Tinsel Town

by Flesa Black

  She washed quickly but thoroughly and made sure she was properly shaved, because she knew he liked it. She dried, wrapped the towel around her body, and paused to take a deep breath. She was ready for whatever it was he wanted to show her. If she could just catch her breath.

  With her heart pounding a crazy rhythm, she stepped out into the cool room. The curtains were drawn, the lights off, with only the dim glow of candles to lead the way. She saw him standing by the bed wearing only his jeans.

  “You are so gorgeous.” His voice was dark, drawing her closer. When she was in front of him, he placed a kiss on her neck and inhaled her scent. “You smell so good.”

  Tiny thrills trilled down her limbs, leaving goose bumps in their wake. He led her to the bed, gently pressed her down. She looked up, saw his eyes spark with desire, and nearly sighed.

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  “Lay down,” he whispered hoarsely.

  She did as he said and scooted up to put her head on a pillow. He climbed over her and carefully undid the towel that was anchored at her breasts. He stared at her chest for a moment, then shook himself. It wasn’t hard to feel the erection pressing against her stomach, and she knew he was just as turned on as she was.

  “You want to try new things. I want to show them to you. One of those things involves ropes and cuffs.” He gave her a devilish smile before bringing a soft, covered cuff into her line of vision. “Would you like that, sweetheart? Would you like me to tie you up?”

  Her tongue darted between her lips as she stared up into his eyes. “Yes.”

  “I want to do more. You’ll like it, too.”

  “Yes.”

  His gaze glittered with satisfaction. Without another word, he gently latched the cuffs around her wrists, then moved away to bind her ankles. Anticipation was a tangible thing, burning her from the inside out. Already, her nipples were hard, her thighs moist, her clit pulsing.

  When she was secure, he ran his hands up her thighs, carefully exposing her to his scrutiny. She had a moment of embarrassment, but it quickly vanished when he gave her a look of such longing that she moaned.

  He kissed the soft skin, his lips trailing down one side, skimming across her tingling labia, and down the other side. Her toes flexed and pointed, curling in desire as he continued down her calf.

  He shifted positions, coming from between her legs to lie beside her. His fingertips ran lazy circles up her stomach, over her rib cage, and finally to her breast. Wild, sweet sensations sizzled where he’d touched. She moved against the feelings, found her arms and legs locked, and experienced a new, heady desire.

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  He smiled, obviously knowing what she felt, and bent his head to her nipple. She moaned as he sucked at the hard peak, showing her no mercy as she struggled against the ropes. But those same ropes that were holding her down only served to build up her need.

  The cycle was brutal, and alive with sensations that were impossible to name.

  He gave her breast a final kiss and began to nibble his way down her torso, causing her to wriggle and gasp. She knew he was in charge, knew that she couldn’t command him with physical moves. And yet she also knew he would lead her through the sensual tidal waves and eddies before drowning her in satisfaction. The idea of it made her want more of him, more of his lovemaking, more of his attention.

  His movements paused for an endless moment, then, suddenly, his tongue was swiping at her slit. She gasped in surprise and delight, her back bowing involuntarily.

  “You like that, huh? I like it too.”

  He licked again, this time slowly, and she cried out. He explored her leisurely, taking his time as he delved into her depths. His tongue made her crazed, snapped the need from slow churning to a constant cascade, filling her, drawing her up. She wriggled, tried to bring her legs up, and was speared with hard-edged need when she couldn’t move.

  He found her clit, laved it lavishly, dipped back between her walls. Her voice echoed, bouncing off the walls as she writhed against him. He didn’t stop his ravaging, nor did he speed the tempo. Instead, he slid his finger into her, slipping it easily between her swollen walls. He pressed in, pulled out, driving her mad.

  Just when she thought she might beg for release, a new sensation was added to the first.

  A smooth, cool tip pressed into her other opening, and she stopped moving.

  He paused and his voice came up to her. “You’re okay.”

  Even though it was more of a statement, she replied. “Yes. I-I want to…I like what you’re doing.”

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  He gave her another moment and then began tasting her again, slipping his fingers in, the small tip of a toy poised to enter her. When it began vibrating slowly, she gritted her teeth in frustration and tried to push down. She heard him chuckle, and was relieved when he carefully began pressing the toy into her tight opening.

  “Oh, that’s so good.” She gasped, pulled at her bindings, groaned with the sensation of them.

  The vibrator entered her smoothly, and the pulsating tremors, racing up and down her nerves, coiled at her clit where his tongue lashed. He increased his rhythm, teasing her, invading her body completely. It was almost too much, the feeling of his fingers, and his mouth, and the toy he wielded. Her head thrashed on the bed, wild need sucking her under even as her orgasm began pulling her up.

  She was so close, almost ready to explode, when his tongue and fingers disappeared.

  She sobbed with frustration, but he quieted her with an intense kiss. In one fluid motion, he slid into her, his cock pressing up into her most sensitive area. The vibrator still hummed inside of her, adding another dimension to his throbbing shaft. He didn’t stay seated; instead, with his hands on her hips to angle her down, he began to stroke deliberately. The ropes held her still as she pressed against him, and yet another spark was added to the fire bundled at her core.

  “Now. Come for me now.”

  She desperately wanted to, and he helped her get there. He shifted so that his every stroke was rasping against her distended clit, his hard, hot flesh slick from her. He bent and gave one nipple a hard tug with his mouth. That was all it took to shove her into orgasm.

  The world turned a hazy red and white, the edges of her vision blurring as her body let go. Her body imploded, creating tiny explosions that met, melded, and poured through her like quicksilver. Her release was hard, brutal, and so complete that she thought she might die with it.

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  Her screams were barely subsiding when he slammed into her, once, twice, and then he was arching over her screaming through his own orgasm. He collapsed on her, careful to balance himself on his elbows so she wouldn’t receive the bulk of his weight. She closed her eyes, tried to remember to breath, and felt a deep laugh tickle up and out her throat.

  “That was incredible,” she managed to say.

  “I think you’ve killed me.” He gave a halfhearted grunt, and she nipped him. “Sure, pick on the half dead. That vibrator…”

  He shifted and gently reached down to remove the still-humming toy. With a quick twist, he stopped it and moved back to begin unbuckling the cuffs.

  “You could feel the vibrator?” she asked, too curious and much too satisfied to feel any sort of embarrassment.

  “Damn right I could. I could feel it all through you. Nearly couldn’t hold on long enough for you to come.” He kissed his way down her body again, this time sweet, tender touches meant to soothe. As he unbuckled her ankles, he sent her a wicked smile. “I’m glad you liked that, sweetheart. I have a lot more planned for you.”

  Her tired body still managed to tingle at the thought. “Um, I can’t wait to find out. I never knew…”

  “Never knew what?” He eased up beside her and drew her into a spoon position.

  “I never knew it could be like this. I mean, I’ve had sex before, but it wasn’t ever so exciting.”

  “It’s always exciting
when you’re with the right person.”

  “I suppose the right teacher does make all the difference,” she said with a smile.

  She felt him stiffen behind her, and had to wonder about it. Had she offended him in some way? But how? All she’d done was complimented his techniques. Heaven knew she adored his techniques.

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  He relaxed and cuddled her closer. “Right now, this teacher is exhausted. It’s been a hell of a day, and some sex-crazed woman just took the last of my energy.”

  She giggled, shocking herself with her girlish display. “You should rest and get your strength back. You might just run into the sex-crazed lady again, and I don’t think she’s the type who’d like to be denied.”

  With a soft laugh, he picked the cover up from the corner of the bed and tucked it around them. A moment later, she was drifting off to sleep, her body and mind in complete repose.

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  Chapter Seven

  The town square was buzzing with conversation and bright lights, the festive mood so cheery it was impossible not to enjoy it. Clive found himself milling through the knots of people, his hand cradling Kate’s. He turned to look at her, felt his loins tighten at the sight of her.

  The cold wind had bitten red splashes of color into her cheeks. Her red hair was loose, the top covered with a green knit cap, and a matching scarf swung around her throat. Her long wool pea coat swirled around her knees, the dark material swaying against her dark skirt and black boots in the breeze. But her smile was what made his body thrum. It was wide and full of humor, and when she turned it to him Clive felt as if he had been wrapped in a warm hug.

  When had he gotten this sentimental? From the minute he’d seen her, he supposed. It had been inevitable, even back then, and he’d have known it if he’d listened to the little clicking inside his chest. There was something about her, something that was essential for him, and he couldn’t walk away from that. The truth had dawned on him last night as he’d lain in bed holding her, listening to her breathe, watching her sleep. Somehow, she’d managed to snatch his heart. It was a disconcerting feeling. It was also a freeing one.

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  “Did you get your brownies?” She laughed quietly, which scattered his wayward thoughts, and held up the brightly bagged squares she’d been given. “Mrs. Gibbons does this every year, without fail.”

  “Good advertising for her bakery.”

  “Um, yes, but I think it’s more about competition. She couldn’t let Mr. Davies beat her with his popcorn.”

  Clive turned to look at the man who was busily shoveling popcorn out of his old-fashioned popping machine, filling white bags full of the salty treat. “A competition between popcorn and brownies?”

  “It’s our own, very watered-down version of the Hatfields and McCoys. Their kids decided to rain on their parade by falling in love and getting married.”

  “But the tradition still holds.”

  She lifted her eyebrows as if she were shocked. “Of course. The hot chocolate has no competitors, though.”

  “Maybe we should’ve set up a hot cider table, get the Jaycees’ blood pressures jumping.”

  She chuckled and bumped his hip with hers. “I don’t know. I’m sort of afraid of Mrs.

  Hildabrass. She looks like she could take me.”

  Happy with the teasing, enjoying the free moments with her, he hooked his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Well, we can’t have that gorgeous face of yours messed up with cane marks, can we? I suppose we’ll just have to suffer through the hot chocolate.”

  A smiling brunette jumped in front of them, her cheery smile so bright she nearly drown out the holiday lights. “Did you hang your ornament yet, Kate?”

  “I did, Joan. And so did Clive.”

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  The woman nodded, her blue eyes all curiosity as she stared at Clive. “Wonderful, wonderful. Now, you just remember what ornament you had this year, Dr. Thibodaux, and be sure to hang it next year. It’s supposed to bring good luck.”

  “I’ll be sure to do that.” He gave her a wink and had to stifle a laugh when she blushed.

  They watched her scurry away and melt into a crowd of chattering women. He knew he was about to be the hot topic of the local gossip circle. Kate laid her head on his shoulder, drawing his attention back.

  “I can’t believe you told Mr. Burnside that you were a doctor. And that you’re writing another book.”

  “He asked.”

  “And I suppose it won’t hurt to build you up a bit. After all, they’ll never know.”

  Her almost carefree attitude about what she supposed was a lie pricked his temper.

  There was no reason for it, he knew, but it rankled that she would be so flippant about his career. Not that she knew he’d actually told the truth. Well, not that she knew yet. He had every intention of telling her. The problem was that he had to find the right time, the right place, to ease her into the idea that he was exactly who he was telling everyone he was.

  Because there was no way he could start a long-term, serious relationship with her until he was honest with her. And that’s exactly what he wanted from her, and exactly what she needed from him. She just didn’t realize it yet.

  She suddenly stopped, freezing in midstep. “Oh no.”

  He looked at her, then followed her line of sight. Just a few feet away, almost directly in front of them, was a young couple. The tall, blond man, who was wearing a gray coat, beige pants, and loafers, was staring at them. Young executive just out of work, Clive thought, and shifted his gaze. The woman beside him, a petite, badly box-dyed blonde, was obviously pregnant, her bright red coat swaying around her protruding belly as she chatted with an older man.

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  “Who is it?” He could feel the waves of anxiety rolling from Kate and squeezed her shoulders to give her comfort.

  “It’s my ex-fiancé and his lovely wife.”

  Her voice was low, but solid, with no wavering or uncertainty. She sounded more annoyed than hurt, and the knowledge eased a tightness he hadn’t known he’d been carrying. If her attitude was any indication, there was no affection left for this blond man.

  He barely checked the impulse to breath out a sigh of relief.

  “That’s Ethan?” Clive sized him up, meeting his eyes without a flinch. “Wave, sweetheart. Don’t let him think that he’s upsetting you.”

  He felt her nod, knew the moment she waved by the puzzled look on the other man’s face. Obviously, good ol’ Ethan thought it was an invitation and moved toward them with purposeful strides. Clive kept his casually protective stance as the other man approached.

  “Kate,” Ethan said, the word tight.

  “Hello, Ethan.”

  Clive’s smile widened at the cool, composed way Kate had replied. Just two words had conveyed the impression of boredom and forced cheerfulness.

  “You must be Thibodaux, the man everyone’s talking about.”

  Ignoring the narrowed, speculative gaze, he quirked an eyebrow. “I didn’t think I was that fascinating.”

  “Clive, Ethan Cantrell. Ethan, Dr. Clive Thibodaux.” Kate made the introductions as quickly and efficiently as possible, not even bothering to use gestures.

  “Dr. Thibodaux? But you aren’t a real doctor, are you? You’re a professor.”

  Clive chuckled, wondering if the man knew how childish he sounded. “If you mean I don’t set stitches or delivery babies, then you’re right. Guilty as charged. I teach at the University in Elizabeth Falls.”

  “A geek,” he scoffed.

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  “A nerd, to be exact. Though I don’t dress up for Star Trek conventions. You ever been to one, Ethan?”

  The other man bristled and turned his attention back to Kate. “You should have told me you were coming back to town. We could have…arranged something.”

  The angry
flush that crept into her face was clear warning that her temper was short.

  “The only thing I’d arrange for you, Ethan, is an ambulance to the hospital when your wife goes into labor.”

  With a mutinous look as he jammed his hands into his coat pockets. “Look, Kate, there’s no need to be that way. We were friends before…before Heather and I were married.”

  Kate shook her head. “You’re right, Ethan. We were.”

  His face brightened, obviously expecting a chance to be forgiven. “Well, then, why don’t you come and walk around with me. Heather is talking with her family. I’m sure…Thibodaux can find something to occupy himself.”

  She sighed, the sound long and tired. “I’m done with you, Ethan. Just done. I’ve been over you for a long time now.”

  “Kate.” He stopped, gave Clive an irritated look, and moved closer to Kate. “I really want to talk to you…in private. Just a few minutes.”

  Clive felt his hand fist and bit back the sudden, animalistic desire to knock her ex on his ass. But the man wasn’t worth it, not when his actions might embarrass not just Kate, but her family, as well. So he brought his temper under control and sent the other man a brittle smile.

  “I know it’s hard, Ethan. I mean, Kate is a beautiful woman, smart, funny, passionate…very passionate, actually. And if you’ve ever heard her play, you know it’s like the angels have come down to dance on her fingertips.” He slapped a friendly hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “It’s just too bad you didn’t have the sense to know when you’d hit the 60 Flesa Black

  jackpot. But I’m not that stupid. So, why don’t you go take your neglected wife for that walk, and maybe talk about baby names, or what sport you’re going to enroll the baby in?”

  Without waiting for a response, he steered Kate away in the opposite direction. He waited until they were a good distance away to speak.