“Good thinking. Like the maid service.”
Cassie smiled. “If naked maids are your pleasure.”
“You’re the first and I definitely like.” He took the beer and tasted the cheese and cracker she held to his mouth. “Not sure the crumbs will be welcome.” He shifted to make room for her. “Still can’t believe that man let you go.”
“Lucky for you he did. If not you’d be out there in the rain.”
“There is that. I would have missed an experience to be remembered and savored. Maybe I’ll send him a thank you card.”
Cassie laughed. “I’ll add a note. Glad you’re not here.”
For a time they noshed. Matt leaned across her to put the beer on the stand. He bumped her arm. A bit of juice spilled on her breasts. She slid her legs toward the edge of the mattress.
“Stay.”
“I’ll be sticky.”
“There’s a more interesting way.” He leaned down and began to lick the spill. “You taste good. And there are crumbs.”
“What about you?”
He rolled to his back. “Come and sample. Any crumbs you find are yours.”
The laughter in his voice filled her with a burst of joy. There had been few light moments with Tim. Three or four times a week they had dinner and he came to the apartment. They made love. Afterward he dressed and left. She’d been disappointed but her experience with men hadn’t let her believe she deserved more.
She sucked in a breath. She could become used to what she had discovered with Matt. Unfortunately he wasn’t a man for commitment to anything long term.
He winked. “Have you forgotten where you are?”
“Just contemplating a plan of action.” She began at his feet massaging and stroking her way along his legs. She straddled his thighs. Instead of touching his penis she fondled his scrotum. He hissed a breath. “Like that?” she asked.
“You know I do.”
She ran a finger along the underside of his erect member. A bead of liquid appeared on the tip. She bent and slowly licked. Grasping the base she sucked and tasted along the length. He growled. She saw the way he clutched the sheets. With deliberateness she took him into her mouth and slowly drew him deeper.
“Cassie, that feels good” He began to thrust.
Slowly she released him. “More later."
“You’re killing me.”
“Patience.” She kissed her way along his abdomen and chest pausing to tease his nipples with her teeth. She moved to his neck with her tongue and then sucked hard enough to mark him.
“Cassie!”
“Just blame it on the accident.”
“As if anyone would believe me.” He shook his head. “Haven’t had a hickey since high school.”
“Never had one.”
“Just wait.”
She reached for a condom, opened the packet and sheathed him. She drew the sheathed penis into her mouth.
Though she wished she could suck him until he came, she wanted the sensations of feeling him inside. She rose and slowly took him into her vagina.
She sighed. “Like this too?”
“Believe I do.”
She began to ride. He used his hand to stroke her clit. He matched her rhythm. Until that moment of unity she felt as though she rode a bucking bronco. Before long she felt the burn of another climax. As she cried his name she heard him call hers.
What did it mean? They were attuned but only for tonight. He was her fantasy fulfilled. But fantasies were like the bubbles in champagne.
Matt stroked her back. She settled beside him and drifted into a half-sleep. Though the seduction had been sudden the mutual attraction re-ignited the fantasies of years past. Yet she knew they wouldn’t last. At least this time with Matt had restored her confidence.
She fell asleep. Sometime later kisses woke her. They indulged in another erotic exploration of each other. This time sleep came quick.
When she woke to sunshine, for a moment confusion caused her to frown. The body beside her couldn’t be Tim’s. He never spent the night. Who?
Memories surfaced. Matt Blakefield. She’d spent the night with him. Her thoughts stuttered. She slipped away from the arm draped over her back. She had really spent the night with the fantasy lover of her dreams.
She grabbed her clothes and scooted to the bathroom. A wave of sadness caught her by surprise. The night had ended. Daylight brought reality. She turned on the shower and slipped beneath the hot spray.
Cool air brushed her body. She shrieked. Deep laughter sounded. “Didn’t mean to scare you. Can we share?”
“For a moment a different shower scene popped into my head.” She turned to face him.
He enfolded her in his arms. Hers circled his shoulders. Seemed the night continued for a time. His erection nudged her thigh. She shifted until his penis slid between her legs. The length slid over her clit and along her labia. They kissed. As the kiss deepened they began to move with the tempo going from slow to fast. A climax shuddered through her.
The water turned cold. Cassie shivered. “Just what we need. An ice shower.”
Matt chuckled.
Cassie turned the water off and opened the door. Time to leave the shower and the dream time. She reached for a towel. “We need to go to town.”
“I must see my bike first. I know you mentioned what you thought was wrong but I need to see and know.”
“I figured you would.”
“What about breakfast?”
“There’s a diner in town. Highly recommended by the cabin’s owner. I have some shopping to do.”
He arched a brow. “Why?”
“For some clothes. Brought the wrong suitcase from home. If I stay longer I’ll need some food, too.”
He ran a finger along the edge of her red bra. “I like this.” His mouth brushed hers.
The kiss turned hot and demanding. When they stepped apart she shook her head. “Quick recovery.”
“You have no idea how you inspire me but I can wait.”
“I am protected.”
“Call me cautious. My motto is ‘Take no chances.’ I have no desire for marriage but I would never let a child grow up without a father.”
“I hear you.” She pulled her sweater over her head.
Would her life have been different if her father had felt that way? She’d never known him and she never would. Her step-father hadn’t been exactly caring but he had seen she had a comfortable life and a family but she wasn’t close to her half siblings. The age difference was too much. She finished dressing and walked to the main room.
She picked up her keys and purse. Matt strode down the hall. “To town.”
“To my bike.”
Cassie stepped outside. The clouds of yesterday were gone. Though the air was cool the sky was as brilliant as Matt’s eyes. She followed to his bike. “What’s the verdict?”
“Won’t run but can be repaired.” He stroked the seat. “Is there a place in town where I can rent a truck?”
“I’m not sure but there is a used car dealership. If you can’t rent I can drive you.”
“And leave my bike. Not a chance.”
Chapter Four
Matt followed Cassie’s sensible sedan from town to the cabin. Chains to fasten his bike rattled in the back of the pickup he’d managed to rent from the auto dealership. He was supposed to pick up the man’s son on his way out of town so the truck could be returned. The price had been outrageous but worth the money. Thank heavens his credit card had a zero balance and a high limit. He only hoped the rattletrap would hold until he reached his city apartment.
Fortunately the Harley could be repaired. The bike suited his style of living—travel fast, travel free and travel alone. Most of the time his way was a solo trip. There was room and a spare helmet for a rider perched behind, but only for short trips. No side car for him.
With a grin he considered how Cassie’s body would fit perfectly. He fantasized her breasts pressing his back and her arms ar
ound his waist. Images from the past night morphed into thoughts of hot sex. His cock pulsed and ached for another dip into her welcoming depths.
Whoa, old man. She’s not for you. Granted the sex had been a dazzling success. Anything that sizzling would burn out just as fast. A sudden seduction had begun with mutual desire. Though he had acted first she had been as eager. The experience had been heady, the time had arrived for him to move on.
He pulled into the driveway and parked beside the lone pine. The way the bike was rammed into the trunk he knew this was the deer he had imagined in the road. He opened the gate and set a ramp in place. With some swearing and shoving he and Cassie maneuvered the bike aboard. He fastened the chains.
“Thanks.”
“Drive safely.” She ran to her car and took bags from the back seat.
Matt turned from the bike and watched her. Damn she was prime. What would she look like in the green sweats or the slim jeans and the bright green tunic sweater? He remembered the shiny red underwear and growled.
Don’t ride down that road. He was a bachelor born. Any further time with Cassie might lead to a declaration he would regret. What a crazy thought. He was practiced at ignoring enticements..
He opened the single purchase he’d made and removed a packet. As he closed the box he considered taking more, not if he planned to leave this afternoon. He had an appointment tomorrow morning and a five hour or better drive.
He strode to the cabin. Cassie emerged from the bedroom they’d shared. She held his saddlebag. “I was afraid you’d forgotten this.”
“Among other things.” He crooked a finger. “Come here for a proper farewell.”
“Meet you halfway.” She took several steps and shoved the leather bag into his hands. “Have a safe trip.”
Not the ending he wanted. He tossed the bag aside and grasped her hands and tugged her into his arms. His cock strained against his fly. “When are you leaving here?”
She shrugged. “When I’m ready to face the fool and deal with everyone who will be thinking of me as the poor girl who lost her man.”
Girl, no way. She was one hundred percent woman.
The tantalizing scent that was hers reached him. No perfume, just soap and a hint of desire. He released her hands and caught her around the waist. His mouth closed over hers. She didn’t pull away but stroked his shoulders.
A New York minute later and goodbye was forgotten. He backed her toward the bedroom. Once inside he unfastened her slacks while she tugged his sweatshirt over his head. She rubbed his nipples with her fingertips revving his desire into overdrive. He slid his hand between her thighs. Damn, she was wet and ready.
She opened his fly. His cock sprang free. “Look what I found.”
Before she pulled his jeans down he removed the condom. “Good thing I came prepared."
A delighted laugh erupted. “Especially since you’re primed for action. Before we take the next step more of these clothes have to go."
“Leave your bra and undies on. I want to admire them.”
He slipped off his boots and jeans. When he finished she stood beside the bed. He strode to her and turned her in a circle. “You are so hot and I burn.” He opened the packet.
“I could have.”
“Don’t you like to watch?” He grasped his dick and pumped a few times before applying the condom. His eyes widened.
Cassie ran one hand over her breasts. The other slid between her legs. “How about you?”
“Tease.”
“Never. Just eager for a proper goodbye.”
“You’ll get one.” He turned her so her back was to him. He found the release for the front clasp of her bra. His hands replaced hers. “Come for me.”
Restless movements found a rhythm. Her body tensed. He sucked on her neck marking her the way she’d marked him. Through the silky bikini he stroked her clit and reveled in the sounds she made. Her body jerked and she cried his name.
The urge to be inside her became his only thought. He grabbed the sides of the bikini to pull it down and it tore. “Sorry.” But he wasn’t. He pushed her onto the bed.
She landed on her stomach. He knelt behind her. She rose to her knees with her chest against the mattress. He grasped her hips and guided himself inside. “Feels good,” he growled.
“Yes, oh, yes.”
Matt pumped. He grasped her waist with one hand. The other arm curled around her body and found her clit. She began to move more forcefully and so did he. Each thrust and each retreat carried him higher. He roared in triumph and rested his head on her back. She cried out and collapsed.
Once Matt’s breathing slowed he rolled them to their sides and kissed her. “Amazing. Sorry about the damage.”
“I have more.”
"Like the red.”
“I still have a black set.” She rose on one elbow and stroked his mouth with her finger. “I hear they make edible ones.”
He choked. “Something to consider.” When would the next time be? Although he was tempted to remain until she left, he had a magazine to run, a morning appointment and a new project to start.
There was another consideration. She was becoming addictive. Some distance might give him time to think about where he seemed to be headed.
He kissed her cheek. “Bit of advice. Forget the fool.”
“Forgotten.”
Matt sat on the edge of the bed. “I really have to leave. Need to pick up the young man who’s bringing the truck back.” He headed to the bathroom. He could reschedule the appointment with Jules for lunch but the driver might be unhappy about leaving much later.
This thought carried him to halt mid-step. What was he thinking? This reluctance wasn’t his style. Time to run.
When he emerged from the bathroom Cassie was dressed. Matt had rolled his now dry trousers in a ball to add to his saddlebag. He inhaled the scent of their lovemaking. His cock stirred. He shook his head and held out a hand. “Time for me to leave.”
They walked to the door where he grasped the saddlebag and his helmet. “I’ll call.”
“I’d like that.”
“Save next weekend for me.” He kissed her. Lord, he wanted her again.
Cassie pushed him outside. “Go. One farewell only. Drive safe.”
“Will do.” He paused at the door. “Don’t hide up here too long. Face the fool and show him what he’s lost.”
“I will.”
He opened the door and strode toward the battered truck. A short stop in town and then the long trip home. At least he wouldn’t have to drive the truck back and find someone to go with him. Until he decided what had happened this weekend he wanted to keep the meeting with Cassie his secret. When he looked back, she waved. He climbed into the truck.
She is not forever. Love never lasts.
* * * *
The rattle of the truck vanished. Cassie remained in the doorway until she felt chilled. What had happened here? Sex—body rocking sex. She wanted more. In all the years with Tim she’d never been so satisfied and eager for another time. Sex with Tim had been nice but not the explosive event she’d experienced with Matt.
Good thing he left. If he’d stayed much longer she would have wanted him in her life every night and in the morning with the promise of another night to carry her through the day.
She closed the door. Idiot. Wishing for impossibility doesn’t work. He’d been her teenage fantasy. Last night the dream had come true. But dreams vanished. Last night had soothed the pain caused by Tim’s action. Anger remained. Not because he’d chosen someone else but because he hadn’t been honest.
He’d left a voice message. Coward, she thought. He’d left one for the partners too. That one had mentioned returning on Monday. Monday had also been the day they would be named as full partners. Fat chance now, at least for her.
She hadn’t planned to be there. That made her a coward, too.
Cassie knew what she had to do. With a groan she went to the bedroom, gathered the sheets and towel
s and loaded the washer. While they washed and dried she cleaned the area she had used and packed her belongings.
Then she made a call. “Dr. Evans, it’s Cassie. I’ll be in tomorrow. Thanks for the loan of the cabin.”
“Are you sure?”
His gruff voice showed concern. During the past year she had learned so much from him. “I am. I’ve had some thinking time and have a new view of Tim and his actions. Though I’d rather not, I can work with him.”
“And Rhonda?”
“That’s another story. Since Tim and I hired her and pay her salary, not the partnership, I’ll deal with the problem.”
He laughed. “Do what you must. Glad you decided to make the meeting. Our colleagues will be impressed.” He paused. “Heads up. Stay cool. Greg’s fed up with his cousin’s actions but he still leans toward Tim. Make Tim’s actions work in your favor.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
If she could control the anger roiling in her gut she might win. That was the problem. Uncertainty remained. She feared her position as an associate was because of Tim’s relationship to one of the partners. Granted she worked harder than her former fiancé. She enjoyed the challenges of the practice.
Face it, you like impressing people with your industry. But she didn’t need to continue picking up after Tim.
She finished the chores and lay on the couch to nap. She woke at nine, packed the car and filled her travel mug with sweetened coffee.
As she drove through the darkness she thought about her options. Although Dr. Evans was on her side the meeting could be unpleasant. Her mind raced with what ifs. She liked the senior members of the group. She enjoyed her apartment on the west bank of the Hudson River where she could see the Tappan Zee Bridge. Being close enough to the city to take advantage of the museums and entertainment venues was wonderful. Until her teens she had lived in the area. Then her step-father had been transferred. She didn’t want to leave but she could.
She reached her apartment, set the clock and went to bed. On waking she showered and chose her outfit with care. Gray suit with a teal silk blouse created an elegant look. Carefully she applied make-up and checked to make sure Matt’s mark on her neck didn’t show. After a light meal she left for the office.
Sudden Seduction, A Page 3