Casual Encounter Read online

  I take in the sumptuous space and the artwork adorning the walls until the most incredible wooden table catches my eyes. I approach the kitchen area with my hand extended to touch the smoothness of the surface. “This is outstanding. I’ve always wanted one of these, but they cost a fortune in Manhattan. It seems Canadians have an ample supply of this type of wood.” I trail my fingers along the wood as I circle the breathtaking table. This is truly a magnificent piece of furniture.

  “Because of the open-space concept, the table is a real statement piece.”

  “These are so hard to come by in New York. I might have to find a way to get one shipped to my place from Toronto.”

  “I also am a big fan of this barn wood table, but there are more hidden treasures in this house.”

  “Really?”

  “Check this out, I also have surround sound, which is my favorite feature of this house,” he says flicking a switch on the wall.

  “Smooth. I did the same when I updated the interior of my home. It makes such a difference.”

  “And I’m only here to bring you free love. Let’s make it clear that this is free love.” The song blares from speakers hidden in the ceiling and I roll my eyes, amused by the lyrics.

  “Interesting song considering how we hooked up. Who’s singing?”

  “Indeed, the words seem to describe you perfectly, Ciara,” Nikolaj teases. “It’s Freelove by Depeche Mode. This song never gets old.”

  “I can’t say I know the group.”

  “I rediscovered them not too long ago myself. They’re a popular British electronic group. They had huge success in the eighties and they had a comeback a few years ago with this song. I didn’t appreciate them back then, but now, I’d say this is one of my favorite songs. I think it’s their best one and I love the lyrics. Come on, let me show you the rest of the house,” he says, grabbing my hand before guiding me up the stairs.

  Nikolaj’s rented Toronto home is truly striking and the modern design is only surpassed by the view of the lake and the city. The private deck adjacent to the master bedroom on the third floor seems like an open invitation to a nocturnal interlude.

  “Why don’t you sit on the deck and enjoy the morning sun? I’ll grab you a cup of coffee. A dark roast espresso?”

  His question catches me by surprise. Damn, he reads me so well. “Am I so obvious?”

  “Nah, not at all. You ooze great taste. There was no other logical option in my mind.”

  “I’d welcome some steamed milk, if you have some.”

  “Not a problem. So madam would prefer a macchiato to an espresso?”

  “Impressive. You’re a coffee connoisseur?” I smile back.

  He returns to the deck with two macchiato espressos in a flash.

  “Thank you, Nikolaj. I’m surprised a multi-millionaire would be comfortable in the kitchen.”

  “Well, it’s billionaire really, but who’s counting.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry,” I say, blushing at his revelation. Billionaire? I cannot say I’ve ever had sex with one of those until last night. “No bodyguards? No secret service people protecting you?”

  “Nah, us European billionaires are more low-key in comparison to our American counterparts,” he mocks. “I’m not a celebrity and most people haven’t got a clue I run the successful company I own with my best friend. Not to mention I love this level of anonymity.”

  “Still, you would have impressed me had we rolled up in front of a gated community,” I joke.

  “My parents live in one of those and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” he says, curling his lips in a smile. “I’ve worked hard for my success despite the fact the family business was already one of the most successful companies in Denmark. I’ve made my own money and I’ve never relied on handouts from my father or grandfathers.”

  “Ah, of course, the family business. What do you specialize in?”

  “Libation pleasures.”

  “You’re going to have to translate to American for me.”

  “Alcohol, booze, liquor.”

  “I see. I think?”

  He laughs at my confused look. “My father started a vodka company twenty-five years ago and it’s now one of the most successful independent distilleries in the country.”

  “You didn’t want to work in the family business?”

  “No. My older brother made it clear to me he’d fight me to control the company and he’d stop at nothing to get what was rightfully his as the eldest son. Luckily for me, I met my business partner when we were fourteen years old and we’ve been best buddies ever since. It’s a blessing he turned out to be a technological whiz and we’ve managed to build a company far more successful than my father’s, to the disdain of my older brother. That said, I remain a director of the family business, on paper at least, and I do own shares.”

  “You have an impressive life.”

  “I’ve built my company by investing a lot of sweat equity. Nothing came to me by accident. I’ve had my fair share of failures, but my father has always taught me a valuable lesson. As long as I can look up, I can stand up.”

  “What a great quote. Successful people know the insane amount of work required to get there.”

  “Exactly. Overnight success usually takes a decade or so. It’s true when it comes to the Internet everything is on speed, but still, a lot of the young geniuses have been perfecting their crafts since they were teens. I’ve been standing on my own two feet for a long time. You have to keep in mind I was already a man when my father hit it big. So to answer your question, I lived on my own in London when I was doing my university degree and I learned to be independent. It’s strange because my mother always laments my brother’s inability to take care of himself, but she fails to understand she created that fool.”

  “I feel the love between your brother and you.”

  “More than you know,” he says sarcastically. “Enough about my family drama. Why don’t I jump out of this suit and into something more casual and let’s go discover this beautiful neighborhood.”

  “I’ll be here enjoying this dreamy weather.”

  Wow. A smart, sexy, successful and hardworking billionaire who happens to be a sex god? Lucky me.

  * * *

  We spend the afternoon strolling the streets, indulging in the late summer sun. I’ve rarely taken the time to walk the streets of cities I travel to for business. I’m usually on such a tight schedule and my head is filled with so many responsibilities, I rarely allow myself any downtime until I’ve had a chance to debrief the team and delegate the work. Spending the day playing tourist is a luxury I’ve rarely allowed myself and I see how much I’ve missed out.

  I should start booking an extra day to discover the cities I travel to from now on.

  Nikolaj has a wicked sense of humor and I can’t help but laugh at his way of seeing the world. I rarely engage in debates with the men I usually sleep with because honestly, I rarely care enough to find out how they think. I made an effort with Dylan, but I’d often get bored because he seems more committed to agreeing with me than standing up for his point of view. Now I spend hours debating with Nikolaj, challenging him on his views and him on mine, over breakfast and throughout the day as we comb the streets and stroll down the beach. The man is eloquent, attractive and the best lover I’ve had thus far—and I’ve had a few. This triple threat makes him hard to resist.

  Get it together. He’s leaving tomorrow and I’m going back home soon. Not to mention I don’t do long-distance relationships. Heck, I won’t even date a guy from Jersey.

  “I really enjoyed spending the day with you, Ciara.”

  “I did as well. You’re a formidable tour guide and I truly enjoyed our conversations. I had a lot of fun today.”

  “I’m glad you’re accompanying me tonight. I’d hate to call this a day, given how much I’m enjoying your company.”

  His eyes sparkle when he smiles like this. God, he’s gorgeous.

  He leans in and kiss
es my cheek. The touch of his lips makes me close my eyes to take in the moment. “If I don’t drop you off right now at your hotel to get ready for tonight, I might betray myself.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s as if I have you under my skin, Ciara.” His gaze holds mine as he lifts my chin and kisses me softly again. “You do realize you’re going to be impossible to forget.”

  Keep it together, Ciara.

  * * *

  Shit, it’s seven-fifteen. I need to hurry or I’ll be late.

  As I’m slipping into my yellow suede platform wedges with sparkly detailing on the back, I realize Nikolaj doesn’t have my mobile number. Between the enjoyable city tour and the mellow mood of this afternoon, we totally forgot to exchange numbers.

  Should I go downstairs and wait for him in the lobby?

  Oh God, maybe that’s him. I run to the ringing hotel phone hoping he’s the one calling.

  “Hey, sweetness, you’re making me lose my mind. I completely forgot to take your mobile number earlier. I’m downstairs near the concierge desk. You can’t miss me.”

  “I was thinking the exact same thing.”

  “Thank God Brian let the cat out of the bag by blurting out your surname last night or else I might never have been able to find you. I’m impatiently waiting for you.”

  “I’ll be right down.”

  When the elevator doors open I catch sight of the man who’s made me come more times in the last twenty-four hours than most men have in months. He looks dangerously handsome in his tight-fitting dark blue jeans, a crisp white shirt and impeccable shoes that scream expensive. His hair is slicked back and reveals silver strands that only accentuate his features.

  “You look breathtaking, Ciara,” he says, hugging me, before grabbing hold of my weekend bag.

  “Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself.”

  I bought this Pamela Dennis white sheer dress with deep v neck a week ago because I had a sneaking suspicion I might have an occasion or two to wear it during my Toronto trip. The second I looked at myself in the mirror, I knew that dress was mine. The v neck forces the eyes to my boobs while the opening at the front of the ankle-length skirt reveals my long legs with every step I take. This dress is a man-killer and I’m happy to see it has such an effect on him.

  I’ll wait a little more before letting him know it’s impossible to wear any underwear with this dress because it’s too sheer. No need to tease him this early in the evening.

  “Ready to party?”

  “Of course. I hope it’s half as good as last night’s party.”

  “Hmmm, for some reason, I doubt it will be. Last night was filled with anticipation. We were strangers. Tonight, it’s going to be a different energy. One thing is certain, I’m counting the hours until I can get you out of your dress.”

  “Are you?” I ask proudly.

  “Oh, yeah. You don’t wear this sort of sexy dress unless you’re deliberately trying to turn me on… and it’s working like a charm. Let’s get into the car before I force you into the elevator back to your room to ravish you before the party.”

  “Or we could sneak into the pool area for a quickie. I can easily yank my dress up and you can take me from behind, since you love my ass.”

  He holds my gaze and I read the desire in his eyes. “You’re evil, Ciara. Come on, let’s go.”

  He grabs my hand and drags me out of the hotel to his car with the type of urgency that suggests he’s unsure if he should take me up on my offer.

  “I’m glad to see you’re picking me up in a more sensible vehicle,” I say as he opens the door to let me in. How many cars does this guy own?

  “I usually don’t take the Aston Martin when I know there’s valet parking. Those boys get way too excited about sliding behind the wheel of a luxury car.”

  “Point taken, but there’s nothing shabby about a Range Rover. It’s good to be you.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more. There are millions of men who would kill for the opportunity to be driving in a hundred-thousand-dollar SUV alongside one of the sexiest women on earth.”

  “Seriously? On earth? Come on, you might be exaggerating a bit. I’ll accept the title of the sexiest woman in North America,” I say, grinning from ear to ear.

  * * *

  The party is wild and crowded with film industry people and movie stars. I’d love to say I’m impressed, but honestly, like any New Yorker working in the design field, I’m blasé about these parties. I attend so many of them each year and they’re very similar—beautiful people clad in the season’s latest expensive designer wear, buckets of champagne lining the bars and tables and a lot of name-dropping. It’s as if working with a Hollywood celebrity is the be-all and end-all. I’ve worked with tons of American and British celebrities, and it doesn’t phase me as much as working on projects in Dubai or the Emirate countries where budget is never a concern.

  “Are you having fun?” Nikolaj asks.

  “It’s an interesting crowd. Thanks for introducing me to so many people.”

  “I’ve met most of them quite recently. It’s not my scene, but since I’m in the video game business, I’m always happy to keep my doors open for expansion.”

  “Of course. I’d do the same.”

  “I don’t want to change the subject, but I’ve been caressing your back all night and it almost feels like you’re not wearing a bra.”

  “Oh. I’m not.”

  “What?” He chokes.

  “This sort of dress makes it impossible for me to wear any lingerie,” I say, flashing him a devilish smile. I’m sure his cock must be ready to explode again. “The only reason why my boobs aren’t flying out of this dress is because of wardrobe magic.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “Thank God my taped nipples aren’t peering through too much. I’d hate to be the center of attention,” I lie. “I’m surprised you haven’t noticed I’m not wearing any panties either, but since you already know I’m shaved down there, I guess it doesn’t reveal as much as I thought it might. I was worried for nothing,” I add innocently.

  His eyes are studying mine as if to confirm I’m not bluffing and he swallows hard. “Are you saying you’ve been walking around for the past two hours without any underwear on and it’s only now you tell me?”

  “Ummm, pretty much.”

  “You like teasing men, don’t you?”

  “It’s not about teasing men, dear Nikolaj, it’s about turning you on.” I grin. “Since we’re sharing, I should reveal a troubling thought has occurred to me since we’ve been at this party. What if you’re a one-hit wonder? What if you can only make a woman lose her mind on the first night and after one evening of ecstasy, you can never repeat such an outstanding performance?” I curl my lips down.

  He flashes a dark glare my way before grabbing me by the waist and slamming my body against his hard cock. His eyes burn into mine as his hands grab my round cheeks, pressing me even closer to him.

  “Do you feel my desire for you?”

  “I do,” I pant.

  “Do you still think I’m a one-hit wonder? I can fuck you as hard as I did last night and leave you begging for mercy.”

  “I don’t know. I can’t confirm. I’ve only been with you one evening.”

  “Do you want to find out if I can bring it on as much as I did last night or do you want to stand here and keep guessing?”

  We both lock eyes and the raw desire in his eyes startles me. I’m so wet and I desperately need to feel his tongue toying with my clit again. I want to lose control under his expert touch and I’m dying to be consumed by another earth-shattering climax.

  “I need to get you to my place urgently and fuck you hard for putting me through the agony of knowing you’re completely naked under your white dress. I also need to teach you a lesson for even suggesting I might not be able to perform like I did last night.”

  “I was merely speaking my mind.” One more dig won’t hurt.
r />   “You know you’re going to pay dearly and I can ensure you’ll enjoy every minute. Let’s get out of here right now.”

  He grabs my hand and pushes through the crowd to the elevators. The doors open and we end up standing behind two other couples crowding the elevator. We play it cool, but I feel his piercing eyes on me. I avoid his glare by staring at the back of the tall black guy standing in front of me, afraid everyone on the elevator car might know how wet I am.

  This is the longest ride ever.

  He grabs my hand and squeezes tight, forcing me to look at him. “I’m going to fuck you hard,” he mouths with a mischievous look on his face and we both try not to laugh aloud.

  We rush out of the elevator, nearly sprinting through the underground parking lot. There must be three hundred cars parked down here, but not a soul in sight.

  “I can’t take this dress any longer.” He turns me around, pins me to his white Range Rover, lifts my dress with one hand and shoves the other between my legs. His hungry eyes warn me of his carnal desire. His hand locks my wrist against the vehicle while the other explores my wetness. He leans in and brushes his lips against mine. The contrast is disarming. His mouth is so hot and so needy. I swipe my tongue across his lips.

  I grip the back of his head with my free hand and pull him closer to me to suck more of his tongue into my mouth. He lets go of the hand he had pinned and grabs both my legs, forcing me to straddle him as I hold his shoulders for balance.

  Fuck, I have never done dry humping like this in my life… and surely never in public.

  “Nikolaj, I’m completely exposed here and anyone passing by can see me,” I pant. I’m so turned on by how he brings out a raunchier and more daring side of me, I don’t care if my pussy is out in the open, but certain things are better kept behind closed doors.

  “You’d be opposed to me fucking you right here?”

  “Well, I’m not totally opposed to sex in public, but maybe there might be a more private place?”

  “Mmmm. Good point. I don’t know if you’ve noticed the windows on the Range Rover are tinted.”