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Chapter 42
Kaugnay na kabanata
Struck by Love Chapter 43
Friday came and Laura couldn’t wait for the day to end. She was breathless with anticipation. At 5:30 p.m., Angelo came to pick her up in his Jaguar. He wore a casual indigo blue button-down shirt and dark denims. His shirt was open at the collar, showing a bit of his dark chest hair. His thick hair was casually tousled. That and his hint of facial hair made him look at once model-handsome and sexy as anything. He came over to give Laura a hug. His cologne was intoxicatingly masculine. He whispered in her ear, “I’ve missed you.” She hugged him back, loving the feeling of being in his arms again. Time apart from him was now feeling like an eternity to her. “Me too.” “You look beautiful,” he said, admiring her sleeveless, form-fitting dark red cocktail dress. “Very sexy, if I may say so.” “Why, thank you,” she said, happy that he had noticed. She had wanted to make that impression on him tonight. Show him that she could be a little more va-va-voom when she wanted
Struck by Love Chapter 44
“That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had,” Laura said. She leaned forward over the table to take his hand. “It was absolutely delicious. You're an amazing cook.” He cleared his throat as he tried to avert his eyes from her low-cut dress, trying to be a gentleman. He looked into her eyes, admiring her beauty in the candlelight. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. My mom would be proud of me if she heard you say that.” “You know, Mr. Tsarkopolis, you are just full of surprises.” She smiled and stroked his hand, feeling the effects of the wine. “There are just so many interesting things you do that I enjoy.” He raised his eyebrows, caught off guard by her suggestive comment. He smiled, blushing. “Dessert?” She grinned at him, but then shook her head. “I’m way too full right now. But I’d like to be able to exercise that option later, if I may.” “Of course,” he said, “it’ll be waiting for you whenever you’re hungry enough. Just let me know.” “I will.” Her hazel eyes
Struck by Love Chapter 45
She smiled softly and looked at him. He was turned towards her, waiting patiently for her to start. She was grateful for that. She sighed and took another sip of Cognac. She looked up at him and touched his thick, dark hair. She ran her hand across his shoulder, down his chest, and back to her glass. “You’re just so incredibly handsome. You took my breath away the first moment I saw you. I just don’t know why…” she stopped. “Why what?” “Why you’re not dating up a storm right now.” “Because I’m crazy about you, that’s why,” he said, brushing her hair from her face and kissing her cheek. She smiled at the warmth in his touch. “Still though, you must have a lot of women coming onto you. I’ve seen it, at the ball, remember? You must've dated half of the high-society women in Manhattan.” He laughed. “I don’t know where you get these ideas about me.” “You’re gorgeous, successful, charming, a great cook…need I go on?” He regarded her for a moment. “I’ll be hon
Struck by Love Chapter 46
She squeezed him tight. She actually felt relieved to have gotten that off her chest. After a few moments, she figured she’d just get the rest of her rather unremarkable dating history out. She sighed. “After that there’s not a lot to tell. I’ve had a couple of dates with guys who never called back, some dates where I just wasn’t feeling it. Nothing that lasted too long. After Aaron, my longest relationship was about three months. His name was Brad. He ended up getting a job in Dubai. I had no intention of moving. But it wasn’t that big of a deal, we weren’t really that serious.” She looked over at the fireplace, then down at her glass. “The last guy I dated, we went out for maybe three weeks, split as soon as we'd slept together. That was not quite a year and a half ago.” She looked over at Angelo. “Not the best track record, hey?” “It helps me understand you better,” he said gently. “Why I might’ve made you nervous.” Laura felt her face flush. “Well that, and just the fa
Struck by Love Chapter 47
He nodded, looking down at her hand. “They’re married now, that also happened pretty fast. When the engagement ended last year, I stopped dating for awhile…until I met you.” He looked back up at her and smiled. “Really?” she asked, the surprise evident on her face. “Really. Why do you look so surprised?” he asked. “Because, you were one of New York City’s most eligible bachelors, and like I said you’re gorgeous, young, successful. I would think it would be impossible for you not to have women constantly hanging all over you, workaholic or not.” He shook his head. “After the kind of experiences I had I felt pretty used and rather jaded. Plus, my father also died last year and when I was appointed CEO, my life changed dramatically. It was hard to lose him like that and at the same time get thrust into such an all-consuming and demanding role.” Laura felt for him. “That must have been a terribly difficult time for you.” He nodded. “I wasn’t in a good place so
Struck by Love Chapter 48
They held each other for a while, looking at the flames flickering in the gas fireplace, each lost in thought about their conversation tonight. Angelo got up to make them some herbal tea. Laura sat staring out his large windows, marveling at the nighttime view. She felt like she was in a dream. But she wasn’t. This was real. He was real. And she loved him with all of her heart and soul. Angelo came back with the tea and they stayed up talking for hours. The night was growing late and soon they grew quiet again. Finally, Angelo had to ask a question. “It’s getting late. I don’t mean to pressure you or anything, but I wanted to let you know that you’re welcome to stay the night here. With me. If you wanted.” She looked at him. She wanted to, very badly, but part of her still felt slightly guarded. She hesitated to answer. “I, um, hadn’t planned to stay. I didn't pack an overnight bag or anything.” He looked at her and nodded. “And I suppose, much of tonight's
Struck by Love Chapter 49
Laura hesitated, then turned back. She made it back to her doorway then stopped. She placed a hand on the doorframe, not sure which way she should go. She felt a swell of emotion for the man behind the door at the end of the hall. She took a deep breath and padded down the hall to his door. She listened. She didn’t hear anything. She looked down. The light was still streaming through. “Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself. She knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked again, this time a little louder. “Angelo? Are you still up?” Still no answer. She was about to turn back around when she felt a swell of confidence. She knocked one more time. “Angelo, can I come in?” Still nothing. She bit her lip. She placed a hand on the doorknob, then turned it. Her heart was beating furiously in her chest. She opened the door and peered inside. He was sitting up on the far side of his king-size bed, propped up against some pillows, his bedside lamp
Struck by Love Chapter 50
His eyes were riveted on her. She wore only his t-shirt, which was huge on her, and panties. She grabbed his hand and placed it under the roomy t-shirt, on her stomach. Her eyes were warm with desire. He leaned forward, pulling her close to him. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face into her stomach. She held his head in her hands, running her fingers through his thick, dark hair, still damp from his shower, and bent over him. He could feel the touch of her breasts through the t-shirt. He slid his hands up and caressed her bare back, relishing the feel of her skin. “I constantly crave touching you, feeling your body.” “And I want you to,” she whispered into his ear. She writhed in his grip, letting him know his touch was pleasurable, desired. His strong hands moved to her waist, then felt the curve of her hips. She swayed her hips in response, inviting his further touch. His hands tightened their hold on her hips. He felt the edge of her panties, and
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