This Magic Moment (Just a Little Magic Series)

by Cross, Daryn

  “Maybe that’s what I just did,” Crandall said. “I don’t feel much like a businesswoman tonight, but more like a woman who simply wants to be.”

  He grinned down at her and then gently tugged her closer. “Well, all I can say is you definitely look like a woman, you feel like one, you smell like one and,” he stopped and so did she as he turned her more towards him, slowly descending onto her mouth.

  His fingers raked through her hair slowly as he entered her mouth and his tongue slowly explored it, almost as if it said hello to her inner self. She sucked him in like the best sweet concoction she’d ever eaten and felt the sensation of wanting more travel down every nerve ending. He broke the kiss and stared directly into her eyes. “And, oh yeah, you taste like a woman, but better than any woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of sampling.”

  “So do you.” She faltered. “I mean, not like a woman but your lips, your mouth. Oh shit, I’m making a mess of this.”

  He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose. “Your body told me all I needed to know.”

  “What do we do now?” she asked, a question more to herself than anyone else.

  His eyes narrowed in a sultry gaze. “What did you have in mind?”

  She took a small step backward, wanting to say one thing and her mind shouting not yet in the distant background. “You’re a very tempting man, Don, but honestly, don’t you think it would be better to slow down a bit? I don’t even know your real name.”

  “Oh,” he said pulling her back to him and bending so he was only inches from her mouth. “That’s what makes the suggestion even more enticing. Don’t tell me you don’t agree. I can see you think the way I do in your eyes. All passion and abandon.”

  Crandall’s body turned to gelatin, and it was melting into a puddle under his searing glance. “I’ve never had a one night stand,” she said, shocked at the lower, husky sound of her own voice.

  He leaned forward, than turned slightly to one side as he nuzzled her neck, kissing lightly from her ear lobe down the side and then back to behind it where he nibbled tenderly on the lobe itself. “Who said it was only one?” he whispered in her ear, the feel of it sending tingling fingers of excitement and anticipation sparking throughout her core.

  “Don, or whoever you are,” she said, her breath coming out in small gasps, “I’m really not a Jezebel, you know. I haven’t ever even considered…”

  “Don’t consider,” he said. “That’s what gets most of us in trouble or, worse, causes us to regret not doing something for the rest of our lives. No one knows what we are or aren’t going to do tonight. No one has to ever know. So just do. You said you just wanted to be tonight. So be a woman who wants to make love, a woman who wants to be carried away in the throes of sex without a worry of where it might lead. This is for us to simply enjoy for what it is.”

  Then he kissed her, not hard, but questioning, waiting for her answer to his invitation. He wanted her, that was obvious by his erection, and she wanted him, that she knew by the heat building between her legs and the moistness pooling at her opening. Had she ever felt this sexually charged? The answer came without even thinking. No. And for once she was about to do something she’d have sworn she wouldn’t do. “The answer’s yes.”

  Minutes later a line of clothing extended across the bedroom to Don’s bed. Crandall lay on top of the sheets as Don dropped his jockeys, exposing a huge erection. For one second she questioned her decision. But as he straddled her legs and his penis hovered above her, she licked her lips and shoved the indecision from her brain. She wanted that deep inside her and her body throbbed with the need.

  He leaned downward, nuzzling her neck as his hands gently skimmed her breasts. Crandall felt her breath catch in her throat as her nipples hardened to nubs under his probing fingers. They swirled around her areola like a virtuoso playing the violin. Then his head bent to it and his tongue flicked across, making her arch up, feeling like she could just come from the foreplay. He teased it incessantly while flicking the other one with his thumb and changed sides to give fair time to both breasts. All the while, Crandall thrashed beneath him.

  “I’m wet, please, now. I don’t know how much more I can take without you in me.” She gasped the words, once again hearing a voice thick with desire, a voice she’d never heard.

  “The final result will be worth the wait,” he said, his own voice coming in short gasps.

  Looking at his cock, she realized he was close to bursting himself and she marveled at his self-control. Then, he traced his tongue down her stomach and as she watched in total fascination, he bent to tend to her clitoris flicking his tongue across it and causing her pelvis to shake and rock, on the verge of total lack of control. “I think you’re right, my love,” he said in a low voice. “I am only too thrilled to obey your wishes.”

  Reaching for the condom on the side table, he quickly sheathed himself. Then, slowly lowering himself, he entered and sank deep inside her welcoming body. They rocked in unison at a cadence familiar since the beginning of time. As if on cue, the urgency in them both increased. Crandall felt her heart hammer in her chest as her body flushed, burned and seethed with the ever-increasing tension mounting within her. As it pulsed to the point where she didn’t know how she could climb any higher, she did. Then, in a moment of extreme abandon, her body released, wracking her with aftershocks of ecstasy she thoroughly enjoyed, but would never be able to describe. For right now, she thought she could die and be happy.

  Chapter Five

  Back in her room, Crandall closed the door behind her. Thankfully, she’d made it out of his bed without waking him. She threw her bag on the chair and exhaled sharply. What the hell had she been thinking? Placing both her hands on her head, she groaned. That was the problem, she hadn’t been thinking at all. She’s let him carry her away on a wave of such unbelievable fervor, her brain had shut off like it had been short-circuited.

  Flopping on the sofa, she cursed. She didn’t even know what his name was. She could just see it now as she tried to explain what happened on the island. “Oh, and I met a great guy, we had unbelievable bunny sex. What’s his name? Forgot to get it.” What kind of slut had she become? Worse, he was staying in this same building, and as much as she didn’t want to admit it to herself, if he suggested they’d do it again, she’d race him to his room, throw herself on his bed and spread her legs. She seriously needed therapy.

  With another groan, she slammed her fist into the pillow. “You damned idiot. That’s exactly what you did the first time.” Slapping her hand up to her mouth, she realized now she’d taken to talking to herself. Yep, ready for the nut farm. As the phone rang, she froze. Stay calm, he doesn’t know your name. The chances of it being him are slim. She picked up the receiver.

  ****

  Zack opened on eyelid. Morning. He grinned as his penis shot immediately to attention. Nothing like a little morning delight. He rolled over and felt under the sheets, first with one hand, and then with both. Where was she? He shot to a sitting position and stared at the empty side of the bed with only a small indentation in the pillow to even prove anyone was ever there. Shit! How did she get out of here without even waking him? Memories of their night together filled him with wanton desire to have her again, under him, rocking with him as one unit. He had to admit no woman had ever made him want to do it all night, even when he’d just gone through puberty.

  He threw back the sheets and stood. Laughing to himself he realized he was here for at least a week. She’d already said she was as well, so it shouldn’t be that hard to convince her to take part in a repeat performance. He knew without a doubt she’d been as carried away as he was. Walking into the bathroom, he grinned at himself in the mirror and puffed out his chest, patting it with his hand. Way to go, guy, you’re still a stud. Lord, it was good to make a woman scream for more.

  At the sound of the ring, his smile spread. Maybe she wanted to come back now. Better not jump in the shower yet. Exiting, he grabbed the nearest pho
ne. “Hello?”

  “Zack, my boy?”

  The sound of Gerald Brooks voice made him stand at attention. “Yes, sir, what can I do for you this morning?”

  “Just checking in with you to make sure everything’s still green for tonight.”

  “I’ll be there at seven sharp.”

  “Wonderful.” The man chuckled. “Oh, by the way, I have another guest coming. I don’t know if you’ve met her yet. She’s staying at Holly Heights. Her name’s Crandall Drake.”

  Zack’s smile faded. “Crandall’s coming? I didn’t even know you’d met her.”

  At the man’s laugh, Zack closed his eyes. “Isn’t it serendipity?” Brooks asked. “When I was out on errands, I was fortunate enough to share a limo just as she’d gotten out of her plane. You, me and her, all here at the same time. This should be a great meeting.”

  Zack ground his back teeth. “Yes sir, perfect timing.”

  ****

  Tightening the knot in his tie, Zack groaned in frustration. Of all the damned unwanted curses, he was having dinner with Crandall once again, all right. But now both of them were having it with Brooks. She’d discover who he was and there went his chance for a continued fling. It wasn’t fair. He would have to concentrate on business only, which wasn’t a bad thing, just not what he’d planned. Absolutely not what his body desired.

  Zack frowned. The worst thing was she didn’t know who he was. He’d planned on telling her in a couple of days, but to have it exposed like this looked like he’d meant to keep the truth from her. Raking his hand through his hair, he had to admit that was his plan. He didn’t want her to immediately see him as the enemy, especially when he’d been, still was, so damned attracted to her. Now, it was likely she would erect one of those Do Not signs in front of her, declaring even his touch was now off limits.

  With a sharp exhale, he tried to dismiss his apprehension. It was too late to undo what he’d done. He had to move on with the real mission of his visit. Concentrating on Scrumbles with Herculean effort, Zack tried to think of an angle. Too bad he couldn’t contact Mike. He wasn’t sure how to pitch his product. Coming here, he’d hoped to meet the guy and start a relationship, not launch immediately into a campaign. Now, he’d have to go for more. Trouble was, Brooks hadn’t given him enough information about his debut. It was huge, no doubt, a snack of the decade was a big money-maker, especially coming from the king of snacks.

  What was the guy looking for? A green product? A nourishing one? Something that would knock the socks off the adult market? He needed more data. “Guess you’ll find out,” he said to himself through gritted teeth.

  Descending the curved stairway to the foyer, his last step hitting the bottom, Zack saw Crandall standing there, dressed in a sapphire blue chiffon dress with a cocoon-sleeved overlay. Don’t drool on your sports jacket, Zack. Shit! This wasn’t fair. The woman was a raven-haired goddess with bewitching blue eyes. How was he supposed to keep his mind on snack cakes?

  Her eyes lifted to his and then dropped again, a scowl settling over her delicate features. He’d swear he saw her straighten her shoulders, as if ready for battle. “Well, Ms. Drake, you’re looking very nice this evening.”

  She frowned. “I see you know who I am. Too bad you couldn’t have told me that last night. Early last night.” Her chest splotched out in bright red. “I assume you’re Zack Graham?”

  He grinned. “Guilty as charged.”

  “I assume you knew I was Crandall Drake last night.”

  “Guilty again, I did know who you were,” he said, “but I asked you out because you’re a very attractive woman. And I enjoyed your company because you’re a beautiful woman. And I did what I did because you captivated me like no woman ever has.”

  “Don’t you think you should have come clean before, before you …” She turned her back halfway to him, her body visibly shaking. “I don’t mix business and pleasure,” she said, as she turned back, her eyes refusing to meet his. “I would never have gone…” He watched as she wrestled with the words. “Well I wouldn’t have. That’s all.”

  “I’ll remember that. I want to say I’m sorry, but I’m not.” Keep your mouth shut and don’t insert your foot, Zack.

  He breathed a sigh of relief as the limo pulled up outside. “It seems our transportation has arrived.” He strode to the front door and opened it, holding it for her. “Ladies first, even if they’re equal.”

  “Your sarcasm is showing.” She shook her head as she stomped past him on her way out the door.

  Once inside the limo, the two of them faced the moneyman, Crandall’s body hugging the opposite door from his. “I’m so glad you both could come,” Brooks said, his eyes wrinkling with pleasure. “I came over to ride back with you to my house. I’ve ordered a special meal and then prepared a taste-testing afterwards.”

  Once there, Brooks insisted they not talk business during dinner. Zack had endured the stilted affair, including the hot, murderous glances Crandall leveled on him. It hadn’t been easy. Despite his repeated attempts to make the dialogue light and fun, Crandall managed to smash the mood, repeatedly coming back to economy trends and bleak news events of the day. She refused to be pleasant. Tonight Ms. Drake wasn’t just all business, she was a pessimist. The only bright spot is he saw Brooks had caught on, his eyebrow raising several times as he watched her gestures and reacted to her words.

  Finally, after Zack had waved off dessert and the others had done the same thing, Brooks stood and held the chair for Crandall. “If you two will follow me, let’s go to the parlor for the testing.

  “What is this,” Crandall asked. “Wine? Aperitifs?”

  Brooks laughed. “Ah, no. I had the chef cut samples of my current snacks and display them for you. Some of them are from very large competitors. I want you two to tell me what you think of them as contenders for snack of the decade.”

  Zack arched an eyebrow. What was this guy’s angle, anyway?

  Silver trays lined a long table. They approached it in silence. “Please,” Brooks said, gesturing at the trays, “get a plate and start tasting. Give me your feedback.”

  Zack placed five different snacks on his plate, two cookie products and three cracker or cracker-filled items. He noticed Crandall was careful to take all different items, two chocolate covered confections and three nutty or other salty items.

  Zack took a bite of the first two. “Well,” Zack said, “I can tell you this one is already stale and doesn’t have much of a shelf-life. The other one tastes like it’s all sugar and must have a huge calorie count.”

  Brooks beamed. “Right on both counts.” He turned to Crandall. “How about yours?”

  “The chocolate ones have no flavor, more paraffin than chocolate and the salty ones are all salt and no other combinations to make them interesting.”

  “Splendid.” Brooks nodded.

  Zack tasted the last of his cracker products. “Same thing as the first with the salty ones. Not fresh and the filling on this one tastes like it’s all butter.”

  “So, you two,” Brooks asked. “What would you deduce from the samples? What should I be looking for?”

  “As for me,” Zack said, eyeing the smug look on Crandall’s face, “I’d say you need a product that’s fresh and satisfying but will last at least a month in a machine and still taste just as fresh as it did the first day. It also should be low in calories but not taste like a diet product or something someone would only eat to lose weight.”

  “Good. Ms. Drake?”

  “It has to have more than just the run of the mill snack. Shelf life and low calorie count are already glutting your machines.” She smiled, and he knew she smelled his anger. “The product needs to be full of flavor and combine different flavors in new and interesting ways.”

  “Great!” Brooks came forward, putting a hand on each of their shoulders. “I think I have my gimmick. In two weeks, I’d like to invite both of you to go on a national tour. Each of you will bring with you a product, a
brand new one that doesn’t exist today. The products will have the qualities you each mentioned here today. You will stop in four different localities as you cross the country and will let the folks from each neighborhood taste your product. Based on their comments, I’ll declare the winner.”

  “We win based on their comments?” Crandall asked.

  He nodded. “The folks at each location will have ballots to vote on which already produced snack they like the best, Scrumbles or Pretzlelicious. The most votes for an existing product at the end of the four stops will be vying for my business. We meet back here for the finale.”

  Zack grinned as he glanced at Crandall. She wasn’t smiling. The green-eyed lady was worried, despite her earlier attack at the jugular. “I’m ready for the challenge,” he said.

  Her eyes narrowed as she met his gaze. “Bring it on.”

  ****

  “What are you doing here?” Gretta asked.

  Crandall picked up her bags and walked across the threshold into Gretta’s apartment. “Change in plans. Sorry to intrude, but I didn’t have your home phone number. As you know, I gave up my apartment and put everything in storage when you made arrangements for me to stay on the island. So, I guess I’m here for now.” Crandall noticed Gretta was as pale as a sheet. She hoped her friend wasn’t coming down with something. She needed her healthy.

  “Why aren’t you on the island now?”

  She wished she had a good answer. The fact was she’d asked herself that same question a million times. If things had gone the way she’d wanted them to, she might not have been back for a month. But she learned a long time ago things didn’t always play out the way you wanted them to. Crandall stared at her ad manager out of the corner of her eye. For a moment the woman had sounded like she was going to cry. She must be mistaken, Gretta wouldn’t do that.