by Jenika Snow
"Excuse me, miss."
That voice. I would have recognised that voice in a dark alley. I knew before I even turned around who was standing behind me. I tingled all over just from those three little words he spoke. It was as if his face was right next to my head and he had whispered the words into my ear. I shivered and looked over my shoulder. I swallowed as I craned my neck up to see his face. He smiled at me as he pulled back, grasping a movie in his hand. His face was stunningly masculine, with a strong bone structure and striking lines. A straight nose and full lips reminded me of someone from the aristocracy, but there was nothing fancy or ritzy about him. He exuded an air of power that made me feel very feminine.
"Oh, sorry."
I stumbled to the side and quickly glanced down at the movie I was holding, pretending to finish reading it, but actually, I couldn't concentrate on the words knowing he was standing right next to me. I glanced up at him and noticed he was reading the back of the movie he was holding. He looked even better here then he had at the grocery store. I felt like I was back in high school when a boy—a new, very cute boy—had come up to talk to me. The poor guy had just wanted to know where his English class was, but he had been good looking and I had made an ass out of myself then. I started to move past him and take my movie to the front counter when his voice stopped me. I was so close to him, I could smell his cologne and it drove me wild.
"Didn't we meet in the wine aisle at the grocery store?"
His voice held a hint of amusement and I felt myself blushing. Damnit! I turned around, knowing I must look like a stop sign with my red face. I tried to smile, but my face felt tight.
"Uh, yeah, we did."
"Did you try that wine?” He had turned his body towards me and watched me intently.
"No, not yet.” I cleared my throat and felt my face start to lose its rosy hue. We stared at each other and the awkward silence was a little unnerving. “Well, enjoy your movie.” I turned without waiting for him to respond and walked up to the front counter.
I set the movie down. “This is it. I don't have a membership, so is there paperwork I have to sign or something?” I was fishing out my ID when I looked up. The girl hadn't answered me and lo and behold, she was staring intently at the wine guy. I didn't want to be rude trying to get her attention, but I was feeling weird and just wanted to get out of there. I cleared my throat and when that didn't work, I rang the little bell on the counter. That seemed to snap her out of her daydreams. She muttered her apologies and asked for my license. I was aware of him coming up behind me as she slid the new member paperwork towards me. Of course, she was looking over my shoulder as she absently tossed a pen my way. I moved off to the side, hoping he would take the hint and go before me. Thankfully, he did and stepped beside me. His arm slid against mine and sent a heat wave through my body. His tee-shirt left his arm bare and when his skin met mine, I thought I would need to go change my panties. I felt so embarrassed by my response to him that I shifted in place.
I glanced over, wanting to see what a man like him would check out. I was a little surprised that he would choose a classic like Dracula. He didn't seem like the type to watch a movie like that. Of course, I really didn't know what he would or wouldn't like, but I had a sudden, great need inside me to know. I shook off the thought and continued with the task at hand.
"I'll see you around."
My head snapped up to meet his intense green stare. His words weren't phrased like a passing statement. No, his words were a fact, and when he said them, it made me feel like he planned to see me again, no ifs, ands or buts. I couldn't even respond as I watched him smile devilishly and then take his movie and leave. I shook my head and gave the girl my application.
"Oh, isn't he so dreamy?"
The girl's voice sounded far away, as if she were thinking about their future together.
"Who?” Of course I knew who she was talking about, but I didn't want to seem like I'd been mooning over him, too.
"Dr. Cole. He's just so nice, and to top it off, he's a hottie!"
She all but squealed the last part and then sighed. I couldn't help smiling at the obvious high school crush she had going on. Then again, what woman wouldn't take notice of him? I took my movie and headed out the front door. I rooted around in my purse, looking for my keys yet again. Walking towards my car, my stride slowed down as I noticed a dark Mercedes parked next to mine. My heart rate picked up because I knew whose car that was—I had seen it the other night, and I knew who was in that car. I pretended not to notice as I opened my car door and started to get in. The sound of an automatic window being rolled down caught my attention and I turned. He was leaning towards the open passenger window, looking at me and smiling.
"You know, I never introduced myself. I'm Kerian Cole."
His smile made me swallow and my whole body became warm, my panties instantly becoming wet with my arousal. I walked closer to his car and leant down.
"Ashliyn Michaels."
I held out my hand and my breath hitched when his much larger one encased mine. I stood there frozen with my mouth hanging open as he brought my hand to his mouth, turned it over and kissed the inside of my wrist. He stared at me as he pressed his lips to my skin, and I couldn't help but shift my legs at the wetness that slid out of me.
"Ashliyn."
He said my name and I almost groaned. There was something about his voice that made me all tingly down there.
"Would you like to have dinner with me this weekend?"
I was so taken aback by his question that I actually stammered over my words, trying to find an answer.
"Well, um, you see, I, uh, just moved here."
He stared at me as the corner of his mouth twitched.
"I mean, I just moved here and have a lot of unpacking to do."
I had no idea why I wasn't jumping in his car and demanding he take me to his house right now and do dirty things to me.
"Well, you have to eat sometime, don't you?"
I knew he was laughing at me by his comment, and I couldn't help the nervous smile I gave him.
"I'll tell you what, I'll give you my number and you give me yours and I'll call you tomorrow to set up a day and time. How does that sound?"
I couldn't believe how blunt he was being, but to be honest, I liked the dominant role he was taking. He grabbed my hand and pulled it close to him, then pulled out a pen and wrote his number on my skin. I watched the ink slide over my hand, and I didn't miss how his thumb played over the pulse on my wrist. I know he could see how fast my heart was racing by the feel of my pulse, not just because he was supposedly a doctor, but because I could clearly see it pounding right under my skin. I took my hand back and stared at it when he was done writing his number on me.
"That's my private line. You can reach me there at any time."
Almost automatically, I repeated the same action on his hand and felt a jolt go through me when our flesh touched. I think he felt it too, because he inhaled deeply and I could hear him swallow.
"Until tomorrow."
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Chapter Four
* * * *
I watched Kerian smile at me after he said those two words and continued to stare at his car as he drove off. I felt stupid for watching him leave, but I was helpless to stop myself. I didn't know what had gotten into me or why I was having this strong reaction to a man, but I couldn't help the feelings he conjured up in me. Butterflies were flying around in my stomach at the idea of him calling me. Maybe it was immature, but just thinking about him calling me and actually setting something up had me giggling like a school girl. I didn't want to get my hopes up though, because I knew from bitter experience men who looked like him didn't go after women like me. Maybe that was why I had never been attracted to men, or maybe I just hadn't found the right one yet. Kerian definitely seemed like the right one, though.
After stopping by the little Italian restaurant and picking up some pasta and a salad, I settled on my
pallet in front of the television and waited for my movie to start. I don't know why I had chosen a romantic comedy—it wasn't something I normally watched. After finishing my dinner, I stopped the movie and got up to throw away my trash. I could hear my cell phone vibrating inside my purse. I couldn't imagine who would be calling me at this time of night. I didn't have any close friends, and my family was non-existent, so I assumed it was a wrong number. Sure enough, when I looked at the caller ID, it said it was private. I was about to ignore the call, but something inside me urged me to answer it. “Hello?"
"Ashliyn?"
The deep voice that came through the receiver made my pulse instantly kick into overdrive, and my palms sweat. I knew exactly who was on the other line.
"Yes?"
"Hi. It's Kerian...from the movie store."
He said the last part as if I really needed him to remind me. I could be blindfolded and find him just by his scent and voice alone. Still, I didn't want to seem eager or desperate.
"Oh, yes, hi."
I had a feeling he wasn't buying my ignorant act, but whether he knew or not, he played along.
"I'm sorry I'm calling so late, but I just couldn't wait until tomorrow."
His admission had me smiling to myself. His voice had a hint of an accent, a very subtle accent that could be European. I was surprised I hadn't noticed it before, but then again, there was probably a lot of things I hadn't noticed.
"It's not too late."
I said the words too quickly, and immediately cursed myself for my over-eagerness. Of course I was thrilled he needed to call me right away, what girl wouldn't be? His deep chuckle came through the phone and I cringed, knowing he had picked up on my quick response.
"How are you, Ashliyn?"
As embarrassed as I was to admit it, I could have had an orgasm from those four words alone. I loved hearing my name come from him; it jolted me with desire and awareness. I cleared my throat and walked back to my little pallet.
"Fine. Thank you."
"I feel I'm being too pushy, but I just can't wait until this weekend. I mean, of course if you're busy, well then, I completely understand."
"Oh.” I was taken aback by his statement. I was flattered by the fact that he couldn't wait until the weekend to see me, but a little voice in my head urged me to be careful. I knew nothing abut this man, aside from the little bit the sales girl had mentioned. I knew he was a doctor, and he clearly had money, but aside from that, for all I knew he could be a psycho. As if reading my mind, he spoke.
"I'm not dangerous or anything."
He chuckled at his comment.
"I mean, I'm a little surprised I'm so eager to see you. I'm usually not so...smitten with a female so quickly."
I didn't know how to take his comment. Should I feel a little offended that he was surprised he was smitten with me? I tried not to read too much into it, but I was secretly a little put off. I was about to tell him I had plans for the rest of my life when he spoke.
"I can see by your silence that I might have stuck my foot in my mouth. Alas, I'm a man and do that frequently. Please forgive me for anything I might have said to cause any undue stress."
He spoke as if he were from a different time, or maybe it was the fact that he was so educated. Did all doctors talk that way? What experience I had with them said no, but he did have an accent, so perhaps where he was from, speaking like that was normal. I couldn't help but laugh at his apology. I didn't know if I was thrilled or a little put off that he could read me so well—and over the phone nonetheless.
"It's okay. I'm just not used to men being so blunt with me, and in all honesty, not used to them being eager to see me."
I didn't know why I had told him any of that, but there was something inside me that demanded I tell him the truth. He was quiet for some time and I started to worry maybe he was now uninterested because I'd told him men didn't pursue me.
"I find it impossible that men are not beating down your door.” He spoke the words deeply and softly.
A shiver skated down my spine at the absolute tone he had.
"So, sweet Ashliyn, will you honour me by having dinner with me tomorrow?"
I was helpless to say no, and really, I would have been a complete fool to turn him down. I chewed on my nail for a second and took a deep breath.
"Okay."
"Excellent! Shall I pick you up at sunset?"
"That sounds fine.” He sounded excited I had agreed to go, and I couldn't help smiling. I gave him my address and we said our goodbyes. I felt giddy, and immediately went to my room to try to find something to wear. I was glad I had hung up my clothes, since that meant I didn't have to dig in boxes to find something suitable. After much debate, I finally settled on a black A-line skirt and a black and teal shirt. I didn't know where we were going and thought it was casual, yet dressy enough. I found a pair of black peep-toe heels and set my outfit off to the side. I was smiling all the way back to the living room as I sat down to finish my movie.
* * * *
I knew I was dreaming instantly. I stood in the centre of a vast forest, the trees surrounding me so lush and thick that they obscured the moon. Although it was dark, I could see perfectly. Snow was all around me, scattered throughout the branches and sprinkling from the heavens. I reached my hand out, white crystal flakes melting instantly on my palm. I dropped my hand and turned in a small circle, everything so eerily silent that chills slid up my spine. I looked into the sky, the tiny flakes of crystallised water sticking to my eyelashes.
"I'm so glad you could make it."
I turned around as the deep voice whispered against my ear. I expected someone to be right next to me, but he stood several feet back, the black duster he wore covering his massive body. My mind and body screamed for me to run away, but his dark stare kept me prisoner. He took several steps towards me, but I couldn't move. He was in front of me in the next instant, his smile cruel and knowing.
"I've been searching for you."
The snow around me stopped mid-air, the flakes sparkling in the moonlight as he took my hand and lifted it to his mouth. I wanted to move, but his stare kept me prisoner. His teeth tore at my wrist and I screamed silently. I wanted the noise to come out of my mouth, but it wouldn't. My blood poured out as I stared wide-eyed at my mangled wrist. He was no longer in front of me, but it didn't matter because my gaze was fixed on the bright crimson fluid that spilled onto the ground. The pristine white snow sucked up my life source like a hungry child, and soon there was no more of it. I stood in a pool of my own blood, and when the snow started to fall again, it was flakes of crystallised red, so beautiful, yet terribly frightening. I stared into the tree line, my beautiful mother staring back at me with empty eyes. I wanted to go to her, to make her okay, but my feet were rooted in place. She lifted her hand in a small wave and turned to leave, the white gown she wore sprinkled with red flecks. I looked into the sky and screamed as loud as I could, willing myself to wake up.
I woke with a start, sitting up in bed and looking around frantically. My breathing was erratic and my whole body was covered in sweat. I pushed several strands of hair off my damp forehead. I looked around the room and then out the window. The moon was still high and the clock said it was the middle of the night. I fell back onto the bed, knowing there was no way I would be able to fall back to sleep. That nightmare was too real, too close to home. I turned over and curled myself in a ball, thinking of my beautiful mother. I let myself cry for everything I had lost, and knew I'd never be able to escape my nightmares.
* * * *
I looked at my clock again, anticipation racing through me. It was almost sunset, and I had been pacing the floor waiting for Kerian to arrive. I stopped and looked around at my newly furnished living room. I was pleased everything looked so nice and my little pallet was no longer in evidence. I also finally set up my bed, which my back and neck thanked me for. I walked over to the window and watched the sun sink below the horizon. For some reason, I was afr
aid this had all been a horrible joke and he wouldn't show up. Just as the sun went down and the sky turned dusky black, there was a knock on my door. My heart picked up because I knew exactly who waited for me on the other side. I grabbed my purse and walked over to the door. After smoothing my hand down my skirt, I opened the door with a smile on my face. My smile faltered slightly when I saw my neighbour standing in front of me. Christian sported a huge grin as he looked me up and down. I was a little shocked he was so blatant about checking me out.
"Wow. You look amazing. Did I catch you on your way out or something?"
I looked down at myself and plucked an invisible thread from my shirt.
"Oh, thank you. Yes, I'm waiting for someone."
His smile disappeared and he seemed tense.
"Oh. I just wanted to see if you wanted to have dinner, but I guess I caught you at a bad time."
He ran his palms up and down his thighs and looked around.
"Maybe next time, eh?"
I was confused about why he was acting so weird. It made me a little uncomfortable, to be honest. Suddenly, the sound of low, heavy footsteps caught my attention. I peeked out my door. Walking up the hallway with a powerful, animalistic stride was my date. My mouth dropped open at the sight of him. As he reached my door, he stopped next to Christian and looked him up and down. Kerian wore an expensive-looking suit, which made me feel a little self conscious. Even though Christian wasn't a small man by any means, his six foot stature and muscular build seemed dwarfed by Kerian's. Kerian looked down from his towering six and a half foot height and gave Christian what looked like a predatory smile. He filled the suit to perfection, the dark fabric wrapping around his muscular build like a second skin. I felt a rush of desire sweep through me. As if he could sense how I was feeling, he turned his attention to me and smiled before giving me a once-over. I flushed under his stare and hesitantly smiled back. We stared at each other for several moments until I heard Christian clear his throat.