by S A Clayton
“Don’t hate me for doing this,” he mutters, and I don’t have time to react as his lips lower to mine. This kiss is different, hard and intense, but also incredibly sensual. His lips attack mine as if he thinks this may be the last time he’ll get near them. I love it. His fingers dig into my sides, pulling me tighter against him, and I can’t help the moan that escapes.
“Damn, Sunshine, those noises will be the death of me.” He groans as his lips trail down my neck and into the collar of my jacket. “As much as I want to drag you back into your apartment and make you moan like that all damn day, we need to go.” My head falls back, hitting the side of the SUV with a clunk. I smirk up at the man who makes me lose all sense.
“You know, I wouldn’t mind going inside…” I trail off, thinking about what those lips feel like on other parts of my body.
He shakes his head. “Nope. You need food, and by the sounds your stomach keeps making, I’d say you need it now.” I can feel my face blush a nice scarlet and duck my head, but he just laughs and kisses my lips lightly.
“Let me buy you breakfast. Please?” His eyes soften when they meet mine, and I crumble.
“Sure. Let’s go.” I need to get myself under control anyway.
NINE
DAMON
She looks beautiful sitting at the table by the window, the sun shining on her blond hair making her look like a vision. I’m in line, getting us some drinks—and Clara some food because the girl needs sustenance.
“Can I help who’s next?” the cashier calls, and I notice that I’m next in line. I walk up and order two lattes and some pastries for Clara, hoping she’ll like them. I pay and head to the end of the bar to wait for our order.
“Hey, are you with that girl by the window?” the guy making the drinks asks. When I look up at him and smile, he frowns, getting the point.
“Yeah, I am.” He looks away from me to Clara, and I wonder why he’s so interested. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh! I just watch her videos. A lot of us here do.” He motions to his co-workers behind him. “We’re big fans.” He passes me my completed order and winks.
“Thanks, man,” I say, walking back to our table. Clara is still looking out the window. I notice the worried look on her face and make a note to ask her what’s bothering her.
“Here we go,” I say, placing the cups on the table and handing her the bag of baked goods.
“Mmm, you have no idea how much I want to just devour all of these right now,” she says, opening the bag and groaning. I take a deep breath and try to think of anything but the way those groans sound while my cock is buried deep inside her.
“Be my guest,” I say, motioning to the bag, hoping she does devour them all. I know she’s hungry.
“So, I met one of your fans back there.” I motion to the cashier, and her eyes widen. “What do you do that makes someone your fan?” Her gaze automatically drops to the table, and she fidgets with her fingers.
“I make YouTube videos. Makeup tutorials mostly.” I don’t know what I expected, but that wasn’t it. I know people can make a good living doing something like that, but I’ve never met anyone immersed in that world.
“Wow, and you like it?” I ask as her eyes slowly become level with mine. I can see hesitancy there, and her gaze darts behind us as she scans the room. I don’t like the look on her face. I can see the tension building in her shoulders, so I take her hand in mine. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I just have this feeling that someone is watching me.” Her eyes dart around the room once more, and I look back at the guy behind the counter, but he’s no longer there. So, it’s not him.
“Never mind. This happens sometimes. I’m just being paranoid.” I shake my head at her as I take her hand in mine.
“If you feel unsafe, you should say something. Always go with your gut.” She nods, and we lapse into an uncomfortable silence.
“So, how did you get into making videos?” I ask, hoping it gets her to smile again.
“Well, I’ve always loved makeup, and I usually wear it every day.” She smirks and motions to her makeup-free face. “With the exception of today, of course.” I smile at her because even without makeup, she looks stunning. I’m becoming such a pussy over this woman. “But I wanted to know how to apply everything, and I watched a few videos and got really good at it. Then I started to experiment, and classmates told me I needed to film myself doing it so they could do it, too. And so, my channel was born.”
She’s so adorable.
“What’s it called?” I ask, wanting to know so I can go back to my office later and watch her.
“Clara’s Corner.” I smile at the name. It fits her to a T.
“It’s cute.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I know she loves it. I can tell just by the way she talks about it.
“It’s fun, and I love it most days. Then there are those like today that make me wonder if it’s worth it.” I cock my head and raise an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” I can feel the tension rolling off her in waves now, and it takes everything in me not to move so my arm wraps around her.
“My viewers are mostly all amazing, and they leave very sweet messages for me in the comments section. But, sometimes, like today, I get some that just creep me out.”
I ask what the comment said, and she tells me. It takes me a few minutes to calm down.
“You reported it, right?” I ask, hoping she did. I breathe a sigh of relief when she confirms.
“Good.”
“So, what do you do?” she asks, changing the subject. Normally, I wouldn’t let this go, but I can tell that she needs the distraction as her eyes scan the room once more.
“I work with Liam. He brought me in when he took over for his dad.” She smiles and takes a big bite out of a blueberry muffin.
“That doesn’t really answer my question.”
“Touché,” I say, smiling. “Well, I analyze the market. Which means I look at patterns to determine the future activity of the stocks. I give all my data to Liam, who then advises our clients on whether they should buy or sell.”
“Sounds complicated,” she murmurs through another bite of muffin.
I agree. “It is. But I love it. Went to school for it, actually. I’ve always loved solving puzzles, and this was just the adult version.” She nods as if she understands that sentiment. I think about her videos and wonder how many followers she has and the amount of dedication it takes to sustain something like that. It’s amazing, and I have a burning need to find out more. So much more.
“Sounds a lot less fun than actual puzzles.” I bark out a laugh because I have to agree.
“You’re right, but regular puzzles don’t make me this much money.” She blushes, and all I want to do is take her mouth and see if that blush travels anywhere else.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she states as she crumples up the bag, now empty of pastries, and takes a sip of her drink.
“Like what?” I ask sheepishly.
“Like you want to fuck me right here.” I groan at the filthy words, but I rein in my reaction.
“And what if that’s exactly what I want to do?” I tease, loving the crimson color on her cheeks that seems to spread down to her cleavage.
“Then you’d be in the same boat as I am.” My mouth gapes because I was not expecting that to come out of her mouth. My phone goes off with a text. It’s from Liam. I need you at the office ASAP. I curse and look back up at Clara.
“You need to leave,” she says matter-of-factly, and I agree reluctantly.
“I don’t want to. I really wish we could go back to your place and continue this conversation.”
“Me, too.” She blushes, smiling up at me.
“What’s your number?” I ask. She rattles off the digits, and I punch them in. I call her so she has mine and then lean over to kiss her lips softly.
“Can I call you later?” I ask against her lips. She nods. “Can I take you home?
” I offer before she gives me a small smile but shakes her head.
“No, I have a few things I need to do, but thanks.”
“You sure?” She nods again and I reluctantly stand and grab my coat. I give her one more kiss before I head toward the door. When I look back, she’s staring, making me feel something I never thought I would.
Longing.
TEN
CLARA
The reported account has been deactivated.
The email is short and to the point, and I breathe for what feels like the first time all day.
Unfortunately, it’s short-lived because another comment catches my eye, and my eyes bulge as I read.
No matter what you do, I will always find you. Try harder next time. Xoxo B.
The account’s different, but the signature is the same. It can’t be the same person…right? I hit report again and hope for the best.
I look over at the clock and see that it’s just after nine, and the sun has set, leaving my room in partial darkness. The only light comes from my studio lights, which I finally turn off because I just finished filming my video. I got a bunch of new press kits from some makeup companies, and I knew I needed to do a first-impressions video. So, since I was bored when I got home, that’s what I did.
What are you wearing?
The text comes in minutes after I finish getting ready for bed. I pick up my phone to see that it’s from Damon, and I can’t help the smile that crosses my face.
Pajamas. Why?
I know what he wants but I’m not giving in just yet. I get into bed and get comfortable just as another text comes through.
I’m stuck at the office and need a distraction.
And me in pajamas will distract you?
It’s a tease, and I decide to play with him a bit, so I take a picture of myself in my Marvel pajama set.
You think that would deter me. But, Sunshine, that just makes me want to know what’s underneath.
You know what’s underneath. I believe just a few days ago, you were up close and very personal with what’s under there.
I lay my head back against my headboard and imagine that he’s here with me, his hands wandering over my stomach, touching every sliver of exposed skin. I groan at the thought just as another text comes through.
Trust me, sweetheart, I think about that night more than I should. What I wouldn’t give to be there with you right now.
I close my eyes and wish the same thing. Just as I’m about to text him back, my phone rings.
“Hello?” My husky voice doesn’t disguise my lust as Damon groans on the other end.
“Baby, I needed to hear your voice, or I was going to go insane.” I can hear rustling in the background then a door slamming, enveloping him in silence.
“Damon.” I moan into my empty room, thanking God that JJ is staying at Liam’s these next few days.
“I…” I trail off, not knowing what I actually need from him.
“I know what you need, Sunshine. Same thing as me.” Even though I know he can’t see me, my head nods in agreement.
“You wish I was there with you?”
“Yes…” I say breathlessly, my free hand restless as it travels over my body.
“I need you to take off those sexy-as-fuck shorts you have on and feel how wet you are for me. I am desperate to know if you’re as turned on as I am.”
I should tell him not to worry, but all I can do is obey. I set the phone down on the bed as I pull my shorts down, revealing my lace panties—that are, indeed, soaked.
When I pick up the phone, I can hear Damon’s labored breathing. “Damon, I need you so bad.” I groan, feeling utterly exposed lying with my legs spread and my hand on my stomach…waiting.
“Touch that perfect pussy of yours. I want to hear you, baby.” God, the dirty talk puts me on edge. Every. Fucking. Time. I groan as my fingers dip under the fabric of my panties and find my hardened clit, circling it gently.
“You wet for me?” he asks again, and I moan, hoping he gets the idea.
“Fuck, Sunshine, you have no idea how much I want to taste you right now. My cock is so hard for it.” God, his mouth will be the death of me.
“Damon, I want…” I trail off as my fingers circle faster and faster.
“You want what, baby? I need to hear you say it.” I say nothing and just moan into the empty room, wishing it was his fingers and not mine.
“My hand is not even close to what you feel like wrapped around me. God, what I would do to see you ride me with those tits in my face.”
“Fuck…” I murmur as I dip a finger into my heat. My back arches. “Damon, I wanna come so bad. I need you to come with me. I need to hear you jack off to the sounds I make.”
“Damn, Sunshine. That dirty mouth is everything.”
I’ve never spoken like that with anyone else, but he brings it out in me. “I’m almost there, sweetheart, but I need you to fuck that pussy the way my fingers would. Can you do that for me? Can you fuck yourself so hard you come for me?” I groan as I plunge two fingers inside myself. I go off like a rocket. I hear Damon find his own release through the ringing in my ears, and I sigh in relief at the silence that follows.
“Damn, Clara. That was almost as good as the real thing.” I laugh because he’s right.
“I want to take you out,” he says after a long silence. I can hear a radio on in the background, and I remember that he’s in his office.
“Like a date?” I ask as if it’s a shock. We’ve done all of this backwards, so I have no idea what to expect.
“Exactly like a date. Since we skipped to the fucking, we should get to know each other.” I burst out laughing at the harsh tone. It’s so Damon.
“I guess that makes sense. You gonna tell me where we’re going?” I ask, knowing he probably won’t.
“Nope. Just know that it’s special to me, and dress casual.”
I want to question him but stop myself. I need to let myself enjoy this, and if I’m constantly worried about what’s going to happen next, then I won’t.
“Okay. Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
I wake up to knocking on my door the next morning.
“We’re going for lunch. Wake your ass up.” I look at the clock and gasp. It’s after eleven o’clock. I haven’t slept that late since I was studying for finals.
“I’m up!” I yell to JJ, who just chuckles before I hear her footsteps move back toward her room. I jump out of bed, head into my bathroom, and wash up. I don’t bother to shower because I took one last night before my phone call with Damon.
That phone call replays in my mind, and my body heats at the memory of the whole scenario. The words he said to me still send shivers up my spine, and I can’t wait to see him tonight. It’s like I’m in high school again, and the bad boy asked me out on a date. I shake out of the memory and pull on a pair of ripped jeans and a white t-shirt that I threw on the floor a couple of days ago. I sniff it quickly, making sure it’s not too dirty, and open my bedroom door.
“Took you long enough,” JJ teases as she pulls me down the hall so we can grab our coats and head out.
“Says the girl who takes a minimum of thirty minutes to get ready.” She gives me a look, and I laugh. It wasn’t always like that, but since she met Liam, she’s been experimenting more with makeup and clothes, and she found her confidence. It makes me so excited for her. It’s been too long.
“So, where are we going?” I ask as we walk out the front door and into the elevator.
“Thought we could go to the coffee place down the street. I know you like it there, and it’s close.” I smile, loving the idea.
When we get to the shop, we head inside, and JJ and I stand in line to get food. As we’re standing there, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and my sense of awareness piques. My back straightens, and my head swivels to see if I can tell where the uneasy feeling originates from. But I come up empty.
“What’s up?” JJ asks a
s we make our way to the counter and order our drinks and food. I get my usual latte with a chicken sandwich, whereas JJ goes for coffee and a scone.
“Nothing. I just have this funny feeling that someone is watching me lately.” My eyes scan the room once again. Though the place is packed, no one seems to be looking at me.
“I guess I’m just paranoid,” I mutter as the barista hands us our orders.
“Are you Clara from Clara’s Corner?” the girl behind the cash register asks. I nod my head slightly. “Sorry to put you on the spot, it’s just my sister loves you, and I wanted to just say hi.” I look her over. She looks as if she’s in her mid to late twenties and cute. Curly, blond hair falling lazily down over her shoulders. I look past her and see a few more of the baristas staring. The girl just smiles.
“They’re huge fans,” she says, motioning to the women behind her. I meet their eyes and smile, reminding myself that this is why I make my videos. To inspire. I catch the eyes of a guy heading toward the back room, it’s only for a second but a chill runs through me. It’s only when he’s gone that I turn back toward the girls in front of me and smile.
“Thanks so much. Tell your sister I said thanks for watching.” I motion to the group and smile. With that, I take JJ’s hand and lead her to a table in the back. I feel the unease following me, and when I look back, the girl is still watching me.
“What’s going on with you? You seem spacy today.” JJ stares at me with that mothering look she gets when she’s worried about me. I sigh.
“I just read a comments on one of my videos and it freaked me out. That’s all.” She gives me a knowing look, and I roll my eyes.
“I know you told me not to read them, but most of them are really nice, and I have to answer the questions that are left. It’s how I keep the viewers coming back.” JJ knows it’s true, we’ve talked about this briefly before, just never in detail.
“Still, there has to be a way to monitor that kind of crap.”