Sugar

by S. L. Jennings

  Marcus wanted that again. Hell, part of him was ready to blow off work and go for round two. But how could he even mention it when they had both agreed to this being a one-time thing? Just one night of unrestrained passion to reignite the flame in their marriage.

  “I have to get to the office, babe,” Marcus said, climbing to his feet. And after leaving a chaste kiss on Lauren’s forehead, he was out the door, away from the scent of Nina’s sweet perfume that still lingered in their home.

  Hers

  It was happening again.

  For the fifth time that day, Lauren found her mind drifting to Nina. The softness of her skin coupled with Marcus’s thin layer of scruff … her delicate hands caressing her while Marcus’s much larger ones seized her hungrily… the sweet taste of her contrasting with her husband’s salty tang. Never in her life had she felt so desired and cherished. And more importantly, never had she wanted to push inhibitions to the side and dive head first into hedonism, fully exploring the insane feelings she couldn’t ignore.

  She looked up from the bouquet she was arranging and gave the expectant customer an apologetic grin. Had she just spaced out completely? Crap, she had no idea what the order was. Not only was it Monday, but Valentine’s Day was right around the corner, and they were swamped. Now was not the time to be caught slacking off.

  Flustered, she accidentally dropped the shears in her hand and scrambled to pick them up before she could make an even bigger fool of herself. “I’m so sorry, sir. Would you mind repeat—”

  Instead of focusing on the impatient man in front of her, her eyes zeroed in on the voluptuous brunette smiling at her from the front display by the door.

  Nina.

  Nina, the woman who had given her the most intense orgasm of her life, was in her shop. She thought for certain that she would never see her again, yet here she was, looking like a modern-day pin-up girl in a red wrap dress and heels.

  “Excuse me,” Lauren found herself saying without even so much as looking at the customer. Luckily, she had enough good sense to wave over one of her employees to take over before making a beeline for the woman that had consumed her thoughts all morning long, just as she had consumed her body.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Lauren had mentally rehearsed what she would say to Nina if she ever had the pleasure of seeing her again. Yet those thoughts completely abandoned her once she took in the brown-eyed beauty. How could she be this attracted to a woman? She had never considered herself as anything but straight, but now that alcohol wasn’t involved, and her view was not sullied by dim lighting, she couldn’t deny the incredible attraction between them. She wanted this woman. Wanted her badly. And her attraction had nothing to do with pleasing her husband.

  Nina twirled a dark curl around her red-tipped finger and gave an amused laugh. “So, this is your shop, huh?” she asked, her dark eyes roaming the quaint space. “You know, I must pass this place at least a few times a day, yet I’ve never been inside. It’s super cute, L. I love it. So warm and sweet … just like you,” she whispered.

  When Nina’s sultry gaze fell back to her, Lauren gripped the edge of the counter believing she might faint from the rush of blood that reddened her entire face. That rush didn’t stop there, and it claimed her, making her flush all over, especially deep in her belly. She hadn’t had such a strong reaction to anyone, man or woman, since … well, since she and Marcus first started dating. She had always been on the reserved side, but with Marcus, she could be herself. She could be free and totally unashamed. She could be honest about her deepest desires. And that’s what she thought she was in her relationship—honest. But standing here, looking at Nina with hunger gleaming in her eyes, she felt deceitful. She had undefined and unresolved feelings for Nina, and that was something she couldn’t be honest about.

  Lauren looked around to make sure no one else had noticed the sexual chemistry sparking between the two women. “Um, uh, thanks,” she stammered nervously. “Why don’t I show you around? We have quite a collection of rare, exotic flowers.”

  Just as Lauren turned towards the display of fuchsia and violet Stargazer Lilies, Nina slipped a finger behind Lauren’s ear, trailing it down her jaw to capture her chin. “You’re adorable, you know that? And, yes, I’d love to see your flower.”

  Nina’s bold, teasing words coupled with the sizzling electricity of her touch had Lauren nearly lightheaded. She could feel those eyes on her just as much as she could feel the palpable sexual tension radiating from Nina’s curvy frame. Her perfectly composed cover was at risk of being blown. She had to do something.

  “Hey, what do you say we get outta here for an early lunch? My treat?” Nina offered, saving Lauren from an awful attempt at an exit strategy.

  With a deep sigh of relief, Lauren replied, “That sounds perfect.”

  Chapter 4

  Five minutes later, the pair took a fashion detour into Nina’s favorite boutique. Lauren wasn’t one to shirk her responsibilities, especially when business could be better. But the opportunity to spend time alone with Nina was just too tempting.

  When Lauren pulled away from that first kiss at the club, a million thoughts had swirled through her head, yet another shocker instantly obliterated them. With her tongue still tingling, she had watched as Nina leaned in to kiss Marcus. He was even stiffer than she was, and while it was hot as hell to see her husband kissing such a beautiful, sexually brazen woman, she could tell that by the way he kept looking back at her, almost seeking approval, that the scene had been awkward for him. Nothing like the soft, sensual moment Lauren had shared with Nina.

  “Oooh, L, try this one on. It would look so good on you,” Nina squealed, holding up a tight, royal blue sheath dress. “Could you imagine this color along with your big, beautiful eyes and dark honey skin? So freaking hot. You have to try it on.”

  Despite the few groans of protest at the form-fitting garment, Lauren let Nina usher her into the nearest dressing room. The dress was unlike anything she had ever owned and totally out of her comfort zone. But something about Nina made her crave the thrill of discomfort. Made her want to ruffle her feathers and pretend she was just as bold and daring as the exotic brunette.

  With a sigh of defeat, Lauren slipped off her cream blouse and sensible black skirt. Standing only in her bra, panties, garter, stockings, and heels, she held the flimsy dress in front of her, imagining what the slinky fabric would feel like against her skin. Probably as smooth and silky as Nina’s tongue, a naughty, little voice whispered in her head.

  “Hey, you coming out or do I have to come in and get you?” Nina asked, her raspy voice floating from the other side of the door and breaking Lauren out of her inappropriate thoughts. There was no way she could allow herself to strut around a boutique in the middle of the day wearing something so scandalous and was about to tell Nina so when the click of the dressing room door opening made her pause.

  Here, in the tiny fitting room, dressed only in undergarments and surrounded by mirrors, Lauren was forced to face the truth that was currently staring back at her.

  She didn’t even think about it. There was no room for doubt or shame. All she knew was lust … pleasure … longing.

  Without another word, Lauren grasped the other woman, pulling her mouth to hers. They both moaned softly as their tongues collided and hands tangled into a melee of long tresses, scant clothing, and silken skin. And as she reached around to unzip Nina’s own tight-fitting dress, all Lauren could think about was how right this felt. Something so good couldn’t possibly be wrong.

  “Take it off,” Nina murmured against Lauren’s lips.

  She didn’t even hesitate. No tremble in her fingers as Lauren slid Nina’s dress from her shoulders, letting them graze the tan, silky skin as she peeled it from over a pair of full, heavy breasts, down her belly, and over the curve of her round hips. And when the red dress pooled around Nina’s feet, she was pleased to find that she was completely nude underneath.

 
Lauren stepped back, suddenly lightheaded. But Nina wasn’t going to let her off that easily. No place for doubt or shame between them. Not anymore.

  “Kiss me,” Nina instructed.

  Lauren stepped forward to claim her mouth, but Nina stopped her by simply raising a finger.

  “No. Not there. Here.”

  With the same finger, Nina traced her nipple, causing the hypersensitive flesh to pucker. Lauren watched in rapt fascination as Nina did the same with the other and couldn’t help but notice how her own nipples strained against her bra as if she could feel Nina’s fingertips fondling them.

  Anticipation created a note of tension in her belly and nervousness crept in, especially considering they were in a public place. Only a door separated them from a store full of unsuspecting shoppers. No way in hell could Lauren resist the temptation of Nina’s body. She dipped her head to gently draw the pebbled flesh into her mouth, caressing it with teeth and tongue. Nina gasped at the contact, spurring Lauren to suck harder, making sure to rotate between playful nips and hungry licks. Without waiting for instruction, she moved to the other, giving it just as much attention.

  This was so unlike Lauren, and it had nothing to do with being intimate with a woman. She was being bold. She was taking charge of the situation and doing what felt natural. With her lips still on Nina’s supple breasts and her hands on her backside, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. And she had to admit; she had never looked more fierce and beautiful.

  When Nina’s turn came to take control, she gripped Lauren’s shoulders and pushed her up against the mirror, fitting her mouth over hers. Their kissing was like damn good sex—erotic and sensual. So much so that Lauren could smell the potent mix of their arousal. Nina slid a hand between them, pulling Lauren’s panties aside to find her humid sex. Her fingernails raked over the small, neat patch of dark curls, sending a jolt of pleasure up Lauren’s thighs. When Nina slipped a finger inside her, it took every ounce of strength for Lauren to remain upright.

  “Shhhhh,” Nina whispered against Lauren’s lips. Then she inserted another finger and began to move in a slow, seductive rhythm that made Lauren squirm in her sensible heels.

  Even with Nina coaxing Lauren’s undoing in the most carnal way, Lauren’s thoughts were not purely singular. Her head was foggy with lust, yet she couldn’t help but think of her husband. Would Marcus consider this cheating? Of course, he would. Who wouldn’t? They hadn’t agreed upon private hookups, especially ones in the middle of the day in a boutique dressing room. This wasn’t right, but God … it felt so good. But would a few minutes of bliss be worth a stable, loving marriage? Could it erase all that she and Marcus had shared and built over the past decade?

  Lauren needed to stop this, but she didn’t know how. The way Nina was manipulating her most delicate areas was purely magic, and she was completely lost in the sensations of her body. It was as if Nina was made for her. She knew her body better than she knew herself. Knew where to touch her, where to kiss her. And while Marcus has always been a spectacular lover, she couldn’t remember the last time he made her climax with only his fingers. Hell, before the other night, she couldn’t remember the last time he spent more than thirty seconds on foreplay. And that wasn’t solely his fault. Lauren was tired after work, and late nights of lovemaking just didn’t fit with their schedule. And since they had been struggling with fertility issues, sex was feeling more and more like a chore.

  But not with Nina. The night the three of them had shared had been purely for pleasure. For hours they touched and tasted each other’s bodies, and Lauren felt energized. Exciting, uncharted territory, but not just when it came to Nina. Lauren was thoroughly exhilarated to intimately reacquaint herself with Marcus.

  Just as she had come to her wits, Nina quickened her assault on Lauren’s sex. The intense rhythm coupled with the way she kissed Lauren’s neck while fondling her breasts created such delicious friction that Lauren wasn’t certain she’d be able to hold on much longer. And as liquid heat snaked up her legs before pooling in her belly, it took every ounce of her strength to keep from crying out in ecstasy.

  “That’s my girl,” Nina cooed before leaving a peck on Lauren’s kiss-burned lips. Then she gently took a step back, sucking the remnants of Lauren’s release from her fingers.

  The two women dressed quietly, although Lauren’s silence was a symptom of her shame. She had never cheated on Marcus. She had never cheated on anyone. She was raised to be a reserved, respectable lady, and romps in store dressing rooms were absolutely against all her morals.

  When they were younger, she and Marcus had been a little adventurous, but nothing like this. Who was she becoming?

  “I have to get back to the shop,” Lauren said softly without looking up at Nina.

  “Sure, babe,” Nina replied buoyantly. “Rain check.”

  Lauren insisted that she could make it back on her own since Nina informed her that she had an appointment to get to. Truthfully, she needed to be alone with her thoughts and with Nina around, she couldn’t think straight. It was hard enough that she had to go back to work for another six hours and pretend like everything was fine. And with the phantom of Nina’s touch still making her tingle, there was no guarantee that she wouldn’t cut off a finger with the floral shears.

  You really did it this time,

  She stepped into her store.

  Now, how do we go back to how things were?

  Chapter 5

  Marcus had been buried under tax documents for hours, and the clock hadn’t struck noon. Taking a lunch would be impossible, and there was a good chance he’d be having a protein bar at his desk for dinner. Lauren wouldn’t be thrilled, but she’d understand. She always understood. Ever since he received a promotion last year, he’d been busier than ever. It was a wonder he had time for dinner dates, or even sex. Especially sex involving strangers with cocoa butter skin, full lips, and long dark hair.

  Damn it! Not this again.

  He tried to refocus on the numbers on his computer monitor. He’d been distracted, which wasn’t like him. He just hoped and prayed no one else had noticed, or that the cause of his distraction didn’t cost him dearly.

  Still, he knew he couldn’t continue like this. His balls had been aching all day. And as insane as it was given his heavy workload, he’d already had to lock his office door and give himself a hand job to release the pressure. He came quick and hard, and he thought it was enough to get him through the day. But it only took an hour before the images of his wife and Nina flashing through his mind had him throbbing and full again. He glanced at the desk clock and cursed. He just needed to get home. Then he would strip Lauren naked, bend her over, and bury himself in her hot wetness until every last drop was drained.

  He hoped it would be enough to sate his craving, but truth be told, the other night had ignited an uncontrollable hunger within him. Now that he’d had a taste, returning to his mundane life had been moved to the impossible column on his balance sheet. Not that his wife was mundane—he loved his life with Lauren. She was everything he ever wanted in a partner, and he couldn’t imagine himself with anyone else for the rest of his days. But seeing her with Nina, her perfect feathers ruffled … that made him look at Lauren in a whole new light.

  What man wouldn’t get off on that fantasy? And now that he knew his fantasy wasn’t just attainable, but a reality, he wasn’t quite ready to return to the same routine: work and sleep, with occasional sex if Lauren was ovulating.

  Marcus sighed. He should tell his secretary he was sick and go home since he wasn’t getting a damn thing done. No one would question him—he never took personal days. He was reliable. And a complete bastard for wanting to blow off his responsibilities to give himself some relief.

  He was just about to say to hell with it when his office phone beeped, and his secretary’s voice came through the intercom. “Hi, Marc. Your twelve-o’clock has arrived.”

  Marcus frowned, then checked his calendar. Just as he s
uspected, he didn’t have a twelve-o’clock appointment. “Uh, I wasn’t expecting anyone, Rose.”

  “Oh shoot. I got a call from a new client first thing this morning. I must’ve forgotten to sync it to your calendar. Should I reschedule?”

  Marcus heaved out a frustrated sigh before answering, “No, that’s fine. Bring them in, please.”

  He only had a few moments to straighten himself and pretend he wasn’t just daydreaming before Rose brought in the new client. After that, he was out of there.

  “And here we are,” Rose chimed from the other side of the door. She knocked once before letting herself in and ushering in the client.

  Every muscle in Marcus’s body tensed as she stepped over the threshold and reentered his life.

  Nina wore a shocking red dress that was so tight it should have been illegal. Modest neckline, knee-length, and coupled with a pair of fuckme heels that had him hard as a rock within seconds.

  “Can I get you any water? Coffee? Tea?” Rose offered, completely oblivious to the uncontainable sexual electricity that just charged the room.

  “Thank you, Rose,” Marcus managed to choke out before Nina could answer. He straightened his tie, suddenly feeling naked in his tailored slacks and crisp white shirt. “I’ve got it from here.”

  The door clicked closed behind Nina, and the sound echoed between them as the two stared silently at each other.

  Marcus had only seen her under low light, and he wasn’t exactly sober in the club or at their home. But he was coherent enough to know that Nina had the kind of beauty that musicians wrote songs about and artists created timeless masterpieces in tribute to. Long legs, round hips, a slender waist, and full breasts that made his mouth water. Her big brown eyes were perfectly accented by high cheekbones, and her plump, pouty lips were begging to be kissed. He wasn’t blind; he could appreciate beauty in all forms. But he hadn’t been this attracted to another person since Lauren. And that scared the hell out of him.