by Tara Nina
“Seems you have a habit of dropping things.”
The deep Southern drawl stilled the air in her lungs and froze her where she stood. Every ounce of her suddenly became aware of his presence directly behind her. How had he managed to sneak up on her like that? Idiot, you didn’t follow the first rule of a single lady. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in a parking lot. Duh, her inner voice chided her stupidity.
Time seemed to stop as she did a slow turn to face him. Man, he looked truly edible and fine in his brown suit. He wore a stark white shirt accented with a basic brown tie with white stripes that played off the hue of his eyes. Shelley fisted the handle of her satchel with both hands to keep from reaching out and touching him to see if he was real. Had he followed her to her car on purpose or did they just happen to be in the same place at the same time again like at the grocery store?
The image of her headfirst in a freezer with sex toys scattered at her feet shot through her mind. Embarrassment threatened to darken her cheeks. Shelley took a cleansing breath and opted for the easy way out. Pretend she didn’t know what he meant and hoped he bought it.
“Excuse me,” she said in as innocent a tone as she could muster. She gave him a wide-eyed, blank stare and prayed it appeared as if she didn’t recognize him and added, “Do I know you?”
“No ma’am,” he shook his head as he spoke. “Here, let me get those keys for you.”
When he lowered to lie on his stomach at her feet, Shelley exhaled. His jacket lifted above his waist, exposing a firm muscular butt. The cut of his slacks fit what she could only imagine as well-toned thick thighs. She closed her eyes. This wasn’t right. Close up, she’d definitely noticed their age difference. She shouldn’t be fantasizing about him. If asked, she bet she was old enough to be his mother. Shelley rolled her eyes and forced her focus to a leaf floating to the ground. If only her life could be as simple as that leaf’s.
Unable to stop, her gaze returned to him and she couldn’t help but stare at his ass when he inched back to his knees, then stood. He brushed the dirt and gravel from the front of his pants and shirt, then turned to her.
“I believe these are yours,” he said, extending his hand to her.
Shelley held her hand out, palm up. “Thank you.”
His balled hand hovered over hers, then settled in her palm. Heat sizzled up her arm to pool in her chest making it difficult to take a full breath. Those sexy autumn eyes leveled with hers, giving her what she read as a mischievous look, daring even. But daring her to do what? Shelley’s brows bunched as he smiled, then leaned in close.
His warm breath brushed across her ear, sending chills down her spine. “I found something you lost. If you’d like a hand putting these back where they belong, I’m your man.”
When he straightened, his hand opened, dropping her keys and a set of shiny silver balls in her palm. Shelley’s jaw dropped, her eyes widened and her mind numbed. Ohmygod, he didn’t just do that.
“Before you say anything, I want you to know I’m normally not this forward with women, but there’s something about you I simply can’t resist.”
His sheepish smile gave his sentence plausibility and weakened her knees. The cleft in his chin deepened when he smiled. Shelley managed to close her mouth, then gathered enough saliva to moisten her lips.
“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else,” she stated on a rushed whisper. It wasn’t her nature to lie, but the idea of someone discovering her sexual secret had her on edge. She glanced around, hoping no one noticed this little exchange as she swiftly tucked the balls away in her satchel.
“No, I don’t think I have. Name’s Jack O’Malley and I’d like to take you to dinner.”
Shelley couldn’t think. She couldn’t decide if she should act appalled or thrilled. Since he returned her toys, it appeared he wasn’t disgusted by her actions. From the gleam in his eyes, it seemed to amuse him. Was he making fun of her? Should she have thrown the balls at him? Did hiding them in her satchel make her look guilty? Her mind whirled with scenarios as his invitation sank in. Seconds ticked away before she found her voice. Straightening her spine, she tilted her chin and gave him what she thought was the best answer.
“I’m sorry, no.”
She sidestepped him to move to the driver’s side. Her hand trembled slightly, but she managed to unlock the door. His hand engulfed hers in a warm embrace. Heat from his body surrounded her. Words she’d never forget crossed her ears.
“I apologize if I was wrong. I hoped I’d finally found an adventurous woman.”
He turned, paused, then leveled a heated gaze filled with promise directly at her when she looked his way, as he added, “If you find the woman those belong to, tell her to meet me at Dino’s at seven for dinner. Nothing more is expected, nothing less than a chance to get to know one another.”
Shelley didn’t get the chance to reply before he strolled away. For several long seconds, she simply stared at his backside and studied his stature. From what she could tell, his posture seemed relaxed, yet confident. Not cocky-confident like most young men. He presented a cool confidence with an edge of debonair, like an old-time movie hero, which piqued her interest. He exuded a raw sexiness hidden behind a rugged, yet well-mannered exterior. Not the typical jock-cop type she’d dated in the past. This assessment of his demeanor surprised her. He’d laid the ball—literally—in her hand. It was up to her to make the next move.
If she didn’t show, would it end there?
Sliding in behind the wheel, she glanced at his disappearing backside and doubted he gave up that easily. She interpreted the bold way he’d laid the balls in her hand, asked her to dinner then walked away as a challenge. Two could play that game, she decided as she shook her head. It’d been a long time since she’d had a warm body in bed beside her and from the look he’d given her, he seemed willing.
Could she overlook the age difference though?
Shelley stared in the direction he’d disappeared. He did have a mighty fine-looking backside in those dress pants. Would it look as good naked? When she shifted the gear stick, the faint sound of the balls pinging together inside her satchel made her smile. Maybe it was her turn to have one of those so-called “May-December” romances with a hot young stud. The smile that split her lips couldn’t be stopped. No, she decided. If he showed an interest this evening in playing with her toys, then she planned to teach him everything she knew. And with any luck, he’d teach her a few sexual tricks as well.
* * * * *
Jack sat at the bar in Dino’s with a perfect view of the door. If she walked in, he wouldn’t miss her. If she didn’t, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d eaten here alone. He swirled the ice in his drink and hoped tonight it wouldn’t be a table for one.
Up close in the parking lot earlier, he’d noted the soft scent of her perfume. It tormented his senses even over the phenomenal smells wafting out of Dino’s kitchen. She wore a hint of lilac, if he wasn’t mistaken. The supple shape of her legs danced behind his eyes at the memory of the sight as he lowered to the ground in search of her keys. When he found them and lifted to his knees, it had taken a great effort not to lean in close to the apex between her thighs and inhale to see if all of her carried the lilac scent. But he’d struggled to maintain a gentlemanly persona. This woman intrigued him and he didn’t want to blow any chance he had at enjoying her company.
When he’d placed the balls in her hand, her expression gave her away. It was all he could do not to grin from ear to ear with the enthusiasm of a teenage boy. He knew he’d found the owner of the shiny, silver vibrating balls. But for some reason, she hesitated to admit they were hers. Was she embarrassed? Or was she more concerned over the age difference between them?
Her stature, the faint streaks of gray mixed within the blonde strands and her attitude equaled that of an older woman. His first. Maybe she was what he’d been looking for all along, he decided. An older woman with experience, a desire to experiment in
bed and a willingness to explore sex toys. Ah, he sighed inwardly. If she turned out to be this total package, he’d be the happiest man alive.
So far, women his age that he’d dated in the past weren’t willing to play. They wanted sex the way they wanted it. No toys. No bondage. No experimenting of any nature. Just plain sex. For most men, any sex was good sex. But for him, he wanted more. No, he needed something more.
A nervous glance at his watch informed him of the time. Ten minutes after seven. She was late. Was she coming? He downed the last of his drink, then motioned to the bartender for another.
“Make that two.”
Lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t seen her come in. He slid from the stool and turned to greet her. She stood shorter than he; the top of her head came level with his nose. Pure, fresh lilac filled his nostrils. Umm, that was the perfect aroma for her. A scent he’d never associate with another even if this night went no further than dinner. Bright green eyes looked up at him with what he read as curiosity mixed with an edgy confidence. Something he liked in a woman, confidence. If he read her right, she knew what she wanted, in and out of bed.
“I’m glad you came,” he pushed past the lump in his throat. Damn. Was he nervous? Nah, he reassured himself. It had to be the drink that dried his throat. Standing within mere inches of him was the woman he’d dreamed about for over a week. But he wasn’t nervous, filled with anticipation maybe, but not nervous. Not him. He soaked in every aspect of her that a polite glance allowed. A basic black dress never looked so good. The neckline dipped just low enough to entice his imagination without showing too much flesh.
“It wouldn’t be polite to let someone eat alone.”
“Thank you,” he said. “I appreciate your honesty. I didn’t get your name earlier.”
“Shelley.” She extended her hand and he took it, noting the silky-soft texture compared to his. Petite and small, lost in his oversized mitt. “Shelley Dupree.”
He shot a glance across her shoulder and gave the hostess a nod of his head, who then returned his nod acknowledging his guest’s arrival. In a graceful manner, he cupped the small of her back and guided her toward his stool at the bar. Unable to stop, he slid a gaze down the length of her. His thumb touched the lower lacy edge of the vee-shaped opening of the dress’s back. Damn, he swallowed. She wore no bra. The design left no possibilities for one from his observation.
The bartender smiled and asked, “What can I get for the lady?”
“What are you drinking?” she inquired, lifting her gaze to him.
“An old-fashioned.”
“Make that two then,” she stated without looking away.
“You didn’t ask what was in it,” Jack said as he helped her with the stool.
“I already know.” She gave him an arched eyebrow look, then added, “Does that surprise you?”
“I have to admit, no one I’ve asked out before had ever heard of an old-fashioned, much less knew what was in it. It’s not considered a popular drink.” When she eased onto the stool and crossed her legs, he enjoyed the pleasant view of black stockings and a sexy set of black leather stilettos. The height of the spiked heels added to his delight. The woman knew how to dress to please. Or at least in his case…no bra, stockings and stilettos…this woman seemed to step straight out of his fantasies. Now if the stockings were thigh-highs and she wore no panties, the portrait would be complete.
“Let me guess,” she stated on a husky breath. “They leaned more toward the fruity drinks with the colorful umbrellas. I like the burn of the bourbon. It heats my soul.”
His smile broadened and her insides tightened at the increase in depth of that sexy cleft in his chin. It added character and charm to his rugged good looks. She swallowed. Now if she could just keep from touching it and embarrassing him or herself. Thankfully, the bartender set the drinks in front of them and Jack handed her one.
“Here’s to an enjoyable evening of getting to know one another.” He touched his glass to hers, then took a sip. She followed suit.
Getting to know him was just one of the reasons she convinced herself to keep this date. From the moment he walked away in the parking lot to the moment she entered the restaurant, she’d thought of a million reasons not to come and a million and one to come. One of which, he’d returned the balls without so much as a hint of condemnation in his actions. Two, she couldn’t shake the words he’d spoken out of her head. He’d thought he’d finally found an adventurous woman.
What did he mean by that? Should she ask him flat out or take the wait-and-see approach? Her insides twisted into a knot. The younger man at her side was handsome and exuded a raw sexuality that turned her on with a simple twitch of his cleft chin. God, she couldn’t get the image out of her head of teasing him by sticking the tip of her tongue in it or, better yet, scraping a nipple into that rugged ridge right before plopping it into his mouth for a deep hungry suck.
“Shelley.” The sound of his voice stopped short the sensual perusal of his attributes and ended her daydream. But why dream, he sat next to her. Was he willing to test toys with her? Maybe fulfill a sexual fantasy or two? Two strong fingers lifted her chin, causing their gazes to meet. “Earth to Shelley. Where’d you drift off to? Am I boring you already?”
She held his sensual gaze. Refusing to show he’d caught her off guard, she stated in as casual a tone as she could muster past the sudden dry sensation in her throat, “No, you’re not boring me. I apologize. My thoughts wandered for a moment.”
“To someplace good, I hope.”
“Your table is ready, sir,” the hostess interrupted.
“Thank you,” Jack replied.
Shelley managed a weak smile, grateful for the diversion. If only he knew where her thoughts were focused. Masturbating in the shower earlier hadn’t taken the edge off. Hell, she’d gotten off with her waterproof vibrator while his image burned behind her closed eyes. Thoughts of this man kept her system on a sexual high that no amount of self-pleasure would relieve. She shot him a sideways glance as she sipped from her glass. If he knew, would it turn him on?
One night with him, that was what she’d decided. Would it be enough to scratch this undeniable itch? From the looks of him, she doubted it. Not with the way his shoulders filled his tan dinner jacket. He wore a blue button-down dress shirt with no tie. The top two buttons were undone and she noticed the white undershirt. Umm, layers covered the body she wished to examine. Lowering her gaze, she noted tan slacks with comfortable dress shoes and a matching belt. A fleeting image of tugging that belt free flashed behind her eyes, causing her to look away.
God, this wasn’t normal for her. Never had she reacted so wantonly toward anyone, much less a younger man. Reel it in, before you make a fool of yourself, Shelley silently reprimanded her libido. Take control of the situation. Remember the last time you let a man rule your desire. Shelley blinked back the image of her domineering ex-husband. In no way would she let his memory ruin this night. No. She planned to take a chance and enjoy the attributes of a younger man. Even if it killed her. Shelley bit the edge of her lower lip in an attempt to stifle the urge to grin as her imagination sent the image of Jack naked flashing through her head.
He helped Shelley from the stool.
Heat shimmered up her spine when he placed his hand at the small of her back. Both nipples reacted to his touch. Shelley held her shoulders taut and prayed the low lighting helped hide the budding points. She focused on walking and not the gentle brush of his thumb to the exposed flesh of her lower back. But it wasn’t easy. His closeness made it difficult for her to cool her growing desire. Instead it kicked it up a degree or two—or ten. She took a breath and tried to concentrate on anything other than the subtle skin-to-skin contact. They followed the hostess to their table, a cozy place setting for two in the far rear corner of the room.
Never having been inside the restaurant, Shelley soaked in the atmosphere. Dino’s didn’t fit within her budget, especially since every spare dime went
to help her mother.
Romantic music whispered in the air. Gorgeous flowers adorned a crystal vase on the table. Layered tablecloths of white covered by red added to the allure. Old stonewalls gave the place a quaint appeal, as did the circular stone hearth fireplace which sat as the room’s centerpiece. Each table was given maximum space to allow for a quiet dinner without overcrowding. Privacy seemed to be the main course with the corner tables. Ornately decorated silk screens strategically placed provided a cozy sort of alcove for its patrons. Candlelight and a wall sconce turned low added to the romantic appeal.
A small dance floor was positioned at the rear of the room. A four-foot-high stone wall separated it from the dining area. A wooden planter ran the length of the wall, filled with assorted live plants.
This definitely beat the Dine and Dash in town, which was where most of the business district, courthouse and law enforcement employees ate lunch, including the cops. She shot him a smile as he helped her with her seat. Odd, she didn’t remember seeing him around. Not that the town was small, in fact, Canton was a good-sized city, one of the three largest in Tennessee. But she figured she would have noticed a handsome man such as he around the courthouse before now.
The waitress hurried over with their drinks from the bar and handed them each a menu. After stating the evening’s specials, she excused herself to leave them to peruse the menus.
He took a sip of his drink. Those fawn-like eyes never left hers. As he lowered his glass, he asked, “So, am I to believe you found the adventurous woman we spoke of earlier?”
Shelley nearly choked on her drink. The devilish gleam in his eyes stilled the breath in her lungs. She couldn’t believe he’d said that, but liked his direct approach. It fueled her sexual curiosity in the man even more. What did he know about toys or sexual diversity, for that matter? Staring at him, she intentionally wet her lips in a seductive manner. Two could play this game, she decided, and she intended to win or at least enjoy the match.