by Ashlyn Chase
“How could you be bored listening to one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century?”
“Brilliant? Really? There must have been a helluva lot of stupid people in the twentieth century, then.”
“Where did you meet him?”
“In London. He followed me into an apothecary’s shop. Said he was in town for a lecture. He spent half of our time together complaining that nobody understood him and the other half of the time demonstrating why.”
Colin looked crushed. “I see.”
“Don’t tell me he was your boyhood hero or something.”
“No, not as far back as boyhood. And I understand that he got some things wrong, but without him, my profession wouldn’t exist and there might very well be many more unhappy people.”
She sighed. “Okay. I get it.”
“Where did you pick up modern expressions?”
“Television. When TV sets first came out, I couldn’t wait to get one. I watched the department store TVs for a while and when they began branching out into a variety of programming, I decided it was worth it. So I not only bought a TV, I bought rabbit ears to get better reception. It’s what helped me stay sane to this point. Of course, better televisions have come out since then. I love TV. Some of the old game shows were such fun. If it weren’t for the weird language and letters, I’d probably have moved to Japan. They have great game shows.”
“So you watch a lot of TV?”
“Yes and I make no apologies for it. What would you do with this much time on your hands?”
“I’m not sure. Since I love the outdoors and experiencing new things, I imagine I’d travel and see the world.”
“Yeah, that’s nice too.”
“But you prefer television?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I can see the world from right here in my American living room. And I don’t get cold or wet when viewing the summit of Mount Everest on TV.”
“So how did you get to Washington state? It’s a far cry from New York.”
“I saw a program on the Great Northwest. Everything seemed so majestic and awe inspiring, I couldn’t wait to get here and see it for myself. No one told me it rained all the friggin’ time.”
“So maybe your meaning in life could come from the television industry. You’re beautiful enough to appear on camera.”
“Can’t. Immortal, remember? No birth certificate. Even if I had one, I’d have to change the century. I doubt there are other immortals on TV. Although, I’ve always wondered about Mary Hart.”
Dinner didn’t resolve Lizette’s problem but Colin had to give her something concrete to pursue. To let her continue to think about suicide could have devastating consequences, so he’d agreed to come into her apartment before going home. Okay…there was more to it than pure altruism. He’d like a chance to make out with her—or more.
He sat on the couch and glanced around the living room while she hung up their coats. He had been so blown away by her appearance when he’d picked her up that the room behind her faded. Now, she was no less beautiful, but he wasn’t distracted and could register the rest of his surroundings.
Her place reminded him of her. Petite, feminine and old-fashioned with a hint of modern minimalism. A large TV dominated one corner of the room. She’d said she watched a lot of television, so that was no surprise, but she had placed a lace placemat that matched the curtains on top of it and a vase of flowers on top of that. She had obviously made it the focal point of the room. The sofa he relaxed upon was overstuffed and comfortable with a large red-and-pink floral pattern exploding all over it. A matching chair sat at an angle and both faced the TV. A contemporary-looking coffee table and side table painted light green completed the eclectic set. Overall, the room had a light, airy feel.
“Can I get you anything? Coffee? A glass of wine, maybe?”
“No, thanks. I don’t need a thing.” As far as solving her dilemma went, he had still come up with zilch so he merely extended his arm, making a cozy place in which she could curl up. Even if her problems couldn’t be resolved immediately, the least he could do was make their date enjoyable—and ask for another.
She smiled when she saw his invitation and slid into the open space, settling right against his ribs. No wonder some folks believed that Eve came from Adam’s rib. His Eve felt warm and right cuddled next to him.
Uh-oh. An uncomfortable silence. They hadn’t had one all evening. He was about to panic when Lizette gave him the perfect excuse not to say anything at all. She touched his jaw and turned his head to face her and then she kissed him. He responded by taking hold of her shoulder and drawing her full, soft bottom lip between his—then her equally delicious top lip. Kissing her was a little piece of heaven.
Her arms slipped behind his back and she moved closer to him, settling her full breasts against his chest. One thing was for certain—she had overcome whatever social expectations dictated men must make the first move.
Still, he liked to be in control. He cupped the back of her head and slanted his mouth over hers to deepen the kiss. Her breasts rose against him and heat invaded his body. He wanted to pick her up, throw her over his shoulder and take her to bed—regardless of how wrong it was for first date behavior. No…this type of thinking was definitely not helping him control himself.
He suddenly remembered how many times she had used her feminine attributes to get men to take care of her and a jolt of alarm shot through him.
He broke the kiss and leaned back.
“Is something wrong?”
“No. No, nothing’s wrong. I just…” What now? What could he tell her? That he didn’t want to get trapped into supporting her? He was getting ahead of himself. Nothing was so neurotic as assuming someone’s ulterior motives and projecting disastrous outcomes far into the future from a tiny scrap of intuition.
She lowered her lashes and it was hard to make out her expression. At last she murmured, “I always thought I was a fairly good kisser.”
Astonished, he placed his finger under her chin and tipped her face up. “You are!” Her blue eyes had turned slate-gray. How could he put the sparkle back? “That’s not why I stopped. I just…”
After another long pause, she let out a frustrated sigh. “You said that before. Obviously there’s something you want to tell me but won’t.”
“No, it’s not you. It’s my own stuff. Pay no attention to the mixed-up man on your couch.”
Her eyes widened. “Mixed up? You? What do you have to be mixed up about? Are you from another century too?”
He laughed. “No, I’m very much a modern guy. But I’m having the hardest time figuring you out.”
“I’m not paying you to do that anymore.”
“I know, but—” Aw, fuck it.
He leaned down and captured her mouth in a long, sensuous kiss that had them both squirming. He pulled her firmly against his chest and took deeper possession of her mouth. One moment devouring, the next, teasing. A long clinch on the couch was what they obviously both wanted and what he would give her—without continuously spoiling it.
Their tongues met in a sensual dance. He felt her breasts rise and fall rapidly against his chest and he was sorely tempted to take it further. But that would be too much, too soon. Making out and perhaps a little petting was one thing but more than that was out of the question.
This delicate woman was an expert kisser. His cock grew quickly and pressed against his pants. When he thought about how much experience she must have had her expertise made sense but the idea of so many, many men knowing her gave him pause. Not for the usual health reasons, but it caused an utterly illogical visceral reaction.
The sudden jealousy infused the kiss with more fervor. His hands seemed to move by themselves. One traveled up her back, twining his fingers in her hair, while the other headed down, below the dip in her lower back where a slight dimple heralded the start of her lush bottom. He caught himself as he cupped and squeezed her ass cheeks. The raw, primal male in him again
demanded he scoop her up, carry her to the bedroom and have her for dessert. He hadn’t felt the irrational pull of lust in a long time and this was the first time he felt as if he couldn’t control it.
He leaned away, slowly, so she wouldn’t think there was something wrong, but he had to get a hold of himself. It was only then he realized that her strong fingers were groping his slacks and were headed to his crotch.
“We’d better slow this down.”
“Why?”
“Well…” he paused and thought about it. Why indeed? Slowing down was the last thing his body wanted to do. “We haven’t known each other very long. We should probably talk and get to know each other better, then see how it goes.”
“Oh. I think I understand.” She pulled out of his arms and stood, leaving a cold spot where heat and passion had swirled only moments before.
“I need to change my clothes.”
He nodded and tried to regain the control he relied upon. Hopefully, she’d return in sweatpants or old battered jeans and an oversized flannel shirt, or, better yet, coveralls and a chastity belt. Maybe he wouldn’t jump her if he could pretend she was some kind of butch lumberjack. Yeah, like that would happen.
He had to think of something they could talk about when she came back. The obvious answer was to continue the conversation they’d been having in the restaurant and in the car. He should try to keep her talking until they hit upon something meaningful that she might like to do. Think, Colin, think.
When he sensed she had reappeared in the doorway, deep concentration kept him from looking up right away. Then Lizette cleared her throat.
He glanced over, did a double take and his heart skipped a beat. “Holy mackerel!”
Lounging against the door jam and smiling was Lizette, wearing only a black negligee of the sheerest chiffon. He could see right through to her luscious full breasts and dark mound beneath. His cock jerked in his pants. Fantasies of grabbing her and throwing her to the floor so he could grope every inch of juicy woman ran unchecked through his mind.
“I look like a fish to you?”
“You…” He shook his head. “No. You look gorgeous but I think you’d better cover yourself up a little more.”
“Why? You don’t like what you see?”
“Of course I like what I see. But that’s the problem. I—I can’t promise to behave like a gentleman with you looking like that.”
She glanced down at herself and seemed puzzled. Did she really not know what she was doing? Did he have to spell it out for her? “I think your subconscious may be trying to—”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Colin. More psychobabble?” She strolled over to him.
“I’m only pointing out that you may not be aware of what you’re subconsciously projecting by wearing such a revealing—”
“Will you shut the fuck up?”
“Now don’t be rude.”
“I can’t help being rude. I’m French.”
“Still…”
“Then shut up and fuck me.”
I guess she is conscious of what she’s doing. In that case, it wouldn’t be taking advantage…would it? He sat frozen, deliberating what do to, until she jumped into his lap, curled her arms around his neck and said, “Let’s go. The bedroom’s that way,” then she tipped her head in the right direction.
Colin didn’t know whether to laugh, run, or let his animal nature prowl a little. His dick seemed to be doing the thinking for him. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom, then laid her on the double bed and crawled over her. With his cock erect, he angled it to rest between her legs and kissed her, hungrily.
She reached down, cupped his ass and yanked him up so that his erection made closer contact with her pussy, then began to grind her hips into him.
“Holy shit, Lizette. Stop that.”
“What?” She repeated the grinding motion as he groaned. “This?”
“Yes, that. It’s too soon for that.”
“Don’t you want to have fun?”
“Of course I do. But it’s fun just being with you. We don’t have to make love to have fun.”
“Of course we don’t have to…but we want to.” She reached down and stroked his cock. “I know you want to.”
Colin sat bolt upright. “Cut it out, Lizette.”
She struck the mattress with her fist. “What is wrong with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Mon dieu! I’m trying to seduce you. I’ve never had any trouble seducing a man before. Why won’t you seduce?”
Colin barely suppressed his amusement. She was cute as hell, especially when she was angry and butchering the English language. But that was part of the problem. She probably knew it and had used her cuteness with many men before as a “courtesan”.
He flopped down beside her, dragged her into his arms and held her tight. “Please understand, Lizette. I’m not ready to commit to any woman right now.”
“Who’s talking about commitment? I just want to fuck.”
Colin took in a deep breath and tried to be dispassionate as he pondered the situation. Of course he wanted to make love to her. He wanted to make her scream and beg for more. She was so goddamn sexy he practically drooled every time he looked at her. So what was his problem?
Damn, his body was certainly ready, therefore the ambivalence had to be coming from his mind. It had to be his control issues. She was trying to take control and that didn’t sit right or feel comfortable.
He pulled his face away enough to look into her eyes. He saw no guile there, just raw desire. Gently stroking her cheek, he said in his sexiest voice, “Maybe I want to be the one to seduce you.”
“Oh,” she squeaked.
Her little pink mouth in that perfectly rounded O would feel so perfect wrapped around his hard-on. He suddenly couldn’t wait to get her between his bare legs, no matter who controlled the path to get there.
Chapter Four
Immortality—A fate worse than death.
Edgar A. Shoaff
Lizette unbuttoned his shirt. He had said he wanted to seduce her, but he wasn’t doing it right. Damn it. Do I have to tell him everything? She sucked in a deep breath and let it out in a frustrated whoosh. “Colin, I need a good fucking. I’m sorry about my language. Maybe I should say pardon my English, but if you’re going to seduce me, I wish you’d get on with it.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty clear.” He lifted himself to rest on his elbow and looked her up and down. Letting his free hand roam over her abdomen, he began to rub her torso over the negligee.
Okay, so desperation wasn’t sexy. “Would you like me to take it off?” she whispered.
“I’m doing the seduction, remember? I’ll take it off when I’m good and ready.”
“Mmm…Very smooth. You’re absolutely irresistible.”
“Was that sarcasm?”
“Yes.”
Colin leaned over and kissed her. Probably to shut her up but, dear Lord, his kisses sent shivers through her and made her womb clench. Their tongues mated and swirled. He increased the pressure of his lips on hers. His breathing deepened and his hand found her breast. She arched and wanted to moan but didn’t want him to stop kissing her—ever.
He loomed over her. Predatory instincts seemed to finally take over and he pressed his mouth to hers urgently while his hand stroked and kneaded her breast. Then he pinched her sensitive nipple and her heart beat wildly. Heat poured off him—or was it coming from her? All she knew was that he had fanned the embers of her desire and she felt ready to burst into flames.
She broke away, panting. “Wait.”
His eyes rounded. “Wait? I thought you wanted to—”
She pressed a finger to his lips and said, “Shhh… Of course I do but I want to make you feel good first. Please?”
A smile hit his eyes even before the corners of his mouth lifted. “Oh? And how would you like to do that?”
“Take off your clothes and I’ll show you.”
> He didn’t need to be told twice. He rolled onto his back, unzipped his slacks and kicked them off. Next, his socks and tighty-whities joined the pants on the floor. Finally, he whipped off his shirt. His back muscles showed a nice delineation and his biceps were larger than she imagined. He lowered his back to the mattress with his hands folded behind his head, displaying his impressive erect cock.
“Mon dieu! I hope I can fit all of that in my mouth.”
He grinned. “So do I.”
She had seen one cock bigger than his, but in her opinion, that was a real one-eyed monster and a little frightening. Colin’s was perfect. She wrapped her hand around the large shaft of silk over steel. Then she stroked. His groan encouraged and gratified her. Her mouth watered and she scooted down until she was even with her target.
Her tongue slid up the inside of his thigh. The dark hair on his legs felt coarse against her tongue and he shuddered. His musky male scent made her mouth water and drove her straight to his ball sac, where she licked him, swirling her tongue. His scrotum contracted as he moaned his appreciation. Lizette loved bringing him pleasure, so she sucked each ball separately and thoroughly before coming up for air.
“Oh, sweetheart, that felt so good.”
“And I’ve only just begun,” she said with a wink.
“To be honest, I don’t think I can take much more without giving you a nasty surprise.”
“There’s nothing nasty about it, Colin. I love to make a man come.”
“Of course you do. It affirms your feminine power—but trust me, you have that in spades. I want our first time to be perfect.”
He hauled her up to his face and she squealed. Without meaning to, he had touched her most ticklish place and she giggled.
“I like to hear you laugh,” he said, and tickled her again…on purpose. She laughed uncontrollably and rolled, trying to get away from his maddening fingers.
“Stop,” she cried. “Please stop.”
“Only if you’ll promise to laugh more often.”