* * *
Robert and Elizabeth really topped their weirdness factor this time. Tony glanced sideways quickly at Jennifer as he drove. Her face didn’t give him a clue as to her thoughts, but he had the distinct feeling earlier that she was intrigued by the challenge.
Was their sex life that dull? He gripped the wheel tightly as shame flooded through him. Last night Jennifer had wanted to make love, but he was too tired. Smiling, he recalled how she’d slipped out of that sexy lace outfit, but he’d still caught a glimpse in the mirror. She was a real beauty, petite and slender. Her honey eyes matched the silky golden blonde hair that reached to her shoulder blades, making her look like a golden girl.
The sudden erection at his thoughts disturbed him. Why couldn’t he have responded to her like this last night? Instead, he’d made some flimsy excuse. Tony let out a frustrated breathe. Today had been grueling at work and he had an early day tomorrow. Sex seemed a tempting treat that must be turned down.
Jennifer was everything he had ever wanted in a woman—sweet, beautiful, and smart. He smiled at that. Dumb blonde certainly didn’t apply to his sweetie, and anyone who ever made the mistake of thinking so, was quickly caught by her sharp wit.
You’re going to screw it up. I’d better do something different, something to heat up our relationship. This challenge was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard of. His inner voice prodded him with the truth—it made him feel less than a man and the husband he should be. It was his duty to keep his lovely wife happy and he’d been failing miserably lately. That would have to change.
Chapter Three
On the way, her voice inside whispered, “You want this.” Shoving those thoughts aside, she discussed a new client’s offbeat design ideas. Tony stayed quiet but she could tell he was grateful for the change of subject.
When they were getting ready for bed, her husband said, “Why don’t you wear that sexy white teddy tomorrow. We’ll make our own steam once I get home.”
Jennifer held in a smile. He wanted her to wear the same outfit she had on yesterday when she planned to seduce him. Her grin turned to a frown. That was irritating. She had been all hot for sex and their evening had turned into the typical I’m tired scenario. Would tomorrow be any better?
“I hate that you have to work tomorrow.”
Tony shrugged. “Can’t be helped. Winslow is an important client and it’s the only day we could meet.”
* * *
She decided to get a few hours work in herself, but ended up getting involved with an important project. Before she knew it, it was six thirty. Darn! It’d be after seven before she got home. Tony drove up a few minutes later. He looked tired and grumpy. Great!
He stared at her suit. “You went to work today?”
She nodded and asked, “Do you want to eat first?”
“No.” Tony undid his necktie. “You know how sleepy you get after dinner.”
He sounded as enthusiastic as a worm about to cross a hot highway. Trying to ignore her grumbling stomach, Jennifer took off her jacket and headed for the bedroom. By the time she had her special outfit on he was nude. She ran her eyes over his muscular body, but her senses didn’t stir a bit. In fact, they seemed to have died. Her shoulders slumped. Jennifer was tired, it’d been a long day, and her stupid stomach was rumbling as if she hadn’t eaten in days.
Tony flipped on the radio and soft oldies filled the room. It set a nice atmosphere, but did nothing to inflame her desires. He seemed to sense her mood.
“Let me light the candles.” As soon as the two candles on the dresser flared, he turned out the overhead light. “Better?”
Jennifer nodded. Looked better. She was just too tired and hungry, but Tony was determined to see this through.
Taking her in his arms, he gave her a gentle kiss. Opening her mouth beneath his soft onslaught, a warm flush went through her. Pleasant, but far from steamy. He did all the right things—stroking his hands up and down her body and giving her expert kisses. But still, desire lay as cool as ashes in the fireplace.
They had their routine down pat and she knew when it was time to move to the bed. Lying down, Jennifer watched Tony as he crawled toward her. His large member was stiffly erect, but the drawn look on his face didn’t match his lower body’s response.
“Move up a little,” he directed.
She readjusted her body.
Tony knelt, hands on his thighs. “Now that’s too high.”
Squishing her irritation, she moved back down an inch.
“Perfect.” He kissed her, then worked his way to her breast.
Jennifer stared up at the ceiling. Tony licked her nipple and she felt it harden, but little else. Well, that wasn’t true—she felt irritable and exhausted. Her stomach growled loudly and Tony chuckled around her nub. Hurry up, she muttered inside, I want to eat.
After a minute of giving her breasts equal treatment, he moved up her body and eased inside. He was a tight fit. She was just a little wet, only enough to keep it from hurting.
“Hmmm, nice.” He caressed the hair on either side of her temple. “Feels like a virgin.”
Tony liked to say this to her, and usually she took it in the right spirit. But for some reason it bothered her tonight.
“Right. Is that what you want—a virgin?” She couldn’t keep the agitation from her voice.
He drew back and gave her a leery look. “Hey, you know that’s not what I meant.”
She stared at him, wishing she were anywhere but beneath him. “Let’s just finish.”
A hurt expression flitted across his face, but then he shut his eyes and thrust into her.
Bump. Grind. Flesh smacking against flesh. Jennifer yawned and mechanically rubbed her hands on his back.
“Ouch, you need to trim those nails.” Tony paused and then returned to making love.
She held up one hand behind his back. Her nails were in bad need of a manicure. If she had a nail file, she believed she could trim the rough edges while Tony did his business.
Jennifer couldn’t hold back a giggle at that image. It was an old saying she had often thought ridiculous. But now she understood the women who said they could do their nails while making love. It was that exciting.
“Am I tickling you?” Tony asked in her ear.
“Um...no.”
He reared back and stared at her. Darn, he was waiting for an answer. “I just had a funny thought, that’s all.”
“Glad our sex is so entertaining.” The hurt look was back, quickly replaced by suppressed anger.
She sighed. Tony could be so sensitive at times. “Let’s just finish—okay?”
“You said that earlier.” His lips flat-lined and he withdrew completely, then sat up.
Feeling contrite, she asked, “Don’t you want to climax?”
Scooting to the end of the bed, he jumped up and headed for the shower, his dark pink staff still erect. “An orgasm would be nice.” He turned at the door. “But making love to my wife is more important.”
He didn’t have to throw out interested wife—the words hung on the air. Tony knew all too well. Knew she had been as interested in their love making session as a eunuch.
She took a quick shower after he got through, and they avoided looking at each other while they dressed. Jennifer’s mouth watered as she took out the chicken and side orders she’d picked up on the way home. By the time Tony sat down, she was already nibbling on her food. She loved the Colonel’s chicken and licked her fingers.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying the food more than the fuck.”
Now he was being crude.
Throwing a chicken leg down, she said, “I was hungry—so sue me.”
“Don’t you think I was hungry too?” He bit into a breast. “At least I was trying.”
“Face it Tony, all our trying lately has fallen flat.”
He stared above her head, then answered, “You’re right. Maybe we should give Elizabeth and Robert’s plan a go.”
&
nbsp; Jennifer found his change of heart surprising, regardless of their pitiful stab at lovemaking. She peeked up through her lashes, examining his face. His jaw was stiff and his eyes hooded. Pissed. That was it—he was angry. He’d said it when he didn’t really mean it.
She was on the verge of striking out at him and present an argument against his succumbing, but then realized she did want to do the challenge. Her sudden anger had almost driven them back to check mate.
* * *
He was pissed. Robert and Elizabeth thought they could dictate to him? Those two were as kinky as they came, at least among people he’d ever met. How dare they try to counsel him and Jennifer about their sex life?
His sweet wife seemed awfully interested in this crazy idea. Did she want to get into the whip and chain scene? He grinned. Hardly. He was being too harsh. Jennifer was demure and shy. The BDSM community wouldn’t be her thing. Then what was? Sex. Good, hot sex.
Tony’s jaw clamped tight. It was his fault, letting work get in the way. He needed to take more time off, romance her more. Staring at her sleeping form, he wondered if it was too late to back out. Damn. His anger had spoken first. Getting out of this would take some smooth talking.
He would just have to look for a chance to weasel out of this. Weasel. Great! You’re sounding less of a man each passing second. Closing his eyes, he decided to stay alert and look for an opportunity to change Jennifer’s mind.
Chapter Four
Tony didn’t say anything else about the challenge until three days later when she told him that she and Liz had made the arrangements.
“I think it’s a weird idea.”
Jennifer pushed her hands into her waist. Now he was changing his mind, after she had fantasized about the possibilities. Trying to come up with a good rebuttal, she glanced around the room, as if for help.
Her eyes landed on the open children’s book on the coffee table. Their niece had left it while visiting last week. The nursery rhymes caught her attention. Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold.
“Some like it hot.”
“What?” Tony stared at her.
“Some people like their sex hot.” She stared back at him.
“Our sex is hot.” He looked uncomfortable.
“Since when?” She walked closer. “You know it’s been routine for most of last year.”
“We can get it back.” He quirked a half-smile, one he knew she loved.
“When?” Folding her arms, she added, “The other night was not satisfying to either of us.”
“Fine. We’ll do this stupid challenge.”
* * *
Friday evening, as they drove toward Myrtle Beach, Tony acted like he had swallowed sour milk. Ignoring his attitude, she enjoyed the ride. Once they arrived, she was pleased with the resort Liz had picked out for them. It was modern with lots of windows, and her mood brightened immediately.
Tony looked at the tall structure with a bored expression. Perhaps he thought their friends would be watching their every move. Jennifer wondered that too, but didn’t care. She was here for fun and games.
The suite was nice, with a separate living room and kitchen, furnished with comfortable pieces in bright beach colors. It made her feel lighthearted. She walked out onto the small balcony, which overlooked the ocean. The pounding surf soothed her.
“This is nice.” Tony leaned on the rail next to her.
“Let’s get changed and take a walk on the beach.”
Their stroll was very pleasant and watching the spectacular sunset over the water, even more so. Tony was relaxed by the time they started back, but tensed up when they neared the pool. The Jacuzzi was close to it. Walking by the bubbling tub, Jennifer was disheartened to see it was packed.
“We’d better go up and change.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Pretty crowded.”
She shrugged. “At least we can say we tried.”
It didn’t take long to return downstairs. A couple had left and they squeezed in the remaining spot. It was nearly nine and she didn’t know how they were supposed to fulfill the first challenge when the Jacuzzi closed at ten.
The talk was light—people introducing themselves, with questions about the area everyone lived in.
A murmur of many voices drew the occupants’ attention.
“Wander where they’re going?” A gray-haired man said.
“Must be a party.” The only young male, sporting a bald head, commented.
After a few minutes, two men walked quickly to the Jacuzzi and spoke to the young man. “Hey dude, you’re missing a great party.”
“Who’s throwing it?” He got up and dried off swiftly.
“Don’t know.” The taller man said.
“Don’t care.” His friend laughed. “Free drinks for everyone.”
The other man added, “And they’ve got free food—shrimp cocktails, crab legs, and lobster tail.”
“You’re kidding me.” The bald man got dressed, his voice displaying his interest.
The short, Irish looking fellow turned to them. “Come on, the invitation is open to everyone. There’s a hot looking couple who are celebrating their anniversary. Don’t know who they are, but it’s their party.”
As if by mutual consent, everyone in the tub started getting up. The old man turned to them, “Coming?”
“In a bit,” Jennifer said, glancing sideways at Tony.
After they headed for the lounge, he said, “That celebrating couple sound awful familiar.”
She giggled. “Shrimp cocktails and all.”
He turned toward her. “I guess we can at least kiss, since Robert and Elizabeth went to so much trouble to ensure we’re alone.”
Staring at his sexy bottom lip, she snuggled close to his body. Not satisfied, Tony pulled her between his knees, into his arms.
As their mouths molded, it seemed the heat of the Jacuzzi fused with their body heat. She was burning up and not just from the water temperature. Tony’s mouth was sweet and the seductive swirls of his tongue excited her. Her nipples hardened before his hands covered them and she moaned as he rubbed the aching pebbles while his mouth assailed hers.
“Whatcha doing?”
Jerking apart, they stared up at a young boy, maybe eight years old.
“Kissing.” Tony’s voice was hoarse.
“My momma says you can catch cooties from kissing.” He sucked loudly on a lollipop.
“I bet your mom is looking for you,” Jennifer smiled.
“Where?” The boy glanced around.
“She’s probably over there.” Tony pointed toward the lounge, “where they are giving away free drinks.”
“Really?” The boy spun and jogged away.
Jennifer shook her head and thumped his arm. “Not the kind of drinks he can have.”
He grinned. “I bet his mom is there. Let her take care of him.”
“Who is going to take care of me?” She gave him a sultry look.
“Me.” He pulled her forcefully back into his embrace.
The clash of their lips was hotter, his advance more possessive. Her mouth opened beneath his while she moved her groin slowly up and down his rock hard length. Tony groaned and she murmured, “Yes”, not even aware she had done so.
His hand slid underneath her bikini top and he popped her breast out.
Pulling back, she said nervously, “Someone might see.”
“Not if you stay below the water.”
Jennifer edged lower and glanced up at the hotel. Rooms surrounded them, the windows like dark eyes staring down at them.
“Relax.” He rolled her nipple.
Her hands gripped his muscular biceps. How could she relax when he was stirring her senses to a sizzle?
“You know what I feel like doing?”
Chapter Five
Her attention came back to his face. It was lust-filled and she shook her head, unable to answer. She knew Tony had something delicious in mind.
“I feel like diving.”
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Jennifer was confused for a few seconds, but then he took a breath and eased down into the bubbly water. Her heart thudded as she felt his hot mouth clamp onto her pebbled nub. The suckling and pulling on her sensitive flesh was exquisite.
A sense of urgency thrummed through her. At first she couldn’t place its source, but then it came to her. Need. She needed his touch, his kisses and caresses. She needed Tony. Arching backward, she strove for a deeper contact.
After a few more torturous tugs on her nipple, he emerged from the water, a wicked grin on his face.
She floated back into his arms, pushing her bare breast into his hand. “I’m not brave enough to dive, but I can scavenge for jewels.” She slipped one hand up his thigh, sliding beneath the leg of his swimsuit.
His jaw tightened and he closed his eyes as she stroked his flesh gently. “Hmmm,” she murmured, “I found two lovely gems.”
“Jennifer,” he groaned, his hand squeezing her breast.
“Ooh, look what else I found.” Her hand slid upward, “A steel sword.”
“Naughty girl,” Tony opened his eyes, their dark depths lit with sensual flames. His hand left her breast and slipped down her body, gliding beneath her bikini bottom.
One long finger plunged between her lower lips, rubbing her juices as he caressed them. “Oh,” Jennifer sighed. She pumped his staff harder as his finger slid inside her.
“Tony, that feels so good.” Her hips rocked in a gentle motion.
“Ditto.” He whispered, pushing his member back and forth. “I think we need to dig for buried treasure before Captain Jack’s ship explodes.”
Jennifer smiled, but then moaned at his expression. This was no laughing matter.
“Take off your bottom.” He removed his hand.
“No, I can’t.” She was not bold like Liz.
“Then ease it to the side.” He pulled her close, positioning her body.
Myra Nour Page 2