Second Chances, Pt Two

Recap: In Part One, Lexa learns of Tom’s interest in her and they plan an encounter for the next day.

Wrapping a thick cotton towel around herself, Lexa left the steamy confines of her bathroom and ventured out into the carpeted hallway. She took two steps toward her bedroom, paused and glanced at Barry’s door.

How the man managed to sleep through his own snoring continually amazed her. Akin to the ripping of phone books or a diesel train roaring by, her husband’s loud snores reverberated throughout the house.

Lexa gave a brief snort and continued on to her room. Closing the door, she dropped her towel and padded naked to the closet. She reached in and pulled out the new dress she’d purchased a few days earlier for the presentation today. Black, with a fitted blouse bodice and full, knee length skirt—the dress was simple, elegant and perfect.

Laying the garment across the end of her bed, Lexa turned to her dresser. She pulled open the top drawer, the one containing her lingerie, and recalled the words she’d uttered to Tom. Could she really go through such an important presentation without panties? Maybe, if she managed to keep the insane urge to blush under control.

She reached in and pulled out her favorite hot pink lace bra, the matching garters and sheer stockings. In another drawer, she found a slim, red leather belt and tossed it onto the bed while she put her undergarments on.

A soft tap on the window drew her attention. Lexa fastened the second stay on her garter and put her right leg down. She crossed over to the window and pulled the curtain aside to peer out over the patio. Tom stood exactly where she’d left him.

The early morning sun shone down on him and gave his hair the appearance of a halo. He caught sight of her, smiled widely and wiggled his fingers in a brief wave. Feeling brave, Lexa smiled back and pulled the curtain further aside to allow him a view of her from the waist up.

Tom’s eyes widened momentarily and then narrowed with undisguised lust. His gaze tracked her movements as she reached up and pulled the top window pane down to allow them to speak. The action lifted her breasts and pushed them together in a tempting display for him.

“Good morning,” she said through the open window.

He adjusted his tie and smirked. “It was. That little display just made it a whole lot better.”

Lexa smiled, resting her hands on the wide window sill. “What brings you by? Hoping to discuss a few last minute details before the presentation?”

“No,” he said. “I wanted to see if you’d like to ride in to work together.”

She looked him over while contemplating his offer. He wore a tailored black jacket, a crisp, white shirt and a red silk tie. From what she could see of his pants above the gate, they were also black. Their outfits matched.

“Too funny,” she chuckled.

Tom eyed her quizzically. “What?”

Lexa shook her head and smiled at him. “Nothing. Give me twenty minutes to finish dressing. I’ll meet you out front.”

“I think you’re perfect just the way you are,” he quipped. “See you in twenty.”

Laughing, Lexa let the drapes fall back into place and turned to slip into her dress. She slid her feet into her favorite pair of stilettos, the thin belt around her waist and went to fix her hair. Nothing fancy today, a quick blow dry of her bangs—tie half of the wavy mass back with a clip, and done.

Lexa applied liner to her eyes, brushed a dusting of bronzer over her cheeks and skimmed her lips with a clear gloss. Giving herself one final look over, she turned off the light and walked down to the kitchen.

Her bag sat on a chair at the small breakfast table. Reaching inside, she pulled out a slim packet of paper from the inner pocket. For three weeks the pages had been sitting in her portfolio but she hadn’t built up the courage to hand them to Barry. Now, with her career about to take a jump for the better and Tom’s obvious mutual interest, the time had come to put the dead horse of her marriage to rest.

She set the bundle where she knew Barry would find it—in front of the coffee machine.

Butterflies took up residence in her stomach as she looked at the pale blue exterior page. She’d done it. Now all she needed was Barry’s signature on the divorce papers. Then she could file them and move on with her life.

The sound of a key turning in the front door lock drew Lexa’s attention. She turned, surprised to see her housekeeper arriving on a Friday morning.

“Oh,” the pretty redhead exclaimed and stopped in her tracks. “Mrs. Porter. I didn’t expect you to still be here.”

Lexa cocked her head to the right. “I could say the same, Carissa. You’re supposed to come on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Is there a reason you’re a day early?”

“Barry, um, Mr. Porter asked me to come by today instead.” She bit her lip and looked down the hallway. “I can come tomorrow if you want but, I’m already here.”

“No, it’s fine,” Lexa said. She picked up her bag, keys and purse. “You go ahead. I’ve got to get going. Make sure he… Forget it. I’m sure he’ll pay you well enough.”

The maid nodded and Lexa exited without her morning cup of tea, or breakfast. Great, she thought. I let the little hussy chase me out of my own house.

Making her way down the front steps, Lexa shook her head and laughed softly. What did she care about her soon to be ex-husband and the maid getting it on while she worked? As soon as Barry autographed the divorce papers she would be a free woman and the hunt for a cozy little apartment of her own would begin.

A sleek, silver Lexus pulled up to the curb and Tom smiled at her from the driver’s seat. He climbed out and, coming around to her side, took her bag to place it in the backseat.

“Your chariot, milady.”

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” She laughed and climbed inside.

Lexa smiled and shook hands with the CEO of Watts & Associates. Tom stood to her left, his hand firmly in their boss’ grip. Their presentation had gone off without a hitch and met with a rousing round of approval from everyone present. The account, Mr. Watts had announced almost immediately, was theirs.

Messrs.’ Page and Butler took Lexa and Tom out for a celebratory lunch at one of the most expensive restaurants in town. As she had expected, they announced her promotion to senior account manager, effective immediately. Tom smiled proudly at her from across the table.

So far, the day had been a banner one for her but, Lexa couldn’t help waiting for the other shoe to drop. Four o’clock rolled around and still, nothing. She gave the artwork on her desk one final look over and decided to call it a day. The photographs wouldn’t get any better no matter how long she stared at them.

Shutting down her laptop, Lexa gathered everything she’d need to get some work done on the weekend and placed them in her bag. A soft knock at the door made her look up.  She smiled at Tom as he leaned against the frame.

“Looks like you’re ready to go,” he said.

She nodded and zipped the bag shut. “Yep. I was hoping I could entice you into playing hooky with me for the rest of the day. We deserve it.”

Tom grinned, leaned down and showed her the briefcase he’d stashed out of sight. “No enticing needed. I was planning the same thing.”

“Well, then,” she laughed, picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “Let’s go. No point in hanging around here when there are much better things to do.”

He stepped aside to allow Lexa to lock the door to her office. When she turned, Tom leaned in.

“Like each other?” he whispered in her ear.

Lexa shuddered, a zing of desire skidding down her spine. She nodded and smiled up at him.

“Yes, exactly.”

Tom laughed and the two of them headed out of the office.

Lexa stood with her back to him while Tom prepared a light supper for them. Something in the back yard had caught her attention and he glanced out the kitchen window to see what might be out there.

Across the yard, on the steps leading down from her patio, several suitcases and boxes sat waiting for someone to come get them. He shook his head, rubbed his eyes and looked again. Yep, still there. What the hell?

“Am I seeing right, Lexa?” he asked.

She nodded. “I never would have expected it from him.” Lexa shrugged. “Can’t say I’m totally shocked though. I did serve him with divorce papers this morning. Wonder which box or bag they’re in?”

Tom gaped. “You what?”

“I served him with divorce papers. This morning.” She turned to face him. A sheepish smile curved her lips. “I’ve been holding on to them for a while now. This morning just, I don’t know, felt right. Guess this means I need to speed up my search for somewhere to stay.”

Putting down the knife he’d been using to chop mushrooms, Tom crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her. He hugged her gently and brushed a loose curl from her cheek.

“You can stay with me,” he offered. “I have plenty of room in the garage to store your stuff and a guest bedroom, if you want it.”

Uncertainty flashed through her eyes. “I don’t know.”

He gave her an encouraging smile. “Come on. Let’s get the boxes in the garage and your bags in the house. You can think about my offer while we’re moving stuff.”

She nodded and he gave her an enthusiastic kiss. Mother Nature took the opportunity to punctuate the caress with a thundering boom and flash of lightning.

“Oh, shit,” he said. Releasing Lexa, he moved to the patio doors and yanked the sliding glass panel open. “Let’s get that stuff inside before it starts to pour.”

Lexa dashed outside and Tom hit the garage door opener button beside the door on his way through. He quickly followed her across the yard and joined Lexa in moving boxes and bags.

They were down to the final four boxes and her five suitcases when the skies opened on them. Tom looked up at the steel gray clouds above and cursed. He picked up two boxes and ran for cover. Lexa passed him on her way out of the garage as she ran for the last two.

Several minutes later, soaked to the skin and laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, Tom deposited the largest suitcase on the dining room floor. Despite their mad dash to get everything in the house, the water dripping off the bags formed a large puddle on the tiles.

“Oh well,” Lexa giggled. “The stuff inside will dry. They should only contain clothes.”

Tom nodded, his gaze travelling over her waterlogged dress. The thin material moulded to the curves of her breasts, showing off nipples pebbled by the cold rain. He swallowed the lump suddenly blocking his throat and stepped closer. She met him halfway.

She reached out, bringing her hands to rest on his chest. One by one she slowly undid the buttons on his dress shirt.

“Lexa?” he asked, the tone in his voice uncertain.

“Shush,” she replied. “I’ve been waiting all day to get my hands on you and I’m not going to let being homeless keep me from getting what I want.”

He chuckled softly and let her nimble fingers continue their path down his stomach. She pulled the bottom of his shirt out of his pants and quickly finished unbuttoning it. Chilled by the rain, her cold fingertips brushed his skin and set off a cascade of goose bumps.

Tom lifted a hand to caress the full sweep of her lower lip and he noted the way she trembled. He caught one of her hands in his free one and took a step back.

“Come on,” he urged. “We’re both freezing and I have the perfect solution.”

Tugging gently on her hand, Tom led Lexa down the hall to the bathroom. He stepped inside the glass walled shower and turned the water on to warm up. Steam began to billow in the bottom of the enclosure and he swivelled back to face Lexa.

She smirked sexily and spread the already unbuttoned sides of her dress. Dark pink lace encased the creamy swells of her breasts. The puckered, brownish tips were visible through the thin material and his shaft bucked in response to the visual stimuli.

“God,” he said in a low voice. “You’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks and the tops of her breasts colored with a soft blush. Tom reached out and slid the dress from her shoulders. He bent to press a kiss to the curve of her neck as she reached up to slid his shirt off. The material, tailored to fit him perfectly, bunched around his elbows and trapped his arms to his side.

Tom chuckled, kissed her and stepped back to shuck the garment.

“Don’t move,” he ordered and began stripping while she watched.

Hunger and desire darkened her eyes with each piece of clothing removed.

Taking his time, Tom undid his belt buckle. Lexa’s eyes tracked every movement as he slid leather through metal and let the sides hang loose. He moved on to the button on his pants and popped it open.

A swift tug undid the zipper and revealed his naked erection to her.

“You went commando?” she asked breathlessly.

“Yep,” he replied with a cocky grin. “Figured you shouldn’t be the only one walking around bare assed.”

Lexa laughed huskily and his shaft bucked in response. He dropped his pants, toed off his socks and stepped out of the pile of clothes.

“Come here,” he beckoned. “You’re overdressed.”

The room had been relatively quiet while he stripped. Behind him, thick glass muted the shower’s spatter against the tiles. Clothing had rustled during their removal and exile to the floor. All of the sounds were quiet compared to the suddenly loud beating of his heart.

He skimmed his hands over her ribs, sliding them around to caress the curve of her lower back. Encountering the damp material of her dress, he pushed it down over her rear and dropped it to the floor.

Bending to lay a series of kisses along Lexa’s shoulder, Tom glanced down the line of her back. Dark curls tumbled down over smooth, creamy skin. The hot pink garter belt she had on barely covered the rounded swell of her rear. Hands down, it was the best ass he’d ever seen.

“Tom?”

He shuddered, closing his eyes for a moment. Her warm breath against his chest zinged lust straight to his groin.

Lexa brushed a thumb over one of his nipples and he pulled back to look at her.

“Sorry,” he said. “You’ve got me feeling like a teenager with his first girl.”

She chuckled huskily and nipped at his chest. “You’re definitely not a teenager and, that I can make you feel this way… it’s a huge compliment.” Lexa smiled at him. “What I wanted to say though, was that I accept your offer. I’ll stay here until—.”

He cut her off, a wide grin spreading over his lips. “You can stay as long as you want.” Tom cupped her face between his hands and leaned in close. “Now, shush and let me show you how a woman’s supposed to be loved.”

~*~

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase the Digital Digest Volume II anthology as an ebook for only $.99.

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Copyright © 2011 Danielle Gavan

Danielle Gavan
Urban Fantasy and Erotic Romance Author

Ardeur ~ Tarnishes Tiaras ~ Cursed ~ Unwrapped

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All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Wildcat - Chapter 2

Wildcat

Chapter 2

By Heather Hughes

CONTENT ADVISORY: Course Language

Continued from July 12, 2011 – Prudence had been called to her father’s office only to find out that he had sold the WAC to Caleb Finnigan and that he was no longer going to be in charge.

Caleb leaned back against the door and watched the finest ass in the state walking away from him and he had to shake his head. “Shit.” It had been far too long since he had seen Pru and the effect she was having on him was way to fucking early in the game. Rubbing a hand over his face he sighed and turned back into his office.

His Office.

That’s what it was now, right? Looking at the plate on the door that said Manager, he snorted and pulled it down before walking around to the desk. He had lots of changes in mind for WAC, most of which were long over due. Looking at the plate in his hand, he tapped it against his other palm.

“Lots of changes coming, Pru. Lots of changes.”

An hour later he stood in the conference room and felt the eyes of every single staff member burning a whole into him. Hell of a fucking welcome, he thought. They were all sitting around whispering about what happened earlier. No surprise the whole place already knew that Jack was long gone. Scanning the room he found Prudence right away and let his eyes linger on her while she talked to the woman that looked like a young version of Diane Lane.

She had colored her hair so that now it was brown; he wondered why she would want to cover her fire red hair. Sunset on fire, he had called it once. That’s what he thought of when he looked at her hair. She was still lanky but had added some curves and muscle to her body. Pru had always reminded him of one of those old pin up girls from the fifties; the ones that would wear those military outfits and pose against things; just teasing and toying with you with their little grins.

Yep, that was Pru. He met her gaze and tried not to smirk as she narrowed her eyes at him and quickly looked away. Oh yeah, teasing and toying. Clearing his throat before speaking, he waited until everyone had stopped whispering and focused back on him.

“Afternoon. For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Caleb Finnigan. As I’m sure most of you are aware, Jack Wellington has left and is no longer the manager or owner of WAC.”

“No shit, Sherlock…”

He raised his eyebrow and looked over at Diane Lane, Jr. and tried not to smirk. “Good to see that it was noticed. First off, Jack Wellington is not allowed on the property and if he is seen, it’s to be reported immediately to security and to me. Several changes ARE going to happen but, so everyone is aware and the rumors and gossip will stop, no one will be getting fired.”
He heard the loud sigh of relief and this time he did smirk.

“Listen, I’m not coming in here to throw shit around and mark this as mine. WAC is a place I’ve loved for a long time, just as I’m sure many of you have. I believe that together we can make this place into what it once was. No, better than what it once was.”

People started to clap around him and he noticed the happiness and relief that was on their faces as what he’d said sank in. Looking around the room he smiled, pleased they were all happy as well.  He turned his head and glanced over to where Pru still sat next to Diane Lane.

When she looked up at him he felt that all too familiar  tightening in his chest that always seemed to appear whenever she was around or thoughts of her ran through his brain. The look of distrust on her face cut into him. Caleb didn’t have to prove himself to anybody in this room….except the one that really mattered.

Prudence listened to the people laughing and clapping all around her and all she wanted to do was stomp out of the room and go into an office to cry. Damn him for swooping in here like a god damn hero and saving the day. Caleb Finnigan was far from a hero. He ripped out hearts and crushed them under his cowboy boots.

Standing up, she shook her head at Charlene, when her friend gave her the do we need to go and talk about this, look.

“Later.” Patting her friend on the shoulder she turned and headed out of the conference room and down the hallway toward her office.

“Pru. Prudence…”

Stopping and closing her eyes, she let out a breath before turning around to face Caleb. “What do you want Caleb?”

“Are you okay? You just left.”

“Jesus Christ, Caleb. You can’t come out here and act like you give a shit about me. You’re not allowed to do that.” Moving closer to him she poked him in the chest and glared up at the man who had caused her nothing but grief and pain. “

Don’t you dare try to play the god damned hero with me.”

Caleb stood there listening to her yelling at him and going on about why he couldn’t ask how she was and do this but all he saw was her mouth moving and hell if his brain didn’t shut down.

“Pru…………, shut up.”

Pulling her close to him he didn’t give her a chance to react before covering her mouth with his. Swallowing her cry he rubbed his tongue over her lips until she parted them and he was finally able to sink into the kiss.

She still fit up against his body like they were custom made for each other. It took all the strength he had to pull back and looked down at her beautifully dazed face.

“I do give a shit about you. I have always given a shit about you. I’m going to do whatever is needed to prove to you that I never stopped caring about you. You’re just going to have to find a way to deal with that.”

Letting her go, he turned around and headed back down the hallway to his office. Caleb didn’t want to wait around for the reaction he knew would come from her.

“ASSHOLE!” She shouted out after him and that only made him chuckle.

“Welcome back Pru. Welcome back.”

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase Digital Digest Volume I  and Volume II as an ebook for only $.99.

Heather Hughes
Contemporary Romance and Romantic Mystery Author
Wildcat * And Justice For All * An Apple A Day
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Copyright © 2011 Heather Hughes
All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.



Second Chances, Part One

Lexa sat on the couch, laptop across her knees, while she scrutinized the half-dozen marketing images on the monitor. The television droned in the background and lit the room with a faint blue glow. A quick glance at the forty-two-inch screen showed her an infomercial for some newfangled hair-removal product.

A soft thump drew the woman’s head to the right to peer down the hallway. Barry, her husband, must have fallen asleep in bed with the remote in his hand, again. She waited to determine if the noise had woken him up. Four minutes ticked by on the big wooden clock above their dining table and no sign of Barry. Thank God. Explaining why she was still up was an argument she didn’t feel like having again.

Taking a deep breath, Lexa turned back to her computer. She closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing the fatigue from them and nearly jumped out of her skin when her BlackBerry buzzed and dual pings announced the arrival of instant messages on her laptop and cell phone.

“What the hell?” she muttered to the empty room.

The chat box on her laptop screen read: Why are you still up?

She read the name displayed in the upper left corner of the window and blinked with disbelief. Thomas Daniels. A small avatar beside his message revealed Tom’s familiar smile, patrician nose, and green eyes. His dark blond hair was unkempt and his shoulders were bare in the photo. Must be his personal chat account, she thought. And how did he find hers?

Why was the hunky account manager messaging her at…? What time was it anyway? Lexa glanced at the clock again and jerked in surprise. Two-thirty-one in the morning. Shit.

Her cursor flashed in the reply box, daring her to answer him. She sighed and typed: Tweaking the images. Colors aren’t right. Why aren’t you sleeping? At least one of us should be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the presentation.

I couldn’t sleep. The first line read. She nodded in understanding and then felt silly; he couldn’t see her nonverbal response. They were due to present the firm’s biggest client with a new ad proposal at ten that morning. Another line of text popped up on the screen and shocked her to the core. It read: Can’t get you off my mind. I keep thinking of how you were bent over the worktable yesterday when I walked into your office. You have the most amazing ass I’ve ever laid eyes on, Lexa.

What? She typed and hit enter. Tom knew she was married, everyone in the office did. None of them were aware of the state of her marriage; it wasn’t any of their business.

She and Barry hadn’t been happy together for quite some time. They had tried to make it work for the first eighteen months. Then Lexa realized the true nature of the lazy, lying, and un-ambitious man she’d married. They’d moved into separate bedrooms and agreed to put a good face on things for the time being. That had been seven and a half years ago.

Look at the message on your phone, he replied. See how bad I want you.

Lexa picked up her BlackBerry, flipped to her text messaging inbox and opened the message. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the picture he’d sent her. Heavily muscled pectorals, a lickable six-pack and – holy hell, mother nature had blessed him below the waist.

Quickly deleting the image, she put the device down and stared at the chat box for a long moment. Her pulse thudded hard and fast. No way. That wasn’t him in the photo. He’d found it online and was just playing with her. No matter how she tried to explain the reasoning behind it, the image stuck in her mind.

Lexa? It prompted. The cursor blinked, silently demanding she respond.

You know I’m married, right? She hit enter and closed her eyes. Was this really happening? The man she fantasized about every night wanted her. She’d achieved some of the best orgasms of her life picturing Tom while she masturbated.

The soft ping came back almost instantly. Technically, yes. You haven’t been husband and wife for a very long time, Lexa. The two of you don’t even share a bedroom.

She leaned against the cushions, stunned and a bit creeped out. How do you know? Have you been spying on me?

No. The word stared at her, short and sweet.

The breeze through her living room windows carried in the sound of a door opening and closing outside. One of the neighbors must be letting a pet out, she thought.

Come outside, Lexa. Leave the laptop on the couch and go out the patio doors.

Lexa cocked her head at the odd request. Putting down her cell phone, she set the laptop aside and padded quietly across the carpet to the set of doors leading to her backyard. She slid the screen door open, flinching as the motion detectors lit up the patio when she stepped out onto the wooden planks.

Barely discernible beyond the bright light in which she stood, Lexa noticed a figure on a far deck across the expanse of lawn separating the two houses. The general proportions of the shadow matched those belonging to a male. Tall with broad shoulders, her neighbor waved casually. She returned the gesture and scanned the yard. Why had Tom sent her outside?

“Lexa,” the man across the way spoke. “It’s me.”

“Tom?” she gasped. “How long have you lived there?”

His soft laugh floated across to her. A shiver skated down her spine and goose bumps bloomed on her skin courtesy of the deep, melodious sound. She blamed the reaction on the cool summer breeze but, deep down, she knew Tom was the cause.

“I moved in two years ago,” he replied. “You’d know that if you spent time out here.”

A blush heated her cheeks at his teasing. “I prefer the front yard. There’s more shade.”

“I know,” he admitted. Tom stepped back from the railing, opened the gate and started down the stairs. He glanced at the hedges and turned his gaze back to her. “More privacy back here though. The neighbors can’t spy through those.”

Lexa stared as he moved closer and the motion detector lights revealed more of him with each step closer. She couldn’t help but gaze at his chest, the six-pack of abs and the deep v curving into the waistband of his dark boxers. Every part of him bulged with muscles and proved the image he’d sent wasn’t one Tom found on the internet. The pic had been one of him and her mind instantly recalled the other detail, the one barely concealed by his shorts.

“Tom?” she squeaked when he reached the bottom of her steps. He smiled and held out a hand for her.

“Come on,” he urged her. “Barry’s room is at the front of the house. He’ll never know you left.”

She glanced over her shoulder at the patio doors and Tom thought for a moment Lexa might say no to his request. Her small, even white teeth worried at the full sweep of her lower lip when she looked back at him. He smiled encouragingly and waited to see what she would do.

It had come as a surprise when he’d started working at Page and Butler, Inc. found out the luscious junior account manager was his backyard neighbor. The biggest shock was when Tom had discovered her husband barbecuing one Sunday afternoon. They’d gotten to talking and, after a few beers, Barry had been all too happy to spill the beans about the state of his marriage over medium-rare steaks and potato salad.

Tom glanced up at Lexa. Her long, straight hair hung down her back in a gorgeous curtain of chestnut brown. A light blue camisole covered high, perky breasts and a trim, flat stomach. His cock twitched against the soft silk of his boxers; she wasn’t wearing a bra and the pebbled tips of her nipples pressed against the thin cotton of her top. He could almost make out the dark circles of her areolas through the fabric.

“I can’t,” she finally replied. “We can’t. We’ve got a huge presentation in less than eight hours, Tom.”

He laughed softly and climbed the first step up to her. “It’s perfect and we’ll do fine. Come with me,” he said. “Let me kiss you? If you don’t want to come with me after that, I’ll leave you alone.”

Suddenly, the light turned off and plunged them into darkness. Tom climbed another step to kick it back on and then decided if he was going that far, he might as well go all the way.

Standing on the deck, the gate separating them, he smiled down at Lexa. Her wide eyes, filled with uncertainty in their chocolate brown depths, stared up at him. He lifted a hand to cup her left check. She pressed into the caress and he took it as her agreement to the terms he’d set out.

Lifting his other hand to her right cheek, Tom bent and gently pressed his lips to hers. The kiss started out hesitantly, his mouth testing hers, tongue sliding over the seam. She opened for him on the second pass and he swept inside with a groan of satisfaction.

Soft and hesitant, her fingers brushed his skin, tracing the contours of his ribs. He continued kissing her, waiting for her next move. She didn’t disappoint. Lexa gently dug her nails into his lower back, urging him closer.

Exultant, Tom groaned and, wrapping his arms around her small frame, crushed Lexa to him. The soft rounds of her breasts pressed firmly into his chest, her upper body moulded perfectly to his above the separation of the patio’s short gate. God, had anything ever felt so damn good?

Lexa pulled back, her lips swollen and glistening. She glanced down at the barrier between them and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Why’d you stop?”

She lifted her gaze to meet his, the moon reflected in the deep pools of her eyes.

“The gate,” she replied with a rueful smile. “It’s pressing into my hips.”

“Oh,” he said simply. “So. Am I leaving alone then?”

He couldn’t read her expression. They stood inches apart and yet he felt like they stood on opposite ends of a chasm while she debated the future of their relationship. He wanted desperately to be a fly on the wall inside her mind. Would the one kiss they’d shared be it and they would continue on as work associates? Or, would she take a leap and trust him to treat her right.

Finally, she took a deep breath as if she were about to speak. He froze, anticipating the worst.

“Yes,” she began. Tom closed his eyes, deflated by the rejection. “But, after the presentation? I’m all yours.”

Opening his eyes, he grinned at her. His heart beat a mile a minute as elation coursed through him. He leaned in, kissing her hard and fast.

“Really?” he asked. She nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. He laughed, “You realize, this is totally gonna screw with my concentration, right? I won’t be able to think of anything else but you.”

Lexa looked up at him and bit her lip. She traced a slim finger down his chest and winked at him.

“Good,” she smirked. “Make sure you think of me without panties on, because I won’t be wearing any.”

His erection jerked behind the waist band of his shorts and Tom recalled the image he’d texted her. He grinned, reaching out to flip a strap off her shoulder.

“That’s fine, as long as you’re thinking of the pic I sent you earlier.”

“Trust me,” she chuckled. “I will be; haven’t stopped since I first saw it. I have to admit, though. The real thing is much, much better.”

Tom reached out to flick the other strap from her shoulders but she caught him by the wrist and shook her head.

“Damn,” he laughed.

She lifted his arm, turning his palm up and pressed her lips to the center of his hand. “Later. For now, I think we should both get some sleep.

He nodded, hiding his disappointment when she released his arm and stepped back. Lexa was right, they’d been working on the presentation for weeks and it needed to be stellar. If they didn’t knock the socks of their client, the chances of winning the account went down the drain along with all of their hard work.

“Okay. After work then? Dinner at my place to celebrate.”

“Deal.”

Lexa gave him a smile and Tom watched her walk back into the house. He stood in the moonlit darkness for a moment more before slowly making his way home. There was no way in hell he’d sleep with images of her swimming through his lust addled brain. He doubted she’d be getting much sleep either.

It was going to be a long day, but so worth it. His only hope was that she didn’t rethink things and back out. Tom had been lusting after her since going to work for Page and Butler four months ago. Now that he’d gotten up the nerve to approach her, there was no way he was backing down. She would be his, no matter what.

Shutting the patio door behind him, Tom made his way down the hall and flopped down on his bed to wait for his alarm clock to go off. It was going to be the longest day of his life.

Second Chances will continue on October 1st, 2011.

Copyright © 2011 Danielle Gavan

Danielle Gavan
Urban Fantasy and Erotic Romance Author

Ardeur ~ Tarnishes Tiaras ~ Cursed ~ Unwrapped

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All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Just One Taste

A tall man with sandy brown hair and a thick build sauntered to the front desk. He wore a crooked grin and travel-dusty clothes. He was out of place, arriving at midnight, wandering into my elegant establishment—and human to boot. Not my normal clientele.

“It took awhile, but I finally found you,” he said.

A tingle of danger ran through me and I straightened while taking in his appearance. His brown suit, suspenders and scruffy two-toned shoes reflected a common dress for most Europeans in post-war times. He looked familiar... those sparkling blue eyes weren’t a feature I’d forget anytime soon.

I raised an eyebrow, “Do I know you?”

“This is The V V Inn, right?” He said while looking around at the high ceilings, painted moldings and delicate French furnishings.

I nodded, racking my brain trying to place him. Had I fed off him recently and tossed him aside? A perusal of his tight hips and muscular thighs had my fangs itching to descend. Standing behind the gilt-covered antique writing desk, I extended a hand in greeting. “Welcome. Have you stayed with us before?”  

While my property may serve the undead, we need humans for sustenance, so he could have traveled here with another vampire at one time—or been here for someone’s dinner.  

His wide, rough hand encircled my smaller one and he pressed it to his lips in a chaste kiss. Sweat and dirt from his travels drifted to my sensitive nose. The scents, combined with a burning desire I lifted from his surface thoughts, triggered an old memory. I met this handsome man fifteen years ago when he was a teenager. My slow beating heart plummeted to my toes while I tried to compose myself.

A glint of mischief surfaced in his otherwise calm gaze, “No, but I’ve heard wonderful things, Dria.”  

Crap! He even knew my real name. His mother must have sent him after me. I smiled to hide my discomfort while dropping his hand. “How is Olga doing? I haven’t seen her in ages.”

“Ahh... so you do remember. She’s well. She sends her regards and hopes you’ve kept up with her teachings.”

The image of his young form contorted in advanced yoga poses had seared my mind for over a decade. “Yes, daily. There are times it’s the only thing that saves my sanity.” I motioned to the formal sitting area to the right of the entryway, expecting him to follow me. “Are you Raphael?” There was no doubt in my mind he’s the same muscular seventeen-year-old who has haunted my dreams.

His expression softened as he settled himself on a dainty chair and placed a leather bag at his feet. “Yes, that’s right. I go by Rafe now. Time has been good to you.”

Was that mocking I heard in his tone? Or was he referring to my lack of aging? I decided to cut to the chase and see what this handsome man wanted from me. “Why are you here, Rafe?”

“I need a place to stay while in Paris, of course.” His eyes traveled over my curvy form and he smiled in pleasure. My blood warmed at his interest, but I left Germany and his mother’s secret yoga instruction for a reason—to save him from me.

“Sorry,” I said without a trace of remorse in my tone. “We’re booked.” Which was a complete lie, but the hotel doesn’t cater to humans and I needed to get him the hell out of here before I did something I’d regret.

Rafe stretched, the chair creaking a bit under his weight, and his glorious body was laid open for my greedy stare.  His well-muscled chest pulled at the shirt buttons, exposing strips of bare skin. It required all of my will to keep my canines firmly hidden and my desires in check. He was even more delicious now than all those years ago.   

“Really?” he looked around the deserted lobby. “Can’t even spare a room for an old friend to shower and rinse off the dust from the train?”

His open face and sincere expression almost made me change my mind. “No, but I can recommend a place down the street.”  

“They’re closed at this late hour.” He removed his suit jacket and draped it across his thigh. “I walked by on my way here.” Rafe slowly folded the cuffs of his shirt back, exposing tight forearms.

Was this man trying to entice me? Me, a master vampire used to seducing her prey on a weekly basis? I fidgeted in my seat, trying hard to not focus on Rafe and his revealed skin. Real hunger didn’t stir me, but my panties felt suspiciously damp.  

“I can call some friends and see if they have a room.” I reached for the phone on the round table next to my settee and found the line disconnected. Service was still sporadic in the years since the bombs, and today must be one of those days.

Rafe moved and sat next to me at my suggestion to call friends, possibly to hear if I’d made a connection. At my silence and return of the receiver he said, “No luck?”

His presence, so close on the cramped seating, pushed his aroma around me like a cloud. Swirling images of tearing his clothes off and drinking from his neck engulfed me. Could I stop at just one taste? That question had racked my conscience all those years ago and prompted my abrupt departure. I feared now what I feared then. No, I don’t think I could stop with one taste. For some reason, this man called to me on a deeper level.

I leaned in unconsciously, breathing deep of the salty scent of his sweat. My lids drifted lower and I jerked back when I caught myself reaching out to touch him. A small smile played on his soft lips, seemingly unaware of my near slip.

“No. I’m sorry. The line is out,” I said with a choked sound at the end. I bolted off the tiny couch and raced back to the safety of my desk. “You can’t stay here. Like I said, we’re full.”

Rafe rose from the settee and languidly made his way to me from across the marble foyer—resembling a cat stalking prey. “How about letting me stay in an empty employee room? Surely, you have some open with this being your off-season.”

How did he know the summer months were our slow time? So he must also know I lied about the hotel being full, yet he was still pushing to stay here. The broad-shouldered, slim-hipped man sat on the edge of my Louis XIV desk and crossed his feet at the ankles.

“Please, Dria? It’s late and I’m tired. I promise I’ll leave tomorrow and find a new place to stay.” His expression softened and his blue eyes conveyed his sincerity.

My desire to be near this glorious creature outweighed my better judgment and I heard myself saying, “Fine, but only one night.”

“Great, thanks.” He reached out and laid a hand on my shoulder in gratitude and before I knew it, I stumbled mentally into our physical connection, his thoughts and emotions tumbling at me.

Grief. Despairing loss and grayness weighed heavily on this man. Beneath it all shone a solid core of blue, a steel beam of inner strength and determination. Touches of black encased the snake-like desires of his surface thoughts. This man had handed out death to others and lived with the consequences of his actions. He’d overcome a lot in his life and had a depth to him, which didn’t show in his casual demeanor.

Rafe removed his hand and stood, an expectant look on his face. I jerked myself out of the emotions and images I’d seen, reaching for a key in the credenza behind my desk. By the time I made my way to the narrow hall off the foyer, Rafe had retrieved his suit coat and the small satchel he’d arrived with.

Heat radiating off his body followed me down the hall, warming my backside. A pounding pulse reached my ears and I realized with a shock that it was his heartbeat I heard dancing out a staccato in the dim light. Excitement poured from him, triggering my own instincts as well. The dampness in my underwear I ignored earlier now demanded attention, and the desire curling low in my body threatened to overwhelm my common sense.

Pausing outside the available room, I closed my eyes and tried not to breathe in his sexy, welcoming invitation. With only some minor fumbling, I unlocked the door and pushed my way in. “Here we are.” Where was my confidence and cool attitude? I hadn’t reacted to a man like this in a century or more.

Rafe entered the room, brushing up against me as he passed. “Excuse me,” he said while smiling at me to show it was no accident. Rich male musk coated the air, making it impossible to ignore his physical presence.

The son-of-a-bitch had unbuttoned half his shirt while walking down the hall! The sight of his bare chest dusted with light brown hair called to me, drawing my eyes to the succulent skin near his neck. He turned away, as if sensing my dismay, and proceeded to examine the modest room.

The violent urge to take him and make every inch of him mine began to flame inside me. “I need you... I need you out of here by daylight... er, um... morning.”  

The well-toned man, oozing sex appeal, turned back to me with a knowing smile on his face. “Sure, Dria. Whatever you want.” He stepped closer to me, pinning me with his nearness to the wall at my back. “I’m grateful you’d help me out and let me stay here on such short notice. Considering you’re booked and all...” His voice trailed off at the end and he leaned in to my personal space, taking a deep breath. “You smell intoxicating. What’s the name of the perfume you’re wearing?”  

“I’m not wearing any.” I tried to exit, but a solid arm came up to rest on the wall between the open door and me. Ducking under it would look childish and weak—two things I’m not after five hundred years of walking this world.

“Perhaps it’s your shampoo?” he said while lifting one of my long red locks to his nose. Again, he inhaled deeply, this time staring directly into my eyes. “Mmm.”  

I could’ve mesmerized him. I should’ve slipped into his mind and made him forget his interest and me. But I didn’t. To do so might ensure his safety but it would also deprive me of the dream of having him as my own. The air in the room seemed to press upon me, stifling in its heat and density. As I squirreled around frantically in my mind for something witty to say to defuse the tension, Rafe leaned in and touched his mouth to mine.

Soft lips met my own, tentative in their pressure and exploration. I stood perfectly still, not allowing my own body to cave into the driving pull I felt toward this man. A warm hand rested on my shoulder, drawing me away from the comfort of the wall and into a loose, but warm, embrace. His wet tongue probed between my closed lips, begging entrance with a silent entreaty.

I opened my mouth. I let him in. And sure enough, the second he gained access to a deeper kiss, he plunged his tongue into my mouth, nicking one of my sharp canines on the way. A small drop of blood from the wound hit my senses and threw me into a past filled with shared love and lovers killed. Permitting another human male into my life would only lead to more pain and death.  

But being alone sucked.

No! screamed my conscience as I leaned in to intensify the kiss and pull more from the shallow cut. He deserves better than you can offer!

The kiss continued on for a few more seconds, the exquisite taste of him a delicious and forbidden dessert. Firm hands ran up and down my back, encouraging the moment to go further. A soft moan escaped him, prompting me to come back to my senses. I pushed him, a little softer than I intended, sending him only a foot or so away.

“No. I’m not for you,” I said, moving toward the door.  

Rafe stepped in front of me, blocking me from leaving. His eyes mirrored my own desire and he boldly reached a hand out to cup my breast while stepping closer. “Let me be the judge of who’s right for me and who’s not.” One work-roughened thumb brushed over the silk of my blouse, teasing the hardened nipple back and forth.

His erection pressed against the front of his trousers, the site enticing me more than anything had in ages. I knew I couldn’t use and discard this one like I had all the others. He was different and therefore a danger to me—and more importantly, to himself. If I cared what happened to him, truly cared, then I couldn’t let things continue.

I shut down my feelings and drew myself up straighter, breaking his contact with my breast. I allowed my vampiric power to come to the surface. The buzzing of my aura reached out and filled the space between us, causing him to react like an electric static shock jolted him.  

I wanted him to feel the energy humming against his skin; I wanted him confused. I wanted more than just one taste.  

And now I had to crush him.

“Do you think you’re good enough for me?” I stalked around him and stood in the door, my back to the man in the room. “You’re covered in dirt, reeking of sweat, and wearing thread-bare clothing. You’re not good enough to wash my floors.” I turned around, wearing a nasty expression, grasped the door handle and looked the handsome man straight in the eye before I closed it. “Be out by morning.”

I stormed down the hall, trying to rein in my impulse to fly back down to his room and throw him on the bed. A soft whisper of sound reached my ears before I made it to the foyer.

“I will never give up.”

 ~~*~~

If you missed any of this month's posts, you can get them in an ebook form at various online retailers for 99 cents, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

~~ C.J. Ellisson ~~

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Copyright © 2011 C.J. Ellisson

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.