Turning up the Heat

by Erika Wilde

  She hadn’t seen or talked to Ian since yesterday evening when he’d dropped her off at her apartment after they’d spent the day with Tori and Janet. Quite honestly, and much to her surprise, she’d missed him today. She was anxious to hear his deep, rich voice, and a part of her resented that she had to share tonight’s conversation with the city of Chicago when she wanted him all to herself.

  As for Carly, she’d give her friend just enough to whet her appetite and stir her interest. Pushing through the door, she glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “Let’s just say that Ian has me addicted to sex.” No doubt about it, she was addicted to him, if the light, floating, giddy feeling she’d been experiencing all day was any indication.

  “Oh, wow!” Carly exclaimed in excitement, and clasped her hands to her chest. “Did you spend the whole night with him?”

  “Yeah, I did.” Digging into the front pocket of her shorts, Kerri retrieved two dollar bills and inserted one into the snack machine, then changed the direction of their conversation to a less intimate topic. “And yesterday he went to the women’s shelter with me. I took some promo stuff to sign and hand out, and the women there had a ball meeting him. It really bolstered their spirits. Of course he charmed them all.” She punched a button for cheese crackers, and the package fell to the bottom slot for her to grab.

  “Hmm, what’s not to love about Ian?” Carly asked dreamily, seemingly infatuated with him, too, despite her devotion to Dan.

  Love. The word, in context to Ian, startled Kerri. Especially since she was battling with her own emotions when it came to him and where he fit in the scheme of things beyond her radio show. She had no solid, concrete answer.

  She cared for Ian, respected him, even, and enjoyed their conversations and the easy way she could talk to him, seemingly about anything. And there was no denying she wanted him. But beyond the incredible, mind-blowing sex they’d indulged in, she’d also shared a very intrinsic part of herself with him yesterday in telling him about her painful past, and by inviting him to the shelter.

  Not so surprisingly, he’d fit right in at the shelter. He’d been sensitive, compassionate and genuine when the situation called for it, as well as funny and engaging during lighthearted moments. He’d even talked to Tori about her decision to leave her husband, and tried to assuage the woman’s fear of supporting herself on her own. And while Kerri wouldn’t go so far as to label what she felt for Ian as love, the emotions and longing taking up residence in her superseded anything she’d ever experienced for another man.

  As Kerri munched on her crackers, she told Carly about Ian’s suggestion to take Tori and Janet to Navy Pier for the afternoon and how much fun they’d had together. The four of them had a blast on the Shoreline Shuttle that cruised its way to the Shedd Aquarium, which was something even Kerri had never done before. They rode the Ferris wheel and carousel and visited the Children’s Museum—a high-tech playground with interactive exhibits for youngsters. And that’s when Kerri discovered that Ian was a big kid at heart and loved children. He’d played with Janet in the Waterways and Inventing Lab, and followed her through the Treehouse Trails while she and Tori sat and watched the two of them enjoy the various attractions.

  The way that Janet bonded to Ian, as if she craved the kind of male attention she’d never received from her own father, gave Kerri hope that Janet wasn’t permanently scarred from her father’s abusive tendencies. Ian had showered the little girl with attention, and by the time the evening ended after an early dinner it was obvious that Janet adored him. Kerri had been overwhelmed with joy when Janet wrapped her tiny arms around Ian’s neck and hugged him tight, then asked him to come back soon to see her. Ian assured the little girl he would…and knowing Ian was a man of his word, Kerri had no doubt that he’d make good on his promise.

  Carly appeared totally enthralled and captivated with her story, and Ian. “The guy is a real prince, I’m telling you,” she said adamantly. “Don’t let this one slip through your fingers.”

  Done with her snack, Kerri turned toward the soda vending machine to purchase a bottle of water. Opting to take a more realistic approach to her friend’s comment, she said, “He may be a prince, but all romantic fairy tales eventually come to an end.”

  Carly pursed her lips determinedly. “And some end happily ever after, if you give them the chance.”

  More confusion wove through Kerri, but her opinion remained firmly grounded. Water in hand, she twisted off the cap. “I just want to enjoy the time with Ian for as long as it lasts. I really like him—a whole lot, in fact—but I can’t say I’m ready to give up my freedom to settle down with just one person.”

  A frown furrowed Carly’s brows. “Who said you had to give up anything at all?”

  But in Kerri’s experience, relationships meant sacrifice. And that scared Kerri. She feared she’d get so wrapped up in a relationship that she’d lose sight of her independence, her identity, without even realizing the loss until it was too late. But she didn’t expect Carly to understand her insecurities and she didn’t have the time or inclination to launch into an explanation.

  “Never mind.” She shook her head, dismissing their conversation and effectively sidestepping Carly’s interrogation. “So, how was your weekend?”

  “Not quite as eventful as yours,” she said enviously, and propped a shoulder against the vending machine. “But I do have a secret to share.”

  Kerri swallowed the mouthful of cool water she’d gulped, intrigued despite herself. “Oh?”

  Carly glanced around, making sure that they were alone, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. “It’s not official yet, so don’t say anything to the other DJs, but there’s a young group of upstarts interested in buying the station and changing the programming to a heavy metal format.”

  Kerri’s stomach turned over and churned at the suddenly very real possibility of having to start her career all over again, just when she was beginning to rise to the top. “Tell me you’re not serious.”

  “Unfortunately, I am.” Carly dragged her fingers through her hair, appearing just as discouraged by the news. “There hasn’t been a firm offer yet, though. From what Dan told me, Virginia is being difficult and haggling over what she believes is a fair price, and the buyers don’t want to pay what she’s asking. Yet.”

  Kerri took another drink of water, hoping to calm her upset stomach. “No big surprise there, considering how run-down the place and equipment are.”

  Carly nodded in agreement. “All we can do is hope the buyers back off.”

  “What does it matter?” Kerri asked, heading back inside the inner offices. “It’s inevitable that something will happen to the station one way or another. Either WTLK gets bought out, or we go bankrupt, though I hate to see either happen when things are going so well.”

  “I hear ya,” Carly commiserated. “Oh, by the way, I set up a personal appearance for you and Ian Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Dan got a hold of two tickets on the mezzanine level for the Cubs game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and we thought it would be great if WTLK set up a booth beforehand and you and Ian met with fans. In fact, Dan suggested that we make this your second sexy city night date to get the most out of the publicity and on-the-air promotion during the week. What do you think?”

  Kerri stopped at the plate-glass window looking into the broadcasting studio, watching as Jay wrapped up his show. She had to admit that the idea held appeal. Then again, just spending time with Ian, on any terms, tempted and enticed her. “Sounds like fun.”

  “Great,” Carly said, enthusiasm infusing her voice. “I’ll let Dan know it’s a go, and I’ll get moving on advertising the appearance this week.”

  Five minutes later Kerri was on the air addressing her listeners, and Carly was in the booth next to hers with Ian waiting on the phone to discuss their date on the air.

  “Hello, Chicago. This is Kerri McCree, and you’re listening to Heat Waves on WTLK. We had a scorcher of a weekend, didn’t we? Or
maybe that was just my date with Ian that had me so hot and bothered,” she teased huskily. “I haven’t spoken to Ian all day, and I know you’re all anxious to hear how our first sexy city night date went, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.”

  She pressed the button for line one, connecting Ian to the show. “Hi, Ian. How are you tonight?”

  “Better now that I’m on the air with you.” His voice was low and intimate, coaxing erotic memories of how they’d spent their weekend together. And more tender recollections of how much fun they’d had at Navy Pier yesterday. “I think today was one of the longest days of my life. I’ve been counting down the minutes until I’d be on the air with you.”

  Something within Kerri softened, a part of her heart that was growing increasingly defenseless when it came to Ian. “Okay, ladies, if you haven’t figured it out by now, Ian is one of the most romantic, sexy, charming men around. And now, I’ll give you a summary of our date, which was fabulous and absolutely perfect, by the way.” She wanted to be sure that Ian knew what a wonderful time she’d had with him, if he didn’t already know it. Hot, sizzling chemistry aside, they’d connected in so many ways other than physically, giving their relationship a depth she’d never anticipated. An emotional depth that was making her question her own beliefs and her outlook on the future.

  She shared with her listeners how Ian had surprised her by picking her up in a limousine, and went on to describe their private, enchanting dinner at Everest overlooking the city. She described their after-dinner limo ride along scenic Lake Shore Drive, but omitted the more intimate activities that had occurred in the back seat.

  She smiled at Carly as her best friend gave her a I-know-there’s-more-to-this-date-than-you’re-letting-on kind of look. Kerri merely shrugged, not admitting to anything but superficial details. “I do have to say that Ian has exceptional taste in restaurants, and I was completely wined and dined and swept off my feet. He really knows how to treat a woman and make her feel special. Now we’ll open up the phone lines and take questions from listeners.”

  All the lines lit up and blinked wildly, and Kerri glanced at her computer monitor to check the name of the first caller. “Thanks for listening to Heat Waves, Pete, and for following our sexy city nights campaign. What would you like to ask?”

  “This question is for Ian,” Pete replied. “I’m sure I’m not the only guy out here wondering this but…what turned you on the most about Kerri during your date?”

  Kerri winced and shifted in her seat, knowing it was a hazard of her job as a radio personality that male admirers would fantasize about the woman behind the voice and wonder what she was really like. She remained quiet, just as curious as the rest of her audience as to Ian’s reply.

  “Everything about Kerri excites me,” he said, making her pulse pick up its tempo. “But if I had to narrow down my choices, I’d have to say it was the sexy black dress she wore, and her hot, cinnamon-flavored lip gloss that turned me on the most. I think I admitted on the air a while back that I’m attracted to a woman’s mouth, and Kerri has, by far, the most sensual lips I’ve ever had the pleasure of kissing.”

  Kerri shivered deliciously at his compliment and tried to ignore the spiraling hunger and need building within her. Especially since she knew she’d be going home to a cold, lonely bed in the early hours of the morning after her shift ended.

  Stifling a discontented sigh, she introduced another caller, this time a woman, and waited for the next question.

  “How did the date end?” Deborah asked eagerly.

  Kerri jumped in before Ian could answer. “With a kiss…or two, or three.” She injected humor into her tone, and before the woman could request specifics, she hit line three. “Welcome to the show, James. What question is on your mind tonight?”

  “Did Ian get lucky?”

  “As lucky as a man can get,” Ian replied smoothly, his response subtly sexy, but vague enough to protect their privacy, which she appreciated.

  “Kerri, you said on a previous show that a slow seduction turns you on,” the next listener said. “How do you rate Ian in terms of your personal fantasy?”

  Kerri was amazed that the woman remembered her comment about wanting a slow seduction, but was pleased that her topics and remarks had made a lasting impact with her audience. “Let’s just say that he’s a master at mind sex and foreplay,” she said seductively. “And he made sure I was completely satisfied.”

  “And vice versa,” Ian added, his tone equally flirtatious.

  Swallowing light laughter, and wishing he were there with her in person so she could see one of his warm, private smiles, she moved on to the next caller. “Do you have a question for us, Candace?”

  “What’s up for your next sexy city night date?”

  Kerri glanced toward Carly, who gave her a thumbs-up sign to let her know that Ian had agreed to the outing. “Ian is taking me to a Cubs game this Saturday at Wrigley Field. For those of you who might be attending the game, we’ll have a booth set up beforehand to meet and greet listeners. We’ll also be giving away free promotional items, so be sure to stop by and say hello.”

  “Who are the Cubs playing against?” Ian asked.

  “The L.A. Dodgers, and since they’re from my home state of California, I’m afraid I’m going to have to root for the underdog this time.”

  Ian chuckled, the deep, rich sound resonating through the airwaves. “Should make for an interesting game. We’ll be rivals, since I’ll be cheering for the Cubs.”

  She skimmed her tongue along her bottom lip and touched the perspiration gathering at the top swells of her breasts. “I take it you’re up for a friendly wager in terms of the game?”

  “Umm, most definitely,” he murmured, a tantalizing insinuation lacing his masculine tone. “I’m hoping for a lot of home runs.”

  * * *

  Saturday afternoon couldn’t come quickly enough for Ian. After spending the entire week without seeing Kerri because of their busy, conflicting schedules, he was anxious to be with her…to watch her eyes light up when he talked to her, to hear her laughter over something silly they said or did, and to finally be within touching distance.

  He’d started their day together by greeting her with a long, deep, passionate “hello” kiss when he’d picked her up at her apartment that afternoon. The kiss left them breathless and eager for a more physical joining. There had been no doubt that they both would have taken that embrace straight into the bedroom if it hadn’t been for the fact that they had their scheduled appearance to attend. Ian considered suggesting a quickie to slake their immediate needs and hunger, but opted to build the sexual anticipation for later, instead.

  Arriving at Wrigley Field, they held court in the small booth WTLK had set up outside the entrance to the stadium, and from the moment they made their presence known they were absolutely swamped with fans and listeners who wanted their autographs or a picture taken with the two of them. Others clamored for the bumper stickers, T-shirts and other promotional items they were handing out.

  The people they met were enthusiastic and supportive. Most of them were avid listeners of Heat Waves and were thrilled to meet them both. And while last week’s dinner engagement had been private and intimate, this date was sexy, playful fun for everyone to enjoy and be a part of.

  Forty-five minutes into their appearance Kerri excused herself and stepped away from the crowd for a moment. Her face was flushed from the heat and humidity, and her lips lacked their normal pink, glossy luster. Ian continued signing autographs and passing out trinkets while keeping an eye on Kerri, just to make sure she was okay. He watched as she took a long drink from her bottled water and knew he was in big trouble when he found even that simple action stimulating and arousing.

  Her lashes drifted shut as she drank, and the way she tipped her head back made her breasts more prominent. She wore a denim miniskirt and cotton tank top overlaid with a sheer, loose blouse, and the way the stretchy material contoured seamlessly to he
r firm, full breasts led him to believe she was braless.

  He gritted his teeth when he realized he wasn’t the only guy to notice the sensual display. He was eternally grateful when their obligation to the show’s fans was over fifteen minutes later so he didn’t have to share Kerri with anyone else for the rest of the night. Once they left the booth and a crew took over to break down the stand, Ian ushered Kerri to the refreshment bar. They ordered hot dogs, peanuts and sodas, then settled into their private seats on the mezzanine level to wait for the game to begin.

  Kerri swiped a hand across her damp brow, then dug into her purse for a barrette. “Wow, that was certainly hectic!” Smiling despite being overwhelmed by fans for the past hour, she gathered up the ends of her hair, twisted the strands into a loose knot and secured the mass on top of her head with the clip.

  She’d exposed the slender column of her neck, moist with a thin sheen of perspiration, and he resisted the urge to caress that soft flesh with his fingertips and see that glimmer of arousal leap to life in her eyes. Another few hours and he’d have her alone and all to himself.

  He returned her grin and handed her the large diet soda she’d ordered. “That’s what happens when you become a celebrity.”

  “I’m far from being a celebrity,” she said modestly, and accepted the hot dog she’d piled high with a little bit of everything from the condiment stand. “But it is nice to see the station get the recognition it deserves. Too bad it probably won’t make much difference in terms of Virginia keeping the station.”

  He cast her a curious glance. “What’s up with that, anyway?”

  She bit into her hot dog, chewed and swallowed. “Just between you and me, it looks like the station might get bought out by a group interested in a heavy-metal format.” Her lips twisted with frustration and worry. “And if that happens, every one of us who now works for WTLK will be out a job.”