Peak Experience Rachel Kenley Lena Crane wants one night with a sexy stranger to help her remember the woman she used to be and forget the serious possibility of losing her company. Something to get her creative and sexual juices going. In the arms of a young artist, she does just that. Unfortunately, Daniel turns out to be anything but a stranger. Daniel Royer met Lena when he was fifteen and she was twenty-eight. When art became his career, he wanted to share his first gallery opening with the woman who introduced him to the field. He didn’t expect the intense night they shared, but now that he’s gotten her into his bed, Daniel wants Lena in his life. Lena isn’t interested in getting involved with a younger man, especially during a professional crisis. But a potentially lucrative client loves Daniel’s work and Lena must collaborate with him if she wants to save her company. And when their hot fling becomes more, she finds herself fighting for something far more important than her business—her heart.
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Peak Experience ISBN 9781419935664 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Peak Experience Copyright © 2011 Rachel Kenley Edited by Grace Bradley Cover design by Syneca Photography: Kuik/Shutterstock.com Electronic book publication December 2011 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book. The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party Web sites or their content.
PEAK EXPERIENCE Rachel Kenley
Dedication For the crazy wonderful writers in the Nanowrimo 2009 group. This wouldn’t have been done without you. And for my editor, Grace, whose honesty and clarity made this a much better book.
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Chapter One “You need a night of multiple orgasms.” Lena Crane looked up at her friend and business partner, Michelle Fulton, and couldn’t keep the startled look off her face. “I need what?” “You heard me.” “Heard, yes. Understood, no. What makes you say that?” “Besides the fact I know you haven’t been out on a date in months? The way you’re staring at the postcard you’re holding. I know it can’t be for the Jaffe account. You have this look of yearning on your face, which is not what an insurance company usually inspires. You look like you need a long trip away from it all. Or, as I said, a night—or more—of multiple orgasms.” “You know as well as I do that long trips away are not an option,” Lena said. “And we’re back to my recommendation about the orgasms.” “No, we’re not.” “Well we should be. What is that anyway?” Michelle settled into the chair opposite Lena’s desk. “It’s an invitation.” She handed it to her friend. “I received one at home too. It’s for a showing at the Wagner Gallery. Can’t imagine what mailing list I got added to.” “It’s gorgeous and the design is very dramatic. This,” Michelle flipped the card over for the information, “Daniel Royer has serious talent. You going to go? Wait, don’t answer. I already know what you’re thinking. You’re busy. You can’t.” “How do you know what I’m going to say?” “Because it’s what you always say. Lena, you are forty…” “Passed it,” Lena corrected. As of last week, her forty-first birthday was less than six months away. Not that she cared. Much. Michelle continued, hardly pausing, “Gorgeous, at your sexual peak—” “Passed it.” “Then use it or lose it, sunshine, because you’re hiding behind work. I don’t care how many old friends you connect with on Facebook. Instant messaging and endless games of Bejeweled are not a social life.” Lena winced at the truth of the statement and fought back with logic. “I can’t think about this with the company in crisis. You know as well as I do we need new clients and referrals or we are going to be either downsizing or closing our doors for good. We’re the owners. We need to stay focused.” As one of the principals of Crane and Fulton, Lena had created her perfect job. Her company with Michelle was a dream come 6
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true and for the first six years, things had gone very well. She thought they were going to beat the bad economy, but the last twelve months were one nightmare after another. Clients’ budget cuts and a lack of new business were threatening everything. And that was not acceptable. She’d had enough failure in her life—this was not going to be another. “You need to relax and get out, Lena. If your creativity dries up like your sex life where will our company be? You haven’t gone on a real date in over a year and a threemonth relationship doesn’t deserve a twelve-month mourning period.” Lena said nothing. It was mostly true, although not her mourning the last man in her life. She was well and truly over him, but not what he said about her being cold and unresponsive. It still stung because he wasn’t the first to say he was disappointed with her in bed, telling her she was too reserved. It was one of the things thrown at her in anger by her ex-husband at the end of their short marriage twelve years ago. He claimed she acted as though she was thinking about being excited instead of allowing herself to be. The years of her supposed sexual prime didn’t mean anything different for her other than going through double-A batteries more frequently and having vivid fantasies of a stranger who found her sexy and seductive and reveled in finding new ways to please her. “Come on, Lena, let’s go. You need to get out, and you need to get laid. If it makes it easier, tell yourself you’re scouting him as a potential new artist for future campaigns. You can accept that as a reasonable rationalization, right? You’ll find a hot guy who will pretend to know art in the hopes of seducing you, and you’ll let him.” “I couldn’t do that.” “You can. And you will. There’s nothing ailing you a few orgasms won’t fix.” Lena laughed in spite of herself. “You really believe that, don’t you?” “Sunshine, it’s my personal philosophy. And if I’m wrong…you’ll still have enjoyed those orgasms so what’s the problem? By the end of the week you’ll need and deserve a night out. We’re going if I have to forcibly drag you.” “Okay, okay,” Lena agreed, knowing arguing wasn’t going to help. “Now let me get back to work.” She shooed her friend out the door with a wave. Instead of opening the Jaffe file, Lena stared at the postcard. The image of the soaring female phoenix was vivid and decidedly sexy. Something in the woman’s expression made Lena want to change places with her. The phoenix looked powerful, passionate and free, qualities Lena knew were missing from her life. It scared her to be faced so blatantly with this painful contrast yet she couldn’t stop staring at the erotic picture or completely ignore what it stirred in her. It reminded her of a time when— Lena shook her head to clear the distracting thoughts. With any luck Michelle would forget or Lena could claim a deadline was keeping her busy. As plausible excuses ran through her mind, she frowned since it proved Michelle right. She’d become one of those single women who focused on work rather than play. Women she’d made fun of when she was in her twenties, certain she’d never be like them. She 7
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opened her planner and tucked the postcard inside, writing the event in pen at the appropriate time. She was going.
***** Unfortunately, by the end of the day on Friday, she wasn’t sure she was getting out of the office all weekend, let alone for the night. She was so involved in having everything polished and perfected for the presentation she and her team were making to Jaffe Insurance, she answered her phone without checking the caller ID. “Lena Crane, how can I help you?” “Well, you can start by telling me when we’re going to see you next. Are you coming for the faire?” Janice Crane’s distinctive, melodic voice was warm and engaging, but that’s not what Lena heard. “Mom, hi.” Damn. Serves her right for reaching for the little ringing menace and not looking. No matter what she said, the next twenty minutes were lost. “How are things?” The open-ended question should buy her time to finish what she was working on. A few well-placed monosyllables, and her mom would ramble on for a while. After going through what was happening for her, her father and Lena’s brothers, Janice finally asked, “So, what’s new with you, Thumbelina?” She shook her head involuntarily. Being six inches shorter than the shortest person in her family was not fair. Her father and brothers broke six feet, her mom three inches below. They were long and willowy. She, short and curvy, a gift inherited from her maternal grandmother. The nickname her older brother gave her when she was seven stuck for over thirty years. “Not a lot. Work is crazy, everyone here is stressed, and Michelle and I are going to an opening at a gallery tonight.” What the heck is wrong with me? Her second slip in a few minutes. She better concentrate on the conversation or she would tell her mother she was considering a one-night stand. “That sounds wonderful. Who’s the artist?” “I can’t remember. No one I’ve heard of, but the postcard was interesting and since we’ve been working a lot of late nights, Michelle thought we should check out the party.” “I can’t believe you’re going to a gallery and you don’t know whose work is showing. There was a time when that was important to you.” She cringed and made a face at the receiver. She hoped to bypass this conversation, but clearly it wasn’t going to happen. “It’s a simple night out, Mom.” “It could be you, should be you, Lena, having an opening of your own, and stop making faces just because I can’t see them.” Lena stared at the phone as if it were alive. “I know you too well not to know the expression you’re wearing. You should be making art and sharing it with the world. You’re brilliant.” Lena hated this topic. She’d rather discuss her love life—or lack thereof—than her artistic choices—or lack thereof. She rubbed a hand over her eyes, glad she brought 8
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makeup with her for the evening, because whatever she applied this morning was gone. “Mom, we’ve been over this countless times. I tried to show my pieces and it didn’t work.” “You tried once, and it was almost fifteen years ago at a series of shared exhibits that were poorly attended.” “And poorly reviewed,” she said, feeling the ache of an old wound. Outsiders saying whatever they wanted about her work, not realizing there was a person behind what was hung on the walls. It was a nightmare and thanks to the fact that her mother never let her forget, it was a recurring one. Undaunted, Janice continued. “Why you let it stop you is beyond me.” Because it hurt too much, Lena remembered. She’d rather have her heart broken repeatedly over love than risk exposing her soul through her art. “It didn’t stop me. It gave me a new direction. I love my work here and lots of people see my art.” Her mother snorted. “Yes, I realize you don’t consider it art, but I do, and it matters to me.” “Lena, darling, I’m not saying it doesn’t matter.” It was time to change the subject and use a little white lie. “Mom, Michelle just walked in the door and tapped her watch. I have to change before we go, so I need to say good night.” “You’re not fooling me,” her mother said succinctly. “Or yourself, but I’ll let it pass if you answer my earlier question. Are we going to see you at the spring fey festival?” Lena cringed. She forgot festival season was beginning. As a well-known and multipublished children’s author and illustrator, her mom told stories to guests at the event while Lena’s father, Tom, a folk singer, acted the part of a strolling minstrel and occasionally set her mother’s stories to music. They were a rare couple who prospered financially and creatively doing what they loved most. When she was little, Lena thought her parents magical and believed she was their fairy princess. She would dress in beautiful costumes with wings, a crown and a wand helping to entice kids and their parents to come and sit for the show, but the older she became, the less magic she saw. Traveling to fairs and book signings, spending summer at the camp her father’s family owned, and living in a house that was more like a caravan then a home stopped being fun for her when she entered her teens and saw the way other kids lived. She wasn’t a fairy—she was a changeling, not belonging with the other colorful members of the clan. Her brothers never lost their youthful belief in creating magic and fantasy, but as soon as she could leave for college, she was gone and happy to embrace a normal way of life. Still, the fairs were fun and she tried to attend occasionally. It didn’t seem like a possibility this year. “I don’t think I can. It’s only a few weeks away. I have a business trip and who knows what when I return.” “I’m sorry to hear that. You sound worried. Is everything okay?”
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“Everything’s fine,” she said, and knocked her wood desk out of habit. She wasn’t ready to tell her mother about the dire straits the company was experiencing. She’d been the family failure enough times already. “Well, we’re here if you need us,” her mom said. While Lena could hear the sincerity in her voice, at her age she wasn’t going to lean on anyone. She could make it on her own. “So after the show tonight, any other weekend plans?” “Nope. I’ll probably come into the office for a lot of it.” “Lena, you need to get out. You need to do more things you enjoy.” Again with this topic. Were Janice and Michelle in touch with each other? “I do. I enjoy my job and I’d like to keep it.” “Your job doesn’t keep you warm at night, or hold you after a bad day.” Lena said nothing. “I’m sorry, honey, I know you think I should butt out, but I love you and I want to see you happy in all the areas of your life.” “I know, Mom.” And she did. Her mother was only voicing concerns Lena tried to avoid. It made something in her throat tighten, but before she could say anything more, Michelle did knock on her office door and tap her watch. It was nice to see she knew her friend well. “I’ve got to go, Mom. Talk to you soon.” “I want to hear all about the show, honey, and any art you’re making. I love you.” Ah, one last dig, Lena thought, but smiled anyway. “Love you too.” She hung up the phone and put her head down on her desk with a small thud. “Talking to your mother?” Michelle asked. “How did you know?” Lena asked, not lifting her head. “Been there, bashed that. I think they sign a contract giving them a quota for how many times they are required to annoy their daughters. Come on. Put on your party dress and your big-girl shoes and let’s get out of here.” “Sounds good.” And she was happily surprised to discover it did. When Lena and Michelle arrived at the Wagner Gallery at nearly ten o’clock it was already difficult to walk around without bumping into another body. Immediately after they checked their coats, they were offered their choice of brightly colored drinks. “What are these?” Lena asked. “’Tinis,” Michelle told her. “Appletinis, Pomegranate-tinis, and the pink one looks like watermelon.” Lena chose the one Michelle said was apple and tasted it. It was sweet, but powerful. “Nothing teeny about these, that’s for certain.” Fearing the warming effects of the alcohol on an empty stomach, she was glad to see other servers with small bites of food. She selected one and moved through the exhibition. “Stop fidgeting,” Michelle said as Lena adjusted her dress. “Take a big courage sip of your drink and you’ll be fine. You look incredible.”
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“Thanks.” She did feel sexy, which was probably making her more nervous. She couldn’t remember the last time she dressed in anything more than her professional clothes. Another sad but true statement on her life. The blazer she had on during the day was back in the office, and the little black sheath was all she wore. She’d brushed her hair out long from its usual ponytail, and darkened her makeup to make her eyes smoky. Her lips were a deep red, which matched the soles of her Louboutin pumps. The shoes had been a reward to herself. They added almost four inches to her five-footthree frame and were more comfortable than expected. She was glad to finally have an excuse to wear them again. She bought them over a year ago and had worn them only two other times. Lena was aware of the buzz in the air, an excitement regarding the work on display and the artist. She experienced a similar sensation at her showing and at the few others she attended since then. Tamping down the longing, which never fully disappeared, she glanced around the room, slowly working her way through the crowd with Michelle. It was hard to see the pictures from a distance since each one had a group around it, but Lena heard snippets of conversations when people passed. “Very talented.” “Exciting.” “Wish I could afford it.” “I wish I had a place for it.” The part of her that once wanted this life—dreamed of it—envied the artist, but at the same time she was relieved she no longer needed to worry about the pressure of nights like this. Soon the artist would have to face the reactions of the critics and if they were against him, none of the positive comments would matter. “I see something I want,” Michelle said in her ear as they continued to maneuver toward the displays. “A painting?” “A man. Do us both a favor—find one for yourself.” “You can’t leave me so quickly.” She was embarrassed by the note of panic in her voice. Michelle placed a hand on Lena’s shoulder and looked into her eyes. “You need fun, not a chaperone. I’ll connect with you later. Be brave and let go a bit, sunshine. You deserve it.” Lena smiled and nodded, although she wasn’t certain she agreed. Watching her friend move purposefully through the crowd, she thought she would trade almost anything for Michelle’s confidence at big events, and with men. Lena was more comfortable in small groups, like business meetings or a dinner party. That was how she met her last boyfriend, through mutual contacts. She winced. Maybe she needed a larger function after all.
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What if she followed Michelle’s advice and allowed herself to be seduced? What if she let the next man who caught her interest take her to bed? The thought of losing control, even for one night, was stirring—and scary. And exactly what you need, a daring voice said in her head. It was not something she ever permitted herself to consider, let alone do. Maybe it was the call with her mother, or maybe it was the prospect of a weekend filled with nothing but work and whatever was recorded on her cable box, but Lena knew it was time to do something different, maybe drastic. She took another sip of her drink and made her decision. She continued to walk slowly around the gallery, which wasn’t hard given the crowd and her heels. Focusing on the pictures, she was moved by what the artist created. His show choices were arresting. He started with a basic photo of a woman or man, frequently nude, then made them into creatures of myth and fantasy using a combination of digital art and more traditional mediums, like oils and acrylics. Sometimes the original photographs were displayed next to the finished creations. Griffins, sorceresses and the phoenix from the postcard surrounded her with color and energy. And sex. The figures were distinctly sexual. Their poses, exposed bodies and expressions of pleasure gave her a tingling feeling that had nothing to do with the drink in her hand. Walking over to the next portrait, Lena had the sensation people were staring at her and she thought maybe her bra strap or something was showing. She adjusted her dress again, hearing in her mind Michelle’s voice telling her not to fuss, and her mother’s suggestion to have fun. It was getting crowded in her head. She stepped closer to the picture and her breath caught at its beauty. Within the silver frame, at least five feet high, a brunette woman wearing nothing but her hair and flowing water stepped out of a river to reach for a man reading a book under a nearby tree. Or maybe he was writing in it, since there was a pen nearby. Her gaze traveled slowly over the vivid figures, entranced. The scene was set deep in a forest, the colors as lush and abundant as the trees giving the two characters their privacy. The river was so real Lena thought if she touched the canvas her hand would come back wet. When she finally focused on the face of the being coming from the water, her heartbeat increased as she stared at an image of someone who looked remarkably like—her. The woman’s expression was one of longing and joy mixed together in an intense expression. Lena wanted to weep. It was a feeling she ached for. There on the canvas she was confronted with her hunger for a happiness missing from her life. Passion was rarely a part of her days anymore and it made her sad. Michelle and her mother were right, painfully so. Ignoring emotions didn’t make her crave them any less. In fact, in this moment, they were stronger than ever. She allowed herself to have half a life, and suddenly, she felt that was no longer an acceptable option. She looked at the title of the picture. The card read, His Muse. “So, do you think the man is going to get lucky?” asked a deep voice, close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath on her neck. Caught up in her thoughts, she 12
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didn’t hear the man walk up behind her. Lena turned to see a very masculine chest then raised her head to look into pale-blue eyes that were welcoming and warm. And sexy as hell. He’s exactly what you’re looking for, the daring voice said again, definitely louder than the voices of doubt. She finally recognized it. It was her, the way she used to be when she jumped into things and enjoyed them. She couldn’t stop her smile.
***** Everyone assumed Daniel Royer’s pacing was opening-night jitters, but he knew better. Once his work hung on the walls he stopped worrying. Alice Hamilton, his agent, and the people at the gallery knew what they were doing, and he was proud of the pieces he chose. His inability to stand still was for a completely different reason. He wasn’t going to relax until he learned whether or not Lena was intrigued enough by his postcards to come tonight. She inspired and initiated his interest in art during a summer at sleep-away camp, and art remained a first love—as did she. Could following up on a crush that lasted more than a decade be considered stalking? He hoped not. At nearly fifteen, he was awkward and didn’t fit in with the more athletically inclined boys, like his older brother, at Crane Hill Camp. He wasn’t sure why Lena was there that summer, since she was older than most of the counselors, but she was one of the only people with whom he felt comfortable during his weeks at her parents’ camp. There were three periods a day when campers could choose whatever activity they wanted and while most of his bunkmates headed to the soccer fields and the lake, Daniel spent all the time he could in the art cabin with her. After the first week, she let him enjoy self-directed projects. She would get the group of kids started on their craft for the day, and then give him guidance for whatever he chose to work on—pastels, charcoals or another medium. Initially he thought she was being kind since she was the daughter of the directors, but eventually he realized her attention was genuine. Because of her photography work, the camp had a small yet functional dark room. She lent him a camera when he showed an interest in the process of developing film. It was love at first click. The little machine was made for his hands. He didn’t touch another canvas for the rest of the summer. He was constantly snapping pictures, talking to her about art, and helping create the camp’s annual yearbook. But a teen boy’s concentration can be held by photographs for only so long, especially in the presence of a beautiful woman. One afternoon in the dark room his attention was on her, not the picture he was working on. He could smell her skin above the chemicals they were using, and he wished with all the longing of his young heart he could kiss her. He still wanted that kiss. Of course, now he wanted a hell of a lot more. He willed his thoughts off her beauty and body. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass himself with an erection. Images of her fueled years of fantasies and inspired his art. In his memory she was graceful, bold and energetic. He still saw that in her tonight, but as
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he watched her from a distance, he took the time to learn more from her body language, scrutinizing her with an artist’s eye and a man’s appreciation. The way she held her arms close to her body and made little eye contact with those around her suggested a shyness he’d never noticed. As she skittered around other guests she seemed almost frightened. But there was more. She wore her dark hair longer, and the dress that showed off her legs was much better than the shorts she favored at camp. With her lips parted and wet from her drink, her eyes focused on his work, she looked like a woman waiting to be pleased. He was going to need to hold something in front of him if he continued to be aroused by her. He ambled through groups of people, acknowledging those he knew and taking thanks from those who recognized him. When he couldn’t immediately locate her he became concerned she left. Finally, however, he spotted her standing transfixed in front of the work he considered the best in the collection. It was not for sale because it was special to him. The one he created with an image of them both in his head. His pulse raced. He ached to know what she thought. Did she see the resemblance? Did she like it? Heart hammering, he walked to her. She was so focused on the canvas, she didn’t notice him. He stood behind her, breathing in her scent, which lacked the suntan lotion and fresh air he remembered, but included a floral bouquet that was new to him and tickled his senses. He needed to bend to get closer, which made him smile. When they first met, he was barely an inch or two taller. Tonight, even with her stiletto heels, he had more than six inches on her. She was going to fit beautifully in his embrace. It was driving him insane waiting for her to turn, so he spoke first and asked if she thought the man in the picture was going to connect with the spirit who was approaching him. She jumped and stumbled slightly. He reached out to steady her and her drink when she looked up at him. The skin on her bare arms was warm and soft and he wished he could caress her. “I apologize,” he said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” “It was my fault. I guess I was caught up in the picture. Were you talking to me?” she asked. “I was. I am. I was wondering if you thought the man in the picture was going to get lucky.” She smiled at him then turned back to the painting, taking a step toward it. He could have indulged in a tray of drinks and not felt as intoxicated as he did when he saw Lena smile. He didn’t know why his question made her respond the way she did, but whatever the reason, he wanted her to continue. Her whole face brightened and there was a glimmer in her eye that was daring yet wary. “Yes, I think he is. Although whether it’s lucky in love or creativity I can’t say.” “How about both?” “Both is definitely better,” she said. “Do you like it?” For the first time he felt nervous regarding his work as he hoped for her approval. He gave himself a mental shake. Less than two minutes with her and 14
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already he was questioning himself and feeling fifteen again. That needed to change. She was no longer his counselor. “I love it, actually. There’s an entire story in this one moment. He looks so peaceful, so available for what might happen next. And she’s powerful. She may not be certain how her presence will be received by the man, but she knows this is where she is supposed to be.” Her thoughts on the picture were completely different from his since he was thinking of the man’s perspective. The man was creating, lost in his thoughts and the woman comes to him as if answering his call, his plea. “I like your interpretation.” “Thank you.” She gave a gentle sigh and said, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could be visited by our muses?” I’m standing next to mine. “I would love to have a chance to speak with one and hear her—or him—talk to me, guide me. I’m in corporate identity design and there are times when I would give anything to grab the phone and dial 1-800-MUSES4U to get what I need on a particular project.” She bit her lip as if surprised she said so much. “I’m sorry. I should introduce myself. I’m Lena,” she said, extending her hand. As he reached for her hand he realized, surprised, she had no idea who he was. It never occurred to him he might have changed to the point where she wouldn’t recognize him, and because last names were rarely if ever used at summer camp, his name wasn’t familiar. He debated with himself whether he should tell her, and decided against it. He knew he’d receive more honest responses if she didn’t know he was the artist. He’d have a chance to explain later. He shook her hand, allowing her touch to warm him. “I’m Daniel.” “Nice to meet you.” “Likewise.” He didn’t see the friend she arrived with and wondered if she planned to meet someone. “Are you alone?” Please say yes, please say yes. The voice in his head once again sounded suspiciously like it did when he was fifteen. “My friend, Michelle, was with me, but she saw someone she wanted to get better acquainted with.” “Then it would be my honor to escort you around the exhibit.” He gave a mock bow. She smiled. What he wouldn’t do to keep that smile on her face, he thought. A waiter came by with a tray of red and orange drinks. He took her empty glass, grabbed drinks for them both, and handed her one. “I don’t know if I should have a second. I haven’t eaten much this evening.” “Then we’ll look for one of the servers with food as we wander.” He put his hand on her back to guide her, and thought it a good sign when she didn’t move away from his touch. The next picture was one of his favorites, Passion by Moonlight. In shades of blue and silver he tried to create the intensity of two lovers
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coming together for the first time, giving in to all their desires, preparing to feast on each other. “Oh yes,” she sighed, sounding dazed. Something in her voice sent a shiver through him that went straight to his groin. He wanted to hear her say that when she was naked beneath him. Being next to her was sweet torture. “You like it,” he said. “Absolutely. The artist has given us so much to see. Intensity, need. It’s amazing the oils don’t melt off the canvas with the heat these two are generating. Look at her eyes.” She pointed to the picture. He kept his gaze on her. “Can you see the longing and recognition? It’s as if he’s the one person in the world who understands what she wants. The only one who can give it to her, and she is thrilled to have found him.” He didn’t know what stirred more, his cock or his heart. She saw and expressed his vision in a way no one else had. It was interesting to him she saw hunger in the woman when his own longing went into creating the man. He worked for hours to make the man strong, yet open, to convey both his availability and yearning for this precious woman. This piece required more work than any other in the exhibit. He poured everything he could into the two lovers, hoping and striving to create visually what he longed for, but never expressed or experienced with another person. “What do you think?” she asked, looking directly at him and breaking him out of his reverie. He was lost in the cocoa brown of her eyes, then answered without glancing at the picture. “I think it is a gift for two people to find and desire each other the way these two do.” He leaned in as he continued. “And I hope for them the feelings of the night never end.” He assumed she liked his answer when she smiled slightly and sipped her drink as a blush stole up her cheeks. He had an urge to move closer to her and lick the moisture from her lips, but before he could act a familiar voice called out loudly, “Daniel, darling, there you are.” He grimaced internally and hoped it didn’t show on his face. He knew this could be the end of their time alone for the rest of the evening because his agent, Alice, was heading straight for them. “Lena, how good are you at improvising?” he asked, speaking directly into her ear. She responded as if whispering a secret, “I think pretty fast on my feet. I spend almost half of my work time convincing clients to take risks for improving their corporate image and spend money in advance of knowing the success of a campaign. Why?” “That should do. I need to talk to the woman and the people coming toward us. I would be grateful if you would play along with whatever I say so I can end the conversation gracefully and we can continue with our tour. Will you help me?” “What’s my reward if I help you succeed?” His blood heated at the thought of the ways he wanted to reward her. “Lady’s choice.” 16
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“Deal,” she said with a huge smile. Alice was upon them a moment later. “Daniel, you must meet Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Jim, Barbara, this is the outrageously talented man behind these fantastic paintings, Daniel Royer.” He didn’t need to look to feel Lena’s head turn to stare at him.
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Chapter Two The pictures were his, Lena thought. He created all the glorious art around them, and she had no idea. Did he think her foolish for not recognizing him? No, from his smile he clearly didn’t mind. Still, she was surprised and flattered he would want to show her his work and spend time with her. “Lena, this is my agent, Alice Hamilton. Alice, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, this is Lena Crane.” “A pleasure to meet you.” Lena shook all the extended hands. Alice, a woman of dark beauty, a pixie haircut she made look sexy, and infectious energy, led the conversation with ease, and as Lena admired her skill she did her best to follow the discussion. Being at the fringes of the conversation had its advantages. It gave her a chance to study Daniel undisturbed. He was tall, although not as tall as the men in her family, with brown hair so wavy and unruly it would probably always appear as if he just got out of bed. His nose looked as though it may have been broken once, and he had a great smile leading into a strong jaw. He had a thin beard and mustache and something about the soft hairs made her want to reach out and stroke them. His light-gray eyes were his best feature and because of the navy shirt he was wearing, had blue undertones. They would be challenging, but fun, to paint and difficult to capture. Each time he spoke of his work she could see the excitement in his face. As she continued to look at him, something in his expression seemed familiar. She ran through her memory, trying to place where she thought she’d seen him before, but nothing came to her. However, something else struck her. Daniel said her last name. She didn’t remember telling him that earlier in the evening. Rejoining the small talk, she sipped her drink, and, looking at the liquid, decided the alcohol was playing with her memory. She must have said it when she introduced herself and it slipped her mind. Clearly she had enough of the powerful little drinks. She needed to be careful if she was going to let him seduce her. She blinked, startled. A blush warmed her cheeks, which she hoped no one would notice, since it didn’t match the current conversation topic of creating and selling art in difficult economic times. When did she decide to go to bed with him? She smiled secretly. It didn’t matter. She was going to take Michelle’s advice—along with the condoms her friend sneaked into her purse as they were leaving the office—and if he was interested, she planned to have a night of pleasure with the man behind these vibrant pictures. For once she wasn’t going to think out every aspect of a situation. She was going be carried away because, as her friend pointed out, she deserved it.
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However, she was going to slow down on the drinks and find something to eat. Drunk sex was never good sex, and she wanted to enjoy whatever Daniel chose to do to her and all she found herself hungry to do to him. If his passion in bed was anything close to what he created artistically, he would be amazing. She ached to be naked with him and melt into his arms like the woman in the last picture they viewed. To be ravaged as she cried out. To give in to hunger. To taste and be tasted. “And what do you do?” Alice asked Lena, changing the focus of the conversation. Startled out of the erotic pictures fluttering through her mind, she needed a moment before answering. “I’m a principal at Crane and Fulton. We do corporate image, marketing and advertising.” “So you’re a kind of artist too.” Kind of, Lena thought. “My work is more creative than artistic,” she said and hoped for a quick topic change for the second time that day. “Well, most of my clients don’t understand the importance of marketing. Maybe I should give you a call and see what you could come up with to help some talented artists become less starving.” Lena had the impression this woman was always working. “It depends on what you’re looking for, but we’d love to have the opportunity to help.” “Sounds terrific. Here, let me give you my card and I’ll grab yours so we can keep in touch. After the efforts from this opening calm down, along with the paperwork from the sales, I’ll give you a call and we can arrange a meeting.” Lena exchanged cards with Alice before she knew what she was doing. When the first couple moved on, Alice brought in more admirers to talk to Daniel, and Lena snagged a few hors d’oeuvres as she continued to listen to him discuss his work. She might have considered moving on, but in addition to her attraction to him, his hand remained almost constantly on her back, telling her wordlessly he wanted her to stay. He occasionally stroked his fingers along her spine, hinting at his interest. Alice was like a traffic cop, directing people either to Daniel or to the exhibit. When Daniel’s finger began to tap on her back, Lena took it as a cue. “Daniel,” she said, breaking into conversation when it was only the three of them. From the way Alice was scanning the crowd she knew it wasn’t going to last long. “There are many of your pieces I haven’t seen yet.” “It’s true. We’d only started when we were interrupted.” Lena sensed a double meaning in his words. “Alice, I’d like to show Lena more of the show. It will help her get a better idea of my work if you want her to come up with some marketing ideas. Give me a few minutes, then I’ll find you and let you introduce me around more.” Alice looked at Lena as if trying to decide whether Lena posed a threat to the business she hoped to do this evening. Two could play at that, Lena thought, and she gave the woman her most charming hook-the-client smile. “I’m always scouting for new looks and inspiration,” she said. “Perhaps Daniel has pieces which will work for 19
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our fashion industry projects. Fantasy is the name of the game with them, after all.” She didn’t see the need to mention C&F didn’t have any clients in fashion. It worked. “Okay,” Alice agreed, “but don’t make me come after you.” “Of course not,” Daniel said. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Alice clicked away on her stilettos and Daniel turned to Lena. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Being gracious while Alice was here with potential buyers as well as being the excuse I used to get rid of her.” “I think she’ll be back.” ”I know she will, but I have a reprieve for now.” “Why didn’t you tell me these were your paintings?” He looked a touch embarrassed, which she thought sweet. Most of the men she met either socially or professionally had an arrogance she found off-putting. “I’m not sure. I was going to, but I couldn’t find a way to slip it into our conversation without sounding egotistical or as though I were fishing for a compliment. Besides, I enjoyed seeing your responses and hearing your thoughts without knowing who I was. Receiving honest feedback is refreshing and encouraging—and rare. It means a lot to me. I hope you don’t mind.” “I don’t, but you were taking a risk. What if I didn’t like your work?” “It seemed like a worthwhile gamble. Besides, I’ve learned sometimes you have to take a chance to have what you really want.” Lena said nothing, simply let the words sink in. They were a match for her earlier thoughts of indulging her desires. He smiled warmly and she responded, she hoped, with a flirty look of her own. She was completely out of practice. Michelle was right again. Fortunately, Daniel didn’t notice. “So, my kind accomplice, you definitely earned your reward,” he said. “What would you like?” “You make it sound very tempting.” “Good, that was my intention.” “And it’s my choice?” “Completely.” Lena couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth. He had great lips, full and inviting. She sipped her drink and decided for once she was going to ask for what she desired. “I want you to kiss me breathless.” Daniel lost the ability to speak when she voiced her request. They were the words of his most vivid fantasies and for a second he wondered if he imagined them. Once he was certain he heard her right, he didn’t give her a chance to think. As he leaned
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forward to tell her where they could go, she placed a hand on his chest as if to stop him. “You’re not going to kiss me here, are you?” “No, this is an exhibit, not an exhibition. Come with me, and I will do my best to give you exactly what you asked for.” Not caring that the event was for him and his art, he took her by the hand and tried not to make eye contact with anyone as they moved smoothly through the crowd. The sooner he could get her alone, the sooner he could capture the lips he’d dreamed of tasting for years. He ushered her through a door marked “Staff Only” and into the darkened foyer of a suite of offices. “Just so I’m clear, would you mind saying that again?” In the glow of the light coming in through the door’s frosted windows he could see her beautiful smile and the excitement in her eyes. “Kiss me.” “With great pleasure.” Pressing her against the wall, he leaned forward and gently covered her mouth with his. She was warm and receptive, which he was expecting since it was her request, but when her hands came up his chest and moved behind his head, deepening the embrace, he was fairly certain he was the one breathless first. He cupped her face, caressing her cheeks and stroking her neck with his pinky. When she moaned, he opened her mouth with his tongue. She tasted of the sweet drink she’d been sipping and a heat more tempting than anything he imagined. He’d kissed enough women to know when it was wrong—and when it was right. This was definitely right. Her mouth fit against his perfectly, and he loved how she molded herself to him. Their tongues flirted and explored, each learning the other while trying to show what felt good. She gave a sigh when his fingers trailed down below her collar and he longed to taste the skin there. One of her hands slid into his hair, sending shivers from his scalp through his body while the other played with the opening of his shirt. Her touch on his bare flesh created a fire that shot straight to his groin, and he wasn’t certain how he found the strength to move his hands to her back and not lift her dress to explore more of her. He moved his hands up and traced the curve of her neckline, enjoying the shiver that passed through her and the goose bumps he could feel on her skin. It wasn’t until her hand slipped inside his shirt that he noticed she opened a button. “Minx,” he said. “Perhaps,” she replied and he felt her smile beneath his lips. “I think I enjoy feeling you so close to me.” He pressed against her and she surprised him by slowly lifting her leg, bending it at the knee and placing the sole of her shoe on the wall. The feeling of being cradled between her was almost too much. He couldn’t stop picturing the leather couch in the director’s office and Lena with her legs wrapped around him. A shadow passed by the window followed by another, each time plunging them into darkness and reminding him of their situation. “Lena, I’m sure you can tell I want 21
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to continue kissing you, but with all the people on the other side of the door we are going to get caught, and I wouldn’t want to put you in a compromising position.” “What position would you like me in?” He gave a throaty laugh, unable to do more. She was incredible and her boldness excited him. “I’d settle for being alone.” “I’m not in the mood to settle tonight.” “Then you should know I live on the other side of the Dartmouth Street bridge in the South End.” “This is your show. It’s probably not a good idea for you to leave early.” He shrugged. “Perhaps the elusive artist would be a good image to cultivate. We can be at my apartment in less than twenty minutes if we walk quickly.” “Are you willing to wait thirty since my heels are pretty high?” He looked at her legs and reached down to caress her thigh through her dress. “Let’s get a cab.” “I need to get my coat,” she said. “I’ll meet you outside in five minutes.” She leaned forward and took his face in her hands, kissing him softly at first, and then more passionately. “I’ll be waiting, even if it takes you ten.” “At this rate, I’m going to have almost as much trouble walking as you, and my shoes are flat,” he said. Her sexy laughter rang in his ears as she stepped out the door and disappeared into the crowd. He leaned his head against the wall where she had been standing, needing a few deep breaths. He could still feel the warmth of her lips against his, which kept him from believing he was hallucinating. Adjusting his painful erection, he grabbed his coat from the director’s office where he’d left it earlier, and walked out into the gallery. Scanning the room, he determined the fastest route out and bolted for the door.
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Chapter Three What position would you like me in? Lena heard the words come out of her mouth, yet couldn’t believe she said them. I’m not in the mood to settle. Even if they were what she was thinking and feeling, they were shocking and empowering to say out loud and sounded more like something Michelle would say. She couldn’t remember being this bold with a man. Had she really lifted her leg to bring him closer? And now she was planning to take Michelle’s outrageous suggestion and go to his home. What had gotten into her? It had to be because he was a stranger. That, and the incredible way he kissed. His mouth felt unbelievably wonderful and sent a hot pool of liquid between her thighs. There was no faking in a kiss, and his rocked her from the moment they touched. She wanted, in a deep, almost painful way, as she never had before. She wanted to give to him and take from him. And she wanted him to take her. To touch her, taste her. The desire was a hunger running through her blood and there was only one way to satisfy it. Her heart beat faster as she waited for him, hoping he wasn’t stopped by Alice or anyone who wanted to talk to him. She shouldn’t be taking him away from his exhibit, but then again, she probably shouldn’t be considering a fling with a man she just met. Shouldn’t be damned. She was attracted to him and he clearly felt the same way. She was going to enjoy every minute of this. There was nothing on the line here. No need to worry in a one-night stand what the other person thought. She could relax and simply enjoy. “I wasn’t too long, was I?” he asked from behind her. She looked over her shoulder. “Right on time.” “Good, come with me.” Hand in hand they walked rapidly across Newbury Street. As soon as they turned onto Boylston Street, he slowed his pace. “I don’t want you to turn an ankle in those heels, but I did want us to get a safe distance from the gallery.” “I understand.” The night was chilly, but his hand was warm and dwarfed hers. The Copley area was busy on a Friday night, but he easily maneuvered them around groups and couples. “You’re one of those pedestrians who give Boston a bad name, aren’t you?” she asked after they crossed against a second light. “Usually I’m more conscientious, but tonight I think my desires come before any of theirs.” He lifted their connected hands and kissed hers. She smiled and enjoyed the tingles spreading through her, liking that he couldn’t wait to be alone with her. When was the last time she experienced this? She couldn’t remember. After tonight, she’d have her answer.
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He flagged an oncoming cab and held the door for her. The driver was clearly annoyed it would be a small fare, but he didn’t have a choice so he gunned the engine, throwing them back in their seats. Knowing she shouldn’t jump on him where they could be seen, Lena settled for leaning gently against him and looking out the window as he traced tantalizing patterns in her palm. Once on the other side of the Dartmouth Street Bridge, the city changed. The hustle of Copley Square disappeared as the streets became quieter and tree-lined. There were rows of beautifully restored bow-front brownstones and almost no businesses except for small corner convenience stores. It was like stepping into another world, a sensation appropriate for the evening. Lena lost track of the turns, but it wasn’t long before Daniel was paying the cab driver, giving him a generous tip, and escorting her to the flight-high stoop and into the vestibule of his building. “Each floor is a condo,” he explained, “and I’m on the top floor. Hope you don’t mind the climb.” “I think I can manage,” she said as he allowed her to step in before taking her hand and leading her upstairs. She was glad they took a cab. She and her heels were done with climbing by the time they made it to his door. As he crossed into his apartment and flipped on the light, she could see why he chose it. Spacious, well laid out and, if the number of windows were any indication, well lit. All important to an artist. It would have been fun to look around, but Daniel kissed her on the neck and she forgot everything but the sensations he was creating. “I’d give you a tour, but I’d rather save it for later. There’s only one room I want to show you.” He bent slightly and scooped her into his arms. “I can still walk,” she said, although she enjoyed the romantic gesture. “Wouldn’t want to wear out those sexy shoes or tire the sexy legs that are in them.” In quick strides he carried her to his bedroom, turned the switch of a torch lamp bathing the room in a soft light, and brought her to his bed. She had a moment to notice the padded leather headboard, which struck her as erotic, and the simply furnished room before he placed her in the center of the large mattress and brought his mouth down on hers. If she feared her earlier attraction to him was heightened by being in a nearly public place or the possibility of being caught, she needn’t have worried. Completely alone, she wanted him more. Here he was hers, and she could give in to every sensation. It was a heady—and wonderful—realization. As his hand ran up her leg, he found the lace band at the top of the thigh-high stockings she wore. His moan of pleasure sent a rush of heat through her. During the work day she worried about them falling and feared she was crazy to wear them but she was glad she took the risk. He traced the edge of the thin material and Lena was surprised she was so responsive there. Her mind raced at the thought of what was yet to come.
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Daniel slid his hand behind her shoulders and raised her to a kneeling position, allowing him to reach behind her and find the zipper on her dress. The sound of it sliding down and the cooler air on her overheated skin made her shiver. “Cold?” he asked. “Excited,” she said and slipped her arms out of the dress, allowing him to continue removing it from her. She was grateful the bra that looked best with this dress was also one of her sexiest. Daniel pulled the dress to her knees and leaned forward to kiss her skin, working his way down from her collarbone to the top of the black demi-cups, which offered her breasts to him. He tongued the lace edge of the material, teasing her skin and raising goose bumps. She placed her hands on his shoulders, digging in with her nails, and tried not to melt into the bedding. “Your skin is amazing,” he said in a hushed voice. “Soft, warm, yielding.” She bent forward slightly, needing to be closer to him. Sliding her hands down his back, she brought her mouth to the base of his neck and breathed in the heady, masculine scent of him. Deciding he deserved to be touched as much as she did, her hands moved farther down his back until she reached the waist of his pants. She pulled on the material of his shirt until it came free then ran her fingers along the skin she exposed. His exhaled breath on her skin told her his pleasure and added to hers. He cupped her breasts and freed one from the confines of the satin and lace. She cried out when he licked her nipple and bit her lip when he sucked it hard into his mouth. “God, that feels wonderful,” she murmured. “Exactly my intention,” he said, freeing the other and giving it the same attention. “You are so beautiful, lush.” She always thought of herself as rounded, especially compared to her mother and most of her female relatives who were willowy and slender. Lush sounded better. It made her think of dripping ripe peaches, which was close to how she felt. “I want to touch more of you,” he said. “As much as I like you on your knees, you’ll need to change positions for me to remove your dress entirely.” Feeling desirable and lovely, she bravely inched away from him. He held her hand to stop her, then reached behind to unhook her bra. As it fell into his grasp, she lay back with her head on his pillows. Her arms fell to her sides and she imagined herself looking available and ready. He moved toward her and placed his hands on her waist where the dress was bunched. She lifted her hips, allowing him to slide it down and over her knees. As he pulled it he hooked his fingers on her panties and pulled them off along with the dress, leaving her naked except for the stockings and high heels. She should have felt vulnerable. She felt powerful. As he lay down to kiss her, she reached for him. She found the top button of his shirt and began to unbutton it, kissing him while completing her task. He had the most wonderful lips, the right combination of soft and firm. Their faces matched perfectly, as 25
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if they’d been kissing for years. When she got to the bottom of his shirt, she slid her fingers up his chest, loving the texture of muscles, hair and skin beneath her hands. At his shoulders, she peeled the shirt off and he stopped kissing her long enough to let her take it off and toss it on the floor. Lena was surprised at how freeing she found their situation. Instead of the nerves she expected, and was used to, she was completely relaxed. She didn’t have to censor herself. She might wonder what he thought of her reactions, but she didn’t have to worry since she never intended to see him again. She could let herself go and enjoy everything completely. With him pressed against her, the feel of skin to skin was exquisite. His heat matched hers and she delighted in letting her hands roam everywhere. He traced her nipples, bringing them to hard peaks, pinching them lightly to arouse her further. When his touch moved down her legs to her inner thighs, she almost screamed “yes” with need. He pushed her legs apart and slowly, maddeningly, made his way to her center. First one then two fingers stroked her swollen outer lips, making her ache for more while simultaneously relishing the moment. He traced her opening and she could tell from how his fingers moved she was slick. Would he like that? One of her first boyfriends criticized her for getting too wet, told her she made too much of a mess and he couldn’t enjoy her. He stopped giving, but not wanting, oral sex. Since then she tried not to get as wet, but tonight she wasn’t letting anything stop her. Nothing seemed to be stopping him either. “Daniel,” she whispered on a sigh. “What is it, beautiful?” he whispered back. She could feel the heat of his breath. Combined with the endearment it made her wetter still. “Is there a problem?” “Hardly, I just felt the need to say…something.” “So, I should continue?” “Yes, please. Please,” she repeated not knowing what else to say, not certain if she had the ability to say anything else. He returned his attention to her body and for the first time his tongue touched her pussy. She cried out, surprised she could become more aroused. His mouth and fingers worked together. Every time she sighed or moaned he kept his attention on that spot until she could hardly breathe. “From our first kiss at the gallery I’ve been thinking of how wonderful it would be to have you spread out for me to feast on. God, Lena, you were made for me to taste.” She couldn’t stop the flood of wetness his words caused and his moan told her he enjoyed her reaction. Keeping one finger inside her, he slowly dragged another down lower to the sensitive skin between her two openings. When his finger gently teased her ass, she gasped. Men had touched her there before, but mostly with a more brutal insistence. His gentle probing and teasing was different and more pleasurable than she imagined. What else could she learn about herself before the night was over? 26
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“You’re amazingly responsive. It’s a special woman who reacts with so much intensity. It’s incredible. You’re incredible.” Lena heard his words all the way to her soul. She wanted a night of sex. She never imagined it could give her more. If it could feel this good, in the future she wouldn’t hold back with her partners. As he continued to work his tongue over her clit and his fingers into her pussy and ass, years of concern and pain started to melt into the pleasure he was giving her. “I want to see you, feel you, taste you as you come for me, sweet Lena. Let me give you the pleasure you’re craving.” “God, yes,” she said and her hands went involuntarily to his head, threading her fingers in his hair. Wanting. She’d never wanted like this. Needed like this. When he stretched her with two fingers and focused the tip of his tongue on her clit, she knew her orgasm was imminent. “Daniel, I—” she started, trying to tell him, alert him, but was unable to make her jaw work. “Yes,” he murmured. “I know. Don’t hold back.” His words were as powerful as his touch and her climax burst through her in a wave of passion that forced her to let go of him, grip the sheets and yell out, unable to hold back from the strength of it. As her back arched off the bed she said his name, the word “yes”, and nothing more as she exploded in a way she never experienced. It was as if every cell was coming. For the first time in her memory, a man didn’t stop touching her immediately after she had an orgasm. As the intensity of her climax ebbed, Daniel continued to lick and stroke her, causing waves of aftershocks that were wonderful mini-peaks making her gasp every few seconds. “Now that,” she managed after a minute or so, “is what I call breathless.” He kissed her inner thigh and laughed. “That’s a good thing.” “It’s a great thing,” she said. “Actually, I’m pretty certain it borders on amazing, but right now, I’m not sure I’m capable of thinking.” “I like hearing that,” he said and continued to kiss his way along her body, stopping at her breasts to lick and nibble her nipples before arriving at her lips again. “I like saying it,” she said and wrapped her arms around him to kiss him deeply. As she moved her leg she discovered he was still wearing his pants. “You are too dressed.” “Want to do something about it?” “Absolutely.” He rolled to her side and they both reached for his fly. Laughing, she said, “Let me.” “Okay, I’m going to do something else with my hands.” He caressed her shoulders, breasts, and was moving toward her ass when she swatted him. “Cut that out or I’m never going to get these off.”
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“A definite threat. I’ll behave,” he said. “Not for long,” she said and kissed him as she eased his pants down over his hips. His knees stopped her progress, so he stood and took them off the rest of the way himself, pulling his socks off in the process. “Better?” He was gorgeous when he was naked, with lean muscles and a broad chest. Breathless for at least the third time that night she answered, “Absolutely,” and pulled him onto the bed with her. As he pressed himself against her, Daniel decided skin to skin was the best sensation. Although skin to thigh-high stockings was a very close second. From the moment he uncovered her sexy legs he ached to feel them wrapped completely around him. He knew from their summer together she didn’t like being short, but he adored her body. All her curves gave him numerous sensitive places to explore—and exploit. He never met a woman who responded as openly. She was exquisite. They continued to kiss. It was torture to wait to reach for a condom and slide inside her. Her hands roamed over his body, his back then his ass, driving him crazy. “Do you have any idea how much I want you?” She reached around and gripped his cock. “I think this gives me a pretty good idea,” she said. He gasped then let the breath out slowly between his teeth. “My control isn’t very good, Lena,” he said slowly. “You may not want to do that for long.” She kissed him, moving her lips to his jaw and neck. “I know exactly what I want. I want to please you at least as much as you pleased me.” With gentle pressure she pushed him back from her until he was lying flat. “You’re all mine.” He was not going to survive this. First she kissed her way to his chest, teasing his nipples and licking them, letting her hands work their way lower to his outer thighs where she raked him gently with her nails, making him groan. “Your skin is so warm,” she said. “I’m amazed it’s not feverish with all you’re doing.” “You have a lot of body to explore,” she said, “which means lots of possible places where you are sensitive. Like here, for example.” She traced a line down the center of his chest with a finger then followed it with her tongue. Her long hair fell forward, brushing his skin and adding another sensation. It was not only exciting, but completely new. Most women headed straight for his cock, never lingering anywhere else. He moaned and was rewarded with the feel of her smile against his skin. “You like that,” she said. “Like is an understatement, but I’m not capable of more thoughts.” “Then I’m doing something right.” 28
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He stroked her hair. “Beyond right,” he said. He knew she was creative, but bringing that trait into bed was more thrilling than he imagined. And he imagined plenty. Reality was better. Lena worked down his body, touching, nipping and licking until she got to his cock. Instead of touching him directly, she traced her fingers around the base, teasing the skin and the valley made by his thighs. “Where did you learn to do that?” he asked, his control slipping. “From you.” He sat up slightly, bracing on his elbows. “Me?” She looked at him and he thought he’d never seen anything as sexy as her face near his crotch. “Yes, you teased and stroked me, finding all sorts of new places I didn’t know were exciting. I thought you might enjoy the same thing.” “Sweet torture,” he said, falling back onto the pillow. The moisture of pre-come wet the tip of his cock before her mouth closed over it. She held the top part in her mouth, swirling her tongue around until he was certain he would go mad. When she added the touch of her hand, he had to protest. “Lena, what you are doing feels amazing, but if you don’t stop, I’m going to come in your mouth.” “Think you can get hard again?” He liked the daring in her voice. “With you? Definitely.” “Then I’m not going to stop.” And she didn’t. Her hands and mouth returned to his erection, this time taking him more deeply. He could feel the back of her throat against the head. When her hands moved lower to cup and tease his balls there was no stopping his orgasm. “God, Lena, yes,” he yelled and as her hand circled the base of his cock, he came in hard bursts. Once again she followed his lead and kissed her way along his still shivering body. “I can’t remember the last time I was able to make a man come that way,” she said. He looked at her, surprised. “I can’t imagine a man not coming when you do that. Talk about magic.” He kissed her deeply and stroked his hands down her back, cupping her ass then bringing her leg over him. “I love these stockings. After tonight I think the other kind should be outlawed.” “Only thigh-highs from now on?” “Absolutely. The world will be a better place for it. I guarantee it.” “An interesting platform. Are you planning on politics in addition to art?” “Never,” he said with a smile as his hand gently stroked the lips of her pussy. “I am, however, planning on getting you excited again and making you beg to have me deep inside you.” Again his words and touch sent waves of tingles through her. “How is it you know exactly how to excite me?”
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“You tell me what you like with every sigh and moan. I’m following your responses. And there are so many of them, you make it very easy.” “You could give lessons.” “More career suggestions?” “Hardly,” she said with a laugh. “And speaking of hard.” She traced a path through his dark chest hair to his cock. It was exciting to find him hard again. She never believed she could excite a man the way she excited him. It made her feel powerful and sexy. “You were right about your ability to become aroused again.” “I’d say that makes us very compatible.” “So far, so very, very good,” she said and then nothing more as he drove two fingers into her, twisting them slightly to tease the walls of her pussy, creating more delightful vibrations. As he reached deeper she experienced an unfamiliar sensitivity. She let go of him and whispered, “Daniel, I, oh, that’s…um, new.” She gripped his shoulders, digging her nails in as something within her stirred. “Is it? It shouldn’t be. Foolish of your lovers never to go looking for this spot. Ah well, their loss is my gain.” He continued to create more of the intense feelings until she was gasping. Something insistent built inside her until she heard herself demand, “Daniel, I need you. I need you inside me.” He moved away to search, she assumed, for a condom. “In my bag,” she said, breathless and already aching for his return. “Ah, you’re the Boy Scout.” “No,” she panted as he touched the spot once again. “Gift from hopeful friend.” She wasn’t capable of complete sentences. She heard the telltale sound of a package opening and looked to see him slide the latex quickly down his cock. Somehow it looked bigger than it did when she was sucking him. He rejoined her on the bed. She pulled him on top of her and opened her legs. She never craved, never hungered like this for a man. The need was overwhelming. She placed her hand between their bodies and lifted her hips to guide him into her. He moved slowly, concerned, she thought, for her comfort. “I want all of you, Daniel. Deeply. Touch that place in me again, this time with your cock.” “God, yes,” he said and didn’t hold anything back as he sheathed himself completely inside her. Lena cried out his name again as he stretched her, filled her. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him closer. She kissed him, exploring his mouth with her tongue the way she explored his body. He met her heat with his own, giving as much as he was taking. Her hands traced his chest and over his shoulders, raking down his back. She loved feeling his muscles move as he pumped into her in long, deep strokes. Taking a quick breath, he said, “Lena, I’m so close again.”
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“Thank goodness,” she replied. “I don’t know how long I can last.” He lifted himself slightly away from her body, but before she could protest, he slipped a hand between them and found her swollen clit. He rubbed the slippery nub, raising her excitement further. “God, we feel good together,” he said. As he continued to stroke her, she could feel every inch of his cock sliding into her body. It was all she needed to go over the top again. Her nails dug into his ass, her body rose off the bed as her second orgasm crashed through her, starting at the center and radiating out so forcefully she yelled. Her cry of pleasure was shortly joined by his and he crushed his mouth over hers, effectively silencing them both as he drove himself into her more deeply than any man ever had. As her orgasm slowed, his kisses gentled, although he continued to move within her, massaging her swollen passage and creating ripples that added to her pleasure and the sated feeling stealing through her. She cupped his face in her hands. “That was truly amazing,” she said, unable to keep the wonder out of her voice. “Yes, you were,” he answered. “That’s not what I—” He stopped her with a finger over her mouth. “I know it’s not, but it’s what I meant.” She smiled and let her body go limp. She sensed the truth in his words and they were as wonderful as his abilities in bed, which were considerable. Michelle was right. Multiple orgasms could indeed solve myriad problems. “Where are you going?” she asked as he rolled off her. “I don’t want to crush you,” he said. “Oh, you’re not that big. Well,” she ran a finger down his cock, “you are, but I didn’t mind.” He laughed. “You’re good for my ego.” He reached over for a tissue from the bedside table and removed the condom. “Besides, being in this position allows me to hold you better.” He pulled her close and she rested her head on his chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart. His arm came around her as she curled comfortably against him. She was too exhausted to move. A short rest would be good and then she would say her goodbyes and thank him for the most incredible night of her life. Why did thinking of saying goodbye cause such a twinge of regret? As he held her, Lena tried to remember the last time she was this content or enjoyed herself in bed so completely. No memories came to her. All she could think of was the incredible highs she enjoyed this evening. Her friend was right. Risks could be good. Drained, she closed her eyes.
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***** She thought she’d only been asleep for a few minutes, but the sunlight coming through her lids told her otherwise. She mumbled a protest at having to get up. It was warm and comfortable under the covers, and she was pretty certain she needed to get to work, although she couldn’t remember what day it was. She stretched and opened her eyes, her legs protested with an unfamiliar soreness. Which matched the unfamiliar bedroom. Shit, you have got to be kidding. She moaned as clarity arrived, as harsh as the morning sun. Instead of resting briefly she’d spent the night with a total stranger. A blush warmed her face. Okay, not exactly a stranger, but a man she’d met the evening before. And had sex with. Great sex. She rubbed a hand over her eyes. Oh, this could not be happening. How was she going to sneak out? The question was followed by another. Why did the best sex of her life have to happen with a man she planned never to see again? “Good morning, Thumbelina.” She was fully awake in an instant. Her eyes flew open as she bolted upright, fortunately thinking to take the covers with her, and turned to stare at the half-naked man sitting next to her. She heard him wrong. “What did you call me?” “Thumbelina,” Daniel repeated. Lena grabbed at the sheets to cover herself more and was almost doused in the hot coffee Daniel was holding out to her. “Why did you call me that? No one calls me that except my parents and a few people at the…” “Summer camp they used to run,” he finished for her. She looked at him warily, trying to place him beyond the night before. One-night stands were supposed to be fun, over quickly and enjoyed with relative strangers. Not that she had a lot of experience with them, but this was too much familiarity. “Who are you and how do you know my nickname?”
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Chapter Four He smiled and Lena saw something familiar in the look. “I am Daniel Royer, which you know from last night, but when I was at Crane Hill Camp you and everyone else called me Danny.” Her mind flipped through a catalog of images from past summers until she arrived at a memory of a quiet boy who hung around her the year she spent at Crane Hill after her marriage and career as an artist ended. The boy she remembered was shy, wore glasses and was only an inch to two taller than she, all long limbs waiting for a growth spurt. “Oh no, you can’t be.” Her grip on the sheet tightened. “I assure you I can be and I am.” “But that would make you…” Her un-caffeinated brain couldn’t do math this early. “Twenty-eight. I’m twenty-eight.” “Dear Lord.” Her head fell into her hand. She thought she deserved points for not hiding under the covers entirely. All she wanted was a quick fling and she got a hot artist twelve years younger than her who knew her years before. I’ll bet this never happens to Michelle when she meets a new guy. How could she be so foolish? Even the characters in her mother’s children’s books knew rash actions had terrible consequences and there was no escaping them. She remembered something. “That’s how you knew my last name at the gallery. I didn’t tell you.” As her humiliation waned, her anger grew. “No, you didn’t. I slipped. I hoped you didn’t notice.” “I didn’t. I blamed it on the alcohol. I thought I told you and then forgot.” At least her memory wasn’t going, although it was a small consolation, since memories of last night were all too vivid. A blush started as she recalled what they shared together, how she allowed herself to get carried away. “Is there a problem?” he asked, breaking into her thoughts and trying again to hand her the coffee. She moved farther away, nearly falling out of bed in her haste to create some distance between them. “A problem? Oh no, of course not.” She hoped her sarcasm was obvious. “Silly me thought for once I enjoyed a meaningless night of great sex, and instead I’m sitting here naked with a man I not only know but someone I could have babysat for.” “I’m glad you thought the sex was great since I didn’t want it to be meaningless. If it’s any consolation I don’t need a babysitter and you look beautiful naked. I could do a whole series of pictures of you in sunbeams and moonbeams.” “Look, Danny…” “It’s Daniel.” 33
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“Daniel. Why didn’t you tell me who you were last night?” “Probably because I didn’t want you to look at me the way you are now. Once I was certain you didn’t recognize me, or my name, I wanted you to keep seeing the man, not the kid. I wasn’t expecting us to go to bed together. Getting coffee would have been fine, until you asked me to kiss you. Then I didn’t want to stop. You didn’t either.” He leaned forward to touch her. She pulled back. “You’re wearing contacts,” she said stupidly, trying to keep the conversation away from sex. “Yes, and I’m taller than I was at fifteen. Are you okay?” “I need to find my clothes and go.” “I can see you’re finding this is awkward, but don’t leave. Stay for breakfast and we can talk more. We didn’t have a chance to talk after leaving the gallery. Have some of your coffee. I guessed cream and sugar since you enjoyed the sweet drinks last night.” “Good guess,” she said, feeling a little guilty as she accepted the mug. She didn’t want to accept anything from him. She took a sip, careful not to burn her tongue. As the coffee hit her stomach, a thought occurred to her. “The postcards. You sent them.” “Yes, I wanted you to come to the opening. I wanted to see you again, show you how introducing me to photography paid off.” “How did you know my addresses?” “Alumni office at the Mass College of Art. I remembered you went there too.” She nodded. “When I started getting serious about making art my career I earned my Masters there. It was one of the ways I learned a lot about,” he ran a hand up her leg, which was sticking out from the covers, “the body.” She felt her face flush hotly and a few places on her body heating more. She couldn’t talk to him and not think of how reckless she’d been last night. She gave herself a mental shake. She was not staying, not having something to eat, and definitely not talking about their evening together. She shouldn’t be here at all. This was why being in control was smarter. She never should have let herself give in to instant gratification last night. Yes, he was sexy. And he made her feel good, wonderful even. Better than anyone had in a very long time. The way he kissed her and touched her was incredible. Lena, stop. This is not helping the situation. She needed to be reasonable. One of them had to be. Finally, a plan came to her as she looked at the steam rising from the mug. “Okay, why don’t you make breakfast while I get dressed, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen in ten minutes.” “You get ready fast.” “It’s not like I have a lot of choices on what to wear this morning.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Good point. See you in a bit.” He gave her a soft kiss that made her tingle, despite her best efforts. His bright smile made her feel worse.
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As soon as he was gone, Lena placed the mug on the night stand and jumped off the bed to look for her clothes. The process wasn’t as easy as she expected as little-used muscles, sore from the night before, protested her sudden movements. She found her purse next to the bed and as she wiggled into her underwear she quietly used her cell phone to call for a taxi. Shoving the stockings into her bag, she put on her bra and dress, grabbed her coat, and carried her shoes as she tiptoed out of the room. Last night she didn’t get a good look at his apartment, but she was right about the light. The place was bright and spacious. She could hear classical music coming from the kitchen as Daniel banged around cooking and whistling. The whistling almost made her go to him to say goodbye, tell him what a special night it was for her, but she changed her mind. Any boldness from the night before was gone. No more risks for a while. After one wrong turn she found the front door, grateful she didn’t have to get too close to the kitchen. As she reached for the knob she stopped at the sight of the exhibit poster. That damn phoenix. If it weren’t for the image, she wouldn’t be here. No, that wasn’t true. It was the long-dormant feelings the image stirred that were her problem. From here on, she would listen to her head. It was safer. Without a word she let herself out.
***** Daniel couldn’t decide if he was furious, surprised or hurt when he discovered Lena snuck out. A combination passed through him in the first few minutes, so he did what served him best when creativity didn’t seem to be an option—he sat and thought things through logically. Discovering his full identity and his connection to her past—along with his age— shocked her. Clearly she wasn’t a woman who was used to one-night stands, and if she was hoping for anonymity in the morning, his declaration eliminated the option. Perhaps it was more intimacy than she was expecting or could handle. That sounded plausible. But damn it, it didn’t make him feel any better. He walked into his home office and turned on the computer. As it booted he knew it was pointless. There was nothing he could work on that would distract him from what happened and what he was feeling. What was he going to do, sit there and Google her like a love-struck teen? He needed a better plan. These were the times he wished for a sister who could guide him and to whom he could bring his questions. Before he discovered photography and art, books were his closest companions. He believed in going to experts for answers, but he had no close women in his life other than Alice, and she wouldn’t want him distracted by a relationship. He smiled. She was more like a mother hen then an agent. He didn’t understand why Lena thought their ages—or his age—were a problem. He’d dated one or two older women in the last several years and it wasn’t an issue, 35
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although there were more years between him and Lena than the others. Still, connection was connection and he was convinced Lena experienced that with him. Thinking of Lena, Daniel was confident if he used knowledge combined with the street smarts he’d gained from past relationships, and a little creativity, he could find a way to connect with her and discover if one night of magic could be the start of something more. The first thing to do was find a way to be near her again.
***** Traffic was so light early Saturday morning and the taxi drove Lena home quickly, but because of the hour the driver gave her a telling look, which said he knew exactly why she was overdressed and under made-up. Not since one drunken night at college had she done the walk of shame. She was too old for this. Of course, Daniel wasn’t. This was probably more common for him given his age. It wasn’t part of her history. She’d had two one-night stands in her twenties, although they weren’t intended. The men simply never called her again. Stepping into her apartment, she dropped her shoes and her bag by the door, then walked straight to her bedroom and dropped herself on the bed. Work waited for her, but it would wait a little longer. She needed a long shower and a few more hours of sleep. Lena went into her office at two and stayed until nearly nine, then was back at her desk Sunday morning at ten. With all the hours she put in, she should have accomplished more, but although her body was in front of the project she was presenting on Wednesday to their client, her thoughts kept traveling back to Friday night. Over and over images of Daniel kissing her, caressing her, licking her until she came played like an erotic movie in her mind. It was maddening. She kept telling herself she needed to forget, but clearly the night meant more to her then she expected. In fact, she found herself wanting him again, wanting more, and hoping it would be as good—or better—the next time. “This is not going to get us the final payment of the Jaffe account or the new clients we need,” she told herself. “What isn’t?” She jumped, almost spilling her water bottle and saw one of the members of her team standing in her doorway. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” “My fault, Gary. I’m having trouble staying focused today.” “Maybe you’re working too hard, Lena. When was the last time you took off both days of the weekend?” She looked at him, ready to give a flip answer when she realized he was right. “Almost two months.” “Working that many hours is bound to make anyone a little antsy. Look, I’ve nearly finished putting the packets together for the presentation and I’m heading home. We’re 36
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not flying out until late Tuesday, so we still have almost two full days to review and double-check everything. Go home, relax, see a movie.” She pulled off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. They were gritty. It was good she didn’t have her contacts in. “You’re right. I don’t have a clue what’s playing.” “Well, make certain not to forget the relaxing part. You don’t want to be burned out when you meet with Jaffe and his board.” “Thanks, I’ll walk out with you.” When she got home, her first thought was to clean and do laundry. What a sad statement about her life. Here she was with a night to herself and she considered doing chores. Appalled, she opened her drawer of menus, picked the one from her favorite Thai place, called, and gave them her order. She considered going out, but wasn’t in the mood to dine alone in public. As she waited for the food to arrive, she opened a bottle of wine, poured a glass and looked around her apartment. She bought the two-bedroom condo in Cambridge for its location. After living here for nearly five years she still loved being near Harvard and Porter Square and a short “T” ride away from everything in Boston. However, tonight it looked plain and unadorned. A few of her own black-and-white photographs were on the wall and the bookcase held framed candid pictures and trinkets from her travels. Furniture was chosen for practicality and comfort, but not much more. The only pieces of color were an overstuffed Victorian floral couch she inherited from her grandmother and an illustrated family portrait her mother created depicting the five of them as magical creatures in a wooded glen. The place was a bore and, sadly, it reflected in many ways how she was managing her life. Everything here was controlled, orderly and functional. When she thought of what she noticed in Daniel’s space, it was clear they were living very different lives. Living close to the excitement was not the same as participating. Walking over to the portrait and looking at it closely, which she hadn’t done in a long time, she was moved by the fairy girl her mother made her into. The original photograph her mother worked from was shot when she was around sixteen and already her younger brothers were taller than she was. Although she always loved the picture, she never saw herself as the pixie her mother depicted. By that age, she had turned her back on the magical world her parents inhabited. She wanted to be taken seriously no matter what she did. Most especially, she wanted to be taken seriously as an artist. She studied for and planned a career in which her work would be in demand by a large but choosy audience. Back then she didn’t want to have any part of what she thought of as posterart, those who created images for the college dorm room crowd. When it was time for her first show, over thirteen years ago, she sweated for months over her exhibition choices. She wanted them to show her versatility and range. She selected her favorites but also ones she believed important because of their complexity and drama. She didn’t ask for assistance from her family and turned down
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the input her husband offered. She wanted to be a success on her own terms, without help. “I thought your collection for the show was great,” her mother said after the critics panned her work claiming she had no voice or focus and patrons showed their agreement but not buying her works. “Clearly not, did you read the reviews?” “Of course, but that doesn’t mean I agree with them.” “That’s because you’re my mother.” “I’m also a fellow artist, and I would never lie to you by saying something was good when I didn’t think it was.” There was a pause. “If anything was wrong with the collection it was that the magic was missing.” “What are you talking about?” she angrily asked her mother. “I don’t do fantasy images. These were abstracts. What has that got to do with magic?” “Darling, if you have to ask, then you’re not going to accept the answer.” Lena had slammed down the phone and didn’t speak with her mother for nearly six weeks, a record for them, and when they did start talking again Lena refused to discuss art, no matter how many attempts Janice made. She had to give her mother points for tenacity. Besides, by that time her marriage was showing serious cracks and there were other things to discuss. By the summer both her marriage and career were over. Today, with the afternoon light coming into her living room, she stepped closer to the image of her in the picture and really looked at it, possibly for the first time. In this girl she saw the joy of youth and the beginnings of adult awareness, but more—she saw magic. Her mother captured a light and liveliness Lena could recall experiencing when she was younger. And rejecting later because although living that way could bring great joy, it also made her vulnerable, which she didn’t like. To avoid future vulnerability and to prove she could still make good choices for herself and be a success, she enrolled in graduate school. That was where she met Michelle and the idea of starting their own business was born. A little more than five years after they graduated the doors of Crane and Fulton opened, pairing Michelle’s business savvy with Lena’s creative genius. It was one of the greatest days of her life. Finally she wasn’t the family screw-up. But all that would change if they lost the company. The idea was unbearable and sent cold shivers through her. She’d poured so much of herself into the business. There was no way they would lose it. She would—could—not fail at this.
***** On Monday morning Lena spotted Michelle in the break room almost as soon as she arrived. “Do you have a minute?” She didn’t wait for her friend to answer. “Good, I need to talk to you. Could you come to my office as soon as you’re done?” Within
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minutes, Michelle was sitting across from her. She brought Lena a cup of coffee along with her own. “This must be good. You forgot your morning mug. You looked all glowy when you left the gallery on Friday. I’ve been dying to talk to you all weekend, but I was— occupied. Can I assume you got lucky?” Lena shook her head. “Does bad luck count?” “Not usually, but I’m confused. I thought a major hunk followed you out of the building.” “He did. As you suggested, I let myself get carried away. We went back to his place and had absolutely mind-blowing sex. Remember those multiple orgasms you said I should have? Well I did. It was amazing.” “Hah,” Michelle said. “I knew it.” “Until the next morning.” “You stayed until the morning? I would have thought you’d leave as soon as you could. Hell, you don’t usually spend the night with men you’re dating. I never imagined you’d stay with someone who picked you up at a bar.” “Gallery,” Lena said. “Not the point. Was it that good?” “Actually, it was better than good, and afterward I was so exhausted I thought I’d rest before leaving. Instead, it was the next morning before I woke.” “Yikes. He turned out to be a complete creep in the daylight?” “Worse. He turned out to be someone I know.” “You lost me. How could that happen? He didn’t look familiar the night before?” “No, because when I knew him he was fifteen.” Michelle spit out her coffee in an attempt not to choke. This was a first in their friendship. Usually it was Lena being surprised by Michelle’s actions or situations. “Okay, you really need to start at the beginning.” Lena explained her connection to Daniel. Michelle winced. “Well, at least you had a good reason for not recognizing him.” “Thanks for the understatement. It goes well with my coffee.” Michelle smirked. “Nothing wrong with a younger lover. It’s very popular these days. Hell, there’s a sitcom based on it.” “I don’t think guiding my life around popular trends in television is a wise move. Besides, this felt more like a bad episode of Jerry Springer than something from mustsee-TV.” “So much for a simple night of pleasure.” “No kidding.” “Are you going to see him again?”
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This time it was Lena’s turn to choke on her coffee. “Are you kidding? I snuck out of there as quickly as I could, and I assume he’s smart enough to know I want to leave the night as a memory. Nothing more.” “Are you certain? I mean, if the sex was incredible, maybe it would be worth it to see him again.” “Completely certain. As certain as I am that I need to concentrate on finalizing things for the Jaffe account or the trip on Wednesday will be a waste of time and money none of us can afford.” “But…” “No buts, Michelle. Until the company is back on its feet, I don’t want to think about men or sex.” For the next two days, Lena kept her focus where it needed to be—on work. If her thoughts as she drifted to sleep were of a well-built, gray-eyed man who knew exactly where to touch her, she chalked it up to exhaustion and either ignored it, or used her favorite vibrator to help her relax. She tried not to dwell on the fact her fantasies all featured Daniel, and it was his name on her lips during her solo orgasms. On the nights she didn’t masturbate to thoughts of him, she dreamed about him. One night she woke drenched, tangled in the sheets, her pulse racing. In her dream he was licking her until she came then forced her to come that way a second time before he fucked her passionately. He was tireless and insatiable, and his desire made her feel the same way. It was maddening. She needed to forget him. If time could make bad memories fade away, she assumed—hoped—it would do the same for good ones.
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Chapter Five “Welcome back,” Michelle said as she walked into Lena’s office before Lena had her coat off. “Thanks. It’s good to be back to the familiar.” Returning after travel was always hectic. Lena would have preferred to have her first hour alone, but clearly it wasn’t an option as Michelle sat down and made herself comfortable. “I know you don’t love business trips, but from your last email it sounded as if everything went smoothly.” “Very. I’m glad Gary was there. We made a good pair presenting the work the teams created. Jaffe was so pleased he took us to dinner with a colleague of his on our last night. I think we have a good shot at a new account with them.” Lena sank into her chair and sipped at the cinnamon coffee she brought from her favorite café. Under her desk she traded her commuting flat shoes for one of the three pairs of black pumps she kept at work. As she turned on her computer she looked over at Michelle. Her friend had a familiar ask-me-before-I-burst look on her face. “Okay, spill it. What’s on your mind this morning? New man? New apartment? New flavor of Ben & Jerry’s?” She knew it could be anything. “Well,” Michelle said, dragging the word out, “I have a surprise for you.” Lena cringed. “I hate surprises.” “No you don’t. You love them.” “You love them. I dread them.” “Oh, that’s right. Well, never mind. I have one for you anyway. You and Gary may have landed a new account, but if it comes in within the next month you’ll need to hand it to someone else to lead, because you’re going to be point person on a different one instead.” “There’s a new account in the company?” “There may be.” “That’s wonderful news.” During the trip Lena worked to keep the undercurrent of desperation out of her presentation and meetings, but she couldn’t completely forget jobs were on the line if she didn’t do hers well. “So, tell me about the client.” “I got us a meeting in just over two weeks with Golden Cosmetics. We’re the last agency they’re looking at.” “You’re kidding. That’s amazingly wonderful,” Lena said. They had not had success breaking into the more fashionable and glamorous markets, which usually gave their business to large, not boutique, firms. Golden Cosmetics was a local company that hit big thanks to a blitz on a home shopping channel and opening small, well-staffed 41
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kiosks in the mall. Lena heard the rumors about them looking for a company to help them with marketing as they grew, but didn’t think they stood a chance. “How did you manage that?” “I found them an artist who intrigued them and who is working exclusively with us.” “Who?” “Daniel Royer, the artist from the gallery opening the other week.” “Royer,” Lena said, her stomach falling. This could not be happening. “Yes, that night is turning out to hold several unexpected surprises.” “No kidding,” Lena said flatly. Her friend didn’t know the half of it. She’d never mentioned to Michelle the name of her young lover. Not noticing Lena’s expression, Michelle continued. “I was searching the call for proposal sheets and when I saw Golden, I thought of him. I used the postcard you left on your desk to get in touch with his agent who arranged a meeting for the next day. He wasn’t sure at first—I don’t think he thought of his work as being commercial in the literal sense—but ultimately he agreed. I couriered his work over to the cosmetics company’s offices, and they got back to me in hours. His work is so original they were immediately curious. We have an official presentation with them in less than three weeks. That’s all the time they would give me. Daniel starts work this afternoon.” “Great,” Lena said flatly. “I know. Everyone is buzzing.” “I’m sure they are, but I can’t do this.” “The hell you can’t. You know how big this company and the industry are. If we get in, we’ll tap into a huge market of clients. It could change everything for us.” “Michelle.” Lena raised a hand to stop her friend. Lena couldn’t let her go on. “Daniel Royer is the man I slept with a little over a week ago.” “Oh…shit.” “Hitting the fan,” Lena agreed. “I hate to say it, Lena, but regardless of what happened between you two, we need this account, and they want to see a campaign with his work.” “I know,” Lena said, and she did. The truth was she would do anything to save her business. Even if that meant working with Daniel. “So,” Michelle said after they sat in silence for a few minutes, “I guess this means you’re surprised?” “Completely.” I hate surprises.
***** For the rest of the morning, Lena did the only thing she could—she avoided everyone by staying in her office behind a closed door and reviewing the research 42
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Michelle had done on Golden Cosmetics. By the time she walked into the conference room a few minutes before two o’clock, she thought she was ready, but when she saw Daniel sitting there her resolve slipped. Anticipating his presence didn’t stop her heartbeat from racing at the sight of him and when he smiled, her mouth went dry. When his eyes met hers she knew she hadn’t imagined her initial attraction to him. His appeal wasn’t due to the alcohol she drank. Unfortunately, this new knowledge wasn’t helpful. It didn’t make her any less nervous to work with him. “Hello, Ms. Crane, or can I call you Lena? It’s good to see you again.” She chose a chair on the opposite side of the table and a few seats down. She was being childish, but she wanted to have as comfortable a distance as possible between them. Sadly, she admitted to herself, that would require her to be in another building at least, another state at best. “Under the circumstances—all of them—I think Lena is fine.” “Lena it is. I suppose Thumble…” “Is out of the question,” she finished for him. He gave her a too-knowing smile. Anger made some of her tension slip away, but she couldn’t be continually annoyed if she was going to work with him. “My colleagues know we’ve met. You don’t need to be formal, but there’s no need to be too familiar either.” “But we’ve been very familiar, Lena,” he said in a low voice. “And we might have been again if you hadn’t left so abruptly. I thought we started something wonderful.” “An orgasm does not necessarily indicate the beginning of a relationship.” “How about multiple orgasms?” There was that phrase again. “Not even that, which you’d know if you had more experience.” She couldn’t believe she’d played the age card, but she was in desperate need of distance. Being in a room with him was too difficult. She swore she could smell the warmth of his skin from across the table. “Do you have orgasms like the ones you had with every man you sleep with or only the younger ones?” She couldn’t mistake the annoyance in his voice. “Perhaps our night together was typical for you.” “Of course it wasn’t,” she answered quickly. Shit. She needed to be more careful around him. “Well, I think that proves there’s something different between us, don’t you?” She was saved from answering by the arrival of Michelle, Gary and Michelle’s assistant. Introductions were made, pleasantries exchanged, and the meeting began. Lena sat there for nearly two hours responding automatically and trying not to meet Daniel’s eyes for more than a glance. The company needs this, she reminded herself repeatedly, and tried to do her best to sound enthusiastic. It was the longest meeting of her life. By the end they had some initial ideas that could be workable. Gary and Daniel seemed to hit it off and the marketing team had a handle on where to start.
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Lena didn’t feel as though she had a handle on anything, and she and Daniel were the entire design team. Everything rested on them. “I think this will be an excellent partnership,” Michelle said as things ended. Lena noticed she didn’t meet her eyes when she said, “There’s real chemistry between our creative team and Golden’s vision.” “I agree.” Daniel looked directly at Lena when he continued. “We have the potential to create great things together.” Lena smiled and fled the room as quickly as she could, claiming a call with a client. Daniel may be the younger of the two of them, but she was the one acting immature. It took her until after five o’clock before she was confident enough to step out of her office. Knowing Michelle would still be at her desk, she went to talk to her. Since she was on the phone, Lena sat in one of the cozy chairs Michelle purchased on her own to personalize the office. If they compared the two women’s offices, people would think Michelle’s focus was art. Her friend’s space reflected her taste and made clients feel more like they were stepping into a room of Michelle’s apartment. Unlike Lena’s office, which had little decoration other than art on the walls, Michelle had pillows on the window sill, a dramatic floor lamp, and other little touches that caught a visitor’s eye. Michelle said if she was going to spend a lot of time here, she wanted a place she enjoyed. Usually Lena loved making a game of trying to spot what her friend recently added, but today she was too distracted. “I thought you’d get around to stopping by. So, how do you think it went?” “Horribly.” “Really? I thought it went well for a first get-together. We’re a great team.” “It’s not the team. It’s Daniel.” Lena put her head in her hands and said something into her lap. “I didn’t catch that, sunshine. One more time, please?” Lena looked up. “I can’t work with a man I’ve had sex with.” “Great sex, if I remember correctly.” Lena moaned again. “This is impossible. While we discussed slogans, images and viral marketing, I was having visions of taking Daniel back to my office and having sex with him on my desk.” “Wow, love those erotic fantasies. You should go for it. Could be fun.” “You are not helping, Michelle. I’m already overheated and unfocused. I don’t need to indulge my fantasies. I need a cold shower. We need someone other than me on this account.” Even as she suggested it, she knew it wasn’t an option. “No can do. This account needs our absolute best—which is you—and it was Daniel’s art that opened the door. It’s the two of you or nothing.” Lena nodded. She needed to make this situation work. “What should I do? You’re the one who’s good with men. Help me.” Lena watched as her friend thought before
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answering and was grateful she didn’t offer a glib response. She had no tolerance for humor over this situation. “There has to be a reason you were attracted to him, before you went to bed with him. What was it?” Lena thought back. “He was easy to talk to. He listened to my opinions and comments and shared his own. And when he looked at me, it was as if I was the only woman in the room. He was that way in bed too. I can’t remember a man getting me that excited. He was so unselfish. I melted.” “I love that feeling,” Michelle said with a sigh. Lena frowned. “But that’s not what you want to hear. Okay, let’s focus on the first part. You were comfortable talking with him. When you see him next, try to concentrate on talking. Remember, you’re having a simple conversation, nothing more. Open with a safe topic. You talk, he listens. He talks, you listen.” “That’s it?” It sounded too simple to help the turmoil in her thoughts. “It’s a start, right?” “I guess so. Thanks.” Lena stood to go then stopped at the door. “You’ll be here if I need a pep talk, right?” “Pep talks, shoulder to lean on, alcohol to drink. Anything you need. Keep me posted.” When Lena got back to her office, she found Daniel waiting for her. She would have preferred not to see him again at least until the morning, but she wasn’t that lucky. Over his shoulder she could see him sketching something with wings and a woman’s body. “I thought you would have headed home by now,” she said, trying to adopt Michelle’s advice and keep her tone light. “Gary gave me a tour around the space, showed me some of your past accounts and helped me get settled in my office. Never expected to have one of those. Besides, I wanted to talk to you.” “About what?” “About why you left that morning without managing a simple goodbye.” So much for a safe topic. “It was awkward, Daniel. Staying for breakfast would have been too weird.” “Nothing was weird until you found out who I was and how old I was.” “Are.” “Excuse me?” “How old you are. Or should I say how young. You’re twenty-eight.” “Rumor has it I’ll grow out of it.” “Yes, while I grow old. Of course, I don’t care about getting older.” She wanted out of this conversation. “What does age have to do with how great we were together?”
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“It probably shouldn’t bother me, but it does. I guess I don’t have the Demi Moore gene. I was nervous enough indulging in a one-night stand with a man I just met, only to learn I hadn’t ‘just’ met him, but I knew him when he was fifteen. It felt all wrong.” He sat back in the chair, his long legs crossed. She wished she didn’t notice how broad his chest looked in the plain oxford shirt he wore. “Well there we completely disagree. I thought everything during our night felt very wonderful.” She saw the hurt in his eyes and hated herself for being the one to cause it. “Daniel, you know I had a terrific time, but…” She took a deep breath. She wanted to be honest and tell him it was one of the hottest nights—and the best sex—she ever experienced, but what good would it do either of them? She needed a business relationship with him, not a personal one. “It was one night and it wasn’t meant to be more.” “I bet I can prove you wrong.” Because of his long legs, he was in front of her in two steps. Before she had a chance to wish she’d stepped behind her desk, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, kissing her deeply. She had no time to think, let alone stop him. His mouth was demanding but warm and her body responded at once. “I thought you were incredibly hot in that little black number you wore to the gallery, but I have to say, this conservative business outfit is a turn-on as well. Especially since I know no matter what you’re wearing under your skirt, you have a penchant for lace thigh-high stockings.” “I’m not wearing those today,” she said when he moved his kisses from her jaw to her neck. “Which doesn’t matter because we should not be talking about this, Daniel, or doing this.” The fact that her head fell back was not helping her argument. “Then don’t talk,” he said as his hand traveled to the hem of her skirt and then under, lifting it as he skimmed her legs on his way to her waist. “I like feeling your heat through all these layers.” She gasped as he cupped her pussy, knowing she was getting wetter and there was no way he wouldn’t notice. It was as if having lost control with him once, she couldn’t stop herself from doing it again. Past coherent thought, except for being grateful her office had frosted windows and they couldn’t be seen, Lena let her hands come around his waist, caressing the muscles of his back. She’d loved the strength of him when they were in bed together and never expected to have another opportunity to touch him. She moved one hand to the front, unbuttoning a second button on his shirt so she could touch the warmth of his skin. Breathing in his unique scent, something like oil paint mixed with sandalwood, she surrendered to the sensations of touching him and being touched. A week of fantasies had nothing on reality. She groaned, knowing she was lost. “You drive me wild, Lena,” he growled against her as he lifted her onto her desk. Standing between her spread legs, he continued to stroke her through her clothes. “You’re so responsive, so ready to let go and be pleased.” Ready to let go. That was the last thing she believed herself to be. Yet she was seconds from living her fantasy of sex on the desk. With a man who was twelve years
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her junior. Sanity returned. “Daniel, please, I can’t do this. We shouldn’t do this. You’re a consultant. I’m your employer.” “I’m hardly going to complain.” Logic wasn’t working and if he continued to touch her, she was going to give in. She was halfway there already. Clearly part of her needed this, craved this, and for the first time her emotions were not taking orders from her brain. The heat between her legs was now running the show. Every sane thought in his head told Daniel he should stop, but he was only a few kisses away from being able to ignore those thoughts entirely. She claimed she wasn’t ready, but he was aching to show her how ready she truly was. “Let me please you,” he said and kissed her before she could respond. He wasn’t going to give her time to think too much. He needed her to see she couldn’t ignore him—or her reaction to him. Because Alice was annoyed with him for disappearing from his opening, she refused to help him connect with Lena’s company as a means of marketing his art. Still, he was committed to seeing her again. When Michelle called he was thrilled, even though he’d never before considered contributing his art for such a commercial venue. He had no idea what he was doing, but to be near Lena, he didn’t care. He was determined to make this account a success and even more determined to make Lena get past their age difference. He didn’t know why he was so certain there was the potential for something special between them, but he trusted his instincts. His fingers teased the waistband of her black bikini panties and dipped in to caress the soft skin beneath. She shuddered, and he knew he’d find her wet for him. Part of him wanted to linger, to make her ache more, but he didn’t have time for that today. Moving lower, he slid his hand inside her panties and toward her pussy. The pantyhose made it more challenging than the thigh-highs she wore last time, but also kept his touch close. He stroked the tight curls which alerted him he was nearing her core, and when he felt the split of her swollen lips he stretched a finger out to reach her engorged clit. Now she moaned and bucked under him, trying to maintain her balance as he stroked and massaged the sensitive flesh. Wanting to please her more, he moved his hand farther into her panties. When her legs fell open he knew she was his to enjoy. As soon as he touched her, his fingers were slick from her arousal and need. Without giving her warning he pushed two fingers completely inside her. She was tight and the intrusion stretched and stimulated her. When she squeaked against his mouth, he deepened the kiss, his tongue imitating the actions of his fingers. He made a circle in her mouth and in her pussy, touching every inch of her sensitive walls. He played with her tongue in a flicking motion and did the same below. More groans escaped her lips as her nails dug into his shoulders. He wished he could find the inner spot that drove
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her mad but since it would require space he didn’t have, he returned his thumb to her clit, focusing his attention on the hard nub as he continued to finger-fuck her. Did she know how wet she was for him? Was she aware of how beautiful she was in her passion? God, he wanted to show her. Lena’s head fell back, breaking their kiss, and her eyes met his. Her pupils were dilated. She was breathing fast, her lips swollen and slack from passion. In this setting she wouldn’t cry out her pleasure, but that wasn’t going to stop Daniel. Instead, he intensified his strokes as he watched her topple over the edge. She let out a strangled string of “oh no, oh yes” and gripped him so tightly he wondered if she’d make halfmoon marks with her nails through his shirt. It would be worth it. He held her close as her breathing slowed, then eased his fingers out of her body and her clothes. He licked them. “You taste so sweet.” She blinked as if coming out of a dream. “That…” she started. “Was wonderful,” he said. “Shouldn’t have happened.” “But it did. You wanted it and I wanted to give it to you.” “Which doesn’t make it a good idea.” She fiddled with her clothes and smoothed her hair as she tried to regain a professional appearance. He could have told her it was useless. And she looked better flushed. “I should have stopped you.” “You didn’t want me to stop.” “I should have anyway.” “Aren’t you in a ‘should-y’ mood.” She didn’t smile so he continued, “Don’t you ever let yourself get carried away?” “No, I prefer being sensible.” “Then it’s no wonder you haven’t had more orgasms with a man.” Stepping back he adjusted his clothes and left without another word.
***** For the next several days she kept busy, wrapping up one client’s project while beginning to work with Daniel in short blocks of time on the Golden account. He would show her a sketch or an idea, she would offer suggestions then try to get back to her office as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, her core would clench in memory every time she walked into her space, and it was an effort to sit at her desk and not remember Daniel’s fingers buried inside her. They had to work together no matter her discomfort, although she worked to mitigate the issue by having someone from the marketing team join her whenever possible, to prevent herself from being alone with him. To add to her frustration, Daniel seemed to be able to keep his desires under wraps so she couldn’t tell if he was struggling as much as she.
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In addition, the more time they spent together, the more she learned what a complex and exciting man Daniel was. Each interaction revealed something she admired and liked. He had vision, creativity, a sense of humor and was a surprisingly good collaborator, a rare talent in an artist. But no matter how focused on business their conversation was, Lena frequently needed to force her mind back on the project when it wandered to more sensual thoughts. It was clear to Lena she needed a social and a sex life. After they won the Golden account and the company was solid again—she needed to think positively—she would ask Michelle for help with her dating life. She’d place herself in her friend’s capable manicured hands and start having fun again.
***** After a week of work and with only ten days to go until their presentation, the team didn’t feel they’d hit on the campaign they wanted to bring to Golden. Lena was feeling frustrated and frightened when an instant message popped up on her computer screen with Daniel’s name at the top. “Have you had dinner yet?” “No,” she typed back. “Guess it’s another night of ordering in.” “If you’re ready to leave for the day, I know a great Italian place nearby where we could go.” Her stomach growled at the invitation. She was tired of using her desk like a dining room table. It made her a little nervous to have dinner alone with him, but a public place was probably safe. Safe. Why was she always worrying about being safe? Without thinking any more about it she responded, “Sounds good.” “I’m ready when you are,” he replied. Her body tingled and before her brain could stop her, she wrote, “Yes, I’ve noticed that about you.” He sent her back a smiley face icon and said, “Meet you at the door in five.” She saved the files she was working in, threw other work into her bag and headed to the lobby. When he wasn’t there she walked to the large office he was using as his studio. Organized chaos reigned. Paper, pencils, charcoals and pastels covered every available surface, except a couch, which she knew he lay on to brainstorm new ideas. Concepts ideas were tacked onto the walls and decorated with Post-it notes of comments and suggestions. “You always were creative,” she said, unwittingly referring to their history. “You remember?” His gray eyes held hers and she couldn’t look away. It was unnerving. “I do,” she said, looking anywhere but at him. “Whatever materials I gave you to try, you dove in. First you’d use them the way they were meant to be used, then you’d do different things.” 49
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“Which didn’t turn out very well with the papier-mâché.” She laughed and sat down on a chair by his desk. “That’s right. I almost forgot. I think the floor is still lumpy from that little experiment. Of course, once I gave you the camera and showed you the dark room, everything else disappeared.” “When I find what I like I have a tendency to stay with it.” Lena swallowed. He wasn’t discussing photography or his work. She should change the subject or try for a funny comeback, but nothing came to her. Except the image of him focusing his attention on her body. Naked. Open. Wet and ready for him. A flush starting at her cheeks traveled over her body, heating her and making it difficult not to squirm in her seat. “Are you okay?” His question pulled her out of her imaginings. “Yes, sorry. I got distracted. I was,” she was reaching for something, anything to say that wouldn’t embarrass her, “thinking if there was something in the creative process itself we could connect with the process of choosing and putting on makeup.” She hoped that sounded right. Her brain was too muddled to be certain. He gave her a knowing smile. “Hungry? Let’s get out of here.” Nope, she thought, she wasn’t doing a good job of hiding her thoughts from him. Not in the least.
***** Daniel had no doubt of Lena’s attraction to him, but he also saw clearly that this sweet, sensual woman had a tendency to be skittish, an unexpected trait he found endearing. He loved a challenge. For dinner he brought her to an Italian place two blocks over and down a small flight of stairs. He’d discovered it accidently and had been a regular ever since. They knew him well and the owner’s wife fed him as if he were one of her children. Inside, it was bright enough so it wasn’t threatening but dark enough to give them the privacy he wanted. Over antipasto and fresh manicotti they discussed the history of Golden Cosmetics, what made them successful so far and what might bring them new customers and create the biggest buzz in the future. By the end of the meal they were talking over each other, jotting notes on napkins and racing back to the office to see if there was anything new that could lead to the “that’s it” they needed. Three hours later, they were still struggling to get it right. “We are so close,” she said. “I can feel it.” “But we haven’t found it,” he said, running his hands through his hair. “Maybe we should call it a night.” He looked at his watch. “In a few more hours we can call it a day. It’s after one.”
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She fell back against his couch. Her shoes were in a corner, her makeup long rubbed off but she managed to find the energy to wad up another piece of paper and toss it at the waste paper bin. “Two points,” Daniel said when it fell neatly in the basket. “Great, at least I’m successful at something tonight.” He heard the pain in her voice. “We’re going to get this, Lena.” “I’m not so sure anymore. At first, when all the ideas were bubbling I was certain this was going to be a smooth process. Then every time we step away from it, or show it to someone new, we don’t get the connection or reaction we want. I’m running out of energy. And hope. The company needs this account. I don’t want to think about what will happen if we don’t get it.” Daniel left his drafting table and joined her on the couch, pulling her into his arms. She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. Her leaning on him without a struggle or stiffening told him how concerned she was. “We’re going to get this. We’re going to find that combination of magic and buzzworthy images.” “Buzzworthy?” She turned to look at him. “Not a word?” “Not as far as I know,” she said. “Well, it should be. Something worthy of being buzzed about. Seems like a reasonable new expression to me.” “I’m sure if we start using it in the right places, it will be in no time.” He kissed the top of her head. “The struggle is a good sign. It’s because we’re determined to create something amazing and we’re not willing to settle for anything less. We’ve come up with some great ideas. Heck, we’ve got enough material to make five companies happy.” “But not necessarily to break into this one.” Placing his hand under her chin, he lifted her face so he could look at her. “We will find it. We’ll create it, and it will be magic.” The look in her eyes touched him. He understood all she was feeling—fear, frustration and the desire to get it right. Without thinking he leaned forward and kissed her. It was a slow kiss and he let it linger, giving her the opportunity to pull away, even if he didn’t want her to. She was the one who deepened it, opening his mouth with her tongue and bringing them closer. He didn’t wait for her to change her mind. After so many days of either trying to ignore or fight her attraction to him, Lena was more than ready to give in. She wanted his kisses, his touch. She wanted to melt in his arms the way she had on that first night and get completely carried away by the feelings he brought out in her. Before her brain could suggest something logical that could distract her, she undid the buttons on his polo shirt and took it off over his head. Running her hands over his 51
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chest, she reveled in the feel of muscle and skin, the hair that was unique to him, which she traced down his stomach to where it disappeared beneath his belt. She kissed his jaw then his neck as he worked on getting her blouse off. Her bra followed soon after and she leaned back to let him touch her more. She threaded her hands through his hair as he kissed and licked his way to her breasts, teasing and sucking her nipples, making them hard, making her want more. He seemed to know what she was thinking because as he continued to arouse her, his hands were busy undoing the zipper on the side of her pants. The sound as it slid down her thigh made her shiver, but not as much as she did a moment later when he removed them along with her underwear. She couldn’t remember ever being stripped so quickly. “God, you’re beautiful, Lena,” he said. “I could spend hours painting you, longer, and still never manage to capture how incredible you are.” His words sent a rush of pleasure through her but before she could say anything, his fingers were on her pussy and instead of telling him her thoughts, she showed him as she wet his fingers with her need. Any additional foreplay was unnecessary—she was ready for him. Unfortunately, he enjoyed tormenting her and instead of letting her strip him, he moved onto the floor, turning her hips toward him. As he covered her pussy with his mouth, he inserted two fingers inside her, making her gasp from the intensity of the sensations. Lena gripped the couch and looked down, blushing to see him enjoying her body in a way she’d never experienced. She was used to sex in a bedroom with dim or no lighting. This was new. And thrilling. Lying naked on the couch she felt exposed and vulnerable, but thrilled beyond anything she could remember. Her heart raced and her skin tingled as her passion built. His mouth and fingers seemed to find every sensitive part and perhaps create new ones. She was on fire. “Come for me, my sweet. I want to taste your passion,” he said and his tongue swirled around her clit then flicked repeatedly over the swollen bud, bringing on her climax faster and harder than she expected. There was no soft buildup, just a surge of intensity. As it swept through her she arched up and he grabbed her hips, bringing her closer to him. She could feel him drinking her in and melting truly seeming like the only option. He kept his fingers inside her, stroking her, making her orgasm last. With his other hand he took his wallet out of his pants pocket, then got rid of the pants and his briefs. He stopped touching her only to take the condom out and put it on. “Tell me what you want,” he said. “You. Inside of me.” And before she could take another breath he was.
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Fantasies and vibrators were nothing compared to the real thing. Lena wrapped her legs around him and brought him as close as she could, pulling his mouth to hers, wanting there to be no space between them. He ground his hips against hers and she reveled in the feel of him completely inside her. She pulled her hips back into the cushions then lifted up again, taking him deeper, enjoying his moans of pleasure. He found the rhythm she started and soon they were moving together, meeting each other’s thrusts, coming together harder and faster each time. She loved watching the play of emotions and delight that moved across his face, and noticed the moment when his body shifted to the final buildup to the climax she was aching for him to have. It was wondrous to want pleasure for another person as much—or more—than she wanted it for herself. “Lena.” It was almost a growl. “I know,” she said, and after the orgasm he’d given her, she did. Words weren’t necessary. He thrust up hard inside her as he came, lifting her off the couch, and she reveled in his desire for her. He kissed her again and she couldn’t stop herself from touching him everywhere she could reach, wanting to enjoy as much of him as she could. He rested against her as his breathing returned to normal, then somehow flipped them over so she was on top of him, lying comfortably on his chest. “That was rather wonderful,” she said. “Buzzworthy?” She laughed. “It would be, but I think we should refrain from mentioning it on Twitter.” “Definitely gets the juices flowing.” She lifted her head to look at him and raised an eyebrow. They started laughing. “I suppose if we’re going to get any more work done, however, we should get dressed again.” “Sadly true,” he said and pushed her hair out of her face, kissing her softly. They dressed much slower than they undressed. Barefoot, he stepped around the papers on the floor. “There is a lot more stuff to go through than I thought. What shall we do?” “What we do best,” she said and paused. “Maybe second best.” She knew she might regret her decision to sleep with him later, but couldn’t bring herself to feel anything other than good for the moment. “You take one pile of sketches and copy and I’ll take another and we’ll pull out the ones we like and see what we can build on.” The next thing Lena heard was Michelle’s voice saying, “Good morning, kids. Coffee?”
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Chapter Six Lena opened her eyes and closed them again immediately. There was too much light in the room. “Come on, sleepyheads. Rise and shine.” Shining did not feel like an option. “What time is it?” “Eight thirty,” Michelle said. Lena sat up rapidly and regretted it immediately. “No, no one knows the two of you are back here. And we’ve all been so busy and stressed I don’t think anyone will notice you’re wearing the same clothes as yesterday.” Lena groaned. This was not the way to be professional. Thank goodness they dressed after— She groaned again. “Take the coffee,” said Michelle as she handed them each a mug. “I’ll go get you something to eat.” “Something with—” Lena started. “Chocolate,” Michelle finished. “Oh, and you probably should pick up your underwear from the foot of the couch.” Michelle left without another word and Lena took a sip of her coffee before looking across the office at Daniel. She had a feeling she had the same dazed expression on her face. “Good morning,” she said. “Well, the morning part is true, and last night was good, but I’m not all that sure about now,” he said with a stretch and a moan. He’d ended up falling asleep on his desk, which had to have been uncomfortable. They were wading through papers from the night before when Michelle came back with sweets. Lena and Daniel dove on the food, starving from working—and playing— the night before. “So did anything come out of last night?” Michelle asked. They both choked on their breakfast. “Let me rephrase that. Did you make any headway on the Golden presentation?” “We have a lot of great ideas,” Daniel said. “But we haven’t hit on the right combination yet.” “Nothing is giving us that tingle. You know, the one that screams ‘This is it!’.” Michelle nodded. “There’s only ten days until the deadline.” There was silence and Lena could feel the panic rising in her. “You need to leave.” “I suppose you’re right. I can go home, shower, maybe catch a little more sleep and be back before one.” “No, you need to get out of the office and go away. Both of you.” 54
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Lena looked at her friend wondering if her hearing was muddled. “There’s no time for that.” “There’s no time to waste,” said Michelle. “What do you mean?” “Every year you go out to your parents’ camp and you come back rejuvenated and bursting with ideas and energy. I think that’s exactly what you need right now.” Lena couldn’t believe what Michelle was suggesting. She sipped her coffee, hoping that if she woke up more, she’d hear something that made sense. It didn’t help. “Pack your things and get out of here or so help me I will go straight to my office and cancel our appointment with Golden,” Michelle said. “You wouldn’t dare.” “I would rather cancel than present anything less than our best. Unless you can convince me you can do that given your current state, then I’m making the call so we can focus on other business.” Lena wanted to argue, to yell, to convince Michelle that this was a crazy and unproductive idea, but she couldn’t deny her partner and friend had a valid point. Damn it. She took a deep breath and looked at Daniel. “Are you game?” “Whatever it takes,” he said. “Good,” said Michelle. “I expect to get a call from you later this evening telling me you’re there and then I don’t want to hear from you again until you are on your way back with something dazzling.” They sat there in silence after Michelle left. Daniel spoke first. “Do you have a car?” “Yes.” “Good, then you’re driving.” Lena tried not to laugh. This was going to be interesting.
***** At two o’clock Lena pulled up in front of Daniel’s apartment building in her red Mini Cooper. The look on his face was comical. She loved her little car, and especially since after she bought it no one in her family asked her to pick them up or drive them anywhere. With their height, she was the last choice for a ride. She, however, felt safe and in control behind the wheel. Let them have their SUVs, Lena was happy to zip around in traffic and fit into any parking spot she wanted, especially in the city. He wasn’t taller than her brothers, but he would likely seem enormous in the tiny car. With Daniel sitting in the passenger seat, everything would be different. She worried about whether or not this trip was going to prove productive and whether being near Daniel all the time was going to be a distraction she couldn’t afford. “Can someone really fit in this?” he asked when she arrived. 55
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“I can. Of course, I’m not abnormally large.” “Neither am I, Thumbelina, but I’m not sure I can fold myself into your toy car. Does it come with a remote control?” “Very funny, Jolly Green Giant,” she said, choosing one of the nicknames she used on her brothers. “You don’t have a car, so get in and get comfortable.” “Yes ma’am, although I’m not sure the latter is possible,” he said with a salute which made her want to throw something at him, and a smile that made her heart thump faster. A few minutes later they were headed west on the Massachusetts Turnpike, the city disappearing in her rearview mirror. In past years she relished the drive to Crane Hill Camp, feeling her worries slip away as she left Cambridge and with each mile she put behind her. The farther she drove, the lighter she felt. Not today. “Is it a long drive?” Daniel asked. “Feeling cramped already?” “I think I have enough leg room. Barely. But no, I was curious. I haven’t been out to the Berkshires since that summer.” “It’s nearly two hours. I have a full tank of gas and coffee, so I don’t think we’ll need to stop.” “Can we sing camp songs? I think I remember Kumbaya.” She laughed and cringed. “Not on your life. In fact, I’ve done my best over the years to try to erase them from my memory, so don’t try it. My iPod is in the bag behind my seat. Feel free to pull it out and pick something.” As he reached for it, he leaned closer and she recognized the scent of his soap. When had it become familiar? And when had it started to make her tingle with excitement. She refocused on the road in front of her as he settled back into his seat. “Cool,” he said after flipping through the playlists on her iPod. “You like Blackmore’s Night.” “They’re one of my favorites. I’ve caught them in concert a few times. They’re amazing. I guess from your smile you like them too.” “Love them, but I never had a chance to see them perform. An old girlfriend introduced me to them, and I’ve been hooked ever since.” “An old girlfriend?” Lena couldn’t imagine him with another woman, and for some reason didn’t want to. It wasn’t a reaction she was comfortable with, but she couldn’t ignore it. “Someone I met when I was in business school. She was a senior at Wellesley and eventually chose a medical school in California.” “Did she break your heart?” The question slipped out before she could stop it. Was this going to keep happening? She needed to be more careful.
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“Not at all. Both of us knew it was a short-term thing since we met a few months before graduation. We had a lot of fun together though, and she introduced me to several great things in addition to Blackmore’s Night.” “Such as?” Stupid mouth. Stop opening, she admonished herself. “Single malt scotch, sushi, which I hadn’t been willing to try before then, and how much a woman can enjoy being pleasured orally.” Lena almost swerved into the other lane. “I’m sorry, was it something I said?” Lena dared a glance at him and saw his smug expression. “No, not at all. I was expecting you to mention oral sex at some point in the conversation.” “Were you?” “No, not really. Go on,” she said, not meaning it. “She was a very sensual person. Whether it was food, music or sex, she had an appreciation and an appetite for it all. When I was younger I wouldn’t have believed it, but there are things that can’t be learned from books. They need to be experienced.” “Is that so?” She desperately wanted to change the topic but her mind couldn’t picture anything other than Daniel’s mouth between her legs. “Definitely, and they deserve to be done slowly with every part savored, no matter how hungry you might be for more. There’s a lot to be said for taking time to appreciate texture, temperature and taste.” His alliteration was doing nothing to distract her from the images flashing through her thoughts. She remembered Daniel licking her as he discovered places she was sensitive and focused on it until she was ready to scream. He was as creative in bed as he was at the computer. If he kept talking like this she was going to pull over and jump him, which was a nearly impossible feat in a car this tiny. He continued. “The heat of the liquid as it washes over the salty taste. Savoring the ones which are sweeter and the ones that are oilier.” She snapped out of her reverie. He lost her with his last comment. “Oilier?” “The sushi. Salmon is oiler than tuna. Mackerel is salty and the best way to clear your palate after is by drinking something warm, either green tea or a little sake. What did you think I was talking about?” She was not going to give him the satisfaction of an answer, especially since anything she said was going to come out wrong. She grabbed her coffee and took a long swallow. Food was a safe topic. She could discuss food. “We don’t have to go without while we’re out here. With all the tourists the area gets, a Japanese restaurant has probably opened somewhere close.” “I’ll look forward to it.” True to her word, two hours later they pulled onto the grounds of Crane Hill camp. She parked near the Grand House and they got out, heading to the trunk to take out what they brought. He took a deep breath. “No car exhaust fumes here.” “Nope, almost nothing but fresh air.” 57
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“So, what do you do when you’re here?” “Read, walk, take pictures, skinny dip,” she said. “Excuse me?” “I take pictures and develop those I’ve taken since I was here last.” He walked over and stood in front of her. His chest, his presence, filled her entire field of vision. “That’s not what I was referring to. I distinctly heard you mention skinny dipping.” She laughed. “I owed you one for the oral sex comment during the drive. I was kidding, however. The water is still too cold from winter to swim.” “Too bad. It could have been worth living without the internet for that, but I’m sure we’ll find other ways to spend our time.” She thought he was going to kiss her, but at the last moment he leaned to the side and pulled out the closest piece of luggage. She didn’t know what was worse. That he didn’t kiss her or that she was disappointed. It didn’t take long to bring everything into the house and Lena showed Daniel to a room on the second floor where he could stay. She knew it was likely they were going to end up in the same room and the same bed, but she didn’t want to start with the assumption. Less than an hour later, they got back into the car and drove to the local grocery store—supermarket would have been an overstatement—to stock up on food. Daniel nixed several of her frozen choices in favor of fresh foods. “You’re going to have to do most of the cooking then,” she said, “because I have a reputation of being lethal in the kitchen. Most of my recipes involve piercing plastic covering with a fork. I’m a born microwave-er.” “I’ll take my chances,” he said. Still, to make things easier for dinner, he agreed to stop at the town’s pizza place to grab sandwiches and beers from the liquor store next door. They ate on the back porch, silent and in their own worlds. “Drinking beer at my old camp feels rather illicit,” Daniel said after a while. “This was the kind of thing Roger and his friends were sneaking out for on their days off.” She nodded. “I remember the first time I came back as an adult. It was surreal.” “You know, when you’re a camper, you’re dying to know what the Grand House is like. It looks so imposing and set apart compared to everything else.” “Would you prefer to stay in one of the cabins?” “No thank you,” he said. “I outgrew my love of bunk beds quite a while ago. Although I would like to go and check to see if my name is still on the wall of the one I stayed in.” Smiling, Lena said, “I’ve heard the kids talk about the House, suggesting there’s a ghost here and other campfire stories. I think my folks like the mystery surrounding it. I’m pretty sure they encourage it. Mom set one of her more popular books here.” 58
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“It’s old, isn’t it?” “Yes, it was built by my great-grandfather on my dad’s side, a gift to his wife for the family they hoped to have. It always had more space than anyone needed. Grandpa Crane grew up in it and Dad stayed here in the summers. When the house and land came to him, he decided being here with only his family wasn’t enough, so with my mom they created the camp.” “And the rest is history. You came for summers too, right?” “Absolutely. When I was little I thought this house was a castle. It was bigger than the home we lived in during the rest of the year. Here I had my own room and my own playroom, which was great because I wasn’t interested in joining my brothers or risking having them break my things.” “Were you ever a camper?” “For several years. I started staying in the cabins the summer after my tenth birthday. My parents agreed to let me register under my mom’s maiden name so no one would know I was related to the owners. They may have been only a few acres away, but it was the first time I had the chance to be on my own. I wasn’t someone’s daughter or sister. I loved it.” “Something in your voice tells me things didn’t stay that way.” To buy time, she drank her beer. “Things change. People change.” She paused. “I changed.” “You say it like it’s a bad thing.” “It was at times. My parents are all about enchantment and fairy tales and happilyever-afters. When I was young it was wonderful. All the kids wanted to play at our house, but when I got older, having parents who were bohemians wasn’t cool. I wanted them to be normal. I wanted to be normal. By my early teens, I was done with their view of the world.” “That’s typical,” he said. “Not in my family. My brothers loved it as much as our folks. One became a Renaissance history professor specializing in the belief and practice of magic. He’s a regular at fairs as well. My other brother writes urban fantasy novels. I’m the outsider.” “Did they let you go your own way?” “For the most part,” she said. “Then you should consider yourself lucky. I was born to a group of hard-core business and law school graduates who had no idea what to do with the kid who was reading nothing but sci-fi fantasy fiction and joining role-playing games. I had to fight every time I wanted to go to a conference that wasn’t on a topic that interested them. When I announced I was getting my MFA and not an MBA I thought my parents were going to disown me. Thank goodness for scholarships or I never would have made it.” “Have they warmed up to your choices?” “Not completely. They’re glad I’m happy, but they can’t understand it at all.” 59
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“Maybe we were born to the wrong families,” she said. He laughed. “It almost seems that way.” “Don’t you find it exhausting?” “It was more difficult when I was in high school and college, but I’ve accepted that I don’t want the life they have or the one they would have chosen for me. Having to make my way in a field that’s separate from them has made me stronger, clearer about what’s important to me. I’m willing to fight for what I want.” He stared at her then and she couldn’t look away. She knew he wasn’t talking about art anymore. Keeping her business open was the first thing she’d fought for in a long time, but it wasn’t about the passion and desire he was talking about. His drive was motivated by love, hers from fear. Lena didn’t want to think anymore. She wanted to act on all the feelings she’d been having since the car ride. Without another word she left her seat and sat in his lap. Taking his face in her hands she kissed him passionately. She wasn’t aware of the night chill until her body warmed him. He grabbed her around the waist and crushed her against him. She wanted to be something worth fighting for, no matter how the idea scared her. She threaded her hands through his hair, and loved feeling him shiver beneath her. “I can’t get enough of you,” he said. He kissed her neck, behind her ear, then moved to the opening at the top of her shirt as he breathed in the soft, floral scent of her skin. “I want you naked and spread beneath me.” He put one arm under her legs and one around her back and stood, lifting her with ease. “Where’s your room?” All she wanted was to touch him and be touched. Following through on desire made her feel powerful. “Top floor, turn right, first door on the left,” she said between kisses. She loved the way he was able to carry her without breaking his stride all while continuing to devour her mouth with his. For the first time she didn’t feel small or intimidated next to the strength of another. The sun was setting through the western windows, casting the room in a pinkorange glow. He was at her bed in two steps and a breath later they were in the center of the mattress wrapped in each other. It was not a day for slow caresses or gentle exploration. They removed each other’s clothes in a frenzy, wanting to be naked as soon as possible. The moment his skin touched hers, she moaned. She craved the heat of him, needed to have him against her. His hand went to her pussy as hers went to his cock. She found him hard and knew she was wet for him. When his finger plunged into her she arched against him, breaking the kiss to cry out with the pleasure of it. “You love the feel of my fingers deep inside your pussy, don’t you?” he asked. The blatant words added a thrill to his actions as he pushed in farther. It was language she’d thought, read and heard, but not something she’d ever said. Talking this
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way never felt comfortable in the past, but with Daniel she was able to take more risks, allow more freedom. “Yes, God, yes.” He stopped his kisses and gazed at her. “Tell me what you want.” His eyes searched hers with an intensity she could not turn away from, could not lie to. “I want you to touch me,” she said. “Where?” She moaned as he stroked her with the barest of touches. “Where, Lena?” he asked louder. “Tell me or I’ll stop.” “My clit,” she said, the words foreign and strange to her tongue, yet exciting. “I need you to touch my clit and make me come.” “And should I use my fingers or my mouth?” “Oh God, Daniel.” His words were making her hotter. “How about both?” “Yes, please, both. I want everything.” He wasted no time moving down her body, pulling her legs apart and placing his mouth on her. She grabbed at the covers and moaned, opening herself. “That’s it, Lena,” he said against her sensitive skin. “Spread your legs for me. Let me lick all of you.” His words continued to inflame her but paled in comparison to the sensation of his mouth teasing her labia while his fingers slid slowly and deeply inside her. She could feel herself building to a crescendo faster than she was used to. Her whole body was straining for what was coming. “Daniel, you’re driving me crazy.” “Good,” he said, pulling her legs over his shoulders increasing his contact on her pussy. She didn’t think he could intensify what he was doing to her, but she was wrong. Her hands clutched the sheets. A rush of wetness she couldn’t control made her shiver. “Yes, Lena, let me taste you.” Again he surprised her with how he loved her responses. A part of her was still waiting for the critical comments, but each time they didn’t happen, more of her healed and grew stronger. And her passion grew as well. She craved, wanted, and Daniel was ready to give her exactly what she needed. As one finger began to tease the opening of her ass, slippery from her juices running down, his tongue focused on her clit and another finger entered her tight pussy. There was no stopping her climax, which centered out from where he was stroking her and captured her body in wave after wave of glorious release. “God yes, Daniel, yes,” she yelled. Nothing other than “yes” or “oh” was possible after as she surrendered to the hard contractions coursing through her. When she could manage more than a single syllable she said, “Tell me you have a condom in your wallet.” “I have a condom in my wallet, and my wallet’s in my pants.”
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“Get it. Now.” He laughed deeply. “I like it when you’re demanding.” “Then I demand you get back here and fuck me.” She heard the words, but could hardly believe she said them. Before she could think, however, he was in bed again, condom on. “Get on your knees, Lena.” She was turning over without a second thought. It was thrilling to surrender to her needs and his demands simultaneously. She’d never been this aroused. He reached around and stroked her clit, and she didn’t consider holding back the moan. “More, Daniel. I don’t want to wait.” “But what if I want you to?” “Later. Another time. Please.” “Another time then.” He teased her entrance with the tip of his cock. “I have your word on that?” “Yes,” she said, trying to push back against him. He held her hips firmly in place. “Yes, what?” This was maddening. “Yes, another time you can go slowly, whatever you need, just take me.” “With pleasure,” he said, his voice husky with passion. He pulled her toward him hard and his cock was instantly sheathed inside her. “God, you’re so tight.” He felt full inside her as well. All of the time in the car trying to tighten herself against her arousal must have given her vaginal muscles a good workout because she felt stretched. She moved her hips in a grinding motion, accommodating more of him, and was rewarded with his groan. He reached around and stroked her clit again, bringing her arousal to a near boiling point. She was expecting him to use the other to caress her breasts. Instead he dipped one finger along her pussy, wetting it with her juices then moved it around to her ass and teased her there. She gasped at the unexpected and exciting sensation. “You like that, don’t you?” he asked, his voice a husky whisper. “Yes, I think.” “You think? If you can think,” he slid a finger partially inside her, “then I’m not doing something right.” “It’s not that,” she said haltingly, allowing the pleasure to help her become accustomed to the feel. “I’ve never done this before.” He paused in his movements. Clearly she surprised him. “No man has enjoyed the pleasure of taking your sweet ass before?” His words sent a ripple of breathless anticipation through her. It was something she thought about, even fantasized about during masturbation, but she had always been too shy to mention it with any of her lovers. “No, never.”
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“Then I’m going to have to change that for you.” She shivered, wiggling herself back on him, allowing his finger to slide in deeper. “And from your reaction, I would say it’s something you’re going to love.” He increased his movements on her clit. “You’d like it, wouldn’t you? My cock sliding slowly, deeply into your ass, stretching you in new ways while I continue to please your pussy with my fingers.” His actions mimicked his words and she could imagine how it would feel to have him there, deep within her, giving him something she never gave another man. The images flashing through her mind coupled with the pleasure he was causing was too much for her body to handle. “Daniel, I’m going to—” “Come, Lena. Come for me. Come with me.” Knowing he wanted it as much as she did was the final tipping point. She grabbed at the comforter under hands, pushed her hips back to take him as deeply as she could. He continued to play with her clit and her ass and she could feel his balls against the lips of her pussy. The climax slashed through her with a white-hot intensity, sending fire to every part of her body. As she screamed her release she noticed she wasn’t alone. Daniel’s voice echoed her pleasure and release. When her orgasm ebbed, it sapped all her energy and her elbows gave way. She collapsed, boneless, onto the bed, Daniel on top of her. They lay there not saying anything, both breathing rapidly. She wondered if his ears were ringing like hers were. She decided to ask him when she could form a sentence again. She didn’t know how long they stayed connected to each other, but eventually Daniel’s cock slid out of her body. He moved slowly off her and padded quietly to the bathroom. When she heard the flush, she knew he disposed of the condom. He came back quickly, pulled her into his arms and held her close. “We’re good at this breathless thing,” he said. He put his hand under her chin and kissed her softly but passionately. “Yes, we are,” she sighed with a smile. “I never thought I’d be glad this place is remote, but I’m relieved you don’t have any close neighbors. They might have called the cops on us.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “At this point, I don’t think the wildlife will come near the camp tonight. I’m always surprised by how completely I respond with you, to you.” “I could say the same thing about you, my sweet. You’re reactions are so exciting they push me over.” Once again, a part of her heart softened. He found her responsive and exciting, not cold and unreachable. Maybe if he saw her that way, it could be true. But would an older, more experienced partner see her that way? Daniel was so young, and didn’t have much to compare her to. No matter how wonderful he was, she couldn’t allow herself to forget he was so much younger than she and his opinion of her was influenced by that as well as the crush he’d had on her years ago.
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Besides, she expected this only to be a fling, right? Something to get her juices going, as Michelle said, before she moved on to a real relationship. He wasn’t someone she could get serious about. She wasn’t cut out to live the artistic life her parents chose. The thought didn’t make her feel better. What if she stayed with him? That didn’t lead to any comforting views either. By the time he was her age, he might decide he’d made a mistake in choosing someone older. She’d be in her fifties and what would people say about them then? As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted a normal life, one others would see as normal as well. She’d had enough of being considered weird as a kid with parents who didn’t fit the mold. She didn’t want a relationship where people would wonder why she didn’t choose a man closer to her own age. As she fell asleep, she was still wondering that herself.
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Chapter Seven Lena loved the west-facing windows of her room in the Great House because it meant no pesky sunlight waking her early in the morning. Since she was the only girl in the family, her parents finished the attic space for her as two rooms. One, with the western and northern windows, was her bedroom. With the exception of exchanging her twin bed for a queen, and taking the stuffed animals out, it looked as it did when she summered here. She used the second room with its eastern and northern windows as a playroom when she was younger and as an artist studio as an adult. It was her private sanctuary with plenty of space and wonderful lighting, both natural and electrical. Fortunately her parents believed strongly in privacy and needing personal space, so no one in the family came there, even when she was away. This morning she woke slowly and stretched pleasantly sore muscles into rousing. She was getting used to the way her body felt after sex with Daniel, and she liked it. A lot. Last night was simultaneously rough and tender, both of them needing to express themselves, both of them needing the other to accept them. Lena never knew sex could be so filled with connection. Not even in her marriage did she experience this. She did it to please the other person and for her own enjoyment. Feeling as though she was communicating with her partner through sex was new. And wonderful. She rolled over to reach for Daniel but discovered she was alone with a note where she thought he would be. “Gone jogging. Coffee made. Want you again. D.” It was hard to know what was better—that he wanted her, or that he made certain coffee was waiting for her downstairs. She decided since she couldn’t have him at the moment, she was going with the next best thing. Putting on an oversized t-shirt and lounge pants, she headed barefoot to the kitchen as if guided like a cartoon character on the waves of the enticing smell. It was a wonderful way to be greeted—a freshly brewed pot of heaven. She could have used a kiss, too, but it was available later. A full bottle of hazelnut creamer was in the refrigerator from their shopping trip. She added it to her drink, took a sip and sighed contentedly, loving the taste. Lingering over morning coffee was one of her favorite treats when she was here, along with not having to get dressed in anything more confining than sweatpants. Normally, her days were completely unscripted and totally her own. Not this time. As she continued to enjoy her coffee and bit into a blueberry muffin, she considered how to manage her day. Maybe working alone in her studio would help her come up with something new, something that wasn’t possible when they were 65
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collaborating in a small office space. He might be curious about what she was doing, but she didn’t think he would push to see her work if she didn’t offer. He understood the creative process. She thought of her art, sitting covered in her studio upstairs. Maybe there was some inspiration there, although the thought of sharing that made her nervous. What she produced here wasn’t something she showed to anyone. It was part of why she found it easy to create. Once she started picturing an audience, her inspiration drained away like an unplugged bathtub. Lena refilled her mug and left a note on the kitchen island for Daniel. Thanks for the coffee. Hope you had a good run. Going to work on my own and see what comes up. See you at lunchtime. L. She should probably tell him where she was but she didn’t want to be found, at least for the next several hours. She took the supplies she brought from the living room to the studio and then came down for her coffee and another muffin. Back in the room she raised the shades and let in the morning light, which she was finally ready for. Dust particles floated in the beams of sun as brightness fell on objects left in the dark for nearly a year. Carefully she removed drop cloths and plastic covers off easels, her drawing table and other supplies she stored here. Lastly, she uncovered a luxurious divan and smiled. It was her favorite piece of furniture, a modern version of an oldfashioned fainting couch, although sturdier and more comfortable. Ever since she was a kid she wanted one and it was something she, surprisingly, never outgrew. When she saw it in a magazine in a deep eggplant color she ordered two, one for home and one for here. As her projects were uncovered she sensed a shift within herself, an easing. Lena would never tell her mother this, but she missed living as an artist, giving herself over to whatever means of expression was necessary to create. She worked in photographs, oils, cut paper—whatever inspired her. Here there were no limits, no restrictions. It was her piece of paradise. She hoped she would find the inspiration she needed.
***** Daniel had left a sleeping Lena and now stretched his legs against the steps and railing of the Grand House’s porch. It was a crisp morning and he was looking forward to running through the camp, seeing what changed, what was still the same. One thing was very different. The woman who would be waiting for him back at the house. He started down the path and smiled when he saw the art cabin a few yards in front of him. Turning left, he passed the radio station’s shack and the path leading to the all-purpose building, before heading down the dirt lane lined on both sides by the girls’ cabins. He remembered a time when he, and every boy in his bunk, would have given almost anything to have access to those oversized rooms holding the mysterious creatures they were starting to notice. Of course, then he noticed Lena and none of the other teen girls compared.
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Being here was a surreal experience. He didn’t come for the reunions or keep in touch with any of the friends he made. The idea of being here alone with Lena was nearly impossible to comprehend. Years of dreaming couldn’t compare to being with her. He knew dreams were different from reality, but this reality was better than anything he pictured. He jogged past the soccer field, turned down to the archery area and then toward the lake. The temperature changed as he neared the water. Lena was right about swimming. It was too soon, too cold, to try out the water, which was definitely too bad. It would have been fun to skinny dip with her. Maybe after this project was over he’d offer to take her somewhere warm and tropical—and secluded. Thoughts of her luscious curves in a bikini, dripping wet from the ocean flashed through his mind. He hardened immediately and almost stumbled. He shook his head to clear the image. With that picture of Lena he would never be able to run. Daniel’s morning jogs were a time of peace for him, and since joining the track team in college, he rarely missed a day. When he did, he could feel it. His thoughts were disjointed, as if his brain were clogged. He wasn’t a morning person, or so he’d been told by previous roommates and bedmates. Before coffee and his run, he was probably barely human. Their relationship was too new for her to see him in that zombie state. He didn’t want to scare her. Not that she rattled easily, at least not since their first morning. There was so much passion behind her buttoned-up exterior. He loved feeling her come alive with desire. He was fairly certain she had no idea how erotic she was, but he was having a very good time showing her. On his second lap around the campgrounds he chose a different route, this time passing through the wooded area where the boys’ bunks were nestled. The summers he spent here were all great, but none like the one when Lena unexpectedly arrived. Photography became and stayed an important part of his life, and it was possible Lena would too. He increased the pace for the last part of his run, wanting to get back to the Grand House to see her. There was never someone waiting for him before. She wasn’t waiting for him. Her note said she’d see him at lunchtime. Her car was still in the drive, but he couldn’t find her. He considered checking for her at the art cabin, but decided maybe she needed time alone. Neither of them were too keen on the idea of forced company. Lunch would be soon enough. He jumped in the shower and put on comfortable clothes. Grabbing a notebook and sketch pad along with a fresh cup of coffee, he made himself comfortable at a table in the living room and started playing with images and ideas. He got so involved in his work he didn’t notice the time until he heard someone making noise in the kitchen. Pushing away from the table, he stretched his legs, stiff from sitting in one position for a long time, and headed toward the sounds. “Good morning,” Lena said as he walked in. “Or I suppose I should say good afternoon, since it’s nearly twelve thirty.”
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Daniel automatically looked at his watch. “So it is. Have you had a busy morning?” “I have, you?” “Yes, and hopefully productive.” “I suppose we should compare notes this afternoon,” she said. He watched her work, more relaxed than he expected. Still, he asked, “Do you really cut yourself off from civilization when you visit?” “No, not entirely. I have my cell phone, and there’s a library two towns over with internet access. I go over there every other day, check out a new DVD or a few CDs, have lunch at one of the cafés, and bring home Chinese takeout for dinner unless I have leftovers from Mrs. Pierce.” “Mrs. Pierce? Is that a restaurant?” Lena laughed. “Sort of. She and her husband are our neighbors across the road. I’ve known them my whole life. She’s like another grandmother to me, and she tends to check in and take care of me when I’m here. I assume we haven’t seen her yet because I’m here unexpectedly and she hasn’t noticed my car. Her cooking is amazing and there is always plenty of it.” “So,” he said, adding a pause for dramatic effect. “What have you been doing today?” She shrugged. “Just working. Going through stuff I left here to see if anything works for our campaign. Nothing big. Any new insights on your side?” Whatever she’d been doing Daniel was pretty sure “nothing” didn’t describe it, but he was equally certain she wasn’t going to give him details. He could be patient. Proximity made for opportunities, and he planned on taking advantage of every one of them. They spent the rest of the day looking at what they had and being ruthless about their ideas. If they didn’t both love it, it was tossed. Occasionally she was able to successfully defend an idea or he was, but for the most part, if they didn’t agree, the plan went into the junk folder. As artists they knew not to throw anything away that could be used in the future, but it was discarded for this pitch. “I’m cooked,” she said finally. Her head hurt from thinking and running her hands through her hair. “Everything we look at either makes me groan or makes me laugh.” “Or both.” “Which is not the response we’re looking to get from the client.” “Agreed,” he said. “If you don’t mind, I’m going upstairs to sleep.” “Not a problem. I’m going to channel surf for a bit to unwind.” “Lucky for you we have cable or you’d be surfing through about three channels. Good night.”
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As she crawled into bed, Lena thought about the man downstairs. Now that she’d started to relax, she enjoyed her time with him, in and out of bed. And that was saying something. Still, she told herself, it was a short-term thing, both his employment with Crane and Fulton and in her bed, which was how she wanted it. Somehow, she didn’t find that as reassuring as she thought she would.
***** The next day dawned cloudy and drizzling. As much as Daniel would have liked to join her when she went to sleep, he didn’t want to push. Keeping things from going too far too fast was challenging enough considering they started out in bed on the first night here and they needed to spend a lot of time together when they were awake. Once again, they worked this morning in their separate locations, however the late night and the rainy chill made him decide to rest in his room with a book after about an hour. He didn’t know how much time passed when a banging startled him. He opened his door to see Lena in the hall. “Did you hear something?” he asked. “Yes, sounded like it came from the kitchen.” “Must have been pretty loud since it woke me.” She gave him a quizzical look. “Late night, early morning. I started reading and fell asleep.” Another bang. “If the sound is making it all the way to us on the second floor the person down there is not trying to be quiet. That’s a good sign, right?” Lena asked. They waited and heard more banging. “I think so,” he said. “I hope so. I’ll go and check.” “We’ll go and check.” They padded softly downstairs. “It’s definitely coming from the kitchen,” Lena said as they got to the dining area and another sound greeted them. “And it smells really good, so I’m pretty certain this is not a hostile invasion.” Lena visibly relaxed then smiled. “Come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.” She led him into the kitchen. “Mrs. Pierce!” Lena opened her arms and a short, slender woman turned around with a huge smile on her face. “My sweet Thumbelina! It is wonderful to see you.” The woman wrapped Lena in a hug so tight Daniel thought Lena might not be able to breathe. “We expected you later in the spring. I was away until this morning with friends. When I saw your little red car I was thrilled. You should have come over to say hello and let us know you’d arrived, naughty girl.” If Mrs. Pierce could get away with calling Lena “Thumbelina” and “naughty girl” in the same conversation, she must be someone very special. He took in the other woman who looked old enough to be Lena’s grandmother. Her face was etched in wrinkles, which clearly came from smiling and laughing. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Pierce. This was an unexpected visit. And it’s going to be short one since we’ve got to get back to the city as soon as possible.” 69
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“You’re working too hard again, aren’t you?” “No,” she said. “Yes,” Daniel said at the same time. “I’m inclined to believe the handsome man,” Mrs. Pierce said. “Who are you?” “I’m Daniel Royer.” “Daniel, this is our neighbor Rebecca Pierce. Mrs. Pierce, Daniel is an artist, and we’re working together on a project.” “A project? Is that what you people are calling it these days?” Daniel liked watching Lena blush to the roots of her hair. “We’ve got a big possible client and Daniel is working with me to create something magical.” “Everyone needs a little magic,” Mrs. Pierce said, clearly still not talking about Lena’s work. “Well, we need a miracle because what we’ve come up with so far hasn’t been right. We’ve been working some long hours.” “And have you been eating properly? That helps, you know.” “Yes, I know.” “Which is where I can help. I don’t know if you know this or not, Daniel, but our Lena isn’t much of a cook.” “She suggested as much to me when we arrived,” he said, proud of himself for keeping a straight face. “Well, it’s true. The first time she came here for vacation, her momma called and asked me to check on her. Mr. Pierce and I live right across the road, and we’ve been friends with the Crane family going all the way back to when her dad was a little one. Anyway, I came over with warm apple cobbler and what did I find?” “I can’t imagine,” Daniel said, knowing the question was rhetorical. “This one,” Mrs. Pierce gestured with her chin to Lena, “living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Chinese food.” “I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” Lena said defensively. “Of course, but that doesn’t make them a good, steady diet. I make a point of coming over a few times while she’s visiting to leave food in her refrigerator, and she has dinner with me and Martin at least once. In fact, since you’re not staying long, I’ll be expecting both of you tomorrow night.” “Oh, Mrs. Pierce, that isn’t necessary,” Lena said. “But we’d love to,” Daniel said, jumping in before Lena could protest. He was curious about this woman who knew Lena so well. “Good. There will be a roast with all the necessary sides and I expect you to bring your appetites.”
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“Yes ma’am,” Daniel said sincerely. Mrs. Pierce started out of the kitchen and patted Daniel on the cheek. “Such a polite boy. I’ve left soup heating on the stove and turkey sandwiches in the fridge. See you kids Friday.” She waved as she left and a moment later they heard the front door close. “Where is my head? I should have known she’d stop by.” Lena sat on a stool and placed her head in her hands. “She’s hard to forget. What a little whirlwind she is.” Lena looked at him. “I hope you don’t mind or feel bullied into having dinner over there.” “Are you kidding? The smell of that soup is making me insane. We’d be crazy to turn down an entire meal cooked by her.” “She’ll pry into every corner of your life before the night is over and you’ll answer her without realizing it.” “Well, my mom was especially good at that, so I can hold my own.” “I hope so. There’s not an answer Mrs. Pierce won’t get out of you if she wants it.” That was fine with Daniel. As long as he got a few more answers about how to get closer to Lena.
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Chapter Eight On the beginning of their third day, Lena pulled on socks to ward off the chill of the floors and padded down to the kitchen. She was getting used to Daniel making coffee for them in the morning. It was hard to believe how he had slid past all her defenses. She didn’t want to lie to herself. He mattered to her. Talking and working with him was as wonderful as making love. She blushed. Well, almost as wonderful. He was the most amazing lover she ever had. Receptive, responsive and inventive. With him she experienced the heady combination of desiring someone while being deeply desired. She couldn’t decide which excited her more— pleasing him or being pleased by him. Both had advantages and unique thrills. She was learning as much about herself in their time together as she was about him. This was new to her, although, she acknowledged, she probably wasn’t open to it in previous relationships. The word made her pause. A relationship. This was a relationship. She put her coffee mug down and let the truth sink in as her coffee cooled in its mug. This wasn’t a one-night stand. This wasn’t a fling. She cared for him and those feelings were growing rapidly. He found her staring at a blank page when he came downstairs from his post-run shower. “That doesn’t look very promising.” “Thanks,” she said with a smile. “I knew that what I was missing was someone stating the obvious. Any bright ideas this morning?” “There is nothing bright around here. I’m feeling soggy and it’s only the second day of rain.” He poured himself a cup of coffee. “Let’s head to the living room.” They sat on opposite sides of the long sofa, each with a sketch pad. The coffee table was covered in charcoals and pastels. She drew erotic pictures of lipsticks, mouths begging for kisses, but nothing that would make someone see it and think—that’s what I have to buy. Looking up, she saw Daniel focused on his pad. Without thinking, she picked up a charcoal and starting sketching him. After a few minutes she found herself liking how the picture was turning out, but it wasn’t getting her any closer to an idea about makeup. “I need a distraction,” she said. “Any ideas?” She looked around the room and noticed the game cabinet. “How about a game of strip Connect Four?”
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Daniel did an actual double take and Lena laughed. “I don’t remember that being part of the usual camp course listings. Was it offered one of the years when I wasn’t here?” “Well, we bring it out on special occasions and for certain campers.” She paused. “And truthfully I can’t bear to think about makeup for a little while. There’s just no inspiration for me today in eye shadows and mascara.” “Understood, but Connect Four?” “It’s faster than strip Monopoly. If you get a fire started I’ll make coffee and hunt up some cookies or something.” “Agreed.” As she dumped cookies on a plate thoughts of Daniel filled her head. She was becoming more and more comfortable with him and thinking less about the differences in their ages. When had that happened? After their last intense but unproductive brainstorming session? Or was it during their last night in bed? She knew it probably didn’t matter when the change happened. He was no longer the artist who seduced her at his gallery opening or Danny, the camper who had a crush on her and tracked her down. He was Daniel, a man she was passionately and powerfully drawn to, who made her laugh, listened when she spoke, and want to share her interests and ideas with. It didn’t matter how they met or what their backgrounds were. They were together and with every day, she wanted more. The coffeepot gave its last gasp, breaking her out of her reverie with a smile. A few minutes alone and she was having epiphanies and insights on a relationship she couldn’t have imagined a week ago. And she had a game of strip Connect Four to look forward to. When she arrived back in the living room, Daniel had a roaring fire going and the game set with two large pillows on either side for them to sit on. She nodded at the fire and said, “I know you weren’t a Boy Scout, so did you sign up for camp craft when you were here?” “Actually,” he said, “I did.” “And here I thought you spent all of your free time in the art cabin with me.” He smiled. “Most of it, but occasionally I did try other things. I sat at the beach on the first night and watched the counselors build the opening bonfire. I thought it was really cool how you could start with a small amount of kindling and build it to something so enormous it could blaze for hours and be seen for miles away. I asked them to teach me and by the end of the first session I was pretty good at it. They let me help with most of the fires at the beach. I loved it. Didn’t you come to any of the allcamp gatherings?” “Not after the first night. I wasn’t very sociable that summer.” “Could have fooled me.”
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She knew after all he shared with her this could be a good time to tell him about her only art show and the disaster it was, but he said, “Ladies first,” as he gestured to the game and the moment passed. “I’ll be red,” she said. “That can be arranged.” When she blushed he said, “See, told you.” She laughed and dropped her piece into the game board. The first two games ended in a draw, but she won the third and was rewarded with a view of his chest when he removed his sweatshirt. “No t-shirt?” “Didn’t think I was going to need layers today. Do you have anything under your sweater?” She pulled back the collar and looked inside. “Nothing exciting. Just a white lace bra.” “Maybe not exciting to you, but you’ve given me incentive to win the next game, and a few more after.” She couldn’t help but laugh as he dropped in a black piece, and the game was on. It took three more rounds, but it was finally time to sacrifice her sweater. It was harder to strip then she thought and when she hesitated he said, “You do realize I’ve seen you with a lot less on.” “Not useful,” she said with a smile. “And I know, but we were in bed then, not sitting across from each other. I feel more exposed this way.” “Can I help?” “Help?” “Help you take it off.” She laughed. “I think I can manage.” She tossed the sweater on top of his sweatshirt and was grateful the fire would keep her warm. “Yes, definitely distracting,” he said, “but also inspiring.” He leaned over and kissed her as she dropped in a piece to start the next game. The kiss lingered before he made his move and she didn’t notice how distracted she was until she lost a second game in a row. “Pants,” he said. “Thanks for the recommendation.” Deciding he needed a dose of his own medicine, Lena stood, unbuttoned her jeans and very slowly inched them down over her hips, giving a suggestive wiggle as she did. She continued to make a production out of it, sliding the pants down her legs, and then stepping out of each leg gracefully. When she met his eyes, the hunger she saw there was worth every slow movement. She walked around the game board, bent over and dropped the jeans in the clothes pile then made her way back to her seat. “Your turn,” she said with a smile. He didn’t say anything. Or do anything. “Daniel?” “Right, the game. Sorry. My mind was on other things.” 74
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“Like my legs?” “Yes, and those white wispy panties you’ve got on. I never thought white was particularly sexy until now.” A shiver passed through her. “Does this mean you concede the game?” He shook his head. “Never.” “Good, because I’m looking forward to watching you take your pants off next.” “Ah, a woman who loves a challenge. That’s sexy too.” It took two more tie games before she made it impossible for him to block her moves. He removed his pants quickly and she took her time looking at him, which made his excitement evident. “Winner take all?” he asked. “One last game for all the clothes of the loser?” “Deal,” she said. After five more ties, he pushed the game aside, letting the pieces scatter across the room. “Fuck it, I can’t wait any longer. I want you, Lena, and I want you now.” His words were as exciting as his actions as he reached across and pulled her to him. She landed in his lap with a laugh and his mouth came down in a bruising kiss, sending her heart racing and a rush of wetness between her legs. His hands went immediately behind her back and unhooked the bra. As it fell off, he moved down to her panties and skimmed a finger under the edge, teasing her before he slipped it under the fabric and into her. “Oh God, yes,” she moaned at the sudden and intense invasion and as she arched against him, he slid a second finger inside her. Her excitement bathed his fingers. She broke their kiss to move her mouth lower, first to his jaw, then his neck and chest, letting her tongue circle his nipples as she gently sucked each one in turn. Her hands drifted to his erection, and she followed his lead by finding the opening of his boxer shorts and wrapping her hand around his cock. It was his turn to moan. She loved the sound. He rolled her over and she gasped at the cold floor against her back. “This floor is not very accommodating to knees and hip bones,” she said. “Sofa.” They dove to the plush couch, although Daniel stopped to double back for his wallet. He fished out a condom and placed it on the floor next to where she waited. “Always good to be prepared,” she said. “I’m starting to see the logic of it,” he answered and lowered his lips for another passionate kiss. “I love the way you kiss,” she said when they broke apart for air. “The way I kiss what?” She gave him a quizzical look. “Your lips?” His mouth claimed hers again. “Your neck?” he asked as he swept her hair back and found the sensitive places behind her ear and the side of her throat. 75
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“Your breasts?” He licked one nipple to a peak then sucked it hard, creating a sensation of pleasure and pain causing her to lift her chest, offering him more. The other breast received the same treatment before he ran his tongue gently between and under her breasts. She shivered as the moisture on her skin sent a cool ripple through her. He slowly kissed his way to her belly, driving her crazy with need. His weight shifted as his hands moved under her ass. He lifted one of her legs and rested it on the back of the couch, leaving her open and ready for him. It made her feel both vulnerable and sexy. “Perhaps,” he said, his breath flowing across her skin, “you like it best when I kiss your pussy.” Without waiting for any answer, he covered her with his mouth and the flat of his tongue stroked her from top to bottom and reversed direction. The contact was exquisite and she practically levitated as her body responded with a rush of wetness. “Yes, you like that a lot.” “Like is not exactly the word I’d use,” she managed, surprised to get a coherent sentence out. His short laugh created shivery vibrations, but he said nothing more as his tongue swept lightly down the outside of her lips, switching sides. She never knew how sensitive parts of her were before Daniel. The men she’d been with usually focused on one spot until she came. With Daniel she was discovering an abundance of responsive places which, when touched, rushed fire through her. She was caught in the sensations of his tongue. When he inserted a finger into her, her back bowed. “That’s it, beautiful. Give yourself to me and all I want to do for you.” “God, Daniel, yes.” He continued to stroke and lick her, bringing her close to peak, but not over. It was frustrating. And wonderful. When she thought he was finally going to let her come, he changed his position slightly and his finger caressed then slid into her ass. She tried to grip something, but found only the back of the couch. “You like that, don’t you?” “Yes,” she whispered. “I’m going to have you there. Soon. I’m going to tease you, then lubricate you. Finally, I’ll stretch you with my fingers before I enter you with my cock.” Lena could feel the intent behind his words as he stroked her with the finger inside her. When he finished talking he focused his mouth on her clit. The images he created followed by the intense reactions sent her over the edge. “I’m coming, Daniel,” was all she managed before wave after wave of pleasure coursed and crashed through her. She involuntarily lifted her hips and his mouth connected more completely with her pussy. Instead of experiencing her usual ebbing, he bought her to new heights and she screamed as the passion overwhelmed her.
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Her ears were ringing when he slowed the strokes of his tongue. She could sense he was moving, but didn’t know what he was doing until he kissed his way up her body and whispered in her ear, “I want you on top of me.” He moved off her, took her hand in his and pulled her forward into another kiss. Skillfully—and carefully—he turned their bodies until when he lay back, she was above. Typically she was on the bottom with her partners, but today she felt daring and sexy. She found the condom, put it over his erection, then, straddling him, guided him into her, sheathing him completely. Instinctively he raised his hips to meet hers, taking her more deeply. Damn, she looked beautiful above him. Like a goddess of sex and beauty. “Oh yes, Daniel,” she said, arching her back, forcing her breasts out. He pinched her nipples lightly as she gasped. She rode his cock slowly and he met her every thrust, increasing both of their pleasure. She raked her hands down his chest then grabbed his hips to give herself better balance as she made circles with her pelvis. He felt every inch of her pussy gripping him. It drove him crazy. In this position, it was difficult for him to tease her clit so to increase her pleasure he found a pillow, put it behind his back and leaned forward slightly which allowed him to grab her ass. As they became accustomed to this position, he moved to her cleft and teased the opening of her anus. When she rose off his cock, he wet his finger with her juices then let it slip gently inside her. She gave a sound that was a mix of a groan and a squeak and Daniel knew he’d found a way to pleasure her as much as she pleasured him. The knowledge made his cock swell inside her, and he pushed, allowing her to feel his excitement. Her response was a rush of wetness which bathed his shaft and made it easier for him to move with her. “Daniel, I’m so close,” she said. “Then come for me. Let me see your passion.” He followed her rhythm as he continued to tease her ass. As her orgasm approached, her pussy tightened around him and he watched her climax explode through her body. His hips kept pace with her need as she gripped him and called out his name in her release. It was the most exquisite thing he’d ever seen and it sent his own body over the edge. He thrust hard and let himself come deeply inside her. He was still caught in the shivery aftershocks of his orgasm when she fell against him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “So that’s why some women like being on top,” she said, her breath warm on his chest. He turned his head to look at her. “You’ve never enjoyed sex in that position?” “Not in years,” she admitted. “But I hope you don’t mind if we use it on occasion.”
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“Any occasion you want, my sweet. You looked so fucking sexy riding me.” “Now that’s the way to spend a rainy afternoon.” “From here on,” he said as she curled against him, “I’m going to think of that game as Connect Foreplay.”
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Chapter Nine Unfortunately, their game turned into the highlight of the day. The rest of the hours were filled with frustrations and false starts. “Let’s try something different this morning,” Lena said the next day. “Because what we’ve been doing hasn’t worked at all?” He was annoyed and shorttempered. His run hadn’t calmed him. All he could think about was how out of his depth he was beginning to feel. He hated doubting himself, but he was concerned his desire to get close to Lena could cost her this account if they didn’t come up with something soon. “Sorry, that was nasty. I just never knew how challenging this work could be. I’ve had deadlines, but nothing like this.” “I understand. It takes some getting used to and you’ve been doing really well, especially given the fact this is your first attempt at a more commercial use of art. Truthfully, I think we’re closer than we know. I’m starting to get that feeling. The one that means a breakthrough is coming.” He needed her to be right. “I hope so. What’s your idea for today?” “We’ll grab two of my cameras and black-and-white film, walk around the camp and see what we discover.” “A back-to-nature campaign?” he asked. “Women do want to look both natural and devastatingly beautiful. We’ll take a roll or two then this afternoon we’ll develop them in the art cabin’s dark room.” “Just like old times.” Although it wasn’t anything like old times. Now he wasn’t just interested in her. He was falling in love with her. Meanwhile, her company and career rested on their ability to come up with something brilliant. He’d never put this kind of pressure on his work before. As he felt himself tensing again, he took a deep breath. Maybe getting out and taking pictures was a good idea after all. “Do you ever use a digital camera?” he asked as they were loading the 35mm cameras. “Sometimes, especially when I’m photographing people. I like being able to take shot after shot and see immediately if I got what I was going for. It’s good at the fairs when my mom is telling stories and posing with tiny fans. She’s posted my work on her website.” “The immediate gratification is nice.” “And I enjoy being able to manipulate the images on a screen afterward. I’ve created great publicity material for Mom and my brothers, but I always find myself going back to film and the hands-on experience of developing the pictures myself.” Maybe she shouldn’t have used the expression “hands-on” because as soon as she said 79
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it, all she could think of was the ways his hands made her feel, and how wonderful he felt underneath hers. “You used a lot of digital photos for your exhibit, right?” “I did, especially when I needed to enlarge the picture. Sometimes I actually put the photo on the canvas and then altered it, but I’ll tell you something no one else knows— your early influence is still there.” “Oh?” “Yes, almost all the images in the show have a black-and-white photo counterpart. I couldn’t break the habit of using it. Alice wants me to do something with them but I take those for me. They aren’t for public viewing.” She smiled at him and he shrugged. “I do so much digital work, I can’t resist the occasions to hear the click of a film camera.” “I know what you mean. Being able to feel the shutter open and close, the film advance, not knowing if you got exactly what you wanted but being hopeful anyway,” she said. Her heartbeat was a touch faster. It felt good to share this with someone who understood, not someone who pretended to know what she meant. “The anticipation of sending it off to be developed—or developing it yourself,” he continued, “and waiting to see if you captured that perfect split second of time.” “And the elation when you do,” she finished. She stared into his eyes, knowing the shimmer in them probably matched her own. It was easy to talk to him, share this with him. It was an experience she hadn’t enjoyed in a long time, too long a time. They roamed the camp, taking pictures of nature and occasionally each other. A few hours later they wolfed down their lunch in their hurry to get to the dark room. “Are you ready?” he asked. “Someone’s anxious.” “I am. The camp looks different from the focused perspective of the viewfinder and a distance of more than ten years. Not only am I taller, but I’m more patient and observant. And it’s great that I just snapped these photos and we get to see them today, at least on the negatives.” “Patience is clearly not one of your better developed qualities.” “It’s better than one-hour photo.” “I agree,” she said. “I wish I had dark room access in the city.” “That’s something we’re going to have to change when we get back. I don’t think I have space in my apartment, but maybe we could see about finding a place we could buy and convert. Maybe make it a place with membership for others to use. We can’t be the only ones in Boston who want to develop their own film.” She looked at him, but said nothing. This was the first time one of them mentioned what might happen when they returned. Although the thought thrilled her, it also made her a little nervous. Nervous enough she decided to change the subject rather than respond directly. “I’ve got what I need. Ready?” “Absolutely,” he said. 80
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The dark room was smaller than he remembered and the close proximity was more distracting than when he was younger. Fortunately this time he knew how the woman with him felt about him. He quickly remembered the steps from canister to developed negative and it wasn’t long before strips of film where handing from the clothesline. “We’ve got at least two hours before the negatives are dry. If there’s nothing specific you were thinking of doing there’s something I’d like to show you. Would you want to see my studio?” “Is that where you disappear to when you’re working?” “Yes,” she said. “I’d love to. I’d be honored,” he said and meant it. He took her hand, and wasn’t surprised to find it cool to the touch. He knew it could have been all the hand-washing they did after using the chemicals, but he sensed it was nerves. He knew how special it was, for her to offer this to him. As they walked slowly back to the house, she leaned against him, but didn’t say anything. Her invitation was enough and he knew to let her set the tone and pace of everything that happened next. Her trust was something special and it was not easily given. Not knowing where her studio was, he was surprised to walk upstairs and into her bedroom. When she looked at him for reassurance he kissed her and she walked over to a door he thought led to a closet. There was so much light flooding into the space from the windows and two skylights, his first thought was they were standing outside. “This room must take the rest of the floor,” he said, unable to keep the admiration out of his voice. “It’s huge, especially compared with your bedroom.” “All I need to do in there is sleep,” she said quietly. He understood completely. “This is amazing and beautiful. Can I walk around or do you want to give me a tour?” She didn’t answer immediately, and he was willing to be patient. “Feel free to walk. If you want, I’ll answer any questions I can or tell you what you’re looking at.” “Sounds great,” he said, but he heard something in her voice and he turned from what lay before him to the woman who stood beside him. He caressed her cheek and waited for her eyes to meet his. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “I want to hear you say it before I take one step in.” “I’m sure. I want to show this to you, share it with you.” Such beautiful words. He kissed her softly. “Thank you.” He let go of her hand and walked into the room first, going to the pictures resting on side-by-side easels. They were watercolors in which the images of urban and pastoral life were mixed. In one it looked as though her apartment in the city was lifted and planted where one of the camper bunks should sit. “Does this have a title yet?” 81
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“Yes, ‘Where do I belong II’”, she said. “The first in the series is on the other easel. I’ve been working back and forth on the two pieces, depending on my mood.” He looked at the second easel and saw her office at Crane and Fulton juxtaposed with the rooms in the Great House and, he recognized, this studio. It was clear she was either trying to make the two worlds fit together or make a decision between them. It was something he understood, the marriage between the creative and the practical. He knew how fortunate he was to have built a career on both. “I like these. You’ve put a lot of story into them,” he said. “They’re both unfinished. I’ve never worked on related pieces simultaneously, but these three needed it.” “Three?” “Yes,” she said quietly. She pointed. “The third is on that easel, facing the wall.” He saw it off to his right. “Can I look?” She nodded. He waited. “Yes,” she said. He turned it around gently and nearly gasped. It was not only exquisite, but the truth of emotion portrayed was extraordinary. He recognized Lena as the focus of the picture, looking small and bewildered among colorful and looming giants. While it was clear the creatures didn’t mean her harm and wanted her to join in their fun, the young woman wasn’t certain. She looked at them with a combination of longing and worry Daniel recognized. Before he could stop himself he asked, “What is it you fear?” “Fear?” “From what I see, the woman in the picture wants to race and run and dance with the same abandon as the giants around her, but there is also concern in her expression. I saw the same expression in your eyes at the Wagner Gallery on the night we met.” “Remind me not to try and hide anything from a fellow artist,” she said with a selfdeprecating laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment, but you didn’t answer my question.” “I know, and truthfully, I’m not certain how to answer it. Even though I started these pictures last year, I only recently began to accept the question myself. I’m not certain where I fit in, how I feel about my choices or how I truly want to live my life.” “Fair enough,” he said. “I think it’s great you’re letting the question and answers come to you through your art.” “As I said, it’s a first for me.” He kept walking around the studio, amazed at the number of supplies and works in progress she kept, especially since he knew she didn’t spend much time here. He was looking at years of work. In the far corner were canvases stacked against each other. He could tell from a distance they were not blank and there were so many in the group he couldn’t help but be intrigued. As he crossed to them he asked, “What are these?” 82
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“Believe it or not, that is the one collection I consider finished. Remember when I said mistakes can make beautiful art?” “Sure.” “Well, I call that grouping ‘Fortunate Accidents’. They are canvases that came from either photographs or paintings that didn’t turn out as planned. They inspired me to create more. I guess…” She paused. He waited. “I guess I thought just because something doesn’t turn out as you expect doesn’t mean there isn’t something of beauty and value there.” He let her words sink in and knew she was thinking, as he was, about their relationship. “Can I look?” “Definitely. Those are some of my favorites.” He went to the pile and slowly looked through them. Here in her art was the woman he was falling in love with. Strong, flawed and amazing. During their time together he couldn’t take his eyes off her and the same was true for the pictures. He started to separate them, placing them along the walls so he could see them side by side. Photos of different sizes, double exposed and overexposed were blended with other mediums to create completely new visions and images. A few were serious, while others had a lighthearted quality. All were an explosion of color and energy, and all showed Lena’s unique and beautiful vision. “I love these,” he said after walking past them several times. “I can’t decide which my favorite is. It keeps changing every time I look. You have got to show these, Lena. They are fantastic.” He turned to look at her and couldn’t read her expression. There was joy, which he understood, but there was fear too. “Lena, what’s the matter?” She shook her head. He walked over to her. “Are you okay? Say something.” “Something,” she said. “Did I say the wrong thing?” “No, you said very right, but very scary things.” Reaching up and putting her hands behind his head she pulled him close for a kiss. The images of her pictures faded into his need for her, and he sensed her matching need for connection and contact. “You, my beauty,” he said between kisses, “are something else.” “Take me to bed,” she said. “With great pleasure.” Holding his hand, she led him out of the studio, back into her bedroom, straight to her bed. They fell onto it and immediately began to remove each other’s clothes. He pulled her shirt off while she undid the buttons on his polo. He loved the first moment of skin on skin as his chest pressed against her. He unhooked her bra and as soon as her breasts were free, he bent to lick and suck at her nipples, making her moan softly as she fumbled with the zipper on his pants. “Do you want help?” he asked. 83
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“No, don’t stop what you’re doing. It feels too good,” she said, arching her back, getting closer to him. She was so responsive. It was intoxicating. He knew she’d succeeded in undoing his fly when the pressure on his cock eased. With her hands on his hips she pushed the pants down as far as her arms would let her, then he used one hand to get rid of the rest along with his underwear as he continued to caress her with the other. “I love the touch of your skin, so soft, so warm,” he said. “And getting warmer.” “Glad to hear it.” He quickly took off her pants, but intentionally kept her red silk underwear on. There was something very tempting about a woman naked except for a thin slip of material covering very little. As they continued to kiss, a moment of clarity cooled him. “Sweetheart, I don’t have any protection here with me. Don’t move, and I’ll be right back.” He gave her a quick kiss and dashed out of the room. It was odd running around the house naked, but he was in a rush. When he opened the bedside drawer the small bottle he brought with him caught his eye. Smiling, he grabbed it along with the condoms. When he returned to her room he found Lena with her hand in her panties, slowly masturbating. “Now that’s a picture worth many, many words,” he said. She reached her other hand out to him and he joined her on the bed, putting the new objects on the nightstand. He wanted to touch her everywhere. He teased her nipples and bent his head to suck one then the other. It excited him to feel them rising to peaks beneath his lips. She arched and he fed on her skin, savoring each sigh. “Not enough,” she said. “What isn’t?” “I need more, want more.” “Tell me,” he said. “I want to take you in my mouth while you take me in yours.” Her words created a powerful visual in his mind and a surge in his cock. In no time he was hard as steel. There was so much fire in her, and he loved when she unleashed it. He rolled to the side and allowed her to determine their positions. She turned to face him and kissed her way down his body. Every touch sent sparks through him. When she finally wrapped her mouth around his cock, he couldn’t stop the groan. He pulled her legs toward the top of the bed and her pussy to his mouth. He loved to taste her and there were so many ways to please her. Every fold, every swell caused different responses. This time, however, his focus was distracted by what she was doing to his cock. Her mouth was hot and her tongue was finding new ways to excite him. If her touch hit a particularly sensitive spot, she pulled away so he wouldn’t come too soon. When she swallowed him so deeply her tongue licked his balls he was sure his eyes rolled back in 84
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his head. He let his fingers tease and pleasure her until his breathing was back under control. Her touch trailed to the vulnerable area under his balls and he moved to the matching spot on her, teasing her ass and, using her wetness, inserting his finger to the second knuckle. She moaned and the vibrations radiated through his body. Wanting her to come before he entered her, he did his best to block out her actions and focus on bringing her to her peak. Knowing she loved when he combined licking and fingering her that’s what he did. In this position, with one hand teasing her ass, he used two fingers of his other hand to stroke in and out of her, bending them slightly as he withdrew to increase the sensations. With his tongue he lapped and swirled her sensitive clit. A rush of wetness preceded her releasing him to cry out his name as she climaxed. He never got tired of hearing her say it, her voice thick with desire. He slowed his movements, kissing her thighs, easing her down from her peak. She turned and when they were face-to-face she smiled. “Yes?” he asked. Clearly there was something she wanted. She wrapped her hand around his cock. “More.” Being in bed with Daniel made the vulnerable and exposed feelings that came up while he walked through her studio easier for Lena to bear. Usually those emotions made her want to be alone until they passed, but Daniel changed that for her. She wanted to be close to him, where his passion and desire matched and mirrored hers. When he reached to the side to grab a condom, she saw the bottle of clear liquid he’d brought. She was fairly certain she knew what it was but asked anyway. “Lubricant,” he answered. “A slippery silicone based one, perfect for prepping you to take my cock in your ass.” She gasped at his bold words. Her heart pounded faster and she thrilled at the rush that passed through her body. She’d been imagining this since he first mentioned it, and she was ready, excited. “But first,” he said, covering his erection, “I want to fill your sweet pussy.” With no other warning he entered her and thrust deeply. Still swollen from her orgasm, he stretched her, touching every inch of her. “I love having you open for me.” She answered by lifting her hips, taking more of him and making them both moan. She reveled in how wonderful they were together. “Turn over, Lena. I want to enter you from behind.” She shivered as she got on her knees. As soon as she spread her legs, he was there, in her. She loved the control she had in this pose. The ability to meet and match his every stroke. They moved together, her excitement building. He slowed and leaned over her back to get the bottle. “There are two things I need from you.” “What’s that?” 85
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“To relax as much as possible and to talk to me. You have to tell me what you’re experiencing and if anything hurts, okay?” “I will. I trust you.” He kissed her between her shoulders. She heard the bottle open and a breath later drops of liquid touched her skin. His fingers massaged her opening before slipping in easily. She gasped when he added more lube and a second finger, and did her best to relax as he suggested. “How does it feel?” “Different. Thrilling,” she said. “Good.” After continuing to stroke her for a while he gently pulled his fingers out. More drops of liquid slid down between her ass and then she felt the tip of his cock. “Relax and breathe out,” he said. She did as he said but couldn’t help biting her lip and gasping when he entered. “Talk to me. Does it hurt?” “A little, but it’s more remarkable than anything.” “Should I continue?” “Yes,” she said and focused on letting her muscles loosen. This time he entered her deeply. There was a moment of sharp pain that made her cry out, but it passed quickly. In its wake was a new sensation, a sense of fullness she’d never known. She pushed back on him until he was completely inside her. “Lena?” “Don’t ask me to describe what I’m feeling. I can only tell you it doesn’t hurt and I don’t want you to stop.” She heard the bottle land on the floor before Daniel placed his hands on her hips and started to move with her. She was stretched and filled and exhilarated by this fantasy come true. No teasing could prepare her for the intensity of sex in this position. As she followed his movements with her body, he bent forward, let go of her hips, and found her clit with his finger. The added sensation was overwhelming in its force. Pleasure coursed through every part of her along with a new feeling of connection to Daniel. Letting him into her studio was an act of deep trust—and this was too. The understanding was so freeing she began a quick climb to a second climax. Once he was inside her it was easy to move together. The sensations were both similar and different from regular sex and the difference was thrilling. She felt beautiful, desirable and totally wanton. And she loved that this first time was with Daniel. She rotated her hips and he moaned. “You’re driving me crazy,” he said. “Then we’re even.”
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Clearly, Daniel held back long enough because his pace quickened as her moans got louder. She gripped the pillow until her knuckles were white as he roared out his orgasm, bringing on hers in a final, exquisite rush. When he covered her back with his body, she thought she could feel his heart beat through his chest. They were both breathing hard. “You’re okay, yes?” he asked quietly when he could get words out. “I’m very beyond okay.” He nibbled at her shoulders. “I’m glad.” As he softened he slipped slowly out of her ass. She sighed a little as her body contracted, but it was all pleasure. She rolled onto her back when he went to the bathroom in the hall to throw away the condom. He returned with a cool, damp washcloth and placed it between her legs. It was delightful and exactly what she needed, even if it she didn’t know it. With him she accepted herself as both passionate and precious. It was a heady combination. He held her tightly and she let the emotions of the afternoon pass through her. She took more risks with him in the last few days than she had in the last several years. It was wonderful. And so was he. Listening to the beat of his heart, she knew there was something she needed to tell him. When she watched him walk through her studio, her heart, at first tight with tension, slowly eased. His reactions and comments were more than she hoped for, and his obvious honesty was as precious to her as his compliments. But that was only the start. She never shared with anyone the hurt she experienced after abandoning her dream of being a professional artist. Her parents knew because of the changes she made in her life after the show, but she cut short all conversations on the subject. After twelve years, only her mother was still willing to mention it. Each time a family member enjoyed another art-related success, part of her grieved. Being with Daniel reopened that part of her. She wanted to feel as alive as she did in her studio, as she felt with him, all the time, which meant facing, accepting and sharing the pain in her past. “I had a showing of my art once,” she said without any preliminaries. “In the winter, before we met.” “I had no idea,” he said, caressing her hair. “No one did, other than my family and my husband.” “Husband?” “Yes, I was married. It lasted almost as long as my art career. The event couldn’t have been a worse experience. It was a group showing poorly reviewed, poorly received and poorly attended.” “I understand how hard it must have been.”
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And she knew he did. He allowed the world to see and judge his art, and he was taking a huge risk with this campaign. “It was the worst time of my life. It was bad enough I already didn’t feel as successful as my somewhat outrageous family, but until then I believed I might be as creatively talented as they are. With every review I read, something in me withered. The critics used words like boring, prosaic and conventional, and for some reason…” Her voice cracked. She couldn’t continue. Daniel said nothing as he held her a little closer. He was there, listening. She needed to say this, was going to say it. “I believed them.” “Oh, my sweet Lena,” he whispered. “I believed it when they wrote I was boring and conventional because that’s what I always feared. I was the odd one, the unsuccessful one. At art and marriage.” “What happened to the marriage?” “He was thrilled at my failure.” “I don’t understand.” “I chose him because he was so reliable, so straightforward. Unfortunately, he saw my art as something to be indulged until I grew out of it.” “That’s wrong.” She nodded. “He thought now that the art thing was out of my system I would be ready to settle down and start a family.” “He didn’t really say ‘art-thing’, did he?” “I’m afraid so. The marriage ended soon after and I stopped considering myself an artist in any real capacity. I still wanted to do something creative so that September I started school to get my masters in communications, which is where I met Michelle. Five years after graduation we opened Crane and Fulton.” “You’ve held on to this for a long time.” “Yes, and I’ve held it very tightly. Being here with you, sharing with you, I can see how it’s my shield, my way of coping with a loss too big to accept.” “And now?” “Now,” she said over the lump in her throat. “I think I need to cry.” And she did. Without warning, great, racking sobs escaped her and she let them pour out of her as freely as she allowed her passion to earlier. Daniel said nothing, as he stroked her hair gently and kissed her forehead. She was aware of him tangentially, as she surrendered to the pain and loss that was finally able to come to the surface and find a long needed outlet. When she could manage words again she said, “It hurt, Daniel. It hurt so much.” “I know, my love. I know.” “Why did I believe them? Why did I let it stop me?”
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“You said it yourself. They hit on one of your greatest fears and because they stated it as if it were fact, not opinion, you took it to heart.” The tears started again and this time she reached for him, pulling him closer, letting herself accept his comfort, his understanding. She cried for the young artist so deeply injured she allowed herself to be silenced. She cried for the daughter and sister who pulled away from a loving family who only wanted to understand and help her. For the woman who tried to be a wife to a man who couldn’t accept her. And she cried in relief for feeling all this and more with a man who did understand. When she couldn’t cry anymore she looked at him in the late afternoon light. “I don’t—” “Shh,” he said, kissing her softly. “Rest and let me hold you. Everything else can wait. Except dinner with the Pierces.” She nodded and did as he said. Curling back into his arms she snuggled against him, feeling safe and cared for. She needed nothing else.
***** They woke a few hours later and grabbed a shower together, which almost made them late, and walked across the road to the Pierce’s Shaker-blue colonial. Daniel had gone into town while Lena blew her hair dry and bought a bouquet of flowers, which he handed to Mrs. Pierce when she opened the door. “Come in, come in. Aren’t these lovely? Martin,” she called into the other room, “Lena and her gentleman friend are here. And they brought flowers.” Daniel had a few seconds to notice the cozy living room with overstuffed furniture, bookshelves everywhere and photographs covering the few empty spaces before he heard someone joining them. “A strange man is bringing my lady flowers,” said a deep voice. “I don’t know if I like that.” Daniel knew the words were said in jest, but there was so much authority in the voice he couldn’t stop himself from being a little nervous. Lena saw the reaction and said quietly, “Mr. Pierce is the high school principal and a former science teacher. He commands instant attention and respect.” “I believe it,” Daniel said as a man slightly shorter than he with broad shoulders and gray hair entered the room. Lena was right. He wanted to fix his posture and make certain the collar on his shirt was straight. “Good evening, sir,” he said, holding out a hand. Not surprisingly, he was met with a firm handshake. “Martin Pierce. Nice to meet you. And you, missy?” He turned to Lena. “Where’s my hug?” A second later Lena was enveloped in the arms of the man, who, it was clear from the expression on his face, loved her like a daughter. Mrs. Pierce came back into the living room, carrying the flowers in a vase. “Come, everyone, sit down for salad. Martin, open the wine.” 89
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“This is a work of art, not a salad,” Lena said as a giant bowl was passed around the table. Daniel couldn’t disagree. Besides a variety of greens and tomatoes, Mrs. Pierce included feta cheese, avocadoes, dried cranberries and sugared walnuts to create one of the most amazing blends of flavors he’d ever enjoyed at the start of a meal. When he reached for the bowl to have more, Mrs. Pierce swatted his hand away. “You need to save your appetite for the rest of dinner. You like my salad so much, I’ll put some in a container and you can take it with you.” He almost said something, but he knew arguing was pointless and would make him look foolish. Instead he said, “I can’t wait to see what’s coming next.” He caught Lena’s eye and she smiled. He had the distinct feeling she tried something similar in the past. The salad only hinted at the abundant meal they were served. With the roast, Mrs. Pierce served scalloped potatoes with little bits of bacon, green beans, carrots and the most tantalizing warm rolls he ever enjoyed. As he ate one he heard Lena laugh. “What’s so funny?” “You moaned,” she said. “I did not.” “Yes, you did.” “You did, Daniel,” Mr. Pierce chimed in. “But if it’s any consolation, you’re not the first. My wife’s cooking is worthy of any and all sounds of appreciation.” “That it is,” Daniel agreed. “This is quite a feast, Mrs. Pierce.” “Nonsense, I love doing this,” she said, but Daniel saw her blush with pleasure. “The more people she has to cook for the happier she is,” Mr. Pierce explained. “Me, I’m just happy to have the leftovers.” “Not quite as much as usual, Martin dear. I have to give some to these two to take back. You know our Lena, after all.” “Okay, so I can’t cook. It’s not a disease.” Mrs. Pierce patted her hand. “Maybe one day we’ll try those cooking lessons again.” “I’ll get extra insurance on the house,” Mr. Pierce said. Daniel laughed and asked, “That bad?” “It was when she tried to make French fries.” Lena grimaced. “Oh, come on, we don’t have to bring this up again, do we?” “Too late,” Daniel said. “What happened?” “Everything was going fine,” Mrs. Pierce said, “until she tried to boil the oil.” Daniel choked on a bite of vegetables. “You tried to boil oil?” “Well, the oil always looks bubbly when you see fries being made. I thought you had to get the oil really hot.”
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“Not so hot that you incinerate the poor potatoes on contact,” Daniel said. “Yes, I know,” Lena said. “Now I do, anyway.” Daniel thought her pout was cute. It made him want to kiss her. Although if he were truthful with himself, almost everything she did made him feel that way. “Fortunately, we could smell the oil heating from where we were sitting in the living room and things were taken care of before they got out of control.” “Thank goodness,” Daniel said. “Can I call for a subject change?” Lena asked. “Absolutely,” Mr. Pierce said. He gallantly brought up sports, which led to a discussion of fantasy baseball then baseball movies and Lena was grateful not to be the focus of conversation for the rest of the meal. “That was excellent,” Daniel said as he popped the last bite of biscuit into his mouth.” “Thank you. It’s always good to see food enjoyed,” Mrs. Pierce said. “Lena, help me clear things so we can serve dessert. You have all saved room for dessert, right?” “Yes ma’am,” Daniel said, knowing it was the only acceptable answer. “Such a smart boy,” Mrs. Pierce said with a smile.
***** Once in the kitchen Mrs. Pierce said, “You know why I asked you in here.” “To help with the dishes?” “Of course not. To tell me about Daniel, you silly thing. You’ve never brought a boy home, so I can’t compare him to others, but I have to say from the way you two look at each other, there is something very special going on.” “There is,” Lena said. Mrs. Pierce fixed her with a level gaze. “I hear a ‘but’ coming.” “It’s complicated.” Mrs. Pierce waved a hand in the air as she set the coffee pot brewing. “Nonsense. You want it to be complicated.” “No, I don’t.” Did she? Mrs. Pierce sounded so certain that Lena had to wonder. “Of course you do, sweetheart. We’ve all done it. That way you don’t have to feel vulnerable or accept what you’re feeling, what’s really going on.” “Ouch,” Lena said, but couldn’t deny the accuracy of the statement. “You have a knack for shining a bright light on the truth.” “Thank you, but compliments aren’t going to change the subject.” “It’s not what I expected. He’s not what I expected.” “They never are, dear.” “We have differences.” 91
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“Who doesn’t? It’s simply another excuse.” “He’s a lot younger than I am,” Lena said. Saying it out loud was harder than she thought, and she braced herself for judgment and concern. “What qualifies as a lot?” “Twelve years.” “Yes, I guess that is a good deal of time. It’s more than what separates Martin and me.” “You’re older than Mr. Pierce?” “By over seven years.” “I had no idea,” Lena said. “That’s because I’ve aged well.” She laughed. “Nowadays everyone assumes he’s older and there’s no reason or occasion to correct them, but when we met, our friends and family were rather shocked. My sister tried to talk me out of the relationship. Over forty years later I can definitely say I’m glad I didn’t listen to her.” “It couldn’t have been easy.” “There’s no such thing as an easy relationship, Lena. People are fallible, difficult and emotional. When two of them are together for a lengthy period of time there will be good times and bad. You can count on it.” “What made you decide to keep seeing Mr. Pierce, to marry him?” Mrs. Pierce didn’t answer immediately, and Lena appreciated her taking the question seriously. “I think it was more about me then it was about him. When I was with Martin, I could be myself. Maybe it’s because when I started seeing him I thought it would be a short fling, nothing permanent, but I was able to truly relax with him more than with any other man I dated before. And then I discovered something wonderfully unexpected. I liked who I was when we were together. There was no pretending or pretense. I didn’t talk to impress him, or stay quiet to impress him for that matter. I was all of me and he loved it. Loved me. That’s a very powerful thing.” “I understand,” Lena said, meaning it. She considered the last few days with Daniel, and the ones preceding them. She shared her art, her work and herself with him in a way she never did before. With him she knew she was safe and accepted, flaws, fears and all. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” “Of course.” “And is what I said matching what you’re feeling for him?” Lena didn’t respond out loud but she knew the answer. She was pretty certain Mrs. Pierce did too. “Are you baking things from scratch in there? You’ve got hungry men waiting on you,” a voice bellowed from the dining room.
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“That’s our cue,” Mrs. Pierce said. “Grab the plates and pie and I’ll bring the coffee. Let’s go join our men.”
***** Their trek back to the Grand House was slower than the walk over since their arms were overflowing with containers of leftovers. “We could stay for a week and have enough food,” Lena said. “Especially since I can’t imagine wanting to eat for a few days,” Daniel said. “I’m so full I’m amazed I can breathe without unbuttoning my pants.” “And I know I must be pretty full if your comment doesn’t make me want to respond with something raunchy about unbuttoned pants.” He chuckled and then groaned. “Wow, it really does hurt when I laugh.” Fortunately, there was plenty of room in the refrigerator for everything Mrs. Pierce sent home with them. “From the looks of it, we could be snowed in for a week and manage to survive fine, food-wise,” Lena said. Daniel nuzzled her neck. “There’s something rather appealing in that idea.” “Yes, there is,” she said, and turned to kiss him. Mrs. Pierce was right. Fighting her feelings was about fear of opening her heart and being vulnerable to another person. But if she didn’t find a way to do it, she’d miss out on something special. “Part of me wants to carry you upstairs and make love with you,” he said, kissing her jaw followed by the sensitive skin behind her ear. “And part of you wants to collapse on the couch and watch a movie,” she said. “How did you know?” “I’ve got the same parts.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “You got some fun different parts too.” “Let’s save that for when we can move without groaning.” “Good idea. What do you have for DVDs?” “I have no idea, hopefully something good. I know there are some classics.” “I can get into a good black-and-white movie.” “Then let’s go check out the cabinet.” They chose Some Like It Hot, and she snuggled against him as they watched, even though she agreed it was painful at first to laugh. By the time Marilyn Monroe was trying to get Tony Curtis to respond to her kisses, Lena was thinking of doing the same thing to Daniel. With his arm draped around her, her head on his chest, she tried to remember the last time she relaxed with a man she was in a relationship with. As she thought about it, a scary truth hit her. Since her marriage she’d dated men, but never really had a relationship. They’d go out or meet friends. There was almost always an activity, never simply being together. Thinking about sitting quietly with a few of her exes brought an 93
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uncomfortable sensation. It wasn’t something she wanted to do with them, and she probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it if she did. All the more reason to notice the truths in her relationship with Daniel. Mrs. Pierce was right. Because Lena entered into things with Daniel assuming there was no possibility for a future, she didn’t hold back, didn’t censor herself and in the process she discovered two important things. First, how amazing and empowering it was to be herself without worrying what the other person might think. And second, how truly wonderful a man Daniel was. He was caring, intelligent, funny and unbelievably passionate in bed. Her first lover who wanted to give as much as receive, and because of this, she wanted to give more. The way he accepted her, connected with her, she never felt so special and cherished. By the time Osgood uttered his famous, “Well, nobody’s perfect” at the end of the movie, Lena was exhausted from the night and the weight of her thoughts. Daniel kissed her forehead gently. “Ready for bed?” “Very,” she said and couldn’t contain the yawn. “Oh, don’t get me started yawning or I may not be able to carry you to bed.” “That sounds lovely. Sometimes being little has its advantages.” “I’m glad you think so,” he said, getting off the couch then scooping her into his arms. “My room or yours?” “Yours, it’s closer.” “Very considerate of you.” “Too tired to go any farther than that.” “Agreed,” he said and strode up the stairs. Moments later they stripped to their underwear and wrapped in each other, fell asleep.
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Chapter Ten Lena opened her eyes slowly, stretched and brushed against Daniel’s body. Waking next to him was a wonderful experience. Usually he was awake before her and taking a run, showering or having breakfast. She liked him being there, naked and close. She rolled over and kissed his chest. He pulled her to him and she kissed him awake. “Wow,” he said. “There is something better than coffee in the morning.” “Who knew? You slept in.” “I guess I did.” He stroked down her back to her ass. “Or yesterday wore me out.” “Complaining?” “Not even a little.” “Didn’t think so,” she said, curling closer to him, enjoying him against her whole body. He did so much for her, to her. In a surge of bravery she said, “No one, no lover, no boyfriend has ever made me feel the way you do.” He stared at her, not blinking. “You mean that.” “Completely. You make me feel beautiful and sexy. When I look into your eyes and see the desire there, it steals my breath away.” “Then I guess that’s another way we’re a good match, because the fact that you don’t know how desirable you are, how naturally sexy you are, leaves me speechless. It boggles my mind no man ever saw in you all I do.” And to think she almost didn’t give them a chance. “You didn’t have any reservations about us, did you?” “I knew what I wanted, but I also knew things changed in the ten years since we saw each other. The reality of what we wanted and needed from a relationship could be different. I didn’t like the possibility, but I knew it existed.” “And here I thought you were optimistic all the time.” He smiled and shrugged. “Realistic is smarter.” “I’m glad you took the risk and glad you didn’t give up when I disappeared after our first night.” Without warning he kissed her deeply, pulling her to him, filling her senses with passion. She never wanted to be without those kisses. When he broke the embrace she said, “I’m not complaining, but what was that for?” “I have wanted to hear you say that.” “Now you know.” “Now I know. There’s something you should know.”
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“Yes?” “I love you, Lena.” Her heart stilled then swelled. There was no other way to describe the expanding feeling inside her. It didn’t come as a complete surprise, but hearing it was thrilling. She reached out and touched his cheek. “Daniel, I love you too. I don’t know when, and I’m only beginning to understand why, but I know it’s true.” As he kissed her again, she allowed her feelings to course through her. Not the sexual desire, although that was there too, but the love she wanted to give him, show him. She was still scared but ready for the risks loving and being loved entailed. It was a long time since she’d opened herself creatively and emotionally. With Daniel she was able to do both and it amazed her. Energized her. Being in bed with him was as thrilling as being in her studio. Well, almost, she admitted. She was alive and free in a way she hadn’t been since her teen years when she started turning her back on her true self. Never again would she live a closed and blocked-off life without passion. And if things went as she hoped, she wouldn’t live without Daniel either. She loved being with him, loved the way he saw her and she wanted to have that always. “That’s it!” she said, leaping up from the bed. “What’s it?” “The campaign. I know what we have to do.” He was so thrilled to hear her say she loved him he couldn’t make sense of what she was suddenly trying to tell him. “Slow down,” he said as she began spilling her ideas. She took a deep breath. “Every woman wants to be looked at with love, passion and acceptance. The way you look at me—although not at the moment because you’re staring at me like I’m crazy.” “True, but keep going.” “All the current cosmetics campaigns show the woman wearing makeup, usually some celebrity who even though we all know she’s been airbrushed like crazy, we aspire to look like. Well, what if we don’t show the woman. What if we show the man?” “We don’t show the product? That’s risky.” “We do, we’ll show a woman, but only a little. Either in profile, or reflected in a mirror, but what we really see is the man looking at this woman as though she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. She is his fantasy come true.” “A man who can’t take his eyes off her,” he said. “Now you’re getting it.” “So, a tag line like, ‘Let him see the best in you’.” “Yes,” she said. “Come on.”
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He followed her down the stairs and into the living room where they spread everything out again. “How about the phrase ‘Show him your beauty’ or ‘Show him your passion’,” she said. “Or ‘let him see the fantasy in you’?” “I love that—then we can roll your more fantastical images in. Almost as though they are a frame around her. For him she’s fantasy and reality all rolled into one.” He was sketching madly while she made notes, suggested phrases, and rewrote copy. This time as the ideas flew there was no laughing or grimacing. Everything was gold. “There’s nothing like this out there,” he said. “Not in the least. Women are going to look at these ads and want to be the woman he’s looking at. This is going to blow them away.” Her joy lit up her face and Daniel was having trouble focusing on what he was supposed to be doing. He was thrilled they’d finally found their winning combination, but even more thrilled to know she loved him. He was smiling like a fool, hearing her voice in his head repeating the words. As he worked he tried to put those thoughts into the expression on the face of the man in the ad. “We’re going to get this account,” she said. “I think you’re right.” They ate leftovers and worked until they couldn’t see straight, finally stumbling into bed after midnight.
***** Waves of pleasure started softly across her skin, waking her gently. She reached toward the awareness, wanting more, needing more and as she did she woke to discover she was lying on her back with Daniel’s hand gently fondling her breasts under the t-shirt she fell asleep in. She wondered if she could still be dreaming, but she was too aware of his touch and her reaction. As her nipples hardened she considered opening her eyes, but decided instead to let the sensations caress her. Not knowing what he would do next added to the pleasure, and she let herself surrender to his arousing attention. There was something magical about being desired to the point Daniel was willing to wake her. Knowing he couldn’t and wouldn’t wait for morning had heat pooling between her thighs. His touch was a balm after days filled with uncertainty and fear. There was no one like him and she was both excited and grateful. She wasn’t alone anymore. Someone was with her. Someone was here for her. “Daniel.” His name came out on a whisper. “Yes, my sweet Lena?”
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“I need you close.” “I am close,” he said. “Closer.” He kissed her and said, “With pleasure.” His hand slipped into her underwear and directly to her pussy. The contact and knowing what was to come sent a shiver through her. “You’re close too. I think I’ll make you closer.” As he teased her clit with his fingers, she lifted her hips to give him more contact, and they both used a hand to remove her panties. “A touch and a kiss and my body is ready for you,” she said. He placed her hand on his boxers and she gripped his erection. “Then we are, once again, well matched.” He continued circling her sensitive bud, but as his fingers worked in and out of her, it wasn’t enough. “Please, Daniel, be inside of me.” “Don’t you want—” “You,” she interrupted. “I want you.” He kissed her deeply and she knew he understood. As he rolled over to get a condom from his nightstand, she pulled off her t-shirt. When he returned to her they were both naked. She pulled him on top and spread her legs. Grabbing his long, thick cock she guided him into her. “God yes,” she whispered. “We’re perfect together,” he said and kissed her gently. Their mouths tasted and tongues explored each other in slow movements, mirrored by their bodies. They didn’t rush. There was no need. She caressed his back, marveling in his muscles moving under her hands. She noticed the feel of his legs between hers, the tingle of his chest hair on her breasts. Everywhere was feeling. Everywhere was love. When his climax was close he arched away to stroke her clit and bring her to orgasm with him. As they shattered in each others’ arms, Lena knew she was more connected to her own heart and to someone else’s than ever before. The last thing she remembered before falling back to sleep was saying, “I love you” in unison with the man who showed her the path back to her soul. The next morning Lena could barely open her eyes and she pulled the covers over her face when Daniel brought her coffee in bed. He sat next to her and stroked her arm. “How can you be up so early?” she asked when she finally peeked out and sipped the hot liquid. “And your hair is wet. You’ve gone for your run and showered.” “Habit mostly. Did you sleep well?” “Yes, I had a wonderful dream. A sexy man made love to me.” “Now that does sound nice. Did you enjoy it?” “Couldn’t you tell?”
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He smiled then bent down to kiss her. She scooted over on the mattress and he joined her. “So,” he said after a while, “do we head back to the city today?” She didn’t answer. They’d accomplished what they’d come out here to do. Now they needed the rest of the team to create the final product to show the client. But the idea of leaving didn’t really appeal. Unfortunately, she couldn’t offer a reason to stay so she nodded. It was a while before she was ready to get out of bed, eat something and start the process of packing clothes, cleaning the dark room, and making certain everything in her art studio was properly stored. They talked about the campaign and jotted down ideas as they packed, but Lena could feel herself getting more nervous. It was one thing to spend a few days away from everyone and everything. With no intrusions of friends, family and careers and tucked in their own little haven, everything was simple and wonderful. He made her feel safe, sexy and loved, but would it change once they were back to their regular lives? “Everything will be fine, my love,” Daniel said, breaking into her thoughts. She looked at him, not entirely surprised he had an idea what she was thinking. They were coming to know each other’s thoughts pretty well, and he knew her fears better than anyone ever had. “I want it to be. After all that’s happened, I guess I’m feeling a little vulnerable.” He reached over, brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I’m here.” His words, as they often did, soothed and reassured her. They were both in new territory here, so at least if she was scared she had company. Sexy, supportive, loving company. Maybe being vulnerable wasn’t too bad.
***** They arrived back in the city late in the afternoon, parked Lena’s car at her building then took a cab to the Crane and Fulton office. Most of the staff was getting ready to leave for the day, but Lena and Daniel gathered everyone into the conference room to present their ideas. As expected, they went over beautifully. Michelle was so excited she was dancing around the room and was ready to order champagne for everyone. “I think we should wait until after the pitch deadline,” Lena said. “We’ve only got a few days to make these ideas look as polished and magazine ready as possible.” “You know we’ve got this,” Michelle said. Lena was ready to hope but quite ready to be as positive as her friend. The next days were a flurry of activity and little to no sleep. With Lena and Michelle’s input, Daniel hired and worked with models on the photo shoot. Michelle arranged for the necessary studio space and helped Daniel with the set decoration necessary to create central ad images of the men looking with longing at the lovely women in their lives. When she saw the proofs at the end of the day, Lena was blown 99
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away. Even alone, the pictures would make buyers crazy for the product. But when Daniel added his art to them, then the real magic began. He put in long hours creating the fantasy images based on the faces and poses of the woman, which then framed the final image and showed the wild and passionate thoughts the lady inspired in her man. In addition to helping Daniel, Lena wrote long and short copy ideas, worked with typefaces to create the right impact for the words so they complemented but didn’t distract from the visuals, and storyboarded short television commercials. At the end of each day, they spent more hours talking about what other layouts they needed and to be certain their work was fitting. The days were long, but they flew by. Most nights they collapsed into bed only to wake a few hours later and start the process all over again. And although she knew she was exhausted, Lena hadn’t felt this energized in years. When she looked in the mirror she saw someone happy and animated, a far cry from a few weeks ago when she hardly recognized her reflection.
***** On the day of the presentation, Lena, Michelle and Daniel went to the meeting knowing they brought their best work. Lena and Michelle made certain to wear Golden Cosmetics, but Lena thought if she glowed it was love and excitement that did it. Of course, that was what was at the heart of their campaign. Golden Cosmetics brought out a woman’s inner goddess, inner passion. Lena gave Daniel’s hand a squeeze as they walked into the conference room. He’d helped to bring it out in her. Even knowing the executives had seen several other talented and well-established firms, Lena was confident that what they were offering was new and exciting. She’d been to enough of these meetings to know when the client was interested and from the way people were leaning forward in their seats and the questions they asked, she could tell they were hooked. Nothing was certain, but she had no doubt that they’d given their best and whatever happened, that mattered almost as much as anything. Still, she didn’t sleep well as they waited to hear Golden’s final decision. She didn’t do anything well. Patience had never been one of her virtues. She jumped every time the phone rang and checked her messages constantly. She tried to concentrate on other accounts, but her mind wandered and sometimes shut down completely. They went to a movie one day and five minutes after they left she couldn’t remember what it was about. She was grateful for every night Daniel distracted her, made her laugh, held her, and made love to her. She missed having him at the office now that his job was done, but she didn’t think she could have enjoyed him much anyway. Every day that passed without word made her lose a little more hope. “No news is good news,” Daniel said. “You can’t know what they are thinking or doing.” “We’d have heard bad news by now,” Michelle said.
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They both tried to keep their spirits up, but Lena knew Michelle well and could see the cracks start in her friend’s optimism. She was considering going home early on the Friday nearly two weeks after their presentation when Michelle called her. “I’ve got Golden on hold. Get in here quickly.” Lena kicked off her shoes and ran to Michelle’s office. She saw a few thumbs-up and hopeful looks from their other employees as they passed. “Lena just arrived, Mr. Golden. We’re ready.” It took all Lena’s strength not to react to the news until they hung up the phone, but the moment the receiver was in its cradle she looked at her best friend and smiled broadly before they both screamed at the top of their lungs. The account was theirs. Every minute of work, sweat and tears paid off. They had won the biggest job of their careers and the company was saved. Michelle ran to the kitchen and brought out two bottles of champagne she’d kept hidden for the last week. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t lunch time yet. Cups and mugs were filled and their success was toasted. The offer was generous and this account alone was going to keep them going for years, to say nothing of the accounts it was going to attract for them. Daniel arrived a half hour later and joined the celebration, picking Lena up, swinging her around and kissing her passionately in front of the entire staff. She couldn’t have cared less. He was a part of this achievement and she was thrilled to share it with him. They ordered lunch in for everyone and when the food and drink were gone they closed the office for the rest of the day. Lena and Daniel spent the day walking around Boston, laughing and kissing, too happy to settle anywhere for long. Needing to indulge herself, she modeled several pairs of outrageously expensive shoes for Daniel before choosing a pair of nude open-toed concealed platform stilettos that made his eyes widen when she walked toward him. It was a perfect day, the first she hoped, and finally believed, of many to come. On Sunday, Lena woke in Daniel’s bed and stretched out to cover as much of the mattress as possible. If he were next to her, he’d tease her about not taking up much room at all. Breathing deeply, she smelled coffee brewing in the other room. Waking and having him take care of her was almost as lovely as falling asleep with him. And falling asleep in his arms was wonderful. She closed her eyes and heard his last words from the night before, I love you, Lena. She was grateful for so many things in her life she could burst from the happiness. The contracts were being couriered over on Monday and once they were signed it would be official. Crane and Fulton was going to be in business for a long time to come. With Daniel’s help, she had done it. Her company was saved. And she was completely in love.
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Without their days at the camp together, she might never have gotten close to him or shared so much of herself. Part of her remained nervous, but no previous relationship ever felt this right, this intimate. She longed for him when circumstances kept them apart, and couldn’t get enough of him when they were together. And while she knew the intensity would fade, she was ready to enjoy whatever came next. Resting back on the pillows, listening to Daniel in the kitchen, Lena gave a contented sigh. She loved waking in his bed with the sun coming down from the ceiling window. Spring in Boston didn’t always have good weather, but from what she could see, today promised to be a beautiful one. Maybe she would ask Daniel if she could leave a painting easel in the corner. The light in here was too wonderful to waste. “Good morning,” Daniel said, walking into the bedroom wearing jeans and nothing else. Damn, she loved that look on him. “I brought you something.” “Gimme gimme gimme,” she said, reaching out for the mug as he laughed. She took a gentle sip to avoid a burned tongue. “The first taste is always so good. Thank you.” “You are very welcome.” “Where’s yours?” “Drank it already. See,” he said and kissed her, letting her taste the strong, dark coffee on his tongue. “Now that’s a new way to get a caffeine buzz.” “Think it works?” “I think if it doesn’t, it won’t matter.” As she continued to enjoy her morning fuel he kissed her jaw and neck, then as he worked his way down to her collarbone he said, “Let’s go out for brunch.” “Sounds good, although if you keep doing what you’re doing, I’m going to say we stay in and make scrambled eggs.” “If there wasn’t a great place I want to go to on Newbury Street, I’d be whisking those eggs.” She smiled. Sunday brunch was her favorite meal of the week, especially to eat out. She wondered if it was warm enough for the restaurants to have tables outside. Newbury Street was great for people watching. They could have a leisurely meal then window shop. Maybe she’d splurge on another pair of stilettos since she knew her job was secure again. She climbed out of bed and into the shower. Daniel joined her and claimed it would be quick, but once he started sucking on her nipples, they didn’t get out from under the water for a while, not until she enjoyed him thoroughly and allowed him to do the same. When he entered her from behind, the combined sensations of the hot water and the cool tile wall were electrifying. She was glad she left a dress at his place. She always felt better on Newbury Street when she dressed nicely. As she finished her makeup, he came up behind her and 102
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wrapped his arms around her. She stared in the mirror at their combined reflection. They looked as happy as she felt. She wanted to keep this feeling forever—and she wanted to capture it for their next set of ads for Golden. She put down her brush, took his face in her hands and kissed him. “What was that for?” “Because I wanted to.” “Best reason ever,” he said. “Are you ready?” “Yes, just need to find my lipstick.” “Don’t bother. I’m going to kiss it off later.” “Good point,” she said. Makeup didn’t matter when she felt as though she glowed from the inside. Maybe “Glow like you’re in love” would be another campaign. She couldn’t remember the last time she was this joyful. Probably when she was a child and the world was filled with endless possibilities. It was that buzz, that promise, she was experiencing all over again. And as Michelle suggested, her creativity was overflowing as much as her heart. The early-afternoon weather was as warm as she hoped, and they walked arm-inarm over the bridge and into the heart of Copley Square, passing Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library on their way over to one of the ritziest streets in the city. It was nearly noon and the sidewalks were crowded with Bostonians cooped up for too long during the winter. She glanced in windows at the new summer fashions and found herself excited about the coming season. She was so dazzled by the day and her own emotions she didn’t notice they stopped walking. “We’re here,” Daniel said. She looked at the door and was confused by the writing. “I don’t understand. Why are we at the Wagner Gallery? They don’t serve brunch here.” “They do, sort of, when there’s an event.” “You can’t possibly have managed another show with all that’s been going on.” “I can’t, but Alice can—and did. She’s discovered a brilliant new artist, with a little help from me, of course.” He opened the door with a flourish and allowed her to walk in first. They stepped into the gallery and other than the bright light spilling in through the front wall of glass, the scene reminded her of the night they met. The crowd, the drinks being passed and the energy. However, the artist being highlighted was not Daniel. It was—her.
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Chapter Eleven Her mind told her it wasn’t possible, but she saw a different truth. The exhibit was called “Fortunate Accidents”, and Lena thought she might throw up. The sounds in the room disappeared as blood rushed in her ears and she took in the activity around her. To the left of the greeters table was a wall of information on Lena, their featured artist, including pictures from her childhood, a few of her standout projects from C&F, as well as a photograph of her working, which she barely remembered Daniel taking while they were away at the camp. Swallowing hard she turned to Daniel and said, “When did you…” But her voice trailed off. She couldn’t bring herself to complete the sentence. “I mentioned it to Alice during one of our calls after I’d seen your work. When we came back she asked me what I thought of mounting a show. I told her nothing was framed and I didn’t know if you’d agree. When she hit on the idea to surprise you instead, we decided to leave your work unframed and she would showcase it the best way possible. You’re surprised, right?” She would never like surprises. “Yes,” she whispered. Instead of frames, her pictures rested on thin, dark shelves placed at different heights throughout the gallery. They looked beautiful yet unfamiliar on the plain white walls. Nearly every piece from the accident collection in her camp studio was here for all to see. She was entirely exposed. As if it wasn’t hard enough to accept what she was seeing, when she turned at the sound of her name she saw her family coming to greet her. Janice got to her first and wrapped her in a bear hug of motherly warmth and jasmine scent. “Lena, my sweet girl, this is wonderful. I am thrilled for you. This is completely incredible. Your work is fabulous.” “Thank you,” Lena said, moved by the honesty she heard in her mother’s voice. “I could hardly believe it when Daniel called to tell us about the show. At first, I was amazed you let him talk you into it, but then he explained it was a surprise. I hope you’re pleased. You are, aren’t you?” “Of course, I just don’t know what to say.” Although she was thinking of some very choice words for the manipulative man behind this event. “That’s all right, dear, you don’t have to say anything. Daniel told us the plan and naturally we gave him what he asked for, including keys to the Great House and pictures of you for the program. Isn’t it spectacular?” It was a spectacle, she thought, but simply said, “Yes.”
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After her mom released her, she got the same treatment from her father and both brothers. She was stunned they all made it. It was usually a challenge to get them together without a great deal of advance planning. She was certain someone, if not all of them, changed their schedules to make this work. She was touched by their support. The Pierces were there as well, which was also surprising since she couldn’t remember the last time they left the Berkshires. “We wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” Mrs. Pierce told her. As shaky as Lena felt, it was special to have the people closest to her here. “You doing okay, sunshine?” Michelle asked, grabbing her arm and pulling her away. “You look pale.” “I don’t know what to say.” “That’s not a good sign. He had the best intentions. He even convinced me it was a good idea.” How could Michelle support this? She knew how Lena felt about her art. Before she could voice her anger, Alice approached. “Congratulations, Ms. Artiste. Don’t you love it? I think it’s stunning.” “I’m stunned, that’s for sure.” “Daniel said he wasn’t sure. I did a lot of wheedling and convincing after he sent me a few pictures of your work. He wanted to know if I thought they were marketable so he could tell you. I said that was an understatement and asked when could we arrange your first show. Come, I have to introduce you to people. Everyone is dying to meet you.” “Could you give me one minute, Alice? I want to speak with Daniel. I’m still a bit overwhelmed by this.” “Of course, darling. I’ll find you in a few, but don’t take too long and don’t disappear like you two did the last time.” “I wouldn’t think of it.” She turned to look for Daniel and found him chatting with her family as though they were old friends. More anger bubbled to the surface. Nice to know one of them fit in with them. “Daniel?” she called to him. When their eyes met, she motioned him over to her. He gave her a quick hug and said, “What do you think?” “How. Dare. You.” Although she spoke quietly she could tell from the way he flinched he heard every word. “You’re upset?” “Oh no, I went straight past upset and landed firmly on livid.” She pivoted and walked quickly to the gallery offices, knowing he would follow. As she stood in the entry vestibule a lump formed in her throat. She couldn’t ever remember suffering a hurt like this, not even at the end of her marriage. She’d trusted Daniel with a special part of her and he’d exposed her. The feeling of betrayal was immense.
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She started speaking as soon as the door shut. “How could you take my pictures and allow them to be displayed in public?” “I hoped you’d be pleased, even if it is a bit scary. After all we shared and all you’ve said, I thought you’d gotten over your fear of being seen as the artist you are.” “Daniel, this may come as a shock to you, but I am not a picture you can manipulate into being what you want.” “I am perfectly aware of that,” he said, crossing his hands over his chest. “Are you? Because I’m beginning to think you need to get a little older before you understand you cannot make people into what you think they should be and pain is not something that goes away with a phone call or a kiss. Or a grand gesture.” She waved her hand toward the door. “Age has nothing to do with my decision or your anger.” “Don’t be so certain. A more mature person would have talked to me, learned if it was what I wanted.” “I do know what you wanted. You made it very clear whether you realize it or not, Lena. You’ve been craving this for most of your life. You may not see it, but I certainly can. You completely changed while we were at Crane Hill, although it seems you aren’t able or are unwilling to see it. You let go of the stranglehold you put on your life. I was sure…” “You were sure. What about me? This decision was about me.” “Of course it was.” “No, you made it for me. What gave you the right to do this without asking? Without consulting me. That is my art out there. My work.” My soul, she thought. “Love.” “What?” “Love gave me the right or at least the hope to try to release the woman I adore from the pain and detachment she’s lived with. Loving you made me want more for you.” Lena didn’t know what to say. Her heart was still hammering, and she wanted to keep yelling, but his words and the emotion behind them made her stop. But the words didn’t change the situation. “I can’t handle this. I don’t want this. Not this way. I need it on my terms.” He stepped toward her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She stiffened, hating her response, but not being able to stop it. “If there’s one thing I learned while we were at Crane Hill, along with how much I care for you, it’s that you cannot live while continuing to avoid what you fear. You can’t always be in control. Sometimes, being out of control is exactly what you need.” “Don’t you dare tell me what I need. I am not a child. I am capable of determining how I want to run my life.”
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“I’m not treating you like a child. I’m treating you like a woman with a gift that deserves to be shown, seen.” “Really? I don’t see you sharing those black-and-white photos Alice wants you to display. Didn’t you say something about those being personal? I thought you understood.” “Those pictures are an aspect of my art. I don’t keep my work hidden. How can I make you understand? It was so clear to me that you wanted this, Lena, but you were afraid to admit it.” “Artist and a mind reader. You are very talented.” “Stop it. Stop trying to hurt me because you’re scared.” “Hurt you? Hurt you!” Her voice rose and she was ready to lunge for him when there was a knock at the door. “Okay, you two lovebirds, I’ve been patient long enough,” Alice said. “Let Lena go, Daniel, so she can meet her adoring public.” “You’ve already let me go,” she said in a voice only he could hear. She put her hand up to stop him from responding. There was nothing to say. “Goodbye, Daniel.”
***** Daniel stood there for a few minutes, resting his head against the wall and trying to stop shaking. He wanted to shake her. She was infuriating. Couldn’t she see this was a leap she needed to take, was meant to take? He believed once she saw the exhibit and the reception of the crowd, she would know this was the right move. But no, she stubbornly clung to her fears. He found the employee bathroom, splashed water on his face, and stepped back into the office area. Michelle was standing there waiting for him. “She’s furious,” she said. “I gather she told you.” “She didn’t have to. I saw her walk out of here with Alice next to her, and if Lena holds herself any more rigidly, she’s going to shatter. I tried to tell you she didn’t like surprises.” This was true. Daniel ran the idea past Michelle and Lena’s friend explained her aversion to surprises. Daniel decided he knew Lena better and moved forward with his plans. Maybe he was wrong, but nothing could be changed now. “She’s been aching for this for years, Michelle. She never told you what she sacrificed after her first show.” “No, but I assume she had a good reason for not telling me as well as for telling you. Is she going to regret that decision?” He didn’t answer immediately. “I don’t know. I need to go out there.” “I had better not lose my friend over this.” “If I have my way, you’ll be wearing a bridesmaid dress.” 107
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Michelle smiled at him. “It better not be hideous or have a butt bow.” Daniel gave her a quick hug and ran out the door. Lena might not let him help her through this, but he was going to keep an eye on her. He located her in seconds. Lena stood ramrod straight and her smile looked forced and painful. Since this was a private preview, there was no press, but there were plenty of people who stopped to talk to him because they knew about his last show. He barely followed the conversations he was pulled into and rarely took his eyes off Lena, who was very skilled at keeping her gaze away from him. Knowing he caused her pain was killing him. It wasn’t his intention. Far from it. He found it almost tragic that she kept her passion and talent hidden in a third-floor studio in the middle of nowhere. He wanted her to have the success she deserved and to be free to express herself completely and not just with him. Didn’t she understand? But even if she did, would she forgive him for showing it to her in what turned out to be such a harsh way?
***** After the show, if Daniel tried to follow her out of the gallery Lena would have happily made a scene in the middle of Newbury Street and not cared who saw. She was in knots and not ready to talk to him. In the light of early evening, she sat in her simple and familiar living room wondering what to do now that her simple and familiar life was completely turned upside down. Seeing her work on the gallery walls so shocked her she assumed her reaction was hurt and pain. However, sitting quietly and focusing on her feelings, she admitted she may be wrong. As the afternoon wore on she relaxed a little and enjoyed herself on several occasions. Alice was brilliant at making introductions and, surprisingly, turned out to be a fan of her mother’s work, which led to more interesting conversations and connections for everyone. Shortly after Lena came out of the gallery offices, Alice cornered her. “He did this to support you, not to hurt you,” she said. The woman was very good at reading situations. “I know, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Sharing my work with him was scary enough. I never expected him to break that trust.” “He didn’t. He wanted you to have this opportunity, but without the pressure and fears of a true opening. There are no critics here, Lena, only friends, family and a few professional contacts of mine. This is a pre-show, invitation-only event and if you want, these pictures will come off the walls at the end of the day. No one else will ever see the work of Lena Crane. It’s your decision. Personally, I hope you let the public and the
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critics in. Your work is powerful, beautiful and, as an agent I have to add, very sellable.” Lena was shocked. She assumed some of the guests were critics. “I don’t know what to say.” “I’d like you to say you’ll allow the show to continue. Promise me you’ll consider it.” Lena promised, leaving her emotions a jumble of elation and misery for the rest of the afternoon. If she started to relax, she’d catch a glimpse of Daniel and his betrayal would hit her again. She couldn’t shake the knowledge he went behind her back to make this happen. But would it have ever happened if he didn’t? Would she have kept her art in her studio, never showing anyone? When she worked, she never thought about a canvas being viewed by others because part of her feared if she imagined an audience her creativity would dry up. Fear. There was that word again. How many places in her life had she held back and not lived fully because of it? Fear of being an outsider made her pull away from her family. Fear the critics were right stopped her from showing her work, and fear of being in a relationship others would think was weird nearly cost her Daniel. She was almost forty-one years old and living with so much fear of failure, it colored almost everything she did. She laughed mirthlessly at herself. And she accused Daniel of being the immature one. Another place where she was wrong. If he asked her to show her work publicly she would have refused and crawled back to the safety of her studio, perhaps choosing to be mad at him for suggesting it. It was a no-win situation for him, and for her. He’d given her a chance to change that, and so did Alice by offering Lena the opportunity to close the show immediately. Sitting in her apartment, Lena thought about gallery visitors seeing her pictures and let those feelings pass through her. Then she thought about the show closing and her work going back to the room in Stockbridge. An unexpected wave of sadness hit her, and she knew her answer. Possibility was better than fear. She also needed to see Daniel. Immediately. Grabbing her bag, she headed to the door, but stopped when she opened it to find him standing there poised to knock. “I need to talk to you,” he said and walked past her without waiting for an invitation. He stopped in the middle of the living room. “I want to tell you I’m sorry, but it wouldn’t be the complete truth. I’m not sorry for what I did because I still believe you wouldn’t have made the leap on your own.” “Daniel, I—” “Let me finish,” he said, running his hands through his hair. She knew from living with him he did that when he was thinking and trying to fix something. “I am sorry it hurt you as much as it did. You have to know it wasn’t my intention. You mean so
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much to me, and your art means a lot to you. I didn’t want the passion of the woman I love locked away—figuratively and literally.” By this point Lena was standing in front of him. “Daniel, stop.” “I can’t. Not if it means I’m going to lose you.” “You’re not going to lose me. I love you.” “Oh God, say that again.” He pulled her into his arms. “I love you,” she said against his chest, then looked up and brought his head to hers for a deep kiss. Earlier today she wondered if they would ever share another. Knowing this was far from the end made the kiss much sweeter. “I need to be closer to you,” he said. “How about in me?’’ “That works.” Wrapped in each other, they stumbled to her room, shedding clothes and tripping over each other along the way. By the time they got to her bed they were naked. He covered her with his body and she ran her hands over him, wanting to touch every inch as he touched her. “Lena, you are so precious to me.” “And with you I can live as I’ve ached to, be the woman I want to be.” She needed to be connected to him and couldn’t bear to wait. She reached over to her nightstand drawer and removed a condom and a familiar bottle of lubrication. He smiled at her hungrily. “I bought this a few days after we came back. Take me, Daniel. Take me the way only you ever have.” He crushed her mouth in a bruising, passionate kiss, telling her he was as hungry for her as she was for him. The knowledge sent a rush through her. Her body was as ready as her heart. As he rolled the condom on, she opened the lubricant and poured some onto her hand then wrapped her fingers around his cock. He took the bottle from her and dripped more of the slick liquid onto the bottom of her pussy. She shivered as it slipped down to her ass. Grabbing a pillow his said, “Lift up, my love,” and as she did he placed it under her hips. “I love seeing you open for me. You’re beautiful.” And she believed it, felt it deep in her heart. He poured more lube on his fingers and slid them into her, making certain her body would accept him. When he eased them out she bent her knees to her chest to allow him to enter her. She gasped as her body adjusted to the intrusion, but as she relaxed the pleasure grew. “I never imagined how wonderful this could be,” she said. “It only works with a great deal of trust.” “And a great lover,” she said. “Two great lovers.”
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Peak Experience
Nothing more than moans and cries of “oh yes” were possible as he reached between them and teased her clitoris until they both came. The intensity of her pleasure would have alarmed Lena a few weeks ago. Instead she welcomed it. She found all that was missing from her life—and so very much more. She lay in his arms after, loving the size and strength of him. “Well, this is not how I thought today would end. Does this mean you forgive me for not telling you about the exhibit?” “I understand why you did it. I’m not saying I wasn’t hurt when it happened, because I was.” “I know. Hell, I saw it, and I’m sorry.” “Thank you. As hard as it was, I also know the truth is without your push, I would have stayed in my nest for a long time. Possibly forever. After Alice told me there were no critics, I started to relax and when I think back on the day, I know it was more wonderful than not. I don’t want to hide anymore.” “Are you going to let the exhibit continue?” “I am. I’ll call Alice later and let her know.” He kissed her. “I’m glad. You deserve it.” Unexpectedly her eyes started to tear. “Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?” “No, just the opposite. I do deserve this. I’ve been living a very restricted, controlled life and it hasn’t been working well for my creativity. Or my heart,” she added giving him a kiss. “I don’t think I’m going to jump into doing artistic work full time, but I think I can find a balance like you have.” “We can head out to Stockbridge for an occasional weekend retreat to shoot pictures and create.” “I’d like that, and I know my work at Crane and Fulton will benefit from being more active as an artist. I don’t want to leave there, though. It’s special to me.” “I think you’ll be great at both,” he said and gave her a quick kiss. “Besides, without it, we wouldn’t have had these few weeks. Just no forgetting to take some time for fun.” “That sounds wonderful. And so does being with you. I am glad you came into my life, Daniel. You have brought me joy and love and,” she caressed his chest, going down farther to stroke his semi-hard cock, “the best sex of my life. I never knew I could enjoy myself in bed the way I have until you came along.” He moaned and kissed her. “It’s not unlike your art, you know. I simply uncovered what was already there. You are the most passionate woman I’ve known, in or out of bed. I love that you let me show you this side of yourself.” “Me too.” “There’s one thing I have to set straight.” He sounded very serious. “Okay. What’s that?”
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“You cannot throw my age at me like a character flaw every time we have a disagreement. I can’t change that. Yes, I have been around twelve years less than you, but it doesn’t automatically discount everything I say. I need you to accept me, all of me, age included.” “You’re right.” “Ooh, words every man longs to hear from a woman,” he said with a teasing smile. “I have used your age against you, but it’s not because I’m discounting what you’re offering. It’s usually because I know you’re right, and I need distance from the truth you’re forcing me to see.” “I understand, but I still don’t want it used against me.” “I won’t.” “Thank you. Anything else I should know that we haven’t discussed that’s important to you?” “Yes,” she said. “And what would that be?” “I want you to make love to me again and kiss me breathless the way you’ve done from the beginning.” “It would be my pleasure,” he said. “Mine too.” He lifted her in his arms and curled her to him for a kiss. “I love you.” “I love you too. I feel like I’ve loved you forever,” he said. “Then there is one more thing I want you to do for me.” Daniel smiled. “What’s that?” “Don’t ever stop.”
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About the Author Rachel Kenley is a multi-published author who loves reading, coffee and chocolate, and considers herself an excellent retail therapist. She believes in embracing the power of passion and the part of a woman’s power that lies in her sexuality. She writes in a variety of genres, including contemporary, paranormal and retold fairy tales, depending on what suits the characters who live in her head. The characters in her life include her husband, two sons, family, and a group of writer friends she would be completely lost without. A Jersey girl at heart, she now lives in New England where apparently spring is a myth and winter lasts too long. She is grateful to be living the writer’s life that has always been her dream.
Rachel welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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