Indulgence

by Liz Crowe

  “Cassidy, I’d like to take you to dinner.” I choked on my cappuccino and started coughing uncontrollably. He stood up and came back with a bottle of water. He handed me the water as I was getting my bearings back. “Is it that shocking that I’d ask you to dinner?”

  I was a little dumbstruck. “Um, well, I just, I…”

  He sat down next to me and placed the bottle of water he had just given me on the table and took my hands in his. “Cassidy, I know you felt it all those months ago. I felt it, too, and I still do. A day hasn’t passed that you haven’t crossed my mind. There’s something here,” he motioned between our bodies.

  I was looking at our hands and it was there, that electricity. I looked to him and a shudder caused me to roll my shoulders. My heart started racing and I clenched my thighs together, trying to subdue the throb between them. Before I could say a word, he leaned in and tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear. He cupped my face and gently touched my lips with his own.

  How many times had I fantasized about that very moment? I accepted his kiss, knowing that if Cecily found out I’d probably get canned. Both of his hands were on my face, lightly caressing. His lips were gentle and felt better than I had ever dreamed. I molded my lips to his and inhaled his sweet breath. His tongue gently ran across my upper lip. I slid closer to him and placed my hands on his lapels. Our tongues began a torrid dance that had my entire body standing at attention. It was a kiss I would never forget and one I never wanted to end.

  I worked my hands up to his neck and to the tie holding his hair and couldn’t resist removing it. I’d been dying to run my fingers through his hair since that first night I saw him. He encouraged me with a groan and started kissing my jaw while working his way back to my ear.

  “James…we should stop,” but my actions betrayed my words as I dragged his mouth back to mine.

  “Shut up, Cassidy.”

  Before I knew it he pulled me into his lap, not sure how he managed it. His hand was on my hip and I could feel his erection straining against my thigh. I felt my own hair fall from its tie as he tugged on it gently. It felt wonderful and I whimpered into his mouth, barely aware of my phone ringing. I slowly pulled my face away from his. “Shit. I have to get that.”

  “Cassidy, let it ring.”

  “It could be Cecily,” I pled as I tried to slide off his lap, echoing his groan of disapproval. I gave up trying and remained on his lap, straining to grab my phone. I looked at the number, not recognizing it so I sent it to voicemail. “I don’t know the number. If it’s important they’ll leave a message.”

  I tossed the phone down on the couch beside us as he tightened his arms around me. I needed to be closer to him so I repositioned myself. I straddled his lap as his mouth assaulted mine. I helped him out of his jacket as he started fumbling with the buttons on my blouse. He rolled his hips and hit my core just right and made my stomach drop. I moaned into his mouth and pulled his shirt out of his pants.

  “You like that,” he whispered in my mouth as he continued rolling and grinding his hips into me. I clung to him and began sucking his ear. “You’re making me wild, Cassidy.”

  “Oh God, I’ve dreamed of this, of you, for so long.”

  “Holy hell, I’m so sorry.” We’d been caught in the act.

  Red handed.

  I jumped off his lap and he was up almost as quick, shielding me with his body. I peeked around his shoulder and saw Lena and a security guard standing in the doorway.

  The security guard took in the scene and offered his apologies to Mr. Benedict before heading back to the lobby. Lena on the other hand turned her back to us, but not before I noticed she was fifteen shades of red.

  “Don’t you people knock?” James was furious. “Ray, get back in here.” Oh no, he was going to annihilate the poor security guard. Ray made his way back in and was apologizing profusely. “I expect utter discretion, not a word.”

  “Yes sir, of course, sir.” James nodded to him and Ray headed back out. Lena was now facing us and she mouthed ‘sorry’ to me and I just shook my head. This was bad and completely unethical.

  “Lena, what do you need?” I asked her while tucking my shirt back into my pants.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, I didn’t know.”

  “LENA! It’s alright. What do you need?”

  “Right. Francis is throwing a fit; something about the choice of appetizers.”

  I released an exasperated sigh. “This man is going to put me in an early grave if I don’t put him there first.”

  “Who’s Francis?” I sensed the tension in James’ voice. I looked to him seeing he’d already fixed his hair and was putting his jacket back on.

  “Just the caterer, nothing I can’t handle.” I pulled my purse off the table along with my bag, shoved my phone inside and started to leave.

  “Cassidy?” James placed his hand on my arm. “Dinner?”

  I dropped my voice so Lena couldn’t hear. “James, I can’t do this. This is unprofessional, I’ll get canned. I have a lot to get done for tonight and the auction next week.”

  “Cassidy, this isn’t over. Not by a long shot. You won’t get rid of me so easily.” He released my arm as I headed out the door with Lena.

  “Not a word Lena.” She nodded as I left James staring after me.

  *****

  The ballroom was spectacular. The hotel sat on the north end of town, lakeside. The ballroom opened up to a beautiful garden that overlooked the river. There were over two dozen gold and crystal chandeliers that hung from the twenty foot ceiling. The center pieces were in their resting spots and thirty tables formed a circle around the enormous dance floor. It was going to be an amazing night for my first masquerade. Last year I hadn’t attended the event after coming down with a bug during the final preparations. I was giddy just at the thought of my dress and all the other patrons in their costumes that night.

  Cecily was originally against the location choice when I told her we booked The Benedict for the masquerade this year. She was convinced they wouldn’t be done with the remodel in time and even booking the auction there was cutting it close. J.J. Benedict had assured me for months that everything would be ready. He was right.

  *****

  The rest of the day was a flurry of double and triple checking all the arrangements. I had to keep Francis in line, secure the floral arrangements, and finalize the seating chart per Mrs. Whitford’s specifications. Before I knew it, my time was up. It was just after five and the doors opened at six-thirty with dinner being served at seven. I had to go get ready.

  I found Lena to let her know I was headed up to my room. I hated her; she didn’t even look like she’d broken a sweat. Me, however, I could feel my blouse clinging to my back. She assured me she’d be up soon to do my hair and makeup. I grabbed my pile of notes, extra brochures, purse and jacket and rushed toward the main elevators.

  I tried to organize my pile of crap when the elevator door dinged open. I walked in, still looking down, unaware of my elevator companion.

  “Twelfth floor?” I simply nodded because I was so preoccupied with my notes.

  I rushed out as Godsmack echoed down the long hallway. I almost dropped the phone trying to answer Cecily’s call and cursed Lena at the same time. The girl had great taste in music, but she had to stop changing my ring tones. “Yes, Cecily…”

  ~ JAMES ~

  I entered my room laughing. Godsmack? Interesting. She didn’t look up once to see it was me with her in the elevator and I didn’t have the heart to cause her more stress before the masquerade. I threw my briefcase on the couch and dropped down on the other end as I loosened my tie. I knew this day would come, I just hadn’t predicted it taking so long.

  I was caught off guard in the elevator that morning when she barreled into me and I had to stop myself from calling her ‘Blackbird’. She was making this harder than I had anticipated. My head was pounding as I pulled the tie from my hair. Resting my elbows on my knees I placed my head in
my hands and sighed. Even stressed out, she was breathtaking.

  I had left her alone twice that night; once when the cops were questioning her and again to grab us some coffee from the vending machine. The last time we were in the same room together she was cradled in the arms of a cop. It was evident I was long forgotten as she was carried out of my life, or so I thought. I later discovered that the cop was her brother and set my plan in motion. Though, I hadn’t planned to be kept away from her for so long. She’d haunted my dreams, especially her unforgettable eyes, almost every night since I first laid eyes on her. Now she was just down the hall. This had my father and Aunt Bev written all over it. I remembered my conversation from that morning with Dad.

  As the bellboy hurried out I told him to refuse any tip she may offer. He acknowledged and hurried out with her bags.

  “That boy is terrified of you, James. What did you do to him?

  I ignored his question and sighed.

  “When are you going to talk to her? After all this time, James, what are you waiting for? You’ve avoided her long enough. She’s staying in 1204 for the night. Your Aunt Bev assures me she’s single on top of being an excellent event planner. Nothing is standing in your way.”

  I glared at him and decided to ignore him. I knew it was a mistake to confide in him. “I assume Aunt Bev is paying for the suite? Whatever you’re up to, DON’T! Besides, I have a meeting with her in thirty minutes.” He just chuckled. The man was worse than Mother when it came to meddling. He started to ask me again when I was going to tell her. “Leave it be, Dad.”

  I hadn’t attended the masquerade ball in years. She had to be good if Cecily had given her the reins. I should’ve stayed away from her, for her sake, but I couldn’t, not anymore. And given her response to me at our meeting, she couldn’t either. Just thinking about her had me hard as a rock.

  I checked my watch. The masquerade began in less than an hour. I finished removing my suit, cranked up the sound system and got in the shower. Still rock hard, I obliged my aching cock and was rewarded with a quick and meaningless release.

  I made hasty business of getting ready. GnR was humming through the surround sound system. I shaved off my thickening beard, leaving the goatee, hoping it would help disguise me. I scoffed as Axl started singing about having patience while I put my suit on. I pulled my hair back, put on my mask and checked my watch again. I made my way to the elevator and tugged at my tie. I normally hated these functions, but I was hopeful tonight would be different. It was a quarter after six and I thought that maybe she had already headed down when I heard the click of her door.

  I immediately went stiff as the ache in my pants was renewed. The shower had done nothing to cool me down. She looked fabulous with her flaming red hair pinned up with a few pieces framing her face. The dress was strapless, black and olive green taffeta. The floor-length gown hugged her curves perfectly and puddled just below her feet. As she approached, I could see that she was feigning bravery as she smiled hesitantly. I was mesmerized in the blue lagoons that were her eyes; her black filigree mask just pronouncing them more.

  *****

  It seemed like I laid next to her for hours, just listening to her soft breaths, before sleep took me. I replayed the entire evening in my head more than once; she was absolutely breathtaking. I didn’t know how I managed to stay away from her for so long; I was an idiot to wait as long as I did. As the rays of dawn started peeking through the windows I rolled over to gaze at her. I bolted upright; she was gone. “Cassidy!” I jumped out of bed and proceeded to search for her with no luck. “Dammit!”

  ~ CASSIDY ~

  I had to get down stairs. Lena had left several minutes ago and I had assured her I’d be right behind her. She hadn’t inquired about James and I was thankful. I checked myself in the floor-length mirror for the tenth time and recalled dress shopping, which was an absolute nightmare.

  After a long day of dress shopping with Lena a few weeks back, she told me about a shop across town that rented designer dresses for all occasions. It was in the posh part of town so I took her word for it. She was an absolute life saver. I needed a masquerade dress and one for the auction. We headed to the shop, and after trying on dozens of gowns, I settled on a one shoulder blue number for the auction and a black strapless gothic ball gown for the masquerade. Both dresses fit like a glove. I had never worn anything so elegant and I was nervous as hell. Lena assured me that I would knock them dead both nights.

  I checked my hair and makeup, again thanks to Lena, miracle worker that she was. I was tying my mask when my phone started buzzing again. “Shit.” I looked to see it was just a text from Calvin.

  Knock them dead, sis!

  I smiled at his text while grabbing my evening bag and double checked that my key was in it. “You got this, Cassidy.” I made my way out the door.

  I froze when I saw a masked man standing by the elevator. “Shit.” I tried to catch my door before it locked. Click. Too late, I couldn’t turn back. The masked man lifted his head and smiled. Good Lord. Now that was a smile to make hearts melt. I returned the smile as I walked his way. Please don’t trip, please don’t trip…

  I made it to the elevator, without tripping. Whoever he was, he was sex on legs. His dark hair was slicked back and I noticed he was clean shaven except for a goatee. His mask looked like solid steel and did nothing to give away his identity since it covered most of his face. The suit hugged him in all the right places I could see, and was all black except for the green tie that almost perfectly matched my dress. His hands were in his pockets and he flashed an incredible, familiar smile at me. I struggled to keep eye contact and to keep my breathing even.

  “Good evening, Miss Charles. You’re a vision.”

  The minute I heard his voice I knew it was him. Shit! What was he playing at? “Thank you.” I took a deep breath. “I didn’t realize you’d be attending the masquerade tonight.”

  He pushed the down button to the elevator and outstretched his hand toward me. I don’t know why I offered my hand to him, but I did. He raised it to his lips and kissed my wrist. His touch sent a thrill through me. His lips lingered a little longer than necessary and I blushed before pulling my hand away. He released my hand as the elevator doors opened. “Shall we?” I stepped in and he followed, pushed the button for the lobby and the doors closed.

  He still hadn’t answered my question and I wasn’t going to press the issue. I turned to him as he closed the distance between us. “You look ravishing.”

  I tried to maneuver around him and got tangled in my dress. I was instantly aware of his hands on me, one on my upper arm and the other around my back. The hand on my back began caressing my skin leaving me short of breath. We were against the wall when I looked up at him. He wasn’t smiling anymore.

  “Pardon me.” I looked into those green eyes at the same time his masculine scent traveled through my senses. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and inhale deeply. I was instantly turned on and scared as hell. What was wrong with me?

  “You should watch where you’re going, Blackbird.”

  Why did he always call me that? I mean, it was endearing and I kind of liked it. I started mumbling, but before I knew it, that sweet breath of his mingled with mine. I closed the last inch between us as his lips softly pressed to mine. I had lost all sense, kissing a man I barely knew, again. I reached my hands up to his head and freed his hair without thought and started running my fingers through the damp strands. He responded with a groan and deepened the kiss as his hands ran across my back. His hands were like hot stones, velvety hard. His tongue ran across my upper lip which caused me to shudder.

  “I’ve imagined this moment for ages, Cassidy. I’ve tried staying away.” I opened my eyes to see that his eyes were now a vibrant green. I moaned as he rubbed his arousal against my hip. His cologne was intoxicating and I felt like I was in a fog. I ran my fingertips over his smooth cheek.

  The elevator bounced to a stop and chimed that we had reached th
e lobby. He growled, pushing away from me just as the doors opened.

  “Cassidy, come on. Cecily is here!” Lena grabbed my hand, oblivious to what and who had just happened to me and pulled me toward the ballroom. I gazed back at James, breathless, and the smile was back on his face. What the hell just happened?

  Chapter Four

  Masquerade

  ~ CASSIDY ~

  I didn’t have time to contemplate it further. Cecily was there and she didn’t have much to say. I had worked for her long enough to know that when she was quiet, she was pleased. Shortly after the doors opened the guests started piling in. Lena and I were busy welcoming guests when Mrs. Whitford walked in. I made my way over to her, happy to see a familiar face. She was beaming!

  “Well done, my girl. Everything looks fabulous. And you look stunning. I almost didn’t recognize you with the mask. Why are you still single? I have a feeling that you won’t be for long.” I blushed as she kissed my cheek and I thanked her for the many compliments. “I just love Halloween. It’s my favorite time of year.” I chuckled at her enthusiasm. “You remember my daughter Jane.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  I shook Jane’s hand and we began catching up from the last time we’d seen one another. She was an attractive brunette with brown eyes and stood a few inches shorter than me. She was single, recently moved back home and, I was guessing, around my age. I knew I would love to get to know her better. Something told me we could be great friends.

  Everything ran smoothly through dinner. I was seated with Mrs. Whitford, at her request, though I didn’t have time to enjoy my meal. James was seated next to Jane and it was apparent to me that they knew one another. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were more than friends, or were at one time.

  I was still turned on and humiliated all at once. He made me lose self-control too easily. I avoided eye contact, but anytime I tried to sneak a peek at him I would discover him already drilling his eyes into mine.