Another One

by Aleatha Romig

  “If I go to your hotel, I don’t want popcorn.”

  I let out a soft giggle. “What do you want?”

  “Shana, I want the same thing I’ve wanted since the night before the wedding. I want you.” He leans back and takes me in. The heat from his stare is like a flame on my skin as his eyes scan from my shoes to my eyes. “All of you. I want all of you.”

  “I guess that’s good.”

  “You guess?”

  “I don’t have any popcorn.”

  One more kiss and we step hand in hand out onto the sidewalk as the doorman flags us a taxi.

  Other than the outside noise, the ride is quiet as we both silently watch the world pass by outside the windows of the taxi. The streets never seem to care if it’s day or night. The traffic remains. My mind and body twist with eager anticipation. The overwhelming expectancy is like a warm fog surrounding us, filling the taxi with its sweet scent. It’s as if we’re floating instead of driving to our destination.

  Subconsciously, I nibble upon my lip as I overanalyze what we’re about to do. It’s not like I’m naïve. I’m a grown woman who knows exactly what she just agreed to have happen, and yet in some ways, I feel as though I’m at as much of a loss as I was my first time.

  Don’t misunderstand. I’m not a virgin, and I know the fundamentals. It’s just that it’s been a long time since I’ve had what Kimbra and I used to refer to as mind-blowing sex.

  As I think back on my not-very-impressive list, I’m beginning to wonder if I ever really had it. I contemplate the elements necessary for taking a relationship to this next level. First, there’s usually a physical attraction. I mean, no one usually jumps into bed with someone they’re not attracted to. As I think back, I wonder if sometimes the surface is the only element.

  There’s no doubt that when it comes to Trevor, I’m extremely attracted. I have been since the first time we met.

  Turning, I take in his profile, his nose, strong chiseled jaw, and neck, the way his Adam’s apple bobs. Against the lights of the city, riding along beside me, in some ways he seems larger than life. From his wide shoulders to his thick arms, I have fantasized about him. I recall his wide thighs from a year ago and the hardness of him against me at the bar.

  The first element is definitely there and growing stronger with each block the taxi moves through the city. It’s the more that I’m unsure about. I like him. I really like him. I like his company, conversation, and presence. Just being beside him fills me with a reassuring warmth and contentment.

  In only three dates and nearly twelve months, I trust him. I trust him in a way I’ve never before experienced. After all, three dates can happen within the space of three days. In those instances, there’s no denying the attraction. But with Trevor, it feels different.

  I’ve never known a man as well as I know Trevor before making love.

  In most cases, that knowledge and understanding came later, if it came at all.

  This new direction is uncharted territory for me, and I’m worried it’s turned around.

  What if in getting to know one another we have unrealistic expectations? What if he doesn’t want me the way I want him?

  Without warning, that voice in my head scatters seeds of self-doubt that were better left unplanted. It isn’t until we pull up outside the hotel that I recall my talk with Stephen earlier in the night.

  I’m brave. That’s what he said.

  I don’t feel brave, but then again, what did he say?

  Stephen said that this isn’t about losing me; it’s about adding Trevor to the equation, about being more, not less.

  As the taxi stops, Trevor lifts my knuckles to his lips. “You’ve been very quiet.”

  “So have you.”

  “Have you changed your mind?”

  Again, I speak without worrying what it may bring, facing Trevor and giving him my most honest reply. “I guess I’m worried. I want to know if you really want me.”

  With only the light of the overhead canopy, Trevor’s eyes open wide and he leans close. His voice is thick and filled with desire like I’ve never heard from him. “My lady, I could take this hand...” He splays my fingers against his. “...and place it somewhere else. If I did, you’d know that wanting you has been my only thought during this entire ride. Right now, I’m so fucking hard that I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk.”

  It may not be the kind of talk that every woman wants to hear, but every word is music to my ears.

  “How about I check that situation once we get upstairs?”

  “How far up? I’m not sure I’ll make it.”

  Shana

  We both laugh as Trevor hands a twenty-dollar bill to the driver and we get out of the taxi. It takes all of my restraint not to look at the front of his trousers, wondering if what he said is true.

  As we wait for the elevator, a few other couples join us, and I give up the fantasy of a scene from one of those hot romance movies. You know the one I mean, the one in an elevator?

  I had it all in my mind, just the two of us as we recreate the back hallway at the bar the other night: his body against mine as we float higher and higher toward my suite.

  As we step into the elevator, Trevor moves to the back wall and while facing the door, pulls me to him. My back falls firmly against his front as I unknowingly let out a gasp.

  Oh shit!

  He wasn’t lying.

  I close my eyes as his undeniable erection probes against my lower back. With his hands steadfastly on my hips, moving away from him is out of the question. He has me trapped, and I’m overwhelmed. My breathing catches as my body trembles and heat floods my lady parts. In that instant, every movie scene I’ve ever seen disappears.

  Reality is so much better.

  His lips lower to my ear, his warm breath tickling my neck. “I told you.”

  I wiggle against him as much as I can as the heat between my legs radiates to my breasts and beyond. Every nerve is on alert. I want nothing more than to turn into Trevor’s arms, but with the way he’s holding me, all I can do is sway slightly from side to side. “The twentieth floor,” I say to the person by the buttons.

  “Twenty?” Trevor whispers through clenched teeth. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  That heat from below fills my cheeks as I assess that I’m the only one who can hear him. Or at least I hope.

  The elevator comes to a stop on the second floor as Trevor’s fingers grip my hips tighter.

  “Two, really?” he whispers.

  All I can think is stairs, buddy. You could have walked.

  We stop again at seven, ten, and again at fourteen. Each stop intensifies his grip upon my hips, his fingers holding tighter and stronger until I’m biting my lip to keep from calling out. It isn’t that he’s hurting me; it’s that his desire is so strong that I want nothing more than to feel that same intensity inside me.

  We still aren’t alone when the elevator stops at twenty.

  “Our stop,” I say, waiting for his grip to loosen.

  “You first.”

  I take a step and then another, realizing that he’s not letting go. It isn’t until we clear the threshold to the empty hallway and the doors to the elevator close that he finally releases me, and I spin to face him. With my heart beating out of my chest, the world is filled with haze. Yet his green stare keeps me focused. “I’ll never doubt you again,” I say, leaning into him.

  His gaze is a mixture of lust and urgency. “If you tell me you lost your key again—like in Indianapolis—I’m taking you right here.”

  Quickly, fumbling in my purse, I tug his hand and lead him down the maze of a hallway until we make it to the door of my suite. Once there, I lift the key card high in the air. “Not lost.”

  His voice is thick and deep. “Open the door.”

  It’s not a request.

  As soon as the door opens, Trevor pushes me inside, and with a quick turn he shuts and bolts the door. When he turns back around, the temperature of the r
oom rises. Like before, the heat is coming from his gaze. It reminds me of the cartoons with the creatures that can literally burn with their eyes.

  He’s the flame and I’m the kindling.

  Under his stare, I’m on fire.

  Not wanting to wait any longer to see and hold what I’ve only felt, I boldly reach for his belt.

  His hand covers mine. “No, my lady, I wasn’t joking. I need you now. Later, we’ll investigate.”

  “Now?” My breathing hitches as my insides twist.

  “Right. Fucking. Now.”

  Trevor Willis takes one step and then another until my back hits the wall.

  In my mind, it’s Saturday night at the bar all over again, and I’m right where I want to be, trapped by this mammoth of a man. “Trevor?”

  A quick kiss of my lips and neck and the next thing I know, he’s gone. When I open my eyes, Trevor is kneeling before me. It only takes a second as he lifts each of my feet and removes my high heels, one by one. And then, our eyes meet as his warm hands circle my ankles, heating my skin as they graze slowly up my bare legs. Each inch is sweet torture as he leans in and begins kissing in the wake of his touch.

  My knees wobble as I struggle to stay upright, reaching back to the wall for support.

  Along the smooth wall, there’s none.

  It’s then that he latches on to the sides of my panties and pulls them down. I’m at his disposal as he guides my movement until my panties are lost somewhere on the floor. A scream escapes my lips as his tongue laps my sensitive skin.

  “You taste amazing.”

  Words no longer form as his lips latch on to my clit and tease. “O-oh…”

  “I promise we’ll do this sweet, but not right now.”

  I fight to articulate. “Please, I don’t want sweet,” I pant as he stands and unbuckles his belt. “I want you. Take me.” I shudder as he releases his cock, and for the first time, I see what I’ve only imagined. He’s big and thick. And before I can contemplate more, he reaches for my behind and lifts me in the air, spreading my legs around his waist and opening me to him. With my hands on his shoulders, I lock my ankles.

  Though the tip of his cock is near, it’s his fingers that first find my opening and make me whimper.

  “Shana, you’re so fucking perfect.” His fingers continue to thrust. “So wet and tight.”

  I can’t help but rock to his movements as he spreads my essence.

  “Shana?”

  “Please,” I scream out. “Please, take me.” My fingernails threaten the weave of his jacket as he pulls me down, sheathing himself with me. It’s all I can do not to scream again as I bite the jacket covering his shoulder.

  He suddenly stills. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes,” I pant, nodding as I move a little, each wiggle helping me adjust to his girth. It’s the most amazing fullness I’ve ever known. Once I’m there, I kiss his neck. “You feel so good. Please don’t stop.”

  He doesn’t. Thrust after thrust, he does exactly what I’ve asked, taking me, marking me, and making me his. Nothing else in the world matters as we become one, in body and soul. Our movements, our breathing, and even the beating of our hearts are in sync as he takes me higher and higher. Like a spring twisted tighter and tighter, one about to snap, I’m losing control.

  It’s been so long since my body has been this fulfilled; I’m gripping his shoulders for dear life, afraid that if I let go, I may fall without experiencing the ecstasy that is within reach. The room fills with the sound of our bodies against the wall, marked by whimpers and moans that sound vaguely familiar. It isn’t until I’m almost to the figurative edge that I realize it’s my voice I’ve been hearing.

  With my orgasm almost within reach, Trevor’s lips find that place on my neck—the place he’d kissed Saturday night—and all hope for control is gone.

  The world tilts on its axis. Stars in the sky collide. Up and down no longer exist. Directions cease to have meaning. My entire body implodes.

  If this is what the big bang was like, no wonder it created the universe as we know it.

  I’m spiraling out of control when Trevor’s body stills, the room filling with his deep powerful roar, the sound reverberating from him to me as he fills me with his warmth.

  My forehead falls to his shoulder as aftershocks continue, and I ride out the best orgasm of my life. In his arms, I’m floating on the comforting sea as wave after wave washes through me. It isn’t until our eyes meet that I’m convinced I’m not lost in the monsoon.

  His gaze is different than what I expected, silently encouraging me to say something. “Trevor, God, that was amazing.” I wince as we separate, and he moves me from his waist to my feet. Despite our separation, I hold on to his shoulders. “I’m not sure I can stand.”

  With a chuckle, he lifts me in the air and carries me to my bed. It’s then I realize that except for my shoes and panties, we’re both fully dressed.

  “I’m sorry, Shana.”

  Sorry?

  “Why?” I ask.

  “I have condoms in my wallet. I just wanted you so badly, I didn’t even think.”

  I crook my finger and bid him closer. “I’m not sixteen. I have condoms too.” I shrug. “I bought them today during my lunch break. It’s not all your responsibility.”

  “I swear, I’m clean. I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.” He flashes his classic grin. “As you may have noticed, we didn’t exactly set any endurance records.”

  “I’m clean too. I won’t bore you with how long it’s been, but let’s just say that my checkup has come and gone a few times. You don’t need to worry. I have the birth control insert. It’s still good.” I cock my head to the side. “And as for endurance, I’m not complaining.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  I reach for the lapels of his jacket. “Now, Mr. Willis, unless your plan was to ravage me and leave, I’d say you’re overdressed.”

  After easing out of his jacket, Trevor reaches for the buttons on the front of my dress and begins to slowly unbutton each one, opening the front to my bra. “We’re both overdressed because ravaging you was only the beginning.”

  “There’s more?” I ask with a smirk.

  “My lady, the night is young.”

  Trevor

  I wake to the warmth of Shana’s body against mine, or more accurately, mine against hers. While waking with a hard-on isn’t unusual, having the woman of my dreams in bed beside me is. Reaching out, I run my fingers through her beautiful sex-mussed hair on the pillow beside me. In the morning light, the golden hue catches my attention while beneath my fingers, the soft curls remind me of spun corn silk. It’s my fantasy come to life.

  I don’t try to suppress my smile as I recall how Shana’s hair became tousled.

  It’s as my mind goes back to last night that my body responds. I shouldn’t want her again, not after all we did, but I do. Closing my eyes, I recall everything after our initial sonic connection. I remember carrying her to the bed, the way she stared up at me with her big blue eyes. My fingers twitch to touch her smooth skin as they remember unbuttoning her dress...

  * * *

  Last night...

  Fuck!

  Shana’s smile lights up the hotel suite as she willingly gives me access to each tiny button on the front of her dress. It’s like opening a package you’ve anticipated, one where you know the contents, but yet the reality is exceedingly better than the description.

  The tiny lace cups pushing her tits upward have a small clasp between them. Without a word, I unlatch it, opening the package and moving aside the packaging. Perfect and round, I lean forward, sucking one and then the other between my lips. Each time I trace her hard nipple with my tongue, her back arches and the best soft mews fill my ears.

  Slowly, I ease the dress from her body, leaving the unfastened bra as the only piece of remaining clothing. “Miss Price, I believe you’re still overdressed.”

  Her head shakes from side to side, he
r long golden hair billowing against the pillow in waves at each movement. “And I’m going to stay that way until you join me.”

  “Oh, my lady, I’m right here.”

  “No, Trevor. I’ve been dreaming about you since Indianapolis. I want to see all of you, from your wide chest to those sexy thighs.”

  I lift my brow. “Thighs are sexy?”

  Her giggle fills the suite. “Oh, come on. You know women have turn-ons as much as men.”

  As I stand and remove my shirt, Shana’s grin brightens as her beautiful blue eyes search my torso and below.

  Following her line of vision, I see my not-fully-erect penis. It’s not that I’m not game. It’s that we just were going at it pretty hard. A man needs a moment or two to regroup.

  “Give me a minute,” I say with a shrug.

  She reaches up and palms my length, the blood immediately returning as I harden again under her grasp.

  “Fuck, Shana.”

  “That’s right. And you will,” she coos. “First, I want those pants gone.” Her gaze drops to the floor beside the bed. “And your shoes. Seriously, you’re still wearing your shoes?”

  “What can I say? I was a man on a mission.”

  She crosses her arms behind her head, the movement pushing her tits higher. And while I’m distracted by all of her lain out before me, it’s her gaze that has me captivated. “I’m waiting,” she says with a smirk.

  “You made me hard again. Maybe we should fuck first and reveal what’s under these pants later.”

  “Oh no. I want to see all of you.”

  I shake my head as one by one my shoes, socks, and finally my trousers and boxers find their way to the floor. It feels odd and yet right to be standing fully naked in her sight. “I hope you like what you see. It’s the only Italian pastry I have.”

  Again, she reaches toward me as she sits up. I close my eyes as she runs her hand up and down my length, adding the second hand as her grip fully surrounds me. “Fuck…”