The first outfit I try on for him is a beaded silk gown with a halter bodice just made for my body. I strut out wearing the light Jimmy Choo sandals, swaying my hips and giving him a sultry smile. I hop back when he tries to grab me and give him an admonishing look. He laughs.
An elegant Donna Karan summer dress comes next. The colors and fabrics are something I’ve never had touch my skin before. It’s playful and fun, but definitely not suited for a fancy night out.
And so it goes on and on. Rich tells me what he thinks every time. I continue teasing him by staying just out of reach. I go back into my room to change into my final outfit. I’ve saved the best for last. It’s something Min managed to sneak into my bag without Rich noticing.
I hope he appreciates it as much as I want him to.
Rich’s jaw drops when I come out. I keep an impassive face but smile to myself. I can feel the raw heat of his gaze. I’m wearing a sexy black camisole made of a silk mousseline with pretty lace trimming. The matching sheer panties have a tiny ribbon tie on the front. I don’t have anything else on.
I look straight into Rich’s eyes as I take my time walking toward him. I stretch my legs with every suggestive step. His eyes swallow my body whole and then meet mine again. He heaves out a breath. His fingers dig into the cushion as if he’s afraid he’ll leap up at me if he lets go.
I don’t say a word as I come up to him and stop right between his spread legs.
“Penny…”
“Shh.” I bend at the waist and put a finger on his lips. “Be quiet. Just watch.”
I run my finger down his neck, over his chest, and lean forward even more as I reach beneath his waist. He groans as my hand starts its slow exploration. I throw my hair back and meet his eye, offering a sultry smile. I can feel his gaze on me. His chest begins to labor with deep breaths as my fingers find his belt buckle and open it.
Rich moves his hands to my legs. I let him. He runs them up and down the back of my thighs, then stops them on my butt and gently squeezes. I shake my head, “Naughty boy.”
Rich gives me a wolfish grin. His hands remain glued to my body. I smile as I slide his belt free and undo his pants. With one hand, I push against his chest so he leans back. Next, I shimmy his pants off his legs.
There’s a nice surprise waiting for me under there. Rich is already rock-hard. I lick my lips and go to my knees between his legs. Rich’s eyes follow my every move. I reach for the waistband of his boxers and pull them down. A delighted gasp escapes my lips when his cock springs free.
I turn my head and start by kissing the inside of his leg. I remember how good it felt when he did that to me. I trail my tongue over his skin until I’m licking the base of his cock. He shudders and flexes his hips forward as I slide my tongue from the base to the head. I look deep into his eyes as I swirl my tongue over the tip. They’re glazed with desire.
“Do you like how that feels?” I coo, lowering my lips over his shaft and taking him in my mouth.
“Oh my God, yes,” he rasps in affirmation. I feel particularly naughty and supremely attractive. I start bobbing my head up and down. I go slow at first. Rich’s fingers thread through the strands of my hair. He clears the front my head. “Look at me baby,” he begs. “I want to see your beautiful eyes.”
His request turns me on even more. I comply, tilting my head up ever-so-slightly to change the angle. I focus my eyes only on him. Soon, Rich is lost in his pleasure. His hands start guiding my head more eagerly. He begins to pump his hips into me. I let him take control. The suckling noises I’m making fill the air, combining with Rich’s masculine sounds of satisfaction to create a stunningly hot atmosphere.
Accidentally, he pushes too far. He hits the back of my throat and I gag without warning. Immediately, he pulls out.
“Sorry,” he says. “You’re just so fucking good at that, I kind of lost control.”
“I don’t mind,” I reply in a heady voice. I start to take him in again, but he stops me by guiding my chin up.
“Enough of that.” Rich bends forward and kisses me. The deep connection of our mouths catches me by surprise. Nobody else has ever wanted to kiss me after I’ve given head.
Clearly, Rich is different. I already know that. I crawl onto his body as I kiss him hard. Lust and desire pulse uncontrollably through my body. There’s also a surprising warmth in my chest. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before. It comes, I think, from the deep way he kisses me.
Rich’s hands go to my shoulders. He slips off the straps of my undergarment and pushes it down to my waist. My breasts are tender and swollen. As I press them against Rich’s hard chest, his cotton shirt feels rough as straw against my skin. His erection is cradled between my legs, pushing into the thin fabric of my panties. I’m hot and moist with desire. I claw his shirt off and kiss his chest. His cock rubs against my folds. The sensation feels do deliciously sinful that I can’t stop myself. I grab him and direct him into me, pulling my panties to the side.
I sigh in pleasure and lean my head back as I slide over him. Rich kisses my shoulders, then holds my face above his as I begin to rock. His green eyes shine with desire.
“Oh, Rich,” I moan, holding him close. His presence satisfies the deepest need lashing through my core. I lean back and expose my breasts. He takes one eagerly in his mouth. I close my eyes and soar with the pleasure that shoots through every synapse of my body. I’m awakened by Rich. This is what I have craved since opening my heart to him. There are no doubts remaining in my mind. No voices scream in worry. I do not need to concern myself with anything except him, me, and our pleasure.
All of a sudden Rich emits an animal growl. Before I can blink, we’re both on the floor. The carpet scratches against my back. I pick my legs up and wrap them around Rich as he pounds into me. My nails dig into his shoulders as I near the verge of climax.
The release comes in a great wave that roars through my body. I cling to Rich, surrounded by his strength, his smell, his feel. I cry out his name, my voice raw and vulnerable and unreserved. I am fully his—in body, mind, heart, and spirit.
He pulls out and groans as his own climax comes. The sticky fluid spurts all over my abdomen and breasts. It’s hot against my skin. I satiate in that feeling as I close my eyes and remember to breathe. He’s marked me as his. I would not have it any other way.
Chapter Ten
We find Min waiting for us in the lobby. After our bit of fun, Rich and I took a shower to clean up. What was meant to take ten minutes ended up spanning almost two hours. So, we’re just a little bit late for her.
Min smiles at me, obviously aware of the cause for our delay. If Rich’s winning grin wasn’t enough of a clue, then the deep glow on my face is. She scowls at Rich when he leans in to kiss her cheek. He laughs and does it anyway.
Considering the evening traffic, the trip to our destination does not take long. Rich drives. A beautiful hostess ushers us inside after the valet parks our car in the underground lot. Dieci is bustling with patrons. We’re led to a grand table in the heart of the restaurant that provides a great view of the city.
The waiter takes one look at our group and decides Rich is the one in charge. He informs Rich that Mr. Calloway has generously agreed to cover our tab, then sets the menus in front of us. The first thing I notice is that none of the dishes has a price.
Rich thanks him and orders a bottle of wine to start. The waiter returns with a single glass for Rich, who takes a taste and approves. Two more glasses appear at the table.
I can’t help but marvel at Rich the entire time. He is so sophisticated, so very much at ease. He is right at home in this environment. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me, considering his upbringing. But it’s just so much at odds with the man who starts bar fights and rides motorcycles and has tattoos covering his forearms.
Rich catches me looking and shoots me a marvelous, loving smile. I grin back like an idiot. Those two smiles house an entire conversation.
“A toast!” he propose
s, hoisting his wine glass high. “To the two most wonderful women in my life. Both of you never cease to amaze me. Min, I have loved you since the moment I heard your cries echo the halls of our father’s house. And Penny, let me say that the beginning of love is difficult to point out. But it’s easy to know that it has begun. I worried I would not see you again after I left Oregon. You risked everything to come to me. For that, and for so much more, I love you. And I promise you now, as I have before: I will never let you go again.”
His words are so heartfelt that I choke up. I feel my eyes become moist. I blink through the tears, smile, and whisper, “I love you, too,” as we three clink glasses.
Our food arrives soon. It is delicious. The taste, the texture, the smell—all of it is superb. Our conversation lightens after Rich’s toast. We laugh about the past we’ve shared and talk about frivolities with little meaning. It’s a glorious change of pace.
After our main meal is taken away, Min smiles and asks a question. “So, Penny, have you given any thought to what you’re going to do next?”
I take a sip of water. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, now that all this is over, you’re in control of your life again! Are you thinking of going back to school, in Oregon?”
“I don’t know,” I say, looking up at Rich. He squeezes my knee under the table. “To be honest, I haven’t really given it much thought. I guess I’m kind of taking things one day at a time.”
“The reason I ask,” Min continues, “is because I’ve been thinking. You and I have spent a lot of time together. We get along really well. In fact,” she smiles, “I’ve started thinking of you a lot like a sister. Maybe you could stay in New York?”
“What?” I stumble.
“I can help you get admitted to a good college here, if that’s what you want to do,” Min continues quickly. “It’s the city of opportunity. Besides,” she glances at her brother, “if you stay, I have a good feeling Rich won’t be going anywhere, either. And I like having him around.”
I look at Rich. Staying, in New York? I haven’t considered the option before. I mean, I know that I told Abby I wouldn’t be coming back, but that was just because of all the uncertainty surrounding my life. Now that the weight has been lifted, thinking about the future seems like the right thing to do, but… it’s such an unfamiliar proposition.
“We could get an apartment together,” Rich offers. “New York is the perfect place for me to expand my little real estate venture.”
I look from Min to Rich in amazement. “You want me to move in with you?”
“Like I’d let you live anywhere else,” Rich answers. “I love you. I don’t want to be apart ever again.” Min is hiding a sly smile behind a raised glass of wine. I have a sneaking suspicion that the two of them planned this offer beforehand.
“Rich, of course I love you too,” I say carefully. “But, moving to New York? That’s such a big step. I only moved to Oregon a few months ago. I don’t know if I’m ready to ditch the west coast just yet. I mean, technically I’m still enrolled in college there. I’ve been gone for two weeks but it doesn’t mean I can’t catch up. And don’t you have all your development projects over there?”
“I do,” he nods. “If we live here, I’ll have to fly across the country from time to time. Min already looked up the transfer requirements for NYU. She says you’ll have no problem meeting them.”
“Even if you do,” Min giggles, “I know the Dean of Admissions. He was a friend of my father’s. We can work something out.”
“Really?” I ask.
Min nods. “Yeah. I spoke to him already. I didn’t want to think about you leaving.”
“Wow. Um, guys, this is a lot to take in.”
“You don’t have to decide anything now,” Rich says. “But I think it’ll be good for you to come live in the city. Hell, I think even I missed it after so many years away.”
“I don’t know how I can afford rent—”
“Are you kidding?” Rich laughs. “Babe, you don’t need to worry about rent or money as long as you’re with me. I promise.”
“Thanks,” I mutter. I don’t like the easy way Rich assumes I can just take his money. Even if we are in a relationship, I should be self-sufficient. Shopping today was fun, yes. But it also made me feel like a mooch. I’ve always looked after myself. Just because I’m in love does not mean I want to change that.
Min, always more astute than her brother, picks up on my discomfort immediately. “Or, I can also help you find a job,” she says. “There are so many things available if you know the right people.” She winks. “Thanks to my dad, I definitely know the right people.”
Rich grumbles under his breath but doesn’t object. “Thank you,” I say to Min. I mean it this time. Even though I don’t like feeling like I’m getting charity handouts, I appreciate her concern. “Maybe sticking around here will be a good decision.” I look at Rich. “It’s not like I have anybody waiting for me at home.”
“So it’s settled?” Rich asks, excited.
“Not quite.” I pat his leg. “But I promise I will think about it.”
“There’s no rush,” Min says easily. “I just wanted to give you the suggestion sooner rather than later so it doesn’t feel sprung up on you.”
“I appreciate that,” I smile. “What about you, then? Have you gotten back in touch with Joey yet?”
“Joey?” Rich asks, his eyes suddenly intent. “Tell me I heard that wrong.”
Min’s cheeks color. She looks down at the table, away from Rich. I’ve never seen her flustered before.
Rich notices her reaction. “Don’t tell me you have something going on with that loser?” he asks again, incredulous.
“I love him,” Min answers meekly, her voice barely audible over the din.
“What?” Rich slams his fist against the table. His eyes are afire. “Min, look at me when you answer!”
Min pulls her shoulders back and sits up straight. She matches her brother’s eye contact. “I love him,” she repeats, louder this time.
Rich looks totally shocked. “Fuck me,” he mutters. “Min, since when? For how long?”
“It’s my life, Richard! You can’t tell me who I can and cannot love!”
Rich’s jaw works as his eyes settle on Min. I’ve never seen a fight between them before. Clearly, Joey is a hot-button topic.
“For. How. Long?” Rich repeats. I can hear him trying to curb his anger. I’ve seen him try before. It’s not going to work.
“Rich,” I say softly, placing my hand on his arm. “Calm down. What’s the big deal?”
Rich jerks away from me. It feels almost like a physical slap in the face. “Tell her,” he challenges his sister.
Min shakes her head. I can see the beginning of tears in her eyes. “No.”
“If you don’t,” he warns, “I will. I don’t keep secrets from Penny. You called her your sister. You shouldn’t have secrets either.”
Min shakes her head harder. I can see her trembling, and she’s blinking away tears. “No, Rich.”
“Richard, stop it!” I hiss. “Can’t you see you’re upsetting her? She’s right. What does it matter to you who she loves?”
“It matters because I care about her, Penny,” Rich growls. “Our father sure as hell doesn’t, if he let her date this scumbag.”
“If you care about her, then you’ll drop this!” Min is on the verge of breaking down. I feel horrible for being the one to bring Joey up.
Rich does not relent. “Tell Penny the truth, Min, or I will.”
“No!”
“Fine.” Rich looks at me. He takes a deep breath. When he speaks, his words are flat. “The asshole got her pregnant and ran when she came to him. She wouldn’t have an abortion. After eight months of carrying their child on her own, she went into premature labor. The child was stillborn.”
I can hear the pure hatred in Rich’s voice. “I found out later from Amanda, who I was dating at the time,” he continues
. “She reached out to Min by complete fluke about a month after it happened. I wanted to kill the bastard, but he disappeared.” He gestures sharply in Min’s direction. “And now, I learn you’re back together?”
Min stands up so fast her chair topples over. Dark lines trail down her cheeks from where her mascara had run. She looks like she’s about to spew venom at Rich.
Instead, she spins around with a wordless cry and takes off for the restroom.
“Way to go,” I spit at Rich. “Real, real smooth. What a caring older brother you are.”
I get up and hurry after Min.
Chapter Eleven
I find Min crying in the restroom stall. I rap my knuckles gently against the wood. “Min? It’s Penny. Can I please come in?”
I hear her sniffle as she tries to pull herself together. “Just give me a minute. I’ll be fine.”
“Min, please,” I beg. “I’m so sorry for bringing Joey up. I didn’t know.”
“It’s not your fault. I knew Rich would react like that.” Another sob. “That’s why I didn’t tell him. I just wish it didn’t happen tonight.” One more sob. “Now I’ve ruined a perfect evening.”
“Min, nobody can blame you. Rich acted like an ass. He was selfish and mean. Now, can I please come in? I feel like I’m talking to the wood here.”
After a moment, I hear the latch come free. I push the door open. Min is a mess. She’s sitting on the toilet lid, her head in her hands. Silent sobs rock her body. All her makeup is ruined, and her hair, which had been so perfect just minutes ago, now falls in chaotic waves to her shoulders.
“Oh, you poor thing!” I say. “Come here.” I wrap my arms around her and let her cry into me. I make shh-ing noises like Rich had for me when I broke down on the beach. If this had happened even two weeks ago, I wouldn’t know how to react. Thankfully, I’ve had a lot of experience getting in touch with my emotions since then.
When Min calms a bit, I hold her by the shoulders and look into her eyes. “You are a beautiful, strong woman,” I tell her. “The strongest I’ve ever met. If you say you love Joey, then so be it. I remember the advice you gave me. Rich doesn’t know what it’s like for us girls. He thinks we can turn off our emotions with the flip of a switch. And he’s in no position to try to control your relationships.”
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