Thia set her briefcase on the table beside the note from Derek. Her stomach did a back flip thinking about spending time on a boat with a man she barely knew, especially one who embodied equal parts sex and danger. A line had to be drawn and adhered to. Drawing said line was easy enough. She wouldn’t show up at the Ferry Building and he’d know she wasn’t interested. Her stomach settled a bit, but the heat of a blush flamed her cheeks, just thinking about the letter and where it might lead.
She checked the freezer and found half a package of green beans. Opening the refrigerator was just as disappointing. “I guess I’ll eat out tonight.”
She could walk across the street to her favorite Chinese restaurant and watch happy, smiling couples while she had her regular egg roll and fried rice.
The green beans suddenly started looking appealing.
What a rut her life was in. She stared at the note. He’d treated her with tenderness and the sex was great. Never better, in fact.
She filled a glass with water then poured it out. Damn! Water wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to be drinking wine at the art gallery again, and feeling free to do as she pleased. She wanted to go. I can’t go. That’s how women end up floating face down in the bay.
She walked past the living room, down the short hall, and then turned into her bedroom. She looked at the paintings she’d bought at the gallery. Her heart started pounding thinking about the slave girl having no choice but to be subservient to the men, bowing to their every desire.
Tonight, after the week she’d had of reports to the investigation agency and suspecting almost everyone who worked for her, she would love to turn over all control to someone else. If she, like the slave girl had no choice but to go on the boat with Derek, what would she wear?
“Something comfortable.” She removed a pair of shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt from the dresser and tossed them on the bed. “Comfortable but a little warmer, since we’ll be in the wind and probably out after dark.” Returning to the closet, she pulled out a matching terry cloth hooded jacket and draw-string pants in buttercup yellow and added them to the shorts and T-shirt.
“Okay, now for the bathing suit.” From the bottom drawer of her oak dresser, she took out a one-piece flowered swim suit that had served her well for many years. After one look, it went back in the drawer. Why go conservative since she was only pretending?
Reaching way in the back, she found what she’d hidden there when she first received it as a birthday gift from July, and next to the T-shirt she laid a silver string bikini. She’d never worn the thing because it screamed, fuck me! But suddenly that was the message she wanted to send.
Thia looked at the bed. A lovely ensemble waited for her to dress and meet Derek. She wasn’t going, but it would be fun to see how she’d looked if she were.
Her tiredness forgotten, she stripped completely before picking up the top to the string bikini. Tying it around her neck and across her back, she tugged and pulled to make it cover as much as possible. “As much as possible” wasn’t much—most of her small, round breasts were exposed.
Next she slipped on the bottoms and at last understood where the “string” originated in string bikini. Nothing more than a string connected the tiny triangle barely covering her pubic hair to the waistband in back, leaving both ass cheeks totally exposed. The waistband, too, was a string. Her legs and hips were completely exposed. She pushed her hair back over her shoulders admiring her slim hard body and firm breasts.
“Pretty foxy, if I do say so myself.” Pursing her lips, she air-kissed her reflection then smiled, thinking of how Derek would react if he could see her in this.
Next she donned the blue T-shirt and red shorts. Her shoulders and arms were left bare, and all but about four inches of her legs were available for the world to see. A few inches of flat stomach separated the waistband of the shorts that sat low on her hips and the bottom of the T-shirt. Looking at her white skin separated by the red and blue, she chuckled, thinking she should wear this to Fourth of July picnics.
Finally, she slipped on the terry jacket and pants. Her new running shoes would complete the outfit. If she were going.
She made a face at herself in the mirror, and then took off the clothes, laying them in reverse order on the right side of the bed. The empty side, she thought ruefully. Before she could think further about it, she threw on jeans and a loose T-shirt and went across the street for her dinner. As tired as she’d been, playing dress-up reminded her there was a world outside her business problems and fatigue.
Returning an hour later, Thia was full but not satisfied. It would take more than fried rice and an egg roll to take care of that. She was glad she’d gone out, though. The restaurant had been noisy, aromatic, and alive.
Giving it no conscious thought, Thia stripped and ran a hot bath. Sinking low into the soothing water, she closed her eyes and let her imagination run. There was Derek, smiling at her. Wind ruffled his hair, lending him an endearing look. He held out his hand and she took it. Pulled against his strong chest—she remembered well how warm and solid it was—she could almost feel his fingers on her nipple, sense the tingle as they traced a path across her mound. She wanted to feel that way again. Didn’t she deserve to?
She ran hot water a second time to reheat the tub. Reaching for her shaving gel and razor, she set to work. When she finished there wasn’t an inch of skin that wasn’t smooth and clean.
This time when the water cooled, she got out of the tub, feeling relaxed yet revitalized. When she’d dried off and wrapped herself in her soft robe, she settled on the sofa to watch a romance movie she’d taped earlier in the week. Romance suited her mood, and she enjoyed the film more than she might have any other night. Going to bed afterward, she was filled with anticipation.
Thia woke the next morning, stretched, and looked at the clock. Seven. Plenty of time if she were going, but the point was moot. She wasn’t planning to go out on a boat alone with a man she didn’t know.
It struck her then. Derek hadn’t said she was the only person invited. She’d inferred because she wanted to be alone with him, and wanted him to want it, too. Just in case, she sighed and added the one-piece suit to her bag. For a wild fantasy, she might be brave enough for the bikini, but with other company? No.
She brewed coffee, then sipped it while gazing over the bay. The morning sun struck the water, sending shards of splintered light reflecting back. It would be a beautiful day to sail. She sighed.
Ten, under the clock tower, Ferry Building . The temptation was so strong. “I have to go. How can I not? I need this.”
With the desire for an escapade warring with apprehension deep inside, Thia took a quick shower. Sliding her soapy hands across the slick, bare skin between her hips, adventure emerged victorious.
* * * *
She took a deep breath and slipped on the bikini, adjusting it to cover as much as possible. Looking in the mirror, she saw her almost naked body. “Just part of the dream,” she murmured. Then, battling the butterflies still remaining, she put on the shorts and T-shirt. The buttercup pants and jacket followed, and finally her shoes. With her hair pulled back in a ponytail, her only jewelry, silver stud earrings, twinkled on her lobes. She giggled at her reflection in butter yellow from head to foot. “I may look like a little ducky, but at least I’m a damn cute one.”
Thia hurriedly packed an overnight bag and walked to the bus stop. Then, like a moth to a flame, she boarded the bus that would take her to the Ferry Building. I’m ready, I’m definitely ready. The shivers running down her spine said different.
Through stop after interminable stop to pick up and drop off passengers, Thia considered the unknown that lay ahead of her. To support her decision, she envisioned Derek. First, at the gallery, she’d been blown away. He was a magnificent specimen of a man, virile and confident. Later, after innumerable glasses of wine, he’d been warm and comforting. Then he’d given her what she needed, to be pounded into oblivion not once but twice.
Handso
me, a man’s man, assured, gentle and understanding, yet sexy with a potency that made her pussy weep just thinking of him. She’d always wondered if one man could truly combine all of those characteristics. Derek could—or at least that’s how it had seemed the one night they’d been together. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought she had another chance to find out.
Finally, it was her turn to exit the bus, and she found herself on the curb outside the Ferry Building. Alone. No Derek. Of course she was a little early. But the extra time gave her a chance to reassert logic.
You want adventure? Go on a safari, Common Sense screamed.
Go away, Emotion hollered back. I’m tired of feeling so alone.
Get a dog, Common Sense countered.
Emotion became, well, emotional, and whined, I’m horny as hell!
Common Sense snorted but was relentless. Buy a new toy.
He seems like a nice guy. What’s the worst that can happen?
Are you crazy? Don’t you read the news? Common Sense sounded pretty disgusted, and Thia was beginning to feel she should heed her own best advice.
“Okay, okay,” she muttered. She glanced heavenward. “Just give me one little sign telling me what to do.”
Like a bright chariot sent from heaven to lead her from temptation, a Yellow Cab stopped directly in front of her. “I give,” she whispered and reached for the door.
When she pulled on the handle, another hand pushed. The hand belonged to Derek. Her heart almost stopped.
“Well, hello. This is perfect timing.” Delight wound through his voice. He slid to the opposite side of the back seat and waited for her. She took a deep breath, paused for a second, and then slipped in next to him.
“Ask for a sign and you get it. Take that, Common Sense!” she said under her breath.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. How are you?” Regardless of how he felt, he looked damn good in navy blue Dockers, a light gray polo shirt and a dark blue windbreaker. His hair was neat but slightly tousled, making him look adorably sexy.
“Fine. And a little off guard. Truthfully, I didn’t think you’d show. Now here you are, looking like—”
“The cutest ducky you’ve ever seen?”
He chuckled. “I was going to say sunshine. Like I said, I’m a little surprised you’re here, but I’m happy.”
“I’m a bit surprised, myself. How did you know where to send the invitation?”
He waved his fingers in the air and smiled. “Would you believe I’m clairvoyant?” When she didn’t smile, he shrugged. “You had the painting delivered to your home and Fran keeps detailed records of all sales. After my blatant interest, she’s probably thinking about us as a couple already.”
Thia considered his explanation. Of course. Fran had her address, but should she have given it to Derek?
Her feelings must have shown on her face, because Derek rushed to assure her. “Fran would never give me your address. I saw it on the packing box that held the paintings.”
Thia relaxed marginally.
“My boat is docked off of Third Street
. I thought we might go to Monterey and spend the afternoon, eat dinner, and return after dark. The lights along the coast are beautiful.”
“That sounds like fun. I haven’t been to Monterey in years.” Then she thought of the trip and what it entailed. “How big is your boat?”
Derek put one arm around Thia’s shoulders pulling her to him, then used his other hand to grasp her hand and cupped her fingers around the bulge in his pants, long and hard on his leg. At her touch, his cock sprang to life, gaining length and thickness every second her hand rested on it.
She should pull her hand away but he felt so good under her touch. She flexed her fingers.
“Oh, very big.” He grinned. “It’ll take you down and back with no trouble, and I’m sure you’ll have a lot of pleasure riding the waves on it. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend.”
Her breath caught in her throat. If her life had depended on it, she couldn’t have moved. “I-I almost didn’t come, but it’s been so long since I’ve done anything out of the ordinary.” Yeah, sure. Two weeks ago, with this same guy. “But I warn you, I’m calling my assistant and giving her the details, including the name of your boat.”
Derek raised his brows, a look of amusement on his face. “Smart idea.”
Thia raised her head, trying to look aloof. The effect was difficult to pull off with her hand cupping his manhood. “Well, I just want you to know, until that night with you, I’ve never done anything like that before, not even before I was married. I mean get drunk, go home with a stranger. July thinks she’s my mother and she read me the riot act. I’m telling her the name of your boat and where we’re going.”
Derek skipped over the security measures and got straight to, “You’re married?”
“My husband died about a year ago. You’re the first man I’ve had a second date with since then. Even so, I’d just met you and I still can’t believe I let you–”
Derek put his finger over her lips. “Did I tell you? You look pretty in that outfit.”
She looked at him and blinked. He must think I’m an idiot. “No, I don’t believe so.”
“You do, and everybody who sees us in Monterey is going to think I’m robbing the cradle.”
The cab pulled to the curb. He paid the fare then picked up Thia’s bag, getting out on the driver’s side of the cab. Taking her hand, he led her down the dock. At the end rested a large cabin cruiser. She kept expecting them to turn toward one of the smaller boats but he seemed bent on going to the cruiser. She looked at Derek in amazement. “Who are you?”
“Don’t you know? I’m the man you’ve been dreaming about.” He smiled and turned away.
Thia reached in her bag and pulled out her cell phone. July’s number came up on her phone log. Her finger poised above the “call” button. She thought of what her friend’s reaction was bound to be, and what Derek had just said about being the man of her dreams. She sighed and chose another number from the call log. Three rings and her own answering machine picked up.
Chapter 4
Thia felt like an idiot talking to her answering machine, but as long as Derek didn’t know, she was covered. This was just an emergency precaution, anyway, and she wouldn’t really need it, would she?
“It’s ten-thirty Saturday morning and I’m at China Basin about to leave for Monterey. The boat is called As You Wish and uh, the owner is the artist I met. Derek Anderson is his name. He’s about six three, blond, tan, athletic, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the most beautiful green eyes you’ve ever seen. No tattoos, and, uh, I kind of have a reason to know.
“If something should happen—and it won’t—you have all the info you need to track Derek down and rip his balls off.” Thia heard a strangled chuckle come from behind her. “And, uh, that’s all,” she said. With a deep breath, she disconnected and took Derek’s hand to board.
“Let me show you around,” he said. He pointed to the bow. “Upper deck.” Nudging her gently toward a passage he added, “Down here is the lower deck.” They went down several steps into an extremely plush galley and lounge. The hardwood floor shone like a new car. The galley cabinets boasted burled wood and the countertop was black marble. Plush leather couches extended down the other side to a booth and table.
“This is luxurious. I hate to say it, but it’s almost bigger than my condo. This is yours?” She knew she sounded like an unsophisticated groupie, but she was stunned and couldn’t hide it.
“Yes, but not just for pleasure, I live here, too. Over here is my stateroom and up there in the bow is a second stateroom.”
“For me?”
“If that’s what you really want.” His tone was suggestive, his look questioning. After waiting several seconds for her response, he said, “I’ll put your bag up there.”
“Yes, thanks.”
Thia relaxed for the first time since she’d woken that mo
rning. How surprising. She had her own room. He hadn’t automatically assumed she’d be sleeping with him, although his tone and expression left no doubt as to what he’d prefer.
Derek slipped by to deposit her bags in the forward stateroom. On the way back he stopped for a quick kiss. “Have you ever crewed on a boat?”
She gulped. If she’d been wearing socks, his kiss would have knocked them off. “No, but I can learn.”
“Great. You can cast off the lines when we’re ready to leave.”
She nodded. “I don’t know what that means exactly, but it doesn’t sound too difficult.”
“Let’s go up and get the engines started.”
Thia followed Derek up to what he called the salon and then to the helm.
She slid onto the bench seat next to him and watched every move he made. A tingle skittered up her spine as one powerful engine fired up, then the other, sending vibrations through her body. She watched the gauges come to life before asking, “How do you know when the engines are ready?”
“All of the gauges have a normal operating range, so all I have to do is watch them. The engine temperature is the last to come into range.”
“When do I cast us off?”
“I’ll let you know.”
“You won’t leave me will you?”
Derek laughed, “No. I’d do it myself but if the boat were to drift away before I got on then you’d be out here by yourself.”
She crossed her arms and arched her brows. “What do you do when you’re alone?”
“You got me on that one.” He looked at her, grinning. “I take a flying leap.” She laughed and he added, “So far I haven’t had to swim.”
“Okay, I’ll get the ropes, I mean lines.”
“Fast learner!”
While the engines were warming up Derek lifted one of the bench seats in the salon. Taking out a life belt, he put it around his waist. “Would you like a vest, a belt or these arm things? I like the belt because it doesn’t get in the way as much as the vest.”
Derek dropped his gaze to Thia’s breasts and she knew what he didn’t want the vest to get in the way of. A blush warmed her cheeks. “I’ll take a belt, too.” He looked pleased. “Do you mind if I look around while the engines are warming?” Unlike the engines, his pants indicated Derek didn’t need to be warmed up.
She Shouldnt, But She Will Page 5