by Gina Gordon
“Aleks! Is this–”
“I hear it’s all the rage in the design world. Well, the girl at the store told me it’s all the rage.” “Aleks. You bought this for me? I can’t accept this.”
“When have you ever turned down a present?”
“But–”
“You deserve this. I see how hard you’re working.” She had no idea how much she deserved it. He considered it payment for the hundreds of smiles she’d given him that brightened his day. And she didn’t even know it. “Besides, you should get something for having to put up with my annoying presence in your home.”
“Are you sure? This isn’t cheap.”
“It’s not like I’m paying rent.”
She chuckled and hugged the box against her chest. “I think this is the most thoughtful and best present I’ve ever received.”
Aleks beamed. “I thought maybe being able to brainstorm on the fly and show those brides on the spot what they would be getting would be a good idea.”
Carrie ripped open the box and hacked away at the Styrofoam and wrappings, finally getting
to the good stuff. “I think I should hire you to be my business manager.”
Aleks wasn’t entirely sure of his intentions with this gift but he thought it might be a first step in changing the direction of their relationship, but Carrie kept the conversation all business. “I wouldn’t turn you down.” He wasn’t above using fancy gadgets to win her love. He would do anything just to stay close to her.
She laid the computer on the counter and cocked her head to the side. “How is it you always know exactly what I need?”
His skin tingled with desire. It sparked like steel against flint. He knew what she needed all right. But in the interest of friendship, Aleks shrugged. “It was just a guess.”
Aleks looked around the store. The small space was cozy, a little girly, but then again, it did cater to the girly type. Racks upon racks hung on the side wall displaying bras and matching panties. On the floor, display units were set up with various nightgowns and frilly things.
“Have you done a lot to the place since you took over?”
“Nothing major. Some painting, a new computer system, new furniture in the dressing room.” Aleks should know the differences.
“I don’t think you’ve been here since I took over.”
“I haven’t. I’m sorry.”
“No sorries. A lingerie store isn’t exactly a man’s favorite hangout.”
No matter. He should have been here. To support her. To hold her hand. Instead he did it
from a distance, letting her think that when she spoke, nobody was listening. Eventually she would get fed up and take off. No longer. Even if his ideas of taking their relationship to the next level weren’t going to be put into action, Aleks knew he could be there for her. More than he ever had before. And it started now.
“Why don’t you give me the grand tour?”
Chapter 8
“A tour?” Carrie looked at Aleks with shock and confusion. Since when was he interested in her store? In anything having to do with her.
“Why not? I’m already here. Besides, when I recommend your store to every woman I meet I should at least be able to picture the place.”
“Okay.” She stepped out from behind the counter. What was going on with him? First, his constant bashing of the men she dated then their intense makeout session. Now he was taking an interest in her livelihood. If she didn’t know any better, Carrie would think the man was interested in her. But this was Aleks, so that was highly unlikely.
“This is the front counter.” She giggled. “Obviously.” Carrie should be taking pride in her accomplishment not being a nervous, giggling freak. “We have the computer system. Behind here is where we keep the bags and tissue paper.” She motioned to a cupboard behind the counter. “I changed the bags, trying to go for a signature theme. Black bag, with my BND logo embossed in black, and white tissue paper.”
“Slightly naughty, sexy and seductive. I like it.”
“Exactly. But we do carry plain white ones for the brides.” Why was she rambling on about bags? But when she looked at Aleks, he seemed genuinely interested.
Carrie took a few steps closer to him. “On the sales floor we have all our merchandise. Everything is easily accessible. The hooks are no more than six feet off the ground. I try to make this place as self-serve as possible. No pushy sales people, no one should feel uncomfortable.” She pointed to the back corner of the store. “That’s where I display my designs.”
“Why do you hide them in the corner? Why not right when you walk in?” He walked toward the front door and stopped in front of the first display. “What does–” He glanced at the label. “– La Perla have that you don’t have?”
She couldn’t help the smile. Men really didn’t know anything about this stuff. “La Perla is lingerie royalty.”
Aleks looked confused.
“They are like the Harry Winston of lingerie.”
He still looked confused, so Carrie put it into terms he would understand. “Like the Yankees
of lingerie?” Recognition finally lit up his face. “I would be classified as the newest expansion team.”
“For now.”
His confidence in her boosted her own, made her want to reach that much further.
Carrie watched him sift through the rack. Aleks was still dressed in his suit, and he looked good enough to eat. Desire bloomed inside her. With the show this weekend she didn’t think she would have an opportunity to take a chance and put her seduction plan into action. Now was as good a time as any. She’d been hot and bothered ever since their heavy makeout session, wondering how far it might have gone if they hadn’t been interrupted. How magnificent it would have been.
She needed to close the deal. Finish what they started. She needed to close the book on her unrequited love–lust! It couldn’t be love. Then why does your heart hurt when you look at him?
Aleks Turko was the perfect man for a no-strings-attached romp in the sack. If she had any hope of moving on, that’s exactly what she needed to accomplish.
“There’s more in the back.” More room for us to spread out and fuck like animals. She opened the door marked private and showed him her tiny office.
“How many people do you have working for you?” he asked.
“Two part-time girls and Amie helps when she can. I’ve been thinking about hiring an assistant manager to take care of the store so I can focus on designing full time.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“We’ll see.” She closed the door. “If you step through here...” Carrie motioned to the dressing room.
This was her favorite part of the store. It was painted a deep red. On the facing wall were two fitting rooms sitting one step above the floor. Black tapestry hung by a gold curtain rod to cover each space. A black settee was positioned against the closest wall facing the stalls.
On the far wall a three-way mirror was positioned in front of a round step. Mirrors that Carrie had spent days searching for, ensuring they were the infamous skinny mirrors. Dim lights illuminated the space for maximum comfort. Absolutely no fluorescents. She had a lamp in the corner for extra light when she did final touch-ups.
Aleks entered the room before her. “Wow! This is like something out of Moulin Rouge.” “How do you know Moulin Rouge?”
“I’m not that much of a Neanderthal.”
“All right.” She raised her hands in defense.
Aleks stepped up and took a peek behind the black curtain. “Any little men back here controlling the land of Oz?”
“Funny! I don’t need a little man. I manage just fine on my own.”
“Maybe you need a big man.” He glanced over his shoulder then stepped into the stall, securing the fabric to the side. “Well, Care Bear, I’m impressed.”
“Really?” She didn’t know why his approval meant so much, but she felt a glow of satisfaction inside.
“Why wo
uldn’t I be? I always knew you were talented.”
If he kept up with the nice talk it wouldn’t be hard in the least to stick to her plan. Any minute she was going to jump his bones. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Even his bones were probably sexy. Carrie watched his backside while he inspected the enclosed area. She knew what she had to do.
With a confident breath she declared, “I’ve been thinking about the other night in the basement.”
She saw his shoulders tighten. Aleks slowly turned around, his arms folded across his chest. “About that–”
“It was good.”
“It was...but maybe it was a bad idea.”
“How can anything that felt so good be a bad idea?” She was trying her best. Being a sultry sex kitten was not her usual character. At least her shirt did some of the talking for her. She saw him glance a few times. Thank you, Amie!
“I don’t think we should go down that road.”
“What road? The relationship road? I don’t want that.”
“You don’t?”
She shook her head.
“Then what do you want?”
Carrie walked toward him, up the step, and stood in front of his tight body. “I want a night of no-strings-attached, hot, monkey sex and then we go our separate ways.”
His eyes heated. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m pretty busy with the store and designing, I don’t have time to date, let alone find
someone decent to fuck.” She watched his jaw drop at her dirty words.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He tried to push past her but she pushed back, working him farther into the stall. “Why not?”
“We’re friends. I think it will change things.”
“We’re adults, Aleks.” Carrie slid her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. “Consenting adults. No one ever needs to find out.”
She knew she was breaking down his restraint. Every time her breath caressed his skin she saw the heat flare up in his eyes.
“Carrie? You and I should talk about this–”
“No talking.” She put her finger up to his lips. “Just feel.” Carrie nuzzled his neck, leaving open mouth kisses as she moved down his body, finding then sucking his nipple through the fabric of his dress shirt.
She continued down. His body shivered the closer she got to the ground. Carrie could see him struggling. He desperately wanted to speak but she was already on her knees releasing his cock from his pants.
He grabbed the side of her face. “Carrie?”
She took that as the go-ahead and engulfed his engorged length in one warm swallow. “Sweet Jesus!”
His skin was smooth under her tongue. The tiny drops of pre-cum that oozed out of his
tip tasted better than she’d imagined. But just as quickly as he hardened, he deflated, taking her confidence with it.
Carrie inhaled quick as she released him from her mouth. “Aleks?” She should have listened to him. He tried to be nice. He tried to tell her it was a mistake but she had been too stubborn, too focused on her own needs to listen. “I’m sorry. Maybe this was a mistake.”
She rocked back on her legs and stood up, intent on walking away, but Aleks grabbed her arm before she took a step.
“Aleks, it’s okay. You were right.”
“It’s not okay. That didn’t have anything to do with you.”
She snorted. Sometimes they escaped when she was nervous.
“I was thinking about...” His eyes drifted away.
“You don’t have to explain yourself. You said you weren’t interested. I pushed.”
“Not interested? I never said I wasn’t interested.”
“Well, if you are, then you have a funny way of showing it.” Carrie looked down then her eyes widened. Some of the weight lifted off her shoulders at the sight of his cock hardening, waiting to be licked. What changed his focus?
“I’ve never been more interested.” He stroked his own cock. “But you–”
“It’s my fault. I thought about something and I–”
“What?”
Without another word, Aleks pulled her against his body and took her in a heated kiss. She felt the humiliation and doubt strip away with his intensity. It only took a few seconds for her to relax against him then she thrust her tongue inside his mouth and wiggled her body against his groin. Carrie sighed in relief when she felt him throb against her stomach.
Aleks picked her up and walked down the step, laying her on the settee. She watched as he removed his pants then shucked his shirt, throwing it behind him. Carrie raked her eyes over his body, from the top of his head to his toes. She hesitated, re-evaluating her decision. For a moment she forgot to breathe. Shaking away her fear, she gave him her best vixen stare. A stare that said she was a bad girl, a bad girl who wanted to get fucked. At least she hoped.
He approached and knelt in front of her, whispering in her ear, “Just breathe, sweet girl.”
Carrie didn’t even have to tell him how she was feeling. He knew simply by the look in her eyes. She wished she could say the same thing about him at this moment. He insisted on looking away from her.
Aleks captured her mouth, taking her by surprise. A little distracting telling her to breathe and then stealing her air supply with one gut wrenching kiss. She felt it in her gut. In her heart. Everywhere.
He released the last of her blouse buttons and smoothed the fabric over her shoulders. When he released the clasp of her bra, she arched, she couldn’t help herself. It was as if he was freeing her from a suit of armor that had been weighing her down. She was ready for this moment.
Carrie laced her fingers through his hair. “Touch me.”
“With pleasure.” Both hands searched out and cupped her breasts. Aleks kneaded the soft pillowy flesh. His left thumb rubbed against her hard tip while his mouth came down to plunder the other. She quivered with every wet swipe of his tongue and gentle stroke of his finger.
His hands crept up the outside of her thighs. Aleks stopped short when he reached the satin strand tied to lace then bare flesh.
“Christ! You wear garters every day?”
Why would he be so surprised? “Obviously if I design it, I like wearing it.”
Carrie lifted her pelvis, unzipped her skirt and eased it down her body. She could smell her arousal as it wafted in the air, seeping out from behind the tiny scrap of lace that covered her pussy. He helped pull her skirt free and then gripped her bottom, pulling her closer to the edge of the couch.
Aleks slid up her body, narrowly avoiding her gaze, but she forced him to look at her. Carrie used her nose to nudge his face higher and finally their eyes locked. The strong, confident eyes that usually stared back at her were gone. They were replaced by a blank stare that didn’t give away any thought or feeling. As if he was just going through the motions. She should have known better. When he lost his arousal at her touch she should have run from the room and never looked back.
Carrie watched him shake off his thoughts then he captured her mouth again. Aleks kissed her like he wanted her. Like he couldn’t breathe without her, but she knew that wasn’t the case.
Despite the sick feeling that laid heavy in her stomach, she continued. This was what she’d always wanted, and she was going to make it happen. She deepened the kiss, not able to get enough of his lips, hoping he would pay attention to the other parts of her body that ached for his attention.
Deep down, Carrie had a sinking feeling this was pity sex. The thought of being with her turned him off, she saw it with her own eyes, felt it with her own mouth when he went limp inside her. But all of that was hurled aside while she watched him slither down her body, the slight stubble on his cheeks scratching at her thighs, heightening her pleasure.
Carrie couldn’t believe the way her body was responding. She shouldn’t be surprised. This was Aleks. This was a moment she’d dreamed of since boys stopped having cooties, but it would forever be tainted.
When his fi
ngers traced the line of her sex she couldn’t help but moan, spreading her legs wider, granting him access, giving him permission to take everything–anything–he wanted.
He knew his way around a garter. Knowing he couldn’t remove her thong from under the straps, Aleks pulled the fabric over and secured it between the crease of her thigh. She heard him breathe deep and mumble. She could have sworn he said “beautiful.”
Aleks’s finger probed between her seam. He inserted one, then another. Memories of their first encounter flooded her senses. This time they wouldn’t be interrupted. This time there was no going back.
“You are burning up.”
His two fingers, straight as arrows, worked their way into her warmth. He stretched out over her body, taking one nipple in his mouth. Her body was on fire for him. For as much as she wanted his mouth and hands everywhere there was only one thing that could satisfy her. Satisfy her desire. Satisfy her mind. She needed to feel him buried deep inside her.
“Aleks, I want you inside me.”
He continued his torturing actions, refusing to heed her instructions.
“Aleks!”
Finally he stopped and picked up his pants. As Aleks searched in his wallet for a condom,
she glanced at his groin, hoping that the erection he had when he’d carried her over to the couch was still intact.
“I want this, Carrie.”
She looked up at him. He must have seen her staring. Carrie nodded. “I want this too.” After the condom was in place, Aleks covered her body with his and took her lips in a hungry kiss. She wrapped her legs around him, urging him to enter her. But he didn’t. He continued to writhe and grind on top of her, driving her mad with his kisses.
“Aleks,” she whispered against his lips.
He hung his head against her chest. She felt the soft tremble of his body, then his deep breaths as they tickled along her skin as he kissed his way down her body, finally reaching her center. Aleks kissed up and down her core then suddenly she was on her stomach, knees on the scratchy carpet, ass up in the air.