved up and down on top of him, riding him as if she were going on a journey of a lifetime.

  Almost instantly, their bodies began moving in unison. He reached up and toyed with her nipples, forming them into firm aching peaks and he arched, filling her even more. He took his thumb and began rubbing her already overly sensitive nub.

  Feeling close to climaxing a third time, she bent down and kissed him with fierceness and a passion unlike anything she had ever felt for anyone before. How could this man be any more perfect?

  He placed his hands on her bottom, helping to guide Laney up and down on top of him. She sat up and put her hands on his chest. The motion proved to be too much for her to handle, and she threw her head back and exploded with such force she thought she would crumble into a million pieces. He reciprocated and released powerfully into her. He shuddered beneath her as he let out an animalistic growl.

  Once she caught her breath, Laney pulled from Josh and lay next to him. “That was amazing.”

  “You’re something else.” Josh kissed the top of her head.

  “I could say the same about you, but I think you already figured that out when you made my world stop about three times.”
r />   “Yeah, I think you were on fire. I enjoyed watching you.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

  Josh rested his head against hers as her heart rate slowed. Her body was mush like Jell-O.

  “I’m sorry I spoiled your dinner. I know you worked hard on it.”

  “Are you kidding? This was way better than any dinner I could have cooked. And besides, I can probably save it if you’re hungry.”

  “I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely worked up an appetite. I’d love to eat. Or, we can always order in if you don’t feel like it.”

  “Just give me a minute to recover, and I’ll heat it back up.”

  After several minutes of snuggling without speaking, Laney got up, put her dress back on, and headed for the kitchen. She turned the stove on and warmed up the skillet. The food looked a little dried out but not too bad otherwise. She took a little of the wine they had opened earlier, poured it onto the chicken, and some into the risotto to moisten it up. Then she grabbed the asparagus and threw the stalks into the steamer. Within ten minutes, she had dinner on the table.

  Josh came out of the bedroom with just his pants on. Clothed or not, he’s frickin’ beautiful! She had to bring herself back into reality or she would find herself back in the bedroom.

  “Wow! That smells fantastic.” He leaned over the stovetop and breathed in the aromas.

  “Thanks. Do you want some more wine?”

  “Sure, that would be great.”

  She filled up both glasses, filled two plates with the food, and sat down at the table as Josh sat across from her.

  “Go ahead,” she said, motioning for Josh to help himself.

  “Ladies first.”

  “But you’re my guest. You should go.”

  “You don’t need to be difficult about everything. Please serve yourself first, or I’ll serve you. You choose.”

  “You’re relentless with this chivalry thing.”

  “Yes, but you like it.” He grinned as he took a sip of wine.

  “Yes, I guess I do.” She helped herself to the chicken, and then she passed it to him. Next, she took the risotto, and finally the asparagus. Laney waited for him to take a bite before she took one.

  “Oh my God! This is so good. It’s probably the best chicken piccata I’ve ever had.”

  “It’s okay. We already had sex. You don’t need to flatter me anymore.” Laney took a bite. It wasn’t half bad for sitting on the stove for far too long.

  He covered his mouth with his hand. “This is no joke. It’s really good. I can’t even imagine what it would’ve tasted like if it hadn’t been sitting for a while.” He took another bite and seemed to savor the flavors.

  She took a bite of the risotto. “You’re right. It turned out pretty good.”

  He frowned. “Don’t play it down. Where did you learn to cook like that?”

  “I like to watch the Food Network. They have lots of good-looking things to make.”

  “I don’t know. I think you have a talent in there. This is more than just following a recipe.”

  “Maybe.” She smiled.

  “Can you cook other things this well?” he asked as he took another bite of the risotto.

  “I’d like to think I can. I think you’ll have to be the judge of that.”

  “I could marry you for cooking like this.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Okay, it’s not lifetime commitment worthy.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “Let’s not go overboard.” She took a sip of wine.

  Josh put down his fork and looked her in the eyes. “Laney, marry me.”

  “You’re out of your mind. I’m not marrying you. This is only our third date, and we have only had sex once. I can’t be sure that you’re going to be that good in bed next time, and I want to make sure that you’re going to be that good every time.” She laughed and took a bite of her chicken.

  “You’re killing me! It’s not every girl who would turn down as eligible a bachelor as I am.”

  She looked at him, unsure of what was going on. “I hope that you’re kidding. You’re kind of freaking me out.”

  “Someday I’ll marry you. It may not be soon, but I will. You’re the whole package. You’re cute, great in bed, and you could be a personal chef for the president, you cook so well. What more can a guy ask for?”

  “I’m glad you appreciate my cooking so much.” She blushed, a little uncomfortable with where the conversation was heading.

  Laney changed the subject. They discussed their favorite sports, favorite places to eat, and things they liked to do around San Diego. When they finished the dinner, she began clearing the dishes from the table.

  “I don’t think so.” He stood up.

  “What are you talking about?” She stopped collecting the plates and looked at him.

  “There’s no way you’re going to clean after you just cooked that great meal.”

  “Don’t be silly.” She continued clearing off the table.

  “I’m not kidding. You’re not allowed to clean the dishes. I’ll do it.”

  Laney carried the dishes into the kitchen. “How about we clean together and get it done faster?”

  “You’re going to fight me on this, aren’t you?”

  “Of course. I appreciate your desire to help but you don’t even know where the dishes go.”

  “I didn’t know where the bedroom was either, but I managed to get you in there.” He grinned, cleared the rest of the table, and strutted into the kitchen.

  “Yeah, yeah. Anyway, if we do the kitchen together, we may have some time for more fun in that bedroom you found.”

  “Now I like the way you’re talking.”

  The kitchen was cleaned up in record time. Afterward, Josh grabbed the bottle of wine and Laney produced two fresh glasses. They went to the couch and he poured the wine.

  “Thank you for such a wonderful evening.”

  “Thank you for coming over and allowing me to cook for you. I know that it’s hard for you not to be in control on a date, but I appreciate you allowing me to do this for you.” She clinked her glass against his.

  “I don’t know if I have control issues. I just like to take care of my women in a certain manner.”

  Laney raised her brow. “‘Women’? I’m not the only one?”

  “I mean historically. Of course you’re the only one. You’re the only one I’ve had my eyes on for a while.”

  “Really? And how long is a while?”

  “Let’s just say I really enjoyed those Rudolph scrubs you wore last Christmas.” There was a mischievous grin on his face.

  “Christmas? That was, like, six months ago. You’ve been hot for me that long and you just now asked me out?”

  “I like to make sure I know what I’m getting myself into.”

  “I see. When I said yes to our date, I didn’t realize you had already been stalking me for several months.”

  “Yeah, but I think you’ve been enjoying my company and hopefully, I can help you enjoy it a little more.”

  Josh set both of their glasses on the table. He leaned over, placed his hand on the back of her head and kissed Laney’s neck. He moved slowly over to her lips, and parted them, allowing their tongues to dance in harmony. The kiss became more heated, and the familiar pulsing of her sex began again. He leaned her back on the couch, rolled on a condom, and pulled her dress up as he slowly pushed into her.

  He moved in and out at an excruciating lingering pace while he caress her nipples into rock-hard pebbles. This man had magic hands. He knew all the right places to touch, sending her small bundle of nerves into a frenzy. Before Laney knew what hit her, she was climaxing and grabbing on to him for dear life.

  Josh picked her up and carried her to the bedroom where they continued to make love late into the night. Eventually, when all their energy had been expended, they fell asleep entwined in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 16

  Josh

  Josh aw
akened from a deep sleep to an alarm blasting in his ears. The clock next to Laney’s bed read six in the morning. Today was his first day back to work after being off for several days. Even though he went in to check on Skyler, he still felt that he’d been able to get away and forget about his job for a while. A lot of that had to do with Laney. Josh enjoyed spending every minute with her and couldn’t imagine starting a day not being able to see her.

  She reacted to spontaneity with grace and ease assured him that she could handle his schedule. She wasn’t the type of woman who needed an infinite amount of attention and reassurance from a man. She was self-confident and able to be alone without worrying about a guy not liking her just because they didn’t spend every second of their day together.

  He looked over at her. One of her breasts was uncovered. His cock instantly twitched and came alive. Josh rolled over and suckled on her nipple until Laney woke up.

  “Good morning.”

  She looked around and oriented herself before she smiled at him. “Good morning.”

  “I’m sorry to wake you, but I wasn’t planning on staying here last night. I have to get home, change, and get ready for work. I didn’t want to leave without saying good-bye.”

  The smile was plastered and unwavering on her face. “You can wake me up anytime you want if you do it like that!”

  He laughed. “You’re insatiable.”

  “Do you have to leave so soon?” She reached over and began rubbing his cock. Her firm grip stroked him until he was hard as a rock.

  “Fuck!” He rolled over and pulled her toward him. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, wanting to take what was his. And make no mistake, she was his! He pinned her arms above her head and slid his cock inside her. She was already soaked and waiting for him. God, her pussy feels fucking amazing! He growled as he sped up the thrusts in and out. If he had his way, he would stay inside her forever.

  He grabbed onto a nipple with his teeth, making her squeal. He thrust deeper until his balls slapped against her perfect ass, and she screamed as he brought her to release. She gripped his back, digging her nails deep into his skin. He cried out as he released his seed until there was nothing left. He collapsed on top of her. His heart pounded as his chest rose up and back down.