The Path to James by Jane Radford

ex, my family, my bills, my worries and insecurities,” I take a gulp of my wine. “Every mile is an accomplishment. Every mile brings me closer to my goals and the fruition of my dreams.”
    My eyes drift closed as James' hand drifts up my leg. I'm naked for all but his t-shirt. His touch is perfect, warm and soothing. Just the right amount of contact without being overbearing; just the right amount of comfort without being too soft.
    “What are your dreams?”
    His words drive me to reopen my eyes. He waits for me, his beautiful lips stilled for my reply.
    “The only thing I have ever wanted to be in my life was a travel writer, aside from when I wanted to be Robin Hood.”
    James chuckles as he grips my legs tighter to him. He always pulls me closer when he thinks I'm just about to run away. “Will you rob from me to give to the poor?”
    “Don't tempt me.” His hand slides farther up my leg.
    He bends to kiss my kneecap. His lips are soft and one of my hands releases from my wineglass to run my fingers through his hair. This all feels like a dream.
    “I think you would be a good writer,” he kisses just above my knee. “And I know you're good at traveling. I could help you, I have a few connections in publishing.”
    I can't keep my expression from hardening. It's so tempting to ask for his help. He is all of my dreams rolled into one man. He is sexy and brilliant, successful and generous. With him, nothing would be short from my grasp. But I stop my temptation before it digs any deeper.
    “No.” I attempt to pull away, but he grips my legs. Normally his hold would frighten me, but it's not so firm as to be constricting. “I'm sorry, I can't.”
    “Alex,” James sets his glass down and reaches for my face. His palms enclose my cheeks and I stare into his eyes. “I didn't mean to offend you. I have no doubt that you could succeed on your own. From what I've seen of you, I know you are witty and capable. I only wish to help.”
    I set my own glass down and grab his hands in mine. “Oh, sir, I'm grateful for your offer,” I kiss one corner of his mouth. “But I see your bribe for what it is.”
    He grins at me guiltily, “And what is that?”
    “You wish to buy me,” my lips quirk to show that my accusation is lighthearted, “you aim to use your connections to grant all of my dreams, with no effort spent on my own, and then I'd be trapped forever in your debt.”
    I nibble one of his fingertips, and his eyes darken. “You see right through me.”
    In response I take his entire finger into my mouth, sucking as I pull the digit back out. By the look that flits across his expression, I know he thinks of my mouth on other appendages.
    “Thank you for your chivalrous, albeit, self-motivated offer.” My lips slip back down his finger and his eyes shutter closed. His mouth slits and his breathing quickens.
    “You're very welcome,” he exhales, “you can't blame a man for trying.”
    I nip the tip of his finger and he hisses out an exhale. His eyes flash open and he growls at me. “What can I do to keep you?”
    He pounces on me then. I giggle as he bites gently down my neck and his hands fondle my bottom. I can feel his erection growing once more as he kisses down me. Down my neck, down my chest. He latches onto my nipple through his t-shirt. I gasp as my aureola hardens between his teeth.
    “Tell me how to keep you, Alex.” He sucks on my breast while his hands come up under the shirt, up my thighs and between my legs. I'm wet and ready for him. I will always be ready for him.
    “You cannot keep me, James,” I pant as his finger dips into me. “But you have tonight.”
    He groans, nuzzling my breast. He inserts another finger and I throw my head back in ecstasy. I desperately wish to stay. I want to stay with this perfect man, in his perfect home, with his perfect offers. I want to be his and I want so much for him to be mine.
    “I want to keep you forever,” his words mirror my thoughts,