Author: Tara Sue Me
Daniel cracked one eye open. “That’s a sound no man wants to hear in bed. ”
Feeling bolder, she pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “I was actually thinking about the way being around you makes me feel all wanton and wicked. ”
“And that’s worthy of a giggle?”
“It’s just not like me. ”
“Maybe it’s more like you than you realize. ”
His words struck a chord within her. Maybe he was right and she had just needed the right man to show her the woman buried inside and longing to be free.
“Julie, I—,” he started, but stopped when a cell phone rang.
“Must be yours. That’s not my ringtone. ”
“It is. I’m sorry. It’s my private line. Do you mind?”
She sat up, dragging the sheet with her and wrapping it around her chest. “No, go ahead. ”
He rummaged through the pile of clothes, finally pulling the phone from his discarded pants. A frown crossed his face when he saw the display. “Tess?” he asked, answering the call. The frown changed into an expression of worry. “How long ago? Where’s she at now?” Silence followed as whoever he was talking with replied. He looked down at his watch. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes. No, I can’t get there any faster. ”
He ended the call with a sigh and turned to her. “I’m sorry. My grandma’s had an episode. . . . She’s not in the best frame of mind sometimes. That was my sister. ”
Julie swallowed her disappointment; she’d hoped he could stay longer. Selfish of her to feel that way with his grandmother ill, but there you go. She wasn’t just a seductress; she was a selfish seductress.
But she waved at him. “Don’t think twice about it—you need to be with your family. ”
He shrugged his shirt on. “I feel like a jerk, leaving like this. ”
“Don’t. You’d be a jerk if you didn’t go. ”
His tuxedo pants were quickly donned and he haphazardly stuffed his shirt in. When he was dressed, he walked to the bed and cupped her face.
“You are an amazing woman and I promise I will make this up to you. ” He leaned down for a soft kiss, promised to call, and then left.
With a sigh, Julie collapsed back onto the bed and snuggled into the downy comforter. She eventually fell asleep to one thought: she was willing to bet she would thoroughly enjoy Daniel making it up to her.
THREE
The week passed slowly. Daniel called twice and they sent a few texts back and forth, and even planned a date for Saturday, but he seemed distant. Julie remembered his words from the benefit, that there were things she didn’t know about him. Did that explain the distance? Or did he think her cheap and easy after the night in her hotel room?
On Thursday night, she sat in the shop, counting down the minutes until she could lock up. Then it would be back to her place for takeout and a good book. At least she had Saturday night to look forward to. Saturday night she’d keep her clothes on for the entire date. Or at least until they could talk about why he was so distant.
If there was a following week. Sasha had said she wouldn’t be compatible with Daniel. Maybe she was right. Earth-shattering sex aside, because they’d certainly seemed compatible in bed.
She drummed her fingers against the countertop. She’d had the dream again. The one that had started during college. Though it’d always been the same, last night it’d ended differently.
The room is dark. A single candle provides the only light. He’d told her to keep her eyes closed, but she risks a small peek to try and see him. Always he was cloaked in darkness. Always. Tonight is no different.
“Did you open your eyes?” His voice is thick with displeasure.
She whispers her apology, but it’s too late. One hand covers her mouth, while the other slips her panties down her hips.
“I’ll teach you to disobey a direct order. ”
Somehow, she is on her stomach and he is spanking her. It doesn’t hurt, it simply turns her on more, and she wiggles in a desperate attempt to alleviate the needy ache between her legs.
“Look at you getting horny by being spanked. ” He rains more slaps against her flesh. Harder. Harder. “The harder I spank you, the more desperate you are to come. ”
He’s right. There’s no sense in even trying to deny it. He circles her cl*t and she comes with a yelp when he sweeps a finger across her hungry flesh.
“I didn’t give you permission. ”
He flips her over, onto her back, and for the first time ever, she sees him clearly.
“Daniel!”
“Thinking about a certain banker again?” Sasha flipped the sign over the door to CLOSED.
Julie couldn’t believe she’d spoken aloud, but just remembering the dream had surprised her again. Now she blushed and tried to explain. “No, I just thought I saw someone who looked like him walking by out the front window. ”
Sasha looked at her funny, but didn’t point out it was too dark outside to see anyone walking by. Julie decided to change the subject. “Time for me to curl up with a good book. What are you doing tonight?”
“It’s my monthly group meeting. ” Sasha tilted her head and gave a sly smile. “Come with me?”
“What? No. I’m not like that. ” She didn’t know why it was so difficult to admit her interest.
“I’ve seen the look in your eyes when I talk about it. I know you’re curious. Come check it out. Trust me. You won’t regret it. ”
Julie was so tempted.
Sasha held out her hands as if weighing something. “Lonely Thursday night or meeting cool people? Romance novel or acting out your fantasy?”