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Marina Cross
Jackie's Red Mustang A Whispers Publishing Publication February, 2012 Copyright © 2012, Marina Cross Cover illustration copyright © (Maggie Hall) ISBN Not Assigned All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Webwithout permission in writing from the publisher. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention. Published by: Whispers Publishing, P.O. Box 1165, Ladson, SC 29456-1165.
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Jackie's Red Mustang
Jackie’s Red Mustang
Marina Cross
A Whispers Publishing Publication www.whispershome.com
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Dedication Because sometimes you know you feel a need for speed…
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Chapter One Jackie Chase’s sometimes reserved personality served her like a blessing and a bit of a curse. Controlled and sometimes ruthless, she forever held herself in check. She conducted her life wellbehaved, living life—and more recently, her love life—like a procurement business model of efficiency and management skill, and this included her recent love life. Her one-two-three combo of looks, brains, and focused nature provided her with most of the trappings, such as a new car, house, and money. However, this efficiency plus hard placed reserve, which had been of endless use to her, appeared to be pushing love out of her life. Standing on the balcony outside her second story Corn Creek, Nevada home, Jackie's musings couldn’t help but dwell on Stuart Marshall, her boyfriend, and what he’d said to her three weeks ago when he’d tried ending their two year relationship. “Damn it, Jackie,” he’d groaned in frustration, “why can’t you be with me? Here and now!” He raked his long, tan fingers through his slightly long, dark brown hair while he’d gazed at her ruefully. They were quite a pair. Where she curved, his body angled and pointed. She loved his strange 5
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angles, hollows and points. When last she’d seen him, he’d been madder at her than a bee's nest robbed of honey. They had been twisting, tinkering, and tickling each other on the living room rug when Stuart tickled her across her rib cage. He had carefully let his head and fingers start to drift lower down. Jackie stopped him, flipping him onto his back playfully, climbing atop his lap and seeking to touch away the growing upset on his handsome face. “Don’t be silly; I have let go.” She tried to kiss him, but he simply twisted his head away, looking out toward the Las Vegas city skyline spread out in every direction to the west of them. “I want to learn about all of you, Jack.” His voice sounded quieter, sadder than she’d ever heard it during their two years together. “Touch all of you. You just can‘t seem to let me fully into your life.” “What do you mean?” She gave his lips one single, teasing peck while she tried again to tease a smile from his tightly pursed lips. He sat up, pushing her off him slightly, staring deeply into her hazel eyes with his green-eyed gaze seriously grave. “How do I reach the heart of you these days? You used to light up in my arms, give me the best part of you, your clear and focused love. Where is it now? How can I get your attention back?” Jackie had not liked the expression in his 6
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shuttered gaze as he focused directly on her. “Stuart, I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re still in my heart.” “No. No, I’m not.” He’d stood over her, running his fingers through his hair, which she knew he generally did when he might lose his cool. “You’re here, but you’re not here.” Quietly, he dressed as she tried to calm his hurt feelings. “I’m always here for you, Stu.” He pushed her away firmly as he’d said, “I don’t know if you want to be with me anymore, Jackie. Maybe we need to cool things down a bit. Give you a chance to focus on a few things.” “Don’t go,” she pleaded, but he merely turned and left her house while she’d called, “Stuart, please don’t go. Come on now, don’t go!” She hated admitting to herself she’d been focusing more on getting ahead in her career, working longer and longer hours. Even on nights they spent together she continued to bring her work home. Jackie lived in a hazy, painful half-life since he’d been gone. She’d walked through life in a daze, constantly feeling like tears would come to her eyes. Her heart leapt to her chest when Stuart called her last night to say, “I miss you, Jackie.” “I miss you too.” Tears threatened to spill from her eyes while she struggled to catch every sigh, every sound of his husky speech through the phone. 7
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They talked for an hour and came to an understanding. Tonight she agreed to experience life from his eyes. Tonight, she would live their relationship through his desire. He’d said he would give no quarter and would allow no limits between them. She was nervous, yet excited to see where this night would lead. Returning home earlier today, Jackie discovered three beautifully wrapped boxes by her front door. Leaving her briefcase in the hallway, she detached a note on the top box. It was from Stuart. Carelessly dropping her house keys in the holder by her front door, she carried the boxes upstairs, gently setting them down at the edge of her bed. She opened Stuart’s note. It read, “For you tonight. Wear this. Pin up your hair.” Opening the box, lightly fingering thin crepe paper and pulling open the edges, she gave a bemused smile as she carefully pulled up the soft, silky, red dress lying inside. It was long, liquor smooth with a criss-cross back and one deep slit on its right-hand side. She laid it to one side as she dug into the box again, noting a smooth, red satin thong, cocoa brown thigh high stockings with black bows seamed on the sides, and no bra. Her eyes raked down to her ample breasts, wondering if they would pop out of the top. She turned to the bigger, square box and 8
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carefully lifted the lid. Tucked inside the box lay a pair of outrageous, bright red, platform, and strappy sandals with a whisper-thin heel. Hooking one long finger around a strap, Jackie pulled it from its hiding place, holding it up to the light. They were beautiful, yet totally unlike anything she’d ever worn before. She laid it back into the box, picking up her new dress, holding it to her and walking over to her dresser mirror. She stared at herself with a critical eye. Should she really do this? He’d asked her to trust him. She was more nervous than ever. Squaring her shoulders, she resolved to see the night to wherever it might lead. Stuart said he wanted to light her grand passion or they would have to go their own ways. She could not let him go without telling him how much she loved him. She showered, then perfumed herself in light ylang ylang, dressing with a slowness she generally did not indulge in. Drying her long, black hair until it shone, she gently pulled the red satin thong over her clean, bare skin. Tugging on the smooth, light stockings and liking how they moved against her slightly heated skin, she noted how achy and full her bare breasts seemed. She looked at her image in the mirror, noting the open shoebox still on her bed. She turned on stocking feet towards its open contents. Standing by her bed’s edge, she slowly 9
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pulled on the red dress and slid the high heels onto her feet. This dress fit her like a second skin. Its soft smoothness moved over her skin like human hands. He’d taken his time to find this dress, because it glided like a real hand everywhere it touched her. Walking around the room slowly, Jackie felt a silken caress against her shoulders, her breasts, and her lower back. She carefully worked on her hair, pinning up its long length the way Stuart had asked, looking in the mirror at her finished self with a bemused smile. She honestly wanted to behave like a completely different person now and admitted to herself she liked the thought of becoming someone new, totally unlike her careful, ever thinking self. What would Stuart say if he saw her now? She honestly liked how her body appeared sexpot hot. Leaving her bedroom, she made her way toward a rap on the door of her house. Opening it, she stared in momentary openmouthed surprise to see a delivery driver, who silently handed her one long-stemmed, scarlet red rose with a white ribbon tied to it holding a key and yet another mystery card, which simply said, “Come to me.” “What’s this?” “It’s outside, Miss. Please follow me.” Grabbing her evening bag and shawl, Jackie strolled behind the delivery man, who started whistling a happy tune without saying another word 10
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as they walked outside. “Here’s your vehicle, miss.” “Oh, my God!” She knew her mouth opened in shock. Nevertheless, she could not help it. Words did no justice or began to describe the red Mustang sports car parked in her driveway. “I don’t understand. Whose car is that?” “The gentleman who gave me these instructions said you will find directions to your destination on the dashboard of your vehicle. You’re holding the engine key.” Excitement poured throughout Jackie’s body while she pictured herself sitting behind the wheel of that car. Jackie had always wanted a sports car. She had cautioned herself they were not practical. She had chosen a two-door Toyota instead. Luckily for her and for Stuart, she recently learned how to drive a stick shift. If she had not, her evening with Stuart would have come to an abrupt end. Jackie climbed behind the wheel, noting she’d have to hike up the skirt of her dress a bit. She did. The sensation was wild, and strangely liberating to look down and see the exposed skin of her thighs against the Mustang’s slick leather seat. Carefully, she switched the ignition on. It started with a deep-throated purr. Checking her side mirror for any oncoming traffic, Jackie’s hands were sweaty, moist as she 11
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pulled away from the curb. The big machine maneuvered like a dream. Her heart was beating faster than normal as she eased into late evening traffic, moving toward the distant lights of Las Vegas. Traffic around her quickly disappeared until hers was the single car moving through the newly darkened night. Jackie had been cruising fifteen minutes, leaving the lights of her suburban community behind, when through her rearview mirror, she spotted another car speedily approaching. From the looks of it, it was accelerating toward her like a bat flying out of Hades. “Damn,” she whispered aloud, “that fool is driving fast.” She looked down at her speedometer. It read sixty-five. In order to continue closing the distance between them so fast, he or she had to be doing at least eighty-five. “What a nut.” She refocused on her driving while carefully keeping her companion’s car in sight. A full Nevada moon poured down silver light on black tarmac and yellow lines, giving off a golden hued glow. Flat brush and scrub, paired with cacti, flew by while the wheels of her Mustang took her closer to Stuart. Jackie liked how the wheel of the car rolled around under her hands and how its steady purr gave her a rush of excitement she had not experienced in a long time. 12
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The companion vehicle continued closing the gap between them until she spotted a glint and glimmer of its four-ring logo in the front. It was black blending into night, blending with the tarmac under its wheels as if both were motorized phantoms combined into one. The car slowed in the opposite lane until it was almost behind her. The occupant’s silhouette became highlighted behind tinted windows under desert moon. From the size and shape of the shoulders, plus the jutting, angular profile, the car’s occupant appeared to be a man. She kept her steady pace, focusing on asphalt ground in front of her and trying to tune out the second car following closely behind. She mused worriedly within at his motive for following so near. His black Audi sped up, pulling abreast of her. Straining her eyes under dim nighttime light, she clearly saw under the moonlight what a gorgeous car it was. She noted its black carbon fiber body shone like a coal diamond with sliver hubcaps that glinted as its ebony black tires gripped the ground. She refocused her attention on the road in front of her while the car next to her seemed to be keeping pace. Out of the corner of her eyes she thought she saw the driver glance over to her. With a suddenness which surprised her, he pulled ahead only to slow again until he was again 13
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abreast. “What a damn fool,” Jackie said to herself. His raven, diamond bright automobile pulled next to her again and this time she was certain she saw the driver within glance her way. She became aware of how empty the highway was. Fuck, was this some nutter trying to make trouble? She sped up a bit. Her speed meter climbed to seventy. He sped up again, keeping pace, and still no other car graced this shadowy highway, except for hers and his. Jackie inwardly fumed. It was only forty miles to Las Vegas, yet theirs were the only two cars on the road. Shifting in her seat, she pulled her skirt slightly higher, trying not to step on it, and felt her thong move against the inside of her legs just a bit when she stepped on the gas. It was a pleasant sensation. Seventy-five and the Audi again fell behind. He sped up again, this time pulling just ahead, then falling back just a moment to, pull up beside her. Tense only lightly began to describe her nerves at this point. Did this nut think they were in a race? She was growing alarmed and even more so when she noted the first of two stoplights for miles just a head. Jackie knew she would have to stop soon; the knowledge really scared her. 14
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Shifting nervously in her seat as she slowed, Jackie wanted nothing more than for Stuart to be standing in front of her so she could tell him off for getting her into a possible mess. Both cars slowed, then came to a stop. Jackie listened to their twin engines purring softly on the evening breeze. Her heart beat hard in her chest. She stared ahead, stone-faced, before turning to look over at the other car. For a moment, she stared at her own worried, uncertain reflection in its passenger side window. Then, it slowly slid down for agonizing seconds to reveal Stuart’s smiling face. Jackie groped crazily for her driver’s side window release. “Stuart! Damn it! You scared the hell out of me!” His reddish-brown hair glinted a chestnut gold under the neon light. “Hello, sweetheart.” “What the heck are you doing?” Inside she wanted to sing more than a bit from relief. The light flashed red to green. He shouted out over the drone of their car engines, “Pull over, and I will tell you.” She maneuvered past the light, pulling over to a rest stop a short distance away as Stuart pulled up, parking the Audi behind her. He left his headlights on. She climbed from the car, about to launch into conversation, but stopped as she watched him come near. 15
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He wore a white, long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. However, it was not the width of his broad shoulders or how good he looked that had taken her breath away. No, Jackie noted a flushed blush creep from her chest up to her face when she noticed just how well the black leather pants he wore hugged his body. “You’re wearing leather,” she said. He merely walked toward her without a word, taking her into his arms to deliver a kiss, which astounded her. Their mouths dueled, parted, and dueled again. She didn’t think she’d catch her breath because his lips moved nicely on hers. He kissed her like a hungry man tasting a fine meal. “I always wanted to wear leather,” he said with a rush as they came up for air. He sounded so boyishly innocent she gave him an indulgent, understanding smile from her now unworried lips. “Thank you for coming,” he said. “I thought we were meeting in the city.” He moved his hands lightly over her, heating her skin while leaving slight goose pimples. “Yes, but I could not wait to see you.” His eyes were dark with desire as he said softly, “Be dangerous for me tonight.” “How?” Still no cars passed along the road as he said, “Stand in front of my car.” Beginning to feel caught up in a hazy, slow-burning desire, she complied 16
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with his request. The headlights shone on her as she looked back at him. He stood in shadowed light as he said softly, “Baby, I can see the outline of your body.” She looked down, realizing his eyes indeed drank in the shape of her through her silken dress. Her nipples tightened at the thought of it. “Tell me what you see.” Was that her voice sounding so thin and high? She watched his outline shift tensely under the night sky as he leaned against her chariot mustang. “I see the shape of your legs.” His voice sounded low timbered, deeply throaty. “They look long, strong.” “Do they?” “Yes.” His voice sounded like a snake’s hiss. “Turn around. Not so fast; I want to drink in the shape of your body in the light.” Jackie complied with his request, turning carefully and without hurry for his perusal. It was quiet there except for lyrical crickets echoing against a backdrop of stone mountains, cactus and a starry night sky. Her heart beat so fast as she waited for him to tell her what he saw. She felt pleased that she did not have to wait long. “You look like a night goddess,” he said huskily. “Let your hair down and bend over for me.” A revelation of being unleashed settled over her. It made her experience a desire quite unlike herself and she hesitated, wondering if she should do as he’d asked. Heck, what if someone saw them? 17
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Yet, even in her fear she wanted to please him. She raised her long shapely arms and hands toward her hair, giving it a careful slow twist, and her hair came tumbling down her back like black rain. Her hearing heightened as she bent low at the waist, slightly spreading her legs. Her reward was his hastily indrawn breath. She knew she should be embarrassed. Here she was, a grown woman, teasing her lover by the side of a major highway, but Jackie really didn’t care anymore. Something about the night, about their situation, was releasing something inside her she had tried to suppress. She dipped low. She twisted slightly to the side, knowing it thrust and shaped her behind into a heart. She glanced over her shoulder with her hair creating a light curtain to one side as she looked at him. Their eyes met, locked. Then Stuart was standing, moving toward her across the gravely dirt under their feet. “You don’t know what you do to me.” His voice dropped to a low, deep whisper as his hands gripped her hips, pulling her toward him. He was rock hard. He moved his hips forward and side to side, so she could feel him. No words were spoken between them when he carefully stoked her thigh, bunching the silky fabric of her dress into his hands, pulling up it up and touching the edges of her stockings. “Stand up.” 18
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She did as he asked with slow, lingering purpose, leaning her butt snugly into his. Lifting her hair, she felt his lips like fire against the back of her neck. “Are you hot?” “Oh, yes,” she moaned softly. He turned her to face him. His features were half shadowed, and he looked like a pagan spirit come to steal her into the night. “Good.” He kissed her again deep, long, and hard. “I want you completely turned on before I take you.” Her head swam with sensation as she tried kissing him again. “I want you now.” He stilled her passionate embrace. “Someone’s coming.” Indeed, there was. A truck reading ‘Knight’ on the side slowed, passing them carefully. The trucker gestured to them enquiringly. They responded with a smile paired with a wave, which he quickly returned as he drove on. He turned to her. “Are you ready for our evening to begin?” “Yes.” “Did you know I’d like to challenge you to a drag race?” “You’re kidding, right?” A wicked, devilish look swept into his eyes. “No. Don’t you want to live a little?” “Stuart, that’s crazy. We can’t…” Jackie trailed 19
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off lamely. His frown drove right into her heart. “Why are you holding back, Jack? I’m trying to set you free.” “What if we get in trouble?” “We won’t.” An impish look re-entered his eyes. “Do you want to know the rules?” She didn’t know if she should play along. Even so, she found herself responding, “Lay it on me.” “There’s another rest spot about a mile from here. Whoever reaches it first wins and has to do whatever the other one says for the rest of the night.” Jackie could tell by his cheeky look he’d given some thought to this freedom plan of his as he continued. “Please, Jack, leave your worries behind for tonight.” His endearment for her name touched her. Nevertheless, could she really leave worry behind? She wanted to say no. However, his expression of eager, hopeful desire bought a surprising “Yes” to her mouth. He expelled one rushed, excited breath. “Only push it to the max if you think you’ll be okay. If you’re getting nervous or scared to go faster, slow down.” He kissed her again and they parted, sliding behind the wheels of each of their vehicles. Jackie started her scarlet beast with her palms feeling slightly moist. Her heart skipped forward in surprising, pulse20
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pounding excitement when their race began.
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Chapter Two Jackie looked like a fire goddess tonight. Stuart blessed his luck that he’d been lucky enough to find a woman like her. When she’d climbed from the mustang, he’d wanted nothing more than to caress every inch of her smooth, dark skin. Stuart had relished their relationship from the first time he held her in his arms. Her outlook, honesty, and loving ways refreshed his life. Although she always presented herself reserved to others, she had a passionate air around her when she was with him that kept him tied to her like a candle to a flame. He’d always felt like the center of her world. Even so, recently things between them had changed. Jackie worked a lot of late hours. While he understood and appreciated her drive to climb the corporate ladder, she seemed so focused on the climb lately that even their time together had been affected. It seemed like times outside their lives had gone crazy. He knew he was strong and able to control many things, but sometimes he felt uncertain. He needed the balm of love she presented and so he planned this crazy night to break through her unconscious reserve and bring them back together again. 22
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He watched her body and swaying hips move with unknowing grace back to the Mustang and leered as she climbed in. Turning the key in the ignition, and securing his lap belt with a click, he slowly rolled up alongside her. “Ready?” She looked nervous for about a split second. That look was quickly replaced with steel resolve, paired with what he was surprised to see was a clear glint of mischief. “When the light flashes green, we begin. We’ll drive one mile to the rest stop.” “Okay,” she said. “Great.” She called out before she pulled away, “Stuart.” “Yes, baby.” “I hope you’re ready to do whatever I say.” He stared at her in complete wonderment for a moment. With those words of promise, she gave a sexy smile and pulled away. His heartbeat slammed in his chest at her words. He followed her into the opposite lane. Giving his engine a whoop, he hit the throttle, and they were off. He pulled ahead on the outside, but then Jackie gave him a run for his money. Their cars blazed through the night as each hugged the highway, wheels against the black tarmac. His passenger side window was open, so he could see 23
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her. He gave her a brief glance and loved what he saw. She was right there with him. She drove almost like a woman in a moving dream state, as if she felt turned on by the power she controlled. And boy did she control it. She shifted into overdrive as he kept pace. His girl drove like a race car driver. He could not fail being damn impressed. He loved the power in her expression and the sudden rush of life. They moved in perfect synchronicity while their vehicles moved downward into dips, then upward as two angels seeking granite heaven. Her driver side window remained open. He could hear Jackie shout an excited, “Hot damn!” when her Mustang climbed back from a particularly deep dip. Wind from outside caressed her hair, lifting and pushing it behind her like night wind come to life, and her lips glimmered in the soft light. The scenery around them continued rushing past and his every nerve throughout his body felt alive. He was so hot and his heart beat fast as they galloped to their destination. He’d picked this spot because he knew there were few, if any, cars around this time of the night. He was glad he did because he would hold the memory of her excited face in his mind’s eye forever. They rounded toward the finish, and he wanted her now more than ever. She’d pulled ahead of 24
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him. Stuart drove his foot down hard on the petal, throwing forward the throttle and pulling ahead at this critical moment. He slid into the rest spot first and she pulled in mere seconds later. Turning off the engine, he climbed from the car and ran to her, opening the door of her car. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her and kissed her as she responded in kind. They wrapped their arms around each other, exploring, touching, and pulling. He pulled her hair back and down slightly until her neck lay exposed to his eager, seeking mouth. Licking, sucking, and kissing her skin, his Jackie groaned loud and deep with a voice sounding soft, yet loud in the night, “Stuart.” Just the sound of his name from her lips had him kissing her long and deep as his hands moved up, undoing her halter-top. Her breasts spilled out and he squeezed them. Rolling each tender, exposed nipple between his thumb and forefinger, Stuart gave a slightly rough tug and was rewarded by her excited yelp. “Are you ready to do what I say, lover?” She twisted restlessly in his arms, trying to rub more fully against his hands. “Yes, please.” Her voice sounded high with eager desire, so he kissed her again while his hands roamed over her skin. He squeezed her eager flesh again, playing her nipples in strokes that were at once soft and tender, then rough and hard. 25
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She loved it. He eased her over to the hood of the car, pushing her back down as his lips drifted lower and lower until he was able to engulf her excited tender buds in his mouth. He kissed, suckled, and played her with her as he bunched the edge of her skirt up, caressing her thigh. He pulled the stocking away from her skin letting it pop back as she gave a shaky laugh. “You wicked, wicked man.” He pushed open her legs with the tip of one foot. Gathering each of her hands in one of his, he gently pulled them up above her head and stood between her legs. She looked so sexy and dirty with her breasts exposed. He looked down to the vee of her parted thighs. He wanted to take her then and there because she looked so ripe and ready. However, he decided he wanted to wait, even if his erection pushed uncomfortably against his pants. “Oh, my lady,” Stuart said softly, “what are you doing to me?” “I don’t know, but you’re having the same effect on me. Take me, please.” He pulled her up gently, “We have got all night, Jackie. I have a whole evening planned.” The sight of her bare breasts continued to arouse him. She looked as if she remained caught in a tide of hazy desire, so he carefully gathered and 26
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regretfully placed the ties of her halter back around her neck. “You’re mine tonight. “Oh, yes.” He gently tied the top back together. “It’s getting chilly out here. I have a place that I’m sure will warm us both up.” Her bright smile became his reward and he kissed her again softly, sweetly as he whispered gently while guiding her hand to his raging hard on, “This is all yours tonight.” “I’m so glad.” “Come, my lady. Follow me and let our night begin.” **** Jackie climbed behind the wheel of the Mustang, following Stuart out of their hidden parking area. She could not believe what had almost happened. Nevertheless, their car race had made her blood red hot. She felt more than eager to discover just what else he had in store. She’d never seen this side of him before. She had to admit she liked it. He’d really taken charge. When he issued his challenge, she’d thought she would utter a fast no, but something wickedly powerful had taken hold. As they galloped together, egging each other on, she’d felt more alive than she’d felt in an endless time. She felt free. They moved onto the road, driving at a steady pace, reaching the center of the Vegas strip in less 27
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than twenty minutes. Stuart pulled in front of her as they passed Flamingo road. Bright lights, big city was all around her. She looked toward a heavy, crazy mix of lights, people and sounds. He set the blinker on as he pulled left into the parking lot of an amazing pair of glass-towered buildings and rolled steadily toward up to its front doors. A young valet walked up as Stuart placed his car into park. She pulled up behind him and climbed from the car on nervous feet. Paying his valet, Stuart walked over to her with a smile, taking her hand in his. Pressing a tip in the other valet’s hand, he turned to her to say, “Are you ready?” The steady heat in his eyes had her excited, yet nervous. “Yes.” Holding both of her hands into his, he leaned into her to say, “I wanted to wait, but I need to get you alone.” Jackie’s heartbeat skipped a beat at his heated glance. She said nothing as he took her hand and walked her into the building in front of them. She looked over the bright, shining interior. It looked like she’d walked into a crystal figurine house. She was even more carried away as Stuart pushed the up button to the elevators and they quietly walked inside. “Stuart,” she asked softly, “where are you 28
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taking me?” He gently touched her mouth. “We’re almost there. Trust me.” So she did. With a ping, the elevator doors slid open. “Follow me, baby.” Stuart’s long legs carried him out of the lift as she followed a few feet quietly behind. She liked watching the sway of his buttocks and how his broad shoulders looked in his white shirt. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a single key, placing into the lock of a door that read 421. He turned his key, carefully pushing the door open. He turned to her and his face was etched with seriousness. “Jackie, if you come in with me tonight,” he said gently, “I may push you past the limits of what you and I have done together before. Can you handle it?” For a brief moment she could not speak, so great was the strange anticipation she felt. “I’m yours.” “Good, come in.” He gestured her inside. Her red shoes sunk into tan plush carpet as she entered. He followed, closing the door with a light click. “Finally, we’re together, alone at last.” She turned to him in amazement as she took in their plush, very expensive surroundings. “Whose apartment is this?” “As of noon today, it’s mine.” “Wow.” She blew out a single breath. 29
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The space around her became a tangible pallet; cream, tan, blue icy glass hues reminded her of a soft fall day. Everything looked wonderful. Nevertheless, her eyes drifted to the open curtains of the floor to glass windows. She couldn't help but smile. “That’s an amazing view.” “Yes, it is,” he said behind her. “Come here.” Everything grew quiet within her as she turned toward him. She moved softly, feeling like a slowmoving dream, coming to stand in front of him with a sigh. “See me, Jackie.” She didn’t move a muscle as he silently unbuttoned his shirt. One at a time, his buttons came undone. Then he carefully pulled his shirt from his waistband while shrugging it off. She saw him, really saw him, and he looked sexy and oh-soalive. His bright, intense eyes looked into hers. She could see moist sweat lightly coating his upper lip. His shoulders rippled with muscle as her eyes drifted lower. He was excited and so was she. “Take off your dress.” Her throat went dry; swallowing seemed impossible. She found it hard to speak as she complied. Reaching upward, she loosened the halter, letting it drop. Her breasts tumbled out with a slightly moist, sweaty feel. “More. I want to see all of you.” She reached behind her, pulling down the zipper of her dress. 30
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It floated in a red haze to the floor. She felt no heat or cold as sensation moved along her skin in one continuing wave. Stuart’s eyes unhurriedly moved over her. He’d never taken this much time to look at her naked body before. “I love looking at you.” His voice sounded hoarse. “Walk to the window.” “What?” “Walk to the window, Jackie.” She felt scared a moment. “What if someone sees?” “You promised me you’d obey me tonight.” Indeed, she had. Centering her courage, she turned, moving away from him and toward clear glass. She could feel his eyes on her like a heated kiss against her back. She felt more than aware of how her skin felt, the way her breasts moved, and the feel of her hips in the thong she wore. She stopped mere inches from the window, about to turn back to him, when he said softly behind her, “Don’t turn around.” Her heartbeat slammed into her chest as his hands began moving over her. His breath felt moist against her ear as he kissed the back of her neck while caressing her shoulders, drifting lower, caressing her back until both his hands rested lightly on her hips. “You’re a bad girl, Jackie, letting me touch you 31
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like this for the whole city to see.” She felt unable to speak as he continued, “But I love to see you like this. Hot, moist and bothered. You are bothered, aren’t you, baby?” “Yes, Stuart. Yes.” He pulled her back against him. She could feel his penis against her, rock hard and solid. She wanted him and was not afraid to beg. “Please, Stuart. I need you, take me away.” Silent and quiet, she listened as a zipper was lowered. Then his hands were on her hips as a leather-covered leg carefully parted hers until her spread legs made a wide vee. His voice was hot against her ear as he said, “Put your hands against the window.” She did. He gripped her hips and she groaned when he slid into her silken depths. His hips smoothly pumped against hers in a completely randy dance and she loved it. He leaned his head in close to hers when he gripped her body. She turned her head toward him and their mouths met, parted, and met again in a mirrored way to their body’s intimate dance. “Oh, Jackie,” Stuart moaned loudly, “I have wanted you turned on like this for so long.” He pulled away suddenly, twisting her to face him while continuing to kiss her until she felt drugged on his taste. He lovingly guided her to the floor as he stood over her. **** 32
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He had no shame as he kicked off his boots, lowering his pants in one careful move. He leaned in and sank over her, drawing her legs up to rest over his shoulders. He looked down at her as he supported his weight on the palms of his hands. “You’re beautiful, hot, and I love you.” He drew their hips together, joining them in their own intimate wave. He drank her groans as his lips moved over her shoulders while he twisted, swayed, and swept over her. He became her dark machine as they rolled across the floor writhing, kissing, and loving. **** She settled over him in a ride, then she was a cat under his loins, and still his passion would not wane. “Oh, God, Stuart,” Jackie groaned, “I’m coming.” “Good,” the word was a heavy groan, “because I’m not far off.” Then, she was a burning star as her passion overcame her that turned into warm water as Stuart gave a hearty happy cry. “Jackie!” They fell together back to earth. Stuart felt like a moist sweaty rug over her. His love had been smoking, and so good she couldn’t help a smile. Raising himself slightly, he turned her over, beaming down at her with a feral, sexy smile. “I love you.” He smoothed moist tendrils of hair away from her face. “Our evening is not over, my dear.” She couldn’t believe it after what they had just 33
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shared. Stuart appeared to still have passion to spend. “I don’t understand, baby.” “I want there to be no limits tonight.” Slowly, blissfully, leisurely he untangled himself from her, sitting up naked and unashamed. “We’re going dancing, Jackie.” “You have got to be kidding." Jackie sat up, leaning back on her forearms as she regarded him. “You know I can’t dance.” She groaned inwardly, thinking of her dancechallenged days as a young black girl. Constantly all elbows and knees as a younger woman, Jackie poked and jerked her away across dance floors where all the dancers looked sexy as hell. However, when the dance spotlight fell on her is where trouble began. Jackie had never been able to employ smooth moves or graceful footsteps, continually tripping over her own feet. She'd even fallen a few times in a club and never went back. She stirred restlessly, thinking about it. Now Stuart was asking her to return to her awkward phase. “You promised to obey me tonight, Jack, and I want to see you dance.” She flopped backward, throwing her left arm across her face. Her love had just pleasured her until her body shook. She wanted to please him. This seemed just a bit too much. “Do you want me to dance here?” “No, there’s a great nightclub downtown I 34
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thought we could see. We’re going to paint the town, my darling.” Reluctantly, she agreed to his request. They quickly showered and redressed. Strangely, as the red dress resettled against her skin, Jackie felt like she just might be able to get on a dance floor and pull off a few moves without looking like a fool. Returning downstairs, Stuart requested the Mustang. Throwing her the keys, he quickly settled himself into the passenger’s seat as she climbed in, and they were off. “Where’s the club?” He turned to her in the dimly lit confines of the car, letting his eyes rove once more over her. The lust in his look made her belly quiver. “It’s about ten minutes from here.” He gave her the directions and they pulled up outside the club. Walking up the walkway hand in hand, Jackie could feel her hands sweat, which in her dancingforgotten years was never a good sign. Stuart turned to her with a reassuring smile, lightly squeezing her hand as he nodded to the bouncer, who simply opened the door, allowing them entry. The word ‘classy’ did not begin to do justice to the Asian inspiration throughout the packed joint. Long hallways and glass paired with the smell of lotus flowers drifting by on the air conditioned breeze. 35
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He nodded in greeting to well-wishers, but did not pause in his long stride toward the dance floor. She dragged her feet a bit, not really feeling comfort in the fact the dance floor ahead was packed. The music changed from a fast tempo to a slow, gentle, swaying groove. He took her hand, pulling her toward him. She hesitated as they began to move, trying nervously to find her feet. He twirled her around until her back was to his front to lightly whisper against her ear, “Just let go, Jackie. Pretend it is just me and you together, the way we were earlier. Light a fire in me.” Images of their earlier coupling washed over her as his hands moved lightly over her shoulders, caressing downward as he gripped her hips. They carefully moved together. She felt like they had become one body. When his hips rocked lightly with hers, when he gripped her hand and twirled her around toward him, Jackie wanted to merge their bodies together again in their own personal naked, pagan dance. She pulled away from him, rolling her hips gently to the beat of the song while he watched. He watched her as she let her hips twist forward, back, and then side to side. She twirled, allowing her leg and upper thigh to spill outward as she leaned back against him. Feeling like another woman, she turned to him, giving him a smooth, soft kiss against the exposed skin of his neck. 36
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Awkwardness faded as she gazed into his eyes. He pulled her toward him until they were mere inches apart, lightly holding her as they swayed together. Jackie could feel sweat gathering on her bare arms, on her upper lip, and so much further down. Stuart moved closer without kissing her until their lips were a wisp of breath apart. She gripped his broad shoulders, drinking in the sight of him, loving the width and depth of his chest, shoulders and everything else that made him a man, reminding her she was a woman. He was combustion she wanted to light. She tried to kiss him. He threw back his head and for an instant, it looked as if they’d been surrounded by a halo by the light pouring over his shoulder at them. He pulled her back into his arms, locking his lips with hers only long enough to raise the tension in her to a fevered pitch. As the music faded, they stared at each other for an endless minute. A couple leaving the dance floor smiled at them, giving them the thumbs up signal as they passed. She and Stuart both appeared to be affected by what they’d just experienced. Nothing in her life seemed just as right as being with Stuart tonight, and she was glad he appeared to feel the same. Stuart tenderly took hold of her hand as they walked off the floor to a dimly lit corner table. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered. After such a long time of feeling almost asexual, she felt like a hot juicy woman. It was all 37
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because of him. All the feelings inside her felt heightened to his presence. “I can’t believe I just did that.” “You did it perfectly, my lady.” They played together on the dance floor dozens of footsteps more as night moved toward early morning hours. At midnight, they drifted toward the door. Stuart said he would drive as she slid into the passenger’s seat. “Are you hungry, baby?” “Well,” she said, “maybe just a little bit." “Good,” he said with a smile. “Perfect time for a midnight snack.” She felt just a bit sleepy, but this had been a truly magical night. They arrived back at Stuart’s apartment block. He took her hand, leading her into the lift as he cradled her in the curve of her arm where she felt sheltered, protected, and most of all, loved. The doors of the lift opened, revealing they’d arrived on the building's top floor. “Stuart, I think we missed your floor.” “No, Jackie, we did not.” He took hold of her hand, leading her to the door of an open stairwell. “What do you mean?” she asked. “Oh, my darling,” his hand gently squeezed hers, “I told you I wanted no limits tonight.” He led her up the narrow staircase. Jackie grasped at the sight which greeted her eyes. A single waiter stood just outside a single small tent 38
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dimly lit from within. “Stuart, what is this?” He released her hand with a smile as he backed away from her. “Tonight, my lovely, you and I are free. I told you I wanted a late night supper, and here it is.” He nodded to the waiter, who smiled as he passed by, and then they were alone. She stood, still at a loss for what to say, as he opened the tent’s flap to reveal a long rug in the center, surrounded by plush, heavy cushions and an oval table with two covered plates on it. It was a picture straight out of Arabian nights, complete with palm trees plus scarlet and purple colors as their backdrop. “Come on in,” he said gently. Jackie walked in as if in the middle of a dream. It was like a school-girl fantasy come to life. Standing next to the rug, Stuart helped her kick off her shoes as she sat with an amazed, happy smile. “You’re just filled with surprises tonight.” She tucked her legs under her and waited for him to join her. “I think I’m on a love high,” he replied, laughing. Lifting the lids on the dinner plates in front of them, they supped on poached salmon paired with asparagus spears. He reached over to pour her a glass of wine. “To a night of firsts,” he whispered softly. They ate, lingering over each bite of the carnal 39
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meal in front of them. He looked so aware of himself and her tonight in a way she had allowed herself to forget. He looked at her with an unreadable expression as he reached behind him. Looking at him—so much a man, yet boyish in a real way. She needed to tell him the words settling in her heart. “Stuart, I need to tell you I’m sorry that I took our love and friendship for granted because I never meant to. I just thought that if I continued climbing my ladder, you’d be proud of me.” Jackie saw in him a man whom she wanted to spend forever with and felt a momentary uncertainty, wondering if he felt the same. “I never wanted you to feel I’d left you behind.” His expression was unreadable then as he looked at her. “Jackie,” he said quietly, “there’s something I‘ve been waiting to say to you.” “Go on.” She could not see what Stuart laid next to his thigh, and she was overcome with curiosity. “Thank you for being with me tonight,” he said softly. “I have enjoyed every minute of our time together and this evening just sharpened my focus for our hopes for our future." “Baby, what’s next to your leg?” “I don’t know if I should tell you this,” he continued on with a smile, reaching down next to him. “I loved watching you bloom again for me tonight, and I want you to know I love you more 40
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each passing day.” “Stuart,” she cut in, a warning in her voice, “what’s that you’re hiding?" “Me? Now, Jackie what might I be trying to hide?” He opened his arms wide. Knocking over her wine glass as she pounced on him, Jackie’s eyes locked on the small green box in his hand and smiled.
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Epilogue What an exciting year it had been. Stuart yawned, stretching his long arms out, then upward, wiggling his fingers, coming to spoon them behind his head as he looked up at the ceiling. Today, he’d share another adventure with the woman of his deepest desire and wildest dreams, a woman who’d truly stolen his heart. Jackie had slept over last night. They were still in the middle of packing her belongings for her move here, but he’d missed her as the day moved toward night. He’d called her, charming and pleading for her to come home to him. They’d loved all night, rolling around his king-size bed in a frenzy, her raven hair spread out around his pillow. He’d eventually fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep. Rolling over with a smile, Stuart sat up, stretching his long legs in front of him. A gentle slash, splash and pop from his wet room indicated his beloved just might be taking a shower. He walked on steady feet toward the closed bathroom door. God, it would be good to see her. Since their wild car race in the desert, Jackie seemed to have bloomed. Where she’d once been so straight-laced and formal, she’d now become freer and more wanton than his deepest, darkest fantasies. The 42
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chemistry between them just kept getting better; he'd never loved anyone like this before. Coming to stand in front of the door, he slowly dropped his hand, turning the knob quietly, letting the door drift open just a crack. There he saw her though a moist blanket of steam, the dark fairy queen of his dreams slick with moisture. He felt like the wickedest of voyeurs as he watched her polish and soap her smooth ebony skin. Staring off into space with a Cheshire cat smile, he jumped slightly as she turned toward him. Their eyes locked and then she graced him with one of the most welcoming smiles he’d ever seen. “Hi, baby!” Jackie’s voice purred across the room to him. “Hey, you sexy lady.” Pushing the cracked door fully open, he walked into the room. “Are you ready for today?” Playing coy, he whispered, “Today?” “Don’t play innocent with me, Stuart.” He walked in on bare feet, coming to stand just outside the thin shower glass separating them. “Mmmm. My mind is on more pressing matters.” Her eyes drifted to his face, then lower. He watched her eyes widen as she noted the growing tent in his loose cotton sleep pants. “So, it would seem.” She chuckled, turning her back to him to let water drift over her soap covered front. His heart beat double time at the sight of 43
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rolling water droplets pouring down over her back, her rounded flanks and long strong legs. “You’re very quiet all of a sudden, Stu.” She turned her head slightly, looking over her shoulder at him. “Are you excited about today?” “Every day with you excites me.” He could barely talk past a thick knot of happiness suddenly taking hold of his emotions. She turned off the water, turning to face him while she reached out, opening the sliding glass door. He backed up as she shamelessly walked out of their shower, giving him a sexy, all-encompassing once-over, a long cool goddess with black skin. “Baby, you know you’ve got everything that excites me.” Then they were in each other's arms, kissing and caressing. Stuart wanted nothing more than to continue their sexy romp, yet the sudden click and loud buzz of the alarm clock broke into their passionate embrace. Jackie rested her forehead against his chest. He knew she listened to the steady thump of his heart as she softly said, “I hope we’ll always feel this way, Stuart. You make me want to be a better person, a lover, and most of all, a real friend.” “We’ve got to get ready,” he said softly, although he didn’t want to release her from his loose embrace. She pulled away, giving a soft, gentle laugh. “If you keep looking at me like that we’ll never get out of here.” 44
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By the time he emerged from his own shower, the morning had moved toward noon. Thankfully, it was a sunny day. He dressed quickly, realizing they only had three hours before needing to arrive at McCarren airport for their flight. He showered, dressing with an eagerness he usually reserved for undressing during his most passionate encounters with his lover. “Ready?” he asked, loving the sight of her in her crisp white jumpsuit. They left their love nest with over two hours to spare. Emerging to a bright new day, placing a pair of dark sunglasses over his bright-colored eyes. He drove to McCarren with haste. As one they walked noiselessly on matching long strides into the building, passing easily through the security mess and heading toward their destination. Jackie moved slightly ahead of him while he quietly drank in the sight of her. She truly took his breath away. So, this was real love. He would have never believed they would ever reach this point. She looked beautiful, young, and happy in her ivory jumpsuit, her now long hair in a careless ponytail atop her head. “Stuart,” she called out, turning toward him with a flash of worry clouding her soft, gentle features. He moved forward, taking her hand. “What‘s wrong, baby?” he whispered against her ear. “We‘re taking forever here.” Her voice sounded 45
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shaky. “I guess I‘m a bit scared.” He grasped her hand in his, taking it in a steady, reassessing grip. “I’m going to be here, Jackie. Where you were once alone and sometimes afraid, I’ve come to walk with you. You won’t be lonely anymore because now I’m here.” She looked up at him, and he was reminded of a child with all hopes and dreams. He knew, come what may, his love for her would burn in him forever. The thought felt good. “I know,” she said with a tearful smile. “Let’s go.” Together, they walked outside toward their private, hired flight. Resettling their clothing plus extra preparations, they approached staff for takeoff. “Is everything ready?” Stuart asked their captain, who gave a brief smile and nod as they climbed on board. Sitting on a thin bench, they locked their lap belts, securely gazing at each other with smiles, giving brief twin smiles to the only other person on the bench, a rather simple looking man in his fifties wearing army green, who said, “I’m John. I’m pleased to be marrying you today.” In unison, they replied, “It’s really good to meet you.” “Are you ready?” their minister said softly. And so in moments, Stuart and Jackie became man and wife. There were smiles, some tears ending with a kiss so deep it made the minister 46
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blush. “You’ve made me so happy, Stu.” He took her hand as they moved toward the open plane door. After a brief check of their parachutes, they got the nod from their captain. “Come with me,” he yelled above the plane's engine as he slowly let himself fall backwards. It was eerily quiet, beautiful, with soft wind rushing by his ears as Stuart drank in the sight of his wife, his Jackie, as she meet him in the air. He knew he’d be forever grateful love lifted them to a place where they could truly belong. As they drifted downward, pulling the cord of their chutes at last, Stuart couldn’t help but chuckle, noting what appeared to be a shiny red Mustang below, waiting to take them home.
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About the Author
Marina Cross is a wilder, sexier persona of urban fantasy author Tara Newlands. Marina’s contemporary erotic tales offer a sense of out-ofthis world of passion and abandon where one man and one woman can and do overcome all odds in most sensual ways in seeking their happily ever after. To learn more about Marina's or Tara’s upcoming works, please visit http://taranewlands.webs.com/ or to chat with Tara directly find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/tara.c.newlands or twitter her at @Taramag77
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Acknowledgments
For my Ming and special thanks to J.D.
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