A Tangled Web (A Books We Love Erotic Romance)

by Summer Jordan

  “I’m surprised he had time to send you something already,” Margo said, rising from her yellow leather recliner. Seating herself in the client’s chair on the other side of Erin’s French provincial desk, she leaned forward to watch Erin peel away tissue.

  “Pink brocade slippers,” Erin said. “They’re lovely but I can’t imagine Joey in a store picking these.” She pulled out a card tucked inside one that said, “Thank you. Love, Joseph.”

  She looked up to see Margo reading it upside down and cocking an eyebrow. Ignoring her questioning gaze, Erin cast the delicate bedroom shoes aside. They were a suggestive gift and in an effort to keep Margo from guessing that Erin had fucked her ex, she said, “He knows I didn’t want to give up so much time with Joe, and he’s grateful.

  “Oh, good. There’s another box.” Praying this one was from Joey, she opened the hinged lid of a jewellery box and took out a jade, heart-shaped pendant. On a gift card printed in pencil was the word, ‘Mom’. The card opened to say, ‘I love you and miss you but I am having fun. Joe’.

  A tear slid down Erin’s cheek as she held the pendant to her lips.

  The phone rang and Margo reached for it. “Want to bet that will be Lea? She forgot two shopping bags inside the office door when she ran out of here and now she’ll want me to bring them to her.”

  “Right. Go ahead and answer.” Lea had gone to an appointment where she was setting up for a dinner that evening.

  Joey…Joe…said he’d send her something and this was perfect. She fastened it around her neck and, because the chain was long, the jade heart hung near her heart. Perfect

  She glanced at Margo who had answered with a simple, “Hello.”

  Margo returned Lea’s gaze with a shrug. “Yes, this is Wives-R-Us. I’m sorry, I should have— No. This is Margo. Would you like to speak to Erin?”

  She handed over the phone. “It’s a man,” she whispered before heading for her own chair.

  “Hello,” Erin said, her voice husky with emotion.

  “I’m sorry for the way I acted and I am calling you now.”

  “Derek?” She knew his voice—that deep, sexy, compelling voice—but couldn’t believe he was actually phoning her. She’d been convinced she’d never hear from him again.

  “Yes, and I want to see you, Erin. If you still want to see me.”

  Her knees went weak and she was glad she was sitting down. She felt like she should play hard to get but was afraid to take the chance. She longed to see him. Picturing his wavy dark hair, a lock falling on his forehead as he bent over her, his eyes hot with desire, wetting his lips with his tongue… Her pussy clenched and her nipples pebbled with her rush of lust.

  “Erin? Did you hear me?”

  “Yes. I still want you, Derek. I mean I want to see you.”

  He chuckled, a rich, devilishly provocative sound. “I’ll come by for you tonight. I talked to George and he’ll come in to work for me at seven. The lazy bum doesn’t want to cope with the rush during Happy Hour. You and I will do…something. Whatever you want to do. “

  Derek looked at the clock for the umpteenth time. It was 6:30. Half an hour more to go. George wasn’t taking any chances of having to pitch in by showing up early. Derek was so excited about seeing Erin, he got a hard-on every time he thought about her. He knew what he wanted to do, but he couldn’t just walk in the door, tear her clothes off her and lick his way from the tips of her breasts all the way down to her clit. Perhaps they could start by going dancing. That way he could hold her close, press her body tight against his, let her feel his erection pressing into her stomach, make her want it to press deep inside her dripping pussy. Or maybe they could go to a movie. He could start by sliding his arm around her and inching his hand low enough so his fingers could tease and pinch her nipple until she moaned with desire. He hoped she wasn’t counting on dinner. He could certainly turn that into a sexually stimulating activity, but it would take too long. Besides, the only thing he wanted to eat was her.

  On second thought, he could invite her to his temporary bachelor pad and make dinner for her. That would put them alone together in a cosy atmosphere. But wooing a woman with his culinary talent was likely to put her in a mood for marriage, and hard, hot fucking was all Derek was up for.

  He wanted her to come screaming for him. He owed her the wildest, raunchiest, most satisfying sex he could give her, after the way he’d insulted her. He hadn’t been sure she’d forgive him and give him the chance. However, he had a strong inkling she craved his cock plunging into her pussy as much as he did.

  “Hello, Derek.”

  He looked up to see Angel standing at the bar. She looked lovely with a brightly printed scarf tied around her frosted hair. The blonde streaks brightened her long brown tresses. She was wearing a red dress and perhaps it was a reflection off it that made her cheeks look bright, or was she flushed?

  Heads turned, and for a moment he saw her as others did. Then he stole a frantic glance at his watch. 6:40. “What are you doing here, Angel? Is something wrong?”

  She laughed and climbed onto a barstool. “Everything is fine. Now. I finally found a wedding dress and I am sure you’ll love it as much as I do. I’d never seen where you’re working, and even though it’s a temporary job, I thought it would be nice to see it, and you. So give me something virgin.”

  He must have looked clueless because she laughed and said, “Non-alcoholic.”

  Derek ran his hands through his hair, feeling like a fool. She was pregnant so she couldn’t drink the Burgundy she loved. “Of course.” He reached for a glass, hesitating over making a choice. “What’s your preference? Virgin Mary? Screwdriver? Free wine?”

  “Make me a Kiddy Cocktail. I used to love those and I haven’t had one since grade school.”

  He chose a short glass, hoping she’d drink just one and make it fast. If she knew he was taking off early…

  “I haven’t eaten yet. Do you have good sandwiches here?” Angel asked.

  Derek was beginning to sweat. “Nothing I think would suit your taste.”

  “What’s wrong? You look pale. Don’t you want me here, Derek? Are you expecting someone to come in? Another woman maybe?”

  Angel’s eyes flashed and two bright red spots appeared on her suddenly white cheeks.

  “Of course not. I mean I’m not expecting anyone. I don’t like to see a woman come in a bar alone, however. It isn’t ladylike.”

  Angel folded her hands tightly on the bar top. “You certainly have changed since college. I believe that’s how we first met.”

  “That’s the point. I picked you up in a tavern and that’s what it appears you are looking for now. A pick-up.”

  “I went in there alone because I knew you were there and I wanted to meet you. I came in here tonight because you’re my future husband. I’m not a bar hopper out to pick up men.”

  “I’m here.” George cleared his throat loudly from behind him.

  Derek had been unaware he’d shown up until then. How long had he been standing there? Did he hear Angel say they were going to be married?

  “I’m sorry, Angel,” Derek said. “I was out of line.”

  She burst into tears and headed for the front door.

  “You seem to have a way with women, Derek. The last one I saw you with left in a huff, but you’d better go after this one if she’s your bride-to-be.”

  “Yeah, I seem to have turned into a real prick, and I always thought I was a nice guy.”

  But he wasn’t acting like one tonight, or he’d have tried to catch up with Angel instead of giving her time to start for home before he left Rendezvous.

  I’ll make up with Angel, but not right now. I deserve this one time, he told himself as he went out the door and looked around the dark parking lot. Relieved there were no cars with their lights on, which he figured meant she was gone, he climbed into his little Jaguar.

  I’m going to make Angel a good husband and give her a fat
her for her child, but I owe myself just one, mind-blowing fuck with Erin.

  *

  Erin paced the floor of her living room, waiting for Derek. He was only a few minutes late but what if he’d changed his mind about coming? Or what if he never intended to show and was trying to make a fool of her?

  She longed for wild, steamy sex with him but, considering he seemed to think she screwed a lot of different guys, maybe she shouldn’t fuck him. After all, she didn’t want to confirm his worst thoughts.

  She’d dressed carefully, donning a black lace-trimmed thong and matching bra under her modest little black dress. Joey’s pendant, hanging from its delicate silver chain, nestled between her breasts, slightly exposed by the scooped neckline. She’d found a pair of earrings in her jewellery box that Joseph had given her years ago, tiny twists of silver with a touch of jade that she’d nearly forgotten owning. She’d been delighted with the discovery.

  She didn’t want to appear so dressed up that Derek would think he had to take her somewhere special, but she didn’t want to look as if she planned to spend the evening at home, giving him grounds to think she was planning or hoping for just sex.

  The doorbell rang and she took a quick look in the foyer mirror before opening the door. He was checking his watch when she said, “Hello, Derek.” She paused, expecting him to apologise for his tardiness. When he didn’t, she motioned and added, “Come in.”

  He stepped inside and looked around. “This is quite a house. Do you live in this huge place alone?”

  “My son lives with me, but it is big for two people.” Actually, it had been large for three, but Joseph loved owning the biggest and best of everything. “However, Wives-R-Us is located on the property so I wouldn’t want to part with it.”

  The June night was balmy and moonlight washed across her lawn behind Derek as he stood inside the still open door. “I couldn’t decide where to go or what to do,” he said, “so I brought some wine and thought maybe we could just stay in, if that’s okay with you.”

  With the sleeves of his black and white pin-striped dress shirt rolled up to his elbows paired with black trousers, he looked extremely handsome and as sexy as the devil himself. “I brought a tie in case you preferred to go out.” He yanked at the black silk slung over his shoulder.

  “I’m fine with your plan. I didn’t know what to suggest we do either.”

  A smile broke across the planes of Derek’s face. “Where shall we hold our little party then?”

  Stepping back outside the door, he produced a picnic basket, and she laughed in delight. The way he hoisted that hamper, he must have brought a lot of wine.

  “It’s so pleasant outside, why don’t we hold it on the back patio? It’s enclosed by bushes and quite private.” The house sat on a large grassy corner lot and was visible from cars passing on the streets and neighbouring houses, except for the veranda.

  Erin led Derek through the living and dining rooms and into the kitchen which opened onto the patio. A door in the solarium also led outside, but she wanted to pick up wine glasses on the way.

  “No need for those unless you prefer glass,” Derek said as she opened a cabinet door. “I brought plastic.”

  Following him through the back door, Erin stood fascinated as he produced a bottle of champagne, one of red wine, one of white and stemmed, plastic glasses. After setting those on the glass-topped table, he pulled out two kinds of cheese and crackers, two varieties of olives and paper napkins.

  Arranging everything neatly, he explained, “I didn’t know what you’d like to drink or eat, so I brought choices.”

  He reached into the basket again and drew out pâté, hard rolls and grapes. The final touch was a small bunch of daisies in a vial of water. “For a centrepiece,” he said, smiling at her like a small boy who’d brought home a report cart with excellent marks. After placing the bouquet in a champagne glass where it tilted to one side, he pulled out a chair for her.

  “How sweet!” Erin clasped her hands to her chest. “You thought of everything. How did you manage to get all this and arrive here only a few minutes late?”

  Seating himself across from her, he took the flowers out of the vial, poured its water in the glass and became occupied with arranging them. “I shopped before I went to work and set the whole basket in the cooler.”

  He was so virile, his hands so strong and masculine, it looked odd to see him arrange posies, and she chuckled. “I could fetch a vase.”

  “I know I’m acting anal. But no vase. I’ll get these right.”

  He had forgotten the cheese knife, so Erin fetched one from her kitchen and when she returned, chose to drink the champagne she deemed perfect to accompany the romantic feast. Derek took some too but soon changed to the heavier-bodied Merlot.

  “You are anal,” she said, pointing to his carefully arranged plate.

  He laughed and grabbed her finger. “I like things balanced. Anything wrong with that?”

  She shook her head. She wasn’t really hungry. How could she be when she was busy feasting her eyes on Derek? He was the most delicious looking man she’d ever wanted to lay more than her eyes on.

  “Why are you looking at me that way?” he asked.

  “What way?” She smiled

  “The same as you looked at that prime rib the other night—like you couldn’t wait for a taste.” Sucking the pimiento out of an olive, he held her gaze with his.

  There was no doubting his meaning, and she shivered with desire as she watched the erotic movements of his mouth. This was reminiscent of the cherry episode at Rendezvous the first night they’d seen one another. Erin hated to spoil the mood but she wanted to set Derek straight.

  “I’d been mostly abstinent following my divorce until I met Mitch…again. We’d dated in high school.”

  “Relighting a flame that’s gone out doesn’t usually work.” Derek’s eyes grew darker.

  Was he speaking from experience? Erin continued without asking. “This time around, we seemed to click and I thought we had a permanent relationship going. We’d been dating for months, and the same night I came to the club with him, I learned he never wanted to marry again. That wasn’t what I expected. So I suggested we part ways.” She plucked a purple grape from the bunch on the table.

  “You wanted him to propose and waltz you down the aisle?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

  Erin didn’t like Derek’s tone but she didn’t want to mislead him either. “I’m not desperate, but if I’m seeing someone, I like to keep the options open. It’s foolish to enter a dead-end street thinking you might end up somewhere.”

  “No outlet. That’s how they mark those kinds of roads nowadays.” Frowning, Derek ran a hand through his hair.

  What was he thinking? He tousled his hair, and unconsciously she put out a hand to push back an errant wave. She couldn’t reach across the round patio table though, and before she could drop her arm back, he touched her fingertips with his. Electricity seemed to pass between them, igniting sparks all along her spine, in her breasts, in her clit and deep inside her pussy.

  He rose and came around to her side, holding out his hands to her. She stood and moved into his arms. A silent dance of love? Mesmerised, she laid her head against his chest. With both hands on her back, he drew her close.

  His chest was solid and she felt like she’d moved into a safe harbour. She could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear and hear the rhythm of his breathing. He dropped a kiss on her hair and she felt treasured. It was a strange sensation. Erin expected hot passion, not this warmth and love. Love? It couldn’t be. Yet that was the word that tickled her senses.

  However, since he didn’t speak favourably of marriage, she supposed he wasn’t likely to take Mitch’s place at the wedding.

  “Look at me,” Derek said.

  Leaning her head back, she did, and he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were hot and his kiss gentle, but as she moved her mouth under his, his fervour deepened and he
pushed his tongue against her lips to open them. His kiss grew hungry and so did Erin’s. Heat seared her senses. He put a hand on her buttocks and pressed her hard against himself. As she felt his engorged cock thrusting against her stomach, she gasped. Taking advantage of her open mouth, Derek delved his tongue deeper and she closed her lips around it and sucked. He moaned, and trembling, withdrew to press his cheek against hers. The soft scratching of his moustache on her skin excited Erin and she took his face between her hands and rubbed it against her face. Ducking his head, he bent his body enough to rub a feathery trail down to her breasts.

  Shivering, she held his head against her there. Her breath came fast and a sweet ache formed between her legs. He rained little kisses and tiny nibbles on the exposed swell of her breasts until suddenly…

  “What’s this?” Derek took the jade heart in his fingers.

  “A gift from my son,” she whispered, wishing he’d go back to what he’d been doing.

  “Is it okay if I take it off? I wouldn’t want to break it.”

  She smiled her assent. He was thoughtful. Derek turned her around and unfastened the clasp and laid the necklace on the table with one hand while pressing her back against him with the other. When both hands were free, he dipped them inside her dress and bra and squeezed her breasts gently. Moving to her nipples, he rolled them between his fingers and she writhed in pain and pleasure.

  “You’re beautiful, Erin. I’ve wanted to possess you since I first laid eyes on you.”

  Possess. There was nothing she’d like more than having him take control of her body and emotions, but if she gave in to her raging lust and fucked him until he cried out in ecstasy, would he think she was easy and lose interest?

  Unable to resist him, she leaned her head back against his chest. He unzipped her dress and she trembled as he moved it slowly down her spine. The gentle night air felt cool against her burning skin. He loosened the sleeves from her arms and slid the fabric down, sending shivers the length of her body. She stepped out of the garment and he laid it across one of the chairs.