"Don't worry, you wanted to be alone, and I disturbed you. I apologize."
Damn. A man who could apologize, even when he wasn't in the wrong? Impressive. “No, don't. It was my fault. I'm sorry. I just wasn't in a good mood."
He smiled brightly, showing those straight white teeth. “Can we start again?"
* * * *
Linda looked at the man she'd just spent the day with. After convincing her to start over, they'd shared the ride to the dam in companionable conversation. He spent the tour of the dam by her side, and then walked the grounds of the chocolate factory with her. Their conversation had been easy and friendly, touching upon seemingly every subject under the sun—including the dreaded politics and religion. He was incredibly intelligent and well read, and she found him interesting. She couldn't recall a day she had enjoyed so much.
But what did he want? No guy who looked like that would willingly spend the day with a woman like her without an ulterior motive. She could hear her mother in the back of her head, "Men like him never settle for hamburger when they can get prime rib."
She knew she wasn't ugly, but she wasn't gorgeous or skinny like most of the women she had seen since she came to town. There were plenty of other women who would look better at his side. And in his bed.
Linda forced herself to look out the window at that thought. Where the hell had it come from? He'd only walked with her around the visitor center of the dam, and here she was picturing them naked. In bed. Together.
God, she was so damn horny she was willing to jump the first friendly stranger she met.
"Do you have plans this evening?"
"I'm sorry?” Linda dragged herself back to the man at hand.
"Do you have any plans this evening?"
"Um, well...” Linda hadn't planned on anything other than eating at the hotel restaurant, alone.
"Would you join me for dinner?"
"Excuse me?” She hadn't heard him correctly. There was no way she had.
Smiling, he picked up her hand resting on her leg, and caressed it gently. “I would be honored if you would accompany me to dinner this evening."
"Why?” She blurted it out before she could stop herself.
"Because I have enjoyed your company today, and don't want it to end.” His thumb stroked the back of her hand in a feather-light caress sending shivers up her arm straight down to her pussy. Muscles clenched as it moistened in reaction to his touch.
He brought her hand up to his lips, brushing the inside of her wrist with a gentle kiss. “Please say yes."
"Yes.” Linda's throat was dry, her voice husky as she responded without thinking.
"Eight o'clock?"
Linda just nodded and gave him her hotel room number, in shock, wondering what she'd just done.
* * * *
One last look at the clock. What on earth possessed me to agree to this stupidity?
Calm down, Linda. It's just dinner. It's not like he asked you to bed. Bed. Oh my God. What if he wants to sleep with me? What will I do? Okay, I'm not a virgin, but still, go to bed with a man on a first date? I've never done that before. And what if I do and he doesn't like it? I'd never be able to live with myself.
"Stop! You are going to drive yourself crazy with this. He asked you to eat with him, nothing more."
She looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the closet and admitted she looked passable. Her long blond hair ran down her back almost to her ass, her large breasts were supported rather well by her strapless bra, and the generous amount of cleavage took attention away from the less flattering aspects of her body, like her stomach.
The outfit she wore was a calf-length little black dress with spaghetti straps. For a plus-sized woman, she thought her arms were well defined, and her shoulders smooth. The scarf hem of the dress hid her overly large calves while pulling the eyes to the four-inch heels she was wearing. It was a beautiful dress, and she'd gotten an incredible bargain on it. Not beauty queen material, but she would do for dinner with a stranger.
She jumped at the knock on her door. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, Linda balled up her courage and opened the door.
Damn. He was gorgeous in casual clothes, but in a suit he was freaking unbelievable. His dark hair was combed back with one lock curled to the side of his face, framing his bright blue eyes as they sparkled. Her body heated as his gaze raked over her.
"You look exquisite.” His voice was low and husky, as though he were having trouble breathing.
"Thank you. Same to you."
He smiled at her, sending shivers up her spine.
"I take it you're ready?"
"Let me just grab my wrap and we can head out.” Desert or not, it got cold at night. Linda grabbed the shawl from the end of the bed, and turned to see him waiting at the doorway, holding it open for her.
He pulled the door shut behind her, and placed his hand on her lower back on the way to the elevator. The heat radiated from his palm straight through the silk of her dress.
"Do you like French food?” he asked as they walked to the elevator.
"Honestly, I can't say I've ever had much of it, so I don't know. Why? Where are we going?"
"Le Cirque."
Linda's eye opened wide at the mention of one of the most exclusive restaurants in town. They suggested reservations weeks, if not months, in advance, as well as having some of the priciest meals on or off the strip.
She stopped and turned toward him. “Le Cirque?"
He smiled, and reached a hand out to her face. “Yes. Is there something wrong?” he asked as his thumb stroked her cheek.
She didn't know where to begin. “How did you get reservations on such short notice?"
His smile was hiding something. “Does it matter?"
"Why don't we go somewhere more casual?” If Linda were completely honest with herself, she didn't want to go to Le Cirque for the simple reason she didn't want to be around all the beautiful people. Le Cirque had an exclusive clientele, and she knew she didn't fit the profile. “I don't want to put you out."
"It's no trouble at all. Reservations are made and the table is waiting for us."
Deciding not to make waves, after all she couldn't imagine what he'd gone through to get the reservations, she stopped protesting and continued walking down the hall.
When they got downstairs, he asked if she minded if they walked to the restaurant. The Bellagio was only next door, but sometimes in Vegas distances could be deceiving. Since it was a beautiful night, and the area was well lit and exquisite at night, she agreed eagerly. When they arrived at the restaurant, there was no waiting and the hostess seated them near a window overlooking the dancing waters. One of the first things Linda had seen when she came to Vegas was the fountains. She made sure to see at least one show a night. They were beautiful.
After dinner, Michael suggested they walk to the conservatory and botanical gardens the Bellagio was renowned for. Like all visitors to Vegas, Linda had decided to tour the different themed hotels, as each had something unique to offer. She hadn't gotten to all of them, and the Bellagio, with its garden and conservatory was still on her list to see.
"I'd like that. I haven't seen them yet.” She agreed eagerly as he escorted her down the corridor.
As they walked through the gardens, both declared themselves amazed by the area. She had to remind herself to breathe more than once as their bodies bumped each other while they were walking. Finally he put his arm around her, which just sent her hormones into overload as every cell heated to boiling point.
Make small talk. Breathe. Do something. She was so lost in her orders to herself that she had to ask him to repeat what he'd just said.
"The amount of work involved in changing every flower and plant to reflect each season has to be incredible."
"I know. But the effort is worth it, it is beautiful."
"It is a fitting frame for your beauty, I will grant that."
Linda raised an eyebrow at her smooth-ta
lking companion. “A bit heavy, there, don't you think?"
"You think?"
"Definitely."
"Why?” Michael tilted his head as they turned to look at each other next to the butterfly cage.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you think the compliment was overboard?"
Linda sighed. “Because I know I'm not beautiful."
"You are the most beautiful thing in this room.” His eyes pinned Linda so strongly her heart forgot to beat.
She quickly turned away and walked to the other side of the pathway. No matter how much she wanted to believe him, reason and common sense told her the truth.
"Why do you do that?” He came up behind her as she stared blankly at the pond in front of her.
Plastering a smile on her face, she turned to face him. “Do what?"
"Turn away or turn cold whenever I compliment you. You did it every time I said something nice about your appearance today at the dam, and then again in the bus.” He gently grasped her by the shoulders and turned her body toward him. “You are beautiful."
"No, I'm not."
"What makes you say that?"
"Look, Michael, I'm thirty years old. I know what most people think of me. I'm fat, and nothing you say can change that."
"You are beautiful."
"No, I'm not."
"Linda, Western culture is one of the few cultures that cherish skinny, anorexic bimbos. Throughout history women with curves have been desired and honored for their looks. The oldest goddess figurine ever found represents a full-figured woman. She has large breasts and a full stomach. Very rarely have skinny women ever been appreciated."
"Okay, well we're in the twenty-first century, and here they are."
"Not by me they aren't.” He reached out a hand to cup her cheek, the other on her lower back, pulling her closer to him. “Linda, you are beautiful. Your bright green eyes shine with intelligence and good humor. You have gorgeous full breasts that I ache to hold in my hands. Your stomach is nicely rounded and invites me to pillow my head on it for a rest. And your thighs are muscled and strong, fully capable of supporting me as we make love. There is nothing about your appearance that I would change. Nothing."
Linda felt tears spring to her eyes at his speech.
Before she could respond he cupped the back of her head with his hand and pulled her to him. Their lips met in a gentle, searing kiss that she felt straight down to her toes. His lips burned against hers as he showed her without words what he thought of her. Heat coiled in her body as she melted against him.
If only she could believe he truly meant what he said. She knew it was too fantastical to be true. But maybe she could let herself believe for a little while. Her vacation was over in a couple days. Perhaps she could take what he was offering and just enjoy herself. Trust your instincts.
What would it hurt to believe for just a little while that she was sexy enough for a man like this? There weren't any promises being made, any assumptions that needed to be met. Just a night with her own private Adonis.
To hell with consequences, she was going to have fun this vacation. And that included having sex with this hot hunk of a man turning her insides to jelly.
All thoughts flew out the window as he intensified his kiss, his tongue probing her lips for admittance. Eagerly she opened up, allowing him in, pressing her body even closer to him. She heard a moan, knew it wasn't her, and it sent her blood to boiling that she could get that kind of a response from a man like him.
His hand was knotted in her hair, keeping her from moving away. As if she wanted to. His other arm snaked around her body, pulling her tight against him, leaving her no doubt at all that he wanted her. The evidence of his desire pushed into her belly as her hands moved down to his hips, holding him there against her while she responded as good as she got.
He tore his lips away from hers to demand in a husky voice, “I want you, Linda. I don't care where or how, but I want you. Tell me if it isn't what you want because if we continue, I won't want to stop. Hell, I don't want to stop now, but I will."
"Yes, please.” She was surprised at how breathless her voice sounded.
"Yes, stop? Or yes, let's find a room before we put on a show for any other visitors and security?” His eyes were bright, glittering with intention.
"Yes, room."
He didn't wait for more than that before grabbing her by the waist and walking quickly to the exit of the hotel. Everything from that point to when they got to her room was a blur of emotion and sensation. Everywhere her body bumped against his flames shot through her straight to her crotch, drenching her panties with desire.
She was unsure how they got into her room. She didn't even remember opening the door before she was in his arms once again, each clamoring for more of the other. She needed to be close to him, and she felt as though he were trying to climb into her skin.
Clothes went flying everywhere, and before she knew it, she was lying in bed naked, Michael beside her, just as naked and breathing hard.
"Let me turn on—"
"No!” Linda realized how panicked she sounded, and calmed her voice before continuing. “Please, no. This is fine."
"But I want to see you."
Linda shook her head, knowing he could see well enough by the light coming in through the crack in the drapes. “Please."
She didn't know what went through his head, but he finally said, “Okay. If that's what you want."
Breathing a sigh of relief, she reached for him as he moved toward her to take her lips with his once again.
She should have been used to the heat by now. She didn't think it possible to get more turned on than she already was just by a kiss, but she was. His lips seared her straight to her core. He kissed his way down her neck as his hand cupped her breast.
She exhaled sharply at the touch of his hand against her skin.
"Like that?” he asked with a smile in his voice as his thumb brushed feather light across her already stiff nipple.
"Ye-es,” she responded jerkily.
He adjusted his hand to gently squeeze her nipple. “That?"
"Yes.” She was growling now, eager for him to get on with it, her hands meeting his body. One on his shoulder, one on his hip.
The pinch, when it came, was hard and sharp, and sent her arching off the bed. “Damn!"
"Did I hurt you?"
"Hell, no!"
She heard him snicker as he once again cupped her breast in his hand and brought his lips down to lave attention onto her abused nipple.
"I so do not want...” Lick. “...to hurt you...” Lick. “...in any way.” Nip. “I only want to...” Lick. “...give you pleasure.” Lick.
One hand dug into his hip, as her other fisted in his hair, pushing him harder against her breast.
His other hand stroked down her waist to her thighs, sliding up and down the outside of her legs. Her legs were one of the few things she was proud of on her body. She walked to work everyday, and rode her bike regularly, so they were strong and firm, if a bit large, but he wouldn't find any cellulite there.
Michael shifted his body to lay between her legs as his mouth worked its way over to her other breast. His hand still played with the first one as he laved attention on its sister. Soft, gentle kisses and light licks of his tongue promised her more as he slowly took that nipple into his mouth.
Linda had always known she had very sensitive nipples. They responded to even the most mild stimulation or temperature change. What Michael was doing to her was anything but mild, though, and drove her wild. Obviously having learned from his attentions to her first breast, he sucked on her nipple with a gentle tugging motion that built in intensity.
Jolts shot through her body at each suckling, shooting straight down to her pussy, liquid easing out between her legs.
His hand moved to her hip as he took one last hard suck on her nipple before working his way down her stomach, to the area right above her pubic hair. His hands joined
his head, holding on to her hips as he turned to look toward her. She could see the glitter of his eyes through the minimal light from the window.
"I am going to make love to you, Linda. I am going to make love to you until you beg me to stop. And even then I won't stop. I won't stop ‘til you're so exhausted you pass out."
Shivers went through her body at his words as pleasure engulfed her. She didn't doubt a word he said, and knew without a shadow of a doubt he was fully capable of fulfilling that promise.
He turned his head away, down toward her dripping pussy. His hands moved to her thighs to open her legs wider, providing him better access.
"Mmm, heaven. I love the scent of a woman who is ready for me. It's intoxicating."
Linda fisted the sheet in her hands, squeezing tightly as he moved into her crotch.
Lightly, he flicked his tongue at her, one hand moving to separate her lips before he licked straight up her cleft. Her hips drove down into the mattress, twitching away from his hold at his movements. He didn't let that deter him, though, as he moved in closer, taking her lower lips with his as he teased her open again to allow his tongue access.
Again, another long stroke, this one slow and deep, all the way to her clit. He stopped at the nub, running his tongue around the sheath, playing with it, flicking it as though debating what he wanted to do next.
Her hips had a mind of their own as they moved in concert with his tongue, his hands once again holding her lightly. She wanted more; she needed more. No more teasing.
"What do you want me to do, beautiful? Do you want me to lick you dry?” Again, as he had at her breast, he punctuated his words with movements, matching actions to his words. “Play with your clit?” Her hips thrust as his tongue tortured her once again. “Or suck you into my mouth until you scream?"
She screamed as he pulled her clit into his mouth and sucked hard, the sheath pushed back by his lips while his teeth and tongue nipped and sucked at her inner core. Her head whipped back and forth as she experienced an orgasm so intense her entire body spasmed in response as he fed at her.
"Stop. No more.” Her voice was weak, breathless. She'd never orgasmed so strongly or quickly before. If he continued, she had no doubt that she really would pass out from pleasure.
Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 1 Page 4