“You like the wine?” I ask.
“Yes. It’s really good. Don’t worry about me getting drunk. I’m Irish. I can drink you under the table.”
I laugh. “Is that so?”
“Yep. I’d put money on it.”
“How much?”
She shifts her eyes up as if she is thinking. “Fifty dollars.”
“Fifty dollars! That’s steep.”
She giggles. “I know. I’m pretty confident.”
“Okay, but it’s not fair. I can’t drink heavily. I have to get us home safely.”
“Well, I guess you’re forfeiting then.”
“I am not!”
“You are.” She pops a tomato in her mouth.
“You don’t play fair.”
“Did I ever say I did?”
“No, I guess you didn’t. Why don’t you just have another glass of wine?”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
I laugh and pour her another glass. I have to admit I’m actually having fun. Our dinner arrives and I am astonished as Stacey drinks down her third glass of wine, while I haven’t finished my first yet. I pour the last drops of wine in her glass.
Just as we are finishing dinner, I hear a familiar voice behind me.
“Brayden? Is that you?”
I turn in my chair to see Maricel, a girl I dated a few years ago, walking towards us. As soon as I turn around, her eyes light up and she smiles. I stand to be polite and she throws her arms around me. I hesitantly return the hug, looking at Stacey who seems less than amused by our visitor.
“Brayden James! So good to see you!” Maricel says in her thick Columbian accent. “What have you been up to?” Maricel completely ignores Stacey, which only adds to the awkward interaction.
“The usual. Working and what not. How have you been?”
“Very good.” She runs her fingers through her thick black hair, jangling the bracelets around her wrist.
Maricel was always a flashy dresser. She wears tight clothes, lots of jewelry, and a ton of makeup. She has a hot temper, but she was fearless in bed. Anything I wanted, I could get. I can’t remember why I stopped calling.
“I am here with my friends,” she says, pointing to a table of several people.
“I am here with my…” I pause for a moment, unsure of how to refer to Stacey. “I’m with my friend, too. This is Stacey.”
Maricel glances at my date and very coolly replies, “Nice to meet you.” It’s clear from her tone that she really doesn’t think it is. “Brayden,” she continues. I cringe as she puts her hand on my chest. “We have to get together. It’ been too long.”
I step back a bit. “I’m not available right now.”
“Oh.” She looks back at Stacey. “I see. Well, you know where to find me when you’re ready.” She leans forward and kisses me on both cheeks before waving and walking away.
Reluctantly, I sit back in my chair and slowly make eye contact again with my date.
“Sorry about that. Blast from the past.”
“I see that. Did you date her?”
“A long time ago.”
“What is her name?”
“Why?”
“Just wondering.”
“Maricel.”
“She doesn’t seem like your type.”
“What do you think my type is?”
“Blond bombshell, surfer girl type. Like someone on Baywatch.”
I laugh. “Actually I would say I don’t really have a type. I find beauty in the many varieties women come in. I’ve dated every color of the rainbow and just about every ethnicity, I think.”
“That’s very interesting.”
“What about you? What is your type?”
“Normally, I go for men who are studious, quiet, and kind of nerdy. What they look like isn’t really important. It’s more about commonalities and compatibility.”
“Don’t you need to be attracted to someone?”
“I guess so.”
“I think attraction is important.”
“It is. It’s just not the main thing.”
“On that we differ.” I look up at this odd girl and wonder what gets her going. “Aren’t you attracted to me?”
“I am, as I imagine every red-blooded woman is. You must be quite the lover. Maricel looked very disappointed.”
“Let’s not talk about her anymore. She’s just someone I used to hang out with. Not important.”
“Did you have sex with her?”
“Yeah.”
Such a weird question to ask. Doesn’t everyone have sex with the people they date? I’m starting to wonder if she’s a prude or something.
“Do you want dessert?” I ask.
“We should take it to go.”
“Where are we going?”
“Your place, I hope.”
“Sure.” I motion for the check and pay quickly. We wait for the dessert and then head out to valet. Stacey’s right. She is not even affected by all the wine she had. As we wait for the car, I reach down and place my hand on the small of her back. She looks up at me with those big blue eyes and I am very tempted to kiss her, but decide to wait until we are back at my place. I want it to last and not be rushed because we are in public.
We climb in my car and she leans back against the seat.
“Feeling good?” I ask.
“Definitely. You?”
“Definitely.”
I know I’m not as turned on as I usually am with a new girl, but I chalk it up to Stacey’s down home charm and my lack of experience with someone like her. Most women I date are pros in the seduction game, but she could surprise me and be a maniac in the bedroom.
Pulling into my parking space, I quickly grab dessert and open the door for her. We walk inside and she looks around, taking in all the luxury. I know my building is impressive when you first see it. It’s supposed to be. We take the elevator up to my place and I unlock the door.
I move to the side and let Stacey enter. She walks into the living room, then immediately over to the glass doors that overlook the city.
“It’s beautiful here.”
“Thank you. It’s better now that you’re here.”
She looks back at me and smiles. I walk up behind her and wrap my hands around her waist, smelling her hair in the process. I want to kiss her, but I just hold her like this, swaying to imaginary music. She twists around in my arms and wraps hers around my neck.
“Are you going to kiss me, Brayden?”
I lower my head and pull her close, pressing my lips firmly to hers. She opens her mouth, allowing me in so our tongues can dance together. I’m definitely getting a hard on now. My hands move up her body, resting softly on her chest. I pull her to the couch with me.
We continue kissing and I slide my hands inside her dress. Her skin is just as soft as I thought it would be. I move slowly, enjoying every second of this treat. I keep my lips locked on hers as my hands gently knead the flesh just beneath her bra. I want to see them and I definitely want to suck on them. Pushing the material off of her shoulders, I continue kissing her and exploring her mouth. Stacey’s hands tangle in my hair and she throws her head back, exposing her neck to me. I kiss and gently suck the tender flesh there and reach behind her to unsnap her bra.
Just as I thought, I’m treated to the sight of two gorgeous, nicely sized, pink-nippled titties.
“You are so beautiful, Stace.”
“Thank you.”
I bend my head and suck each hardened little nip into my mouth, swirling my tongue over each one. She moans and grinds over my cock and I know she’s ready to go to my bed. I slide my hand down her body and attempt to put it between her legs, but she stops me.
“I’m sorry. We should stop now before things get out of hand.”
“What?”
I feel her tense slightly so I pull back and look in her eyes.
“I just want to be honest with you.”
“Okay.”
She moves off
my lap. “I like you. A lot. That’s why I came here, but you need to know that I’m not like the women you’re probably used to who have no problem going to bed with you on the first date.”
“Um, okay.”
No, not okay. Not. Okay.
“It’s cool,” I add. Someone should probably tell my cock that. He’s a little too happy right now.
“Thank you. Most men don’t understand. I mean I’m almost twenty-six so it surprises them a lot.”
“That you don’t put out on the first date? I don’t think that is an overly unique quality.”
“Oh, not that,” she laughs. “I’m a virgin and I’m waiting until I get married to have sex.”
Fuck.
“You’re a virgin?”
“Yep.”
“Oh.” I don’t even know what the fuck to think. A virgin! Christ. I need to get this girl out of my fucking house right now. This cannot end well. “Why did you come up here then? Most guys expect something when that happens.”
“Yeah, I know. I got carried away. You’re really hot and I just wanted to be around you a little while longer. I should have told you earlier, but how do you bring that up at dinner?”
“Okay, well, what do you want to do now?”
“Oh, I see. We’re not having fun anymore cuz you’re not getting laid. Got it.”
“That’s not what I meant, Stacey.” It’s totally what I meant. “It’s just a little awkward now.”
“Is it?”
“You know what? Just give me a sec.” I stand and walk into my kitchen. I need to figure out how to do this without destroying the poor girl. Maybe we can talk a little and then I can get her home and away from me.
I pour us both a glass of wine and go back to the living room.
“Hey, I’m sorry I reacted that way. It just took me by surprise. I’m cool now.”
“Are you?” she asks.
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” She smiles and takes the wine from me while I open the bag containing dessert.
“Can we talk about it?”
‘”Sure. What do you want to know?”
“Well, I guess I’m just curious what makes a girl decide to save it for marriage.”
“It’s just something I want to keep special.”
“Are you religious?”
“Not really.”
“Okay.”
“You’re disappointed.”
“Honestly, yes. I had every intention of taking you to bed.”
“That’s kind of nice to hear. Even if you are a man slut.”
“Gee, thanks. Is that what Ariel calls me?”
“Yes. She said I better not sleep with you if I know what’s good for me. You’ll have your way with me and then I’ll never see you again.”
“She said that?”
“In so many words.”
“Glad to hear what my own sister thinks of me.”
“Oh, she had plenty of good things to say about you, too.”
“Like?”
“Like you have a huge heart, but refuse to give it to anyone.”
“She obviously doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
“Doesn’t she?” She takes another bite of dessert.
“I’m sure you told her that you have no plans to give your v-card to me.”
“She doesn’t know about that. None of my friends do. I don’t want to be seen differently than everyone else so I just go along.”
“Well, your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you.” Stacey puts the spoon down. “I’m sorry about this. I shouldn’t have come up here, but thanks for respecting my wishes.”
“What else would I do? Force you? Not my style.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. Just that you could’ve been a jerk about it.”
If she had any idea what I was thinking she wouldn’t be thanking me.
“No problem.” I look down at my watch. “I should get you home soon.”
Her pretty features curl into a frown. “Yes. Will I see you again, Brayden?”
“I’m sure you will.” Anytime I have to go see my sister.
We walk outside and I load her into the car. She’s quiet as we drive and I do believe she’s finally drunk. It only took several large glasses of wine to get her there. When we arrive at my sister’s she leans over and kisses my cheek.
“If I was going to have sex before I was married I would pick you.”
“That’s quite the compliment, Stacey.”
“I mean it.” She smiles big and plants a soft kiss on my lips. “You don’t need to walk me in. I got it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. See you around.”
“Okay.”
Back in my apartment I strip down and climb into bed. That evening definitely did not go as planned. Here I was trying to score an easy lay and the girl turns out to be a virgin. It’s really starting to feel like the universe is conspiring against me. I cannot catch a fucking break.
Monday morning comes and as I’m standing in line to get coffee, I hear a familiar voice behind me and freeze. Although maybe melt would be a better word since the sound causes a fire to ignite deep inside of me. I turn around and face the beauty behind me.
“Morning,” Mackenzie says. “How was your weekend?”
“Fine. You?”
“Boring. I sure could use something fun to do.”
“Sea World is open year round.”
She laughs and the act sends chills up my spine.
“I’m not interested in marine life.”
“That’s too bad.”
She leans in close to me. “You’re lucky we’re in public right now.”
“Or what?”
“Or I’d give you another reason to come over.”
I chuckle. “You could be all talk.”
“Have I been so far? I think I’m living up to my promises.”
She’s got me there. I step up to the counter and order my coffee and tell the barista to ring up Mackenzie’s, too. We wait off to the side for our drinks.
“Trust me, I don’t need a reminder of what you’ve got to offer.”
Mackenzie smiles. “Am I getting to you at all, Brayden?” she asks softly.
“What do you think?”
“I’m not sure.”
Our order is called and we each take our drinks and walk to the elevators. Please let it fill up with people. Please, please, please… the doors open and no one joins us. Shit.
She steps on and I walk in behind her, taking the brief moment to admire her ass. Today’s dress is baby blue and as usual, she looks fantastic in it. Her hair is piled in a bun on top of her head with just a few strands falling down her neck. God, I want to touch her hair. All of her, really. The tension between us right now is so thick it’s hard to breathe. I wonder if she feels it too- this intense attraction between us that makes me want to say fuck it all and nail her against the elevator wall.
“What are you thinking about?” she asks.
“Work. I have a lot to do today.”
The elevator reaches her floor. As she steps out, I say, “See you in a bit. I’ll be down for my rounds soon.”
“I’ll look forward to it. Oh, I left something for you in your top drawer.”
“Should I be afraid?”
“Is there anything about me that is scary?” She grins.
Hell fuck yeah.
“I’ll take a look.”
“See ya.”
The doors shut and I start to breathe again. In my office, I immediately open the top drawer and laugh. Inside is a sexy pair of black lace panties with a note on them that says, ‘Still waiting. Still wanting.’ Holy fuck this woman is hot. I shove the panties in my pocket and grin.
As I get logged into my computer, my phone buzzes with a text from Stacey. I read it quickly and sigh. She had a great time. That makes one of us. I type a response back that I’m glad she did and it was a nice evening. That’s the most enthusiasm
I can muster.
The girl is nice, but there is no way I’m going to date a virgin. What I need is a sex goddess. The kind of woman who excites me, challenges me, and can keep up with me. Why do I think a certain redhead could be just that? I just wish she didn’t fucking work for me.
My cell phone rings and this time it’s Ariel.
“Hey, sis. What’s up?”
“How was your date with Stacey?”
“Fine. Uneventful, really.”
“Uneventful? You didn’t sleep with her?”
“That’s a personal question, but no, I didn’t.”
“Why not?”
“Again, personal.”
“Okay. You didn’t like her enough for that?”
“If you must know, Stacey isn’t the kind to go to bed with someone right away and I respected that. We had dinner, hung out for a bit, and I took her home. What’s with the line of questioning?”
“She’s so happy today. Practically skipping around the house this morning. She said you were dreamy and such a gentleman. She’s crushing hard on you.”
“She’s easily won over. I don’t really know what to tell you. I think she’s nice, but there isn’t a spark there. Not for me.”
“Are you going to tell her?”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“She’s going to be waiting for you to call.”
I sigh. “I’ll deal with it.”
“And this is why I ask you stay away from my friends.”
“I know. It was a moment of…” I don’t know what made me ask her out. Desperation? Boredom? “Anyway, I learned my lesson.”
“Just try not to hurt her.”
“I am trying.”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks for letting me know.”
“Yep. Bye.”
I hang up and rub my forehead. Now I have a girl all infatuated with me and I can’t even fuck her. I’ll think about how to handle this later. Right now, I need to get to work and stop thinking about my personal life. I’m glad to have my job to distract me. Until the next time I see Mackenzie.
Speaking of which, I need to go downstairs. I stand and chat for a few minutes with Macy before heading down. When the elevator doors open, I step out and see Mackenzie chatting with Matt and another woman. If I didn’t know better, I would never guess she was as aggressive as she is with me. She treats me like everyone else with no hint of the intense attraction we are both fighting. That fact only makes me want her more.
Chasing Desire Page 15