by Sam Cheever
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“But then I turned around and left because I told myself you would have baggage…because of your money.”
Felicia opened her mouth but he held up a hand.
“No, don’t bother to tell me I’m an idiot. I already know that. You see, I have some bad history. My family…well, we won’t go into that right now, but you might say I’m obsessed with the idea that money is a corrupting influence.”
“But you seem to be doing all right…financially, I mean.”
“Well, I work two jobs, but that’s true. Which is why I’m an idiot. One of the reasons, anyway.” He gave her a crooked smile. “The other reason I’m an idiot is because I walked away from the first person who’s made me feel anything…romantic…in a long time.” Garrett pulled her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. But he didn’t stop there. His tongue slipped out and he ran it across her hand. “I want you, Felicia. However I can get you… I just want to spend time with you. I want to explore these feelings you create in me. And see if you have them too.”
Felicia licked her lips. The sensation he’d created with his tongue on the back of her hand shot through her body like electricity, warming, igniting feelings she’d been afraid to recognize. She pulled her hand away. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She leaned forward, her hazel eyes fixed on his face.
“I let myself get carried away the other night…at the restaurant. But you and I…we’re not a good match.”
“I disagree.”
A part of her wanted to grab his hand and run home with him. She wanted to pull his clothes off and fling him onto her bed, riding him long and hard until they both dropped from exhaustion. That part of her was screaming for attention at the moment, but Felicia had a ruthless grip on that little part of her and didn’t plan to let it go.
After he’d stood her up the other night, in the brutal light of day, Felicia had told herself it was a good thing. She didn’t have what it took to flaunt tradition and go after a younger man. She didn’t have the feelings of self-worth that would make it fun rather than a constant worry. She didn’t have the spine to lift her chin against the whispers, the judging glances.
She just plain didn’t have the energy.
She stood up, avoiding the pain in his eyes as she grabbed her purse off the chair. “It was really nice meeting you, Garrett. I hope you find the woman you’re looking for someday. She’ll be a very lucky young woman.”
Felicia headed for the door, fighting tears. She suspected that she’d just said no to something important. But she didn’t have the strength to turn back around and say yes. Her judgment where men were concerned hadn’t been all that stellar. Going with her heart had always gotten her into trouble. This time she was making the rational choice. Despite the fact that she ached to follow her heart just one more time.
Chapter Three
Dave Foust was leaning against the front of her car when she exited the restaurant. Felicia was surprised to see him there, especially since his face was dark with rage.
“Hello, Dave.”
He inclined his head. “Felicia.”
She waited for him to tell her why he was there. When he didn’t, she walked past him and pressed the unlock button on her key fob, reaching to open her car door.
He reached out and held the door so she couldn’t close it. “Who the hell was that man you were talking to, Felicia?”
She was torn between anger and amusement. Apparently he didn’t recognize Garrett from the restaurant the other night. She finally settled for anger. Dave’s attitude was entirely inappropriate and worse, it reminded her of her ex-husband’s manner. “Not that it’s any of your business, but that was Garrett Holcomb. You saw him the other night. He helped me when I was choking.” She couldn’t help adding the emphasis. It still pricked her that Dave had only glared at her, embarrassed that she was causing a scene.
For just a second, surprise replaced anger on Dave’s face. “That punk who accosted you when you were making a spectacle of yourself? What the hell is he doing here?”
She pulled on the car door. “He came here to see me.” She was shocked even as she said the words. She hadn’t wanted to fight that particular battle. Hadn’t thought she had it in her. But it seemed the battle was upon her…and surprise, surprise…she appeared to be up for it after all.
Color flooded Felicia’s face as Dave’s expression took on the judgmental quality she’d been expecting. “To see you? Why, Felicia? Certainly you aren’t having a fling with that young man? He’s young enough to be your son, for God’s sake!”
Although she’d been expecting the words they still stung. “Who I choose to spend time with is none of your concern, Dave. Now please remove your hand from my door so I can close it. This conversation is finished.”
He stepped closer and grabbed her arm. Felicia was caught by surprise. His long fingers pinched as he jerked her into his body, his face purple with rage. “You will not see this young man again, Felicia. Do you hear me?”
Felicia gasped as terror washed through her.
* * * * *
Garrett exited the restaurant and headed for his car. As he hit the button on his keychain to unlock his car door he heard raised voices. One of them was familiar.
He turned toward the sound and saw Felicia, standing beside her open car door talking to a man. He had slightly graying hair and wore a well-cut suit. His stance toward her was predatory. He stood too close and leaned toward her as he spoke. One of his hands was on the car door next to Felicia’s. It looked like he was keeping her from closing it.
Garrett was striding toward them before his mind had time to tell him it wasn’t a good idea. When the man grabbed Felicia’s arm and she gave a little cry of pain and alarm, he was only two steps away.
Garrett grabbed the older man and flung him up against the side of Felicia’s car. He gripped two fistfuls of the man’s expensive suit and leaned close, putting his face just inches from the man’s terrified face. “Don’t ever touch her like that again.”
Felicia gasped. “It’s okay, Garrett. Dave was just leaving.” When Garrett didn’t immediately let the man go, Felicia touched his back and spoke into his ear. “Please, Garrett. I don’t want any trouble.”
Garrett kept his gaze locked on the furious older man for a moment longer before releasing his lapels, but he stayed between Felicia and the enraged man. The man she’d called Dave stood up and smoothed his hands over his lapels.
Garrett was disgusted. “For the lady’s sake I’ll overlook your disrespect.” He leaned closer. “But if you ever lay a hand on her again I’ll make sure you and your nice suit become intimately acquainted with the ground. Is that clear?”
The older man smirked. “You’ll be sorry you did that, son.” He threw Felicia one last glance before turning and striding away toward a Mercedes two-seater at the edge of the lot.
Garrett watched until he drove out of the lot and then turned to Felicia. She was pale and shaking. “Aw hell, honey. Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and held her tight while she shivered and sobbed against his chest.
Holding her while she cried, Garrett decided he was going to do everything in his power to win Felicia’s heart. He didn’t really have a choice. His heart had already made the decision.
* * * * *
Felicia typed cougar into the search field and hit enter. Several links to stories popped up. There were a couple of scientific papers that talked about the psychology of older women wanting to be with younger men. The stories were clinical and started with the premise that society found the pairing of an older woman with a younger man perplexing.
However, the real-life stories she read implied that the stigma to the term “Cougar” was changing. Many women appeared to relish cougar relationships and found great pleasure and satisfaction in them. Felicia knew that was true. Bliss was a perfect example.
Her friend fit the cougar description perfectly. Before she’d met B
rad, she’d spent a lot of time visiting bars and clubs, looking for men who were much younger than she was. But Bliss wasn’t some kind of monster. She was a caring woman who truly cherished her young lovers and treated them very well. Her lovers cared for Bliss too, showing every sign of wanting to spend as much time with her as possible.
Thoughts of Bliss reminded Felicia of the URL her friend had written on a sticky and given her. She went to her purse and dug through it until she found the slip of paper.
The KittyKat Club was apparently some kind of chat group. Felicia discovered she had to sign into the group to use it. She bit her bottom lip for a moment, staring at the screen and thinking about whether she was ready to take that step.
But then, thinking about the date she had planned with Garrett that very night, she decided she’d better do it. If there were rules and traps in a cougar relationship, Felicia wanted to know what they were, so she didn’t make a fool of herself.
Finally, she took a deep breath and set up an account, using the name FelicitousFeline. She logged in and looked at the series of posts, with names like Cougarlicious, Cubhunter, and Prettybrownkitty.
A chime sounded and a new post popped up. Several more chimes followed in quick succession. Felicia didn’t know what to do. She stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, and panicked.
Cougarlicious: Welcome, FelicitousFeline!
Cubhunter: Hiya FF.
Prettybrownkitty: Felicia, is that you?
Felicia’s eyes widened, who the hell was Prettybrownkitty and how did she know her? Felicia started typing.
FelicitousFeline: Hello, my name is Felicia. I’m new to the KittyKat Club.
Felicia hit send and then felt stupid. Duh! They obviously knew she was a new member already. More chimes sounded.
Cougarlicious: I’m glad to meet you, Felicia.
Prettybrownkitty: Girlfriend!
Cubhunter: Is there something we can help you with, Felicia?
Prettybrownkitty: It’s me, Bliss!
FelicitousFeline: Hey Bliss! I didn’t realize you’d be here. I guess I should have since you gave me the URL right? Duh!
Prettybrownkitty: I’m a regular. This is a great group.
Cubhunter: Thanks PBK!
Cougarlicious: Do you have a cub, Felicia?
Cubhunter: You two know each other?
Prettybrownkitty: She’s got the yummiest cub.
Felicia’s eyes just kept getting wider. She couldn’t possibly keep up with the speed of the interactions coming at her. Taking a deep breath, she decided to take one post at a time. Cubhunter had asked if they could help her with something. That was a definite yes.
FelicitousFeline: I’m having my first date tonight with my cub.
Cougarlicious: How fun!
Prettybrownkitty: You go girl!
FelicitousFeline: He’s about twenty years younger than I am.
Cubhunter: Perfect!
FelicitousFeline: I’m very nervous and wondered if there was any advice you could give me about dealing with a much younger man. What will we talk about? Should I downplay the age thing? Or be very straightforward about it? I’d appreciate any advice you can give me.
Cougarlicious: Just be yourself, Felicia. You’ll figure it all out.
Cubhunter: Don’t focus on the age difference, it doesn’t really matter.
Prettybrownkitty: Screw his brains out, honey. Enjoy yourself!
Felicia choked. Leave it to Bliss.
FelicitousFeline: Bliss! You’re incorrigible.
Cougarlicious: Obviously you two know each other, so I won’t try to explain Bliss to you Felicia!
FelicitousFeline: LOL, don’t bother, I’ve known her for years. She just likes to shock me.
Prettybrownkitty: LOL, it isn’t hard to do. But I’m not kidding, girlfriend. That man wants you bad. If you don’t jump on that yumminess I’m gonna clock you over the head.
Cougarlicious: LOL, no violence, please!
Cubhunter: Well, maybe a little BDSM! If you’re into that. Hehehe
Prettybrownkitty: Ooh, spank me honey!
Cubhunter: ROFL!
* * * * *
Garrett was straightening mats in the yoga studio when Giorgio found him. Around them the studio buzzed with preparations for nighttime classes. “Hey, Giorgio. What’s up?”
Giorgio looked upset. His round face was red and his lips white from pressing them together. He touched Garrett’s arm. “Can you come to my office, please? I need to talk to you about something important.”
“Sure.” Garrett took one last look at the mats and followed Giorgio into a small, cluttered office at the back of the studio. He pulled a stack of glossy brochures off the only chair and sat down, settling the brochures on the corner of Giorgio’s messy desk.
Rather than sitting down behind his desk, Giorgio went to the rickety, wooden bookshelves on the back wall and pushed some exercise physiology books to one side, pulling a dusty bottle out from behind them.
He poured them each two fingers of the expensive brandy he kept for special occasions, handing one to Garrett.
“Are we celebrating something?”
Giorgio made a rude sound. “Hardly.” He dropped into his chair and lifted his glass to Garrett. “To fools and thieves.”
Garrett sipped the brandy and settled back in his chair. “Okay, buddy. Tell me what’s wrong. You look like somebody made you hold plank for twenty minutes.”
Giorgio settled his forearms on his desk and looked at Garrett. “I can’t believe I’m gonna say this to you.” He took another sip of his brandy and set it down hard. “I have to let you go.”
Garrett gulped his brandy down in surprise, nearly choking. He coughed and sat up straight. “You what?”
“Some fat-cat lawyer called Penelope and threatened to file a very public lawsuit against the studio if she didn’t fire you.”
Garrett surged to his feet. “What! That’s crazy. Who was this lawyer working for?”
Giorgio drained his glass and poured them both more. “Himself apparently.” He handed Garrett his glass and sat back. “He says you attacked him in a parking lot over some woman.”
Garrett’s face grew pale and he dropped back into the chair, stunned. Felicia’s lawyer date. Holy crap!
“Tell me it’s bullshit, Garrett.”
Garrett lifted his gaze and fixed it on Giorgio’s frowning face. He opened his mouth to respond but didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to lie to his friend. His lips slammed shut and he looked away.
“Oh crap, Garrett. What have you done?”
* * * * *
Felicia’s face was red and her palms were sweaty by the time she finished reading through the current and recent messages on the KittyKat Club chat group. She’d interacted with several of the ladies and learned that it was a friendly and supportive group. She already felt better about her date with Garrett.
She finally shut the group down and went to check her email.
She had five new emails since she’d checked earlier.
The first one was from Bliss, a picture of a hot, young stud wearing only a small, strategically placed bouquet of roses. Felicia giggled and told her friend the young model, who was no older than twenty-four, was too old for her.
She hit send, grinning.
Felicia was still smiling when she opened the next email. The word WHORE hit her first. It was blown up to about a size thirty-six font and in red. Felicia felt the blood draining from her face. She hit delete with a shaking finger and sat back, feeling as if she would throw up. Who was sending her such hateful mail?
And more importantly. Why?
She realized exactly who it was. She had the phone in her hand and was dialing Dave Foust before she had time to think about it.
He answered right away as if he’d been waiting by the phone. “Hello?”
Felicia hesitated. What if it hadn’t been him who’d sent the note? She’d be opening up a whole can of worms.
“Hello?”
Felicia made a decision. “Dave, it’s Felicia.”
“Good afternoon, Felicia. Is everything all right? You sound strange.”
“No, Dave. Everything isn’t all right. How dare you send me this email? Your behavior is atrocious!”
There was a silence that made Felicia frown. What if she was way off base?
When he finally spoke, Dave’s response made her face heat with anger. “Felicia, sweetheart, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Has someone threatened you? Do you need a lawyer?”
Felicia’s whole body was shaking by this point. She felt like she might pass out from the combination of fear and uncertainty washing through her. “You threatened me, Dave.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Felicia. I’ve loved you for ten years. I haven’t made any secret of that, have I? Why would I threaten you? What’s going on, sweetheart?”
Felicia let her hostility slide away. If he was guilty he was an extremely good actor. “Someone sent me the most hateful email.” There was a small scraping sound on the other end of the line. She could visualize him pulling a legal pad and pen closer to take notes. “What was the email about?”
This had been her greatest fear. With a deep breath, Felicia grabbed the tab on the can of worms and gave it a pull. “All it had in it was the word ‘whore’, in red and all caps.”
“What?”
“I know. It’s crazy.”
“Not as crazy as you might think, Felicia. How well do you know that young man who accosted me in the parking lot yesterday?”
Felicia bristled. “He’s a full-grown man, Dave!”
“Well, I guess that answers my question. Felicia, sweetheart, do you know what you’re doing? He’s half your age. People are going to talk.”
“We’re both consenting adults, Dave.”
The ensuing silence was filled with disapproval.
“If you’re going to buck the norms, Felicia, you’ll have to take the consequences, however harsh or unfair they are.”