by Diana Ballew
Her hands rose, but one was trapped by his body; the other he grasped by her wrist. "I want to see you, taste you."
Her arm relaxed, and he released her wrist. "Good girl." He nuzzled her breast before taking one nipple in his mouth while his other hand pinched the other nipple.
Another moan escaped her lips, and she arched into his mouth and touch. Damn, she was responsive. He switched to her other breast while his hand slid down her stomach to her thighs.
She clenched her legs together, and he bit her nipple lightly before letting it slip from his lips. "Open your legs, sweetheart."
"I ... " Slowly her legs parted.
"That's it." He captured her nipple once again as his fingers tunneled under the elastic of her panties until he parted her nether lips. "So wet," he whispered.
Her body trembled as he kissed his way down to her stomach, his right hand sliding down her arm. He pushed his finger into her channel, and she let out a mewing sound.
"Not too loud," he whispered.
"Oh, my God," was all she said as he pressed a second finger into her.
She was deliciously responsive, and he slid in a third finger.
"Joe ... Sir." Her breathless voice sent a shaft of lust through him.
"You're so wet, so willing." He pressed his thumb against her clit, and she bucked against his hand. He continued to pump his fingers in and out of her pussy while his thumb tormented her clit.
Her legs began to shake, and her muscles clamped around his fingers. She was close. "Come for me, sweetheart."
"I ... I ... "
"But do it quietly unless you want everyone to know." He glanced up at her flushed face in time to see her clamp her jaw shut; her body grew rigid as she exploded. God, he wanted to take her right then and there, but he wouldn't. This was for her, for her to know and understand what they did as consenting adults was for them.
Her spine relaxed, and she slumped in her seat. Joe slipped his fingers from her wetness. Her lips parted as she tried to catch her breath.
"So fucking gorgeous." His lips covered hers in a soft kiss before he sat back. His cock throbbed with unfulfilled desire, but her soft breaths of pleasure were more than enough, for now.
He licked her juices from his fingers, enjoying her spiciness. When he glanced over at her she was watching him with desire in her eyes.
"You are a wicked, bad boy."
He chuckled. "You have no idea." He leaned over and brushed a kiss over her lips. "Dessert?"
"I think someone already had his." Her eyes sparkled, and all he could do was laugh.
Victoria refastened her bra and then buttoned up her dress. Part of her was mortified she'd let Joe bring her to a climax in the restaurant, but the other part relished his reaction to her.
Joe lifted his hand and seconds later the curtains rustled, then parted. Their waiter stood there. "Dessert? Coffee?" he asked as he picked up the plate and their silverware.
"Two coffees, please," Joe said.
With a nod, their waiter disappeared and the curtain fell back into place. "So do you come here a lot?" She pressed her lips together; that wasn't the question she'd meant to ask.
"No." His fingers curved around her neck, stroking her skin in a gentle caress. "You're the first woman I've brought here."
"Okay." She flashed him a grin, but squirmed in her seat as he leaned closer.
"Are you embarrassed?"
"A bit." She glanced up at him. "You made me orgasm in a restaurant full of people."
"And most were doing the same thing." His lips caressed her ear. "Stop and really listen for a moment."
She closed her eyes and did as he said. Yes, there was the clatter of plates and cutlery, the music was still playing, and ... then she heard several soft moans, a sigh, and then a small cry.
"You're not alone in your pleasure tonight, sweetheart. Passion is nothing to be embarrassed about."
Victoria nodded, then took a deep breath. "How kinky are you?" she blurted out in a rush.
His fingers tightened on her neck. "Depends on what you like."
"I'm not sure." And she wasn't. But dang if she wasn't getting wet again thinking about Joe making her climax with his fingers where anyone could hear them.
"Then we'll explore together."
The curtains parted, and the waiter arrived with their coffee.
Victoria woke Saturday morning to bright sunshine. Ah, the Pacific Northwest weather could be so unpredictable. She stretched and then climbed out of bed. She glanced over at the clock. Nine. Joe had said he would be here at eleven to pick her up.
Another one of his surprises. Victoria smiled as she wandered into the bathroom. Joe was being mysterious but very attentive. She hugged herself. It was nice to have a man who cared about her satisfaction and her life.
She took a quick shower and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Joe had told her to dress casually. After feeding her cat, she made coffee and some toast and let her memory of last night fill her.
They'd been so naughty at the restaurant. Actually, Joe was the one who'd been naughty, she had just let him bring her to orgasm. Heat slid over her face. She was still having trouble with how Joe made her climax last night. Anyone could have heard her.
But wasn't that the point? She absently buttered her toast and took it out to the table. Plantation was all about the thrill of doing something sexual in public. Victoria didn't consider herself an exhibitionist, but dang if Joe couldn't turn her on faster than flicking a light switch.
Was that a bad thing? She paused to consider the question. How did she really feel about Joe? She liked him, she trusted him. How strange she'd forged a bond with him so quickly. Or was it? She'd seen him over a year ago, and he revved her engines then. Now they were constantly humming. She let out a giggle.
Her cell beeped, so she picked it up and stared at the screen. It was Joe sending her a text message.
Joe: On my way
Her: I'm ready and willing
Now why did she type that? Talk about your unconscious self being revealed.
Joe: Are you trying to kill me, woman?
Her: No, I want you very much alive.
Joe: Good. Wait until I get you alone.
She set her phone down, anticipation tingling through her body. She enjoyed bantering with Joe. She hadn't had that with Derek. Banishing all thoughts of Derek, she cleaned up her breakfast dishes.
Twenty minutes later her doorbell rang. She skipped over to the door, looked out the peephole, and then unlocked the door.
"Good morning," she said with a bright smile.
"Morning." The words barely left his mouth before he dropped the bag he was carrying, hauled her into his arms, and covered her mouth with his.
Victoria sighed into the kiss. His lips were cool, but firm. His hold was gentle compared to his lips plundering hers. When he lifted his head they were both breathing hard.
"Wow," she breathed out the word.
"That's what you get for teasing me."
"Is that what I was doing?" She turned to pick up her purse, but glanced over her shoulder at him.
Joe let out a growl and she fought against smiling. "Where are we off to?"
"I'm not telling you, but you'll need to wear this." He picked up the bag from where he dropped it and pulled out a leather jacket.
"Joe?" The leather gleamed in the muted morning light.
"Come on, we don't have all day." He held the jacket for her.
This time she laughed. "Impatient." She slipped one arm into the supple leather, then the other. It fit. "How did you know my size?"
"I know lots of things." He drew a finger down her nose. "Let's go." He shifted from one foot to the other as she locked up her apartment, then took her hand as they took the elevator down to the lobby.
Outside the front door stood a gleaming, massive motorcycle. "Oh, my God, you're going to give me a ride on your motorcycle." She practically bounced with excitement. She'd always wanted to ride one.
>
For the first time she noticed what he was wearing. A leather jacket, with black jeans and leather boots. "I guess it's a good thing I have on jeans."
"Helmet." He reached for the black helmet sitting on the seat when she noticed a white paper.
"Oh no, did you get a ticket?"
Joe plucked the paper off the seat. "No worries." He folded it and shoved it into his pocket. He slid a helmet onto her head and adjusted it. "It's fully wired so we can talk to each other as we ride."
Victoria nodded. Joe slipped his black helmet on and mounted the bike. "Get on behind me. Feet on the foot rests, and arms around my waist."
She eyed the bike. Think of it as a horse, just throw your leg over. Victoria took a deep breath, swung her left leg up and over the seat, then grabbed Joe's shoulders as the motorcycle wobbled.
"Good mount. Do you see where to place your feet?"
"Got it." She placed her feet on the metal tabs, and then slid her arms down Joe's back and around his waist.
The bike flared to life. The vibrations from the motor sent a ripple of tremors to her pussy.
"Ready?" Joe looked over his shoulder at her.
"As I'll ever be."
Victoria let out a small squeak as Joe pulled out into traffic. She admired how he kept a good distance between them and other vehicles, never driving too fast or too slow.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Great." While the wind tugged at her clothing, it helped her understand the freedom.
"In a few minutes, we'll be outside city limits and I'm going to go faster. If it bothers you, let me know."
"Okay." When Joe turned onto another road, the vibrations beneath her changed. Her arms automatically tightened around his waist and he sped up. Her heart pounded. Now she understood the freedom people got from being on a motorcycle.
All too soon he was slowing down, guiding the bike up a winding road. As they arrived at the top, Joe shifted and the gate opened. Her eyes widened as he drove the bike up the circular driveway and stopped in front of a white two-story home.
The rumbling of the motorcycle stopped; Victoria released her hold on Joe and stared at the building. "You brought me to your house?"
"Yes." Somehow Joe managed to slip off the motorcycle with her still sitting on the back. He then helped her dismount and removed her helmet. "Welcome to my home."
Victoria did a slow turn, taking in the beautiful stone pathways, the towering pine trees, and the subtle hint of jasmine.
"It's beautiful." Her stomach tightened. Why had he brought her here? Yes, he'd seen and been inside her apartment, but she didn't expect to see his home.
"Come on." He took her hand in his and led her up the path, then he unlocked the door. "Let me get the alarm." Joe slipped inside, then held his hand out to her.
Her breath caught in her throat. The entry hall was huge, and there was a large hardwood staircase leading to the second floor. "How do you keep it so clean?"
Joe stared at her and Victoria burst out laughing. "Sorry, it was the first thing that popped into my head."
"I have a housekeeper who comes in once a week." He shut the front door. "Come on, I'll give you the nickel tour."
"Why such a large house?" she asked.
"I wanted a place where I had room to grow."
Victoria wrinkled her nose at him, but didn't say more. Was he thinking of something more permanent with her? More than just a fling? It was obvious to her he'd bought the home for a future wife and kids.
"And for the crowning glory." He grinned as he led her into the backyard.
"Oh, my." An Olympic-size pool graced the backyard.
"As you see, the pool, and down that pathway," he gestured to his right, "are the tennis courts."
"Wow, Joe. This is amazing."
"I'm glad you like it." He leaned toward her. "Let's go skinny-dipping."
"I ... " She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. Deep inside of her, she wanted to strip off her clothes and skinny-dip with him. But she'd never been that daring, that bold. Except the night in the elevator.
"Breathe, sweetheart." His warm breath tickled her skin. "We can do that at a later date when you're more comfortable with me. For now, let me make us lunch."
Victoria took a deep breath and followed Joe back into the house. One small crisis averted. She would have to watch her step around him, because she was falling under his spell.
Chapter 5
Monday morning, Victoria sat in her office staring out the window. After spending Saturday with Joe she'd been floating until she listened to the messages on her machine.
Derek.
She'd had enough. Sunday morning, she called the police department and went down and talked to an officer. They took a report, listened to her recordings, and told her they would do what they could. She did have the option of taking out a restraining order on Derek, so she started the paperwork to get that done.
It was time to get Derek out of her life. The last officer she'd spoken with suggested the next time Derek called for her to answer the phone and explain if he continued the police would get involved. He also suggested she change her phone number one more time. They would also, at her request, send a copy of the police report to the phone company to trace the calls if Derek continued. She agreed with the officer to follow up. Hopefully, now she'd made the legal filing, Derek would get the message. She was so done with this chapter of her life.
Her phone buzzed. She turned away from the window and hit the speaker. “Yes, Lisa.”
“You’re wanted upstairs.” Her secretary’s voice came across the intercom.
“Upstairs?” Victoria blinked. Had Joe demanded her presence? She grew wet. Oh, God, she had to stop this.
“Mr. Reynolds called and asked if you could come up.”
What did Mr. Reynolds want? “Thanks, Lisa.” Victoria blew out a breath before standing. Did he have a question about her marketing plan? She printed off another copy and put it in a file to take with her before marching out of her office.
Stepping into the elevator, she’d swear she could still smell the scent of her erotic coupling with Joe. She breathed a sigh of relief when she arrived on the twenty-first floor, where Mr. Reynolds’ office was, without stopping.
Carla, his executive assistant, smiled when Victoria entered the office. “Hi, Victoria. He’s waiting for you. Go on in.”
“Thanks, Carla. How’s the baby?” Carla’s baby girl had been diagnosed with a case of colic. Being a first time mother, she had panicked.
“Sally’s much better. Thanks for asking.”
“You’re welcome.” Victoria strode over to the door, knocked, and entered when she heard the gruff “Come in.”
Joe's gaze clashed with Vicki's, and he sucked in a breath. Back was the prim and proper Victoria, but it didn’t stop his pulse from racing or his cock from stiffening. What was she wearing beneath her stuffy, plain business outfit today? Did she have on another lacy camisole and her garters? Was she wearing silk panties? A thong? Or nothing at all? His fingers itched to find out. Later.
“Ah, Victoria, thank you for coming right away.” Michael Reynolds stood and smiled at her.
Joe rose to his feet. He had to give her credit; only the slight widening of her eyes gave away her surprise at seeing him there. Well, if she thought he was going to disappear at work, she was dead wrong.
“Please, sit down.” Michael waved at the empty chair next to Joe.
With a wary glance, she moved forward and sat. Joe slid his chair closer to hers before sitting. Her gaze flickered to his face, but this time he could see real unease in those green eyes before she snapped her gaze away. Was she still embarrassed over their time in the elevator? Or Friday night at the restaurant? Saturday at his home? Nervous about why she was called up to Reynolds' office? Or was there something else going on?
“Did you have a question about the new marketing report, Mr. Reynolds?” she asked with a small tremor in her voice.
“No. The report is fine. Joe needs your help.”
Her spine stiffened. “My help?”
A delicate eyebrow rose, and Joe stifled a chuckle. She looked so sexy when she was suspicious.
“I don’t understand,” she continued.
Joe turned in his chair, his knee bumping hers. She pulled her leg back at the contact. Not a good sign. His Vicki was hiding once again. Or could she be scared of him? Mentally he shook his head. His Vicki wasn’t frightened of anything. But wait a minute--he remembered the momentary fear in her gaze when she looked at the crowd when they were out at Shilshole Bay. He needed to find out more about the guy who had her looking over her shoulder. Plus there were those odd notes he kept getting.
“I need someone to attend the ElectroTech conference with me. Our plane leaves in three hours,” Joe said.
“But … ” Her fingers tightened around the folder and notebook, her eyes narrowing and her teeth sinking into her lower lip. His cock jumped.
Reynolds grimaced as he placed his hands on his desk. “I know this is short notice, Victoria. Henry was planning to go, but his wife went into early labor, and you were next on the list. Your marketing expertise will be invaluable. You’ll be very well compensated.”
“My marketing expertise?” Her tone was icy.
Joe watched her closely. Something wasn’t right here. Why was she so suspicious? Hadn't they gotten past this yet? “You have a degree in marketing.”
“True, but … Mr. Reynolds,” she started, looking at Michael rather than Joe, “it isn’t about the money. It’s just—I couldn’t leave town on such short notice.”
“Has something changed in your life?” Reynolds looked at her with a frown. “Last time we talked, you were single with no family.”
“Um, no.” She swallowed.
“Michael, I’m sure what Ms. Collins is trying to say is three hours is barely enough time to pack and find someone to babysit her cat.”