Crushing

by Kelly Kay

  I rebuilt my reputation and my company on my own, but as for my heart, it’s never quite returned to working order. Just maybe Asher can heal the cracks.

  Chapter Four

  Asher

  She appears, and her royal blue, knee-length dress is lighting up the room. She’s perfect for me. She’s ideal for my reputation and image. “Stunning. Ravishing. Beyond.”

  “Thank you.”

  “More incredibly, you did that in twenty minutes.” I hold my arm out to her and say, “Shall we?”

  “How long must we stay?” She winks.

  And her suggestive nature suits me fine.

  She dazzles in the room, and I pick up three new clients because of her allure. Not only am I going to have her tonight, but she might also be of more use than I initially thought. I found her engaging and personable around her own clients, but now she might just be the one to secure the deal I’ve been waiting a lifetime to make.

  She’s a force of charming nature, and no one can resist her. I also did a tad bit of research, and she’s quite capable and well respected in her field. I’ve decided to keep her.

  At the end of dinner, I’m holding my wine a lot better than she is. We stumble back to the elevator. She gives me a crooked smile, and I kiss her lips. I’m working my best moves, and she’s gasping for breath. We make it back to the room, and I arrange the condoms on my nightstand while she heads to the bathroom. As I get my hangers out for my sweater and pants, she emerges sans shoes and her hair torn down.

  “So, Asher.”

  “Yes, Noelle?”

  “I think I might just turn in.” She shrugs and covers her mouth like she’s yawning.

  I’m standing there dumbstruck and then she giggles. I launch on her and throw her petite body down on the bed. I’m on top of her in an instant and kissing her neck. I’m feeling her thighs, and she’s gasping a bit. Her noises are super distracting, to be honest. Why is she moaning? I haven’t done anything yet. I need to be inside her power and beauty. But she needs to be quiet.

  She dominates a room without anyone even realizing they’ve been manipulated. I noticed, but no one else did. I’m not even sure she recognizes her power and potential. She will be my secret weapon.

  I stand as she watches. Her eyes are leering at me, and she looks hungry. No real chase here. I tug my shirttails out of my pants then reach for a hanger. Noelle kneels on the edge of the bed. She begins to unbutton my shirt. I lift her dress over her head, then she grabs it and throws it to the floor, which I don’t understand. It’s a beautiful dress. I pick it up and drape it neatly over the dresser. I’d like to hang it up, but I don’t want her to think that I don’t want to see her body. Her white bra is glistening and her breasts heaving with each breath. And then this goddess does the most sublime thing. She unbuckles my pants and takes me so quickly, I don’t know what’s happening. My member grows in her skillful mouth. I push the pause button to remove my pants, fold them, and put them next to my shirt.

  Then I return to her mouth. “Surprising. Wow. Noelle. This is…so very good.”

  Chapter Five

  Noelle

  Huh? Did he just fold his pants? His dick was in my mouth, and he pulled it out to hang up his dirty shirt. His dick is bobbing in and out of my mouth, and all he can say is it’s 'so very good.' Not the best of dirty talkers. Again, coachable. But I’m fucking amazing at this. I love that I alone get to decide whether he gets to come or not. I need to get back into this.

  Wine messes you up in a different way than cocktails. I hope Asher’s buzzed. It’s the only justification for sloppier and goopier kissing. One man with so much saliva. He might be perfect in so many ways, just needs to get that kiss in line. But the juicy mouth could be useful elsewhere.

  I cup his balls, and he groans. I have no idea if he’s close. He’s not saying much. I should be concentrating on the job at hand, but my mind keeps drifting to why isn’t this hotter? We had good suggestive conversations. He wanted to bed me night one. I’m a little bored. I’m going to stop. Maybe he excels at eating me out. Perhaps that’s his deep dark hidden talent. He does make a living with his tongue.

  I stop and look at him. He abruptly lays down on the bed spread-eagle and proclaims, “Ride me, my angel.”

  Angel? He didn’t even ask if I was ready. I climb up on top of him, ignoring the soft endearment of angel. All the while moving my hips and trying to keep friction on my clit. Now I’m getting a bit wetter. No penetration yet because I’m not afraid to ask for what I want. “I need a little more before we get to that. What if you were to dip down…?” I nod my head in the direction of my crotch, but he doesn’t move.

  He pulls his face to mine and says, “My precious sweet angel, I’m so sorry. I cannot do as you would desire. My tongue is sacred. You wouldn’t ask a concert pianist to move furniture, would you?”

  He kisses me hard. I wipe my mouth when he’s done. I’m disappointed, but I understand, I guess. I remove my bra, which is still on for some odd reason, and circle my nipples myself to get myself a little wetter. He moves off the bed to grab a condom. I finger myself quickly with his back turned so that I’m ready for him.

  He comes back and resumes a starfish position. I straddle him and move back down his body, kissing my way down. He’s grunting. Okay. Okay. I can get off like this. Friction is my friend. I take him in and begin moving forward and back. It’s about average size so it’s fine that I’m not so wet.

  He’s bucking awkwardly underneath me with his eyes closed and his hands tucked behind his head. I lean forward to brush my tits on his chest, and the feel of his chest hair rubs the nubs of my nipples hard. I gasp at my own work. I reposition for maximum clit friction. He grunts loudly, holds his pelvis up, almost throwing me off him, and I think he finishes. It’s been, like, a second. Surely that wasn’t it. I begin to move again, but he gently rolls me over and pulls out. A quick kiss to my forehead and he stands up. If you add in the partial blowjob, it was like five minutes.

  He gently rubs my arm and says, “You are a goddess.”

  I hear the shower turn on. I sit up naked and seriously unsatisfied and stare at the bathroom door. Now I’m not sure why I’m here. I feel as if I’ve overstayed my welcome somehow. It’s been so long since I’ve wanted a man in my life, and now I'm terrified I’ve made a seriously wrong choice.

  Hold up. Do you taste wine with your fingers? I mean something could have been done to help me come. Stunned. I’m stunned and sexually frustrated. Thank god there’s a sprayer hose in the bathroom. I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. I need to rethink everything.

  Chapter Six

  Asher

  I wake up with morning wood, and she’s gone from my bed. She must snore and was being considerate. I’ll pop over to her bedroom. She’s a bit of a wildcard in bed, and I like it. I don’t believe that she had an orgasm. Women rarely do when they’re intimidated by a powerful sexually dominant man. Though, she was excessively and distractingly noisy, so maybe she did. I’ve never had complaints in that department. I look forward to this morning’s encounter.

  She’s the perfect piece to my puzzle. As long as she’s loyal and faithful, there’s nothing I won’t give her. Noelle Parker is vital. My next deal must work out, or my existence will have no meaning. It’s the culmination of my life’s work. And that means Noelle must remain in wine country.

  I scoot to the coffee area and find an empty pot with a note. Noelle has lovely handwriting, but I don’t think this is something I want to see.

  Asher,

  Please forgive the note. I know you wanted to stay in bed this morning, just us. But I went out for a run and exploration. Last night’s dinner was wonderful. Thank you for showing me a piece of your world. I’ll see you later, I think.

  Noelle

  No. No. This is not happening. She must be frightened by our connection. This smacks of an excuse to leave. I will make this up to her. I cannot lose her.

  Chapter Seven


  Noelle

  It’s only once I’m at some winery called Seghesio, sweaty from running, and sipping something divine called Venom, that I look at my texts. I haven’t run in years but felt the need to clear my head. I felt uncomfortable and nervous. I had to get out of there. Nothing I can put my finger on. He still might be something. Maybe he’s a slow burn instead of instant heat. Perhaps his attentive nature and calm demeanor are the exact things I need in my life. The bedroom thing needs to be worked out, though.

  ASHER: Noelle. I have called you as well. Listen at your leisure, but please call.

  ASHER: Beauty, what is this all about? I am confused. I apologize if there’s something I’ve done.

  ASHER: Just let me know you’re safe, angel. Even though we have not known each other long, I do care for you.

  I’ll answer him later. Why does he speak so formally? It’s odd. Like maybe he is a throwback to a more formal time. It’s a quirk I could deal with if the rest of it can get sorted out. Although, I could do without the ‘angel’ moniker.

  I’m going to finish this tasting, then my run. Then I’ll head back to the pool and work from there. I don’t know why we suck in bed. I don’t know why I feel a tug in the base of my stomach that something’s just off. I’m overthinking everything. It’s been so long since I dated and now, I’ve flown across the country and trapped myself here. I’ll be like Melissa and just let the guacamole fall where it will.

  NOELLE: I’m safe and overwhelmed. The flowers in the room are beautiful.

  ASHER: They’re not as beautiful as you. May I call you?

  I do like his accountability. I call him.

  “Noelle.”

  “Asher.”

  He says, “I feel as if there’s more to the story. Are you okay?”

  I respond, “I am. It’s been a while since someone cared, and I guess I might have panicked.”

  “We shared an intimacy, and I don’t want you to think I take that lightly.”

  He’s saying all the right things. Except that he knows how to get a woman off. I hedge my bets. “We did share an intimacy…” I stumble over using that ridiculous word for sex. “...But I left feeling as if I missed out on a complete experience.”

  “My beauty, there’s much work to be done. Surely we’ll get better at making love.”

  I shake my doubts away and dive back in despite his use of the phrase ‘making love.’ We just met, there’s no love yet. He speaks unlike myself or the men I usually date, so I’ll give him some leeway. This whole thing is such a reflection on my own hang-ups. “I’d like that.”

  I hear him sigh on the other end. “That’s such a relief, I’m not ready to be without you yet.”

  The sex thing can be worked out. I just need to show Asher what I want. My lips curl up at the thought of getting a second shot at him. Having even mediocre sex has awakened a part of me I thought was gone. I love sex. I forgot that. Even subpar sex is better than solo sex. Well, almost.

  Chapter Eight

  Noelle

  I’m not completely sold on Asher, but I am sold on his lifestyle. Mine has gotten dreary and predictable in New York. Then Asher winked at me, and I was brought into an entirely new world. Asher reminded me that there is a whole part of life I was ignoring. He wants to share his knowledge with me, not lecture me. Most older men who hit on me want to show me something about the world or mansplain finance or technology to me. It enrages me to be patronized. Asher simply lets me sip and learn how to train my palate.

  We’re headed to some all-star dinner thing tonight. The only name I recognize is chef Jonathan Waxman. His restaurant used to have the best chicken in New York until fucking developers got rid of Barbuto NYC. The rest of the people are growers, vintners, and chefs from California. The attire is supposed to be Wine Country casual. No clue what that is. I hope that hair down, a denim Josie Natori halter jumpsuit, and red suede Christian Siriano wedges covers it. I top it off with my ruby red cashmere wrap. I’ve been told that we’re eating in a barn. My vision of a barn is probably very different than the Wine Country’s version. I still know very little about wine, but barns I got wired.

  I am going to commit to Asher for just tonight. I put aside my reservations and jump in without a thought. Be like Melissa. This is super hard for me. But despite what Mel thinks, I can let whatever happen. I am capable of not controlling the moment or the outcome. Dinner with an accomplished man and sex in a gorgeous hotel in the wine country. Another movie moment. I’m ready.

  Chapter Nine

  Asher

  I’m sipping a spicy Bowmore 12-year-old scotch waiting for her in the next room. Her scent is permeating the place, and it’s choking me a bit. I don’t know if it’s perfume or her, but it’s screwing with my sense of smell. My nose is more sensitive than most, it’s one of the things that makes me in such demand. I carefully choose my own scent, and that’s all the olfactory room I have for things not being sipped. I need her to be impressive tonight.

  After she accomplishes my goals at dinner, I’ll get to see all of her as I take her from behind. That might help her with her orgasm situation. Some women just have lower libidos and are incapable. Perhaps she’s one of those that has never experienced the pleasure of a well-timed orgasm.

  “Simply stunning.” I want to rip off her halter and bend her over the couch and have her instantly, but I’ll wait.

  I brush my scotch-flavored lips over hers. There’s a particular winemaking couple who are key to our future. I need Noelle to charm them. Those bare shapely shoulders have my brain so topsy-turvy that I’m actually planning a future with someone I’ve known for just a moment.

  Tonight, we’ll impress and dazzle as a couple. Noelle looks perfect on my arm. She also sucked me off like a fucking Dyson. I could use that around as well. But tonight, I need her marketing mind to impress. I won’t let her know all my plans. I’ll be patient. I’ll have her the way I want, but first too much wine.

  Chapter Ten

  Noelle

  “Please meet Sarah LaChappelle-Whittier and Will Whittier of LaChappelle/Whittier Estate Vineyards and Winery from Sonoma.” Asher does a grand introduction.

  I reach out my hand to the man with kind eyes who stood up to greet me. I joke, “I feel like that was a Game of Thrones name.”

  Will cocks his head and says, “And what’s your Game of Thrones name?”

  I don’t hesitate, “I am Noelle, of House Parker, first of my name, Khalessi of Kansas, conqueror of Nordstrom’s, wearer of lipsticks, breaker of balls.” The couple laughs very hard. Asher does not. That was funny. What’s wrong with him? Stop judging, Noelle, maybe he didn’t hear you. Enjoy the evening. I’ve been introduced around, but I think I’m sitting next to this couple.

  Sarah’s hair has gray threaded through her raven locks, and it looks like it’s decorated with silver tinsel. She has the most sparkling deep blue eyes. She’s put together but still maintains a bohemian thing. Will’s hair is a bit wild coppery blond falling over soulful brown eyes that droop just a little. He winks at me, and I’m flattered. His charisma radiates through the room and is complemented by his wife’s nurturing vibe. I’m picking up that they’re genuinely a yin/yang couple. They seem to be the most earnest and open people I’ve ever met.

  “It’s lovely to meet you, Noelle, first of her name.” Sarah smiles and shakes my hand.

  Will sits back down after pulling out my chair for me between them. Asher disappears to the other side of the table. Will looks directly at me and says in a joking manner, “Nope. I’m not feeling Noelle.” They’re the age that my parents would’ve been.

  I jab back at him. “Not into me? I can find another seat, or I can sit here and be so dull it’s like I’m not here. Your choice.”

  Sarah’s lilting laugh rings through the room.

  Will stares at me and rubs his finger and thumb over an imaginary beard. “No. You’re fine, but the name is not. You should be Elle, not Noelle. Noelle evokes a frilly, dainty
girl with a laugh like a titter or a dark Italian untouchable, unremarkable beauty.” I giggle easily and then guffaw loudly, to prove his point. “Anyone call you Elle?”

  “My dad used to.”

  “Then it’s settled, only he and I get to call you that.”

  His charm and openness burn my heart a bit. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this open with anyone so instantly before. It’s like I’ve always known them somehow. He’s so insistent that we’ll be connected it’s hard to say no. “It will be only you, though. My parents were killed in a car accident fourteen years ago.”

  “Then it’s just me and whomever I deem worthy enough to use that name. Sarah hasn't earned it yet.” His wife places her hand on my arm and hits her husband playfully. I grin at them. He kisses her hand.

  She says, “Honestly, Will. Dear, pay no attention to this doofus.”

  “Oh, but the love of my life, you adore it when I put my foot in my mouth.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Asher

  I place one hand on the back of her chair and lean down. “How are my two favorite women at this table doing? Sarah, do you know what Noelle does?”

  She says, “So rude of us. We’ve talked for over an hour. Elle, where are you from?”