Coming Together: At Last, Volume One
Page 28
She still hadn't moved. “Can you come in, or have you grown roots into the floor?” he questioned.
Shaking herself out of her stupor she took one step in, but paused and glanced behind the door then around the room her face scrunched in a frown.
"Are you looking for someone?"
Swinging a foot out to the side as far as the tight skirt allowed she placed a hand on her hip. “Where's Detrick?"
"Why would he be here? Did you ask him to join us for legal support?” Feeling as if he had his erection under control, he rose.
Moni's cinnamon gaze rested on him. “I don't need legal counsel, but this ... you ... the meeting has to be some kind of joke.” She shook her head. “No a ploy to get me to see you."
Her statement pissed him off. He rounded the desk and advanced on her. Stopping a few feet away, he clarified, “Yes, I talked to Detrick and found out about your photo studio and the help it needed, but that's it.” Reaching behind her, he gave the door a slight push to close it. He was glad for the tight coil bar controlling it from slamming. “As far as I know he doesn't know anything about this meeting unless you told him."
Turning her head, she eyed the door as it sealed soundlessly, then faced him again. Her eyes darkened and he noted the deep breath she took.
Dee wanted to take a deep breath as well and see if she still smelled of oranges and springtime, but he knew if he did, his erection would be back in full measure.
"Of course I told him.” Her words cut into his thought. “Well, Nica told him I'm sure because I told her about the appointment.” An unclear emotion clouded her eyes. “But, I see I'm the fool. So, I'll be going."
When she would have turned to go, Dee grabbed her hand and felt the jolt to his sense at the touch of their skin. “Since you've come all this way to the Portsmouth shipyard, least you could do is tell me about your studio and goals."
"Helping these kids really means a lot to me.” Her eyes still focused on his hand on her wrist, she lifted her gaze. “Tell me this isn't a game."
"No game.” He allowed his thumb to stroke the satin of her skin below the cuff of her blouse sleeve. Sweeping his other arm out, he encouraged her to precede him to his desk.
Nodding, Moni moved passed him and took one of the two empty chairs in front of his desk. He realized his mistake. He should have gone first. As her sweet citrus scent tickled his senses, it didn't take him long to notice the back of her skirt cupped her ass like a lover, like he wanted to again. And the three inch heels lifting her calves took his breath away. Yup, his staff was at full mast now. Shit. Only Moni could do this to him, turn him on by just her presence and natural sexuality.
For a moment he considered attempting to control it. He sincerely wanted to support her and her photo project. He'd already spoken with his dad who was in full agreement. But, ultimately his goal today was to continue his relationship with Moni. He'd sent her flowers a week ago and hadn't really expected a response from her after she'd left his bed in the cloak of darkness, but he wanted her to know she was still on his mind. That he had no desire of letting them just have that one night.
Strolling to his desk with confidence, Dwayne sat on the front corner before her. “So, tell about your studio."
* * * *
Oh, hell no, he's not sitting before me with a raging hard-on. Moni swallowed down the excess salvia that had pooled in her mouth at the long thick impression in his pants. She remembered vividly how that dick felt inside her body. As she watched it twitch in response to her bold appraisal her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth as she pondered how his length would feel in her mouth.
No, she told herself emphatically. One hit, that's it. Both of them were attracted to each other, but she was only here for the kids, nothing else.
Allowing her gaze a slow stroll up his body, teasing herself, she met Dee's gaze and permitted him to see her desire. “Mr. Shelton.” That's right girl, keep it professional. “My purpose behind Pixel Promises is simple. I want to teach urban children to take control of their life and destiny. The rate of teenage pregnancy, drug problems and dropout in urban areas is astounding. A lot of youth today don't have a sense of purpose or “where they belong” in the big picture of society. Some are looked down upon so frequently by their community because of where they live or their parents’ lack of income that they grow up with a hate or disdain so rich in the mind for their environment. It begins to taint who they see themselves as. Who they are or who they can be."
Moniqua could feel herself becoming excited. Her throat became tight as she spoke.
"I can hear in your voice and see in your expression how passionate you are about this project.” Dwayne's tiger eyes were dark as she listened intently.
Relaxing for the first time since entering the room, Moniqua leaned back in the chair and crossed her legs. “If I can teach these kids to look through a camera's lens and see the history, beauty and life that is blooming around them all the time. How those things have marked their soul with compassion. Then I can show them how to use all that toward a future."
"Wow.” Dwayne said, as if he were rendered speechless. “I'm impressed."
"Well, step aside and be impressed some more. I'd like to show you some of their amateur photos.” She held up her case.
"By all means.” Dwayne rose from the side of his desk and directed her to use the top of it to lay out her prints.
Unzipping the portfolio, she laid it flat on the wood surface. “I call them amateur, not because of the teens ages, but because these are just the beginning of what they will learn to do in achieving and honing their craft."
She flipped through the pictures and told him about each minor's photograph. Dwayne asked questions about the kids, the craft and what would be entailed in the sponsorship. She told him about Up and Coming Magazine's offer to publish the photo's monthly.
After she went through all the pictures, she turned toward him fully. They stood before each other silent for a moment.
"How long do you plan to do this? One year? Two?"
Dwayne hadn't asked anything different then other interviewers once they had learned she was a freelance photographer. In the past she had stated that her goal was to be here for a year and during that time find another experienced local photographer that would work with her and eventually take over. Before she'd experienced no guilt in her choice, nor any desire to stay longer. However, this time she gazed at the person asking her the question. This man, who respected her art, encouraged her drive in it and showed an honest interest in not only her, but what she was attempting to do. “I don't have any plans of leaving anytime soon. I want to see this through."
Sticking his hand out, he said, “Ms. Walker, Shelton Shipping Company would be happy to offer you sponsorship for Pixel Promises."
She wanted to scream loudly, instead, she gave him a big smile and placed her hand in his.
"On one condition.” His hand tightened on hers, not allowing her to pull away.
"What condition?” She was curious what he would want, some company representative had requested exclusive rights to the children's pictures, seeing a possible gold mine in the future. Other's had wanted to select which teens were allowed to enroll. She'd denied both offers.
"You. I want you.” He eyes became browner, almost eliminating the gold flecks.
Her heart accelerated and she did what she did best, ignored it. Tugging, she tried to pull her hand from his. “I'm sorry, Mr. Shelton, I'm not on the table as an offer."
Releasing her hand, he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Immediately she noticed that his erection had never subsided.
"You should be. And I'm not agreeing to this deal without you.” His fingers brushed along the silk shirt at the small of her back.
She fought against the goose bumps and heat running along her spine. “Do I look like a prostitute to you? I may want this studio to succeed, but not at the expense of my pussy.” Her response was blunt.
Lifting
one hand, Dee brushed his thumb down the side of her face and across her bottom lip, his touch light, caressing. “You don't look like a lady of the night at all. Even as unforgettable as you were when we met. What you look like is a woman I could fall in love with. I want to get to know everything about you. Watch you achieve this dream of yours, love you through the night and day. I'm not asking for a chance to get into your pussy, but into your heart."
Those words ceased her struggles. Men had waxed poetic to her before, but none had been as bold in their words as Dwayne. “My heart?"
"Yeah,” he laughed. “It that muscle behind your beautiful breast."
Smiling, she said, “I know where it is. Believe it or not, it does beat occasionally."
Pulling her close, he placed a kiss on both corners of her mouth. “Well, how do I make it beat for me?"
Wrapped in his arm, Moniqua felt the strong pounding of his heart against her own. Then her heart began to thump, beating in time. “I think you just did."
She watched, Dwayne close the distance and seal their agreement with a kiss that warmed her heart and made her stop wanting to run, but decide to stay and live.
* * * *
sasse-yvette-hines.blogspot.com
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Love Slave
© Jax Cassidy
I kneel to him.
My body trembles from anticipation as he christens my soul with a glance.
His hand glides across my cheek like silk ribbons, a finger rests against my parted lips and I repress the urge to capture it.
He knows what I like and I know his goal, yet a love slave only honors his taste to conquer me.
He is in control, he engages the rules.
And I am but a willing prisoner in this game of lust, panting for the prize.
This duel of minds of hearts and bodies becoming one beat when I melt under him, soaring into the unknown.
With every touch and caress
I am his.
jaxcassidy.com
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About Coming Together
Coming Together is about giving and about sex—a tantalizing combination in any context. Conceived online in the Literotica[®]com Authors Hangout, a forum for erotica writers, Coming Together is the passionate product of many talented individuals. It's grown way beyond its original borders.
We were all amateurs when the first erotic cocktail was served. In the years since the inaugural volume hit the cyber shelves of Café Press, many of the original contributors have become successful professionals: authors, poets, editors, and artists. Traditional, small press publishers have picked up many of the self-published titles, and Phaze has continued to pour our philanthropic elixir into its catalog. Both Charles River Press and eXcessica have e-published Coming Together titles, and in the spring of 2009, All Romance eBooks will be added to that list.
To date, Coming Together has compiled ten collections, with several more in the works. I am thrilled with and humbled by both the quantity and quality of the submissions received. Support from publishers and booksellers has been exemplary, as well. The critical acclaim is the cherry on top.
In each volume, we strive for an inclusive mix, embracing the diversity of desire. The causes we champion cross all demographic groups, and so does Coming Together. While each individual intoxicant may not suit the tastes of every reader, the savory cocktail is sure to stir every imagination.
Note, however, that these pages may contain stories in which the characters do not practice safe sex. Everyone involved with the publication of Coming Together encourages its readers to act responsibly and to take appropriate precautions against both unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of disease.
All proceeds from the sale of this volume of Coming Together will be donated to Amnesty International (amnesty.org) which campaigns for internationally recognized human rights for all.
Bottoms up!
peace & passion,
Alessia Brio
www.eroticanthology.com
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Sex-Kitten.net
Sex-Kitten.Net is pleased to support this edition of Coming Together—and the project in general.
We admire the work of editor Alessia Brio and all the talented authors who have made this book truly something amazing. They along with you, the buyer of this book, are proof that fans of erotica are more than just some dirty-minded selfish folks—you are all proof that sex & arousal, even the solo acts, are indeed acts of love.
We sex kittens would like to officially salute you all—but with copies of this book so near, our hands are working their way towards our panties...
~ Gracie Passette
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With Special Thanks
As I once commented in an interview: Giving is just plain sexy! There are some damned sexy people involved in the publication and promotion of Coming Together.
I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful authors. Please visit their sites and support their work. There are website addresses immediately following each story or poem.
In addition, each of the following has gone above and beyond to help ensure the success of Coming Together. Please find a way to show your appreciation for their generosity:
Phaze Books
www.phaze.com
All Romance eBooks
www.allromanceebooks.com
Lucrezia Magazine
www.lucreziamagazine.com
Romantic Times
www.romantictimes.com
EPIC
www.epicauthors.com
ScrapFairy Designs
www.scrapfairydesigns.com
Erotica Readers & Writers Association
www.erotica-readers.com
Alison Kent
www.alisonkent.com
Barry Eisler
www.barryeisler.com
Charles River Press
www.charlesriverpress.com
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Visit www.phaze.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.