Pleasure Exchange Read online

  Sam pulled his hands from his pockets and brushed his fingers over her cheeks. He pitched his voice low. “Are you sure, Cat, because you need to be sure.”

  “I am sure.” She could tell he was afraid to completely surrender his heart to her only to have her up and leave him, the way so many others had.

  “If you give up your dream right now, Cat, you’ll still leave. It will just be later.”

  “I was chasing the wrong dream, Sam. I was chasing someone else’s dream.”

  He got quiet, worry etching his features as his fingers tangled through her hair.

  “Talk to me, Sam.”

  After a long, agonized minute he said in a whispered tone, “I’m worried that I don’t have what it takes to keep you around.”

  Cat squeezed his arm, offering comfort and support. “I’m not like your mother or those other stand-ins your father brought home.”

  His brow puckered into a frown, conflicting emotions flickering in his eyes. “I want to be selfish and beg you to stay, I really do, but I want you to be happy.”

  She addressed his worries. “I learned something from you, Sam. I love my ‘Cat on the Prowl’ articles. I thought success came from writing hard-hitting news. I was wrong. You taught me that. Success comes from within and being happy doing what you’re doing. I didn’t realize how important my columns were, how much people enjoyed them, how much I enjoyed them.”

  He stepped closer to her, into her personal space. His hands dropped to her arms; his fingers idly stroking her flesh.

  “I know you’re afraid of emotional commitment, Sam. I’ve let go of old ideas and beliefs that have kept me from seeing what was right in front of my eyes all this time. What kept me from being happy. Now it’s your turn.”

  Something in his expression changed. His face softened; his body relaxed. He leaned into her and gently kissed the side of her neck. He lingered there, breathing in her scent. Shivers of warm need left her shaking, unable to fill her lungs with air.

  “Cat, sweetheart?”

  She let out a little gasp as he gathered her into his arms and held her. She became hyperaware of the heat in his body as it pressed against hers. Lord, it felt so good to be held by him. Goose bumps pebbled her flesh.

  “Yes?” she whispered.

  He inched back and looked deep into her eyes. There was so much emotion and love in his gaze as it bore into her and stole her very next breath. “You were never just an experiment to me,” he murmured low in his throat. “Ever.”

  She smiled up at him, her heart beating in a wild rush. “Good. You were never an experiment to me either, Sam.”

  He brushed his fingers over her cheeks and tucked her hair behind her ear. A gesture more intimate than a kiss.

  “I love you, Cat. Will you stay with me? And we’ll see where this all takes us.”

  His words drummed in her head as joy rushed through her bloodstream. Cat grinned and threw her arms around his neck. Her throat was tight with emotions.

  “Oh Sam, I thought you’d never ask.”

  After he hugged her, he inched back and frowned. “I’m sorry for accusing you of hiring Eugene. Deep down I knew you’d never do that. I lashed out in anger. I guess I still have a lot of things to work through.”

  She touched his cheek then signed the words I love you, the way Rio had taught her. When he signed the words back, her heart soared like a leaf caught in an updraft. “And I’ll be here to help you work through them. Because, Sam York, you’ve got what it takes to keep me around. Forever.”

  epilogue

  One year later

  Cat smoothed down her sleek black cocktail dress and took a seat beside her husband at the head table. Sitting in the gorgeous banquet room inside a posh hotel overlooking the city, she perused the crowd gathered to celebrate Sam’s success with the new female libido enhancer. During the course of the evening, Cat and Sam mingled with their friends Laura and Jay Cutler and Erin and Kale Alexander. The five scientists were in secret talks about a new experiment. Sam promised as soon as he knew more, he’d let her in on it. And if all went well, she’d be the first to report it to the public through her “Cat on the Prowl” article.

  Fortunately, since Hawk had been fired, things were much better at the office now. Amanda Stone had been hired, taking over the “Eye of the Hawk” column. They were still working on a catchy title for her.

  The sound of Director Reginald Smith tapping his spoon on his wine glass drew everyone’s attention. Cat smiled, her heart swelling in her chest as she watched Sam rise and accept a plaque from the Director for his successes at the lab.

  Of course, the Director hadn’t always been so pleased with Sam. After he found out Sam and Cat had spent an entire week testing the new serum before approval had been given, he’d nearly kicked Sam’s ass to the curb. But since the Grant Governing Board stepped in and presented the Director with an abundance of grant money, he’d softened around the edges.

  God, Sam looked incredibly handsome in his tux as he accepted the plaque and glanced around the room. As his gaze settled on Cat, the love she felt for him rushed over her like a wind storm. In turn, his blue eyes twinkled with the love he felt for her in return.

  Sam held the plaque high. “To future experiments,” he said, winking at Cat.

  Cat grinned back. She really had no idea what they planned to test next. She just hoped Sam asked her to be his guinea pig.

  After Sam gave his speech, he returned to his seat beside her.

  “You did great,” she whispered in his ear.

  He smiled. “Thanks.” Just then their server came with dessert. As Cat glanced at her plate, her whole body moistened and her blood pressure soared.

  As she took in the sight of her delicious cake, drizzled in chocolate sauce, and surrounded by fresh fruit, her mouth watered, but not for her dessert.

  “Um, Sam.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Are you hungry?”

  He gave her a perplexed frown. Cat picked up the orange slice from her plate and drew it into her lips. She squeezed the juice into her mouth before popping it inside.

  She watched Sam’s throat work as he swallowed. “Jesus, Cat.” He glanced around and adjusted his pants. “What the hell are you trying to do to me? These dress pants are as unforgiving as scrubs.”

  “Are you feeling…uncomfortable?”

  “Hell, yeah.”

  She shook her head in dismay. “Well, we can’t have that, Sam. You can’t be uncomfortable at your own party.”

  His grin turned wicked, his eyes smoldering. Cat felt her panties grow damp as his eyes latched upon her cleavage. God, she would never tire of the way he looked at her with such passion, such love. The two had grown so close over the past year, their relationship growing stronger and stronger by the day.

  His voice dropped an octave. “I think you’re right, Cat. Why don’t you grab that orange slice and meet me in the hall? I spotted a storage closet there earlier.”

  “A storage closet, Sam. Isn’t that a little risky? A little naughty?”

  His lips twitched and the fire in his eyes licked her from head to toe. “That’s never stopped us before.”

  Her pulse leapt as his hand touched her thigh under the table. Without pause, Cat raised her voice. “If you’ll all excuse me, I have to make a quick trip to the little girl’s room.” She hastily disposed of her napkin and rushed from the room.

  Cat made her way to the hall. Her body fairly shook with excitement. In no time at all, she found the room Sam had staked out. She pushed open the door and catalogued her surroundings. As she made a move to enter, she felt a large hand splay out over the small of her back. Her whole body moistened as she absorbed Sam’s warmth.

  He put his mouth close to her ear. His warm breath made her shiver with longing. “Are you looking for something, ma’am?” he asked, urging her forward, closing the door behind them.

  Both love and desire raced through her as she twisted around to face him. His
eyes clouded with passion as they moved over her face. Cat moistened her lips. “Yes, sir, as a matter of fact I am.” Her hand traveled over his chest and lower until she reached his cock.

  She squeezed.

  He groaned.

  “Ah, I believe I found what I was looking for.”

  “Christ, that feels good.” His cock jolted and grew beneath her hands. Her lips found his. She drew his scent into her lungs as they exchanged kisses. Cat’s nipples quivered as Sam’s hands touched her all over, exploring her every curve. Fire burned through her veins.

  “God, I love you so much, babe,” Sam whispered into her mouth. “I can’t get enough of you.” His hands cupped her breasts and squeezed.

  Cat moaned and inched back. Impatience seeped through her. “Please, Sam, I want your cock in me. Now,” she murmured with effort.

  Sam hiked her dress up over her hips and pushed her panties to the side. His thumb opened her sex lips. She shivered under his touch.

  “Are you ready for that?” He stroked her sex and groaned with satisfaction. “You’re so wet and so very, very ready.” His voice was full of want.

  Sam planted a warm kiss on her mouth before he sank to his knees. He snapped the thin elastic on her panties and tucked them into his pocket.

  “Oh, my,” Cat whispered. He slid his hands over her thighs, his mouth brushing against her skin. His touch went right through her. Her breasts felt swollen and hot. She arched into him as desire bombarded her body. She shook with sexual need.

  “Sam…please.” She gave a broken gasp.

  Hands shaking, Cat raked her fingers through his hair as his mouth found her clit and greedily drew it in between his lips. She gripped his head and held him there as she rode his tongue furiously. Her pussy muscles spasmed as he sucked her in deeper.

  Sam stroked her sex with his tongue and plunged into her damp core, making her wild with need. Her breath grew shallow and her whole body convulsed as he nibbled and nipped and brought her to the edge.

  Her pussy muscles clenched and undulated with the rippling approach of an orgasm. Tilting her head back, Cat bit down on her lip and moaned. Their aroused aromas mingled and filled the small space.

  Moments before her orgasm tore through her, Sam climbed out from between her legs, backed her up until she was pressed against the wall, and tore off his pants. His hands found her hips as his thick cock probed her opening.

  “I need to fuck you, Cat.” There was so much urgency and emotion in his voice.

  The love she saw in his eyes nearly made her weep. She touched his cheek. Warm familiarity curled around her. She gave a breathy moan. “Then fuck me,” she whispered.

  In one quick thrust he impaled her, the depth of penetration making her quiver. Cat sucked in a tight breath.

  Together they established a rhythm, each giving and taking, emotionally and physically, as he buried himself in her.

  Sam plunged deeper, driving into her with fierce need, building her orgasm, touching the spot deep inside her that made her quake. His mouth found hers and ravished her with dark hunger.

  Sam’s hand slipped between their bodies. As soon as he pressed his finger to her clit and stroked her with expertise, she exploded with a hot flow of release. “Oh God,” she cried out, her hands biting into his flesh.

  “That’s it, Cat. Come for me.” His voice hitched and she knew he was right there with her. “I love how you come for me, babe.”

  Cat felt his cock pulse and throb with his release. They held each other for a long moment, riding out the pleasure, never wanting it to end.

  When his cock slipped from her opening, Cat gave a contented sigh and nestled against him. “That was perfect.”

  He circled his arms around her and held her tight. “It’s always perfect with you, Cat.”

  Cat inched back and looked into his eyes. Her lips twitched in amusement. “Only one problem, Sam.”

  “One problem?”

  She shook her head. “I forgot the orange slice.”

  Sam’s laugh was rough. His gaze shifted to her breasts. “I guess you know what that means.” He brushed the rough pad of his thumb over her kiss-swollen lips.

  She arched one brow, curious. “No, what?” she asked, already knowing the answer to that question.

  “Looks like we’re going to have to do this again.”

  Cat gave a low throaty chuckle as Sam’s lips closed over hers. “Well hell, the things I have to do in the name of love.”

  About the Author

  A former government financial officer, CATHRYN FOX graduated from university with a bachelor of business degree, majoring in accounting and economics. Shortly into her career, Cathryn quickly figured out that corporate life wasn’t for her. Needing an outlet for her creative energy, she turned in her briefcase and calculator and began writing erotic romance full time. Cathryn enjoys writing dark paranormals and humorous contemporaries. She lives in eastern Canada with her husband, two kids, and crazy chocolate Labrador retriever. When Cathryn isn’t writing, you can find her reading, relaxing with her family, or watching a big-action flick.

  Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.

  Cathryn Fox

  PLEASURE EXCHANGE

  PLEASURE PROLONGED

  PLEASURE CONTROL

  Copyright

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  PLEASURE EXCHANGE. Copyright © 2008 by Cathryn Fox. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.

  ePub edition December 2007 ISBN 9780061749490

  Version 03272013

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