He smiled. “If we're telling the truth, neither have I."
"Huh?"
"Let's just say I'm new to this and leave it at that.” He slowly looked her over. “That's one helluva costume you almost have on."
She looked down and saw that the front of the gown was sheer enough that her nipples were quite visible. Rather than go thermonuclear over what the bathroom lights hadn't revealed, Cathy just shrugged. “Guess it's part of the fantasy."
He sauntered toward her. “I'll let you begin this. It's your fantasy, after all."
She pushed her hair back with one hand and tried not to stare into those cobalt-blue eyes. His hair was dark and tapered around his neck in a style that was neither excessively long or short.
"What do you suggest?” She held her breath and waited. Somehow, the idea that she'd ever been afraid to do this seemed not only stupid but shameful. Shameful because it would be a pure waste of a good man to let this gigantic hunk leave the room without at least looking at him.
Ian pointed toward the basket of food. “It's close to lunch. Want to sample some champagne and whatever's in the basket?"
She smiled and nodded.
Ian found a soft blanket draped over the end of the bed. In lieu of any other furnishings but the bed and a phone table beside it, he spread the blanket on the floor and placed the basket on it.
Cathy hesitated.
"Come on, Cat. This won't be so bad. At least, not with you it won't."
The way he said that made her think he'd been just as anxious about this meeting as she had. But the smile in those deep blue eyes led her to believe he was pleased with his assignment. It sort of warmed her that she'd be one of, if not his very first, assignment. She took his outstretched hand and sat on the blanket when he did.
"Why don't you fix us something to eat while I open the champagne?” Ian quickly set about popping the cork on the expensive bottle of bubbling liquid while getting a good look at the woman with him. Soft brown hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her green eyes were mesmerising. She was tall, slender and athletic. Not the kind of woman who led a totally pampered life, however. There were small scars on the fingers of her right hand. As if she used it for some physically exerting activity that didn't affect the other hand at all. He found himself wanting to know more.
Cat filled them each a small plate with little delicacies. There were chocolates, crackers, cheeses, mints and assorted other goodies. She handed one of the plates to him.
Ian took the offering and began to relax. This wasn't going to be nearly as bad as he'd first thought. He finally popped the cork on the champagne, poured them each a glass and handed one to her. Setting the bottle aside, he said, “Here's to adventure, fantasy, and those with the heart to live it."
Cat clinked her fluted goblet against his and drank. “You know, this isn't the ordeal I imagined."
After sipping some of the golden liquid, Ian stared at her for a moment. “Not to sound ungallant, but I was thinking the exact same thing."
She munched on a cheese covered cracker, tilted her head and considered his comment. “According to what you've told me, you haven't been doing this long."
He shrugged. “There's a first time for this kind of thing. I'd tell you about it, but I was asked by the staff not to mention anything concerning my history. Especially since you wanted to keep your visit quiet. All I know is your name ... Cat."
She nodded. “That's fair enough.” Then she popped a grape into her mouth and was surprised when Ian peeled an orange and held a piece up to her lips. Feeling emboldened, Cathy took it into her mouth along with the index finger and thumb holding it. She saw the corner of Ian's mouth lift and his eyes light up with mischief.
Ian looked her over. “I like that.” Then he continued to offer her more fruit.
After several minutes of staring into those dark blue eyes and watching the muscles of his bare chest move when he reached for another appetiser, Cathy's body began to respond to the sexual innuendo implied by her gentle sucking of his fingers. “You look like you spend a lot of time in a gym. Sorry if that's one of those personal comments we aren't supposed to make, but I can't exactly help noticing.” She looked over his massive pectoral muscles and swallowed hard.
"That comment I don't mind,” Ian readily responded. “I work out so I can be around to play with my grandkids someday. Maybe even my great grandkids. Of course, I'm not married now, or I wouldn't be doing this. But I want to be someday."
Cathy stared at him for a moment. Most guys of her acquaintance worked out in the gym because police work was a physically demanding job and someone's life might depend upon responding with strength or agility. But sometimes the guys really just wanted to get buff. In that latter group, egos grew proportionally with the amount of muscle the men could build. But she'd never heard anybody say their work-outs were a result of wanting to play with grandchildren. It was kind of sweet.
After they were finished, Ian put the basket and the utensils aside. “I didn't say this earlier because I was afraid you'd think it was part of the service.” He paused and looked her over. “Has anyone ever told you that you're one hell of a stunning woman?"
Cathy looked down at the blanket and pretended to smooth out an imaginary wrinkle. “Guys have said things about my looks all my life. I'd rather they looked a little deeper, you know?"
"Yeah. I get that too and feel the same way,” he agreed.
Again, she stared at him for a moment. He was either the best actor she'd ever come across—and there were lots of criminals a police officer could meet who could act circles around anyone in Hollywood—or he was very sincere. She couldn't tell which. One thing was sure. He was acting every bit a gentleman, and the response her body had when he'd fed her was still there.
"I guess we could take a look around the room,” Ian suggested. “We're here. May as well take the grand tour.” He stood up and offered his hand to her.
Cathy took it and was rather glad when he didn't let go. He led her toward a little area that was meant to mimic a meadow. A low fence had been covered with silk flowers and there was a small waterfall nearby. “They didn't spare any expense, did they?"
Ian took in the entire room. “This place makes my apartment look like a closet. It's huge."
Cathy laughed when she saw several goldfish swimming at the bottom of the little waterfall. She playfully splashed at the surface and the fish swam toward her, obviously wanting some kind of treat. “My goldfish act the same way. I think I'm going to put them in a bigger tank when I get home. It doesn't seem right to keep them in a tiny bowl when I see how these guys like their waterfall."
Ian sat next to her. “You like animals?"
"Oh, sure! I've had some kind of pet all my life. I wish I could have more, but my landlord isn't the animal loving type."
"I've got a rescued puppy."
Cathy sat down near the waterfall and waited for him to join her. “What kind?"
Ian grinned. “She's a mutt. Brown, white and fuzzy. I call her Sunshine."
Cathy couldn't help laugh at his expression. It was clear he loved his pet. And that somehow endeared him to her a little more.
"What should we do now?” he asked.
"I'd take you to see the sunken tub in the bathroom, but the vanity has all kinds of marital aids laid out. It's like they think anybody could use all that in one day."
Ian laughed. “I guess some of the guests stay here for longer. Maybe they make a weekend out of it."
"Yeah.” She pulled at the hem of her costume, running out of things to talk about.
After watching her for a few minutes, Ian made a suggestion. “Look. I'm not sure what you want to do, but you look kind of wound up. Why don't you turn around?"
"Why?” she quickly asked.
"I'm not gonna do anything heinous. Just sit with your back to me."
"Well ... okay,” she quietly agreed, then slowly turned away from him. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, he
lifted her hair so it fell over her chest and he placed his hands on her shoulders. Cathy tensed up, but his low voice quickly alleviated any anxiety.
"I'm just going to rub your shoulders. If you don't want me to, I'll stop."
"No, I'm acting like a cornered rabbit. It'll be okay.” Cathy closed her eyes as his hands began to deeply massage the muscles in her shoulders. Eventually, she began to lean back to get closer.
"Is that okay?"
"Oh yeah,” she whispered. “Very okay."
"I'm gonna do your back now."
Cathy felt his hands move lower and her abdomen seemed to tighten though she tried to tell herself there was nothing sexual in what he was doing. But it still felt so damned good.
"Keep going?” he asked.
"Please,” came her breathy response.
For a long, time Ian continued to work the muscles in her back and shoulders. Cathy kept leaning backward as if she couldn't get close enough. It had been a very long time since anyone had touched her with such gentle strength. And when his hands slowly slipped around her midriff and his thumbs caressed the outer part of her breasts, she moaned in pleasure.
Ian leaned close enough so that his lips were right next to her right ear. “Say the word and I'll stop."
"No, don't stop. Please ... don't stop."
"I might be able to do this a little better if I could unzip your gown."
Cathy kept her eyes closed, swallowed hard and nodded. “That'd be fine."
A La Carte—12:05 p.m.
Ian took a deep breath to steady himself. If she couldn't yet feel the erection through the wool of the kilt, then maybe she should. He pressed into her back as he slowly unzipped the dress. It fell into a green, sparkling pool around her waist. He got on his knees so he could place his head next to hers and look over her shoulder. “Lord, you're beautiful,” he gasped.
Cathy writhed against the very hard erection jutting into her lower back, and knew she was affecting him as he was her. She arched backward which brought them even closer. His hands slid from her midriff up to her breasts, and he began a very slow, methodical massage of them. Her head fell back against his shoulder and her hands slid back to his thighs.
"That's right. Touch me,” he softly instructed. “Anywhere you want."
Cathy licked her dry lips as his hands and fingers gently delved into the soft flesh of her breasts. She moved the palms of her hands up his thighs, pushing back the blue plaid as she did so. And when her hands reach his torso, Ian shifted his legs apart so she could touch the inner parts of his legs and thighs.
"Ohhhh, Cat! You don't know what that's doing to me."
"Just keep going,” she insisted and moved the lower part of her back against his hardness.
"I want you,” he blurted.
The tips of her fingers came in contact with the rigid member behind her and Cathy felt him shudder with the contact. She immediately brought her hands to the gown at her waist and pushed it lower until it was off her body. When she did, Ian's palms slid down her body, over her thighs and between them.
He felt the moisture pooled there and Cathy's response to his touch was nothing less than electrifying. “There are some condoms in a bowl by the waterfall. Hand me one and I'll help us both finish this,” he told her.
Cathy's left hand flew to the bowl and grabbed the item. She passed it over her shoulder to him.
"Remember, any time you want me to stop..."
"I know. I'll tell you.” She was actually dragging air into her lungs, waiting for him to get inside. “Slow and deep, please."
"You've got it."
Ian quickly shed his belt, boots, and the accompanying nine yards of kilt. He put the condom on and pulled her hips up until she was on her hands and knees. His first stroke was not inside, but outside and against her, making sure she knew what he was about to do.
Cathy went down on her elbows which had the effect of thrusting her hips even higher. With strength, but slow and gentle precision, he entered her vagina and did exactly as she'd requested. His thrusts came in deep forward motions. But her body soon needed a bit more speed. She pushed backward and met him as he thrust. She could scarcely believe the cries coming from her own mouth. Never in her life had she had sex with such abandoned passion, and it was wonderful.
"I—I can't hold on much longer.” Ian clenched his jaw, dragging air in and trying to make the sensations around his erection last. Her hot body was undoing him, moment by moment.
"Yes!” Cathy cried out and slammed her backside against his hips over and over. The intensity of the climax was such that she no longer cared where she was or why she'd come there in the first place.
Ian cried out as he released. He slid his hands up her body, cupping her breasts and pulling at the nipples until he was absolutely sure their mutual orgasms had played out. And when it was all finally over, he pulled out of her slowly and brought her body back against him. They were now in their original positions. She was kneeling between his thighs and he was holding her. She was panting and Ian pushed her hair back, kissed one shoulder and wrapped his arms around her more tightly. “Okay?"
She nodded. “Very okay.” Cathy looked back over her shoulder and Ian's lips tenderly kissed the corner of her mouth. “I want to see you."
He backed away only a small distance so she could turn around and kneel in front of him.
Cathy lifted her hands, placed them on each side of his face and stared into his eyes for a moment. From his square jaw, her touch drifted down to his shoulders, across his chest and to his abdomen. “You're built like a machine. I've never seen a man so well-muscled. And I've never had such a great climax in my life."
Ian slid the tips of his fingers along the outside of her thighs. “Neither have I, but we're not done.” He stood up, pulling her with him. “Let's try out the bed.” He pulled off the condom and threw it into a nearby waste basket.
She grinned. “Okay.” Any inhibitions she'd had were completely gone.
Chapter Three
Specialties—1:15 p.m.
For a long time Cathy lay in his arms. Neither of them spoke, but they held and stroked each other. As far as she was concerned, that time together was just as intimate as the sex.
"Hey, why don't we try out that sunken tub?” Ian suggested and pushed her hair away from her face.
Cathy's response was to stand up and hold out a hand encouragingly.
For a moment, Ian's gaze swept over her body. “You really are beautiful. Every flamin’ inch of you."
She ignored the complement and tossed her hair back. “Come on. I want to see you in a bubble bath."
Ian laughed, stood beside her and playfully grabbed at her body as they made their way into the bathroom. At the door, he stopped and looked around. When he saw all the sexual paraphernalia lying on the vanity, he passed one hand over his face. “I see what you mean. This looks like one of those shops they used to have near Times Square."
"Doesn't look so intimidating now. I guess it took me a while to get used to the idea of being here.” She turned the bath faucets on, tested the temperature with her hand and reached for a bottle of bubble bath.
"What made you decide to do this if you were so anxious?"
She snorted. “It's a long story. I was sort of talked into it."
"Me, too,” he blurted, then realised his mistake when she suddenly stood up, turned and faced him.
"Then you aren't just a new employee?"
"Uh, I wasn't supposed to let that slip. I hope you aren't angry, Cat, but this was sort of a fantasy for me."
"I'm not going on with this,” she angrily muttered. “I was expecting an employee. Not some guy off the street.” She would have walked around him, but Ian put his arm out to block her way.
"Please, Cat, don't be angry. I swear I'm not some weirdo. I don't have any agenda here. It's kind of complicated, but I can't explain my reasons for coming to this place. I promised I'd keep the reason I'm here secret. Everything I've told y
ou so far is true. I am new to this, and I'm certainly not married or about to pull anything bizarre. Please, don't leave."
She glared at him. “Who the hell are you?"
"Like I said, I can't tell you. Not just because you asked for anonymity, but I need it as well. Please try to understand. The only difference between me and another guy who would have been assigned to you is that I don't do this for a living.” He stepped closer. “And whatever I've told you comes from my gut. I'm not making it up to please a client. I haven't been feeding you any lines. I really do think you're beautiful.” He paused. “I'm pretty sure any of the men who work here would have fed you some crap they knew you'd want to hear. But then, the kind of women who patronise this place expect it. They know what they're getting into. When I came through the door and saw you standing there, the expression on your face told me you weren't all that keen on this. Neither was I until I started talking to you."
She considered that for a moment. Something about the way he said it made Cathy believe him. As she thought it over, what real difference did it make who he was or where he came from? They were only there for the day. And he was doing exactly what she wanted. Pleasure from any previous sexual experiences had never been better. He'd even made sure to use a condom. That, at least, was responsible. Aside from being in this luxurious bordello, he could have been a one-night-stand one of her friends had fixed up for her. The problem was, he was infinitely better than any one-nighter.
She waved a hand in dismissal. “I guess if the staff checked you out and approved you, then it's okay."
"They certainly did. On the other hand, I didn't even know who I'd be meeting."
She gasped. “They didn't even tell you ... I guess they couldn't. They were asked to keep their mouths shut about me.” She put one hand to her forehead and shrugged. “I—I don't suppose any real harm has been done. You've been very accommodating. You've even catered to me the whole time."
He nodded. “That's all I want to do."
Tempting the Law Page 2