by Mia Moore
He totally got what she was talking about. Nodding his head, he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. His beautiful wife of fourteen years, still as pretty as when he’d met her...Who knew she could be so hot, a bit of a ball buster, the way she’d played along and teased him.
He took her in his arms, loving the feel of her warm body next to his. God, he hadn’t even taken his jeans or shirt off and there she was naked except for the stockings and boots... so vulnerable and sexy. “It was crazy good for me, too. Maybe we should try different things, like this for date nights.”
She kissed his jaw and snuggled back into the curve of his neck. “I’d like that.”
He hugged her close and whispered. “Next time though, you come up with a plan. I started this one, so it’s your turn.” Fuck, it had been sexy as hell, something he’d started as a joke. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to top this one, so it’s best to let Elena come up with something. It might be fun; she’s the one who has the more creative ideas anyway.
She laughed. “It’s a good thing I have a few weeks.” She pulled his head down and kissed him, a deep romantic kiss that held the promise of something wild and erotic the next date night.
A seed had been planted in both of their fertile minds.
Chapter 3
“Green is the colour...”
— Pink Floyd, Green is the Colour
The weeks flew by for Elena. At work, the store was busy getting out winter inventory and selling off summer and autumn wear. At home, it was a constant job to keep peace between their twelve year old son, Walker, with his ten year old sister, Aria. They were only two years apart but at that age, it could be like ten years.
When bed time rolled in, she could hardly wait to hit the sack for some quiet time. Well, quiet time with her computer, researching and planning the date night that was tomorrow night! She had only a half hour window of time when Matt was in the shower to settle with the laptop and figure it out.
From her reading it was normal that couples married as long as she and Matt were bound to get a little bored sexually. She sighed and adjusted the pillows propped up behind her. The last date night had been spontaneous and wild, happening on a whim. Whatever she came up with was bound to feel contrived and planned and that would just spoil everything.
The idea of going dancing, getting dolled up and really letting loose was still lodged in her brain. Now if she could combine that with something ‘different’ that would be ideal. She looked off into space, not seeing the wardrobe across the room or the window next to it.
What had made the ‘hooker’ scenario hot had been the fact that they had stepped out of their normal lives. They’d become different people, playing a role. She grinned and closed the laptop with a snap.
Matt entered the bedroom wearing only a towel tucked in at the waist. His broad chest showed a damp line of hair dissecting and spreading out to the dark nipples above a washboard hard abdomen. For a guy pushing forty, he had the body of a twenty year old, firm and muscular. But physical labour supervising guys putting on roofs would do that.
But it wasn’t just the body that made him attractive as hell, it was the dark eyes that were crinkled in the corners with deep laugh lines, the strong jaw and the curve of his lips, the lower one slightly fuller and oh so kissable. There was usually a dark shade of beard on his cheeks and upper lip, even though he shaved every day. No doubt about it, he was still a catch.
“Okay. So what have you come up with for tomorrow night?” He grinned and whipped the towel away from his body, standing there naked, his cock slightly chubby.
The sight of his arousal made her smile. But if he thought he was getting any tonight, he had another think coming. No. That would wait and be better for waiting, until tomorrow.
“I’m covering at work tomorrow night for Amanda. When I finish, we can meet up at Brandie’s. I haven’t gone dancing in a long time.” It was hard to suppress the giggle that bubbled in her throat, especially seeing the look of disappointment on his face.
“What? That’s it? Dancing?” He pulled the covers back and climbed in next to her.
The smell of aftershave, a woodsy, masculine aroma filled her nostrils, sparking an urge to snuggle up and kiss him. But she resisted. “I’ll be sitting next to the dance floor, alone. You take a seat at the bar. If you ask me, I might think you’re cute enough to dance with...or maybe go farther if you pick me up.”
His head fell back and a smile flourished on his face as he caught the drift of what she was suggesting. “Kind of like when we first met, right?”
“Kind of.” She settled deeper into the bed and turned the bedside lamp off.
When his hand skimmed over her hip and down to her crotch, she reached for it and removed it firmly. “Save it, Matt. It’ll be worth it...maybe.”
He pulled her into his body, spooning hers close. If he only knew the truth. His thickening cock pressing into the cheek of her ass was tempting her too. But, the last time had been so much fun, it’d be worth the wait.
***
The next evening, she was later leaving the store than she’d intended. She’d closed up and sent the other sales staff home in order to have the place to herself to change into club wear. Looking at her reflection in the change room, she adjusted the shoulder of the red, form fitting dress and reached into her purse to freshen her lip gloss. Perfect. Too much cleavage and thigh for work but absolutely right for going to a bar.
She grabbed her coat and left the store, pausing to lock up the heavy metal door at the rear entrance. Lucky Brandie’s was only a block away the way the stiletto heels felt, pinching her toes, forcing her to take small steps.
The thump of the bass reverberated in her stomach even before she entered the dimly lit bar. Inside the pounding music assaulted her ears as she threaded her way through tables and twenty two year old rockers. There was one table that was vacant and she quickly made her way over to it. From a quick sidelong glance at the bar, she saw the broad back and dark hair of a couple of guys, either one of which could have been Matt.
She slipped the coat off and sat in the chair by the wall, giving her the best view of the dance floor and length of bar. When the song changed to a slower one she saw people; kids really, wander off and take their spots at tables and along the bar. What had happened to Brandie’s? It used to be the only bar in town that catered to an older crowd--older than the college and high school crowd that was there tonight. At thirty six, she felt old.
The waitress, another college aged kid in a short pleated skirt and white blouse appeared at the table, setting a gin and tonic in front of her. Elena’s eyes opened wide looking at the raven haired beauty with the chartreuse bangs. She pointed to the bar, where a blonde haired guy in his thirties, sat smiling at her.
Elena nodded her head in thanks and looked away, her stomach in a total knot. Who was that guy? Sure he was good looking, with a friendly smile and fit looking body, but he wasn’t Matt. She turned her head and scoured the bar with her gaze. Where the heck was he?
Once again her eyes grew wide, seeing the red haired, co-ed standing next to her husband, laughing and flirting with him. Hell, the bitch even had her hand on his shoulder and he was just going along with that, nodding and smiling back at her?
A shadow fell over her and the blonde haired guy loomed large standing at her table. His lips curled in a soft smile and he spoke, “Would you like to dance?”
Normally, she would have politely said ‘no thanks’ but after seeing Matt with the pretty chicklet, she smiled and got to her feet. Blondie stepped back and she eased by him, walking slowly to the dance floor. She’d only dance one dance with him, just enough to maybe get Matt’s attention, if he wasn’t too busy with the little cheerleader. She took a deep breath and turned to her dance partner, just in time for the song to change to another slow one. Great.
Blondie held his hands out and she slipped her hand in his while the other curled and rested lightly on her back. Standing
so close to him, his body radiated warmth and a cologne her father used to wear –Old Spice? Unlike the kids on the dance floor, he wore a sports jacket and dark shirt open at the neck. At least he was dressed nicely.
“I’m Bryon Talbott.” His voice was deep and pleasant sounding.
From the way he dipped his head and his eyebrows rose, she had to respond. “Elena. Thank you for the drink by the way.” She fell into step with him, her hand resting on his shoulder. When he turned she strained to the side to get a peek at Matt.
Fuck! He was still gabbing with the young woman, not even looking for her when he had to know that she was there!
“I’ve never seen you in here before. Believe me, I’d know if I had. Do you live in Black Rapids?” Bryon’s eyes were as blue as window cleaner, and the edges were lined with laughter.
She smiled and leaned closer to speak next to his ear. How would that look if Matt turned around! “Yeah, I live here. I guess I don’t get out much. How about you? You must be a regular here.” From the way the guy danced, he was no stranger to Brandie’s.
“For the past few months, I guess. Getting back into the dating scene.” He smiled and pulled her in tighter with his arm on her back.
Oh no. He was obviously interested and she had to be straight with him. “I’m married, Bryon. I’m kind of waiting for my husband to show up.”
His lips were a straight line and he sighed. “Just my luck. Someone over jailbait and she’s married.”
Her head fell to the side and she smiled up at him. “I’m enjoying the dance. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong impression.”
From the corner of her eye she saw Matt lead the co-ed to the dance floor and start dancing right next to them. He looked over at her and his eyes were narrow and dark.
A flash of anger flared deep inside. He had some nerve, acting like she was doing something wrong when he hadn’t even noticed her come into the bar, when he should have been all over that. When he turned his head, little chicklet’s face was so close to his, they could have been kissing! Her hands rested on his shoulders, gazing into his eyes.
Oh yeah! Elena snuggled closer to Bryon, resting her chin on his shoulder. Her stomach was against his, swaying to the music.
His breath was hot on the fold of her ear. “You and your husband...do you have an open marriage?”
Whether it was the music, her anger or the proximity of Bryon’s body, the tug low in her tummy was a surprise. An open marriage? Oh my God. He thought she was coming onto him and who could blame him for that. It had been a long time since she’d been this close to a man not her husband who made no bones about the fact he wanted to fuck her.
“Ah...no, we don’t. Actually, my husband is dancing right next to us.” She jerked her head to the side, indicating Matt.
Bryon’s eyebrows drew together, glancing from her to Matt. It was obvious that he had no clue what kind of dynamic was going on. When the song ended, he stepped back and smiled, leaving her on the dance floor.
Matt was just breaking it off from the young woman as Elena took a step to go back to her table. His hand on her arm, fingers tight, stopped her cold.
“We’re leaving.” His voice was hard and icy, eyes narrow in a tight face.
Her back straightened and she looked down her nose at him. “Don’t you want to dance with your little cheerleader again?” There was no way she wanted to stay either with the loud music and young patrons but she wasn’t going to make it easier on him. From the corner of her eye she saw the young woman slink away.
“Fine.” With a flick of his hand he threw her arm away from him and turned, stomping towards the door.
She huffed a loud sigh and scrambled over to the table to get her coat. He better be waiting outside for her! If she had to call a cab, there would really be hell to pay. When she opened the door, he was standing looking into the street smoking a cigarette.
“Didn’t you see me coming in? No! You were too busy chatting up a girl young enough to be your daughter.” She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him.
He tossed the cigarette into the street and spun around. “You’re one to talk! Who was that guy you were throwing yourself at?” He looked down at the sidewalk and his fingers threaded through his hair. “I was trying to get away from that chick to ask you to dance. Couldn’t wait five minutes could you?”
Elena took a step closer, already feeling the anger seep out of her chest. “He was the first guy to buy me a drink.” She managed a small smile. “Snooze you lose. At least he didn’t have to get I.D.’d to buy a drink, unlike your little number.”
“He bought you a drink, huh?” He looked over at her and his lips twitched in the corners. “You weren’t there two minutes but some guy is hitting on you?” His head fell forward and his eyes closed for a moment. “Or did you know him already?”
She reached out and pushed his shoulder. “No!” Her hands were on her hips and she leaned forward, her nose almost touching his. “Did you know the little red head?”
“Yeah right! Like I have so much time to cruise bars.” He jerked his head to the side. “C’mon. The truck’s just on the next block. Let’s go home.”
He started walking away, his hands thrust deep in his pockets.
“Wait up! It’s not easy walking in these heels.” She shook her head and huffed another angry sigh. All the work she put into getting ready for the night out and it had been a total bust. Well… not a total bust. Not having a guy buy her a drink, getting asked to dance, and then hit on her wasn’t flattering.
“Matt?”
He stood a few feet ahead, waiting for her to catch up. He was still a bit pissed off but not nearly as bad as before.
“That guy thought you and I had an open relationship. Can you believe that?” She slipped her hand in the crook of his arm, slowing his walk to her pace.
“What? An open relationship? Why would he think that?” He shook his head. “Are there that many open relationships around that he assumed we had one too?”
She nodded her head and her forehead lined with curiosity. “Yeah. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”
He slipped his arm over her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “Next time, I do the planning for date night.”
“Yeah, Brandie’s was a waste of time, all right. Even without the drama between us, did you notice how many kids were in there? It was almost like being at a high school dance.” She gave a sigh. “Too bad. I was really looking forward to dancing.”
He nodded and rubbed her arm. “Let’s go home, order a pizza and watch a movie.”
She sighed again. After working ten hours and then going out, she was bushed. The really nice thing about this date night was that the kids were at her parent’s place and they could sleep in. Maybe in the morning....
Chapter 4
“When I say I love you, know I love you more...”
— Miley Cyrus, Adore
It wasn’t exactly a date night, but more like a date weekend the following month. They hadn’t been to New York City since their honeymoon fourteen years ago. It was a bonus that the regional buyers’ meeting was scheduled in November in the Big Apple. Two days of meetings and Elena would be free for the weekend. Even the prospect of a six hour drive didn’t deter Matt from getting away to join Elena there.
He met her at the convention centre on 34th street at six p.m. as planned. With the prices of hotels, now that it was on their dime, they were going to check into a more affordable one, even if it was in Brooklyn. Actually, it would work out better with the subway and bus systems in NYC—no need to worry about parking.
“How were the meetings?” Matt looked over at Elena as he waited for the light to turn. The city teemed with life; there were so many people hustling on their way home or to wherever.
She grinned and squeezed his hand. “Long and boring. A few of us managed to get away and do a play off Broadway. But overall, I’m beat and glad it’s over.” She looked out the window at a gro
up of black musicians playing on the street. It was interesting seeing that sort of thing, the color and spontaneity of it all. “How was the drive?”
He grinned and glanced over before accelerating with the stream of cars. “Same. Long and boring. I don’t know about you but if we eat and then vedge out in the hotel tonight I’m good with that.”
A sigh of relief went through her chest. That would be just tickety-boo with her. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Twenty minutes later, with the smooth voice of the GPS lady directing them, they parked the truck in front of the hotel that they’d booked. It was a high rise of glass and steel with a green awning over the front entrance. Elena turned to Matt, “I’ll go see about our room and parking. Be right back.”
She got out of the truck and crossed the sidewalk to open the heavy glass door. It had been rated a four star online, but the lobby looked very elegant. Her heels clacked on the marble tiles crossing the floor to stand in front of the high oak counter. Immediately, a barrel-chested man with salt and pepper beard and hair stepped over to help her.
“We have a reservation here. Where's the hotel parking? My husband is parked out front now.” She glanced behind him at the mirrored wall and the lush green plants bordering it. It even smelled expensive. Quite a find on line at the price they’d got.
“The parking entrance is at the back of the hotel. I’ll get a bellhop to help you with your luggage and direct your husband.” The man’s smile was broad, revealing a mouthful of gleaming white teeth and his dark eyes twinkled. “Your first stay at our hotel?”
She nodded and smiled when the young bellhop in a navy uniform appeared at her side. “I’ll be right back.” She led the way to the truck and then went back to the front desk, where the first man waited.