Stalemate Read online

  “You are so refreshing, innocent almost even though you live in this crazy world of glitz and glamour.” He cupped her cheek. “This feels right to me, but if it doesn’t to you, we can go back downstairs and I can see how you are at Monopoly.”

  Isa stepped away and turned her back to him. She pulled the zip that was hidden between the seams downward and the strapless dress fell to the floor. She glanced back at him and could see desire in his intense blue eyes.

  “I’d rather see if you can make my body melt from your touch,” she said.

  Bryce came up behind her and she could feel the warmth of his body against her back. He groaned as he kissed the skin of her shoulder and reached around cup her breasts in the strapless bra she wore. Isa whimpered as his pushed the garment down to free her nipples. She arched into his touch as he brought the peaks to hardness with his fingertips. The sensations set a pool of wetness between her legs. She watched him for a moment. When their lips met again, Isa made a soft sound of pleasure and her eyes drifted close as the kiss deepened. She reached between them and cupped his cock in her hand, feeling him throb beneath her fingertips. Bryce shuddered and his kiss became savage. Isa pressed herself more fully against him, wanting and needing more, her body screaming for release.

  He broke the kiss and they stood holding each other. To Isa, it was like their breathing was in sync. Bryce ran his hands down her shoulders and took her hands in his.

  “I want you,” he said huskily. “I hardly know you and this feels damn perfect to me. If you want me to stop, it’s best to say so now.”

  He rained soft kisses down her neck and Isa gasped in delight.

  “I’m naked in your semi-dark bedroom. I think I’m committed to this action.” Isa laughed softly.

  “Good.”

  A growl escaped his throat and she shivered, taking it as a submission to the desire that raged through them both. The intensity of their kiss bloomed once more and she didn’t know how they ended up across the bed, but they did. She loved the feel of his weight on her body pressing into the soft duvet beneath her. Isa gave into the fantasy. The sexy, mysterious woman in the bed of a man she barely knew but was attracted to. It was like some kind of dream, but as he caressed her, her body told her this was the epitome of pleasurable reality. She could get addicted to the taste of his mouth as their tongues dueled.

  Bryce turned and brought her body on top of his and she bit his lip gently before turning the tables on him and with a deft move she was beneath him once more. Isa spread her legs so he was settled between them and she could feel his hardness against her core.

  “I like how you feel on top of me,” Isa said, and ran her hands down to cup his ass. “Mmm nice and taut.”

  “That’s not the only thing, babe.” Bryce grinned wickedly and moved against her.

  “I see,” she purred.

  The teasing came to an end when dipped his hand between her legs and she felt his fingers touch her wet pussy. Isa cried out softly at the intimate connection. She lifted her hips to entice him to explore more of her slick depth, but Bryce was intent on teasing her. She shuddered as he grazed her clit with his finger and Bryce laughed huskily.

  “You are so responsive to my touch, I love it,” he said.

  She looked into his eyes. “Make me come for you, Bryce.”

  “Yes.”

  His voice was a harsh whisper and as they kissed, Isa ran her hands over the strong contours of shoulders and down his back. It had been so long since she’d explored a man’s body and she’d never felt anything like this. Bryce played with her nipples and did delicious things to her body with his hands.

  “You’re like holding this fragile piece of beauty,” Bryce said as he cupped her breasts. “That fits perfectly in my arms, just for me. I hope you like the way I touch you.”

  “Oh yes, very much so,” she whispered.

  Isa slipped away from him easily and took her time exploring his body with her hands and lips. She watched his blue eyes darken and his breathing became heavy as she ran her hand down his chest to his torso. Isa took his cock in her grasp and stroked the erect shaft. Bryce groaned and his hips lifted in pleasure each time she stroked him. Their eyes connected and Bryce nodded with a smile.

  Isa wrapped her lips around the head of his cock and twirled it lightly, loving the low moan that escaped him. She took him deeper into her mouth and she felt his hands in her hair. Isa became more feverish in her movements, using her hand as well as her mouth to please him. When Bryce couldn’t stand it any longer, he pulled her up against him with one rough movement and took her lips in a hunger-filled kiss. He turned to his side so she was lying against the bed and slipped his hand between her legs. He rubbed her clit until her hips rose and fell against his seeking hand and she found release. Then he penetrated her with his fingers and she cried out as pleasure assaulted her.

  Isa spread her trembling thighs wider as he used his fingers to fuck her, spearing them deep. He found that secret spot within her, the one that made her body release its sexual fluid all over his hand. She’d never flown so high before under the ministrations of a man’s touch.

  “Come for me, baby. You feel so good wrapped around my fingers,” he coaxed her softly.

  A soft whimper escaped Isa as she arched and pumped her hips against his hand. Her body tensed as she came under the onslaught of desire and she cried out his name. Isa opened her eyes. Bryce was watching her with eyes that were alight with need. This time, when he covered her body, Bryce filled her with his cock in one smooth thrust. His groan mingled with her soft cry and she wrapped her legs high around his waist. They kissed long and deep as they picked up each other’s rhythms. It turned from a sensual dance to one of pure, unadulterated passion. His deep penetration was sheer pleasure and Isa writhed beneath him, seeking her release. Bryce looked at her with her lips parted and he kissed her hard.

  “Baby, you’re like liquid heat around me,” he groaned out, his breathing harsh.

  “I need to come,” she said. “God, I want more, don’t hold back.”

  “You have me so hot, I don’t know if I can stand it,” he muttered.

  “Then don’t, let’s burn together,” she whispered, and pulled his head down so she could taste his lips.

  Bryce brought her leg over his shoulder and thrust upwards into her wet pussy. Their breathing was the only sound in the room, an erotic symphony that only heightened each other’s need.

  “Now, oh please now!” she cried out. Her body took up a frenzied pace. “Come with me!”

  “Yes, Tawny,” he groaned.

  Her body clenched around him like a velvet glove and milked his cock as his release caused him to buck above her body. He didn’t stop moving until he had sent her into the swirling abyss of another orgasm. Bryce’s groan mingled with her cries of ecstasy as they fell over the precipice of pure, unfiltered pleasure. Isa ran her hand over his back as he fell against her and then rolled off to the side. His soft laugh was in the midst of a heavy, contented sigh.

  “Tawny, that was incredible,” he said.

  Tawny. Hearing the name brought reality back in a crashing wave and burst the intimate bubble they’d created moments early. I’m not meant to be here. He doesn’t even know the real me.

  Isa sat up and scrambled off the bed. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Hey, you don’t have to. Stay the night and have breakfast with me tomorrow.” Bryce sat up and watched her dress. “We can take my jet to Paris for the weekend.”

  She looked back at him and marveled at how with one look she was already aroused and wanted to climb back into bed with him.

  Isa shook her head. “I’ve got to go and...Paris... I’ve got to go.”

  “Having second thoughts about what we did, or is this playing hard to get?” Bryce asked. “I don’t chase women, just to let you know.”

  “You don’t have to chase me, Bryce. I wasn’t expecting you to,” she admitted. “I had fun and I don’t regret a minute of it.
I’ll grab my purse and my shoes and see myself out. I have a car coming for me at twelve-thirty.”

  “I was hoping I’d see you again,” Bryce said.

  Isa looked back at him from the door and answered honestly. “You probably won’t.”

  With that, she rushed out of the room and went downstairs. She found her purse and her shoes the same place she’d left them and opened her purse to look at her cell phone. She had a few minutes before her car arrived and didn’t see her out front then left her stranded, so she took her heels in hand and moved toward the front door. The bouncer was still there and he gave her disheveled appearance a smirk. In return, she gave him the finger. She didn’t care what he thought because she’d never have to see him again. The car pulled up and it barely came to a stop before she was inside.

  “Did you have a good time? Is that place as gorgeous on the inside as it is outside?” the driver asked.

  “Yes,” was the only word she said. She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, reliving the night and the passion she’d shared with Bryce.

  At home, Isa took the rumpled gown and placed it on the chair in her bedroom to be cleaned and ready for when Tawny came home. After a shower, she got into bed and thought about the instant connection she’d found with Bryce. Except he didn’t know who she really was and thought he had been making love to her best friend. Great job, Isa. The first guy in a long time and he thinks you’re Tawny.

  Chapter Two

  Her four weeks off had been bliss. Tawny was back home and that was great but Isa wasn’t feeling the greatest. The constant feeling of low-grade nausea and wanting to sleep for thirty-six hours, Isa found she had to throw herself into her new position because seeming to be lax in her job wasn’t part of her personality. Each night she came home, thinking about food made her want to throw up and her bed was bliss to lie in. She was in bed by six and had to drag herself up by five am to get to work. Tawny looked at her worriedly when she came through the door.

  “Okay come over here,” Tawny ordered.

  Isa dropped her bag by the door, walked over to the sofa, and threw herself onto it heavily. She was too exhausted to argue, and looked at her bedroom door longingly.

  Tawny snapped her fingers to draw Isa’s attention. “Eyes on me, G.I Jane.”

  “That’s Army, I’m Navy,” Isa pointed out.

  Tawny rolled her eyes. “Whatever, so tell me what the hell is the matter with you.”

  “I don’t know. I’m just tired and seem to be fighting a bug.” Isa leaned back and covered her eyes with her hand. “It needs to go away. I’m dragging my ass here.”

  “Sweetie,” Tawny said sympathetically, “you’ve been dragging from the time I got back. I don’t think this is a bug. Maybe you should see the doctors on base or get a doc here in the city.” She laughed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were pregnant. I remember how my mom used to be when she was. You know, before the crazy and the foster care.”

  Isa moved her hand quickly from over her eyes and stared at Tawny in shock. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

  “Nope, unless... Oh, Isa, you naughty slut, who did you hook up with and not tell me the juicy details?” Tawny said gleefully.

  She’d never old Tawny what happened the night of the party and she felt like she should’ve, especially when Bryce thought she was Tawny. But she feared her friend being upset or ruining their friendship.

  “Bryce Forte, the night of the party,” Isa said quietly.

  “The billionaire?” Tawny’s grin widened. “How was he?”

  “Amazing, but he thought I was you!” Isa cried out. “And I couldn’t tell him I wasn’t because I wasn’t meant to be there, and we had this connection, this kind of gut-wrenching oomph. Next thing you know, we’re having hot sex, then he calls your name and I bolt.”

  Tawny looked her with wide eyes. “Um, yeah, that’s a snafu.”

  “Don’t be mad at me, please,” Isa begged. Tawny poked her hard in the ribs. “Ow, why’d you do that?”

  “Because, dopey, it was my name, yes, but your personality he found the connection with,” Tawny pointed out. “Why would I be mad at that? Besides, he’s not my type, and I met a very handsome Greek guy that I’ve been chatting up. Fingers crossed it works out.”

  “What if I’m pregnant?” Isa whispered.

  “Would that be such a bad thing?” Tawny asked gently. “You’re settled now, not on a ship anymore. You get to come home every night.”

  “I also can’t tell you much about my family other than being passed around then ultimately foster care,” Isa reminded her. “What if my genes are too screwed up and I totally fuck up a kid?”

  “That’s not going to happen,” Tawny said firmly. “But first we need to know for sure and go from there. I’m going to go buy you a test from the pharmacy. Don’t pee till I get back.”

  Isa clutched her hand. “Oh my God, if I’m pregnant... Bryce will—”

  “Have to know,” Tawny finished. “I’m sure he’ll see the mistake and laugh about it. I’ve seen him at a few charity things he doesn’t seem like an asshole.”

  “People put on masks to hide their true selves,” Isa replied. “Okay, go get the test and we’ll go from there.

  An hour later, she looked at the test and burst out crying. Oh God, I’m pregnant. Isa started to panic and hyperventilate while Tawny rubbed her back.

  “Isa, start taking deep breaths or I’m getting a plastic bag,” Tawny warned.

  “Why, are you going to smother me with it?” Isa managed to get out.

  “No, for you to breathe in.”

  “That’s a paper bag, Tawny!” Isa cried out, and pointed from herself to Tawny. “We should not be allowed around children. What am I going to do?”

  “Well, first you’re going to calm down because you panicking makes me panic and that never ends well,” Tawny said calmly. “Then after you wrap your head around this, we’re going to go see Bryce Forte. You need to call him and make a time to go see him.”

  “This won’t end well,” Isa muttered. “He’s going to be pissed. I told you I never should’ve gone to that party.”

  “I didn’t tell you sleep with the guy,” Tawny pointed out.

  “God, what did he have to be so handsome and charming? Why did I fall into his bed like a cheap tramp?” Isa moaned. “My mom always said nothing good comes out of not thinking.”

  “Yeah, she proved that, didn’t she? And Isa, you are not your mother. Will you please calm down? If he pretends it never happened, we’ll raise the baby ourselves. I’ll be your baby daddy.”

  Isa burst out laughing through her tears. “Thanks for that.”

  Tawny hugged her tight. “Don’t worry, We got this like we always do—together.”

  “Thanks Tawny,” Isa whispered.

  She closed her eyes as her friend tried to comfort her and the image of Bryce came to her mind. She thought about him every day even though she never planned to see him again. It seemed like fate had other plans, because now she had to see the man who’d blown off his own party to spend time with her and drive her wild with his kisses. She had to tell him that their night of pleasure resulted with a child, and her instinct told her he would not be pleased with anything she said. Especially the words, “I’m pregnant.”

  * * * *

  Bryce walked to the family room with purpose in his steps. After his initial night of passion with who he’d assumed was Tawny, he went online and looked up her pictures. Imagine his surprise when he found out it wasn’t the woman he expected staring back at him, the one who’d shared his bed for one night. This was a completely different woman, and in the few weeks after his party, he endeavored to find out who he’d slept with. With his resources, it was easy to get a name—Petty Officer Isa Croix. No wonder she beat him at Battleship—she worked navigations on the deck of some of the United States’ finest ships.

  Her record was exemplary and there was nothing in her past to raise alarms. Yet, after h
e saw the deception and he ran her name it gave no clue why was she at his party pretending to be her best friend? Their lives were clean and an open book to his investigators to find some kind of con, there was nothing. Bryce didn’t know, but he was sure as hell going to find out. He didn’t like being played for a fool, even though he couldn’t get that night out of his head.

  She stood when he walked into the room and, from the look in her eyes, he knew that she knew he’d found out the truth. He took her in silently for a moment, the way she wrung her hand nervously. Her hair was pulled into a casual ponytail. Gone was the sexy siren in the royal purple dress. Now she wore casual jeans, boots to her knees, and a long-sleeve white shirt. It was time to get the show on the road and find out the end game to the what they were playing.

  “So Petty Officer Isa Croix, mind telling me what you were doing at my party?” Bryce asked bluntly.

  “It was my idea,” the real Tawny answered.

  He cut her off with a cold stare and crisp words. “I was talking to her. I don’t know you.”

  Tawny blinked in surprise, but Isa’s eyes flashed fire and she stepped defensively in front of her friend. It was easy to see who protected who when they’d been in foster care. Bryce had done his homework.

  “You don’t talk to her like that, ever.” Isa’s tone was hard. “Tawny was trying to get me out of our apartment after I’d been at sea for over six months. What happened between us wasn’t her fault, it was mine. I should’ve made better choices.”

  “Or said no and not show up,” Bryce replied. “My question is why are you here now? Did you take pictures? Want money to help with your struggling career? A new car to replace your old one?”

  “Told you we shouldn’t have come here. Let’s go,” Isa said to Tawny. “Fuck you, Mr. Billionaire, in the light of day you’re just another asshole with too much money. I’ve worked for everything I have and I don’t need your handouts.”

  “You have to tell him.” Tawny grabbed Isa’s hand to stop her.