by Roya Carmen
He shot her a tight smile. "I didn't mean to let that happen."
"Then why did you?" She wanted to hear him say how much he had wanted her. She couldn't get enough of his desire.
"You can't stand in front of me, looking like that, and ask me to fuck you, and expect me not to do it, Kirsten. I'm a guy."
"So, how did I do?" she asked with a grin. "I thought we weren't getting to that lesson for a while."
"We weren't supposed to," he told her. "And now that's it's done, we should probably not do that again."
She laughed. "But you didn't really teach me anything."
He smirked. "I'm not sure there's anything to teach. You seem to have it down pat," he pointed out, remembering the way she had been… so wanton. It was hard to reconcile the uptight proper librarian with the wild woman he had just been with. And she seemed eager for another lesson.
"Perhaps we could attempt a more in-depth lesson, next time, and go over the particulars. That one was pretty quick," she pointed out playfully.
He laughed. "Are you saying I was a quick draw?"
"Well, you certainly didn't waste any time."
He shook his head. "Well, look at you. Can you blame me?"
She liked driving him wild. She liked him when he was playful like this. She inched her way closer to him, her heels clicking against the hard wood floor. "But seriously," she said, her gaze glued to his. "You didn't teach me how to undress you, how to touch you, how to please you." A whisper of a smile curved her lips as she saw the flicker of desire in his eyes and realized she had a certain power over the gorgeous Ethan Fox. He was just a man, after all.
He drew in a breath. "I can imagine you're pretty good at that already."
"I am," she said and shot him a wicked smile as she headed towards the door.
When Kirsten did her very short 'walk of shame' back home (just a few steps), she couldn't help but smile. That had not gone as she expected. She had anticipated Ethan might like the sight of her all gussied-up in a dress, but she never in her wildest dreams, imagined he would completely lose himself and so utterly have his way with her.
As she tip-toed quietly to her room, her mother scared the hell out of her. "Kirsten," she exclaimed. "Why, look at you. You look gorgeous."
Kirsten was on edge. She knew her mother could read her like a book. "Yeah... my friend Meghan gave me a makeover."
Lorraine eyed her from top to bottom. "Well, the girl certainly knows what she's doing. Where'd you meet her?"
"Uh..." Kirsten hesitated, certain her mother could see that her daughter had just had the most amazing sex of her life. "She's Ethan's sister."
Lorraine smiled wide, finally cluing in. "I see," she teased. "Are you coming back from Ethan's?"
There was no sense hiding it. Kirsten could feel the blush spread across her cheeks. "Y-yes..."
"Oh my..." Lorraine whispered, hand to mouth. "You two are..."
"Mom," Kirsten objected. "I really don't want to discuss it."
"But... my dear," Lorraine said, pulling her daughter by the hand as she dragged her to the white sofa. "It must absolutely be discussed."
"Why, Mom?" Kirsten whined. "Why must it be discussed? This is so inappropriate."
Lorraine laughed. "I don't want to hear all the juicy details... I'm not your best girlfriend," she conceded. "I just think we should discuss Ethan."
Kirsten perked up. "What's to discuss?"
Lorraine shot her a tight smile. "I know you, Kirsten. And I know Ethan... or his type, at least," she started softly. "What I'm saying is I'm glad you're having a good time. That’s what I wanted for you. You're young, you’re pretty... that's exactly what you should be doing."
Kirsten smiled. "So what's your point, Mom?"
"You just need to be a bit careful... guys like Ethan," she faltered a little, searching for words. "What I'm trying to say is this is not one of my romance novels, sweetie," she went on, holding her daughter's hand. "Ethan is the kind of guy who's out for fun. Don't take him too seriously. Don't let him break your heart. Don't think about him as 'the one’, just the 'fun for now' guy."
Kirsten sat up straight. She didn't like this conversation at all. "So you're saying just enjoy fooling around and don't get all hearts and flowers about it.”
Lorraine beamed. "Yes, exactly.”
Kirsten was officially sick and tired of this sweet little image she projected. Even her own mother felt sorry for her. "Well, you'll be glad to know... so far, we've done it on a table and on the back of a sofa, and I haven't even kissed him yet."
Lorraine's mouth fell open. "Well, you seem to have the hang of it. I suppose this conversation is pointless."
Kirsten stood suddenly, her mouth a hard line. "Yes, it is."
She scurried to her room, upset. Why couldn't her mother not mind her own damn business for a change? She had everything under control. She was very well aware of everything that Ethan was and was not. She certainly didn't need it drilled into her head.
She was in full control of her emotions. She could handle this. Just fine.
That woman would be the end of him. Ethan needed a distraction now. But for the first time in a long time, he didn't crave the distraction of random women. All he could think about was her. He threw himself into his work to keep his thoughts at bay. He worked out more than ever to ease the tension. And he relied on his other vice to distract himself. This was nothing a game of Grand Theft Auto or Mortal Kombat couldn't fix.
Kirsten couldn't quite focus. Images of Ethan clouding her brain constantly: Ethan peeling off her dress, shoving her against the sectional, pleasuring her over pie dough. Such inappropriate thoughts to be having in a library. Focus was a large part of her job. With overseeing everything from circulation, special events, readings, and classes, she had her plate full and she had to be productive every day, no time for dilly-dallying. In fact, she prided herself on her productivity. But the last few days had been hard, the hours getting away from her. She didn’t have enough time to check off the things she needed to do. Even her manager had noticed and had made a comment or two.
Kirsten really needed to get her act together today, but how could she do that when all she could think about was the upcoming 'big date' she and Ethan had planned. It was part two of the lesson. He had told her he would be giving her tips on dating, since she had very little experience in that department. She would definitely be a fish out of water. She had only dated two boys in her life. Her first, Mark, had been a high-school sweetheart and there really had been no dating at all with him. And then, she had met Logan at a fundraiser at the library and there had only been one or two dates before they were an official couple. She couldn't help but wonder how a woman was supposed to carry herself on a date these days. She was hoping Ethan would offer some priceless knowledge. Lord knew, he sure had gone on plenty of dates. He had a wealth of experience.
Kirsten was nervous as she waited for Ethan. She tugged at her frilly skirt as she paced back and forth in her mother's condo. He only lived a few steps away. She wondered what could be taking him so long. They had agreed that he would pick her up at 3:00 PM sharp. They were going to Kubota Gardens for a leisurely walk, followed by dinner at a posh restaurant and some dancing at a club. She had been looking forward to it all week but she would need to rein herself in. She didn't want to appear too eager. That was a big no-no on a first date. She had dressed casually, a fluffy cotton skirt, plain pink t-shirt and ballet flats. She wore her hair down deliberately because she knew Ethan loved it that way.
As soon as she heard the knock, she raced to the door.
He stood there with a wide mischievous smile, holding a pretty bouquet of spring flowers. He looked damn good, sporting a distressed leather jacket and a plain white T. She couldn't help but smile as she took the flowers from him. "Why, thank you," she said. "This is so sweet."
"Is your mother home?" he asked with a smirk.
She looked at him wide-eyed. “Why? We're not..." Did he just w
ant to get her into bed straight away?
He laughed, his hands in the pockets of his dark jeans. "No, I was just checking," he explained. "It's best if she could make herself scarce when your date picks you up. A girl who still lives with her Mom is not very sexy."
She stood there, open-mouthed.
What a jerk.
"Well, it is what it is," she scoffed. "I live with my Mom and I happen to love my Mom."
"Okay," he conceded. "Don't get your panties in a bunch," he teased. "Next, why don't we go to your room, so you can show me the teddy bears on your bed.”
What an asshole.
"Oh, don't you wish," she snickered. "In your dreams."
He laughed a soft chuckle. "Oh no... in your dreams, I think."
What an arrogant bastard.
This was not starting out well at all. She stood straighter and lifted her chin to him. "Why don't you go out the door, and come back in so we can start over."
"I'm sorry," he said, soft baby-blues pleading forgiveness. "Don't take me so seriously. Let's start over."
She liked him when he groveled. "Sure. I'll give you a chance. But that was strike one, buddy."
He grinned. "Oh... feisty. I like it. That’s exactly how you want to be on a first date. Show him who's boss."
She bit her bottom lip. "Me," she said. "That's who's boss."
As he walked her to the parking garage where his black vintage Jag was waiting for them, Ethan wondered how she managed to look so sexy wearing only a cotton skirt and t-shirt. It was that gorgeous hair of hers, cruelly teasing him. She smiled at him as he opened the passenger door for her. He shot her a tight grin, vowing to compose himself. He would not be sleeping with her tonight. He had already taken care of business in the shower just before their date and he was 'master of his domain', as the saying goes. He would have full control tonight.
He had decided to bring her to Kubota Gardens on the suggestion of his sister. He wanted to take her somewhere special. Meghan had told him it was a beautiful spot, and he had never been there before.
When they closed in on the big brass gates, he couldn't help but take in Kirsten's face. It was full of wonder. She was like a kid at a candy store. Most of the women he dated would be unimpressed. All they cared about were fancy restaurants, designer dresses and jewelry... and looking good. And they certainly did look amazing. But Kirsten was completely different. And he loved that about her.
Her wide smile was contagious and he had the crazy urge to suddenly kiss her right there at the entrance of Kubota Gardens. But of course, he didn't.
As they walked along the paved path, taking in the gorgeous greenery, he realized this was the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. "Have you always lived in Seattle?"
"Yep. Born and raised. You?"
"Me too."
"You grew up with your mother?"
"Yes... my mother had me in her mid-twenties. She hooked up shortly with a drummer. She met him when she went to see his band play one night with her friends. He was gorgeous as she tells me," she went on. "But when she got pregnant with me, he didn't stick around. What a bastard, right?"
Ethan listened attentively, wanting to interrupt, but he was rather interested.
"She and I became best friends over the years," she went on, tilting her head as she walked next to him. Every now and then, he would glance her way. She took in the beauty surrounding them, but he couldn't have cared less. She was the only beautiful thing to look at as far as he was concerned.
"My mother had quite a hard time raising me as a single mother..." she carried on, oblivious.
He had to stop her. He just had to. He didn't want to, but he had to. "I'm sorry, Kirsten, but I need to stop you right there."
She stopped cold and shot him a puzzled look.
"This is a first date. I don't need to hear your whole life story. I asked you one question. You talk too much." He regretted the words as soon as he saw her face fall. Why did he have to be such a jerk all the time? "What..." he tried to recover, "What I mean is you can't talk too much on a first date. It needs to be back and forth. You need to hold back and ask questions too."
She brought her hand to her mouth, mortified. "You're right. I was completely boring you. I'm being so self-absorbed."
He smiled at her and took her hand. "No... you're not. I was interested. But it's just advice, good to consider on a first date."
"You're right," she conceded. "You really are the master."
He laughed. "That's me... the master," he agreed with a soft chuckle, but he was definitely not feeling it. He was not a master. He was not in control. All he wanted to do was grab her, hide her away under a tree and kiss her senseless.
He was right. She was talking too much. Questions. She would ask him questions. "This place is huge. How did you hear about this place?"
"My sister," he told her. "It was designed by this Japanese horticulturist. It mixes Eastern and Western greenery. "
"Well, it's beautiful," she said, taking in the lush gardens, stream and waterfall. "It's very peaceful... tranquil."
"It would make me want to meditate... if I meditated."
She laughed. "I can't meditate either... I'm too wired all the time."
"You're like me."
"We're more alike than you think," she pointed out and shot him a sly smile. Damn, he was gorgeous today, in his casual wear.
He surprised her when he grabbed her hand. "That's the moon bridge over there," he told her as his eyes fixed the red half-moon shaped bridge in the distance.
"It's pretty," she said as she stepped closer to him. Suddenly, she craved the closeness, the scent of him. He gazed at her for a fraction of a second, and she could tell he felt the same.
When they got to the bridge, they stood at the top taking in the beautiful scenery. He inched closer and wrapped his arms gently around her waist. She closed her eyes as her body warmed. This was different than how he had touched her before. This was chaste, not wild and hot. It was sweet. She longed to see his face, his expression. She turned slowly towards him and he fixed her with a soft gaze.
He was going to kiss her. She could see it in his eyes. And how she wanted that kiss... When he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers, her knees almost gave out. His kiss was soft... his lips sweet. When his tongue softly coaxed hers, she felt her whole body being consumed by that kiss. She wanted to get lost in him. But unfortunately, they were standing in a very public park with many people milling about – it was a beautiful busy day.
She didn't want to, but she had to pull away.
He smiled and she could have sworn he blushed a little. "Sorry," he offered. "I got caught in the moment," he told her. "A little early on in the date for a kiss, right?"
She smiled wide. "Right."
As they continued to walk, taking in the beautiful hills and valleys, the sky grew dark above them. When she followed him closely through the narrow stone paths, wrapped in lush foliage, she inched closer to him to feel safer. He turned to smile at her. And all she could think about was that kiss, and how she wanted it again. Suddenly, there was just the two of them in this secluded path, and she desperately wanted to pull him to her.
6
I can’t lie… it was pretty fun
He jerked around suddenly. "Did you feel that?"
Her eyes grew wide. "Feel what?" she asked, wondering if there were some weird spiders she should be afraid of.
"A drop of rain," he told her, gazing up at the sky. "A second ago... it was sunny."
She laughed. "This is Seattle."
He smiled wide. "Right." And then right on cue, it started pouring. They were somewhat protected by the heavy foliage but they would eventually have to make their way out of the park. Kirsten studied herself; cotton t-shirt and light skirt. She was definitely not dressed for rain.
A huge grin stretched across his cheeks as he took her hand. "Let's make a run for it."
She bit her lip and nodded. They scurried their
way off the path, and when they reached the big wide open space, they raced along the paved path. He led her but was careful not to run too fast, as if he could tell exactly how fast her small legs could carry her. She felt high on life, like a little kid. When was the last time she had run like this?
Suddenly, he veered off the path and she wondered where he was taking her. But then she quickly spotted the weeping blue cedars and she knew he was leading her to their protective shelter. Once they were refuged from the rain, he pulled her close to him. His eyes sparkled under his wet locks. His smile was more beautiful than she had ever seen it when he laughed. "You're drenched."
She swept her hand against her soaked locks. She stared down at her shirt which had now become completely see-through, the lace of her pretty bra evident. When she looked up, he was staring at her.
But the playful spark had faded from his eyes, replaced by a crazy intensity. She eyed him from top to bottom, taking in his toned shoulders and abs under the wet fabric of his shirt. God, he was gorgeous. Suddenly she wanted him right there, under the weeping cedar. How crazy. He pulled her in and took possession of her mouth with his, biting her bottom lip slightly. She let her body surrender completely. This was a different kind of kiss. This wasn't sweet at all. And she loved it. She buried her hands in his wet hair, wanting more. He grabbed her leg and pulled her even closer, grinding against her. It felt so good. They were losing control.
She tore herself from him again. She hated having to pull away. This was getting intense. The chemistry between them was through the roof. She couldn't remember ever having this kind of spark with Logan, or anyone else for that matter. But she needed to contain herself, and act like a lady. "I'm sorry," she breathed as she took a step back and stood at a safe distance.
He smiled. She was glad to see he wasn't upset. "You're right. I'm sorry," he told her. "I keep doing that." He smirked. "And that's not even part of the lesson."