Saucy Minx Ann Cory (c) 2008
Saucy Minx Ann Cory Published 2008 ISBN 978-1-59578-396-7 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2008, Ann Cory. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://LSbooks.com Email:
[email protected] Editor Barbara Marshall Cover Artist J Savoy This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
Chapter One As his enviable deep-tanned body slid along hers, she couldn’t help but shudder. Every glorious, muscled inch cried out he was all man. In his grasp her body tingled, his thumbs thrilling her nipples, his moist tongue following the same path. Between gasps, Minx revisited how surreal it was that a man she’d fantasized about for years now lay in her bed, seducing her body and whispering sweet nothings into the darkness. “I never thought you’d be here with me,” she moaned as his lips encased her nipples, suckling, driving her mad. “This is…unexpected.” In silence, his gaze searched her face, his warm breath exotic and spicy with a hint of oregano. “Are you complaining?” Minx shook her head, surprised the movement didn’t give her whiplash. “Not at all.” “Good. Now let me finish what I’ve started.” She melted into the mattress, her arms and legs spread eagle, manipulated solely by him…like a submissive marionette. The throb of his cock beat faintly against her thigh. Slow. Hypnotic. A reverberation jacking her adrenaline, and making her ribs feel too small for her lungs. Excitement scoured through her veins, leaving every nerve on edge, aroused. If he moved, she imagined her body would catapult to the other side of the room. His hand moved along her skin, the pads of his fingers lightly calloused, working their magic over her tummy and circling her bellybutton, careful of the silver charm piercing. His fingers slipped between her thighs and down, lightly stroking her swollen clit. He tilted his face to her, eyes wide and appreciative. “Ah, my wet angel, you are ready for me.” “I’ve been ready.” “I can’t wait to feel my cock inside you. It’s been a long time coming.” The words turned her mind to mush. “A long time.” His erection pulsed hard and fast now, a split second after the thudding of her heartbeat. Sweat pooled along her hairline, coating her forehead with tiny beads. Warmth nestled around her chin and cheeks, burning like a fever, the kind of fever she’d never want a cure for. Through her blurred gaze, his lips morphed from coy to seductive, and then back to coy. “I love to watch you writhe beneath me while my fingers sink inside your pussy.” Her lips trembled, voice obstructed by a hundred sighs as he fondled her clit. Thighs parted wide, Minx rocked her pelvis up, craving contact, begging for it. He blew a strand of hair from over his eye, narrowing his gaze seductively. “Patience.” Her lips set to a pout, she exhaled and bit her lip. The word patience didn’t exist in her vocabulary. Not around him, not now, not ever. “Please.” Her voice dragged between a whine and demand. The tip of his cock blazed across her pubic bone and teased her nubbin. His length startled her every time, smooth and thick, an embodiment of pleasure with a single stroke. On his knees, he scooped his hands beneath her ass and dragged her closer. Her breath stalled. An absolute quiet hung in the air as he wrapped her legs around his waist
and steadied his cock against her pussy. Thud, thud, thud. The vein in her neck pulsated, her lips open, ready to release a groan as he sank inside her center. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Minx sat upright, trembling, damp sheets coiled around her body like a snake. With her fist she shut the intrusive sound off, cursing her clock and the morning that always came too soon. Breath jagged, lips dry, she rested her head back on the pillow and stared at the miniature bits of dust illuminated by the sunrise at her window. The blur between her dreams and reality came to an unfair point in the early morning hours. Always close to penetration, but never achieving it. She wasn’t getting any in her real life, and she wasn’t getting any in her dreams. Legs shaky and mind in an aroused haze, Minx would be operating on a near orgasm all day if she didn’t take care of it. Inside her nightstand lay a treasure trove of toys to pacify her current desires. With the dream clear in her mind, she chose the suction cupped dildo and small silver vibrator, “the sure thing” she liked to call it. In the living room, she suctioned the makeshift cock onto a glass table and readied the vibrator. Still wet from her dream, she easily slid over the thick makeshift cock and eased herself up and down its hearty length until she’d found a rhythm. She started the vibrator on slow speed, gently tapping her over-sensitive clit before burrowing it to the right side, her most sensitive place. Minx closed her eyes, pretending she rode his cock, as if he sat in a chair behind her, his hands following the curve of her lower back, knuckles brushing against her flesh. She imagined his hands gripping her hips tightly, propelling her faster over his cock, the friction addictive, seductive. Minx groaned at the beautiful agony flowing through her. Blood swirled through her body, her thighs tensing as she went down on the dildo, its ridged texture pushing her slit open and closed. Her eyes watered the moment she sped up the vibrator, her clit responding, sending chills throughout her body. With the vibrator tight alongside her clit, she prodded it around, circling the taut nub, imagining his fingers, his tongue, as if clones of him surrounded her with no other thought than to satisfy her needs. Harder, faster, she pumped, ignoring the burn in her leg muscles. Minx shimmied her pussy up and down the dildo, driven by the sheer need to climax, freeing her up to think clearly later on. She turned the vibrator up a notch and let it do the rest of the work as she pulsed steadily, the dildo shoved far up inside her, straining to ignore the sharp spasm of pain shooting through her quads. Closing her eyes, it didn’t take much to imagine his firm hands helping her momentum along. She flipped the switch up again and let the vibrations steal her away into the beginnings of an orgasm. Muscles clenched, she squatted up and down, moving in a frenzied state. Her vision blurred as her breathing hitched. With a boisterous roar, she cried out as the festering orgasm came free, dispelling her juices along her inner thighs and all over the dildo. Minx raised herself off the toy and flopped to the easy chair smiling, breathless, satisfied. She laughed, unbelieving how riled up she became whenever she thought about him. Desperation ran through her blood, as if she would never get enough. Her fantasies stretched beyond the imagination, filling her with visions. She’d feel him around her all day, his memory an embrace, voice quiet in her ear, full lips against her earlobe. In her mind she would be without inhibitions, daring and ready for anything, but she feared if they were ever together that she’d hightail it right out of there, tail between her legs.
A glance to the clock reminded her that the day wasn’t going to wait for her spasms to finish. Minx hurried through a cool shower, trying her best to let go of the agonizing torment. The pulsing water against her nipples only fueled the fire again, stoking it, making her dizzy. Minx closed her eyes and imagined him staring, open-mouthed, appreciating her curvaceous figure. Two seconds into thinking about him and her body raged with fire again, a tumultuous itch needing a rough scratch. God, how he seduced her body and mind. She reached her fingers down and rubbed her clit furiously, her heavy pants fogging up the shower door, until another orgasm burst forth, this time knocking her off balance. As she lay on the shower floor, the water spiked along her body, washing her juices down the drain. Somehow she couldn’t get enough. Spent and shaky, Minx stood, lathered up the body wash, and smoothed it all over, the sandalwood and patchouli calming her mind. It had been weeks since she’d been able to sleep in and cling to such vivid dreams. Since classes were cancelled for the day, she didn’t have to rush. Clean and rinsed, she shut off the water and wrapped a towel around her body, stepping onto the plush blue rug. From the medicine cabinet she grabbed her moisturizer and worked it into her skin. Her cheeks burned a jeweled pink, eyes sparkling. The orgasms had done her good. She took her time applying makeup, easy on the eye shadow and blush as her boss requested, and streaked on two coats of sheer lip-gloss. She fished around a straw basket for a blue hair tie and set her hair in a sleek ponytail. Minx slipped her feet into a pair of shoes and gave the thumbs up to her reflection; for work it would do. Hurriedly, she hopped into her blue VW Bug and drove to work, munching a granola bar on the way. The second she pushed the backdoor of the pizzeria open, she was hit with the scrumptious aromas of Tony’s Italian cooking. The scents of sweet basil, oregano, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella cheese, and fresh dough filled the air, making her mouth water. She fixed her short black apron around her waist and tied it first in back, and then again in the front, looping the excess into a bow. Tony had a habit of buying things in extra large, mindful of expanding girths in a pasta place. Minx rummaged around in a small metal box on the counter for her nametag and clipped it onto her shirt. Her fifty-something mobster-looking boss nearly collided with her as she headed out to the front. In a raspy foreign grumble, he cursed, and then stopped a moment. “Sorry, in a hurry. Nature calls.” Horrified by the visual, she scrunched up her nose and smoothed out her denim skirt. “Too much information, Tony. Way too much information.” Ignoring the muffled retort, she tucked a notepad into her apron and made sure the pen worked. With everything in order, Minx headed out to the front and waited for the first customers to shuffle in. It was show time. Pesto’s Pizzeria was her home away from home. It was known for serving the best pizza in the small city of Corvallis, Oregon. Tony Pesto, her gigantic but kind boss, refused to share the secret of his infamous sauce. He was a joy to work with and very generous with a raise two to three times a year. She most admired his lack of an ego. His sauce was the best, but he remained humble. He wore generosity well, helping out where needed in the community and offering moneysaving specials to the university students. Even though his spaghetti and lasagna were equally delicious, nearly everyone came for
the best pizza in town. Pesto’s was also the only job she’d found that catered to her oddball university schedule and selfish request for evenings off. Monday through Friday and occasional weekends, she worked from eleven to seven, allowing the early morning for her classes. Mythology and Journalism 101 were on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Business Mathematics and Aromatherapy took up her Tuesdays and Thursdays. Next year would be a huge juggle of handling full-time classes and work, but she hoped it would all pay off. For now she was taking advantage of her free evenings. While she waited for people to come in, she jotted down notes for her next column, trying to decide which aphrodisiac to write about. Anchovies, maybe she’d write about anchovies. Oysters had been popular the week before, so she figured it was a safe bet. Pleased to have a head start on things, she outlined what else she’d add. Her evenings were spent working on a webzine she’d creatively named Love Stinks. The name worked well in garnering people’s attention, and enticed them to keep reading to figure out what the website was about. Love Stinks partnered together the relationship between various scents and the way they affected people through columns and nonfiction articles she researched and wrote. She’d always been partial to how vanilla and chocolate affected her in different ways. When she’d first started the webzine, it had been based on research she’d done for a candle-making class. Minx envisioned opening a shop, being an artsy kind of gal, selling candles and other homemade crafts. With all her business courses, she hoped to see her dream come alive. Until then she absorbed all aspects of owning and running a business, and figured Love Stinks would prove useful in networking and possibly loyal customers. After only a month, the webzine became its own entity. People from all over the world, as far away as Pakistan, Spain, and Norway, wrote to her asking for more information. Soon she was putting together articles and columns, doing contests and trivia questions, moderating a public forum, and dishing out advice left and right. It suited her fine and filled up her otherwise uneventful evenings. With a tray of Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, she busily stocked the tables. Napkins were folded in the shape of a triangle and set in the middle atop a tablecloth of sandy brown paper. Eating utensils sat at the right in a mesh basket, with a cup of crayons to the left. When she seated customers, she wrote her name on the tablecloth to seem more personable and to help break the ice. People didn’t mind waiting as much for their pizza when they could pass the time doodling. After they left, she loved to look over the tablecloths, especially when children drew on them. Imaginative drawings of dragons and unicorns, games of tic-tac-toe and hangman, and an array of smiley faces made her job less daunting. There were many regulars, like Joe from the furniture store down the block, and Shelly, the kind florist who insisted Minx give her a call when the time came to be married, offering fantastic discounts on all floral arrangements. Somehow, Minx didn’t think a wedding was in her future, or at least anytime soon, but thanked her all the same. Anxious for it to be noon, she kept glancing at her watch, willing time to go faster. Like clockwork, he always arrived at noon. While she busied herself wiping down the register, the first customers of the day bounded in, each wrapped up in a loud conversation on separate cell phones. Minx hated the things with a passion. After being
made to wait one time too many due to a customer’s incessant rambling on their portable phone, she refused to ever own one herself. With an oh, so fake but polite smile, she seated them at a booth far in the back. Once she took the family’s order, she tucked the slip of paper into the revolving silver trolley that hung in the middle of the kitchen and service area, and positioned it around so the workers in the back could see. Tony had a small staff and kept them busy chopping up fresh ingredients and mincing garlic. Minx was about to check her watch again when the door opened and her vivacious co-worker slash best friend slunk in wearing sunglasses and a mischievous grin. Right away she knew something was up. “So nice of you to make it in.” Melanie slid off her shades, and Minx instantly recognized the remnants of a hefty hangover. She gave her friend a sly smile as she filled the drink order for the yappy customers and walked their tray over, careful to not spill anything. While their pizza was baking in the large cast iron oven, she snuck into the backroom and crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. The petite blonde turned to her with a sheepish look in her aquamarine eyes and bowed her head. “I’m sorry. I’m late. Forgive me?” Minx bit her cheeks to fake being mad, but she couldn’t hold the expression for long. Her friend’s pathetic look was priceless. “Yes, of course. Just get yourself together and come out. It sucks to be alone out there.” “Looks like you only have one customer anyway. You can handle them all by yourself.” “That’s not the point. Besides, I want to hear all about your night. It would appear you had a good time. Come out as soon as you can.” She went back out to the front just in time as a slew of people came in at once. Melanie padded out and went straight to work making sure people had what they needed. When they had a moment alone together, Minx slipped back behind the counter and started filling canisters with Parmesan cheese. “So, spill. Was it Josh?” A deep burgundy color swept across her friend’s features. “Oh, yeah. We went to a party and got totally sloshed.” She frowned. “Who the hell parties on a Sunday night?” Her friend snorted and gave her a nasty look. “You sound like we’re in high school or something. Hello? We’re twenty-one. We can party whenever we have the energy to stay awake all night.” “I guess you’re right.” “Duh. If you’d ever tear yourself away from the computer long enough to have a social life, you’d know what I’m talking about. Honestly. Sometimes you scare me.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever. So, go on about your night. What did you do after the party?” “Well, I went back with Josh to his place, and he showed me his amazing record collection. I wish my parents hadn’t sold all my old albums. The covers were freakin’ amazing! I mean come on, Deep Purple, The Who; it was all about the cover back then.” “Which ones did he have?”
Melanie’s face turned bright red again, and she chewed at her lip. “Umm. That part is a little fuzzy right now. I bet I’ll remember later, though.” She loved her friend dearly, all one hundred and twenty pounds of free-spirited love. “You’re one in a million. Tell me what you do remember.” Her friend’s eyelashes fluttered, and a goofy grin spread across her face. “It would be impossible to forget how good his lips felt all over my body. Josh kisses like nobody’s business. I think his tongue knows the inside of my mouth better than my dentist.” Minx laughed and shook her head. Leave it to her friend to be explicit when it came to matters of the opposite sex. Melanie grabbed her arm and gave it a squeeze. “Want to know what we tried for the first time?” “I’m afraid that if I say yes, I’ll be sorry.” “Anal beads.” Minx almost dropped one of the canisters she was filling. “Oh god, I didn’t need to hear that.” Her friend clutched her hands to her chest and pouted. “I’m wounded that my best friend of like, fifteen years wouldn’t care to know when I had something up my ass.” “Since I’ve known you there has always been something up your ass,” Minx joked. “Bite your tongue. You just wait for the day when you want to divulge to me about what kinky toys you’ve used. I’ll mock you as you did me.” She stuck out her tongue for added emphasis. “I promise to not tell you about the sordid details of my sex life.” “Do you want to know how the beads felt?” “Not really, no.” She wasn’t about to say she’d been secretly wondering about them. It would only egg Melanie on more. “Oh, come on. You’re not even a little bit curious?” Minx bit the insides of her cheeks. “Nope.” “They were real pretty. Looked like a strand of elegant pearls. Bet they were sexy as hell to watch. I’m going to have to get Josh to put a mirror on the ceiling so I can watch too. That kind of stuff always turns me on. I swear I nearly climaxed the second he tugged on them.” “Melanie!”
Chapter Two Minx glanced around the pizzeria, making sure no one was within earshot. Eyes full of innocence blinked back at her. “What?” “This isn’t the place to talk about stuff like that.” With a shrug, her friend straightened the stack of menus. “Fine. I’ll tell you tomorrow during Mr. Fahey’s long-winded lecture on geometric boredom.” Minx looked at her watch and sighed. Melanie patted her shoulder. “Not noon yet, hey? Don’t worry, he’ll show up. He always does.” “That’s not what gets to me. I know he’s going to be here, but it’s the wait that drives me crazy. It’s like I can’t think straight until he’s here, and then after he leaves it takes hours before I feel normal again. I’ve never gotten so hot and bothered over a guy before. You’d think I was in high school.” “Yeah, but you dated losers back then. Besides, it’s the dreaded downtime. I remember it well, uh-huh. Classic symptoms of an unrequited crush. I don’t see why you don’t just ask him out and find out what he thinks of you. I mean, really, why the silly shy stuff? You’re a grown woman. If he turns you down, you can quit wandering around in a dreamy haze. Just ask him out.” Minx twiddled her thumbs. “I’m not like that. I’m still waiting for the kind of man who takes initiative and does the asking. Not that I’m against a woman taking the bull by the horns once in a while, but, damn it, I’ve been wanting real romance for years and I’m not ready to give up.” Her head automatically turned when the door opened. Lungs tightened. Throat dried up. Fists clenched tight. Much to her dismay, a young family walked in. A little girl with strawberry-blonde pigtails held up her rag doll and waved. Minx waved back and looked longingly at the door. Melanie seated the family and served them drinks while they decided what they wanted from the menu. When she came back, there was a curious expression on her face. Minx squinted at her friend. “Something on your mind?” “Sex, darling. Anyways, about this guy you’re infatuated with. What all do you know about him?” This was the part that got tricky, and Minx knew Mel would give her an even worse time now. “Not a whole hell of a lot, really. His name is Holden, which I wouldn’t know to this day had I not seen it on a piece of paper stuck to his notebook. I didn’t get a look at his last name, but that’s not a big deal. I have a feeling he goes to the university. I’ve never seen him there; at least I don’t think I have. He’s not in any of my classes, which is probably a good thing. I’m distracted enough here at work.” “I guess that’s a good start. What else do you know about him?” “Well. Umm…he has sexy hair.” Her friend snorted. “You’re such a dork. I mean, really. He’s been coming in for at least six months, and all you really know about him is his name?” Minx wanted to disappear. “I can’t help it, we’ve never been chatty.” “Girl, you ought to feel bad for me. I’m the poor wench stuck back here watching
you make a complete fool out of yourself every day of the week. Enough already. Do both of us a favor and start finding out more. Maybe a last name.” Minx gave her puppy dog eyes. “Easier said than done.” “Excuses, excuses. Don’t keep him such a mystery. He’s never going to ask you out if you don’t show some serious interest.” Melanie inspected a loose thread on her apron. “I’m too scared to ask him questions. Besides, most of the time he acts like I don’t even exist. His head is always buried in one book or another. Don’t be such a nag.” “I’m just telling you like it is.” Minx dipped her chin and stared at the floor. “I know, and you’re right, as much as I hate to admit it. But it’s not like you take any time to get to know a guy.” Hands on hips, Melanie narrowed her eyes. “That’s right, now we’re getting somewhere. When I like a guy, I go after him, and sleep with him. Easy as pie. I don’t have time for all this complex relationship stuff. It ruins the sex, trust me. There’s plenty of time to get to know a guy when you’re laying with him covered in sweat, shuddering uncontrollably.” Full of envy, Minx tried not to look it. “You’re unbelievable. How we’ve managed to stay friends for so long, I’ll never know.” Melanie threw her head back and laughed. “Just set your mind to talk to him, and then it won’t be so scary. It’s time you had sex again, before you forget how to do it. Unless you’re taking care of business yourself.” Minx flashed her a “don’t go there” look and made her rounds. Mumbling under her breath, she cursed her friend. She’d been on her share of dates, casual little dinners and some late-night movies, but nothing too serious. Somewhere between high school and university her tastes had changed, along with having the time to do anything about them. The last guy she dated broke up with her after sixteen days, a total record. They’d clashed on sex. While they both liked it, the sex only went so far—or one-sided as he called it. Minx didn’t know how to break out of her shell and be adventurous, so she lay on the bed waiting for it to be over, moaning and groaning like a cat in heat to stroke the guy’s ego. It didn’t take long before any of the men she dated were on their way out, all claiming what a sweet girl she was, with no real reason why they had to break her heart. She was too afraid to do something wrong or let herself go. A flash of sunlight distracted her as it filtered into the pizzeria, and an immediate change in the air took place. Minx turned her gaze to the door and held her breath. The entire room swirled in slow motion like some crazy amusement park ride. Voices quieted, movements blurred, and her heart thudded fiercely. She imagined herself as a cartoon character with her heart pulsating outside of her shirt, bigger than life. If no one else heard the tremendous pounding, she’d be surprised. Right on time, Holden stepped in, his presence swallowing up the entire restaurant. Gorgeous, delicious, delectable Holden. In his customary fashion, Holden glanced up long enough to make sure no one was in his way and carried a large pile of books over to his usual booth off in the corner. Drawing in a deep breath, she watched his sexy saunter, magnified by his tight jeans hugging the firm muscles of his ass. “Earth to sex-starved woman. Get a move on,” Melanie whispered and prodded her forward. Minx took a deep breath and ignored the dramatic overtures of her friend. She
practically floated up to the booth, cleared her throat, and took out her pad of paper. On it she wrote “the usual” and patiently waited for Mister Sexy to look up from his book to acknowledge her. When he finally did, her heart stopped for a moment, and she had to fight to remember her own name. “Welcome to Pesto’s. I’m…Minx and I’ll be your server this afternoon. Can I start you off with something to drink?” Mentally, she knew what he was going to say; they’d been doing this same song and dance for months. “Root beer. Easy on the ice.” Soft and deep, his tone sent goose bumps cascading along her skin. There were a few things she wouldn’t mind doing with that ice, and they had nothing to do with his drink. “And were you ready to order, or did you need a few more minutes?” “Nah, I’m good. I’ll have a personal thick crust pepperoni pizza. Extra pepperoni, cheese, and sauce.” It might have been routine, but it didn’t lessen the way her knees knocked against each other or how difficult it was to breathe. Minx took her time writing it all down, catching a glimpse of his stunning hazel eyes. His mocha colored hair shone like silk in the light. She admired the way his bangs swept off to the side, covering his left eyebrow, and wondered how it would feel to brush her fingers through them. His expression was always deep and thoughtful. “Anything else?” She knew there wouldn’t be, but couldn’t resist the prompting. Unfortunately, he’d turned his attention back to his books, her cue he was finished. With a sigh, she turned and ripped off the slip of paper, attaching it to the rotating trolley. Melanie strode over and patted her on the back. “See? You talked to him and lived to tell about it. So, Miss Detective, any new info?” “Nope. Same old, same old.” “That man is stuck in a tragically boring routine. Reminds me of someone else I know. Oh, yes…you. Maybe you two deserve each other.” Minx tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The knots in her stomach tightened the more she thought about it. “Thanks. I can always count on you for support.” Her friend flashed a smile. “Sweetie, you have my full support. I’m happy to arrange blind dates for you, put an ad in the paper professing your absolute desperation, and I’m even so supportive that I’d happily give you the phone number of several guys who would kill to be with a girl like you.” “Mm hmm. Until they get in the sack with me.” Melanie shrugged. “So what? Now, I’m not saying you can’t get guys all on your own. You’re beautiful. I mean, when you’re not in uniform.” Minx checked herself and frowned. “What’s wrong with me in uniform?” “It’s kind of hard to take you seriously in that button up shirt. And denim skirts went out ages ago, not figure flattering at all. But sweetheart, when you’re dressed up with glamour makeup on, flashing a bit of leg and cleavage, like we used to do when we went dancing, you always have the guys gawking with their tongues licking the floor.” “Sure.” “You’re a knockout. If I had your “fuck me, baby” red mane, I’d never be dateless.” Minx snorted. “You’re only trying to make me feel better.” “No, I’m trying to let you know you have options. I could give you some pointers on
different sexual positions, if you’d like.” She couldn’t imagine being able to say whatever was on her mind the way Melanie did, so freeing and right; it wasn’t her. “Go ahead and say it. I’m a prude in the sack. I can’t help it. My mind is full of exciting fantasies, but when it comes to playing them out, I lay there like a limp noodle.” “Some guys like that, I’m sure, as long as it’s not their noodle that is limp. Maybe you need to get involved with one of those dominant types who get off on playing master.” She nearly choked on her laughter. “Ha ha. Forget it. Anyways, I need to get Holden his soda.” “Easy on the ice,” her friend teased with a wink. Minx couldn’t help but laugh. Twice, she dropped his cup as the ice clanged to the bottom. Her hands were shaking so badly she couldn’t do much about it. Just breathe, girl. He’s only a male. Completely harmless. Well…sort of. She succeeded after her third try and then filled the cup with root beer. After several deep breaths, she made her way back to Holden’s booth, wishing she had put on half a tube of deodorant. The man made her sweat like a sauna. As she set his cup down, she took a tentative step back, and then paused, watching his lips move as he read from a book. Say something, dammit. Don’t stand there looking like a complete moron. It was now or never. If she hesitated, Melanie would likely cause a scene. “Looks like an interesting book you have there.” “Mm hmm. Mildly.” Minx pretended to not mind that he talked to her while staring at his book. She cleared her throat and tried again. “I always see you in here reading. Are you a big time editor?” His brow crinkled, whether in annoyance or not she didn’t know, but hoped not. “Nope. Just studying.” “I see.” She scratched at her elbow, a habit she developed in school when she was forced to give class speeches. “What are you studying for?” A loud, booming voice drowned out his answer. “Pizza’s up!” Minx glared at Tony and then smiled sweetly at Holden, despite the fact he all but ignored her. “Umm. Okay. I’ll be right back with your pizza.” She stomped toward the kitchen with fists clenched at her sides, and let out an exasperated sigh in Tony’s ear. His worn face had clueless written all over it. “What’s that for? What did I do?” Her face burned hot with anger. “You’re insufferable. It’s for all the times you’ve ever pissed me off here without even knowing you’re doing it. There’s such a thing as timing, and you don’t have any.” He arched his brows and put his focus back on adding slices of pepperoni and green peppers to an unbaked pizza. “I must have missed something. Did you want the pizza or not?” “Oh, forget it.” She grabbed Holden’s order and walked back out, gently setting it in front of the man whose last name she would never know. “Here you go. Enjoy.”
Still looking down, he grabbed for a slice, barely uttering a “thanks.” Appalled, Minx wondered if thrusting her tongue inside his mouth would grab his attention. Maybe she should fall onto his lap and wiggle around until he sported a hard on? Was it possible to be any more invisible? How was she supposed to find out more about him if he never gave her the time of day? Unable to stay mad at a man she fucked nightly in her dreams, she turned and cleaned up the ice she’d dumped on the floor. Back behind the counter, Minx positioned herself so she could still see Holden without being obvious. He ate with gusto, blindly picking up a thick, gooey slice, the cheese wrapping around his tongue several times, all the while reading. Shaking her head, she checked on the other customers and cleaned up empty tables. A thought crossed her mind and made her laugh. She’d have no trouble getting his attention if she dressed up like a book, or better yet, what if she scribbled words all over her body? Then he’d be so intrigued he’d have to pay attention to her. Melanie was right. She could get guys to notice if she set her mind to it, but the men she attracted weren’t the kind to get serious with. Her size eight figure was decent, she had good muscle tone thanks to ten years of dance lessons, and she couldn’t complain about her C-cup breasts. She never considered herself all that pretty, but she wasn’t an ugly duckling either. Growing up, her red hair and freckles had garnered unwanted teasing from everyone, including teachers. Her first year of high school quickly put an end to finger pointing as she entered the doors with a cleavage bearing top, too-short skirt, heels accentuating her long legs, and auburn highlights throughout her hair. Boys who’d whispered cruel names had a quick change of heart, and the whispers held a note of longing to go with their wide-eyed stares. Convinced she had it made, Minx accepted one date after another, attended wild parties, and followed strangers into dark rooms with the hope of feeling as sexy inside as she did on the outside. Once they learned how shy she was, no one stuck around for long. If anything, it was tragic, and her self esteem had never recovered. She shook thoughts of the past away and waltzed back and forth through the pizzeria, attending to the customers, ringing up their bills, and cleaning off tables. New thoughts formed in her mind, adding more doubts to her fragile ego. Maybe Holden wasn’t interested in her because of what she did for a living. Even she had to admit that looking for a guy in a pizza joint wouldn’t exactly be her idea of romance. It wasn’t as though she’d planned to make a career of being a waitress; it was simply a means of support while she soaked in experience and finished up her courses. One thing was certain: she didn’t care to have an office job where she sat in a tiny cubicle without a window. She’d rather talk to people in a casual environment than deal with stuffy suits or prissy commission-hungry co-workers. Simple living sounded perfect, a job where she could be creative and enjoy her days. Minx had watched her mother’s health deteriorate from demanding and stressful jobs, and didn’t want to make the same mistake. From all the books Holden read, she figured him for a mover and a shaker, someone who would be filthy rich, own several pieces of property, and run a lucrative business. Women would flock to his side, men would look on in admiration, and he’d grace the cover of Forbes at least twice. What would a successful man want with a waitress who dreamed only of owning a small shop, lucky to barely make ends meet? By one o’clock, most of the customers had filtered out. She watched Holden finish up his lunch and wipe off his hands, first with napkins, then using the front of his thighs.
His quirks made her knees buckle. With a charming look over his shoulder, their eyes met, sending her heart fluttering all over again. Mechanically, she walked over with his bill and started cleaning his table. As always he handed her ten dollars—even. Seven-fifty for the order and the rest made up her tip. She thanked him and waited while he gathered up his books and strolled out the door. For the first time in an hour she could breathe again. Minx tucked the money into her apron and carried his dishes into the backroom. As she passed Melanie, her friend shot her an amused look. Safe from any wandering glances, she dumped the tray and glass into the sink and watched the soapy bubbles disappear. Her lungs ached from holding her breath. Every muscle in her body had turned to pudding, and she was barely able to stand on her own two legs. As if just completing a cross-country marathon, she was winded, exhausted, but still buzzing from an incredible adrenaline rush, and all she’d done was serve him pizza. Why had she made him out to be such a god in the first place? For all she knew, he had a girlfriend, though she’d never seen him with one. To keep her illusion real, she decided to act like he was single. The way he ignored her, she ought to feel put-off, but that was the problem. She didn’t. It made her want him more. Minx kept building up the mysteries surrounding him, filling her imagination with all sorts of lurid thoughts, but she really didn’t know him. All she could do was wait and look forward to seeing his denim-clad ass walk to his booth the next time he came in for lunch.
Chapter Three By seven o’clock her feet ached and her hands were dry from washing them repeatedly. She threw her nametag in the box and took off her apron. Melanie untied her apron as well and scratched out some dried-on sauce with her painted nails. “What an exhausting day. I think my hangover finally left. Just in time to grab a couple beers with Josh. Wanna come to Ivy’s with us? There will probably be a ton of guys poking around tonight without dates.” Minx winced. “I don’t really do the bar scene. You know that.” “I’m only trying to broaden your horizons. You never know. Mister one-night stand might be there tonight.” “Ick.” Her friend sighed disgustedly. “Don’t tell me you’ve never had one.” Minx counted out her tip money and filled out the timesheet. “I have, and I stand by my first statement. Ick. Too many weirdoes out picking up college girls. I want a guy with some sincerity to him. A guy with a clear head on what he wants to do in life. Goal oriented. Not one of those commitment phobic types.” Melanie giggled. “So that’s why you settle for a keyboard and flat-screen monitor.” “You got it. My computer doesn’t have a commitment issue.” “Good luck on that, then. If you change your mind, we’ll be there until midnight. Otherwise, I’ll see you at class tomorrow morning.” “Yep. See ya.” Minx got into her car and turned on the radio. An old eighties tune, “You’re My Obsession” by Animotion played, and she sang along as if Holden himself could hear her. When the song finished, she laughed and started out of the parking lot. Another routine Monday come and gone, at least in the work department. For a second she almost considered meeting Mel at the bar, just so she could drown her sorrows and escape from her humdrum life. But she quickly put the ridiculous idea out of her mind. She’d hate it. Bars weren’t her scene. The few she’d been in had been nothing but meat markets where guys without aspirations went to drink too much and wag their dicks around, hoping some desperate thing would go home with them. She might be desperate, but not that desperate. Remembering there was nothing in the fridge at home, Minx pulled into the nearest taco take-out. Thanks to working at a pizzeria, she found she had very little desire to eat pizza anymore. It was probably for the best; otherwise she’d be a blimp and have to exercise. That was another thought that made her cringe. With a bag of burritos and nachos, she headed home. Balancing her books, dinner, and keys, she made it up the wiry stairs of her apartment building and into her small apartment. It had been an absolute steal at four hundred a month, including cable and water. The bedroom was big enough for her queensize bed and maple bedroom set. Her bathroom was spacious enough for a tub and shower, and the family room housed her desk, a couch, a table, some chairs, and a couple bookshelves. If she could change anything, it would be the size of the kitchen. She was a good cook, but there was very little counter space to experiment on, so take-out was her
food genre of choice. Still, it was her personal pad. A place that was both affordable and private. Both her neighbors were elderly and never made a sound. After wolfing down her dinner, she guzzled a can of pop and sat in front of the computer. Minx clicked on her website logo, Love Stinks, and checked over several of the new questions posted on the forum. Most of the questions were basic, and she answered them in a professional manner. There were the usual questions about lavender, thyme, rosemary, vanilla, and potpourri. People wanted a magic cure-all for whatever ailed them, from headaches and insomnia, to general malaise. Others asked about how to relax, what fragrances were right for their level of activity, and what perfume oils to blend together. She changed her mind on writing about anchovies and tapped her chin while she thought up a different idea. Her desk was huge, but it was hard to tell with all the crap she had piled on it. It was completely covered with junk mail, receipts, pamphlets, and papers. Scattered all over shelves were countless books on aromatherapy, burning incense, cooking with scents, perfumes, oils, herbs, and flowers. Spread all across the floor were a slew of alternative medicine and new age books with pages dog-eared and highlighted. She decided to write an article on sandalwood. Its qualities were reminiscent of what she thought about Holden. The scent was mysterious, alluring, almost suggestive, though one would never know it by looking at the sandalwood tree. The dark reddish brown bark and unscented flowers were almost always overlooked. But it was what was hidden inside the heartwood that really gave the tree its popularity. Its warm, sweet, slightly spicy wood notes were distinct, but not overpowering. Sandalwood made for an arousing aphrodisiac, with its uplifting, stimulating, and sedative aroma. The scent was touted as a cure for anxiety, fatigue, skin conditions, and bronchitis. Minx finished up her column on sandalwood and decided she could use a little relaxation herself. A nice warm bath would do her aching feet some good. She lit the candles in her bathroom and let the sweet scent of vanilla wash over her. The water always took a little while to get warm, so she clipped her hair into a tight bun and ran into the kitchen for a white macadamia nut cookie, her favorite. When she came back, the water was just the right temperature. She pushed up the lever to close the drain. The water splashed at her calves as she stepped in. When the tub was completely full, she sank into the water, letting the warmth lap along the tops of her shoulders. Slipping further in, she lazily ran her fingers along her thighs. Supple, a little thick around the hips, but just enough to nicely fill out a pair of jeans. Tight jeans. Instantly the image of Holden giving her a languid smile with his hands wrapped around his books popped into her mind. She loved his name, his rugged good looks, and oh, yes, his ass. Just once she wanted to grab a bit of that irresistible flesh and give it a good pinch. Or a bite. Minx vowed to find someone sensible, attentive, responsible, and honest, and believed communication to be the key to a good, solid relationship. Her expectations were a far cry from what had sparked her interest in boys back in high school. All a guy had needed back then to catch her eye were good looks, a car, and a bad boy attitude. Her virginity had lasted up until she turned sweet sixteen when her motorbike-riding boyfriend convinced her to hole away with him for a weekend with a bunch of other friends. When they got there, the other friends were nowhere to be seen. Candles along
the floor in a secluded cabin, just enough bubbly to loosen her up, and an earful of sexy whispers had worked wonders for parting her thighs. The problem was, she hadn’t known what to do at that point. Sex was just plain awkward. Guys figured she would rock their world and were disappointed when she didn’t. Holden was different. Her fantasy was all about the things she wanted to do to him. Run her fingers through his dark hair, outline his firm, strong chin, and leave tender kisses along his neck. She had no idea what to-die-for physique lay beneath his formfitting shirts, but she’d imagined him to be in good shape with the right amount of muscle. She wasn’t looking for a bodybuilder type, but she wanted a man who could pick her up without straining his back. A man who could protect her in an emergency. No other guy had ever gotten under her skin the way Holden did. For six months, she’d had her eye on him. When he was around, her stomach was in knots. Not to mention her tongue. If she had her way, he’d be lying on her bed by next week with nothing but her body covering him. She’d wrap her legs tightly around his waist and ride him hard, at least in her dream world. Minx pictured his hands fondling her breasts, pinching at her nipples, caressing every inch of her. The very thought of him inside her elevated her heart rate. One day. It just had to happen. She couldn’t keep him as nothing more than a fantasy. He was real. Somehow she had to make him real for her. Once the water had cooled, Minx climbed out of the tub and dried off with a big, blue, thirsty towel. She slipped a thin cotton nightie over her head and slid under the covers. How many more nights could she take of being lonely in her bed? They weren’t even a couple, yet she had it in her head she’d be cheating if she dared bring another man to her place. Her body ached for Holden’s touch. Just thinking his name made her pussy contract. A ragged moan drifted from her lips as moisture gathered between her thighs. With quick fingers, she manipulated her clit until a stream of warmth released. Happy tears streamed along the sides of her face and dampened her hair. Three orgasms in one day? It helped keep the wanting at bay for the moment. At least until morning. **** Holden yawned and scanned the next page of the book. He had almost all of the vodka spirits memorized, but was finding it tough to remember the fancier named ones. Black Russians, Vespers, Cosmopolitans, Kamikazes, and Flamingos were simple. He kept mixing up Bijou’s, Tailspins, and Widow’s Kiss, and because of that he was certain they would be on the test. His night of actually going through the motions at a bar was coming up sooner than he was ready for. He’d put down a sizeable chunk of money on all the tools necessary for a bartender to practice with. His kitchen counter was covered with bar spoons, bottle pourers, cocktail shakers, a jigger, a juicer, strainers, swizzle sticks, a muddler, and empty liquor bottles. When he couldn’t sleep he would watch bar scenes that he’d recorded from movies and television and simulate their moves. If he wanted to receive impressive tips, he’d have to step it up a notch. Holden forgot the measurements of Satan’s Whiskers and decided he was done for the night. Nothing more was going to fit in his head. Piles of homework lay on the coffee table, untouched and unfinished. He couldn’t come up with any sane reason right now
why he was trying to balance college life and studying to be a bartender all at once. Something was about to give, and he was certain it would be his grades. His dad would be pissed, but hell, he was an adult. More cause for distraction came in the form of the beautiful waitress at the pizzeria who somehow made sure he sat in the same booth whenever she worked. No one else did that, and he liked it. Routine held comfort; spontaneity had its moments, but only stressed him out. The exception being how she spoke to him today right out of the blue, throwing him off kilter. He’d been flustered and unsure of how to respond. Tongue-tied, he could only get out one-word answers, making him sound like a complete asshole. Afraid to look at her, he concentrated on the book, wishing the right words would enlarge from the pages to assist him. She’d been polite, asking questions in her soft voice, her body close, a mix of sweet and spice infusing his senses. His favorite part was when she left his receipt. He loved her handwriting and the way the letters curled and curved, especially the letter S. Holden couldn’t deny that he continued going there even when he’d rather eat a sandwich because of the way she took extra special care of him. Their brief encounter, silent as it had always been before, always turned his day around. Today had been exceptionally pleasant. Holden vowed the next time she spoke to him that he’d at least say something intelligent. Another time and place, he’d go so far as to ask her out, but a girlfriend wasn’t in the cards, not right now. He couldn’t let his mind stray from the important goals he had planned. Doing the work of two people, classes and learning to be a bartender, took up all his time, but it was the only way he knew how to bring his desires to fruition. Shocked to see the clock read two in the morning, he shook his head, wondering where the day had gone. Last he remembered, he was devouring delicious pizza. Study, study, study. It was all he ever did from the moment he woke until the time he went to bed. There had to be more to life. He kept trying to remind himself that once he got his bartender’s license things would change for the better. From there he would get his business degree and fuse the two. One day his name would be on everyone’s lips. A true powerhouse. Holden yawned again and chugged a tall glass of water. Lazily, he shuffled to his bed and fell face first onto it, not even bothering with the sheets and comforter. He recited a few drinks out loud until his mind wandered to Sex on the Beach. Holden could think of one woman he’d be interested in trying the beach out with, and just about anywhere else she wanted. His cock throbbed in response to picturing the waitress out of uniform and wearing him for a change. Turning over, he unzipped his pants and wrapped his hands around his erection. He squeezed his cock tightly, imagining instead a certain redhead’s lips around him and the friction he’d experience as she sucked the head. With fierce intensity, he tugged at his erection, all thoughts on the woman he hoped one day to know more about, but who, for now, only worked as inspiration for his fantasies. White liquid spewed into his hand and down his fingers as he roared. Holden grabbed a tissue and cleaned himself up. From now on he was sure to get worked up around her, a thought that brought a smile to his face.
Chapter Four In the morning, Minx threw on a pair of blue jeans, her favorite dark green v-neck sweater, and a pair of comfortable boots, and drove to campus. Oregon State University was enormous, and she loved the way big, beautiful trees lined the walkways. It had been her “other life” for three years now. The big institute of learning. Maybe everything would come together in her fourth and final year. Her first class, aromatherapy, held her attention while she learned how to mix fragrance oils together for a soothing scent. Ms. Delaney was a gifted teacher, and Minx learned a lot from her. They were learning about rosemary, both the aroma notes and list of uses it was good for. It was a spice she loved to add to a roast, and it made her whole apartment smell amazing. She took a ton of notes and knew just what she’d put on her webzine later that night. Business mathematics was her second class, and she sincerely dreaded it. Math remained a subject that eluded her. She’d always had a tough time figuring out equations, and it meant a lot of hours after school with tutors. Now a little older, she didn’t find math as intimidating, but it certainly didn’t come easily for her. Mr. Fahey bored everyone to tears with his notorious lectures, and today wasn’t any different. His monotone voice didn’t go over well with the students who had him in the morning. Her mind was everywhere at once, and she silently prayed her instructor wouldn’t call on her. She’d studied some and understood most of the lesson, but it had always been her worst subject. Melanie kept sighing and rolling her eyes. “This is so boring,” she whispered. Minx nodded. It was pure torture. She watched as her friend took off the faux pearls she was wearing and closed up her hand over them. “What does this make you think of?” She started to pull the beads out slowly from her fist. It took a few minutes, but Minx figured it out. “You’re disgusting. You know that?” “Once you feel those babies slip in and out of your ass, you will become a believer.” She shooed her friend away and resumed watching her teacher’s mouth move. Against her wishes, the thought of anal beads forced their way into her mind. Maybe someday she’d give them a try. Couldn’t hurt. If only she could let down her guard and enjoy sex the way Melanie did. Experience the mind-blowing orgasms that other women swore by. She’d had enough of machinery and batteries taking her over the edge. Nothing beat the feel of a hard, thick cock. As soon as class was over she changed into her work uniform in the bathroom. She looked forward to talking with Holden again, even if she had to come up with answers to her own questions. So the man was busy. At least he graced her with his presence. Even his minimal conversation didn’t take away from how much she wanted him. Tuesdays at Pesto’s Pizzeria were “two for one” days, making them busier than usual. Most people went the takeout route, but that meant the phone rang off the hook. Minx liked it best because the chaotic blur made time fly by. The second she walked inside, it was like someone hollered “go” and the race was on. People flocked in and out,
talking on their cell phones, gabbing with friends, and downing pizza in record time. Minx raced around filling drinks, taking orders, and cleaning tables, all the while checking the time. Within twenty minutes she’d worked up an unpleasant sweat. She knew it was a matter of minutes before Holden walked in, and she wished more than anything that she could shower again. “Hey, Mel, you got any perfume I can borrow?” “Rub some pepperoni on your skin.” “Oh, come on, sometimes you are no help at all.” Her friend laughed and pushed her to the counter. “Sweetie, you’re fine as you are.” She didn’t think it funny at all. “Not true. I’m all sweaty from running around. Holden’s going to walk in here and be all grossed out if I get anywhere near him. You forget that I’m all about the right scent.” “Paranoid is what you are. Honest, if you reeked, I’d say so in a second. I’m that kind of friend.” Minx shook her head. It was hopeless. To pass the time, she kept busy, quite certain she was ready to go mad. While the people came and went, she guarded Holden’s booth like it was a tomb full of treasure. No one else was allowed to sit there. Looking at her watch, she realized he’d be walking through the door any second. With a quick tug on her ponytail, she took a deep breath and casually made her way toward the front. “Lover boy’s here,” Melanie whispered, as she walked by carrying a platter of pizza. Minx glared at her and nearly ran over to him. “Afternoon.” Holden nodded his head at her, balancing four books in his arms along with some notebooks and a large tote bag. “Hi.” “I can seat you in your usual booth if you’re ready.” She extended her arm out like a stewardess, and felt like a total idiot afterward. One day she’d muster up the nerve to ask if he wanted to order his usual, but the timing wasn’t right just yet. What if he didn’t find the humor in it? She’d look even more stupid. If that were possible. Holden nodded his head and followed her over, throwing his bag on the seat first and dumping the books on the table. Minx had learned long ago to not put the crayons and napkins in the middle of his table. Otherwise they were in his way and ended up all over the floor. “If you need some time…” His deep timbre broke into her sentence. “No, it’s okay. I know what I want.” “What can I get for you?” She slowly wrote his regular order and stole swift glances at his books. One of them was thick and falling apart. “I’ll be right back with your soda. Easy on the ice.” Minx hurriedly walked over and got his order going. She couldn’t figure out why she was more nervous than before. Her stomach was queasy and her pulse pounded like a drum. Two minutes with the dishy guy in denim and she was a wreck. Melanie gave her a knowing look, and it only furthered her desperation to try something…anything to get
Holden to notice her. When she got back to his table and saw how engrossed he was in what he was reading, she couldn’t bring herself to interrupt him. She fought her frustration by cleaning up tables. When his pizza arrived, she didn’t say a word as she set it on his table. For the next half hour she kept herself busy filling the napkin and straw dispensers, pouring refills, and taking orders on the phone. She was in the middle of one order when she noticed Holden motioning to her. Minx covered the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand and whispered to her friend. “Psst. Melanie!” “What’s up?” She ripped Holden’s receipt from her notepad. “Could you drop this off with him?” “Me? You sure?” “Yeah, I’m taking an order. Thanks.” She hated to do it, but didn’t want to seem unprofessional. “Sure thing.” While she tried to pay attention to the caller, she watched Holden load up his arms with the bag and books and start toward the door. At the last minute he turned her way and smiled. Minx blinked several times, certain she’d been swept away by her imagination. But her eyes did not deceive her. He was smiling, and then he turned to the door and left. What the hell? She didn’t even get a chance to smile back. She hung up the phone without saying goodbye and tapped the ballpoint pen against her cheek. Melanie held out a ten-dollar bill to her. “Here ya go. He told me to make sure you got your tip.” Her heart thudded wildly. “He did?” “I wouldn’t make that up. In fact he seemed a bit miffed that you didn’t come over yourself.” She could kick herself for not handing Mel the phone instead. “Seriously?” “Uh huh. So now you can’t use the excuse that he doesn’t know you’re alive. This proves it. What do you have to say for yourself?” In that moment, time stopped. Everything stopped, it seemed. Her breath, her pulse, her ability to form a thought. His smile—she couldn’t shake it. It was like a gift, and one she would always cherish. Minx grabbed her friend’s shoulders, unable to contain her excitement. “On his way out he stopped and smiled at me. I can’t believe he smiled at me. He’s never singled me out and looked at me that way before. If there’s hope, then I’m going for it.” Melanie swung her around. “That’s the spirit.” The rest of the day turned into a haze, and Minx was surprised to find her shift over so quickly. Melanie had left early for a dentist appointment, so she had to keep all her excitement to herself. When her boss, Tony, walked over and tapped her on the shoulder, she jumped. “I don’t mean to bug ya or anything, but I just wondered what’s up with that goofy grin on your face. I’ve never seen you so happy before.” She looked Tony up and down and smiled. The old geezer was a great cook and had always treated her decently, but he’d never gotten involved in her personal life before.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was wearing a goofy grin.” “Well, you are. Either that or you hit your head real hard. Everything okay? Usually you’re so moody I’m too scared to talk to you.” So he was a big teddy bear after all. She’d never let him live it down. “I’m good. Real good. You just might see me smiling more often around here.” He reached forward and tousled her hair. “That would be a nice change. Go on home, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Okay, thanks. Night.” Minx took her time walking to her car, inhaling the crispness in the air. The day had started out ordinary, and while not even over, had turned almost magical. So she hadn’t been able to talk with him, but he’d smiled, and actions spoke louder than words. As she drove home, her mind replayed the handsome expression on his face, complete with dimples and twinkling eyes. How would she ever come down from her amazing high? **** After fixing a hot cup of chamomile tea to calm her nerves, Minx logged onto her web page and scrolled through the messages and forum comments left by her faithful readers. Several people had asked questions about how to make love work for them and what types of perfume they should wear to make a guy sit up and take notice. She snorted and sipped her tea. If she knew the answer to that, she wouldn’t have been quietly fawning over Holden for over six months. While some aromas did attract attention, like cinnamon and pumpkin spice, it wasn’t enough to enchant a lover. There was no sure-fire way to snare a man for good; she was certain of that. Maybe for a short period of time, but for the long run? Impossible. If she could’ve figured out a way to get Holden’s attention once and for all, she would have jumped at it. As far as she knew, the only things that interested him were books and pizza. She thought about wearing different pizza toppings on her skin and walking up to his booth naked. But then again, he always ordered the same thing. Maybe she should serve herself on a plate with pizza sauce smothered all over her body? The thought alone made her flood wet. It was a tempting thought, but not exactly appropriate in a family restaurant, and Tony would fire her ass in a second. She typed up her notes from aromatherapy class in a Word document, and then a bizarre idea struck her. Why hadn’t she thought of this before? From the pile of books on the floor, she thumbed through one on cooking with aphrodisiacs. There was an art to cooking with food that stimulated both the body and mind. Minx strolled along the index with the tip of her finger and found several pages of easy-to-make recipes. What better way was there to test out her theories and research than to try them herself? If she could find a way to add something to the pizza that would arouse Holden, she might have a chance to talk with him and learn more about him. Break down his resistance. Not exactly a magic potion or truth serum, but something that would boost her confidence in finding out what he really thought of her. If he thought of her at all. There was no question she was crazy enough to try it. While she wholeheartedly believed in scents and mood alteration, this would be touching on something closer to home. She decided if it worked, even a smidgeon of an amount, she would dedicate the next column to letting everyone in on her private life. People had a right to know what worked and what didn’t when it came to matters of the opposite sex. How many people,
just like her, were stuck in a rut and unable to see a way out? How many people sat around their homes all evening, too afraid to go after the one they loved? What better way to test an aphrodisiac on Holden than with pizza? The trick would be finding something she could add without changing the flavor of the pizza too much or being obvious. Adding toppings he hadn’t asked for would be a bad idea, as would using ingredients that ruined the pizza. As often as Holden ate there, he’d notice a difference, and she didn’t want Tony to know what was going on. Minx smacked her forehead with her hand and danced a little jig in the chair. Of course. The sauce! It would be the perfect thing. She was amazed at some of the foods that were touted as aphrodisiacs. One book talked about cucumbers being one of the top smells that drove women wild, along with a handful of Good n’ Plenty candies. The licorice she could understand, but a cucumber? The size and shape were definitely arousing, but the smell? She’d have to try that out next time she bought one. She went on to read about doughnuts and black licorice and how they increased penile flow. Minx couldn’t help laughing. Artichokes were high on the list as the act of scraping off the tender flesh with teeth was considered sensual. No wonder she was so unadventurous; Minx didn’t even like half the foods they listed. Cloves, chocolate, and caviar were all high on the list for a turn-on, as were figs, ginger, garlic, honey, nutmeg, pomegranate, saffron, strawberries, vanilla, and fennel. Aphrodisiacs were not a new thing by any means. In fact, Minx remembered reading they were first sought out as a remedy for various sexual anxieties, including fears of poor performance and a way to increase fertility—a way to ensure both male and female potency. In her mythology class she’d read that the ancient Greeks identified food substances that increased the sex drive. Soon after, credence was given to foods that satisfied dietary gratification. Aniseed was believed to have special powers. Many foods with aphrodisiac qualities originated from mythology. Her teacher had mentioned Aphrodite, who believed that sparrows were sacred because of their romantic nature and were included in various aphrodisiac brews. From the book, she typed all the foods that sounded like spices she could add without ruining the flavor of the sauce. Tony was notorious for making the most incredible sauce, and she didn’t want to make it so Holden would question its validity. She found the perfect recipe and jotted it down on a piece of paper. A pinch of pepper A little ginger Cilantro seed Onions A tomato Pesto sauce 30 leaves of fresh basil 3 cloves of garlic 1 glass extra virgin olive oil 50 g Parmesan 30 g pinoli She would whip up the pesto sauce and put it on his pizza. Then she’d see just how
well aphrodisiacs worked. Minx sat back in her chair and imagined herself bringing Holden his pizza and setting it on the table. With a single whiff of the aromatic scent, he’d grab her arm before she had a chance to walk away and command her to stay with a primitive growl. After a single bite of the sensuous food, he’d knock everything off the table and pull her to him, ripping away her clothes until she lay naked on the tabletop, her legs spread wide. She imagined him coating her body with the sauce and licking it off little by little. His fingers, mouth, and tongue would devour her body until he was so overcome by the need to take her that he’d tear off his own clothes and slip into her with gusto. Minx wiped a film of sweat off her forehead and opened the window in her apartment. For some reason it had become terribly warm. She set her alarm to get up extra early so she could make it to the store before class and get everything on her list that she needed. With a smile, she closed her eyes and hoped the fantasy she’d just concocted would make its way into her dreams.
Chapter Five Holden walked through the halls of the university, doing his best to wait at least one minute between yawns. Juggling his hectic schedule of day and night classes was starting to catch up to him. But there was something else bothering him, and he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. A distraction. Something…or someone. Then he saw her walk by, flinging her silky red tresses across her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around another girl. He’d seen her before, and remembered she had a nice demeanor. But where? The pizza place. Pesto’s Pizzeria. She was the sexy waitress who always attended to him. It was hard to tell what body type she had going on underneath the uniform from the restaurant, but dressed in jeans and a tight t-shirt, he thought she was a pretty hot package. He massaged his temples in an attempt to help himself conjure up her name from his mind. Missy? Minna? Maxi? Holden snapped his fingers and gave himself an imaginary pat on the back. Minx. Even her name was smokin’ hot. If he had any time for women, he’d ask her out. She seemed nice enough. But his dad hadn’t paid for his tuition to be wasted on partying and dating, and he’d never hear the end of it. Still, he made a promise to try and get to know her better. There was something sexy about a woman who worked at a pizzeria. Sexy yet approachable. Holden snuck a peek at his watch and shook his head. Time was something he wished he had more of. Class would start in less than two minutes, and he was already doing poorly, thanks to his late nights. Gripping his books tightly, he took the stairs two at a time and made it just inside the doorway of Room 25 as the teacher was getting ready to close it. “Nice to see you make it on time, Mr. MacKenzie. Now, please take your seat, so I can get started on my lecture. Don’t let me catch you dozing off, either.” “Yes, Mrs. Atwood.” Holden held in his groan until he was at a desk. He took out his notebook and pen and prepared to take notes on business marketing. It was a class he had been looking forward to taking, until the day it started. He wanted to be a businessman, didn’t he? If he wanted a degree, he needed to take a ton of classes and at least act interested. Mrs. Atwood’s sentences were as long as her nose, and she could easily pass as Pinocchio’s older sister. Her eyes were red and beady, and he didn’t doubt that she turned into a rat sometime during the night, or some sort of demonic shape-shifter. She didn’t like him, and the feeling was mutual. With a nasty smile on her face, she handed out their test. Holden broke out in a cold sweat. He’d forgotten all about there being a frickin’ test. Unless there were some magic words he could use and make the test about liquor, he was sure to fail. He took out a pencil and looked over the paper. It was going to be tricky writing. His fingers were brandished with Band-Aids from cutting himself on all the bottles he’d broken while practicing earlier.
**** Just after six o’clock the alarm went off, and Minx pulled herself out of bed. Sleep had been deep, and deeply provocative. Reading about aphrodisiacs had certainly added to her imagination and fueled her dreams. Pizza sauce and its many uses were going to be on her mind all day. When Minx arrived at the natural food store, she was surprised to see so many other people shopping too. Here she’d figured the ridiculous hour would mean quiet time to herself. The only person she didn’t want to run into was Holden. Not that she wouldn’t mind catching a glimpse of his ass concealed in tight jeans. It would certainly brighten up her morning, but her plan was set in motion, and she wanted to see it through to the end. Research never sounded so good. Minx checked off each item on her list and reviewed it a second time to make sure she wasn’t missing anything. She was careful to label each of the herbs and spices so as to not mix them up. Everything needed to be perfect. Too much oregano would overpower the sauce and erase the subtleties. The aromatic ingredients made her mouth water. While the checker totaled her purchases, she couldn’t help but smile. First, she’d loosen Holden’s tongue, and then she’d loosen his pants. Back at home she set everything on the counter and quickly grabbed her books. If she left now, she’d barely squeak into her first class. Her only concern was the sauce. In order for it to really work, it needed to simmer for a couple hours. She bit her lip. Should she skip her second class? It was for a worthy cause. The likelihood of getting behind was there, but she planned on doing any extra credit that came her way. Yes, she would skip her second class and only go to journalism. She’d have to remember to ask Melanie for notes later. Besides, her friend had done the same thing plenty of times, so now it was her turn. When she got to the university she scouted around until she found Mel, and gave her a big squeeze. “Hey, girl, I wonder if I can cash in one of those IOU’s?” Her friend’s brow arched high. “Sure. What for?” “I need to spend a little time at home before I get to work today. Think you can take notes for me while I bail?” “Gee. That means I will have to pay extra attention. You know how I am about that.” Minx gave one of her prize-winning pouts, knowing full well Melanie couldn’t resist it. With a sigh, her friend agreed. “Okay, fine. But if there’s a test, you’re on your own. I wouldn’t trust any of my answers for something as important as that.” She gave her another hug and headed off to her classroom. “Thanks so much, you’re a lifesaver. I better get to journalism. See ya at the pizzeria!” If she had known that all hell would break loose less than ten minutes after entering her favorite class, she would have opted to skip it too. Minx sat in her usual seat and started to look through a large batch of proof sheets for the university’s quarterly paper. Responsible for keeping everything in order, she needed to edit all of the articles, check facts, and go over the formatting. All of a sudden, something, or someone caught her attention from the corner of her eye. A familiar face passed by her door, sending a rush of emotions throughout her body. Before she had a chance to focus, all the papers that had been so carefully bundled
together went spiraling to the floor. All eighty-seven pages, along with photographs. When she went to pick them up, her sweaty fingers smudged most of the front-page ink, and her classmates didn’t exactly look enthused. In three years she’d never once seen Holden, but today he appeared larger than life. She apologized profusely for the rest of the class period while doing her best to put things back in order. Minx offered to reprint the first page, but no one seemed willing to trust her with anything else. Could she get any more distracted? Once the thought was out, she seemed destined to prove she could. When she got in her car and smelled the leftover aroma of the herbs and vegetables, she remembered all about the sauce she was about to make. Could she really go through with it? Seduce Holden with aphrodisiacs? The whole aphrodisiac idea had sounded fantastic earlier, but now she was losing her confidence. Hadn’t people tried something like this with the whole fountain of youth idea, only to find out it was a crock? Yet, if she didn’t try, at least put a little effort into it, she’d regret it forever. The man consumed her every thought. It was time she consumed some of his. Maybe she could try a Cupid-like theme. Suspend herself from the ceiling from chains dressed in naughty lingerie, and fling sauce at his open mouth. Oh, girl, you really are losing it big time. Sauce throwing Cupid in a teddy? Luckily, a car horn got her attention before she ran a red light. The last thing she needed was another ticket. For some unknown reason she was collecting them like they were the latest fashion trend. A sense of relief filled her when she pulled up in the parking lot of her apartment. She didn’t have near as much time as she wanted, but Minx was determined to do what she could. Donning an apron, she set to work on chopping, cutting, and creating what she hoped would be the way to Holden’s heart.
Chapter Six The smell in the kitchen was overwhelming, and she couldn’t wait to find out how the sauce tasted. She would have to figure out a way to get Tony out of the kitchen long enough for her to roll out the pizza crust and top it with her special sauce. While she waited for the sauce to simmer, she put on her uniform and fixed her hair. Today she would wear it down, for added sexual appeal. Her whole body was shaking at the thought of actually going through with her plan. Even if he only gave her an extra smile it would all be worth the trouble. If it didn’t work on him, then she was no worse off than before. As soon as the sauce was ready she found an empty container with a lid and filled it with what she considered would be enough sauce for one pizza. She put the rest in a large container to use for another time. In fact, there was enough to keep him infatuated with her for an entire week. At ten minutes to eleven she was in the parking lot of Pesto’s Pizzeria with the container of sauce tucked safely under her arm. She pushed open the doors and made her way inside, humming quietly to herself. Today was the day. The second Melanie came in, Minx grabbed her and pulled her behind the counter. “I need your help.” “Always here for you, girl. Got your class notes too. What’s up? Hey—sexy hair. I like it.” She raised her brows and snorted. “Thanks. Brace yourself, I’m going to talk with Holden today. I mean really talk to him. Find things out. Step it up a notch.” Her friend didn’t even blink an eye. “Sure, sure. I’ve heard those words before. I dare you to surprise me.” Hands propped on her hips, Minx narrowed her eyes. “Then prepare to be surprised. I’ve made up my mind. This waiting around for the guy stuff is for the birds.” A look of approval radiated from Melanie’s face. “Serious? Great, it’s about time. So where do I come in? Want me to grab you and French kiss you in front of him?” Minx flashed her a nasty look. “No. I’m going to do something off the wall and you’re going to laugh, but it’s all just an experiment.” “Does this involve kinky sex toys?” This girl was certifiable. “What? No! Stay with me here. I need you to distract Tony when Holden comes in at noon.” “Why? You guys going to get down and dirty in the bathroom?” “You really are a guy trapped in a woman’s body, aren’t you? Listen to me. I assure you it’s much more innocent than what you want to make it out to be.” “Are you going to tell me or beat around the bush about it all morning?” Minx sighed. Her friend acted innocent. “What? By the time you get around to telling me, he’ll be here.” In panic, she looked around as if her friend’s threatening words made it come true and he really was standing right behind her. Why was she so paranoid? The sauce wouldn’t hurt him, and she didn’t even think it would work.
“Don’t laugh. I mean it.” “I won’t.” “Okay. I’m making a special pizza sauce, and I don’t want Tony to see me make the switch. It’s only going to be for Holden’s pizza.” A mischievous grin spread across her friend’s pretty features. “Why just for him?” This would be the first time she actually said the words out loud. “Because I’m trying out a recipe for pesto as an aphrodisiac. I’m interested to see if it will help him open up to me. Maybe even get him to fall in love with me.” Melanie’s mouth hung open. Suddenly Minx got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Even her friend thought she was nuts. “Sounds lame, I know, but I just want to give it a try. If it works, I’m totally devoting my column to log the process and let others know they can snag their favorite person after all. If it doesn’t, I can at least say I tried.” Minx waited for her friend’s reaction, but she stood there with her eyebrows becoming lost in her long blonde bangs. “Well, are you going to say something, or have I rendered you speechless for the first time ever since I’ve known you?” Melanie blinked a few times, her mouth poised in an O shape. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so impressed you would come up with such an ingenious plan all on your own. Damn. If it works I’m so going to borrow that recipe and try it out on Josh.” “Why? I thought you guys were hot and heavy as it was?” “Oh, we are, but maybe I can get some interesting all nighters out of him.” Minx giggled. “You’re too much, as always. I wouldn’t hold your breath; it’s a long shot. So, you’ll help?” “Sure. I should be able to distract Tony one way or another. When do you want this to happen?” “Soon. When I go to take Holden’s order.” “I’m great with spontaneity. Just give me a sign and I’ll be ready.” “Thanks. I hope you know how much you mean to me as a friend.” “Save your sentiments for Romeo. I’m going to go make my rounds. Can’t wait to see him become your lover boy.” Minx itched her elbow and looked around, feeling helpless. Sure she was talking tough, but this wasn’t her at all. How could she possibly pull this off? Even wearing her red hair long and sensuous wasn’t going to get her out of this mess if it backfired on her. All she could think about was how devastated she’d be if it didn’t work out. What if Holden completely stopped coming to the pizzeria because he thought something was wrong with the sauce? She spent the rest of the time staring between her watch and the clock on the wall, with quick glances at the door. As soon as her watch said twelve, she took a deep breath and waited. The doors opened, and as if by magic, Holden walked in smiling. Right at her. **** “Hello. You are…Minx?” Her breath caught in her throat. He’d never said her name out loud before. Hell, she didn’t think he’d ever paid attention to her name.
“Uh, yes. Welcome to Pesto’s Pizzeria. Let me show you to your…a booth.” “Thanks. I’m Holden, by the way. Holden MacKenzie.” Holden still had his signature stack of books in his arms, but today there was something different about him. He didn’t appear as if he were distracted, as was always the case before. “It’s nice to meet you.” “How are you today?” Was he actually asking her a question? Minx fidgeted with the corner of her notepad and tried to ignore her normal shy tendencies. “I’m fine. Nice day, isn’t it?” He gave her a strange look and rubbed at his wet hair. “You must be very used to the rain.” She looked up and was surprised to see it was raining heavily. “I…uh…guess you could say that. Born in Oregon, so I’m used to the weather.” “No kidding? Same here. I was born in Beaverton. How about you?” “Right here in Corvallis.” “I love this city. Great little community. The campus has some fantastic programs, and the professors all have extensive educations themselves.” Minx was smiling so hard she thought her cheeks would bleed. The silence that followed was almost too much for her and she was afraid she’d lose her cool. “Well, what can I get you for lunch?” She watched his mouth move. His lips were utter perfection upon a face that she could stare at for an eternity. A deep dimple appeared on the right side of his cheek when he talked. Mechanically, she jotted down his usual order and when she was certain he was done talking, she made a beeline for the kitchen, stopping long enough to give Melanie a look. As she’d hoped, her friend came through for her. “Gotcha, hon. Consider it done.” She filled Holden’s drink order and waited. Within seconds, a very concerned looking Tony was following Melanie out of the kitchen. She had no idea her boss could sweat that much. “What do you mean you overheard the health inspector and he deemed the place unsanitary?” She glared at Melanie. How could she have come up with something that was going to give the poor guy a heart attack? She didn’t have time to stay shocked, though. It was only a matter of minutes before her boss would be back in the kitchen, most likely in a state of panic. Minx grabbed her container and dumped the sauce into a pan to heat it up again. While it started to boil, she rolled out a thick crust pizza and shaped it. She stirred the sauce a couple times while looking out at the pizzeria. There was her boss, walking around with his arms in the air, and his face lathered in sweat. Focus, girl! Get your head straight on at least one thing today. Come on. The sauce smelled fantastic, and she dipped her finger in to sample a taste. Basil, oregano, garlic, the tastes awakened her palate. She quickly spread the piping hot sauce across the round-shaped dough, covering it with extra pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Minx spooned the rest of the sauce back in the container and placed the pizza in the
oven. As she closed the oven door, Tony walked in, his face pinched up in a scowl. “What are you doing back here? Did you put a pizza in the oven without asking?” Why hadn’t she come up with a story to tell in case her little plan—like now— started to unravel? “Um. I thought I’d help get the usual order ready instead of making the customer wait. Had no idea how long you’d be. The guy has ordered it every time he’s been in here, so I didn’t think it was a problem. Is it a problem?” Minx knew she was talking way too fast, but her mouth was working on its own time. She watched her boss sigh and wipe about a quart of sweat from his forehead. “I guess not. It’s just…I kind of value my routine, you know? This place is my life. Not to mention it’s my reputation on the line here. If a customer is unhappy, it reflects heavily on me.” “You seem really nervous about something. What happened?” “Oh. Yeah, your little blonde-haired friend gave me quite a scare. She thought a health inspector was in and had deemed the place unsanitary. Come to find out it was a person talking about another place and she’d just heard it wrong. Almost had a stroke. I ought to fire her.” “Yeah, that’s pretty harsh. It wouldn’t make much sense anyways. This place is spotless.” “Well, I wouldn’t say that, but you all do a fine job of keeping it up. It could probably use a really thorough cleaning one of these nights. Anyways, enough chatter, I have pizzas to make.” Minx held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice anything. When she was satisfied that she was in the clear, she went back out and shook her head while Melanie flashed her a prideful smile. She stood in a daze, watching the rain ping against the window until Tony hollered, “Pizza’s up!” Minx summoned up all her strength and carefully walked the pizza over. She set the platter on the table and was about to turn when she thought Holden said something to her. “Mm. Wow, this stuff smells incredible. Even more so than usual.” She smiled nervously and swallowed down her guilt. “Thank you. Tony’s an incredible cook.” He took a large bite and chewed it slowly. “You guys make the best pizza around. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” “I’ll tell him you said so.” Minx turned to leave, but he reached out and took hold of her wrist. “Wait a moment.” Her heart pounded. Had the aphrodisiacs worked that fast? Was it possible he would ravage her in front of everyone, just like in her dream? All the blood rushed from her face. “Yes?” “Would you mind sitting down for a moment or two? I mean…I know you’re on duty and all, but I kind of wanted to talk to you.” Minx looked around, expecting to be surrounded by bubbles or little stars. Surely she’d fallen asleep and this was a wonderful dream sequence. He wanted to talk to her. “Uh, sure. I guess it’s okay. I’m not too busy right now.” He took another large bite of the pizza and chewed it thoughtfully. “Hmm. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something different about this pizza.”
“Minx! I need you over here now!” Tony stood near the cash register and gave her a forceful look. “Uh oh. I’ll be right back. I promise. Enjoy your pizza.” As she walked up to the register, she had a sinking feeling she was going to get into a lot of trouble.
Chapter Seven Holden savored the bite. The pizza sauce had a distinct flavor of extra spices and herbs that danced across his tongue and made his mouth water. He took a napkin and wiped his chin. His lips felt numb and two sizes too big. As he looked around the pizzeria, the green, red, and white décor blurred together. He thrust his head into his hands trying to keep his thoughts straight. What’s going on? His stomach was fine. In fact, he wanted to eat more pizza; he was craving the pizza. If that were the case, it couldn’t be food poisoning. Maybe an allergic reaction? A strange blaze of heat started in his toes and shot up, clear to the top of his head. He used the crumpled up napkin to douse his forehead. Why was he sweating so much? It had been cool all day, and now he was so hot he thought he was on fire. He guzzled down all his soda and let out an embarrassingly loud belch. Holden scooted along the booth and looked out across the sea of faces around him, trying to locate and flag down Minx. If he could catch her attention, maybe she could refill his drink, or better yet, help cool the flames raging from his throat. “Minx.” His voice sounded foreign. His eyes teared up, and then a strange feeling poured over him. His lips stretched far across his face and when he looked at his reflection on the side of the napkin dispenser, he saw a goofy grin. I look like the Joker from Batman! He took another bite of the pizza and ate up the second slice in no time flat. It was the most amazing thing he’d ever tasted in his life. He loved the flavors in the sauce and he loved… “Minx.” She stood at the booth with her brows furrowed, looking flustered. “Hello again.” He forgot all about the weirdness and focused on her alluring features. “Are you back for a bit?” “I can only sit with you for a short while. My boss has issues with his workers fraternizing with customers.” “Wow, that makes me sound like a pervert or something. Fraternizing.” Holden felt like he was watching himself in some bad sitcom. For whatever reason, he was talking on and on and couldn’t get himself to shut up. And nothing he said sounded remotely intelligent. He just hoped he wasn’t coming across as a total moron. She sat down across from him and smiled. “So, what did you want to talk to me about?” He stared at her quietly for a moment, taking in the way a strand of her hair fell across her face. Her skin looked like it was soft, buttery, and creamy. Her green eyes were locked on his, framed with soft lashes that he hoped never to see laced with tears. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Redheads were always hot, but she was a classy hot. And the way her hair hung down, he ached to get himself lost in it.
Her royal blue shirt was buttoned up to her chin, but there was no disguising the fact that she had ample breasts underneath. Fleshy enough to nibble on. The idea of his tongue swirling around her nipples didn’t help an already hard erection. Unfortunately, his mind kept shifting to how gorgeous she would look with her head tilted, back arched, and a moan escaping her luscious lips. She had a graceful neck, like a swan, with a few sprinkles of freckles. He’d always been crazy about freckles and had an image in his mind of playing connect the dots with his tongue. His mind was wandering so much he wanted to grab his head to keep everything still. What had he wanted to talk to her about? For the life of him, he couldn’t remember. Good going, Holden. The girl is going to think you’re a total freak. Talk about something. Anything! “I notice you don’t work here on weekends.” She smiled sweetly, making his cock twitch. “Not usually, no. A couple times when I’ve been strapped for cash I’ve come in on Saturdays. I prefer to keep most of my weekends free to study and lounge around. I’m on my feet so much all week that it feels nice to be off them. I take classes at Oregon State University every morning.” “I thought I’d seen you around campus. Apparently, we don’t have any classes together.” Through the fringe of her bangs she looked up at him coyly. “How unfortunate.” He put his hands on his knees and tried to keep from fidgeting. “Do you like all your classes this semester?” Her fingers were nice to look at, with short nails. He didn’t like it when women had daggers for nails. Around each finger she wore a silver ring of either a moon or the sun. Holden longed to reach over and kiss each finger. “All except for one. I love mythology, aromatherapy, and journalism. Math could disappear for all I care, but it’s a requirement. I’m sort of going for a library science degree, but I may not end up going that route. I’d also like to run my own store someday. Who knows? I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do. It’s kind of sad. What about you?” He never did like talking about himself. With his luck, he’d scare her off. But he didn’t want their conversation to end so soon. Usually he found himself tongue-tied or sounding arrogant. Minx didn’t try and challenge him or talk down to him. This woman intrigued him far more than he’d ever thought possible. “Well, I’m pulling double duty. I’m studying to be a bartender and at the same time I’m going for a business degree.” Her pretty eyes widened. “Seriously? Do you ever sleep?” Holden chuckled. “Yeah, it’s a little crazy, I know. Originally, I didn’t want to go to university, but my father pushed me to go. He has certain expectations. I think he just wants to make sure I don’t make the same mistakes he did. He’s not going to like hearing I’ll be working as a bartender, but it will allow me to make some good money. I’d like to start earning a good salary right away.” She rested her chin on the palm of her hand, and his mind whirred. “That must be a lot of work. I don’t know how you do it.” Most days he didn’t either. If wandering around like a zombie became a sports event, he’d win, hands down.
“The bartending classes are only a three-week venture, and I’m nearing the finish line. I’m expected to show my stuff tomorrow night at a bar as part of the exam. To tell you the truth, that scares me more than taking the written final.” Her brows knitted together. “I’m not sure I’m following you.” Holden held up his fingers to show off a collection of fluorescent Band-Aids wrapped around each of his fingers and thumbs. “Did you ever see the movie Cocktail?” She nodded quickly, her hair attracting the light, making it shine. Holden wanted to reach across and run his fingers through it. “Yeah, I remember the night club scene where the music was playing and they had a cool routine going.” “Exactly. Really gets a crowd going. I’ve been practicing fancy moves and routines that are popular with bartenders now, along with a few unique ones of my own. Throwing a bottle up in the air and trying to catch it behind my back. Letting it roll down my shoulder. It’s the fancy stuff that earns you great tips and keeps the people coming back for more.” Her fingers slid along the Band-Aids, her light touch like soft kisses easing away the pain. “So I take it you’ve missed a few of the bottles?” “Many, unfortunately.” The corner of her mouth turned up a little and her eyes sparkled. God, she was sexy. “What else do you have to learn for your test?” Holden tried to ignore how fast his heart raced. A true beauty sat right across from him and he was rambling like an idiot, but she listened. “Oh, nothing much, really. I’m supposed to memorize around a thousand drinks. Of those probably only twenty will be on the test, but who knows which ones so you have to learn them all. Part of the test is about liquors, glassware, barware, and legal techniques, and let me tell you, that stuff is boring as hell. The nice thing is, this place guarantees job placement right afterwards.” “Impressive.” It didn’t feel impressive at two and three in the morning when he wanted more than anything to climb into his bed. Damn, he liked her enthusiasm in what he did. “I guess. I’m still trying to figure out what my special drink is going to be.” She leaned forward, her breasts straining against the shirt, nipples beading through the fabric. Talk about a distraction. “How do you mean special?” “Every bartender has their own special drink. The good ones, anyways. You have to be passionate enough to concoct something; otherwise you’re like every other Tom, Dick, and Harry out there serving up drinks. People remember the ones who stand out and make an extra effort.” “I see. And you don’t know yours. How come? Haven’t decided?” “I seem to be a hit and miss kind of guy. I’m hoping it will come to me at the right time. The bartenders that gain the most respect have a combination of skill, knowledge, style, and can make the old classics as well as the newest requests. It looks easy on TV, but it’s different when you’re the one pouring drinks.” “I don’t doubt that at all. So, what made you want to take bartender classes and university classes at the same time?”
“I need a job that pays well, and most jobs out there bore me. Can’t see working behind a desk or slipping shoes on people’s smelly feet. The kind of business I want to do is one where I’m out there being a mover and a shaker. Schmoozing with the people. Not sitting at a desk.” Minx laughed. Holden liked her laugh. It was melodic and soft. Her smile was something too. Brightened up her whole face. Brightened up his life. The neat thing about her was she was listening to him. He could tell. She acted interested, which was more than any other girl had ever been around him. His last few dates had rambled on about themselves, but then when it came time for him to talk they just stared at him with a glazed expression, like they were off in never land. “I hear you there.” “I’m sorry, what?” Holden’s face burned. Here he’d just been thinking he hated it when people didn’t listen to him, and he’d got caught doing the same thing. “I meant that I agree with you. About working in a stuffy old office or something. This job isn’t so bad, but it certainly isn’t what I want to be doing my whole life. I’d like to make more money, but I don’t want to compromise certain things, you know? But you’ll never catch me doing administrative assistant work.” “Exactly. Plus, I’m a night person. That nine to five schedule scares me.” She cocked her head to the side and he wanted to reach over and kiss her. The woman was adorable. “So what will you pursue once you have your business degree?” Holden cleared his throat and tried to sound confident. “I’d like to open my own bar. Design it, run it, work in it. And not just any old bar, but a classy bar. Casual, but not too over the top that all the yuppies will make it their own little hangout. I want to hire local bands, get some jazz in there. Host artists in a downstairs gallery. Eventually, I’d like to branch out with different chains so I can visit each one. Go international. I’m dreaming big, but it may never get that far.” “Everyone needs to have dreams.” “Yeah. Keeps you sane. I have a habit of leaving everything in my head and not following through.” She put her hand up in the air. “Guilty of that myself.” He was glad there was a table separating him. Both knees refused to be still and kept knocking together as he talked. “I think it’s cool you have your future planned out. Me, I still haven’t a clue what I want out of life. One minute I want to be a journalist, the next I want to be an activist and travel all over the world helping people less fortunate. Problem is, doing charitable work takes money. I also want to work with scents and candles. Maybe even be a masseuse or physical therapist. So, until I make a decision, I’ll be serving up pizza. And in my case, it looks easy on TV and it is easy.” He laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. “I, for one, think you have a great job.” She cast her pretty eyes down at the table. “Yeah, but I have no idea where I’m going with my life.” “Which leaves you a world of opportunities to consider.” “You’re just saying that to try and make me feel better. I’d much rather know than be
lost.” Holden shook his head. “I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with being unsure. You’re still young. It might keep you from making a big mistake later. My father always pushed me to grow up too fast, and I regret that. I don’t feel like I’m twenty-one, I feel like I’m thirty.” She reached her hand over and stroked his forearm. “I’m sorry.” Oh, great. Now I’ve got her feeling sorry for me. He kicked himself and took hold of her hand. “Don’t worry about it.” It was now or never. Kiss her, you fool. Kiss her! Holden leaned over the table and pressed his lips against hers. When she pulled back, her eyes were wide. **** Minx gripped the edge of the table, trying to make sure she was actually in the pizzeria. She pressed her lips together, savoring the feel of his mouth on hers, burning it forever in her memory. What an incredible kiss! Her eyes followed the outline of his face and then stopped at his eyes. Such mesmerizing eyes. She could look at them all night. His hand rested on hers, sending a wave of warmth across her body. Holden’s face turned ten different shades of red. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that?” What was he saying? She’d prayed for him to kiss her since the first day she saw him. “No. I mean…yes, er, I’m not sorry, if that’s what you’re wondering. It was nice.” “Nice enough for another?” She nodded her head, a little too eagerly in her own opinion. Minx liked the taste of his lips, and his breath was intoxicating. The aphrodisiacs were working better than she imagined. In fact, they were working on her as well. When he pulled away she was certain her face was a deep shade of red, along with the tips of her ears. She itched at her elbow and cleared her throat. “So, um, when is your written test to become a bartender?” “In a few days. I’m sort of doing last minute cramming.” “That would explain all the books you have when you come here.” “Yeah. I don’t know why, but I study best when I’m in here.” Minx hoped he would still come in, even after he finished studying. She’d miss him terribly. “Must be the tempting brain food.” “Or the tempting company.” Again she felt herself blush. “Don’t take this question wrong, please, but what happens if you don’t pass the test? I mean, I’m sure you’ll pass.” She blinked and realized how insensitive that just sounded. Where was a muzzle when she needed one? “Oh, that just came out all wrong.” He laughed huskily. “You’re allowed to take it again.” “I’m sure you’ll pass the first time with flying colors.” He shrugged. Minx loved his cool confidence. “Hard to say. A thousand drinks is a lot to remember. They’ll test me on two hundred random drinks. It’s one thing when I’m studying, but I have terrible test phobia. I generally go blank.”
She knew that one well. “That doesn’t sound good.” “No. I’ve always done a ton of extra credit to pass my classes. Sometimes I surprise myself and do well on a test, but like I said, generally I blank out.” “So you go to the university and then you go to bartender classes at night. In your spare time you’re studying for one test or another. What do you do for fun?” “I’m doing that right now.” She shut her mouth before an embarrassing giggle escaped her throat. It felt right sitting across from him, engaged in conversation, and for once she knew things about him. “How are you affording things, if you don’t mind my asking? I mean…without a job.” “Luckily, my dad set me up with some funds until I get a job. I’m holding out for the bartender gig. If that doesn’t pull through, then I’ll be checking the want ads. What about you, do you have a second job somewhere?” Minx hesitated. She didn’t mind listening about him, but she always clammed up when it came to talking about herself. “I…write in my spare time.” His brows arched high, eyes shining. The guy was damned adorable. “Really? You must have an imaginative mind. I think writers are incredible people. Creating all those different worlds and universes. Hell, I have enough trouble dealing with my own reality. What kind of stuff do you write?” “Articles, mostly. Non-fiction stuff. I have a moody muse. It comes and goes. I sort of…write for a webzine.” “That sounds like fun. What’s it called?” She didn’t want him to know about it in case he looked it up. In fact, she’d rather show him embarrassing baby pictures than a site she would be writing about him on. “Umm…” Minx noticed Tony giving her a dirty look and pointing at his watch. It was bad enough he’d yelled at her for scorching the bottom of his best pot, but then he’d started in on her leaving her personal life at the door. Basically, he wanted all boyfriends left out of the pizzeria. She tried to convince him there was nothing going on…yet, but he wasn’t in the mood to hear it. Minx looked back into his eyes and melted all over again. The kiss had left her riding on a permanent wave, and if she left, she’d fall. “You know, I should probably get back to work. I’m not really on a break.” His smile faltered a bit, and then widened again. “Oh, yeah, how selfish of me. Sorry about that. I’ve been having such a wonderful time talking to you, I hadn’t realized the time.” He took out his wallet to pay for his meal. Minx started to get up but he didn’t let go of her hand. “Just one more thing, if that’s okay.” The electrifying touch rocketed to her toes. “Sure.” She couldn’t believe how dizzy she felt. Her whole body was shaking, all her senses bursting like little fireworks. “I wondered what you were doing later.” The question hung in the air. Hadn’t these words been exactly what she’d been
waiting to hear? She cleared her throat a couple times and took a deep breath in. “Tonight, you mean?” “Why not?” All of a sudden the pizzeria got very warm. “Don’t you have to study for your bartending license? Or take a class?” He shook his head. “Not tonight. What about you? Have plans?” If Minx could step out of her body, she’d happily slap herself across the face a couple times to wake up. The guy wanted to see her. Why did she hesitate? “I-I wouldn’t mind doing something. I don’t have other plans.” Holden squeezed her hand. “Great, then it’s a date. What time is good for you?” Her elbow was really starting to itch. The whole aphrodisiac thing had worked better than planned. Something she hadn’t expected. Because of that, she hadn’t given any thought to what would happen afterward. “I don’t get off work until seven.” “Bet you’re pretty hungry by then.” “I usually grab something on my way home. Not very healthy, I know.” “Wanna catch a bite to eat and then, I don’t know…go see a movie?” Minx thought about it a minute. Dinner was a definite, but the movie thing wasn’t what she had in mind. Not yet anyway. She wouldn’t be able to talk to him or learn more about the things that made him who he was. On the other hand, they might be able to hold hands throughout the movie. Then again, she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything else. Before she could voice her opinion, he laughed. “You know what? Scratch the movie suggestion. I don’t know what I was saying. I would much rather talk to you and get to know you better. I feel like I’ve been in a tunnel for the past year. Reading, studying, and always keeping my mind active. Other than at school I don’t talk to anyone. This has been a refreshing change.” She liked the way his mind worked. Her biggest concern was the big unknown of when the aphrodisiacs wore off. It would be terrible if they were in the middle of a meal and suddenly he wasn’t sure why he was sitting with her. Or worse, got up and left. Then another idea popped into her head. A safe one. “How about you come over to my place and I fix you up a nice batch of spaghetti? It doesn’t take me long at all. That is, unless you don’t want to wait and eat so late.” “I think it sounds like the perfect night. I absolutely love Italian food. Next to pizza, spaghetti is my second favorite.” Minx took out her notepad and jotted down her address. She tore off the sheet and handed it to him. Nervously she chewed her lip as he looked it over. “I know right where this is. When should I be there?” A wave of panic washed over her. No matter what, she couldn’t back down now. “Seven-thirty? Dinner won’t be until a little after eight, but I wouldn’t mind the company.” “Seven-thirty it is. I better let you get back to work.” “See ya.” Minx walked straight to the back and all the way into the employee lounge. Melanie came running up behind her, jumping up and down and squealing. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe how long you two talked! How was it?” Still in shock, she couldn’t think straight. “I don’t know…I think it was incredible.”
“So the sauce worked like a charm?” “Yeah, I guess it did. I never thought it would work so well. I think I’m in over my head.” “Why?” “I…don’t know. I don’t know anything right now. Everything’s fuzzy. Talking with him was the most surreal thing I’ve ever done in my life.” “What all did you talk about?” She traced her lips. The feel of his lips still lingered. “A little bit of everything. He’s going for both a business degree and as a bartending license. That’s what he’s always doing in here. Studying for one thing or another.” Mel cocked her head to the side. “Bookworm. Sounds just like your type.” “He has the most incredible voice and totally knows what he wants to do in his life.” Her heart thudded in her chest and she sat down in a chair before she fell down. “You’ll never guess what he asked me.” “Spill.” “He asked me out. On a date.” “Serious?” Melanie jumped up and down, squealing so loud that Tony stuck his head out from the kitchen. “You girls okay in there?” Her friend waved her hand at him. “Yeah. Just being females.” They waited for him to leave and then started laughing. “So, where is he taking you?” Minx tightened her apron strings. “Actually, I invited him over to my place for dinner.” Melanie frowned. “You invited him to that rat’s nest?” Leave it to her friend’s brutal honesty. “Okay, maybe not the smartest move. No one comes over, so I don’t clean it. Anyways, I don’t know how long the effects will last, so I’m going to make spaghetti and add the aphrodisiacs to the sauce.” “You’re crazy. But you know what, I’m proud of you. Now, about those anal beads…” Minx put her fingers in her ears. “Don’t even go there. I need to get back out there before Tony has a stroke. Again. You almost gave him one earlier.” “Oh, I know. Call me brilliant. Hey, it got him out of the kitchen, so I did my part.” “You’re right. Thanks. Now, come on. Let’s go serve up some slices.” “Bet you can’t wait to get a little slice of something yourself later.” “Mel!” Her friend gave her an innocent look and walked away. Minx got a whole new batch of nerves pulsing through her body. When did she last have a guy over? Did she even know what to do? What if Holden wanted to go all the way? Maybe the double dose of aphrodisiacs would be too much on his system and he wouldn’t be able to control himself? There was a part of her—the bold, uninhibited part—that wanted very much for him to lose control and give her a night she’d never forget. To make the fantasies come true. Remind her of what a real cock felt like between her thighs. But it was the other part…the one that always got in the way that would end up ruining it all. She compared it to writing. When she wrote something, she was a different person. Vivacious, open, no holds
barred. But in person, she was tongue-tied and shy. Maybe a little extra help would loosen her up. One thing was certain. It would be a long time before she was going home if she kept looking at her watch every five seconds.
Chapter Eight It was a mad rush to get home, get showered and slip into something more comfortable. Minx chose a green scoop-necked top that showed off her breasts without being too much, along with a pair of black pants with a thin silver belt. She emphasized her eyes with liner and added some shimmering lip-gloss to hopefully entice him to kiss her more. As she looked over her appearance, she puckered up her lips, trying to see how she looked when she kissed. The women in movies always made it look glamorous and natural, but she only succeeded in looking stupid. Aside from a tacky kissing face, she looked radiant. Green was always a good color on her. The ends of her hair settled around her shoulders and looked healthy. Minx kept checking the clock every few minutes as if it would magically stop. She was running out of time before she’d even begun. It had been so long since she had cooked anything; she didn’t even know where she kept her spaghetti pots. She clanged around the bottom cabinets until she came across one and filled it halfway with water. At least the sauce was ready to go and just needed to be reheated. Fifteen minutes to go, and she scrambled to get the table cleared off and set. She grabbed piles of stuff that had accumulated over time and threw them in her bedroom closet. People didn’t come over. Even Melanie knew better than to come over. If she looked at the rest of her apartment, she would die. Instead she busied herself with finding matching cloth napkins, a candle that with a little help could stand upright, and silverware that wasn’t plastic or rusted. It hadn’t been her best idea, but she couldn’t take the chance that the aphrodisiacs had worn off. She repeated their conversation over and over in her head. She was surprised that she had been able to form complete sentences. His goals were well thought out, and she admired him for being on the road to success. Maybe she wasn’t his type, but she wanted to see how far things could go. Just once she wanted to take charge and have something work in her favor. Minx moved about in a flurry of activity, hoping for once Holden would show up a little late. **** Holden lost all motivation to study and spent the rest of the afternoon staring at the teachers in his classes, pretending to take notes. His mind was on the woman he’d spent time getting to know over lunch. Minx. His heart beat faster every time he thought her name in his mind. Even his palms got sweaty. He’d surprised himself by asking her out in the first place. The words had sort of slipped out on their own. When was the last time he’d been out on a date? It would have been a devastating blow to his ego had she said no. She was great fun to talk to, more than he’d expected. He realized how much time he’d spent in the company of books rather than with actual people. After his final class, Holden rushed home and went through his closet, trying to find something that looked nice. His roommate had junk piled all over the floor and bed, making it difficult to maneuver. What did a guy wear on a date? Jeans seemed too casual,
slacks too formal. A tie was out. He still wanted to be comfortable and not look like he was trying too hard. The thought of being in the same room with her, in her apartment, made his pulse rise. How was he supposed to act? This was definitely new territory for him, and the longer he agonized over it, the closer he came to canceling. Problem was, he didn’t have her phone number, so he would have to fail to show up, basically stand her up, and what a jerk he’d look like then. Not his style. She was much too sweet. Holden groaned. He wanted to see her. He just…didn’t know how to go about it. Seemed strange, at his age, to be acting like a lovesick puppy, but tonight, that’s exactly what he was. Hopefully, he could pull it off and maybe get another tender kiss out of it all. Anything more than that would be wrong—probably. Women didn’t put out on first dates like they did when they were teenagers. Not like he asked her out to get laid either. Of course, the thoughts pulsed away in the back of his mind as he pictured the front of her shirt coming unbuttoned. He adjusted his pants and decided before all else, a cold shower was in order. Maybe two.
Chapter Nine Precisely at seven-thirty, she heard a short series of knocks on her door. A quick check through the peephole verified what she already knew to be true. The guy was punctual. Minx opened the door and stared. Holden was dressed sophisticated-casual in khaki pants with a blue shirt and a dark leather jacket. She hoped to learn what was underneath all those layers of clothing very soon. With her hand she ushered him inside. “Come in. Dinner is almost ready.” “Smells wonderful in here.” As he walked by she caught a whiff of his cologne and her knees buckled. Forget the sauce, his musky scent taunted her and jacked her pulse up. “Thank you. I actually love to cook. Can’t wait until I can afford a bigger place with one of those huge kitchens you see in celebrity magazines.” “I hope you don’t mind, but I got us a little something special.” From behind his back he pulled out a bottle of wine. “2001 Pinot Noir. Perfect complement to go with spaghetti.” “Mm. My favorite. You’ve gotta love all the great wineries here in Oregon.” “Fortunately, Wineopolis was open. I buy most of my wine there. The owners only bring in the good stuff and are great at recommendations.” “I went in there just the other week for a tasting, and came out with three bottles.” “Sounds like we just missed each other that day. Did you want me to go ahead and open it?” Minx stared blindly at the kitchen. If there was a corkscrew, she had no idea where it would be hiding. “I’d say yes, but I’m afraid…” “I’ve got it handled,” he said and pulled out a corkscrew. “I like to be prepared.” “Great. I’ll get some glasses. I’m afraid they won’t be fancy. But I promise they aren’t plastic.” While he opened the wine, she stirred the sauce and checked on the noodles. Almost ready. She watched him take off his jacket and lay it on the couch. His physique filled out the shirt, giving his shoulders a broader look than before. He looked mighty fine. Minx looked around at her wreck of a place. It looked more like a teenager’s room than a young woman’s home. Mel had been right. A complete rat’s nest. “I’m sorry it’s not very romantic. I admit I haven’t had company over in a very long time. If I had a fairy godmother, this place would have looked spectacular.” His beautiful chuckle sent shivers up her spine. “No need to explain. Your place looks ten times better than mine on a good day. And I don’t remember my last good day.” She liked his sense of humor. Easygoing and good-natured. “I’ll serve up the dinner, then. Why don’t you have a seat?” “I can’t wait. I’ll pour the wine.” Unsure of how much the guy could eat, she decided to give him a big serving. The more sauce the better. As she set the plate down, his eyes got wide. She liked cooking for two; it made her feel needed. Minx set her own plate down and sat across from him. She sprinkled a thick layer of Parmesan cheese on top of the spaghetti and mixed it around with the fork. The aroma of
all the Italian seasonings made her stomach rumble. She waited for him to take a bite first and then dug in. “Wow. Mmm. Did you make this sauce yourself? I mean, is it made from scratch?” Minx avoided his eyes, certain her cheeks blazed red. “It’s my grandmother’s recipe. With a little touch of…love.” “Well, it’s incredible! You could open up your own restaurant with this.” She found it difficult to chew with a grin. “Now you’re exaggerating. Have you ever tried Tony’s spaghetti sauce? That stuff is to die for.” “Can’t say as I’ve had anything but pizza at Pesto’s. Guess I’ll have to find out for myself who makes the best sauce.” She tried a sip of the wine and loved the way the smooth texture dripped down her throat. Medium-bodied. Perfect match for the tomato sauce. “You have impeccable taste in wine.” Holden winked and wiped his mouth. “I think I have great taste in the company I keep, as well.” Heat fanned around her face. One thing Minx hated about eating spaghetti in front of a guy was the way her noodles whipped sauce all over her face. She went through three napkins just trying to look ladylike. If he noticed, he didn’t mention it. He set his fork down and sipped some wine. “So, tell me something. We never did get a chance to finish our conversation earlier. What do you do for fun?” With her mouth full, it was the worst time to try and talk. She hurriedly chewed the noodles and cleared her throat. Holden stuck out his lower lip. “Sorry about that. I have a bad habit of asking people things at the wrong time.” “No problem. Fun, you ask? That’s a toughie.” And this was where she typically lost guys. She led a boring life, and didn’t know how to change that. Even shopping went under the chore category. “I know it sounds really lame, but I don’t really do much for fun. Never really have.” “How come?” Minx shrugged and downed half her glass of wine. It was obvious he wasn’t going to change the subject, but she didn’t have a good answer. “Guess I’m just that way. I don’t spend time with a lot of friends, and I don’t like to go and do things by myself either. Stuck in my ways.” “Sounds like a challenge. Maybe I can change that.” She arched her brow. “What do you have in mind?” Before she had a chance to react, Holden was out of his chair and at her side, redfaced and eyes intent. She wondered if the aphrodisiacs were too strong to elicit such a powerful reaction. “Minx. I don’t know what it is, but you drive me crazy.” She swallowed hard, but couldn’t speak. An actual scenario from her dreams played out in front of her, and it still didn’t feel real. His hand stroked hers. Smooth. Warm. Beads of perspiration coated her forehead. Holden’s voice lowered, his tone speaking directly to the nerves between her thighs. “I can’t contain myself, even though I know I should. Right now I just need to touch you, feel you, hold you tight in my arms. Is that okay?” Okay? It was fucking fantastic! “Uh…sure.” Not one of her most brilliant answers,
but it would do. She went to take a breath and his lips met hers. The heady aroma of basil and oregano entered her mouth as his hot breath shot down her throat. Along his bottom lip she tasted remnants of the wine. Somewhere between dizzy and an all out hallucination, Minx tried to keep her feet on the ground. Literally. Even though she wanted to wrap her legs around his waist. She reciprocated his kisses with just as much heat and desire, convincing herself it was okay to be daring on the first date. This wasn’t high school. She was an adult and could make up her own rules now. As long as she understood the consequences. Next thing she knew, he had her in his arms and was carrying her toward the bedroom. Ah, so hunky Tarzan could carry seductress Jane. This was good. Except, thanks to the state of her room, it really was a jungle. Minx broke free of his greedy kisses a moment, trying to halt his destination. “Wait. I’m not…my room is a total mess.” She had a stuffed animal collection on her shelf that she didn’t want him to see. Along with a massive pile of dirty laundry. And she feared what else. Tampon wrappers came to mind. Oh, god, the horror of it all. “I don’t mind. The lights can stay off for all I care. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Minx was afraid he wouldn’t do everything she wanted him to do. Her mind was a sea of endless fantasies begging to be played out. If she could just convince herself that she was relaxed and…drunk, maybe she could loosen up enough to let those things happen. The frigid routine had overstayed its welcome. His lips were all over her body, searching out any ounce of revealed flesh. The heat between her thighs was divine misery. It was obvious he wanted her, proven time and time again as his hard cock jabbed against the front of her leg. Her panties were soaked with desire, and she ached to feel him inside her. Nothing prepared her for the reality of Holden in her bed. The same bed she masturbated in. The same bed she dreamt naughty dreams about him in. She pulled her shirt up over her head and was about to remove her bra when her shyness took over. Like a switch had been turned off. Why did this always have to happen? How could she conjure up such erotic, racy, illicit fantasies and have a problem fulfilling them? No, not now. Please, not now. Let me be a vixen, just tonight. I don’t want him to be disappointed. It didn’t seem to bother him that her bra remained on. He buried his face between her breasts, stealing kisses wherever he could. Through the thin material of the restrictive garment, he nibbled, driving her need stronger. She closed her eyes and thought of her fantasies. Imagined how good he’d feel inside her. Minx grabbed at him, pulling him on top of her. This wasn’t the time to play limp noodle. She wanted him with everything inside her. Wanted to know his length. Wondered how far he’d stretch her. How hard was it to give in to the moment? Let her body do all the talking and her brain shut the hell up. In the time it took for her to figure out what she wanted to do, he had her belt off, pants unbuttoned, and pushed down to her ankles. Her breath echoed in jagged pants around her room, body trembling. His fingers traced the lace edges of her panties, and then his pinky slipped along her silken folds, daring to push through. Minx let out a soft mewl and raised her hips as he slid her panties down, letting them fall with her pants to
the floor. His lips weren’t far from her clit. Her center burned and begged for his cock. “Damn, woman. You turn me on something awful. I just want to go with what I’m feeling and take you again and again. It’s crazy. We hardly know one another.” His words were certainly great for breaking down her shyness barriers. That and the fact she was drenched from her own desires. Holden knelt between her legs, stretching her thighs wide apart. She watched through the small bit of light coming through her blinds as he unbuttoned his pants. Immediately, she drew forward and wrapped her hand around his cock. Minx gasped. Oh, god, she wanted to erase her fears and doubt and let him sink into her. “Talk to me. I need to know how far you want me to go.” Minx wanted him to tell her what he would do. If left to her, the night would be ruined. All the erotic romance books she’d read, the movies she’d watched, and still she didn’t know how to talk dirty. How to come right out and state what she wanted. She choked back a sob. “I don’t know. Part of me says all the way. Another part says to wait.” He froze above her and then climbed off, readjusting his pants. “Then we wait.” She sat up, not really sure what had just happened. Another switch turned off. A cold draft replaced the steady heat. The feel of flesh on flesh changed to fabric in the way. Why couldn’t she bring herself to say the right thing? Screw all the other guys; this was Holden, the man she wanted more than any other. An ultimate fantasy getting ready to walk out her door because she lacked the ability to say “fuck me like a damn jack rabbit.” “What happened?” “Play time is over, Minx.” Even his whisky-laden voice had changed. “But I said I don’t really know what I want. It doesn’t mean we have to stop altogether. Please. I’m enjoying this.” His hand rested on her cheek, her scent strong on his fingers. “You are a beautiful woman, Minx. The last thing I want to do is hurt you or make you regret something. I think we’re both a little overheated right now, or at least I am, and I need to cool down.” “Did I do something wrong?” She felt a tear start, but willed it to not go further. Why did this always happen? She’d been so close to letting go, but her mouth ruined it for her. “Not at all. I’m trying to listen to my gut feeling on this, not my impulses. I want to get to know more about you. The funny thing is, there’s no rush, and I’m behaving like tomorrow we’ll never see each other again. I’ve had a wonderful time, but I think I should go.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “We’ll pick this up where we left off. There’s no doubt about that.” She grabbed her sheet and wrapped it around her body, toga style. “Why don’t we finish up the wine? Talk some more. Anything. We can snuggle up and watch a movie.” Oh, good lord, the desperation in her voice went beyond pathetic. “It’s best that I go.” “What, did you only come over here to get lucky?” He flashed her a dark look and then replaced it with gentle crinkles around his eyes. “No, and don’t ever think that again.” “Then stay.” Minx watched him put his leather jacket on and hesitate at the door. When he looked
back at her, it was with a warm, genuine smile. “Trust me. I still want you, and I’m going to have sweet dreams for it. Goodnight.” Her throat was constricted and she could barely squeak out, “Night.” The door clicked as it closed, and she heard him walk along the cement outside her apartment. She stood in the doorway of her room looking from her bed to the front door. The aphrodisiacs had worked a little too well. And a little too quickly. While she liked where things were headed, she wasn’t sorry he’d stopped. Maybe her body was sorry, but not her head. They were reacting to pure lust, and she wanted the love there too. She’d never expected that would be the case before. The more time she spent talking with him, the more she fell for him. Sure, she wanted sex, but she wanted more. So much more. Even with his body heat penetrating her skin and his cock prodding her thigh, he still acted like a gentleman. Aphrodisiacs aside, he had a conscience and respected her. Now she wanted him more than ever before. Next time, she’d go all the way. Even if she had to rip his clothes off and shove his cock into her mouth. **** It was hours before her pulse went back to normal. A cool shower and change of panties had been in order to help take her mind off their torrid make-out session. Along with some battery operated toys to extinguish the fire Holden had started in her belly. Sleep was out of the question for now. Her mind was still consumed by his touch on her body. She decided to work on her webzine and see if that helped her wind down. Using a special blend of ingredients, I was able to concoct a delectable pizza sauce that had a dramatic effect on a gentleman I’ve had a terrible crush on for over six months. I am now convinced it is possible to manipulate emotions with the use of aphrodisiacs, if done correctly. Though I still caution that my experiment may not work for everyone, it’s safe to say that adding aphrodisiacs into your relationship might leave you with some exciting results. Because so many of you, my faithful readers, have written and asked me how one could possibly get someone interested in them, I feel it’s my duty to make public the actions I have taken, so you can learn from me. Since some of you know me from the university, I don’t wish to divulge the name of my mystery guy. I will do my best to keep you updated on how things go. It is a work in progress, but so far one that has been positive. In my case, aphrodisiacs work! Minx followed up the article with her recipe for the pesto sauce, and a few options for those who had allergies or were strapped for funds. She read it over several times before hitting the send button. Here she was, a girl used to total privacy, sharing her personal relationship with people she didn’t even know. By not using Holden’s name, she was protecting his identity, so the nagging voice of doubt and guilt needed to disappear. What she hoped would come out of it was more people feeling as elated as she was. A revolution in attracting the opposite sex. No more magic spells and potions, no more special candles or incantations, and no more feelings of inadequacy because the guy or girl someone liked wouldn’t pay any attention to them. She’d decoded the male mind and given women of the world a new chance at love. Minx was proud of herself for going after something she wanted and
seeing it succeed. Now all she had to do was convince herself there was nothing wrong with how she planned to go about it.
Chapter Ten Holden got home and fell onto the couch. His head throbbed badly, and his eyes wouldn’t stop watering. He was afraid it really was an allergic reaction to something he’d eaten. It didn’t make sense, but his throat felt like it was filled with cotton balls, and his lips were puffy. He hoped it wasn’t the spaghetti sauce Minx made. It was delicious, and he’d gladly have more. There was something sexy about a woman who knew how to cook, and Italian was his favorite. He could live on spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and calzones if he had to. In so many ways, they were a perfect match, and he didn’t want anything to ruin the good thing they’d started. The longer he lay on the couch, the worse his head ached, but sitting up wasn’t the answer either. He grabbed the remote and flipped through the television channels mindlessly. With his fingers to his head, he massaged his temples. The night was turning into a blur, except for the images of her scrumptious body. Womanly curves. Delectable breasts. Soft skin. Undiscovered territory. He could still smell the scent of her sex on his fingers, and it kept him restless. Was it possible for him to fall so hard for the pizza girl after only one date? He would never have considered himself the romantic type before, but he changed around Minx. He wanted to wine and dine her and then ravish her body all night. He also wanted it to be exclusive. No other woman made him feel the way she did, tying up all his thoughts until he didn’t know heads from tails. And he didn’t want to let go. Holden looked over at the stack of books on the coffee table. The bartender test was only a couple days away. Even if he knew every single drink forward and backward, he still had to contend with taking the actual test. He opened one of the books, but the words swam before his eyes. There was no way he could study right now. Tomorrow afternoon he’d read through the whole book again and not give in to distraction. No matter how beautiful Minx was. It took all his strength to crawl to his bed and turn on the alarm. The last thought that went through his mind was of Minx and her scrumptious lips, brandishing him with kisses from his neck to his cock. Next time, he hoped she would tell him how much she wanted him. Or better yet, show him. **** When he walked into the pizzeria at noon the next day, Holden went straight to his regular booth and waited. Minx could see right away that he was preoccupied and didn’t take the time to look up at her. Frustrated, she wondered how she could keep him interested for longer than a day. Their interaction was brief as he mumbled his order to her while reading and jotting down notes. She knew better than to have high expectations after their first encounter, but she hadn’t planned on being completely ignored. His dick had practically been engraved
in her legs, for crying out loud. Was she the only one who had been up half the night stilling her hormones by getting herself off? She hoped not. Since he was playing hard to get, Minx decided to give Holden a double dose of sauce. That would teach him to slight her. When she brought him his order, he hardly looked up from his book. She had a strong compulsion to pick the damn book up and hurl it to the other side of the room. To think she’d almost had sex with him last night. On her way to delivering a group of six their drinks, she deliberately sighed while walking by his table. A very long, exasperated, loud sigh. She made boring small talk with some hyper university kids until she couldn’t stand it anymore, and then excused herself. On her way back to the register, her foot hit something. She lost her balance and fell hard to the floor. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen!” She looked up and realized it was Holden. The expression in his eyes had changed, his brows not arching together as much. He thrust his hand out to help her up. “What are you apologizing for? You didn’t do anything; I tripped over my own feet.” Embarrassed, she straightened her skirt and checked to make sure everything was in place. “No, really. I stuck my foot out on purpose to get your attention. It worked better than I thought.” Minx stifled a laugh. “Did you now? Maybe next time you could find a different approach in catching my attention.” “I’d say I feel like an ass, but it was worth it to see your pretty legs fly up like that.” She sat in the booth, waiting for her legs to stop trembling. “I’m flattered…I think.” The sparkle in his eyes reminded her of an imp. A genuine smile slowly formed along his face. “You’re really nice, you know that?” “I was beginning to wonder why you were ignoring me.” “Was I? I’m really behind in school right now, so I was up early this morning trying to study. Guess my mind is still on overload. Forgive me?” She didn’t want to, but on the other hand she had overreacted. What did he really owe her? He had a test coming up and needed to study. “Hard not to.” Holden rested his chin on his hands. Dimples deepened on both sides of his cheeks. “I enjoyed our date last night and wondered if you wanted to do something…tonight.” Minx narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you need to study for your test?” “Actually, tonight is my performance test. I’m supposed to do a bartending stint at a place called Ivy’s for half an hour. Are you familiar with it?” “I know where it’s at. I’m not a big fan of bars.” She really tried to avoid them altogether, but his pleading eyes melted her heart. “Would you go there with me? We can go out afterward and do something fun. I could use a friendly face to help my nerves.” “But your big test is soon. Maybe we should go out another night.” She bit her lip. What was her problem? This was what she wanted, and she was blowing him off. “I feel more than prepared. Besides, it’s been a long time since I’ve been out having fun. You helped remind me of that. I’m such a bore, really. Ask my roommate.” Melanie would never let her hear the end of it if she backed out on a chance to see him again.
She smiled. “Tonight sounds wonderful. What do you feel like doing?” “I don’t care. I just want to be with you.” Her heart pounded. The sauce not only got him to open up and talk, but he was paying a lot of attention to her. It was a nice change and something she could easily get used to. She thought about it and came up with something she thought would be easy on the both of them. “We could grab a bite to eat and go for a walk. There’s a beautiful park near my place and in the evening it’s very quiet. Or we could do something else entirely.” “A walk sounds perfect. After the bar test, I’m sure some fresh air would do me good.” Minx looked around and saw Tony start to walk out. She didn’t want to make him mad again. “So I’ll meet you at Ivy’s. What time should I be there?” “I start at seven-thirty. Promise you’ll show?” “Most definitely. I can’t wait.” She hurried away and loaded her arms up with trays and empty glasses. Things were working out well. Now to ask Tony if she could take off a half hour early.
Chapter Eleven Minx had coaxed her boss into letting her go early, giving her plenty of time to get home, change, fix up some hearty meatball sandwiches with extra sauce, and walk to the bar. She chose a slinky black dress she’d never worn. It showed considerable cleavage and accentuated her figure. High heels weren’t her thing, so she settled on some low black pumps that still elongated her legs. They were comfortable enough to walk in, and made her feel extra feminine. A simple silver necklace with a heart locket completed the look. Ivy’s wasn’t the worst bar in town, but they were all the same to her. It bothered her to know Holden would be working in a place she, for the most part, loathed, in a career she didn’t support. She supposed over time she would get used to the idea. Relationships were about compromise. Still, she was getting quality time with him, and that’s what she wanted. Wasn’t it? She walked in and was met with a wave of sweaty heat and the smell of bold liquor. Crowds of people gathered around the bar, most she recognized from the university, with all eyes intently watching Holden. Minx wasn’t sure whether she should signal to him that she was there or just let him be. She opted for a table where she could still watch the action, but not be distracting. When he looked up, their eyes met. The look was a cross between fright and relief. The horrific sound of glass breaking got the entire crowd applauding him. Her throat went dry. Oh, my gosh. I make him totally nervous! I can’t let him fail this part of the test by watching him. I’ll go outside and wait for him there. She stood up and started for the door when she heard Holden call out to her. “I’d like you all to meet a lovely woman I’ve started seeing recently. Come over here, Minx.” Slowly, she turned and plastered a smile on her face. If there was anything she hated, it was a room full of people staring at her. Several well-built men parted so she could take a seat on one of the swivel stools directly across from Holden. He looked terribly nervous, but she gave him her best confidence-boosting smile. “You look beautiful, as always. How are you this evening?” “Um. I’m fine.” Minx wanted to say something encouraging, but not a lot came to mind. “So, let’s see how you serve up this crowd.” He winked at her, and it instantly put her at ease. Ten minutes later she was sitting in shock. He was dropping or breaking glasses left and right, spilling drinks all over the counter, and worst of all, not getting the actual drink ingredients right. Then came the comments. “Pack it up, buddy.” “You’re the worst bartender I’ve ever seen!” The crowd had seen enough of him and was vocal in letting him know to not quit his day job. If only they knew he didn’t have one. Out of the blue, one woman even shouted at Minx.
“Hey, honey, why don’t you inject some of those aphrodisiacs into him and see if that helps his coordination.” Her mouth fell open. Great, someone had put two and two together. She looked toward Holden, but thankfully he was too busy messing up to have heard. For his sake, Minx hoped he could recover from this enough when it came time for the written exam. When his half hour was up, Holden glumly walked out from behind the bar and came up to her. She tried to ignore how strongly he smelled of alcohol. “Well, that was a miserable display back there. Ready to start our night?” His hand wrapped around her waist and her knees buckled. “Sure am. I’ve got some meatball sandwiches all made for us back at my place, and the night is perfect for taking a walk. If you’re still up to it.” They headed for the door, ignoring the whistles, jeers, and comments from the crowd, and slipped out into the mild evening. A faint smell of possible rain hung in the air, but the forecast said it wouldn’t rain until morning. In a noticeably distraught voice, he mumbled, “Guess I wasn’t well-received in there.” She wasn’t very good at fixing a guy’s bruised ego, but gave it her best shot. “I feel like it was my fault for showing up and distracting you. I have a feeling you were probably doing great until I showed up.” “Nope. I needed you there more than you know.” His hands sunk into his pockets, and he kicked at stray pebbles on the sidewalk. “Really? You’re not just saying that, are you? I got there as soon as I could. Took longer to walk over than I thought.” “I promise it wasn’t you. I was relieved when you walked in. Just wasn’t in the right headspace, I guess. No other way to explain it. I know this stuff. Had everything down last week, and now all of a sudden I’ve hit a brick wall. For some strange reason, I’ve been having trouble focusing the past two days.” Minx stiffened. Great. She’d been stuffing him full of aphrodisiacs for two days to control his heart and mind. To make him focus on her, and damn anything else important to him. It was her fault. In more ways than one. She was a horrible person. And terribly selfish. “I wish there was something I could do to help. Do you want me to quiz you on stuff? I could ask you how to make random drinks and you could tell me.” “I’ll think about it. Tonight wasn’t about the drinks. It was about proving myself, and I didn’t pass. My only saving grace is the test at this point. But I appreciate your offer and will tuck it away, if that’s what it comes down to.” “Just say the word.” “I am really glad you came. It meant the world to me. I know we saw each other earlier briefly, but it wasn’t long enough for me. Already I feel better.” “Thanks.” Minx liked his sensitive side, but she was still concerned he wasn’t keeping his mind on the important things. She stopped and turned to him. “We don’t have to do something tonight, you know. Are you sure you shouldn’t study instead? If you don’t need my help, that’s fine, but maybe you should be hitting the books and we can take a rain check?” He shook his head and chuckled. “What? Oh, no. I’ll do fine. The test is in a couple of days, and I don’t think I can cram my head with any more information. Especially not
tonight. Besides, if I don’t pass this time, I’ll just take it again. Piece of cake. There’s no way I’d fail twice.” Minx started to freak out inside. What if I’m messing with his mind so much he forgets the important things? I can’t let him screw up his future like this. What the hell was I thinking? “But… This is something you really want. I heard the way you were talking about it the other day, and now all of a sudden you sound all blasé about it. What gives?” He pulled his hand out of his pocket and took hers, holding it gently. “I don’t think I’m being blasé about anything. For the first time in a very long time, I’m enjoying myself. Unless the real reason you want to cancel is because I made a fool of myself back at the bar and you don’t want to be seen with me. I can’t blame you there. All talk and no action.” “Trust me, that isn’t how I feel.” “Good. I’d love to spend some more time with you. I’ve been looking forward to tonight.” While she really wanted to soak in the compliments, something nagged away at her deep in her core. “Listen, I’m thinking of you here. I’m having a great time with you too, but I don’t want to be in your way. You had a plan, a whole future set before you, and the last thing I want to do is be the one person you end up regretting for the rest of your life. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my mom say she wished she’d never met my dad, even after they were divorced.” “Ouch. That’s harsh.” “Tell me about it. I was about twelve years old. They probably should have divorced sooner than that, but they stuck it out for me. I don’t think I did them any favors. But she had a life and things she wanted to do, and she blamed my dad for the way her life turned out. I tried real hard to not include myself in that. She always suggested I was the one thing she did right, but who really knows?” “I appreciate what you’re saying, and I definitely appreciate what you’ve been through, but you aren’t messing up anything in my life. I promise. We have a few things in common, though. My parents are also divorced, only my dad pushed my mom away. He is somewhat of a perfectionist and he found fault with everything she did. Because he worked all the time, I learned early on how to cook, clean, and take care of myself. Even had to get a job early. He pushed and pushed me all the time and made sure I was going to college, whether I wanted to or not.” “Do you still keep in touch with your mom?” “Oh, yeah. I call her all the time. She comes to see me every now and then. She’s remarried to a great guy, Doug. I’ve never seen her happier. I wanted to go and live with her in the beginning, but she couldn’t afford an attorney at the time because she’d been a stay-at-home mom.” “That’s the hardest job in the world.” “Yep, I admire her for it, really. Plus, Dad hired, like, the best attorney there was, and she ended up with nothing except visitation rights. It doesn’t bother me anymore, but I sure felt like I’d gotten the bad end of the deal.” Minx shook her head. She wasn’t the only one who had a skewed vision of love. “And that’s why you feel like you had to grow up so fast?”
Holden nodded. “Missed out on all kinds of childhood stuff. I wanted to go out for football, but Dad didn’t want that for me. He told me I’d mess up my head or something and then what would happen.” Minx sighed quietly. She felt a tinge of guilt at his words. Wasn’t she doing the same damn thing? Messing with his head, his heart, all his damn emotions? “When you say that you don’t want to hold me back, I think that’s so cool. But I don’t feel that way in the slightest. If anything, you’re giving me a chance to relax and enjoy life a little. Is that okay?” He stopped and looked at her, brushing a strand of her hair aside. “Is it okay?” She drummed her fingers against the side of her dress. Her stomach was doing somersaults like there was an Olympic event going on inside her. Of course it was okay. More than okay. “Yes.” Their fingers touched as he grabbed for her hand again. She felt like a little girl, wanting to scream and clap her hands together in excitement. He leaned forward and delivered a sensational kiss. Her whole body reacted to the electric charge. Like magic, all her doubts and guilt disappeared in that instant. **** The whole neighborhood was quiet as she unlocked the door to her apartment. Minx quickly brought out the sandwiches along with a bag of chips and a tray of precut veggies she’d picked up at the deli. The doubts formed again when she thought about the sauce in the meatball sandwich. She’d cleverly made use of the sauce around him like it was going out of style. What if she wasn’t getting the real Holden because of all this? Playing games with someone’s emotions didn’t feel very good. “You must be getting tired of all this Italian food. Would you like me to make you a different kind of sandwich?” “Are you kidding me?” He rubbed his stomach in a circle. “I told you, Italian food is my favorite. I could eat this stuff every single day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks too. Besides, your sauce sends me into a whole new realm.” She snorted. If that wasn’t an understatement. “Okay. It won’t hurt my feelings if you want something else, and wouldn’t be any trouble. I have some turkey and swiss, if you’d rather.” He grabbed one of the meatball sandwiches and took a bite before setting the plate on the table. Reluctantly, she took her plate and sat across from him. Suddenly she didn’t feel like such a genius. “Delicious.” Minx didn’t feel very hungry and lazily picked at her sandwich. This couldn’t be right. Holden was a genuine man with a bright future, and from everything she had learned, could easily snag any woman he wanted. Her infatuation had turned into stronger feelings that she hadn’t counted on. She was only supposed to get his attention, have sex, and then let him go. Like an experiment. Lust and bust. Now she wanted to have sex and have him stick around. Minx was terribly confused. Across from her was perfect husband material. He finished up his sandwich and wiped off his hands on several napkins. “Messy, but fantastic.” He cocked his head to the side, his brows slanted inward. “Something wrong? You seem upset about something.”
Where to begin? Her apartment was stuffy, and she needed some fresh air. “Oh, gosh, no. I’m okay. Guess I’m not as hungry as I thought. You ready for that walk in the park, or did you want to let your tummy rest first?” She hoped he would agree to getting out of the house. If he came on to her now, she’d have to push him away. Again. Instead of her body, this time her mind and conscience ganged up on her. “You know what? A walk sounds good to me.” Minx couldn’t get out of her house fast enough. She felt like everything in there was judging her and making her feel worse. If there were ever a time to have a good angel conscience on her shoulder, now was it. Why couldn’t she just let things materialize between them? False hope would only hurt them both. Holden took a deep breath in, and she could feel the tension around them lift. “It’s beautiful out here. What a great suggestion. I probably would have suggested something boring like bowling.” “Actually, I like bowling. Maybe another time.” Sure, she’d bowl with him. Any excuse where she could watch him bend over in his tight jeans and show off his firm butt. They held hands as they walked, swinging their arms. The moon shone over a still lake, surrounded by trees and flowers. They crossed the arched bridges where two white swans floated underneath. Little lampposts were aglow with soft amber light, bringing a sense of enchantment to their surroundings. She realized just how much she liked the feel of his hand in hers. Comforting. Safe. “You’ve seen where I live a couple times now. How about you? Where do you live?” “I share a small place with another guy I met on campus, Randy. We started out as friends, but now I’m not so sure anymore. We hardly see each other. The guy is a total slob, so I’m stuck climbing all over his stuff to move around. Usually he’s gone when I’m home and vice versa.” “Ah, so that’s why you haven’t invited me over.” “Sort of. That and he’s got pictures of naked women everywhere. Walls covered.” Her eyes got big. No guy had ever been as open. “I’m sure that doesn’t really bother you.” He gave her an authentic wounded look. “I’ll have you know that I’m not like that. Fake pictures don’t do much for me. All that airbrushing. I mean, sure, some of the women are sexy, but even I can see how unrealistic they are. I’d rather have the real thing. You may not believe me, but not all of us guys feel the need to divulge in porn twenty-four seven.” She laughed and put her arm through his. “You surprise me everyday.” “I was thinking the exact same thing.” Before she could come up with something intelligent to say, a slew of thick raindrops descended onto their heads. Of all the stupid timing. This was her punishment. Here he was being open and honest, while she remained guarded and secretive. “Great. I hadn’t counted on rain. I’m so sorry.” Minx grabbed his hand and dragged him through the grass until they came to a gazebo sheltered by cherry trees. The raindrops were so big she was drenched before she could get inside. She closed the big glass door and fiddled with her hair.
Holden stood in the middle with his eyes twinkling like a small child’s, his head up and looking around. “Wow, is this ever cool.” “It’s one of my favorite spots. Not many people use it, but it’s great to use in a pinch.” Her dress clung tightly to her body. Minx watched the rain streak the sides of the glass. Goose bumps flooded her skin, and she wrapped her arms around her body to keep from shivering. Holden came up behind her and instantly warmed her. She turned her face up to him and his lips were on hers, moist and hot. When she turned her whole body into him, she felt his erection. “Now look at that, you’ve got me all excited again.” “I’d say we’re both looking to take things further.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and scrunched herself tightly against him as their once soft kisses turned fierce and greedy. Holden sent kisses along the bridge of her nose, her cheeks, her chin, and down around her neck. She tossed her head back and giggled at the ticklish nibbles at her earlobes. “I can’t tell you how badly I want you,” she whispered. “Why don’t you show me?” “Here?” “I don’t really care where. This works for me.” Minx talked herself through it, unwilling to back out of this again. He was a wonderful man, and she had a great time with him. It wasn’t only about sex either; they had great communication and mutual respect for one another. She turned her back to him and gave him a coy look over her shoulder. “Think you can help me with this?” His fingers found the zipper of her dress and tugged lightly. The sound of it sliding down her back made her panties wet. Knowing what was coming left her unsteady on her feet, and she leaned into him. “Easy there.” He chuckled. “Sorry. You make me weak in the knees.” “I guess I did make you fall for me earlier.” Holden pulled the dress up over her head and laid it on the wooden bench that ran alongside the wall of the gazebo. Minx stood in her black lace bra and matching panties, completely oblivious to the dampness or chill. This was the part where she normally screamed for the lights to go off and dove beneath the sheets, hiding her body away. But he didn’t make her feel ashamed or insecure at all. She kicked off her pumps and liked the way her bare feet felt against the gazebo floor. He wasted no time in unhooking her bra and letting it lay in a puddle at her feet. His eyes browsed along her breasts, and she felt the familiar heat rise from the tips of her toes. “You’re beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.” She smiled and shimmied out of her panties. There was no turning back. “Okay, big boy, let’s see what you’ve got underneath here.” Her fingers found the buttons of his shirt and rapidly undid one after another until it fell open, revealing a
smooth, hairless chest with nicely shaped pecs and rippling six-pack abs. “I see someone works out.” “I haven’t for a few months. Let my gym membership run out and started studying for the bartender license. I hadn’t planned on anyone seeing me naked for a long time. Probably should start again before I get a pizza gut.” “Well, I like what I see.” “I was thinking the same thing.” She reached for his waist and clumsily undid the buttons of his jeans, easing them down his hips to around his ankles. Methodically, he worked his shoes off and then the denim before pulling down his black briefs. Minx couldn’t help but stare at his large cock. She ran her tongue along her bottom lip and bent to her knees. A moment of panic set in. Could she really do this? Now wasn’t the time to chicken out. She needed to be bold and seductive. Think Angelina Jolie. Exude sensuality. This wasn’t just any guy; this was the man she pictured spending the rest of her life with. She ran her hand along the underside of his cock and smiled at how smooth it was. Glancing up, she saw he enjoyed it as well. “Mind if I sample your godly goods?” “When you put it that way, please, be my guest.” “Excellent.” She ran her tongue along the head of his cock and then darted it along the tiny hole. A salty taste lingered, pleasant and addictive. Minx wasn’t sure how far she could take him in her mouth—she’d never actually given any guy a true blowjob—but she and her girlfriends had practiced with assorted fruits and vegetables. She let all her air out and slid her lips over his steel rod, as far as she was comfortable. His moans helped relieve her of any doubts, and she suckled at his shaft, delighting in his verbal responses. “I like that.” She slid her mouth up and back, along the head, and suckled hard, watching his body convulse. She flickered her tongue against his foreskin and enveloped him again. “Whoa. I’m not sure my legs are strong enough for this.” It was difficult to laugh when her mouth was full. Feeling more confident, she took him in further and milked him hard. She moved her mouth up and down his cock faster as it swelled larger. He reached down and stroked her head. “I love what you’re doing, but I don’t want to miss out on anything.” She understood and slid him out of her mouth. Holden led her to the bench and had her sit on it. He knelt down and spread her thighs wide apart. She refused to look away from his eyes. Such beautiful eyes. They held so much life in them, and she hoped that life was one that he would share with her always and forever. Minx gasped when, without any kind of warning, he stuck two fingers inside her drenched pussy and then slid them up to her clit. “It would seem I’ve hit a sweet spot.” “Very.” She breathed heavily. It took all her energy to keep from shying away from him. His warm breath on her clit made her shiver. “It’s my turn to taste you.”
She leaned her back against the window of the gazebo and parted her thighs as far as possible. Through half-closed eyes, she watched his lips open and bring her into complete submission. Each suckle had her gasping and panting. It felt so good it hurt. His fingers, tongue, and mouth worked her up fast. “Oh, Holden. Don’t stop. It all feels so good.” He quickened his pace, flickering his tongue all along the swollen muscle while his fingers banged away at her sopping wet opening. His thumb replaced his lips and he looked into her eyes while continuing to get her off. “Come for me. I want to watch you orgasm.” She tried not to think about it so much and not feel the pressure. As much as she wanted to find the heavenly release, she couldn’t make herself do it. “I-I can’t.” He leaned forward and took her pebble hard nipples into his mouth. One and then the other. His teeth nipped lightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to push her thoughts away. Faster and deeper, he lodged his fingers inside her, his thumb catering to the desperate needs of her swollen nub. She pushed herself into him, practically rubbing against him until the first sign of an orgasm took her breath away. “I’m going to come. Right now. Please don’t stop.” Minx closed her eyes tightly, picturing her body free and light as a feather. She willed herself to let loose and give herself what she needed. Holden buried his face between her thighs and sucked so hard at her clit that she couldn’t help but burst. Warmth coated her inner walls and her thighs quaked fiercely. His tongue lapped her up like a cat, helping to quell the little after shakes. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “What you just did there. It was amazing. No guy has ever brought me to an orgasm like that.” “You taste sweet. I can see I’ll have to sample you often. Now, I want you to stand up.” She reached for his arm and did her best to stand, though her thighs were trembling. “Put your hands against the windows and spread your legs.” “I’m sorry. Are we playing cops and robbers now?” “Something like that.” Minx ignored the fact she was self-conscious about her voluptuous behind and did as she was told. With the bench in the way she had to stick her ass way out. “Mm. You are amazing. Every part of you.” His erection pulsed against the back of her leg, and she relished the thought of him entering her. She was certainly well lubricated and ready for him. Holden ran his hands along the curves of her ass and every now and then dipped his fingers in places that made her body jolt. He took some of her juices and spread them along her anal hole, teasing the tight entrance with his pinky. “Ever had it there?” “No.” “Want to?” “I’m not sure.” “Tell me what you want, you sexy little vixen. Tell me how you want me to take you.”
His words were painfully seductive. Vixen. It’s how she envisioned herself to be when all her old tapes in her head were erased and destroyed for good. Could she do it? Escape into the mind of a vixen and be vocal about her desires? “I need to hear it. I need to know if you want me to shove my cock up inside you and stretch you so far apart you scream out.” “Yes,” she cried, her body convulsing at his very words. “I want you to fill me up with your cock. Please, oh please, fill me up.” If he wanted her to beg, she would at this point. The need was greater than anything she had imagined. In answer to her internal pleading, he teased her slick pussy lips with his cock, outlining it and lightly prodding. “Don’t tease me, Holden. Do what you will!” Tears fell down her face. She couldn’t stand the wait. The tip of his cock was right there. If she could back into it, she would. Minx stared at the steamy window, unable to see anything outside at all. She could vaguely hear the rain tapping, a rhythm that was fast and erotic. He grabbed her hips and thrust himself into her, making her cry out at his width and length. As he inched in a little at a time, she could literally feel herself spread. His shaft was hot inside her walls, hot and incredible. “Want me to pump myself into you? Should I go nice and slow, or do you want it a little rough? Tell me. I need to hear it or I’ll pull out of you.” “No! Please, give it to me hard. I want to feel you as deep as you can go.” She hardly recognized her words. When had she become so vocal? He complied, sinking deeper, probing the waters to find just the right spot. For every thrust into her, she pushed her ass into him, wriggling her body and clenching his cock with her inner muscles. “Mm. That’s right, baby. You feel so good. I love the way you grip my cock. Tighter, baby, tighter.” She clung to him, losing herself in the moment. Her whole body shook. The feeling returned, the unbearable craving to release everything inside herself. “I’m about to come inside you. I can’t hold back. Move with me, let yourself go.” Nothing else existed in that moment except the rhythm they had mastered. She felt the orgasm start low in the pit of her stomach and immediately spread to every part of her body. Minx opened her mouth and screamed his name as one final bolt released. She clenched tighter, knowing he was there, and then came his warrior-like call. His cock slammed into her eight or nine times, until he’d drained himself inside her. When he pulled out, she shook again. He reached for her and turned her so she faced him. “I’ve never had an orgasm like that before. You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” She wanted to say something, but his lips were on hers, adding nourishment to her parched throat. His hands roamed across her back and slipped through her hair. “I want you like I’ve never wanted any other woman.” Minx melted into his embrace. They were words she’d never expected to hear from any man. When they parted, he helped her get dressed, his hands constantly touching her. “I wonder if we had an audience.”
“Even if we did, I doubt they saw anything. You had the windows steamed up pretty good.” “Me?” “Of course. I’m the shy one.” Holden laughed. “Right. When you want to be, you are the farthest thing from shy.” “I have you to thank for that.” He pulled her into his strong embrace, and they shared a sensuous kiss that started the feelings up again. Hungrily, her tongue ravaged his, their lips warm and moist. When they broke away, she was breathless. She shyly looked away while he dressed, resisting the urge to scream to the world how much she’d enjoyed the sex. “You ready?” Despite her unsteady legs, she nodded. “I am.” He held open the door, and they stepped onto the wet grass. The rain had stopped, making everything around them very quiet. A fresh scent enveloped them, a mix of fresh rain and exhilarating sex. Minx had a feeling she was glowing. “Think you can give me a lift home? I forgot that I walked to Ivy’s. After this, I don’t think I can possibly walk very far.” “I’d be happy to drive you home. Unless you’d like to stay over. I wouldn’t mind.” Holden squeezed her hand. “I’d love to. Honest. But I don’t think I should just yet. Is that okay?” She thought it over. What was she supposed to say? No, dammit, I want more? Only a true gentleman would say such a thing. “I think it’s just the way it should be.”
Chapter Twelve After she dropped him off at his place, Minx drove home with the radio on the twenty-four hour love song station. There was no denying it from this point forward. She was most certainly in love. Had it been any other guy, she would have said the earthshattering sex had distorted her judgment, but she knew better. Her heart knew the difference. The electricity she’d felt had gone beyond lust and sought out a stronger emotion. He had somehow helped her to come out of her shell. She would never have given herself that way if it had merely been a one-night stand. Holden was entirely different from the other men she’d fallen for. His demeanor, manners, childhood, and openness were rare and refreshing. There was an image that replayed itself in the back of her mind. An image of them together several years from now, content and happy. It didn’t tell her what occupation she’d finally chosen, or his for that matter, but they were together, and that was all that mattered. He offered stability, warmth, and a love truer than she ever thought possible. Those weren’t dreams; they were a glimpse at her future. A future with him. Back at home, she floated to her computer chair and sat down, spinning a few times before stopping herself in front of the screen. The emotion wasn’t familiar, but she knew it was bliss. She replayed everywhere his fingers, mouth, tongue, lips, and cock entered her body. Her pussy was permanently splayed wide apart, and when she moved just right, her clit throbbed. There was no way she could make herself fall asleep right now; she was much too jazzed. She swung from side to side in the chair while the computer started up. Her reflection in the screen was one she didn’t recognize. Gone was the shy girl who went limp as a noodle the second a guy touched her body. Tonight she had proven herself an equal, and it was amazing. It gave her a newfound hope. Something she’d been missing for a long time. Minx logged onto her website and was shocked by the number of hits it had relating to her aphrodisiacs. Her post had over six hundred comments. She didn’t dare look at the forums, but she clicked on the comments. It seemed everyone was rooting for her and her “mystery date.” Along with that, many people were making up batches of their own secret sauce, ready to try it out on their own special someone. Had she made a mistake in sharing something so private with the rest of the world? Mixed feelings pinged away at her as she read through each congratulations, good luck, and way to go comment. If Holden ever found out she was publicly logging their encounters, she was sure it would drive him away. As far as she knew, he was buried in his books and had other things on his mind. Besides, the plan had worked like a charm, and she didn’t need to keep up the charade much longer. She hoped he’d naturally grown fond of her and that it wasn’t all the work of the aphrodisiacs. Besides, the aphrodisiacs didn’t really work, did they? Maybe they’d helped a little in catching his attention, but he was with her because he wanted to be. Right? Minx fidgeted in her chair. She didn’t know what was true anymore. The cloud she floated on was certainly real. If they did work, could she explain herself to him? Explain why she couldn’t make him the sauce anymore. She’d have to leave love to chance, and it
could have heart-breaking results. Only one more time. She’d only use the aphrodisiacs one more time, and then she’d see what happened when she left love to chance. Fueled by the memory of their fling in the gazebo, her muse decided to spill the beans. An online diary to log how she felt. She was dying to share the news with someone. Once she got started writing, she couldn’t stop herself. Tonight was a special night. The man of my dreams quickly sated any expectation, hopes, or fantasies I had. I used to be painfully shy, but tonight I showed myself I could take control of my fears and insecurities and exude confidence. I feel like an old chapter is finally complete and a new one has begun. Not only do I owe that to a special man, but I also owe it to the research I’ve done that helped enable me to seek my true heart’s desire. I sit before you now as a changed woman. One who has experienced an ecstasy I’d only dreamed about. Tonight, I hope those of you who try your own love elixir find just as much happiness as I have. With her body’s sensations still on high, Minx lay on her bed and snuggled with the pillow. One of these nights she would have him beside her so she could start her day with a precious gift. **** Holden paced around his place a solid two hours without any rhyme or reason to it. His thoughts were everywhere, his legs jittery, and he couldn’t calm down. Mixed emotions. That’s what he was feeling. Mixed emotions. Coming down from a high that had been unexpected. Minx was a sensational woman. A wildcat, much to his surprise. Warm, witty, smart, and her body highly addictive from the first touch. How it was she didn’t have a string of men on her arm was beyond him. Any man would be lucky to have her. He’d love to see her exclusively, but he was concerned they were moving much too fast. He wasn’t the same high school kid who’d viewed sex as a conquest, nailing as many damsels in distress as he could find. Things were different. He was different. Minx was a woman he wanted to take the time to get to know. He wanted to learn things. Spend years finding out what made her orgasm, what made her scream, and what her boundaries were when it came to sex. If any. Holden had never felt so adventurous in his life, and he owed the newfound freedom to her. One tiny detail gnawed away at him. His studies. That and the terrible reminder of how badly he’d performed at the bar. It was humiliating. How was he going to prove himself after such a ridiculous display? He knew he should go through the books again and quiz himself on all the drinks. This wasn’t school. There wouldn’t be extra credit. Sure, he could take the test again, but then all the time he’d already spent would amount to a big fat waste. Taking it again wouldn’t erase the fact he’d failed the first time. His life had been a single routine. Made up of very specific things he did, places he went, and personal rituals. Since meeting Minx, everything had been turned upside down. Not in a bad way, but certainly in a way that varied from his routine. Suddenly, he didn’t recognize himself. He needed to get a handle on his emotions and priorities. She’d been impressed with his future plans, and at the moment, he wasn’t all too sure where he was headed. All the things he’d considered important to him before were quickly going by the wayside. He had something else to occupy his mind.
Holden had to admit that Minx was the right kind of distraction. She was quickly winning over his heart. Wouldn’t his dad be pissed about that? He listened to all the relationship lectures while growing up—to not bother getting involved with a woman, that they would sap you of money, dignity, and life. Of course, he’d never believed that. Minx was a combination of everything he appreciated in a woman, and he could see marrying her. If she would have him. There was no mistaking her comment about bars, and she hadn’t seemed very comfortable in Ivy’s. The more he thought about it, the less appealing being a bartender sounded. It was more of a bachelor job. Would she like him coming home reeking of alcohol? Was she the jealous type? It was the nature of the business to be out late, surrounded by women. Would she believe that she was the only woman in his eyes? He wondered. With a degree in business marketing, he could always do something else. Then it hit him. Of course he was confused. Love did that to a man. Especially when it hadn’t been part of the equation before. Minx ignited a part of him he’d figured had burned out long ago. With so much emphasis on work and becoming successful, he’d shut out those feelings. His father always said getting involved would ruin everything. He wasn’t sure it was ruining him. Making him a better person sounded right. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized his plans were too strict, and didn’t allow for experiences and love. Maybe exploring his feelings for a little while would help him figure out what direction to go in. Holden grabbed himself a glass of cold water and came to the conclusion that he was obviously losing his mind. Get a hold of yourself, man. Marriage? Love? Commitment? Did Cupid shoot me in the butt with an arrow when I wasn’t looking? I need sleep. A nice, deep sleep. Maybe the real Holden MacKenzie will wake up and realize this is all a dream.
Chapter Thirteen Minx was on her way to class when Holden walked up and surprised her with a rose eloquently placed between his teeth. “Hey, you. What’s all this?” He handed her the rose and gave her a tender peck on the cheek. “I’ll have you know that I was up all night thinking about you. My saucy little minx.” The words reminded her of a kitten’s purr and she felt a light film on her panties. “You were?” “Yep, and again first thing this morning. I can’t seem to help myself.” She put the soft petals up to her nose and breathed in the uplifting fragrance. “Thank you so much for the flower. I’m not used to seeing you so early in the morning. We typically do a nooner.” Minx threw her hand to her mouth and gasped. That had sounded terrible! Her face and ears burned when he roared with laughter at her. “Anytime you want a nooner, you just let me know.” “I’m so embarrassed.” He ran the backs of his fingers along her cheek. “I like it when you blush. Makes me want to kiss you and find out where else you blush.” Minx cleared her throat. Where was all this romantic stuff coming from? Side effects? If she could snap her fingers and magically transport them back to the gazebo, she would. Her body longed for his flesh to slide across hers. For his fingers to slip between her wet folds and send her body into orbit. Just thinking about it got her all hot and bothered again. “What brings you here at this hour?” “I’m sort of skipping class.” “You are? But won’t your teacher see you?” He raised his shoulders, arms out to the side. “Maybe. I don’t know. I can’t say I really care. It’s not like we’re in high school. Haven’t you ever skipped a class before?” “Sure I have. Plenty of times. I just wondered what you would say if your teacher does see you and asks why you weren’t in class.” “I’ll say I’m sick.” She dragged her gaze from his head to his toes. “You don’t look sick.” “Ah. I’m lovesick. You’re giving me a lot of grief, considering I’m skipping class to spend a few moments with you.” The sheepish grin on his face was endearing, but at the same time she felt awkward. The old Holden held his work ethics to the highest levels. His future and goals were on the top of his list of priorities. The man who stood before her now radiated an immaturity she didn’t find attractive. “This doesn’t sound at all like you.” He straightened and puffed out his chest. “You’re right. It’s the new me. Thanks to you. The last six months of my life have been a monotonous routine. Work, study, and sleep. How boring is that? Then I met you and I have never felt more alive. Each day is a new beginning, and I don’t want that to end.” Her pulse raced. That was the last thing she wanted to hear from his lips. “I’m
flattered…I think, but aren’t you worried about getting behind in class?” “Come on, don’t sound like my dad. I’ve been hearing that talk all my life, and I don’t want to hear it from you.” The comment stung, but she wasn’t about to let on. “So, what are you going to do all day?” “Goof around. I still plan to come by Pesto’s for lunch. I wouldn’t miss your delicious company. Or pizza.” She laughed. “Well, it’s not my pizza, but I do enjoy your company. I should probably get to class. Unlike you, I fear getting caught and reprimanded. Guess it’s that proverbial good girl in me.” In a teasing gesture he looked above her and around her. “Good girl? Where? I know she wasn’t with me last night.” Minx felt her face burn again. Damn, he was good at that. “Ha, ha. Very funny.” Holden leaned forward and delivered a kiss that nearly landed her on her butt. Her nipples tightened and pushed against her bra. Where were they again? She waited for the haze to fade a little and regained her composure. “I’ll see you in a couple hours, beautiful.” He swatted her butt and then walked away. “Okay. Bye,” she mumbled, and sniffed the rose again. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Melanie make a beeline toward her. “Hey, girl. I just…” Melanie eyed her closely and then broke out into a cheesy grin. “You didn’t.” It took her a minute to remember that sex was about the only thing her friend thought about. “I did. I mean, we did.” “About damn time.” Minx put a finger to her mouth. “Shhh. I don’t want anyone else to hear you. And before you ask, we didn’t use anal beads.” “You don’t know what you’re missing.” Melanie took out a mirror and checked her teeth. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I think he’s the one.” Minx shivered with the idea that she had finally found love. “Come back down to Earth, sweetie. Don’t forget that you’re drugging dream boy.” And the guilt returned, just like that. She was beginning to dislike her friend’s brutal honesty. “I am not. They’re natural ingredients. Aphrodisiacs. You make me sound horrible, like a pusher or something.” Melanie gave her a funny look. “Hello. Stating the obvious. You realize this could all turn ugly, right?” It was one thing to think it herself, but hearing it from her friend made it ten times worse. Nervously, she tried to defend herself. “It won’t. I know what I’m doing.” “You sure about that?” Minx nodded yes, but said, “Of course I’m not.” “Just don’t get too wrapped up in this fantasy foreplay stuff. I think it’s great you two are getting along so well, but I’m afraid this is going to have a Cinderella end.” “Cinderella end?” “Yeah. Clock strikes midnight, magic stops working, you get a reality check?”
“There isn’t any magic here.” “No, but your Prince Charming might come out of his love coma at the wrong time and realize you’re a plain maiden.” Nothing like getting kicked when she was down. “Thanks a lot. Here I thought you, of all people, would be supporting me on this one. You’re the one who kept pushing me and pushing me to take action.” “I don’t want to hurt your feelings. I want you to think about what you’re doing. The aphrodisiac filled sauce was a great icebreaker, but don’t you want him to like you for you? Are you going to feed him pizza every time you see him?” Minx shifted her weight. “Well, he said he loves Italian food.” “Honey…” “I’m kidding.” Melanie gave her a big hug that almost brought her to tears. “Don’t get hurt. Please. I think you’ll be scarred from this if you aren’t careful.” Her elbow started itching. “I’ve got it handled. Now let me be. I need to use the bathroom.” “Okay. I’m just saying.” Minx scurried through the bathroom doors, afraid her measly breakfast of cereal was going to make an appearance. She turned on the faucet and with her hands on either side of the sink she watched the water swirl down the drain. Melanie was right. How much of what he said was genuine? At this rate, she’d have to spend the rest of her life feeding him pizza to get him to talk to her. Practicality had always been a trait of hers, but now she was fleeing from it. In wanting him all to herself, she was playing herself for a fool, and bringing him along for the ride. If he didn’t really like her, all of this was just a waste of time. Would he have asked her out before? Not likely. Would he continue seeing her if she stopped playing with his senses? It was a risk she was afraid to take. Her stomach rumbled and she turned to face the toilet. Nerves had gotten the better of her. **** Minx had no idea how long she lay on the bathroom floor, her face pressed against the cool tile, before she heard Melanie. “Sweetie, you okay?” “I don’t think so. I got sick.” “Maybe you should go home and get some rest.” Minx pulled herself up from the floor and washed her face. She looked like death warmed over. “Oh, honey, you’re terribly pale. Go home. I’ll cover your shift this afternoon too, if you want. Goodness knows I owe you.” The image of Holden smiling at her, the rose between his teeth, eyes twinkling, popped into her mind. He said he couldn’t wait to see her later. “I can’t go home. Holden will be expecting me at Pesto’s. I don’t want to let him down.” “If you go to work looking the way you do, Tony will send you home. Come on, do yourself a favor for once and listen to me. Go home. Besides, you don’t smell too good right now.” That comment hit home in a big way. “Okay. Tell him I got really sick. Make it
sound horrible. I don’t want him to think I’m avoiding him. Thanks. You’re a good friend.” “No problem, hon. You just be sure to take it easy.” Minx moved in slow motion to her car and started it up. The vibration from the car did nothing to ease her nausea. She rolled down the window to get some fresh air. Carefully, she pulled out onto the street. Her drive home felt longer than usual, and she wondered if she really was sick or if it was just her body’s way of alerting her to the dire consequences of playing games with someone she loved. When she walked in the door of her apartment, she didn’t bother taking off her clothes or getting cleaned up. She flopped on her bed and desperately wanted to fall right to sleep. Instead she tossed and turned for hours, trying to ignore the little voices invading her head. Here she had the attention of Holden, something she didn’t ever think would happen, and now the fear of the unknown was getting to her. Minx grabbed a magazine to try and distract her thoughts, and flipped through it until her eyelids felt heavy.
Chapter Fourteen Holden couldn’t wait to see Minx or her long legs. He even got to the pizzeria five minutes early in hopes of getting a few minutes to talk with her. The written part of the bartender test was a few hours away, and he was beyond nervous. To see her right now would do him a world of good. Just looking into her beautiful eyes would ease his nerves and fill him with the confidence he needed. He sat down at the booth and waited for her to come and take his order. The place was filled with fellow students and some young families. It was noisy and made him extra anxious. His knees bobbed beneath the table. Happy feet. He looked back toward the register and tried to see inside the kitchen. Still no sign of her. Holden propped his elbows on the table and leaned his head in his hands, taking deep breaths. He could hear his heart thudding loudly in his chest. To occupy himself, he recited questions and answers to himself until he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. “Hi, I’m Melanie, a friend of Minx.” He looked up into a sharp angled face with too much makeup. Sure, he recognized her. She seemed nice, but overly perky when she took orders from customers. Petite and blonde, but not a stunner. Red was his color of choice. Still, he didn’t want to seem rude. “Hi, yourself. Is Minx here?” “She ended up going home. Poor thing wasn’t feeling well. Pale, sick to her stomach, not really sure what it is.” He frowned. “That doesn’t sound too good.” “No. Got sick in the bathroom and everything. She told me to tell you she’s sorry to have missed you. Trust me, I had to make her go home. It’s probably just a temporary thing, but she didn’t want you to worry.” Holden was at a loss. What could he say? “That’s good to know. Thanks.” “No problem.” She took out a notepad and pen. “I can take your order, if you like.” Knots formed in his stomach, and he decided he wasn’t hungry anymore. Not seeing Minx before his test made him lose his appetite altogether. “Thanks, but I’m going to be off. I only came in to talk with her. I already ate.” “You sure?” “Yeah. If you talk with her later, please tell her I hope she feels better soon. And that I missed her.” “Will do.” Holden scooted out of the seat and sulked toward the door. Damn. He’d really needed some encouragement. To hear that the test would go well and he’d pass with flying colors. For some reason, it made a difference to him. Her sweet voice. Pretty face. Luminous hair. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and regain some confidence. This wasn’t like the times he’d freak out before taking a test in school. He was in a full-blown panic. His palms were sweaty and his head swam. If he didn’t pass, it would also mean another couple of weeks studying, but with a lot less enthusiasm. He didn’t like to fail. Holden drove home to wait out the hour before his test. Surprised to see his roommate, he didn’t know whether to stay or take off. Randy looked over his shoulder as he stuffed a pile of clothes into a duffle bag.
“Hey, man. Long time no see.” Not really in the mood for small talk, he tried to sound polite. “No kidding. Where’ve you been?” His roommate flashed a smile. “Hooked up with a Southern belle, but now I’m moving on. She has a curvy cutie for a friend, and I think we hit it off well. So many women, so little time.” Holden shrugged. “I guess. If you like to live dangerously.” “What are you up to?” “Off to take my bartender test in an hour.” “Geez, man. Good luck with that.” Randy shook his head. “I couldn’t possibly retain all those drinks in my head. That’s pretty cool if you can do that.” “I hate not knowing which ones they’re going to have on the test. Total hit and miss. Most of the drinks I could recite in my sleep, but there are a few that stump me every time. I have a feeling those will be on the test.” “Harsh. Well, I’ll get out of your hair and let you study. Going to the lake with the blonde, whatever her name is. If Miss Southern calls, could you please tell her that I’m out helping a friend move?” “You mean, she doesn’t know you’re going to go out with her friend?” “Nah, man. She’ll come after me with a machete or something.” Holden couldn’t help but laugh at his roommate’s stupidity. “I thought Southern women were all about manners.” “Yeah, until you piss them off. Then I think they serve you in sweet potato pie or something. Creeps me out to even think about it. You’ll tell her what I said, right? If things don’t work out with the other one, I still want to keep her around.” Holden shrugged. He didn’t want to have to lie and hoped the woman didn’t call. “Whatever, man. Have fun tonight. Hope it’s worth it.” “Skinny dipping, man. It’s gonna be a blast. See ya. And, again, good luck.” “I’m going to need it. Later.” He plopped on the couch and opened up one of his books to start quizzing himself. It was down to the wire. Think, man, think! Gotta concentrate here. Even as he stared at the page, his thoughts wandered to Minx. He hoped she was okay. When he’d seen her earlier, she hadn’t looked sick. Was she the one faking sick? Her friend did say she threw up, and he didn’t think she would make something like that up. The thing that bothered him most was the suddenness of it. Last night they’d had a fantastic time. He could still smell her scent on his body, and it left him wanting more. Maybe her not showing up meant something far more serious. It might be her way of saying that she wasn’t ready for things to move as fast as they were, or worse, she was letting him down gently. God, if only he could talk to her. She picked a lousy time to not be well. Not like it was her fault, but she meant so much to him. Holden tried to turn his attention back to the book. He was running out of time. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he ran down the drinks and realized he’d forgotten even the easiest drink recipes. A quick glance at his watch and he wanted to throw something. It was time to go. Tonight his fate would be decided. No pressure. ****
Minx bolted upright and reached for the sheets. They were bunched down around the floor. Four o’clock glared bright red at her. A dream, no, more like a nightmare, had startled her awake in the early morning hours. Her conscious and subconscious were working together and doing ultimate damage. She’d been a puppet master, dangling a slice of pizza in front of Holden, who crawled around on all fours, trying to grab it in his mouth. To anyone else it would sound silly, but inside, it made her sick to her stomach. Gone was all her empowerment and self confidence. She really was a puppet master. Manipulating Holden to take the bait—her body—by stuffing him with love drugs. Okay, maybe that was a bit farfetched, but not by much. It was moment of truth time. She needed to get real with Holden, as well as herself. Things were moving along too quickly. Too smoothly. Falling in love wasn’t supposed to be easy. It was okay to fight and take things slow. They weren’t on anyone else’s time but their own. She thought about him dropping out of school and spending all his time at Pesto’s to be closer to her. Why would he give up all the things he’d worked so hard for? Sure, she’d enjoyed her time with him. Far more than she deserved. And yes, their night together had been amazing. She’d thought of little else since then. Her feelings were genuine, but his were manipulated, by her, of all people. An ache started in her heart and quickly spread throughout her body. She couldn’t play any more games with him. He wasn’t sticking to the goals he’d set for himself, which made her feel worse. When he’d first spoken about his future, his voice has been strong, determined. She liked that focus, and it made her want to change her life around. But the last time they’d talked, he dismissed it all like it didn’t matter. If he didn’t get his bartending license, she was going to cry. It was something he had planned before she came along and played modern witch. As of right now, she was through. Done. Unfortunately, so was the chance to have a meaningful relationship with him. At the same time, the thought of Holden suddenly not wanting anything to do with her would be hard to take. She also knew that while she was enjoying all the time with him, there was a part of her that felt smothered. The attention had been welcome, until he’d stopped caring about his priorities. Relationships were far too complex. What the hell did she even want anymore? The whole thing was spiraling out of control. She, Minx Monroe, was tricking the man she loved into loving her. It was wrong. And if he ever knew the truth, he would hate her, she knew that. Hell, right now she hated herself. She beat her fist into the pillow and bit her tongue to keep from screaming. It was turning into a dreadful situation, and she held all the cards. She forced herself to go back to sleep, burying her head beneath the covers. At least it was the start of the weekend. Maybe the aphrodisiacs would be out of his system and he’d have forgotten all about her by now.
Chapter Fifteen Minx finished applying the color enhancer in her hair and wrapped an old stained towel around her head like a turban. It had turned into a nice, lazy Saturday. By the time she got her appetite back, nothing but junk food sounded appealing, so ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and nuts it was. She could let herself go, and make Holden so revolted by her that he’d never want to see her again. At least then she wouldn’t have to come clean. First, though, she wanted to catch up on her webzine. She set her oven timer for twenty minutes so she wouldn’t forget to rinse the smelly goop from her hair. She was typing up more from her personal column about the morning and the rose. Sweet gesture followed by a magnificent kiss, and big warning sign. Too much too soon. Maybe someone would offer her advice for a change. She could go for that. Someone to let her know she was making a bigger deal out of it than it needed to be. Just one person to point out that she’d tried to get his attention the regular way for six months and nothing had ever come of it. As she poured her heart out to anyone who would listen, she heard a knock at the door. Minx looked through the peephole and gasped. Holden. What was he doing here? Granted, he didn’t have her phone number, so he couldn’t call first, but still…coming over without an invitation? She looked hideous in her wrinkled sweatpants and dyestained shirt! “Um. Hi. Just a second.” She realized quickly there wasn’t enough time to clean up her place or herself. Maybe now he’d get a brief glance at how she really looked and be off in a flash. There wouldn’t be a big dramatic finale. The poor guy would run away screaming. Minx opened the door and immediately looked down at her feet, admiring a big hole in the toe of her sock. Any chance at confidence vanished. His radiant smile was infectious. “Well, don’t you look all sexy and feminine?” She paused and then remembered the towel. Yep, she was a vision of beauty. “Not really. I was coloring my hair. I dress in sloppy clothes when I do my hair.” “You mean red isn’t your natural hair color? Could have fooled me.” She gave him the evil eye. “No, it is my natural hair color, but I like to make it a little more vibrant. It’s more like an enhancer.” “Must be a woman thing. I really came by to see how you were feeling. Missed you yesterday.” He leaned forward to kiss her when the timer on the oven went off. Very bad timing indeed. “Sorry. One sec.” Quickly she ran over and flipped off the switch. Minx strode up to him again and let out a deep sigh. “There. Maybe we can start over.” He winked and took a couple steps back. “I came by to see how you were feeling. Missed you yesterday.” She couldn’t hold in her laughter. “I’m doing better. I think it was a stomach thing.
I’ve done nothing but sleep since I came home, and I think that has helped.” Holden leaned in again, and this time she met him halfway, enjoying the taste of his lips against hers. Minx found it difficult to feel sexy knowing how terrible she looked. When she stepped back, the room was blurry. “If you could excuse me for about eight minutes, I will be at your beck and call.” “Would you rather I come back later?” She considered it, but the look in his eyes was almost pleading with her to say no. “Course not. I’m not sorry you’re here, don’t hear that. I just wasn’t expecting to have you see me look so unflattering.” “You are always beautiful to me. Don’t ever think different.” The guy had to be joking. Either that or extremely horny. She guessed it was the latter of the two. It was the only one that made any sense. “I’ll be as quick as I can.” “No worries. I’ll just run through the channels on your TV and keep myself occupied.” Minx looked toward the computer for a second, relieved to see the screensaver. She dug out the remote control from under a pile of notebooks and handed it to him. “Okay, don’t go away. I’m going to come out looking much better than I do right now. So, stay tuned.” Quickly, she headed toward the bathroom and flung the towel to the floor. She started the shower and turned the knob to warm. A swirl of color pooled at her feet as she rinsed the hair color out. For once in the whole time she’d obsessed over him, Holden’s timing was lousy. Was this the moment when she could click her heels together and say there’s no place like home? If she could, she would. Minx hoped and prayed he didn’t get curious and mess with her computer. If he did, it was all over for her. It wouldn’t take much for him to figure out that she’d been writing about him. **** Holden flipped through one dull channel after another and couldn’t find a single program worth watching on the television. Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea to come over and surprise her. She hadn’t exactly looked or sounded enthused. Course, she was in the middle of doing her hair. Or his earlier thought could be right on the money, that she was trying to let him down easy, then he was a glutton for punishment by showing up. Ah, well, he would take it like a man, whatever she decided. The ball was in her court. In trying to find something to keep him preoccupied, he looked around, impressed by the amount of books she had lodged into every nook and cranny possible. He liked a woman who enjoyed reading. His fingers skimmed over titles that were strange to him, but kind of exciting too. Books on new age, Feng Shui, herbs and spices, gardening, and more. A stack of pamphlets fell over onto the desk when he turned, sending the keyboard to the floor. He quickly put it back, accidentally hitting the mouse in the process. Talk about being a klutz. The screen fizzled to life with an icon unlike any he’d ever seen before. Holden did a double take. Before his eyes was a computerized version of a pizza with his face pasted onto each round slice of pepperoni. He bit his tongue to keep from laughing out loud. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her. He had a sneaking feeling she would never come out of the bathroom if he did. It was flattering to see how much she actually liked him. The
feeling was mutual. His ego started to get the better of him. Was the picture supposed to mean he was good enough to eat? It cheered him up at a time he needed it most. Holden instantly felt bad for being angry with her. He had it all wrong; she really had been sick. The only thing he dreaded more was telling her that apparently he was allergic to her sauce. After the third time he’d eaten her sauce, he’d finally figured it out. He hoped it wouldn’t deter her from making something else for him. In all his years, he’d never even known he had allergies, but the strange way he’d felt after eating started making sense. The sudden tightness in his chest, strange tinglings all over his body, the way his heart raced and his breath stilled. At least he wasn’t allergic to her. His eyes grazed along the computer desktop and stopped at the words Love Stinks. For a girl so obviously attracted to him, it was surprising to think she had a negative attitude about relationships. He peeked down the hallway. The sound of water running satisfied his concern about being caught. Curiosity got the better of him as he clicked the name twice to see what it was all about. A website popped up with a subdued picture of Minx, looking more studious than he’d seen her before. He remembered her saying she ran her own website column, but he’d never bothered to ask her more about it. Here he’d gone and told her all about what was going on in his life, but he had hardly asked about hers. Holden clicked on the most current columns and started to read. The subject matter was fascinating, and he was highly impressed with the vast knowledge she had. His interest piqued, he sat down in the chair and really took it all in while one ear listened for the sound of water. He read through the forums and glanced at a few of the questions. It was obvious the people regarded Minx highly. He scrolled up through the subject matter until he came to the current entries marked “Experiment.” As he read, his jaw dropped. The scenes Minx described were a little too familiar. She’d written about the gazebo, putting together a special sauce with aphrodisiacs to get a certain hunk’s attention, and how much she loved all the attention, but felt stifled at the same time. It took less than a minute before he realized the column was about him. All of a sudden he was an experiment? Someone to be toyed with? What right did she have, posting intimate moments they’d shared for the entire world to see? A slow anger built up in the pit of his stomach and rose until his face was flooded with heat. The water stopped, and he quickly sat down on the couch, mindlessly clicking the remote from one useless show to another, waiting for her to come out. She was going to have some serious explaining to do. The warm feelings he’d had for her before had vanished, visions of a future together, erased. He was fuming mad, but didn’t know how he was going to act once she faced him. Right now, he was nothing but bitter. Holden decided he would give her a chance to explain. Or, at least, he hoped he could force back his anger long enough to let her talk.
Chapter Sixteen Minx wrapped a silk robe around her body, touched up her makeup, and towel-dried her hair. She’d already taken more time than she’d planned, so using the blow dryer was out of the question. It had been sweet of Holden to come see how she was doing. Another reason to think the world of him. She hadn’t treated him very well, but would fix that. What man could resist a woman taking her robe off and baring her body? When Minx walked into the room, she immediately sensed something was wrong. Holden’s whole demeanor had changed. The look in his eyes said it all, as did her glaring website on the computer screen. Her heart dropped in her chest. Great. She should have listened to her instincts, but, no. And now it was going to cost her. Minx cleared her throat. “I see that you found out what I’ve been up to, but I can explain.” The vein in his temple pulsated. She’d never seen him look so angry, and the heat from his eyes bored into her. “So, when were you going to tell me that I was your own personal guinea pig?” She needed to be strong here, and not cave to her emotions. If he’d let her explain, he’d know how much she loved him. “Honestly? Never. I had no intention of telling you because things are different now.” His lip curled into a grimace. “Never? Well, isn’t that the makings of a good relationship. Solid communication. Do you think I’m an idiot or something? Do I mean so little to you that you would actually use me to get attention for your website?” The words were icy daggers in her back. “Use you? Hang on, now. I didn’t use you, Holden. Give me a chance to explain. Love Stinks is the name of my website because I’ve always been fascinated with scents, oils, aphrodisiacs, and how people react to certain aromas. It started during my new age phase when I was looking for a more balanced path in my life.” He tsked at her and crossed his arms. “New age. Sounds like a freak show to me.” “No. It’s like Feng Shui, Tai Chi, yoga for the mind, umm…that kind of stuff. Nature-minded stuff. I had taken a class where I did all sorts of research, and it became bigger than me. We’re talking like fifty articles, and I worked hard on them. So I searched online for places to submit the articles, and a lot of places paid me for them. Then I came up with the idea of a website of my own, so I could have everything in one place. It grew from there.” “Ah, yes. It grew into a place where you could go and publicly humiliate people. Namely, me.” She didn’t expect him to understand. However she explained it, his mind was made up. They were over. “No. You’re taking things out of context. Some classmates at school heard about what I was doing with Love Stinks, and it took off. After that, I decided to let other people into my world, and well…they count on me to give them advice. I enjoy helping people.” “Tricking people, is more like it.” Minx shook her head, pulling the robe tightly across her chest. “Let me explain, please. I came up with the idea of seeing how I could get your attention because I wanted
to meet you so much. Everyday I looked forward to you coming into the pizzeria. I had your order memorized and everything. I wanted to talk to you, but you always had your head stuck in a book. I admit it; I got desperate.” “That’s an understatement.” It pained her that he was hurt. She had no one to blame but herself. This day had been bound to happen, but she wasn’t prepared. “I wanted to see if aphrodisiacs really worked. The idea of aphrodisiacs started over five thousand years ago. Because of my interest in people and their reactions to scents, I thought why not test out the theory. Then came the idea of sharing my progress with the very people who have come to trust me. I never once had the idea of writing my personal story for the world to see in the beginning. My muse did her own thing after the fact.” “I see. So your muse made you do it. That makes it all so much better.” Minx sighed. The tone in his voice deepened. This was the nightmare she had been afraid was going to happen. “I know it isn’t a real excuse. I’m an adult and am responsible for my actions. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt along the way. That’s why I didn’t add your name to the website. Please, you have to understand, I meant it as nothing more than a harmless way to flirt and get to know you better.” “Maybe you didn’t use my name, but I can tell you were referring to me. I didn’t give you permission to exploit me like that.” At this point she was running out of steam. All her courage quickly went out the window. She hated how things had turned out. “I’m so sorry. It all became a bigger entity than I even realized. I’ve been doing nothing but fighting with myself over this.” Holden crossed his arms, his eyes deep and angry. “Have you now.” “I swear. It wasn’t sitting right with me. I didn’t realize I was going to fall in love with you like I did. You have to believe me.” “How do you know the aphrodisiacs had anything to do with how I felt about you? Well, I can tell you, they didn’t. I felt something, and it made me feel funny, but I can promise you it didn’t make me fall in love with you.” “But, how can you be sure?” “I’ll leave you to figure that one out for yourself. You seem to have all the answers.” Holden turned from her and walked toward the door. He paused and looked over his shoulder. “I needed you yesterday and you weren’t there for me. One of the most important days of my life, and I could think of only one person I wanted to share it with.” Minx felt herself shrink to the size of a pea. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t well.” He moved his gaze to the floor. “Did you know it was the night I took my test to become a bartender?” Her breath caught in her throat. She’d forgotten all about it. She didn’t think it possible to feel worse than she already did. Even the size of a pea felt too big. “Oh, god, Holden. I swear, I was so sick all I could do was drive home and crawl into bed. I didn’t wake up until two this afternoon. I’m…how did you do? Please tell me you passed.” He shook his head, jaw clenched. “I failed. And I owe it all to you.” A smashed pea. That would pretty much describe her existence at that moment. “Now, wait just a second. I didn’t have anything to do with you failing your test. You’d been studying for weeks.”
Holden’s eyes clouded over as he stared hard at her. “I had a very specific plan. A direction I was going in my life. Because of your little game, I’m failing my classes, and now I’ll have to wait to take the stupid test again.” She could understand him being angry, and even hating her, but blaming her for his whole future wasn’t fair. “But…you just said the aphrodisiacs didn’t have anything to do with how you felt about me.” “Right. I’d already planned to approach you on my own, but you went ahead and manipulated my feelings further. Even without the aphrodisiacs I was drawn to you, Minx. For whatever reason, I let you in and couldn’t stop thinking about you. I planned to start talking with you more, and getting to know you. Then everything switched into high gear. You knew exactly what you were doing. So, yes, I blame you.” Minx couldn’t hold back her tears. “No, please. You have no idea how much I blame myself. How worried I’ve been this whole time that you could only like me if I made you like me. Don’t be angry.” She wiped at her eyes. “You told me I wasn’t a distraction. I kept asking you. I practically begged you to study. Don’t you remember? I offered to help you. You kept assuring me that you were more than ready to take the test.” Her body felt weak. Defeated. What could she possibly say to make it all better? “I guess I was too busy enjoying your company.” She walked forward and went to put her hand on his arm. Instead he turned away. “Please. You said to not worry about it, that you were having fun relaxing and being with me. I told you how I felt about being in your way. I didn’t want to be a burden. Why do you think I kept on you about going to your classes and trying to push you away every now and then?” “I don’t really know what to think. Half the time I don’t remember our conversations. I’ve been going home after spending time with you, battling migraines and weird pains. Now I’ve figured it out. Allergies. Too much sauce. Whatever combination of herbs and spices you added, it had a weird effect on my system. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but none of that matters now anyway. Maybe the aphrodisiacs loosened my tongue a little, but the rest was me. All me.” The room started to spin and Minx’s nausea returned. “Please, Holden. You’re breaking my heart right now. I hate that you didn’t pass your test. You wanted it so bad.” He chuckled gruffly. “I suppose I did. What difference does it make to you anyway? You don’t like the bar scene.” “I would have found a way to deal with it. I wasn’t lying when I said I was falling in love with you. When you love someone, you support them.” “How can you know what you feel?” She knew it by the series of events that happened. How her pulse jumped around him. The way she loved how he said her name. In the way her body responded to his touch, and the glorious shudders when he whispered in her ear. “I trust my instincts.” “Why the games?” Minx turned her gaze downward. “Because I wanted the chance to get to know you.” “Anything I felt was obviously influenced by what I was eating, so nothing was real. Isn’t that it? I was reacting to the ingredients you calculatingly put in the sauce. Were you so desperate to get a guy that you’d accept fake emotions?” Her mouth dropped open at the word “desperate,” and she couldn’t think of anything to say. The way he worded it was cruel and insensitive, but it was also the harsh truth.
She had been desperate. Desperate enough to try anything. “I guess I was. It didn’t seem that extreme at the time.” “No, I guess not. You thought of yourself and no one else. What did you think was going to happen? What was your next plan?” She looked down at her feet, shifting her weight from one to the other. This was the most uncomfortable position she’d ever gotten herself into. “I don’t expect you to believe a word out of my mouth, but I’m telling you the truth. I didn’t do anything to you today to manipulate you, and I wasn’t going to do it ever again. I wanted to see if we could have something without me doing that.” “Guess you’ll never know.” Her whole world was spinning out of control, and the one person who could stop it was telling her to leave him alone. Forever. She reached for him again. “Please. I’ve felt nothing but guilt.” Holden moved away and opened the door. “I would hope so.” “I admit that it didn’t feel like a game in the beginning. But once I realized it was, I didn’t know what to do or how to stop. I was head over heels for you, and the thought of this very confrontation scared me. But I deserve it.” He pursed his lips together and shook his head. “I don’t even know what to say. I want to yell at you and call you names, but I just can’t do it. None of it has really sunk in yet. I can’t figure out if what I really feel for you is what I really feel. And that isn’t right. I was confused enough before you, and now I’m more confused than ever.” “I’m sorry. I know the words don’t sound like much, and they don’t erase what I’ve done, but I promise that I had no intention of hurting you or confusing you. And I especially didn’t want to get in your way.” “Damn you. I thought we had something special going on. You made me rethink my future because the one I had planned didn’t allow any time for anyone else. Because of you, I was reconsidering my ideal job. Why would I want to be away all night and leave you to sleep alone?” She shook her head, his face blurring between her tears. “I had no idea. I’m so sorry.” “That’s why I didn’t really care that I’d failed. But after finding all of this out, I can’t see us having a future together. How will I ever trust you again?” “I’ve apologized. I’ve told you everything. There’s nothing left for me to say except repeating the same thing over and over. I do love you, with everything inside me. My love for you is so strong it makes me do wild and crazy things I wouldn’t normally do.” Holden stepped outside. “I better go. I need some time to think about things.” “I understand.” “You might not see me for awhile. I think I’ve had my share of…pizza.” “Okay.” She turned away and listened to the door to close behind him. Minx bolted into her room and collapsed on the bed, sobbing into the sheets. The walls closed in around her, making her feel small and alone. Every fear she’d ever had in her life didn’t come close to the fear of losing him. Her heart ached. The lonely void grew inside, pushing away the romantic feelings, the sentimental qualities, the tender moments they’d shared. Somehow those moments would have to last, because she knew they’d never happen again. Why had she let things go so far, and let everything spiral out
of control? At any time she could have stopped it. She had the power. The whole experiment, what a stupid thing. A person didn’t win someone’s heart by experimenting with it. Minx hugged a pillow to her body. Her room still smelled of him. His cologne. The half empty glasses of wine still sat on the table in the other room because she hadn’t had the heart to wash away his fingerprints just yet. She’d never be able to go into the gazebo again without remembering the beautiful moments they’d shared. So many experiences that were now tied to Holden. For once she’d freed herself and opened up to receive any and all pleasures. Now that door was closed tight, and the steel wall would remain up. Playing with love came at a cost. One she couldn’t afford in the first place. She reached for the phone and dialed Melanie, hoping for a sympathetic ear. What she didn’t want to hear was… **** “I told you this was going to happen. Guys hate it when chicks play games with their hearts. Makes them feel all weak and defeated. Holden did the only thing his wounded ego would let him do. He left.” She blew her nose for the tenth time. “Mel, I didn’t call to hear how right you were; I called to spill about how wrong I was. Do you mind?” “Go for it. I swear I won’t stop you. It’s entertaining.” “Thanks.” “Hey, that’s what best friends are for.” She knew it would help to get her friend’s viewpoint, even if she didn’t like it. “Actually, as my best friend, you’re supposed to drop everything and come over here with ice cream, two spoons, and a fresh box of tissues.” Melanie tsked at her. “This isn’t an episode of Friends. This is serious. Besides, my nails are wet, and as much as I love you, Josh loves it when I pinch my nipples wearing slut red polish.” Minx giggle-snorted and wiped away a stray tear. “So tell me, hon, how did it all fall apart? I need the tragic details.” She flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “It was really stupid. He came over unexpectedly while I was telling the whole world about our love affair online. I needed another few minutes for the hair dye to set, and then I went to wash it out. He said he was going to watch TV, but for whatever reason he read what was on my website, and, well, it doesn’t really matter now. The rest is history. Everything is history.” “Are you sure? Did he use those exact words? Because if he didn’t, there could still be a chance.” Yeah, she could hang onto that hope and make herself miserable day after day, or she could chalk it up to another one of life’s harsh experiences and grow up. Learn something from it. “He was pretty pissed. Not to mention confused. I hurt him bad.” “You can’t blame him for reacting like that. What a way to find out. Sounds like a great premise for a sitcom.” “I don’t blame him. Worst of all, he failed his bartender test. The guy was already down. Basically, I’ve ruined everything.” “Don’t give yourself so much credit, woman. Geez, what an ego. Give him some
time.” “I don’t think I’ll ever see him again.” “Giving up so soon? What happened to that fight in you?” “It left with Holden.” “Don’t hold your breath, but miracles do happen. Maybe one day you guys can laugh about this over pizza.” Minx winced. “I wasn’t even going to trick him into liking me anymore. That’s the worst part. I was done with all that and instead of me telling him when I was ready… Ah, hell, it doesn’t matter anymore.” “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Millions of people were rooting for you.” “Yeah, and I could be the cause of this very same heartache. Which means millions of people will hate me. Love really does stink, but not in the way I’d intended the website to be about.” “Live and learn, hon. That’s all I can say. You fell off the big love pony, and now you need to stand up, brush yourself off, and find another pony boy.” Minx swore her friend had been abducted by aliens once. “You know, I love you, Mel, but I’d much rather you brought ice cream, spoons, and tissues. Your words of comfort are lacking…comfort.” “Sorry, look things will get better. I promise.” “Okay. Night.” “Night.” Minx got up and went out into the family room. She looked toward the door, wishing Holden were standing there with his arms outstretched. If she could reach out and touch him one more time, somehow it would help. Being in his arms again would make everything better. They’d had only one official fight, and it had been a doozy. There wouldn’t be any make-up sex either. Restless, she sat down in front of the computer. She read over some of the comments from her fans, and then realized what she was going to write. Disclaimer: I don’t claim to be an expert, and I can’t guarantee that everything is going to turn out perfectly. My story is simply that—my own story. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Different strokes for different folks. What I do know is love isn’t something to play around with. I suggest you make sure the people that you plan to try the aphrodisiacs on are willing partners who know exactly what you’re doing. It’s never okay to lie, manipulate, or trick someone into having feelings for you that aren’t 100% their own. The results could be disastrous, hurtful, and could cost you the one person who means the world to you. I say all this from personal experience. While I’ve appreciated your support and words of encouragement, I can no longer keep this website going for any other purpose than to educate people with articles on scents and how they affect the human psyche. I will no longer be sharing my personal experiences and plan to delete the forum. You are still welcome to send emails as I always love to hear from you. I’ve lost the one man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with by being selfish and greedy. Love is not a game. Proceed with caution. To that man, I want to apologize. I honestly never expected things to go the way they did. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday. After she hit save, Minx deleted all the previous entries and turned off the computer.
She shuffled over to her bed and fell onto it, burying her face in the pillow. This wasn’t the way Cinderella was supposed to go out. Not at all. Where was a fairy godmother when she needed one? A hot pair of glass slippers would do the trick. What happened to the happily ever after? Screw Cinderella, she needed a wicked witch to bring her a spinning wheel so she could prick her finger and fall into an eternal sleep. Yeah, that should help solve all her problems. Sleep through it all. Sleep the rest of her miserable existence away. Some women had all the luck. Minx closed her swollen eyes and did her best to block out Holden’s last words. With any luck, she wouldn’t run into him on campus tomorrow, or for the rest of the week. Her heart ached. Her body ached. She ached for Holden. Why hadn’t she taken the time to turn off the computer before she went into the shower? Of all the ways to find out. Poor guy. Harmless curiosity turned total nightmare. Maybe it wasn’t too late to try and smooth things over. The man was worth fighting for. He said it himself—he’d planned to approach her. So she’d done something right. To clear her conscience, she needed to try one more time. If she didn’t, she’d regret it. Without bothering to check her appearance, she slipped on a pair of sneakers and got in her car. She was determined to win him back.
Chapter Seventeen Holden clenched the steering wheel tightly the whole way home. What a fool he’d been. Minx didn’t even understand that it wasn’t the damned aphrodisiacs that had made him like her. They’d loosened him up a little and made his head feel two sizes too big, but his feelings had been genuine. When he walked in the pizzeria that day it was with the intent of getting to know her. But none of that mattered now. Her actions were done under false pretenses. The entire time he thought they were getting closer she was busy posting her findings. Blabbing to the world about the time they spent together. He’d become her lab rat, dutifully scarfing down the sauce while she gauged how far he would go. That wasn’t love. That wasn’t how you treated someone you cared about. No one won in the game of love. Holden pulled up to his apartment and slammed the car door. The sound echoed all around him. As he walked up the steps, he saw a pretty brunette standing in front of the door with her back to him. Not wanting to startle her, he cleared his throat. “Hello? Are you waiting for somebody?” As she turned, he noticed her face was tear-streaked. Great, he’d left one crying woman only to find another. “I’m Laurel. I came by to speak with Randy, but he doesn’t seem to be here. Do you know when he’ll be back?” Holden vaguely remembered his idiot roommate’s comment about the southern belle and not mentioning he was with her blonde friend. He was tired of the games people played. The wrong people got hurt. Still, he had his own stuff to deal with right now and didn’t want to get involved with Randy’s issues. He felt like an idiot lying, but didn’t know what else to do. “We don’t talk to each other much. He’s hardly ever here when I am. Sorry I can’t be of more help.” She looked ready to burst into tears again, which made him feel worse. “I’ve tried looking for him, but I don’t know the places he hangs out at.” “Can’t say that I do either.” Guys could be such jerks, and this was one of those times he wished he wasn’t male. Her green eyes flashed desperation and heartbreak, all in one. “If you knew where he was, would you tell me?” “I’ve been out tonight, so he didn’t talk to me.” He winced as the lie just kept growing and growing. This was so beneath him. Minx probably knew exactly how he felt. Wanting to say something, but not knowing how to. Not wanting to hurt someone’s feelings. The woman leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder. Her perfume was wild. Citrus and strong floral. Another chick with another scent to arouse him. She smoothed her fingers around his face. “You seem like a true gentleman.” Holden chuckled. “Nah. Not really.” “Well, I think you are.”
He felt funny standing there with her. Letting her touch him. She flirted with her eyes, and the southern lilt in her voice, but something inside refused to let it make him do something downright stupid. Holden cleared his throat and took a tentative step back. “Did you drive here?” “No, I had a friend drop me off. Figured I’d be spending the night. Guess I was wrong.” “Well. I’d invite you to stay and wait, but Randy may not even come home all weekend. I’m not kidding when I say we rarely talk. If you need to use the phone, I guess that’ll be all right.” She wrapped her arms tightly around his body and looked up at him. “I’d sure like some company tonight. What do you say?” Holden thought about it a moment. Things were over with Minx, no question there, but this wasn’t who he was. Tempting an offer as it was, it wasn’t his style anymore. “Look. You’re a pretty lady, but I…” Holden heard a car slowly approach and put his hand up to shield his eyes from the glaring headlights. He’d seen the car before, but couldn’t remember where. His eyes widened as he realized it was Minx in her blue VW Bug. She made a big turnaround and went back. He pushed the woman away and put his hand on the doorknob. “As I was saying. You’re a pretty lady, but I’m not interested in any relationship right now. Why don’t you stay out here, and I’ll bring you the phone?” He brought it outside so she could call her friend, and then closed the door. His screwed up night just kept getting worse. Minx was going to think he was seeing someone on the side, he just knew it. What a time to come driving around. He thought about going to see her, but more than anything, he wanted the night to end before something else went wrong. When the belle’s friend pulled up, she gave him another glance, but he shook his head. With the place to himself, he stood in the middle of the room, hands on his hips. Things would go back to normal. He’d study to retake the bartender test, and then continue on with his plans. Over time he’d forget about Minx, her body, her face, the way she smelled, and her sexy legs. It wouldn’t be easy, but nothing in life or love ever was. With a heavy heart, he laid down on the couch. Love really did stink. **** Minx opened her eyes and sat up, wrapping her robe tightly around her. Sometime in the night she’d fallen asleep. Crumpled tissues littered the bed and floor from all the crying she’d done. Her eyes felt like big softballs, all heavy and swollen. Dried tears made her skin taut. The nerve of Holden, bringing home some woman after leaving her. Didn’t take him long to get over their breakup. Her stupidity had driven him straight into the arms of another woman. Boy, she was brilliant. Seeing him with the brunette bimbo had hurt. At a core level. He hadn’t even tried to call out to her, or push the woman away. It was like he’d planned it or something. She was mad, but mostly miserable. Her final shot had blown up in her face. Probably for the best. No more silly notions in her head. They were done. It wouldn’t help to sit around and mope, replaying the scene over in her head. She’d had a life before Holden, and it would go on. For once she could say in no uncertain terms that she knew what it was like to have her heart ripped in two.
The clock said it was 2:00 PM, but she didn’t feel like she’d gotten a wink of sleep. Her dreams had been brief and confusing. Like several voids all forming into one, which pretty much summed up her life. As she started to roll out of bed, the phone rang. All the blood drained out of her face at the thought of hearing Holden’s voice. Then she berated herself for even thinking about him. Hadn’t she just decided that section of her life was finished? She grabbed the phone and mumbled, “Hello?” “Hi, Minx, it’s Tony. Listen, I know this is short notice and you asked for a couple days off to sort things out, but I really need someone over here at the pizzeria tonight. We’re extra slammed and you’re my best waitress. Marissa called in sick and I can’t get a hold of Devin. It’s really just for a couple hours. Could you manage it?” She sighed and circled her toe along the carpet. So much for hiding out. She also knew Tony wouldn’t have called unless he was in a huge bind. Still… “Umm. I don’t know. I don’t feel well.” “It would sure mean a lot to me if you would.” More people making her feel bad. “I guess I could. What time do you need me?” “Nine-thirty.” “Are you joking? You close at nine. Don’t you?” “Okay, you got me there. I need you to come in and help clean up. I got a call that the health inspector was coming in the morning, and with the way my back has been acting up, I could really use the help. I’m in a total panic right now.” Minx played with the phone cord. She hated to clean anything. But Tony rarely ever asked anything from her, and it would help her get her mind off stuff. “Okay. I can’t say I’m excited about it or anything. But I’ll do it for you.” “Great. Thank you so much. I knew I could count on you.” “See you.” She lay back in bed and stared at the ceiling. In the two days she hadn’t left the safety of her bed, she’d managed to accomplish nothing. Homework loomed in the near future, probably make-up tests, an essay or two, and at least thirty chapters of reading combined between all classes. Her stomach growled, and she lazily walked into the kitchen. The fridge was pretty much bare, except for a small container of the pizza sauce she’d first made. A tear made its way down her face before she had a chance to get it. She pulled out the sauce and tossed it into the garbage. Minx rummaged through the cupboards and only found a box of unopened Pop Tarts. It had been awhile since she’d had one, but decided it was better than nothing. Without toasting it, she nibbled at the pastry, remembering how much she’d loved them as a kid. She plopped down on the couch and turned on the television. One channel after another of game shows, news reports, and reality TV programs. Garbage. Finally, she settled on a rerun of Bewitched. Would things get better with a twitch of her nose? She doubted it. At this point, she’d settle on the whole love thing vanishing completely from Earth. She’d never fall for that dumb emotion again. Her eyes grew heavy and she leaned her head back against a pillow. It wasn’t long before she was out cold.
Chapter Eighteen It was dark when she stirred. At first she panicked that she was late for work, but the clock on the VCR said otherwise. Minx hustled into the shower and smothered her body with a creamy vanilla body wash. Silently, she cursed herself for agreeing to help out her boss. An entire week of wallowing in depression sounded like the perfect thing. But as much as she wanted to stay under the protection of the warm water, she knew Tony was counting on her, and she didn’t want to let another person down at this point. Hurriedly, she dried herself and barreled through her closet, looking for something to wear that she didn’t mind getting dirty. She couldn’t very well wear her skirt and uniform shirt when she was cleaning. Minx settled on a pair of faded jeans with a tear at the knee and a shirt she’d had made with her website logo. At this point, she agreed with the motto Love Stinks, but for completely different reasons than scent-related. With ten minutes to spare, she hopped in her car and drove to work. The parking lot was empty, except for Tony’s famous pick-up truck. Blinds covered the windows giving the illusion that no one was inside. She went around to the back, figuring the front doors would be locked, and was greeted by her portly boss. “You’re a lifesaver, doll, thanks for coming.” Minx shrugged her shoulders and walked in. “Can’t say I had anything better to do. Even though my house is a wreck, I’d much rather clean Pesto’s. So, walk me through what you need done.” “For starters, I’d like you to clean the tops of all the tables. I have no idea if the health inspector will be checking under the table covers or not, but I don’t want to take the chance. All the cleaning supplies are out front.” She couldn’t imagine an inspector finding any fault with the pizzeria, but understood Tony’s paranoia. “I don’t know what you’re so worried about. This place is really clean.” “I just don’t want to take unnecessary chances. Pesto’s is my life, and I wouldn’t want to see it shut down for anything. People may not give it a second chance.” Minx knew it was hopeless to argue with Tony. Once he made his mind up about something…that was it. She walked to the front of the pizzeria, grabbed a cloth and some cleaners, and headed for the first booth. “Good evening, Miss Monroe.” Minx dropped the cleaner to the floor and gasped. The voice sounded very familiar. She went over to Holden’s usual booth and gaped. “Wh-what are you doing here? We’re not even open.” She couldn’t help but notice a tealight candle sitting on top of the table along with a pretty red carnation sitting in a vase. “I thought maybe we could share a bite to eat together.” Holden looked dashing in a pair of tight black jeans and a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone, exposing a drool-worthy amount of chest. As she approached the table, he took her hand and planted a kiss on it. “Please, sit down.” Butterflies fluttered all around her stomach. Was it possible he’d forgiven her? She
slid along the booth and noticed the words Holden loves Minx written in red crayon on the table cover. Minx blinked back tears. She opened her mouth to speak when Tony walked in with a bottle of champagne and the widest grin she’d ever seen on him. With dramatic flair, he opened the bottle and poured the bubbly into two crystal flutes. Minx couldn’t help but giggle. “Why, Tony, I had no idea you were such a romantic.” “I’m Italian. We’re all romantics at heart. Lover boy, here, has pulled out all the stops. Besides, it’s the least I can do for my favorite employee.” Before she could comment, he left and came back out carrying a bowl of strawberries. “Now, you two crazy kids have a nice time tonight. Minx, please make sure to lock up when you’re through. No rush. You should never rush love.” Holden gave Tony a firm handshake. “Thanks. I appreciate your help.” “Nothing to it. Goodnight.” She watched her boss walk over to the register counter and push a button on the CD player there. Soft, romantic Italian music played throughout the pizzeria and blended with the atmosphere. Minx glanced over at Holden. She had a million questions for him, but took a deep breath and smiled. “What’s all this?” “I heard champagne and strawberries are phenomenal aphrodisiacs. I thought maybe they’d help set the mood.” The gesture made her want to cry happy tears. He cared about her after all. “But what about that girl I saw you with?” “Truth?” Minx nodded. “She’s Randy’s girlfriend. For some reason, she tried to come onto me, but I didn’t want her. I’d made up my mind who I wanted to be with.” She bit her lip. “What do you want to see happen between us?” “To see if we can make this work. We had a good thing going, and a couple obstacles got in the way. I don’t think they’re so big that we can’t take a few steps back and maybe try a different path.” “You want to give it another chance?” Holden nodded. “Yes. I do.” She could hardly believe her ears. Did she even deserve a second chance? “Aren’t you still mad at me? If I were you, I’d be furious. And I wouldn’t blame you if you were. I’ve had a lot of time to think things over, and I’m ashamed for how immaturely I behaved.” “Minx, stop a minute.” “Hang on, let me finish. What I set out to do and what happened were two different things entirely. I swear I didn’t have any ill intentions or preconceived notions about what would take place. For all I knew, the sauce wasn’t going to do a thing. I hurt you and publicized our relationship without your permission.” “I know. But it’s…” “Please. I really need to get this out.” Holden took a deep breath and rested his elbows on the table, giving her his full attention. “Okay.”
“I was trying to be someone I wasn’t. Or, at least someone I wanted to be. I didn’t figure I could get your attention by being me, so I had to do something rash and crazy. When you had feelings for me, I felt more confident than I’d ever felt before. It was such an amazing feeling, and I craved more of that confidence. I’ve never thought much of myself.” “I hope that changes in time.” She was on a roll, and it felt damn good to let it all out. “When I stepped out of my comfort zone and dared to be someone else, I didn’t know how to stop.” “Wow. This is some confession.” She blinked back tears and smiled. “When you found out the truth, I was too stunned to make sense of anything. My attempt to explain sounded more like a childish excuse, and I didn’t want it to end on that note. More than anything, I wanted to run away and hide. I’m not good with relationships and seem to disappoint people. Usually, I’m shy and conservative in bed.” Holden chuckled. “Could have fooled me.” She playfully slapped his hand and leaned over the tabletop. “I’ve always been a private person, but this new identity made me go to extremes. I’m not trying to make up even more excuses. I hold myself accountable for everything that happened. I’m an adult and should have known better.” “Growing up isn’t any fun at all.” “I just want to say that I am sorry. Honestly. From the bottom of my heart, I never meant for things to get so completely out of hand or for you to get hurt. I just want to go back to being me. I’m comfortable in my own skin, not someone else’s.” “And I accept your apology. Do I get a chance to say my spiel now, or what? Remember, I’m the one who invited you here. I’m the one with ulterior motives.” She smiled and pressed her lips together. “Right. Sorry.” Holden leaned forward and took both her hands in his. “There will be no more apologies. I admit that I didn’t like the way I found things out. But what I realized was that I came over to see you, and it was on my own terms. I wasn’t pushed, tricked, or coerced. I woke up with you on my mind, and I couldn’t wait to be with you. I have no doubt that you would have told me when the time was right for you.” Minx nodded. “I would have. I had every intention.” “And I also know that telling me would have taken a tremendous amount of courage on your part.” “I’ll say.” “You helped me open up more to you, helped me be receptive to a relationship. I meant it when I said I made a mistake in planning my future. I left out a very beautiful, important, remarkable event. Falling in love with you.” Minx sucked in her breath, her pulse pounding like a drum. There was no holding back the flood of tears now. “You’re making me cry.” Holden slid the napkin dispenser closer to her and handed her one. “Dry those tears.” “I thought I’d never get a second chance.” “I look at it this way. Everyone needs to add a little spice to their relationships every now and then. We started ours out with some. I look forward to all the spice we can
make…together.” He lifted his champagne glass and she followed suit. “To my saucy little minx.” She clinked her glass against his and took a small sip. The cool bubbly slid down her throat with ease. Holden picked up a strawberry and outlined the berry along her lips. “Sugar and spice and everything nice.” She bit into the berry, and juice ran down her chin. Minx started to reach for a napkin, but Holden stopped her. “Let me help you with that.” He helped her slide out of the booth and kissed away the juice with his soft, gentle lips. “I love you.” Her heart skipped a beat at his words. The words came straight from him. “And I love you.” “Now about that conservative side of you. Let’s see if we can’t prove that wrong again.” He handed her a bright blue bag with tissue paper sticking out. Now what had he done? “What’s this?” “A gift from your friend Melanie. She told me you would love it, and that I should have you open it in front of me.” “Well, now I’m worried. Melanie only gives certain kinds of presents to people.” “She also said I might like it too.” “Hmm. I’ve gone from worried to all out scared. Trust me.” Minx pushed away the tissue and pulled out a strange package. She turned it around and read the back. A string of cuss words ran through her mind. Holden gave her a confused look. “What is it?” If Melanie were there right now, she’d strangle her. “I’d rather not say.” He stuck out his lower lip and gave her a pouty face. “Please. I’m dying to know.” She could feel the heat in her face spread all across her body. “It’s so embarrassing. I’m seriously going to kill her.” “I’m going nuts over here. What is it?” Minx swallowed hard and handed the package to him. “It’s anal beads and some lubricant.” Holden broke out into a jovial laugh. “Perfect. I’ve always wanted to try these.” Feeling impish, she tried to be clever. “Is that so? Well, bend over the table, and I’ll give you what you want.” Holden put his hands up and waved them at her, as if in warning. “Oh, no. Not on me. On you.” She thought about it and decided to give it a try. Slowly, she stripped off her clothes, watching the bulge in his pants grow. With as much courage as she could find, she laid her body across the table and stuck her ass high up in the air. She grabbed the bottle of bubbly and poured some down her back. The cool liquid slid down and fizzled along her skin. “Why don’t you grab those pretty little beads and show me some adventure?” Holden undressed and positioned himself behind her, kissing at her dewy skin. She knew what was coming, and couldn’t wait. His tongue followed the path of the champagne, and lingered in all the right spots. “This might be a little cold, but I promise to warm you right up.” Carefully he spread some lubricant along her sphincter muscle, spreading her tiny
opening nice and slow. “You ready for me?” “Yes.” “From here on out, you don’t need to tempt me with fancy foods and herbs. Okay?” She felt the beads slide into her and gripped the table. “Okay. As long as you’re sure.” “I am. Who needs aphrodisiacs when I’ve got you?” The End About the Author: Born with an overactive imagination, Ann Cory has always had a love of words and putting them to paper. With the loving support of her husband and son, she is able to devote her time to the very stubborn and demanding muse. Ann enjoys writing erotic romance where she delves into the dark realms of paranormal, vampires and shape-shifters, and brings tantalizing fantasy, historical, and contemporary erotic romance themes. From strong female leads to hunky bad boys, she likes to strip them down and flesh them out, so to speak. Visit her website http://www.anncory.com for more about her Aphrodisiacs for the Mind.
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