Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  “Friends I can manage. Thank you for the wine.”

  I led him to the small dining table, which overlooked the ocean, placing the bottle on the light wood.

  “Should we open the slider?” Austin said. “There’s a nice breeze this evening.”

  “Please.”

  As I searched for a corkscrew in the kitchen drawer, Austin opened the slider. The scent of the sea wafted inside the villa. I handed the small silver corkscrew to him just as a knock on the door indicated our meal arrived, transported over by Zeena, a petite, dark-haired woman dressed in a white uniform. Our food was under silver domes on a cart covered with a white linen tablecloth. She nodded as she entered, placing the trays on the table.

  “Thank you,” I said as she departed, taking the cart with her.

  Austin held my chair out for me and pushed it in as I sat down. I waited for him to seat himself before I removed the cover of my meal, broiled tuna steak with sautéed spring vegetables.

  Dinner with Austin was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. It was relaxed, and I felt comfortable with him almost from the minute we met. He had a way of putting me at ease. We chatted about the work we did and places we frequented in Los Angeles. Before we knew it, hours had passed, and it was after midnight.

  I glanced at my watch as I leaned back in my chair. “Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was,” I said.

  “When you enjoy spending time with someone, you don’t want it to end.”

  “I need to go to bed. I think the sun drained me.”

  Austin nodded. “I hope we can continue this tomorrow. Would you like to come to my place?”

  “What time?”

  “Whenever you get up. I usually awake by five. I love the sunrises here.”

  I snorted. “It’s after midnight. You can survive on five hours of sleep?”

  “Less if I have to, and there have been times.”

  I knew Austin was referring to sex, and it made me stir below my waist. He stood up from the couch where he was sitting opposite me, and I joined him as he walked to the door. He planted a gentle peck on my cheek before he left, which surprised me.

  I had trouble falling asleep as I thought about the brush of his stubble against my face and the smell of his cologne. Austin was affecting me, and I tossed and turned until 2:00 AM when I dragged myself from bed so I could sit outside and enjoy the moonlight.

  Most of the lights in the other villas were out. I glanced over at Austin’s and saw the faint glow of something on the deck. I squinted and saw an outline of a figure on one of the chaises. He was sitting out there smoking. I saw him stand, and the glow went out. He started to remove his clothing, and there was a splash as he dove into the ocean.

  I could see his arms slicing through the water in the moonlight. He hoisted himself up the stairs, and before I knew it, he was on the deck and questioning me.

  “You’re up?”

  I yawned. “I couldn’t sleep. It’s nice out here. I guess you couldn’t sleep, either.”

  Austin swept his dripping hair off his forehead. “I think I’m too wound up.”

  I crooked my eyebrow. “Wound up, how?”

  “By you.”

  “Me? What did I do?”

  “I can’t get you out of my head. I was here the day you arrived, and I watched from the window. I even peeked out the door.”

  “Is that why you had to come over this afternoon?”

  “You’re disruptive. How do men work around you?”

  I began to laugh so hard that I couldn’t breathe, and when I stopped, Austin was staring at me.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “People despise me. In fact, it’s probably a toss-up between hating me or fearing me. I’m sure my employees rejoiced when they found out I was leaving for my yearly vacation. It’s like a Christmas bonus for them all over again.”

  He sat on the chaise next to me. “I find that hard to believe. I spent several hours with you, and I find you pleasant and sweet.”

  I shook my head. “My colleagues would beg to differ.”

  He sat down on the other chaise, “That’s just business though. I’m sure plenty of my students dislike me.”

  “Do you have friends?”

  “Yes, several.”

  I began to play with the hem of my t-shirt. “I don’t. I haven’t had any new friends since I left the San Diego. I talk to those people so infrequently; I’m not even sure if I have any friends.”

  “Why are you like that?”

  I gave a sarcastic laugh. “You said it yourself. I’m a petite woman. Women in Hollywood need to try ten times harder than men. I have a reputation, one I’m sure you already checked out.”

  He grinned. “I was curious. I looked up your name. I found nothing but positives in the articles I read.”

  “That’s because as far as business is concerned, I do it well. Personal relationships are another story. I don’t do personal well. I didn’t grow up in a touchy-feely household. My parents are doctors who travel quite a bit doing charity work.”

  Austin reached out to stroke my arm with his water-cooled fingers. “You can tell me all these things, but what I saw this evening makes me wonder if I saw the real you or it was an act.”

  I looked at my hands in my lap, avoiding Austin’s eyes. “I was being real, and it’s a part of me that I don’t show often because I can’t. It will make me look weak. I have no idea why I’m even telling you this. Another week and a half, and we’ll go back to our lives like we never met.”

  “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why go back to that life without each other in it? It’s not like we live in different countries, and even if we did, we could still maintain a friendship.”

  “Because I’m busy without time for a social life. I go to meetings and dinners. That’s about the extent of my leisure time.”

  “That’s not leisure time. It’s still work. Don’t you want to go to a gallery or a museum with a friend? Maybe head up the Pacific Coast Highway for a long drive? Go to the beach for the day?”

  “I’ve never done any of those things since I’ve been in California.”

  “Have you dated since you’ve been in Los Angeles?”

  I looked up at him. “It ended badly. I’m sure you found articles on that also because the internet is forever.”

  He stroked his chin, “I did. I’m sorry.”

  “Ivan was a jerk. He wanted the next best thing and not a vice president for a girlfriend. He said I emasculated him. Can you believe? So what was I supposed to do? Quit my job and stay home to make babies and cook and clean?”

  “Don’t you eventually want those things?”

  “Maybe, but I doubt it will happen for me. What man wants to date the Ice Queen?”

  “Ice Queen?”

  “That’s what they call me. It’s not an official term, but I hear it behind my back. It used to make me smile, but now it’s just irritating. You think I would get respect for turning a dysfunctional company into a major player. Let’s face it; successful women who have power over men are bitches.”

  “I don’t think that. I never would.”

  “It’s how society works.”

  “Maybe in your circles. Not everyone feels that way.”

  “I’m resigned to the fact that my career will be my life. I’ll never get married or have children, and I’m okay with that.”

  “Are you? Can you be satisfied alone for the rest of your life?”

  “Unless I move to some island where no one knows me then yes.”

  “We’re on an island where no one knows you.”

  “You know me. You know who I am.”

  “And it doesn’t bother me. I couldn’t give a shit if you’re a CEO.”

  “I’m not sure what you want me to say here.”

  “Then I’ll be straight with you. I want to spend time together.”

  “I thought we agreed to do that?” I said.

  “I mean not
just hanging out, but physically.”

  “You want to take me to bed.”

  “I would, but that’s your decision.”

  “Can I think on it?”

  He frowned. “This isn’t a business negotiation. You’re not in the office.”

  “And I don’t randomly sleep with people I barely know.”

  Austin stood up and dove into the water. “Sleep on it and let me know your decision tomorrow.”

  “What if I say no?”

  He floated in the water as he looked up at me. “Then, that’s your decision, but I still want to hang out.”

  He started doing the backstroke toward his villa, and I sat there gaping at him. I watched him climb up his ladder, and he called out to me before he went inside.

  “Goodnight, Samantha.”

  He was inside before I called back to wish him goodnight. I went and laid in bed, but my insomnia was even worse than it was before I’d come out onto the deck. I knew it was because of the conversation we had. Sex was something I had no interest in before I met Austin. He lit the match, and our discussion stoked the fire.

  2

  I dragged myself out of bed and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. It was closing in on eleven in the morning. I think I fell asleep around 4:00 AM as I tried to ignore the nagging throb between my legs. I spent an hour and a half tossing and turning, weighing the pros and cons of sleeping with Austin Doyle.

  A man as gorgeous as him would know his way around a woman’s body, I had no doubt. I was rusty when it came to sex. Would I just fall into the experience like I never stopped? It was four years since I’d been with a man, and Ivan was never that good anyway. I somehow knew sex with Austin would be far different.

  I felt raw and groggy with the bathtub calling my name. I came out of the bedroom, and a note was attached to the sliding glass door. Austin was quite resourceful, and I wondered how he got over here without getting the note and piece of tape wet since he had to swim. I would ask later.

  The note told me to text or call him when I woke. His cell was written down next to the words, “I hope you say yes.”

  I shook my head. “Of course, you do,” I said out loud with a smile.

  I wanted to. I needed to, and Austin could provide me what I needed without the emotional attachment. I would need to make that clear. I didn’t have time or want of a boyfriend even though he would make a delicious companion. I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. After, I put on a white bikini. This one covered my ass and accentuated my glowing tan; then I texted Austin to let him know I was awake.

  * * *

  About time. When did you go to sleep?

  * * *

  Around 4:00. I had a lot on my mind.

  * * *

  So you thought about what we discussed?

  * * *

  Come over here please unless you want me to come over there.

  * * *

  I heard the pounding of his feet as he arrived at my front door and knocked. Upon opening the door, I saw Austin standing there in red swim trunks and nothing else. His chest was heaving with exertion as he stepped inside.

  “You ran over here?”

  He nodded. “I’m anxious to hear your decision.”

  “Come in and sit down.”

  When he was seated, I sat next to him, looking down at my feet. “I want to have sex.”

  A huge triumphant grin bloomed on his face.

  I groaned. “Can you let me finish, please? I want to have sex, but not date.”

  He frowned, “Why not date? I think we would make a perfect couple.”

  “I have no time for it, and I’m not sure if I’ll have time for sex when we get back to Los Angeles.”

  He lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “So you just want a vacation fuck?”

  “It’s all I can offer. I wasn’t aware you were interested in more.”

  Austin put his hand on my arm. “I think we have chemistry. You don’t feel it?”

  I felt it, but I denied it because I didn’t want to lead him on. “I don’t. My radar is off, but I’m usually pretty good with these things.”

  “Can we at least be friends when we get back? Maybe a cup of coffee every once in a while? I can take you to In and Out Burger.”

  “At home, I usually eat healthy. My trainer wouldn’t like me eating burgers and greasy fries. My only real indulgence is wine.”

  Austin grinned. “Your trainer doesn’t have to know. It would be our little secret.”

  “We can discuss it.”

  “I’ll change my flight if I have to.”

  I looked at him, horrified, “That’s a huge expense.”

  He waved his hand. “If I get to spend more time with you, then it’s worth it.”

  “Another discussion for later. Maybe you’ll hate me after the first time.”

  “Is this the Ice Queen thing?”

  “That and I haven’t had sex in a while.”

  “What’s a while?”

  “A while is four years.”

  Austin leaned back against the couch and stared at me with wide eyes. “You’re shitting me?”

  I frowned. “Why is it so hard to understand?”

  “Look at you. You’re beautiful.”

  “Two words, Ice Queen. Bitch in the office, probably frigid in bed. My reputation precedes me.”

  “I’m going to make sure to melt you. You’ll be a puddle when I get finished with you.”

  “I have no doubt,” I mumbled.

  “Pardon me?”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  He chuckled and stood up, holding out his hand for me to take.

  I felt my stomach twist. “Right now?”

  Austin laughed and shook his head. “Let’s go for a swim. You’ve been here for four days and haven’t swum once.”

  “How would you know unless you were stalking me?”

  He ignored the stalking part. “Come play in the water with me.”

  Austin dropped my hand when we got to the deck and jumped into the crystal clear water. He swam out a ways and gestured for me to follow. I stepped down on the ladder, hesitating for a moment before I proceeded the rest of the way.

  “Dive in. The water is warm as a bath.”

  I wished it were cold because the throbbing between my legs started up again in anticipation of sex with him. I jumped off the ladder and swam to where he was. Austin swam away toward his villa, and I followed. We played around in the water, splashing each other and doing handstands until my stomach rumbled with hunger.

  “I need food.”

  “We could order lunch. You’re going to need your strength,” he said with a wink.

  I almost groaned. “You’re very sure of yourself.”

  “It’s part of my charm. I’ve never left a woman unsatisfied.”

  “Put your money where your mouth is.”

  In two long strides, he was on right up against my body. I almost forgot to tread water as I looked into the intensity of his eye. He wrapped his arm around my waist and held me tightly as he pressed his lips against mine. I curled my toes as his tongue licked the seam of my mouth. My body to bloomed with heat, and if we weren’t in water, I might’ve combusted in flame. I almost lost myself and hoped he would go further, but the kiss was over as fast as it began.

  Austin let me go and I sunk below the water as he swam away. It was barely eight feet deep, and I waited until my feet touched the sandy bottom before I pushed to the surface. He was climbing the stairs to his deck as I wiped my eyes and followed. He stood waiting for me, offering his hand as I ascended.

  “Is that a preview?” I asked.

  He gave me a lopsided grin, his lips curling at the edge of his mouth. “Did you like it?”

  “I’d like more.”

  “Later. Let’s order lunch.”

  We dined on fish tacos with a tropical fruit salsa and glasses of white wine on the deck under a large yellow umbrella. I normally didn’t drink this early in the day,
but I was on vacation, and it felt right. Once we finished, Austin slathered me with suntan lotion, feathering his hands over the more intimate parts of my body.

  He was priming me for what was to come, but little did he know he didn’t need to. I was playing it cool, but I wanted him in the worst way. Austin awakened feelings in me I long buried, but I couldn’t wait much longer.

  Lunch, the sun and wine made me sleepy, and I nodded off on the chaise. When I woke, Austin was sitting up with his head propped on his hand; his eyes focused on my face.

  I yawned. “How long have you been watching me?”

  “Just a short time. You have a nice tan.”

  “I’m glad because I looked positively ghostly when I got here.”

  “You know what that means don’t you?”

  “What exactly?”

  Austin sat up and crossed his legs. “It means you spend too much time indoors. You need to get outside more.”

  “I don’t have time. My job is demanding, and I’m not a professor like you who can spend their summers at the beach.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t spend all my summers at the beach. I teach classes and write.”

  “You can write at the beach.”

  “But I prefer not to. I find it easier to work inside. The beach is a distraction.”

  I snorted, “Distraction? How? Bright sunshine, hot sand, gentle breezes. Sounds like the perfect place to write.”

  “That is distracting, and so are you. I planned to write while I was here, but you shot that to hell.”

  I chuckled. “I’m not stopping you.”

  “But you are, even if you don’t mean to.”

  Austin leaned over and lifted my hand to his mouth, taking my index finger into it and sucking the pad. A burst of desire surged through me, and I pulled away.

  “Too much?” He asked.

  “No, I liked it. I should go back and check my phone.”

  He scowled. “For what?”

  I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the chaise. “I’m on call, but only if it’s urgent.”

  “You have employees to put out fires, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but I’m a better negotiator.”