SecondSightDating

by Marianne Stephens

  “Can I trust you, Serena?” His eyes narrowed and he whispered, “Don’t you trust me?”

  Trust. Every instinct, sense, yearning in her body screamed in unison, “Trust him.” The only thing holding her back from grabbing him and a planting one hell of a passionate kiss on his lips was an annoying curiosity that flickered in her brain. He didn’t seem genuine. Something about him didn’t ring true.

  “I’d feel more comfortable if you’d answer my questions. I can’t just latch onto anyone who walks into my office as a client and then decides he wants a piece of my business. I worked very hard to get where I am now and I don’t want to make any mistake, even if you’d only remain a silent, financial partner.”

  “You need to relax more. I’m a reasonable guy, once you get to know me. I’m not a total loser where women are concerned.”

  Irritation edged his comments. Serena pressed forward, her own annoyance at his uneasiness with her line of questions making him appear more suspicious. “I’m just asking these questions because you’re the one who came to me, looking for a match.” She rolled her shoulders. “I don’t want a partner interested in trying his hand at matchmaking, the premise of my whole business. That part’s my domain and I won’t allow anyone else to butt in.”

  After he frowned, his face softened with a half-smile. “I’m not interested in matching people, although I’d be curious to learn more on how you do this.”

  Serena relaxed at his statement, her mind at ease for the moment. “I’m not sure I can explain the process. It’s a gift I have, reading other people’s feelings about what type of match they’re looking for. It’s just a spontaneous thing I’ve always been able to do.” She tried to convey a plea with her eyes and voice. “Can you understand this? The spontaneity of my gift?”

  He signaled for the waiter. “I know spontaneous. And, to prove it to you, watch this.”

  Serena sank back in her chair, wondering what his next move would be. Dan? Spontaneous? His disastrous meeting with Monica showed his lack in charming or interesting a date. Of course, Serena knew Dan and Monica wouldn’t really work.

  A waiter came to their table and Dan whispered something into his ear that brought a smile to his face. The young man walked away but soon returned with another waiter. He winked at Dan and then startled Serena by breaking out into a song…in Italian.

  Serena recognized the tune as one of her favorites, having been brought up by an Italian mother who inundated her offspring with opera music. By the time she was ten Serena could sing the words—albeit off-key—to most of the popular Italian operas.

  She found herself humming along, so engrossed in the song that she never realized the moment when Dan took her hand in his.

  Captivated by the music, ambiance and the tingle of soft kisses being planted on her hand by Dan, Serena’s world tumbled into one of complete compliance. The moment she shared with Dan touched her soul and, with each kiss, his letters slowly ambled across her brain.

  Heart beating a rapid tattoo in her chest, Serena reveled in his undivided attention and sweet gesture. Could a man like Dan, so caring and charming, have an ulterior motive? Was she too paranoid to accept the possibility that he might be a great catch just waiting to happen?

  One for her and not for a client?

  “So,” he whispered in her ear, “did I surprise you? I’m a nice guy, if you’d just give me a chance.”

  “I…I love opera. Thank you.” She regained some control of her shaking voice and senses as the waiters bowed at their applause and moved away.

  Dan didn’t argue when she insisted they split the bill. He just gave an affirming nod and said, “Of course, if that’s what you want. We should go somewhere quiet to continue discussing business.”

  Giving herself a mental kick in the pants, Serena willed her brain to jolt into gear. Business. Of course, business. That’s what their dinner and meeting was supposed to be about. Nothing more.

  A jab of disappointment worked its way through her psyche. She’d wanted more, allowed her guard to slip and desires to surface. Erotic visions of spending a night with Dan flashed in her head and she savored the fantasy. What was wrong with her?

  Serena wouldn’t suggest going to his apartment and she couldn’t take the chance of running into Mike at hers. She opted on a better choice. “My office is quiet. No one will disturb us there.”

  * * * * *

  Serena’s head spun from too much wine, frayed nerves and the seductive charm of the hunk sitting next to her. Inhaling a deep breath to clear her thoughts only proved to add to her confusion. His scent, an all-male, woodsy one, screamed his name as it invaded her senses.

  Her defenses down, she’d managed to allow him access to her innermost thoughts, the secret ones she’d kept in line and stored away for what seemed like an eternity. The sight, touch, sound and now heady smell of Dan Reese, chipped away at what she’d always assumed were rock-solid barricades used to seal her heart in a safe haven.

  “You’re awfully quiet.” Dan’s sideways glance at her spelled trouble, drawing her further under his sexy influence.

  “I’m…I’m just compiling a list of what we should talk about. For business. When we get to my place. I mean, my office.”

  Great job, Serena. Ramble some more and continue making a good impression.

  After completing the ride to her office in silence, they exited his car and a shiver consumed her body. Dan eyed her motion, then snuggled her close to him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  Letters, letters everywhere, filled her head. Flying, dancing, rubbing against each other, creating sparks. His face popped in and out of focus, smiling, enticing her to crave more of him.

  The night air swam around her in a soft breeze, lofting the aroma of his aftershave in her direction. Turning her head toward him presented her with the full impact of his nearness, turning the other way still bombarded and intoxicated her senses with his scent.

  Surrounded by the wonderful essence of Dan, Serena could not escape the inevitable magnetic pull drawing her closer to him. Her self-control dangled on the edge of nonexistence.

  Oh, Lord. Resisting his charm grew less and less like a necessity. She’d played the born-again virgin for so long, trying to forgo sexual pleasure while forgetting Alan and starting her business. Giving in to a basic instinct, to share her love with someone, now paraded foremost in her thoughts, screaming for her to pay attention to her needs.

  Dan squeezed her tighter against him and a jolt streamed down her body, warming her from head to toe. Why resist? Why not give in, enjoy what he had to offer, join the ranks of the living, dating, loving again?

  A split decision needed to be made. Either go for it, girl, or hide back in your safe, snug, lonely shell of a life. Could she forget the regrets and her brother’s disapproving look?

  The only serious romance she’d allowed herself to fall into had been with Alan. More of a “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am” kind of guy, his pleasure outweighed her enjoying any of their lovemaking sessions. Or should she call them lessons in how not to show and share love?

  The one and only time he’d allowed more foreplay before the act of sex had done nothing to enhance her enjoyment, only his. Alan had done nothing afterward but complain about her not meeting his needs fast enough. He’d belittled her, labeling Serena a nymphomaniac for expecting more and, since he was more experienced than she, they’d do things his way.

  Their relationship careened downhill from there, especially when he ran off with his ex-girlfriend. Alan had been sneaking around with Tammy while teaching/conditioning Serena his method of love for almost six months. He’d just left one day, packing his stuff while she was at work. The bastard. He’d even taken her favorite crockpot.

  Good riddance.

  Back to the present, Serena couldn’t find similar traits in Dan to suggest he’d be another Alan. Misgivings about his motives washed to the back of her wine-spritzed head. Plain and simply put, she desired a one-
on-one session with him, under the sheets, on the sheets…whatever.

  And, every sense in her body tingled with the knowledge that he’d take a slow, mutually enjoyable path to fulfillment for both of them. Her second sight screamed with the knowledge that she’d enjoy making love with him.

  Their silent progression, filled with unspoken desire on her part while she questioned what his reaction would be, ended at her office door. She unlocked it and uttered, “Let’s go in.”

  In that instant, Serena made the ultimate, no going back, snap judgment to go with her feelings and damn the consequences. With the lights still off, she grabbed his red silk tie and pulled him inside, slamming the door closed behind them with her foot.

  What the hell? Dan had no time to mentally react to Serena’s bold move. Instinct took control of his physical reaction and he enclosed her into his arms, searching for her lips. His aggressive move met her open, nonresistant welcome to lower his mouth to hers.

  How far could she intend this to go? Tasting her slightly wine-flavored lips over and over again only increased his desire for Serena. Dan wanted more of her, much more. Pushing her wasn’t his style. He’d gladly take whatever she offered.

  Dan’s head filled with warring images, those of Steve and his job and those of Serena and her charms. Choosing one over the other caused major conflict between his head and heart.

  She’d broken through his defenses, the ones he’d created to safeguard his heart. She sparked his interest enough to allow those barriers to begin to crumble. After what he’d gone through with his ex-wife, Laura, he’d sworn no woman would get close enough to shatter his spirit again.

  Serena smelled like roses, the scent of the perfume he’d mentioned to her. Her light, fragrant aroma surrounded her being, drawing him closer into losing all control. He rained soft kisses along her cheek and down her neck, nuzzling a spot near her ear. Her delighted moan spurred him on.

  “I want you, Serena,” he begged, in a low, husky tone. “It’s up to you now, honey.”

  Yes.

  No.

  Yes.

  No.

  Serena shuffled back and forth between decisions. His letters danced double-time in her head, swirling around smiling images of Dan’s face. The faster her heart beat, the faster his letters bounced and the bigger his smile became.

  I want him. No doubt about it, her body prepared to give Dan what they both wanted, commitment or not. Alan was a mistake, but Dan was different. Every fiber in her body screamed with that realization. Alan hadn’t loved her…never had. But, Dan…

  Serena stiffened in his arms. Love? No mention of the word had been used. What was she thinking? Had insanity taken control of her senses?

  His onslaught of constant, urgent kisses softened her heart, made her mind whirl with desire. Heat radiating from his body caused her temperature to rise and every part of her flesh burned for his touch.

  Dan broke their contact and led her to the sofa. Moonlight filtering through her non-shaded windows illuminated his face, casting shadows but not hiding his features. A half-smile moved the lips she’d just kissed, drawing her attention and need for more.

  His eyes blazed with desire and Serena found herself losing her yes/no battle. Bedroom eyes beckoned her to fulfill a night of mutual passion.

  Dan’s hands reached out to her, one tenderly grabbing her and drawing her near him while the other feathered light touches on her face. “I’ve wanted you since you fell into my arms when we first met.”

  Heart pumping wildly and pulse racing, Serena nodded in reply, the ability or need to speak decidedly absent. All her senses shifted toward one conclusion, she needed to be with Dan, to share themselves as one. There would be no turning away, no regrets later.

  “I know,” she whispered, her voice edged with an urgency of desire for their upcoming release of consensual bliss. Erotic dreams of her and Dan would soon become a reality, doubts cast aside.

  Serena kicked off her shoes, never letting her eyes stray from his. Dan sat briefly to undo his shoes and shed his socks. He stood again and began an attempt to remove his tie, only to have her hands reach out and cover his, stilling his progress.

  A flicker of disappointment crossed his face and he asked, “Do you want me to stop?”

  “Yes.” She almost moaned as she pulled his hands and held them near her face. She kissed each palm and then demanded, “I want to do that myself.”

  Dan’s breathing quickened as she watched his reaction. His hands traveled to her back, then to her zipper. “May I have the pleasure?”

  Serena nodded, afraid she might utter the plea, “Hurry,” and miss what she anticipated would be a never before, delicious-feeling foreplay experience. Forcing back the niggling doubts trying to rampage forward in her head about throwing caution to the wind and letting her desires charge ahead, she chose to concentrate on pleasure and passion.

  In slow motion, Dan let one hand lower her zipper. His other hand pushed the silky material aside, opening her dress and giving him access to her skin. Once the zipper was down to the bottom, he used both hands to slide the dress down her body. She stepped sideways, allowing the dress to puddle on the floor and then she nudged it away with her foot.

  Dan’s head bent and he nuzzled the tops of her breasts and the spot in between them not covered by her bra. His hands reached behind her again. Deft fingers undid the clasp and the push-up bra loosened around her. Serena allowed the garment to slip down and off her breasts. Uncased, her breasts fell freely, tips hardening in the cool air’s onslaught coupled with erotic anticipation of what would come.

  “You’re beautiful,” he muttered, reverently reaching out to rub each protruding bud. Forefinger and thumb rolled each breast tip in slow, circular movements and Serena threw back her head in ecstatic joy.

  Her juices already flowing, she resisted rushing him forward, eager to experience every pleasure possible for both of them. When he lowered his mouth to replace his fingers and their unending caresses of her breasts, Serena’s knees almost buckled with a lustful need she’d dreamed of feeling but never experienced before.

  To regain control of her burgeoning desire and prolong their enjoyment of each other’s body, she tenderly lifted his head with her hands. Standing on tiptoes to meet his lips, she first nibbled on Dan’s lower lip, then the upper one. Hearing him moan sent a rush of desire through her.

  All her willpower focused on stepping back, an action needed to offer him a similar pleasure like the one he’d bestowed on her. Serena loosened his tie, taking extra care to rub her hands up his torso before undoing the knot and skimming it around his neck and off his shirt.

  Dan’s hands reached for her, but Serena grabbed each one, shaking her head from side to side. Now in control, she wanted no action from him, only his reaction to her wandering hands and lips. She placed his hands at his sides and whispered, “It’s my turn to undress you.”

  His sharp intake of breath indicated he’d be more than ready for her next move. Her heartbeat quickened, pounding out a tattoo in her chest as heat cascaded down her body. With determined fingers, she began to undo his shirt buttons, one at a time in slow, determined steps.

  She pushed each button through its buttonhole, gliding her fingers down his shirtfront. Once she reached his belt, she stopped and ran her hands along the leather material. One finger from one hand dipped between his shirt and belted pants area and she ran it back and forth. The other hand landed on the belt buckle and Serena began the process of undoing it.

  Fingers of both hands then concentrated on removing his belt, something she’d never done before. A giddiness of having control and loving every minute overtook Serena. She’d never undressed a man before and loved the erotic sensation this step in foreplay unleashed.

  Serena’s breasts bounced as she turned quickly and tossed the belt to the carpet. Dan’s hands closed on her breasts, encasing them in his warmth.

  She allowed his caresses to continue as she undid his pants
button and slid one hand up and down his zipper. His groan of pleasure, accompanied by his slight squeezing of her breasts, empowered her to become more brazen.

  Serena stilled her hands and once again reached for his. She grasped each one and tenderly placed them by his sides. “You’re not cooperating. I have a job to do. Or, do you want me to lose my concentration?”

  Dan’s gravelly voice uttered his reply. “Anything you want, sweetheart. You’re in control. I’ll do what you want but we may have to move a little more quickly.”

  “How’s this?”

  Serena lowered his zipper, unleashing the bulge of manhood now straining against his boxers. She tugged his pants downward, letting them fall to the ground. Dan kicked them away.

  She reached up to remove his shirt, rubbing her body up and down his as she stretched to glide it off his shoulders. She tossed it aside and grabbed his undershirt. Getting it halfway up his body, Dan replaced her hands with his and pulled it over his head.

  Serena’s fingers traced feathered motions up his chest, stopping at his nipples. She copied the actions he’d made with her breasts and rubbed his nipples between her thumbs and forefingers. Then, standing on her tiptoes, she leaned her body upward so she could nuzzle each one. His arms surrounded her as heat pulsated from one body to the other.

  Only a few pieces of clothing separated them from absolute nakedness. Dan planted a kiss on the top of her head and moaned, “Should I reach for your pretty red panties and stockings, or would you prefer helping me get out of these boxers first?”

  Serena landed a kiss on his burning skin right above his bellybutton. She felt his body quiver at her touch, sending shivers of passion tumbling through her body.

  In a shaky voice she didn’t recognize as her own, she answered, “Please. Do me first.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Every touch, caress, kiss, spun Serena’s world out of control. Higher and higher her urges pushed her forward, craving an ultimate union as one with Dan. No thoughts of backing off or pulling away entered her head. The point of no return coupled with no regrets had been passed what seemed like hours ago.