She shivered even though there was nothing cold about the temperature. Her breasts pushed against her bra, or was that she, leaning into him? God. She was a mess, and she just couldn’t stop. Anticipation flooded in her veins, her desire for him was a poison and an antidote.
To give her thickening throat some relief, she swallowed—hard—and licked her lips. If she knew what was best for her, this was the time for her to withdraw and retreat. Cut her losses, and just rejoice at the simple fact her sexuality wasn’t dead and buried like she imagined for years.
“Kiss me,” she heard herself saying, although that coarse sound could barely pass for a voice.
He dipped his head down, and before she could second-guess her command, he covered her lips with his. The sensation belted an electrifying awareness within her. Hot strands knotted her stomach. His tongue delved into her mouth, and she stiffened for a moment. Worlds of sensations collided, and she linked her arms around his neck. Otherwise, her bones would melt into a shameless putty of satisfaction.
When he started to explore her dark recesses, she dropped her shoulders a notch. He pulled her to him, his hand resting on the small of her back. She marveled at the proximity, and started to stroke his tongue with hers, doing some exploring of her own. How could she not?
He grazed her upper lip with his teeth, and she let out a soft moan. Heat escalated inside her; her entire body itched with need. Agony, even. He slid his hand under her skirt, and his palm fondled her butt cheeks. Massaging them. Wow. Her pussy tingled. Throbbed.
She intensified the kiss, and it was his turn to groan. Hhmmm. So he was just as turned on, wasn’t he? Her hands fell down his broad shoulders, and he grabbed one of them and put it on his leg. Wait. Was that his leg? Warmth spread across her cheeks and neck. She palmed the large, pulsating bulge and could feel him smiling against her lips. Nope. There wasn’t a chance in hell that was a leg.
“I need to fuck you,” he whispered, his breath labored. “Let’s get out of here.”
I need to fuck you.The words rang inside her, powerful and deep like an old fashioned church bell. She froze. What on Earth was she thinking? She jerked away from him, and in a split second a chilly sensation swirled around her like a ghost. She had heard those words before, from a much different male voice. I need to fuck you. I need it. It’s like I can’t stop it.
“No,” she blurted, then covered her mouth.
“What happened?” A wrinkled formed between his eyebrows, and he quirked his head to one side.
You don’t wanna know.“Look, thanks for dinner, but I’m not ready for this.” Who was I kidding? Just because Horny Fairy tossed some magical dust on her, didn’t mean years of abuse would just vanish.
He gave a long sigh. “What’s wrong? You asked me to kiss you. You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Just don’t play games with me.”
“Trust me, I’m not.” She grabbed her bag and stood. “Listen, I have to go.”
He made a motion to stand up, but she gestured for him to sit, waving her hand. “Please, don’t. I will get a cab. Let’s pretend this never happened, okay?”
“Elena, I’ll take you home. Calm down.”
She clenched her purse. How could she calm down? If she stayed, not only would it be awkward, but she’d keep thinking about those words, and the man who said them to her. For three years. Whenever he wanted to.
“No,” she said, a tad louder than intended. A few people threw glances at her, and she lowered her tone. “Trust me on this. I need to leave.” She started to walk, and when she looked over her shoulder, he watched her, dark eyes on her like a hawk. “The oyster wasn’t bad. Thanks,” she added, and then headed out of the restaurant as far as she could. Her body still trembling.
***
Elena closed the door of her car, her fingers clasping the handle. Let go. It’s okay. Listening to her inner voice, she drew in a breath and began to walk away from the parking space. At seven am earlier that Saturday morning, the company’s driver had delivered her Beamer to her garage, a courtesy she could only blame Devon for.
Devon. She glanced around the park, and didn’t see him amongst the dozens of employees wearing black and white polo shirts and shorts. Like the ones she had on, although now she wished her shorts were bermudas instead of Daisy Dukes length.
Damn it. Damn it.
Holly waved at her, and she waved back, trying to avoid walking over to the group of interns surrounding her good-looking friend like fairytale bunnies and squirrels to a Disney movie princess. Best thing was to keep her head in the game.
A well-known local fast food chain had pulled up a trailer and offered organic meats, hot dogs, and burgers. She recognized a few coworkers playing dodge ball, while others mingled and sipped on beers.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
“Hey, Ells.” Matthew snuck around her, and she continued walking alongside him. No handshakes, or hugs, or any type of special greeting were in order. To anyone who saw them, this was just an employee talking to a superior. Maybe about the weather. Or politics. Or cellulite treatments.
“It’s a nice day, isn’t it?” she said, realizing if she could choose her topic of conversation that would be it.
“Do you have any news? Were you able to get into his private account? You didn’t text me back,” he said, peering around them as though to make sure no one could hear them.
“I logged in, but then he almost caught me. I’ll try again on Monday.”
“Why don’t you stop by the office later today?”
