Velvet Seduction

Mardi Gras Publishing, LLC 133 Lake Front Dr. #204 Daphne, AL 36526 This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. ISBN-13 978-1-934329-43-6 ISBN-10 1-934329-43-6 Velvet Seduction © 2007 by Sabrina Luna All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Cover art © 2007 by Stella Price For more variety in your reading selection, please visit www.mardigraspublishing.com

VELVET SEDUCTION BY SABRINA LUNA

VELVET SEDUCTION

SABRINA LUNA

Chapter 1 "I'm wearing something very special for you tonight, lover," the female voice purred into his ear over the telephone receiver. Lance Arden gave a low groan. "Leather." She paused dramatically. "A leather thong. I picked this one just for you. Do you like leather?" "Oh, yes." "The thong is tight between the cheeks of my derrière, lover," she cooed. "Uh-huh," he grunted, and scratched down a couple of notes on the writing pad beside his phone. "Tell me more, Velvet." He listened intently as the female phone actress, who called herself simply "Velvet," described her exotic attire, or lack thereof. Research was an important aspect to being a reporter, and Lance Arden, after winning several top field honors, was considered to be one of the best in his field. When he'd taken the assignment to write a special feature for Chitter-Chat magazine, he'd had no idea that phone-sex would be so addictive—or so arousing. "Would you like to fondle my breasts tonight, lover?" Lance drew in a ragged breath. Velvet's smooth, heated voice made his body shiver with anticipation. "Yeah, sure." He glanced down at the recent advertisement for the telephone service, STEAMY4U, lying beside him on the bed. A tempting beauty with come-hither eyes stared up at him from the glossy magazine page.

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Lance put down his pen and closed his eyes. To hell with research. Tonight it would be just him and Velvet. He slipped into the intimate telephone fantasy with ease. "Lay back and let yourself go, lover," Velvet continued. "I want to feel your sweet lips gently kissing my breasts. Would you like that?" "Oh, yes. Very much." He exhaled slowly and let the intimate illusion completely envelope him, wrapping him in a sensual cocoon of sultry words and heated suggestions that made his cock thicken in response. In the semi-darkness of his apartment bedroom, he cradled the phone to his ear and stretched out on his bed. "My body is excited by your touch, lover. I'm getting very hot," Velvet gasped, growing more breathless by the moment. "Me too." Lance swallowed hard as he glided his free hand down beneath the elastic waistband of his jogging pants and fondled himself. The heated desire within him grew almost unbearable as he shifted, his elongated cock brushing against his abs. "Oh, lover. Caress me all over," the velvet voice on the other end of the phone panted, hot and heavy. "I'm excited. I want you now, lover! Don't hold back!" The sensuous coaxing of her voice fueled his desires with heated fantasies of lust and passion. "Yeah…oh yeah, baby," he muttered, his hand encircling his now freed erection. The wild rhythmic motion of his hand drew his cock up and down wildly. A heated coil of longing tightened in his lower extremities, seeking, driving for release. Lance lost all sense of reason. He reeled in the steady stroke of his frantic hand as the woman's voice took him over the erogenous edge. The world within him exploded, and a stream of passion flowed from his body. He groaned deeply with release, then finally, found peace. **** It was nearly five o'clock in the morning when Anna Holmes logged off the system switchboard and put down the receiver headset. She sat back in her armchair and stared out her bedroom window as the sun edged over the horizon. Pressing her fingertips to her temples, she sighed deeply and massaged away the tension of a hard night's work. 2

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So many callers sought the soft, reassuring voice of a woman that the phone lines seemed to ache with their desperation and sexual frustrations. "Don't get so uptight, Anna. Remember, it's only a job," her boss, Queenie Jackson, had told her a million times. "We provide a service and, honey; you're one of the best." Sincere compliments from her supervisor were one of the reasons Anna enjoyed working the phone fantasy lines. She also enjoyed the leisurely pace, and working in the late-night hours from the comfort of her room. The pay was good, but sometimes the callers tugged at her heartstrings, as well as stirred her own sexual embers. One day, she vowed silently, she'd quit the phone fantasy business. But, for now, she had to remind herself that it was just a service-oriented job. Anna pulled herself out of the armchair, wrapped her old, terrycloth robe around her shoulders and headed down the hallway. Ryan, her ten-year-old nephew, would be up soon to catch the school bus, and it was Anna's turn to cook breakfast for him. **** "You wanted to see me, Roberts?" Lance grinned as he poked his head into the editor's doorway. Carl Roberts motioned for Lance to come in with his free hand and clutched a phone receiver with the other. "Yeah, great. I'll personally see to the arrangements this afternoon," he said into the phone. "Uh-huh…bye." Carl placed the receiver back into its cradle and glanced up at the well-seasoned columnist. "What's up? A fast-breaking story?" Lance inquired as he flopped down into the chair opposite his editor's desk. "Nope, but it's a scoop for the one you're working on." Carl leaned back in his chair and grinned. He studied his friend and colleague across the cluttered surface of his mahogany desk. Despite Lance's short salt-and-peppered hair, his blue eyes shone with the vigor of a man three-fourths his age. Lance also bucked the office's traditional dress code and wore his usual faded jeans, worn work boots, and a casual soccer jersey. Carl always jested with his buddy that he

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dressed that way to show off his lean physique, but he knew Lance worked as hard to keep in shape as he did writing for the magazine franchise. "The phone-sex story? Whatcha got?" Lance didn't know what to make of the gleam in his editor's eye. "Seems to me you've been doing lots of research, Arden. In fact, those phone bills you're charging us for are getting pretty outrageous." "Well, it's just research. You wanted a good write-up, and I'm aiming to give you one that'll knock your socks off," Lance countered. "The bills are what's knocking my socks off, Arden," Carl grumbled. "Anyway, the good news is that I was just on the phone with one of the supervisors at STEAMY4U." "And?" "And, I've arranged for you to interview one of their operators face-to-face." Lance raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Oh?" "Yep. One of their best operators happens to live not far from here. The one called Velvet. She lives in a small town just down the rail called Mount Hill. Thought you'd like to hop on the train and interview her. It could add a human-interest angle to your story. You know what I mean, Arden? Give it some journalistic merit." "I don't know, Roberts," Lance shook his head with uncertainty. The previous evening flashed through his mind. The dark-haired beauty on the ad and the smoldering voice had become the secret fuel which kindled the fire of his private fantasies. "What's a matter, Arden? Afraid it'll spoil your 'research?'" Carl chuckled. Lance flashed his editor a sly grin. He enjoyed a good-natured ribbing like any other guy, but Roberts could read him like a well-worn book. So what if this Velvet was merely a pipedream? Who was the real, flesh-and-blood woman behind the sexy voice? Lance was curious to find out for himself. He also silently admitted the interview could add merit to his story.

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"Oh, all right." Lance sighed. "I'm game." Despite a nervous twinge in his gut, he knew Carl was right. He was damn good columnist and, for now, his fantasies would have to take a backseat. "I knew you'd see it my way," Carl replied with a knowing wink. "I'll call her company and have them arrange your trip. You just be ready to catch that train this afternoon, Arden. I want this story to blow me away!" **** "Bye, Aunt Anna!" The chubby-faced boy stopped and waved back to his aunt before he boarded the yellow school bus. Anna leaned out the kitchen window and threw up her hand. "I'll pick you up at three for ball practice!" she yelled back, and ducked her head back into the kitchen. "You know Billy'll be there," her sister reminded her with a sour frown as she poured them both another cup of coffee. Anna sank into the kitchen chair across from her older sister with a heavy sigh. "Well, I guess I can't avoid him forever." "I know, Sis, but the word around town is that he wants you back." "Jesus H. Christ!" Anna smacked her palm onto the tabletop, causing the cups to rattle. "When is Billy gonna realize that it'll never work out between us? That's the whole reason I called off the engagement! The reason I left Mount Hill." "But, you're back, Anna. And, as long as you're around town, Billy will think you came back because of him." "Well, he's wrong, Lu! I came back for you and Ryan. Since Simon left, you've needed help with Ryan. It wasn't like he was going to help you pay the bills." Anna continued to fume as she took a sip of her coffee. "I know. Ryan and I are glad you're here, but you really didn't have to come back. We thought you were happy in Charlotte." "I was, but as the saying goes, 'There's no place like home.'" Anna grinned over at her sister's worried face.

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Lucy Holmes-Kingston's frown transformed into an amused smile. "Yeah, right, and blood is thicker than water," Lucy beamed, raising her coffee mug in a mock toast. "It's no wonder why Billy wants you back, Anna. You're the prettiest, brightest single gal in Mount Hill." Both sisters broke into laughter. Anna glanced up at the clock on the kitchen wall. "Oh! You better get going! Don't wanna be late, do you?" Lucy scrambled to her feet and pressed a quick kiss to her younger sister's cheek "Yep, gotta fly! I'll see you and Ryan for dinner tonight. Bye, now!" And, with a mad dash, Lucy was out the door and off to her job. Anna sat alone at the kitchen table, sipped her coffee, and let the comforting silence of the empty house envelop her. Lucy was right. She didn't have to come back to Mount Hill, but she had. She was, of course, ticked with Simon Kingston for abandoning Lucy and little Ryan, but she was secretly relieved to have an excuse to come home, and had been more than happy to leave Charlotte. Charlotte was a big city, and Anna had felt out of place and lonely despite her good salary and corner cubicle in the corporate banking world. Sure, she'd had her fair share of dates while in Charlotte, but the men seemed so plastic, so fake. She wanted someone who was down-to-earth. Someone who was genuine, friendly and honest. Anna smiled to herself, gazing off dreamily. She also wanted a man who was sexy. Someone whose kisses could melt her like butter, and whose caresses would-The jingle of the telephone derailed Anna's train of thought. Slowly rising from the kitchen table, she made her way over to the phone on the wall, and lifted the receiver to her ear. "Hello?" "Whatcha doing?" "Oh…hi, Billy." A lump of dark emotion lodged in her throat at the mere sound of her ex's lazy drawl. 6

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"What's the matter, Annie? You don't sound too happy to hear from me." His voice grated on her nerves like sandpaper. "I'm fine, Billy. What do you want?" "I was thinking you'd like to meet me at J.D.'s for a beer tonight. Perhaps we could do a little dancing, like old times? "No, thanks. I need to stick around here with Ryan. Lucy's working late tonight," she quickly replied. So what if her answer was not 100% accurate? Under the circumstances, she'd rather twist the truth than go out with Billy. "For Pete's sake, Annie! We haven't gone out together since you came back into town. What's your problem?" You, Anna wanted to reply, but held her tongue. "Sorry, Billy, but I do have obligations." "The big city's changed you, Annie." Billy's voice turned stony over the receiver. "Now, you're thinking you're just too good for me, right?" She sighed heavily. "I said no, Billy. Now, good-bye." With that, she hung up the phone. Anger washed over her. The nerve of him, saying the big city had changed her! He was wrong. She'd changed long before she'd moved to Charlotte. Breaking off her engagement to Billy Thorn was the best thing she had ever done. Anna gave herself a mental pat on the back. Still, it would be difficult to avoid him now that she'd returned home. Mount Hill was not very big, and it would be tough every time they crossed paths. Of that, she was certain. The phone rang again. When would Billy learn? Anna cursed, and let it ring twice more before she answered. "Billy, what part of 'no' do you not understand?" she hissed angrily into the receiver. "Well, that's a fine way to greet your favorite boss." Queenie Jackson chuckled from the other end of the phone. "Oh! Queenie…I'm…so sorry," Anna stammered. "Child, please. If I were this Billy fellow, I'd be shakin' from head to toe!"

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From her amused tone, Anna could tell that Queenie wasn't upset with her. She let out a soft sigh of relief. "What's on your mind?" "I'm staring at the figures from this past month. You'll be pleased to know that Velvet's one of our top operators again," Queenie happily informed her. "That's wonderful news." Anna beamed as she sat down at the kitchen table and cradled the phone to her ear. "But I have better news for you, darling. I've been informed that Chitter Chat magazine has chosen STEAMY4U for a special feature in next month's issue." "Really? That's great!" "Yes, and I just got a call from the Charlotte office. They want to interview Velvet for the story! Isn't that just the best news?" Butterflies began to invade Anna's tummy. "They want Velvet for a telephone interview?" "No, not by phone, child. They'll be sending their writer down by train to interview you, right there, in Mount Hill." "Oh, I can't do that!" Anna protested as her mind raced. If anyone in Mount Hill found out about her late night occupation, the whole town would be buzzing like a hornet's nest! "Sure you can! It's great publicity for the company, and think of the exposure Velvet will get!" Anna hesitated. "Uh…I don't know, Queenie." "Don't worry, honey. I'll help arrange everything. Just take the writer out for a cup of coffee and do the interview. That's all there is to it." "But, I--" "No buts about it, sweetie. You'll do fine. He'll be on the 2:45 train from Charlotte. Be a doll, and pick him up personally, okay?" "Yeah, sure." Anna's head began to swim wildly. "After you pick him up, just drop him off at a local motel. His editor said he might want to stay overnight to gather some background info for the piece, but don't you 8

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worry about that, Anna. Just set up a time to meet him, do the interview and he'll catch the next train back when he's done. Fair enough?" Queenie inquired, with an excited shimmer in her voice. "Yeah, fair enough." Anna sighed as her resolve quickly melted away. "Okay, so what's his name?" "Let me see…I wrote it down here somewhere." Queenie hesitated. Anna heard the sounds of rustling papers as Queenie muttered about needing to organize herself better. "Ah, here it is! His name's Lance Arden. Now just remember to pick him up at the train station this afternoon, okay? "All right, Queenie. I will." Anna paused a moment. "So how am I going to recognize him at the station?" "Good question," Queenie mused. "My guess is that he'll be tall, handsome and full of questions." The sound of her amused chuckle filled Anna's ear. "Okay," Anna giggled, twisting the phone cord in her fingers. "I'll let you know when I pick up the man who fits that description." "Best of luck with the interview, and be sure to let me know how it goes. Bye, sweetie!" Anna said good-bye and put the phone back into its cradle. With a heavy sigh, she sank against the doorframe for support. Just what had she gotten herself into? Only time would tell. **** Anna stared at her reflection in the brass floor-length mirror for what seemed like an eternity. What does one wear to meet a magazine columnist? She had toiled over the question all morning as she rummaged through her closet for just the right outfit. On the other hand, what would a columnist expect a phone-sex operator who lives in a small town to look like anyway? Anna laughed to herself, and finally decided on a pair of Nikes, blue jeans and a soft, pink T-shirt. She ran a brush through her chestnut colored hair, and decided not to pull it up, away from her face. The brown locks fell loose around her shoulders, offsetting her 9

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features, which were minimally accented with only the lightest hint of makeup. With a final glance at her reflection, Anna smiled, satisfied with her appearance. Grabbing her big canvas purse, she glanced at the digital clock beside her bed. She was running a bit late. She whisked out the door with her mind racing. First, she had to pick up Ryan from school and take him to ball practice, and then she'd meet the columnist at the station. **** "Sir? Sir." Lance felt a quick jab in his shoulder. "The train'll be arriving in Mount Hill next." Lance opened his eyes and stared up at the coachman, still dazed from his quick catnap. "Yeah, all right. Thanks," he grumbled as he speared his fingers through his hair. He was almost to Mount Hill. Just the thought of meeting his audio vixen in person sent a quick charge of excitement through his body. He slid into his well-worn leather blazer, and gazed out the train's window at the passing countryside. Out beyond the glare of the big city was where Velvet lived. She probably looked nothing like the woman of his vivid imagination. For all he knew, she was married and had six kids. "Damn you, Roberts, sending me out to meet the woman of my fantasies," he muttered to himself as the train slowed to a stop. "You really know how to kill a man's passion." "Next stop, Mount Hill." The conductor's voice crackled over the train's speaker. He stood and removed his bag from the storage rack above his head. It was time to satisfy his curiosity. The station was not as bustling as the one in Charlotte, but Lance enjoyed the quaintness of the small depot. Crisp white walls and unadorned wooden benches decorated the lobby before a large, glass window exterior. No one was there to greet him, so he decided to sit near the door. When Velvet arrived, Lance figured he'd get a good look at her first through the crystal-clear panes. Wondering to himself if she looked like the model from the 10

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magazine advertisement, he placed his oversized bag under one of the benches and sat down on the wooden surface. "You waiting on someone, mister?" An older gentleman behind the ticket counter asked, smiling at him from across the empty lobby. Lance flashed a good-natured smile back and nodded. "Don't worry, son. Your train's a bit early. If you're bored, I have a copy of today's Gazette." The gentleman held up a newspaper and gestured with a nod of his head and a hospitable grin. "Thanks. Don't mind if I do." Lance smiled, rose from his bench and took the man up on his offer. At least reading the local paper would give him something to do while he waited on Velvet. **** It never fails. Anna sighed to herself. When you're late, you get behind every slowpoke in Mount Hill. Her Honda Accord sped up the main street of town and toward the train station at the lightening speed of forty-five miles per hour. Silently, she hoped the small town's police force was enjoying the ball game at the park and not on the lookout for a speed-demon zipping down Main Street. Anna pressed the gas pedal a bit harder than usual. "Please don't let me be late," she muttered like a prayer, over and over, until she saw the tiny depot just ahead through her dingy windshield. The train was nowhere in sight as she pulled into an empty parking space near the front door. She quickly got out and locked the car, then swung her bag over her shoulder. "Stay cool," she reminded herself. She took a deep breath, pulled open the glass door, and walked briskly into the train station lobby. **** The big news stories in Mount Hill were a zoning debate over a new water tower and an article on the little league baseball team, but Lance was amused by the charm of the small town's Gazette. Through his years of traveling and journalistic experience, he'd learned that one could tell a lot about a city or town just by reading the local newspaper, and this, he judged, was Hometown, USA. 11

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How wholesome. He chuckled as he engrossed himself in another article. The paper in front of his eyes rippled as someone opened the door and breezed past. "Hi, Oscar! I'm looking for a passenger from Train 42 from Charlotte. His name's Lance Arden. Have you seen him?" Lance gripped the edges of the newspaper at the sound of the woman's voice. The voice belonging to the vixen of his heated dreams. The moment had finally come. Lance exhaled a breath and gradually lowered the newspaper from his eyes for his first look. So, this was Velvet. **** Old Oscar grinned at her. "Well, there's only one gentleman waiting. Is that him?" Anna turned around slowly from the direction where old Oscar pointed. The man seated near the glass door folded the newspaper he had been reading and rose from the wooden bench. She stood beside the ticket counter, speechless, and scanned the stranger from head to toe. Lance Arden had a lean build which added to his height. His salt-and-pepper hair was a contrast of worldliness to the youthful features of his strong jaw line, cleft chin, and charming smile. His casual attire made the statement that he was comfortable enough with himself not to need to look like a GQ model, or a stuffed shirt, nononsense reporter-type. "I'm Arden," he said with a good-natured smile. "Lance Arden." His blue eyes twinkled in the bright sunlight that streamed through the windows. She felt his steady gaze rake over her in appraisal. She blushed, self-conscious of the lingering stares between them. "Hi. I'm Anna Holmes." She quickly found her manners and moved toward him, her hand outstretched. His warm hand gently enveloped hers. The contact sent a tingle of electricity up her arm. "The pleasure is all mine."

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She was the first to break the invisible current between them as she loosened her grip, and dropped her hand back to her side. "Welcome to Mount Hill, Mr. Arden. I hope you had a pleasant trip from Charlotte." "Yes, it was quite relaxing. Please, call me Lance." Anna glanced up at him, taking in the overwhelming depth of his sky-blue eyes before she spoke again. "Great. Well, if you'll get your bags, I'll take you to the inn where you'll be staying." He reached under the bench, pulled out his overnight case, and slung it over his shoulder with ease. "Shall we go?" He nodded toward the door as she nervously fumbled in her bag for her keys. Just what have I gotten myself into? She mused silently as the couple made their way to her parked Honda. **** Anna and Lance made small talk on the way to the inn where he'd be staying overnight. The weather seemed like a safe topic. He was relieved that the drive from the train station was not very far. Rolling down his window, Lance savored the clean air and sunshine. Mount Hill was like a totally different world from Charlotte. She had insisted he wait in the car as she checked him into the local inn. It seemed like a hospitable gesture, but he also sensed that maybe she was a little nervous about the interview. Anna's company, however, had arranged his travel and room expenses. They must've been as eager for this interview as his editor was, Lance mused with a smile. However, he was anxious to begin the interview and to get to know her a little better. From the moment he'd seen her across the lobby, he realized what an interesting story she'd make. The hometown-girl-by-day-and-sex-goddess-by-night angle would make a top-notch article. He was amused by the dual concept. He watched her through the windshield of the car as she returned with a room key in her hand. Oh, the fantasies he could dream up about this scenario!

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She slid into the car seat, started the engine and drove around to the backside of the small inn. "Ready?" she asked, flashing a dazzling smile. Yes, the voice was definitely the one that belonged to the mysterious Velvet, the woman who'd sent him over the erotic edge the previous night. A heated rush of anticipation trickled down his spine. "I'd love to--" He stopped abruptly. For the first time in his life, Lance Arden was dumbfounded as he gazed into the eyes of the fresh-faced beauty. "Love to what?" Anna's eye widened. Lance cleared his throat. "I'd love to begin the interview." "Great! So, when would you like to interview Velvet…er, I mean, me?" She pulled the car up in front of the door to his room, and cut off the engine. "How about tonight, over dinner?" "Gee, you must be on a tighter deadline than I thought." She smiled over at him with an amused sparkle in her deep, brown eyes. Lance returned her smile. "How about seven?" "Make it seven-thirty. I have to pick up Ryan and make dinner for him." "Ryan?" His stomach tightened a notch. "Oh, Ryan's my ten-year-old nephew. I pick him up almost everyday from ball practice and make dinner for him and my sister before she gets home from work," Anna explained quickly. "So, there's no Mr. Holmes?" He raised a brow. "Just my father," she quipped with a friendly wink. "Then dinner at seven-thirty sounds great." He smiled with relief as he reached for the car door handle. "I'll pick you up here, and we can figure out where to eat," she offered as he pulled his bag from the backseat of her car. "Sounds like a good plan to me." Lance gave a quick nod and closed the car door. He waited at the door to his room and watched as her Honda zipped out of the parking lot and into the sunny afternoon. Frankly, he couldn't wait until seven-thirty.

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Chapter 2

The scent of garlic and onions filled the room as Lucy opened the back door and stepped into the kitchen. "Honey, I'm home!" she said with a tired smile. She tossed her briefcase into one of the nearby chairs. Bracing her hand on the back of the chair, Lucy slid off her shoes with a sigh of relief. Anna was busy at the stove cooking up another wonderful dinner of spaghetti with meat sauce, one of Ryan's favorite dishes. Her hair was up in rollers, and she wore her old terrycloth robe with panty hose and heels. Lucy gave her sister an inquisitive stare. "What the heck are you wearing, Anna?" "Aunt Anna has a date!" Ryan blurted. He sat at the kitchen table with his homework spread out before him. "A date, huh?" Lucy slowly walked over to where her sister was stirring a pot of thick, red sauce. "Well, it's not what you think," Anna mumbled, and tossed another handful of herbs into the simmering pot. "She's not eating with us tonight, Mom. She's going out with a guy!" Ryan grinned mischievously. Anna grinned over at her nephew and pointed a wooden spoon in his direction. "Now, Ryan, I told you, it's not a date. It's just business."

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"Ryan, why don't you go wash up?" Lucy gently coaxed her son with a nod of her head and a wink between them. "Oh, all right." Ryan let out a soft sigh, scooped up his homework and left the room. "Here, have a taste." Anna lifted a small sample of sauce on the tip of her wooden spoon to her sister's lips. "Before I do, you have some explaining to do." "Well, Queenie Jackson called this morning after you left. A columnist from Charlotte took the train down to do an interview with me for Chitter-Chat magazine." Lucy grinned as she sampled the sauce. "That's wonderful!" "The sauce or the interview?" Anna chuckled. "Mmm, both," Lucy grinned. "So, tell me more about this interview. He's not going to reveal your little secret, is he?" Anna sighed. "I hope not. I'll just explain to him that as far as anyone around here knows, I work at night as a customer service rep for a software company." "Do you think he'll be cool with that?" Anna shrugged and placed a lid over the pot of simmering sauce. "I hope so. Besides, from what I gathered from Queenie, he's just interested in a good story." "So, what's this about a date?" Lucy smiled over at her sister while she sank into an empty chair at the kitchen table. "It's not really a date, Lu." Lucy gave her sister a sly grin. "Oh, come on. You're glowing from head-to-toe. Seems like someone's made quite an impression on you." "Well, you can't expect me to go to dinner in jeans and a T-shirt, can you?" Anna returned Lucy's grin. "So, what's his name?" "Lance Arden." "And is he one of your late-night callers?"

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"I don't think so," she replied thoughtfully. "Well, I'm nothing like Velvet. She's just a character I made up. Besides, I don't think Lance Arden's the type of man who needs the services of a fantasy operator." "Oh, really?" Lucy inquired. Anna thought a moment before she answered. "Yeah. He could have any woman he desires…easily." "I see." Lucy winked at Anna. She took the spoon from her, lifted the lid on the pot, and continued to stir the sauce. "I'd better get a move on. I don't want to keep Mr. Arden waiting." Anna headed toward her room. "Besides, it's just business," she called over her shoulder. "Yeah, just business." Lucy's voice mocked her as she began to prepare for the evening dinner with Lance Arden. Her sister's question echoed in her mind as she pulled the rollers from her hair. Surely he couldn't be a client of Velvet's…or could he? Tonight, if all went well, she promised herself she'd find out. **** Lance hoped he wasn't overdressed. What did one wear for a dinner date in a small town anyway? He had chosen black loafers and slacks, with a deep blue oxford and black silk tie. There was a knock at his door. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. His heart was pounding hard, and his palms were clammy. He'd interviewed celebrities and politicians in his career, and he'd kept his cool. But he'd not had phone-sex with any of them, either. How was he going to sit and listen to that voice--the voice that had fueled his fantasies--and maintain his professional decorum? The thought unnerved him to the very core of his being. Taking a steady, calming breath, he slid his mini-recorder into his blazer pocket, along with his room key. With a final glance in the dresser mirror, Lance readied himself and opened the door. "Hi! Are you ready?" 17

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The young woman stood in the doorway, backlit by the street lamp, its golden glow surrounding her like a halo. Lance grinned, taking in her navy floral dress that hugged her feminine frame. "You look lovely, Anna." He smiled, drinking in her breathtaking beauty. Her cheeks flushed a rosy hue as her dark eyes stared up at him. "Thanks." She smoothed her hand over the pleats of the skirt in a nervous gesture. "My sister picked it out for me." "So, where would you like to go for dinner?" He eyed her with a wide grin. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving." He was starving…for a kiss from her luscious lips. Cool it, Arden, he firmly reminded himself, once again, feeling like a starry-eyed school kid with a crush. "J.D.'s has the best steak burgers in town. It'd be perfect, if you're in the mood for something hardy," she suggested with a smile. "Great! J.D.'s it is," he agreed as he stepped out into the night air and closed the inn door behind him. "Let's go." **** "So, you see, no one around here knows exactly what I do for a living," Anna explained as her fingers nervously curled around the steering wheel. "A late-night computer service tech? Nice cover." Lance smiled over at her as softened beam of the streetlight illuminated the firm, chiseled features of his handsome face for a brief second. Anna forced her attention back to the road, but she heard the amusement in his voice. She cleared her throat. "Well, Ryan's young, and I don't want any wild rumors spreading around town. He wouldn't understand." "Don't worry. I'll keep our interview confidential, if that's what you want. I'm really good at keeping secrets." Anna was glad the car was dimly lit, because she felt her cheeks warm at Lance's tone. "Well, in case anyone asks, you're a business associate of mine from Charlotte," she replied hastily. "Some people can be meddlesome. Take it from me." 18

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Lance chuckled. "I didn't realize being a phone-sex operator could be so scandalous." "Well, let's just say I'm being cautious, okay?" Anna silently hoped this quelled his curiosity for the time being as she turned into the parking lot of J.D.'s and stopped. For a split second, Billy Thorn crossed her mind, and she could only imagine how her ex might react if he saw her. Why had she picked their old hangout anyway? She quickly scanned the parking lot. Silent relief washed over her. Billy's truck was nowhere in sight. Perhaps this was a good sign, and her evening with Lance would go smoothly. She turned to face the handsome columnist with a grin. "You said you were hungry, so let's go eat." **** Determined to behave like a gentleman, Lance quickly made his way around the car and opened Anna's door. As she slid out of the driver's seat, he caught a glimpse of her well-shaped legs before she stood and modestly smoothed down her skirt. He envisioned himself kissing his way slowly up those smooth legs, and shook his head to dispel the fleeting fantasy, reminding himself that he had to keep this interview thoroughly professional. "Shall we?" He grinned as he offered his arm. He sensed a momentary hesitation in her eyes, but was relieved as her slender hand looped into the crook of his elbow. "Sure. Why not?" She flashed him a smile as they headed, arm-in-arm, towards the large roadhouse. On the outside, J.D.'s looked more to Lance like a bar than a restaurant, a simple brick building with neon ads for beer, pool, and burgers. However, he was a stranger in this town, and surely his dinner date knew this place better than he did. Anna unlinked her arm from his before he pulled open the large, wooden door. She seemed a bit anxious, but a friendly smile was still on her face as they entered the smoke-filled, noisy atmosphere. Heads at the bar turned as they stood for a moment in the doorway. Suddenly, Lance felt a bit overdressed for the laid-back, small-town watering hole. He tugged at his tie and loosened it a notch. 19

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"Don't worry. You look fine." Anna flashed him a reassuring smile as if she had read his mind. "Over there." She gestured with a nod of her head towards an empty booth at the far side of the room. Lance followed her as they made their way past the crowded bar and over to the booth. As he removed his blazer, he pulled out his mini-recorder, and placed it on the empty table between them. She pointed at the tiny recorder. "What's that for?" "This is so I can interview you and not have to worry about taking any notes," he explained with a smile, and slid into the seat across from her. "I wouldn't want to misquote you." Anna laughed nervously. "I just hate the sound of my voice on tape recorders. I come out sounding like Minnie Mouse." He couldn't help but chuckle at her analogy. "Well, if it's any consolation to you, Anna, your voice doesn't sound like a squeaky mouse to me." He grinned. "Besides, it saves time, and I can give my full attention to the person I'm interviewing." Even in the dim light of the bar, he saw her cheeks flush with color. "Do I make you nervous, Anna?" He lowered his voice as his eyes met hers. "Don't be silly." She quickly turned her gaze from his. "Of course not." "Good." He smiled with relief as a waitress approached the booth. "Now, where's the menu? I can't wait to try one of those steak burgers you mentioned." **** "So, after I was hired full-time, I created Velvet. She's been very popular with my clients." After their orders arrived, Anna's appetite had faded as she told him the long story of how she'd come to work for the STEAMY4U fantasy phone service. "Created?" Lance chuckled. "It makes you sound like Dr. Frankenstein." "Well, Velvet's just a character. I give her a voice, like an actress playing a part." He smiled over the table and helped himself to another bite of his oversized burger. He swallowed another mouthful, and then continued. "I can imagine that you'd have to be a pretty good actress. Where do you get your ideas?" 20

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Anna shrugged. "Magazines, romance novels, movies, the like." He lifted an eyebrow. "No personal experience?" A rush of warmth enveloped her body as she gazed into his blue eyes. She suspected this was not a columnist's inquiry, but a more personal query. A question from a real, red-blooded male. She took a quick sip of her cola to wash away the tightness in her throat before she was able to reply. "My job has nothing to do with my personal life. The media's what helped me create Velvet, if that's what you mean. I play a part for the paying clients, and Velvet's the one who makes their fantasies seem real." Lance angled his head, "How much of Velvet is really you, Anna?" She stared at the man across from her. What a loaded question! Her mind spun wildly. He moved aside his empty plate and gazed into her eyes. Anna glanced down at the tape recorder between them. She swallowed hard, reminding herself that her every word would be recorded. She'd have to carefully choose her reply. "Velvet's a creation of my own design. Her job is to fulfill the client's telephone fantasies." "But, the fantasies…are they your hidden desires, as well?" Hidden desires? Anna squared her shoulders. "Velvet is just a character, and I play the part. When I hang up the phone, Velvet disappears. It's as simple as that." "So, Velvet's fantasies are not your own?" He appeared to be disappointed as he leaned back in his seat. "Why, Heavens, no!" She shook her head with an amused chuckle. "Velvet and I are nothing alike!" As the words left her mouth, deep down, she knew otherwise. Within her psyche, the secret seductress was longing to spring to life. Anna fought back her feelings. She was pretty sure Lance sensed he'd unnerved her with his questions about her personal sexual fantasies, and she was relieved when he changed topics. The hot seat cooled down a bit, and she spent the remainder of the interview answering his questions on the company's background and operations. Anna was actually enjoying

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herself by the time he switched off the recorder and slid it back into the pocket of his blazer. "Well, dinner was nice, but I need to get back to the inn before it gets too late. I have another deadline to meet." He smiled at her as he tucked some cash under the bill on the table. "Yes, it's been…er…interesting for me, too," Anna replied, managing to hide her disappointment behind an understanding smile. "I need to head home myself." "So, are you working tonight?" She nodded as she slid out of the booth. "I average about a dozen calls a shift." "Velvet must be quite popular. She mustn't keep her clients waiting, right?" He shot her a sly smile as he rose and pulled on his blazer. **** The ride to the inn was relatively quiet. Lance silently wondered if she felt "talked out" by the interview, but he had plenty more questions he'd like to ask. He wondered if she'd like those fantasies of hers to come true, but to ask that certainly wouldn't be professional. He nixed the idea with a frustrated sigh. Gazing out the window, he pondered over Anna's revelation that she was nothing like Velvet. Then it dawned on him. Velvet was a seductress, one paid to fulfill the caller's fantasies. Perhaps Anna, on the other hand, was the type of woman who needed to be seduced. This small-town gal needed someone to help her explore her more sensual, sexier side. He grinned to himself, and started to formulate a plan. "I'm planning to stay an extra day in Mount Hill," he announced, breaking the silence, and turned to face the lovely woman in the driver's seat. "Oh, really? I thought the interview was over." "I'd like to see you again tomorrow." Lance felt a current of electricity zap between them as she glanced his way. Anna looked a bit taken aback. "So, we're not done yet?"

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"Nope." He shook his head. "I have to do a little more research, and I may have a few more questions for you." He smiled, lowering his voice as he added, "For the interview, of course. Can we meet again tomorrow for lunch around noon? I have a feeling you might have a busy night tonight." "Yeah, sure." Her voice had a nervous quiver to it. "Why don't we meet at J.D.'s?" "Great." Lanced grinned, satisfied with her response. He laid a hand on the door handle as she pulled into a parking space outside the inn. "Goodnight, Anna. I'll talk to you soon." He stood by the curb and watched the car pull out into the empty street. He chuckled to himself. His interview with Anna had confirmed what he suspected. There was a fine line between fantasy and reality. Secretly, Lance hoped he would be the one to seduce Anna across the line. **** Anna drove all the way home in a dreamy daze. Never before had she met a man quite like Lance Arden. She sensed something in his smoldering eyes, something that made her curious. Lucky for her, he was staying another day. Maybe she could figure out just what it was about the man that drew her to him like a magnet. When she pulled into the driveway of her sister's house, she could still see the kitchen lights shining through the window. That crazy Lu was waiting up for her, she thought with an amused smile. Lucy sometimes acted more like a mother hen than a sister. As she opened the back door, she smelled freshly brewed coffee, and heard the clanking of cups. Lucy stood with her back to the sink, holding a cup of steaming coffee. "Hey. What are you doing up?" Anna asked as she stepped into the kitchen. Lucy frowned and angled her head silently in the direction of the kitchen table. "Hi, Annie." Billy Thorn rose slowly from a kitchen chair with a thin smile. Seeing her ex standing in the kitchen made her stomach tighten into a tense ball. "Billy? What the--" "Your sister invited me in for coffee. I didn't mean to bother y'all." 23

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Lucy scowled. "I invited him in because he was waiting outside for you. I thought it best he wait in here." Lucy managed a tight smile, but her eyes narrowed slightly with cautious concern. Billy turned to Lucy. "I didn't mean to keep you up, Lucy." His apology sounded humble enough. He sank back down in the chair, his eyes fixed on Anna. Anna poured herself a cup of coffee and sat across the kitchen table from her ex-fiancé. "He's got a point, Lu. You'd better head to bed." Anna spoke to her sister, but her eyes never wavered from Billy's. Billy Thorn was a solidly built man with reddish hair and deep-set, dark eyes. He always reminded her of a grown-up Howdy Doody, with a wild streak a mile long. As she looked at him now, she wondered what she'd ever seen in him. "All right, then," Lucy grumbled as she gave her sister a quick peck on the cheek. "You two behave yourselves. I'll see you in the morning, Anna." Silence enveloped the kitchen until Anna heard Lucy's bedroom door creak as it closed. She glared at Billy. "So, what were you doing waiting on me outside, Billy?" "Just wanted to talk with you a bit," Billy replied with a forced grin. "Besides, I didn't feel like intruding on your date." How did he know she was on a date? "Were you at J.D.'s tonight?" Anna raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Yeah, briefly. Since you where so wrapped up in your man-friend, I figured I'd catch up with you here." "It wasn't a date. It was business," Anna countered as she took of sip of coffee. "Oh, come on, Annie, don't give me that." Billy shook his head and leaned back leisurely in his chair. "I saw how he was looking at you, and it didn't have anything to do with business." "What do you mean?" "That guy's got the hots for you, Annie, plain and simple."

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A sharp punch of fear hit Anna in the gut. Billy knew about Lance. She knew from experience that Billy had a bad temper, and it was even worse when he was jealous. The last thing she wanted was him confronting Lance. "That guy is my business associate from tech-support, Billy. He'll be back on the train to Charlotte sometime tomorrow. Besides, he's not at all interested in me." Billy chuckled. "It's true. He's interested in a woman named Velvet, not me." Could what she had just confided in Billy be the underlying truth? If Lucy was right, if Lance Arden was one of her clients, then perhaps this interview was his way of meeting Velvet in the flesh. Lance had been a perfect gentleman all evening, but, then again, perhaps his courteous behavior was his way of hiding his disappointment that she wasn't the sex goddess he'd imagined her to be. She took another sip of coffee. "Ya both could have fooled me, Annie." Billy's smile had quickly faded into a look of sour bitterness. "Believe whatever you like, Billy Thorn. I don't care. Remember, we're history, you and I." Billy lowered his gaze momentarily. When he looked up again, his expression had softened. "I was hoping--" "Hoping?" She cut him off with a shake of her head. "No. It's not gonna happen, Billy. Now, finish your coffee, and get out of here. I have to work tonight." Billy frowned. "You'll never forgive me for pressuring you to go all the way, will ya, Annie?" Anna's simmering anger began to come to a boil. "That's not it, and you know it, Billy. When I found out about all your lies, and how you'd been cheating on me, not to mention your troublemaking…" Anna shook her head angrily. "Well, I made up my mind that you were not the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with!"

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Billy rose from the table with his jaw squared in a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "You're a stubborn gal, Annie. You don't forgive or forget easily. And, ya know something? I don't, either." With two long strides, Billy headed toward the door. Anna didn't turn to watch him leave. Clutching her empty mug in her hand, she held her breath and silently waited until the door slammed shut behind him with a loud bang. She heard his engine rumble to a start, then the spray of gravel against the underbody of the truck as he peeled out of the driveway. Closing her eyes, she slowly exhaled and willed the storm of emotions to dissipate from her body. Thank goodness, he was gone. She opened her eyes, and remembered that Velvet mustn't keep her clients waiting. She sighed dreamily as she remembered Lance's similar comment at the restaurant earlier that evening. She rose from the table and picked up the coffee pot. One more cup, to keep her awake, then she would head upstairs to work. **** "Roberts? Sorry if I woke you up." "Uh, it's okay, Arden. What's up?" his boss muttered over the telephone line. "I've decided to stay in Mount Hill over the weekend, if that's all right with you." "Oh really? Why is that?" Carl's voice suddenly became more awake and curious. "Let's just say that I'm finding my assignment very interesting." Carl Robert's chuckle traveled clearly over the line. "So, is this the girl of your dreams, Arden?" "That's for me to know. You'll read about it soon enough, Roberts," Lance replied, ribbing his editor with an amused tone. "Well, you've got a deadline to meet, Arden." "Don't worry. You'll get your story when I get back," he assured Carl, before saying goodnight.

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Lance placed the receiver back in its cradle for a moment, and then glanced back at the clock. It was almost time for his seduction of Anna to begin. He picked up the receiver and dialed the number he had memorized. **** After slipping into her comfy, oversized sweatshirt and jogging pants, Anna felt a bit more relaxed. She slid the headphones on, depressed the control pad with a touch of her fingers and dialed up the main switchboard. She leaned back in the worn recliner beside her bed, ready for a night's work. "You have one voice mail in your inbox. Press one to retrieve," an automated voice informed her. Anna rolled her eyes and pressed the button to continue. "Hi, sweetie. I'm hoping all's going well with you and the reporter. Keep me posted and have a good evening. Bye!" Anna smiled. Queenie sounded a bit more than curious about how the article was proceeding. She made a mental note to call her at the office the next morning and let her know how everything was progressing…employee to supervisor. She pressed in her pass code and logged on to the main line. "You have one client waiting. Press one to begin." Someone had been holding on the line for her already? Velvet had regulars, but it seemed odd for one to be waiting on hold for her so early in the evening. Anna took a deep breath and let Velvet emerge from deep inside her being, like a butterfly breaking free of its cocoon. "Good evening. This is Velvet. And to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with tonight?" "Good evening, Velvet. My name's…uh…Lee." Anna smiled to herself, fairly certain that it wasn't his real name. Most of her clients gave fake names that were short and easy to remember. She let her voice drop an octave, low and sultry. "So, Lee, what's on your mind?" "You." The deep, husky voice sent a sensual chill up her spine. That voice…something about his voice made her heart beat faster…an inkling of something familiar, but she 27

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just couldn't put her finger on it. "Ahh…that's nice. Have we chatted before?" She waited in anticipation for his reply. "Oh, yes, Velvet. I can't get you out of my mind." Okay. Anna licked her dried lips and continued. "Why can't you get me out of your mind? Would you like me to do something special?" "Yes. Let me fulfill your fantasies tonight, Velvet. I want to awaken in you the same desires that you've stirred in me." "Is that a promise, Lee?" She shifted in her chair, curious and alert. "More than a promise, if you'll let me. Are you game?" Anna paused for a moment, and her heart began to beat even faster. Velvet was usually the one who controlled the phone fantasies, not the caller. She was curious, and surprisingly aroused by the anonymous caller. "All right," she said softly. "I'm game." "I knew you would be." Anna heard a surety in the man's voice, as well as a smile. "You sound as if you know me well." The voice on the other end of her headset gave an amused chuckle. "I know what you want, as well as what you need." "Oh?" "You need to be kissed, and by someone who knows how." This guy's quoting Gone With The Wind! Anna chuckled to herself. "And you know how, Lee?" "Yeah." That one word confirmation, so bold and confident, made Anna's heart thump harder. Clients had made come-ons before, but this one was different. "Okay, tell me all about it," she purred into the receiver, eager to hear more. "First," he murmured into her ear, "we'll start off dancing…slow dancing. I'll hold your lovely, soft body against me. I can feel your heartbeat against my chest as you wrap your arms around my shoulders. Isn't that nice, Velvet?" "Oh, yes, Lee," Anna softly replied. 28

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"Go ahead, close your eyes. Imagine us slowly dancing in each others arms," Lee gently coaxed. The hypnotic tone of his voice tugged at the core of her being. Her sex stirred, and she was compelled to let her eyes droop closed. "Can you see us together, Velvet?" "Yes, I can see us dancing." Anna's reply was a mere whisper as an image drifted through her mind. "Our bodies are pressed together." "That's good. Can you feel the warmth of my hands around your waist as I move your hips against mine?" "Mmm-hmm…" Her breathing deepened as the image in her mind became clearer. "Velvet…you're so beautiful in the soft light of the dance floor. The scent of you fills me with lust. You're stunning, and so very sexy. I want you so badly." "You do?" Anna asked coyly, her eyes still shut as the vision took on a life of its own. "Yeah…I'm hard for you. Can't you feel my cock, stiff and rigid against you as I grind my hips against yours?" Anna swallowed hard. The thought of a man's hard cock pressing against her body sent a shiver of eagerness through her. She heard his breathing too…deep, heavy, and laced with lust. Lee was also aroused, and she knew it. "Talk to me, lover," she coaxed. "Tell me more." "I bring my hands up from your hips to the soft curve of your breasts. You're so round, so firm. I want to caress you, to cup your fullness in my hands. Your nipples are getting harder, baby. They're pressing against your blouse, aching for my hot lips to suckle them." The heated vision was so real, Anna gasped. Her nipples were hard, rubbing against the sweatshirt as the mysterious caller continued. "But I'm not going to suckle your breasts…not yet. I want to lift your chin with my fingers and guide your pink, rosy mouth to mine. I'm hungry for you, baby. I want to taste you on my tongue."

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"Yes. Oh, yes," Anna whispered as she unconsciously tilted her chin upward, her eyes still shut. The fantasy-vision was playing like an erotic film in her head…and its star was Lance Arden. She was so aroused by the fantasy, a moaned escaped from her lips. "Would you like me to kiss you, Velvet?" The low rumble in his voice sent a tremor through her sex. She slid her hand between her legs, and felt the fabric of her jogging pants becoming moist with her own desire. "Oh, yes," she murmured into the receiver. Her body felt hot and heavy with carnal lust. "Please…" The plea in her voice was genuine. It had been a long time since a man had stirred her passions. Anna felt the fire within her blaze as if gasoline had been poured onto her heated embers. "Oh, baby, your lips are so soft," Lee purred into her ear. "Can you feel my tongue sliding into your sweet mouth?" "Yesss," she hissed into the receiver. "Are you wet, Velvet?" Anna's fingers rubbed the moist spot of her jogging pants. The sensation of her slick sex against the course material made her gasp. "Baby, I'm hard for you. I want you--" The breathing on the other end of the phone was ragged, labored. Anna suspected, from her previous experience, that Lee, was masturbating, too. The mere thought of the two of them stroking themselves in unison made her quiver. She sensed the tightness in her sex as she desperately strived for an orgasm, seeking relief. "Do you want my cock inside you?" "Mmmm…yes! I want you inside me, Lee." She panted, "I want--" A soft ping called her attention to the system's auto alarm signaling that the caller's time was over. Damn! She silently cursed the system. Her blood was simmering with liquid heat.

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Anna struggled to regain her senses and her professional composure. "Um…I'm sorry, Lee, our time is over." She forced herself to sit up a little straighter, and was surprised to find her hand still between her legs. She quickly moved it away, shocked that she'd let the caller have such control over her. "Thank you for calling STEAMY4U where all your intimate fantasies can come true. Please feel free to call again soon." "Did you enjoy your fantasy, Velvet?" Lee's husky voice had a soft, jovial tone. "Yes. Yes, I did," Anna breathlessly replied as she opened her eyes and checked the headset's control panel. "But I have another caller on hold. Maybe we can chat again some other time, Lee." "Perhaps sooner than you think." The caller gave an amused chuckle that sent a ripple of heat over her skin. "Good night, Velvet." Before she had time to reply, the phone went silent. Anna took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and tried to clear her head. "You have one client waiting. Press one to begin," the automated operator coldly reminded her. The unbearable lust still lingered in her body as she reluctantly pressed the key to continue with a shaking hand. It was going to be a long night. A couple more fantasies fulfilled, and Anna logged off the phone service. Her body was still humming from the mysterious caller, Lee, and the fantasy in which he'd engrossed her. She decided to log off the system earlier than usual. She left a quick update in Queenie's voice mailbox, and masturbated away her sexual frustration before she managed to catch a few winks of sleep. When she arose, Anna slid into a denim sundress and sandals, pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and applied just enough make-up to enhance her natural features. She figured her lunch date with Lance would be more casual than the night before. Her senses were still reeling from the erotic call the night before as she bounced down the steps and into the small kitchen, which was already buzzing with activity. "Morning Lu!" "My! Aren't we awfully chipper this morning?" Her sister smiled over at her as she flipped another pancake on the griddle. 31

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"Good morning, Anna." A friendly, deep voice drew her attention over to the table. Sam Meadows was dressed in his dark blue policeman's uniform. He held a cup of coffee in his hand, and his hat rested on the tabletop. "Morning, Sam. Whatcha doing here?" "Your sister invited me over for her famous pancakes." Sam beamed. "You know I couldn't turn down an offer like that." "Yeah. Lu makes the best in town," Anna agreed, and poured herself a cup of coffee. "She was telling me that Billy came to see you last night." Sam's cheery expression faded into one of genuine concern. Sam and Lucy had been dating since her divorce was finalized. Anna was happy for her sister. Both she and Lucy had been friends for many years with Sam, despite the fact that he was also a distant cousin of Billy Thorn's. "We didn't talk for long, really. I think he finally got the message that I still wasn't interested in getting back together with him, so he left." Anna seated herself across from Sam at the kitchen table. "One of my guys pulled him over for speeding last night after he left here, and said that Billy was hopping mad," Sam said with a stern grunt of disapproval. "Billy may be mad at me, but I hope he'll respect my decision in the long run, Sam." "Then, what's this I heard about you having a new boyfriend at J.D.'s?" Anna gave a heavy sigh. Nothing seemed to go unnoticed in a small town. "Sam, I told you he was a business associate of Anna's, didn't I?" Lucy set a plate piled high with pancakes down in front of Sam, her smile tight. "Yes, but I want to hear it from Anna. Word has it those two were passing some pretty hot looks at one another." "Hot looks? Geez, this town is full of busybodies," Anna grumbled as she took a big gulp of coffee. "There's nothing between us, Sam, honest. His name's Arden…Lance Arden, and he's an associate from my company here on business. That's all there is to it." "If you say so." Sam shrugged and turned his attention to his pancakes.

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"Ryan's ready when you are, Sis," Lucy said with a smile. "You can drop him off at the ball field and I'll pick him up this afternoon." Anna nodded. "That's fair enough. Besides, I have a lunch appointment at noon." Sam and Lucy's eyes met across the kitchen for a moment, then they both turned to look at Anna. She laughed nervously. "What's wrong? Can't a girl meet a co-worker for lunch around here?" Lucy shook her head and sighed. "You just be careful, Anna," Sam replied, pointing his fork in her direction. "Billy's not very happy right now, and I don't want to have to arrest him for misbehaving, if you know what I mean." "I understand perfectly, Sam. Don't worry…either of you. I promise I'll keep my distance from Billy, okay?" Anna vowed as she rose from the table and planted a quick kiss on her sister's cheek. "Ryan! I'm ready!" Anna called over her shoulder toward the living room. She grabbed her bag and car keys, and headed out the back door. Sometimes she wondered why she'd decided to move back to Mount Hill. At least in a big city like Charlotte, a person could have a little bit of privacy. **** Lance left his room an hour before noon. He decided to walk to the eatery a bit early, and take some time to clear his head. It was a warm, sunny Saturday as he slowly strolled down the main street of the small town towards J.D.'s. The steamy conversation from the previous night still played through his mind like an endlessly looped recording. He caught a sideways glance of himself in a store window. He was glad that he had dressed casually in jeans, a polo shirt and cowboy boots. After all the stares he'd received from the bar's patrons the previous evening, he felt the need to blend in a little better. Swinging open the door, he strolled into J.D.'s. It was a different atmosphere than the night before. Lighter, less smoke and a lot cheerier, he deduced as he scanned over

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the Saturday lunch patrons. The bartender greeted him with a quick nod of his head. "Hi! Your waitress will be right with you, so go on and take a seat." Lance smiled, nodded back, and glanced around the room. Anna hadn't arrived. He took a seat at the same booth in the far corner of the room, and kicked back to wait. **** With a huff, Anna pulled up to the gas pump and scrambled out of her car. Damn it all! Late again. Her mind raced wildly as she filled up her gas tank. Ever since her dinner with Lance, her thoughts had been of nothing but him. Even after the steamy phone fantasy, care of her mysterious caller, Lee. She finished filling the tank, and replaced the nozzle. Why did Lance seem to stir her curiosity? She wasn't sure, but she was happy at the thought of seeing him again. At the checkout counter, a familiar voice from behind caused the hair on the back of her neck to rise slightly. "Where are ya headed, Annie?" Anna spun around. "Out of my way, Billy," she replied coldly as she brushed past him and swung open the door. "Come on, Annie, don't be like this!" She ignored him, slid into her car and started the engine without looking back. Jesus H. Christ, when would he get it through his thick head? What the hell was he doing, stalking her? There was a sudden tightness in the pit of her stomach. Perhaps Sam Meadows and her sister were right. Anna wanted to keep as far away from Billy Thorn as she possibly could, which wasn't far in such a small town. Then again, she was beginning to think there was no such a thing as enough distance between her and Billy.

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Chapter 3 Lance glanced down at his watch, and wondered if Anna was going to stand him up. Perhaps she had put two and two together and figured out that he was Lee, her caller from the night before. He sincerely hoped not…not just yet. "He's over there, honey." Lance looked towards the doorway of J.D.'s and saw his waitress pointing to the corner booth were he was waiting. A smile of relief spread over his face as Anna made her way through the lunchtime crowd. She was a vision of wholesome loveliness. Her denim sundress draped over her soft, feminine curves as she slid gracefully into the seat opposite him. "Sorry. I'm late again." She sighed and brushed a stray curl of hair out of her face, flashing a thin smile. "Good morning…or should I say, afternoon?" Lance grinned widely. "Busy night, I take it? Or did you just oversleep?" Anna laughed. "Yes, I was busy last night, but the car was also out of gas. I had to stop and fill up. Sorry about that," she apologized again, then reached over the table and pulled a menu from its holder. "It's okay." Lance studied the features of Anna's lovely face in the restaurant light. She radiated such a natural sex appeal that his heart seemed to skip a beat when she smiled in his direction. After the waitress had disappeared with their orders, he turned his full attention back to Anna. "I've written a rough draft of the story," he announced. 35

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"Oh, really?" Anna took a sip of ice water, her eyes never leaving his. "So, are you finished with me?" He didn't know if it was his imagination, but he could have sworn he saw a hint of disappointment in her dark eyes. "I mean the interview, of course," she quickly added. He leaned his elbows on the table. "Let's say I want to have a normal conversation, just you and me," he replied in a low, husky voice. He detected the sweet scent of her perfume radiating from the warmth of her skin. Anna raised an inquisitive eyebrow, but remained silent, as if she were deep in thought. "Everything today is strictly off the record." He smiled, then reached over and brushed his hand gently over her delicate fingers. Anna stared at him, speechless, but didn't pull away from his touch. She licked her lips slowly. "So what is it you want from me, Lance Arden?" she asked. A familiar tightness spread through his groin at the mere sound of her velvety voice. It was that voice which had first captured his imagination, and stirred his sexual desires. He was coming to realize just how attracted he'd become to the real woman behind the sultry, smooth voice. "I have a confession to make…I've been captivated by you for a long time," Lance confessed with a wicked, boyish grin. "Oh?" Anna's skin tingled as she felt her cheeks grow warm. "Do you really mean me? Or Velvet? I have a gut feeling you're one of Velvet's regular callers." He was silent, his eyes widening slightly. She drew a deep breath. "So? Am I right?" Anna sensed that her frank inquiry had caught him off guard, but Lance held tight to her hand, stroking her fingers with his own. "Okay, you're right." He nodded. "I called STEAMY4U just for research. After a while, I found myself drawn to the fantasies you spun with your voice. Little did I know that Roberts, my editor, would send me here to meet you in the flesh." "I see." Anna eased her fingers from his hand. "You came to Mount Hill to see if I was anything like my fantasy phone persona, didn't you? Well, I'm not. I hope I didn't disappoint you." 36

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Lance shook his head. "Disappoint me? Not by a long shot." He flashed her a softer, more subtle smile. "Anna Holmes, I'm attracted to you, not your phone persona," he added. There was a sincere tenderness to his voice that made Anna's heart thump harder. With impeccable timing, the waitress returned with their order. The moment between them evaporated with the greasy scent of steak burgers and French fries. "Excuse me," Anna muttered. She slid from the booth, leaving a stunned looking Lance to wait on her return. She walked briskly towards the back of the restaurant, where the sign pointed to the ladies room, and pushed open the door. The coolness of the ladies room felt good against the damp moisture on Anna's skin. The restaurant wasn't hot, but sitting across from Lance Arden was enough to heat any woman's blood. That was before he'd told her that he was attracted to her, Anna Holmes, not Velvet. His admission hadn't just taken her by surprise; it shocked the hell out of her. She closed the door behind her, pressed her back against the cold tile wall and let out a deep breath. Her heart raced in her chest as she dug out her cell from her purse and pressed the memory dial. One ring. Anna clenched her fist at her side. Two rings. Please pick up… "Hello?" "Lu, you're not going to believe this!" she quickly blurted into the wafer-thin receiver. "Calm down, Anna. Are you all right?" Her sister's voice sounded concerned. Anna recounted Lance's confession in a hurried tone, and then added, "So, you were right about him being one of Velvet's clients. But he says he's attracted to me! He's leaving town Sunday. What should I do?" There was a long pause over the receiver, followed by a soft sigh. "Anna, I'm the last one you should ask for advice on love and romance." "I know, but--" 37

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"But, what?" Her sister cut her off. "So, tell me, do you feel the same way about him?" "Yes, but--" Lucy's voice was bittersweet, but reassuring. "Sis, I know you've been hurt before. Love does that to people sometimes. I know. I've been down that road before, too. But maybe you should take a chance again." "Lu, I'm not into one-night stands. If that's all he wants--" "Have you asked him?" "No. I just left the table for moment." Anna sighed. "I thought I'd call you for some sisterly advice." "Where are you, anyway?" Anna glanced around the tiled walls and stalls. "The ladies room," she said with a chuckle. "Oh, boy!" Lucy laughed into her ear over the cell phone. "Well, maybe you should get back to the table and do some more talking. You're a big girl, Anna, and I'm sure you'll make the right decision." Anna sighed. Perhaps her sister was right. She confided in Lucy that she would lay her cards on the table with Lance and see just where, if anywhere, the mutual attraction between them would lead. "Just be careful," her sister cautioned. "Remember to follow your head, as well as your heart." Anna thanked her sister, said goodbye, and then switched off her phone. After smoothing out her appearance, she pulled open the ladies room door and emerged, feeling a little more confident and reassured than when she'd left the table. Still, Lance Arden was definitely more than she had bargained for, she thought with a smile. She slid back into the booth. Lance looked up, smiled, and pushed a side his empty plate. "I was afraid I'd scared you off." He grinned across the table at her, but his eyes shone with relief.

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"No, but I did find your confession a bit…uh… eye-opening, to say the least." She returned an amused smile. "Good. Honesty is my policy," Lance replied with a firm nod of his head. He reached across the table once more for her hand, but Anna drew her fingers away. "Before we go any further, I do need to tell you something." The smile faded from her lips, and she paused to take another sip of water. Her eyes locked with his. He didn't say a word, but his brows furrowed. Lance waited patiently for her to continue. "I really like you, too, Lance…a lot," she began. "But I must tell you that I've been engaged." "Been engaged?" he echoed. "As in past tense. So, you're not anymore." Anna nodded, and saw the tense expression on Lance's face relax. "What I'm trying to say is my ex-fiancé is still around town. Lately, he's been very persistent about trying to get me back." Lance angled his head. "Do you want him back?" "Oh, Heavens, no! Quite the opposite," Anna hurriedly explained. "Billy Thorn is bad news, and I'm doing my best to avoid him. Believe me." Lance's shoulders slumped with relief as a soft smile played over his lips. "So, is this your sordid past? I hardly think an ex-fiancé is something that should stand in our way." He reached over the table and gingerly took her hand in his. The warmth of his hand sent a soft current spiraling through her entire body, and her head spun. "Lance, I know Velvet may have given you the wrong impression, so let me clear one thing up. I don't do one-night stands." Her voice trembled slightly in anticipation of what he might say next. "I know deep down, you're not like Velvet. That's what really attracted me to you when we first met. You're the type of woman I'd like to spend time with, and get to know…even better." He flashed a mischievous-looking grin, and tightened his grip on her fingers. Anna laughed as a sense of relief spread through her body. Lance drew her hand to his lips, and brushed the back of her hand with a feathery kiss. "But, for now, I want to 39

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take you back to my room." In a deep, husky voice that sent a shiver of excitement down her spine, he added, "Are you game?" A ripple of shock coursed through her body. "You…you are Lee! I knew I'd heard that voice before. So it was you!" "Yeah." Once again that one simple word made Anna's heart thump harder. "Well." Anna paused, her blood heating in her veins under the sultry heat of Lance's gaze. "If you want to know me better, then, I'm game." **** Billy parked his pick-up truck across the street from J.D.'s and cut off the engine. The afternoon sun warmed the inside of the truck as he waited for Anna and her "business partner" to leave the building. Business associate, my ass, he thought bitterly. Just who did she think she was fooling anyway? Although Anna had denied any personal relationship with this guy, he'd seen the glimmer in her eyes. She was crazy about this guy, and he didn't like it one little bit. An hour passed slowly as Billy watched patrons come and go from the eatery, but there was still no sign of the couple. With a grunt of impatience, he reached for the ignition key. A familiar laugh drew his attention back to the door of J.D.'s. He froze, his hand on the key, and watched. Anna tossed back her head in laughter as the guy scooped an arm around her tiny waist and drew her closer. He whispered something into her ear. She paused a moment, as if deep in thought, then handed him a set of keys. Billy felt a knot of anger coil tightly, deep in his belly. The happy, oblivious couple walked towards Anna's Honda. Stopping at the passenger side, the guy unlocked the door and swung it open. A few more words were exchanged as the couple faced each other. Billy wished he could hear what they were saying, and his heart thumped madly in his ears. Then the guy leaned into Anna and placed a kiss upon her mouth. Instead of pulling back, she pressed closer to the guy, and let their kiss linger for a couple of heartbeats. 40

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Billy saw red before his eyes as the pair climbed into Anna's Honda. With the guy at the wheel, they pulled out of the parking lot and zipped up the road. He pounded a fist angrily on the leather seat of his truck as they drove away. Let them have their fun. He had other plans in mind. He fired up his pick-up and headed for another bar on the other side of town. For now, he needed a stiff drink or two to take the edge off his dark mood. **** The car radio played a relaxing tune. Anna and Lance drove in preoccupied silence back to the inn. Anna's body still tingled from the kiss in the parking lot. It had taken her off-guard, but had also stirred the deep longing inside her. She ran her finger lightly over her bottom lip. A wave of emotion rolled through her. Never had she wanted anyone the way she wanted the man seated beside her. She stole a quick glimpse in his direction. He cocked his head toward her. "You're not going to change your mind, are you?" His husky voice only raised the heat that swelled within her. She shook her head, still speechless from his breathtaking kiss. "Good." His smile filled the space between them with pure, male, sex appeal. "We're here." Anna blinked, a bit dazed that they were already parking in front of his door at the inn. "Lance…" She quickly reached over and touched his arm before he could open the driver's door. "There's something else I need to tell you." "Can't it wait until we're inside?" He chuckled and took her hand in his. "No, it can't wait. I have to tell you now before all of this goes too far." His smile dimmed slightly. He studied her face. She licked her lips nervously and took a deep breath. He silently nodded for her to continue. "Well…er…I've never had sex with anyone but my ex-fiancé and that was a long time ago." Lance slowly turned his gaze from Anna's face and stared blankly for a moment at the inn door through the car windshield. "Please understand. I promised myself that the next time I…um…made love, I'd save myself for the right time and the right man.

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Despite my occupation, I'm inexperienced, you might say. I really hope this won't change your mind about us." Her heart skipped a beat. Lance slowly turned to face her, as if what she had just said had slowly registered. He sighed and smiled at her. "Is this the right time, Anna?" he asked gently. Anna returned his smile and nodded. "And am I the right man?" Lance raised an inquisitive eyebrow. His hand tightened around hers. "Yes," she whispered and slid closer to him. She placed a tender kiss upon his lips. His mouth welcomed her kiss with silent compassion and an understanding that needed no more words. The tension that had been brewing between them melted into low, passionate moans of pure desire. Lance Arden was the right man, and now was the right time. Anna was absolutely sure. Absolutely.

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Chapter 4 "Make yourself at home," Lance offered as he flicked on the bedside lamp. He was relieved that he'd had the forethought to ask for maid service. The quaint inn room was tidy, except for a few of his shirts tossed across an overstuffed chair. His laptop and notes were lying on the small table near the window. He strolled over to the window and drew the curtain closed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Anna sink down on the corner of the neatly made bed. "Nice room," she commented. She crossed her legs, drawing his attention to her slender calves. "But I'm sure you've stayed in better places during your travels." "I think it's charming." Lance grinned. "It reminds me of a hotel I stayed in once in Cairo." "Egypt?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Yeah, it was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." Anna chuckled. The sound of her laughter was like music to his ears. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. It charmed him that she seemed so totally unaware of her affect on him. "I'll be back in just a minute." She smiled. "Sure." Lance slipped into the small bathroom, locked the door behind him, and looked in the mirror. Lance, old boy, what have you gotten yourself into? He turned on the tap and splashed cool water on his face. What he had said to her back at J.D.'s was the truth. He did want to get to know her better. There was something special about her…something that tugged at his heartstrings as well as his groin. Anna, it seemed, felt the same way, but he had found her confession of sexual inexperience to be a bit of a shock. Even

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though he'd only known her a short time, he was certain she was telling him the truth about her ex and her past. She had said he was the right man, and it was the right time, but he knew he'd have to tread carefully. He didn't want whatever might develop between them to be a onetime fling, either. He was determined to show her that he was not only interested in sex; he truly cared about her. He took a deep breath to calm himself, unlocked the bathroom door, and stepped into the room. Anna was seated on the edge of the bed, her head bent over a folder. "I hope you don't mind," she said as she held up the folder. "I saw it next to your laptop and got a little curious." Lance smiled and shook his head. "I stayed up late last night working on the story. I had a little trouble sleeping after our, er, phone conversation." Anna raised an eyebrow. "You, too?" So, it had worked! Lance gave himself a mental pat on the back. Handing him the folder, Anna smiled. "This is a wonderful article." "Thanks, but that's for my editor to decide." He chuckled as he placed the folder beside his laptop. "I'm so glad you gave me a fake name, too. I wanted my identity and occupation to be kept a secret, and you kept your word." "I promised you confidentiality," he replied, and sat down beside her on the end of the bed. "But, remember, I made you another promise too." Reading the article had done very little to distract Anna from the real reason she was there, in his room. Her body was hungry with desire. It was growing more difficult to ignore the stirrings inside her. She wanted him to take her in his strong arms and kiss her senseless. Smiling, she gazed up into his eyes and saw her own lust reflected back. "I remember," she acknowledged with a whisper. Lance smiled, wrapped his arm around her waist, and slowly laid her back onto the bed. Her heart thumped madly in her chest as he lowered his lips down to hers in a sultry, lingering kiss. 44

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He tasted like warm honey on her lips. Anna sighed against his mouth. No man on earth should taste this tempting! She surrendered to his sweet kiss, and gave a soft moan as his mouth moved over hers. Lance lifted his mouth from hers. "Anna…you're so lovely," he murmured, and she felt the heat of his smoldering gaze. "We'll take our time, and go nice and easy." The sincerity of his tone made her heart flutter. She grinned mischievously up at him. "Whatever you say." She giggled and pressed her body closer, relishing the feel of his hard body against hers. Her clothing felt heavy against her burning skin, and she wiggled her hips provocatively against the swell of his groin. Lance gave a low groan. "You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?" He flashed a wicked grin, and ran his hand down over the soft fabric of her skirt. Anna gasped as he slid a hand under the edge of her dress, and caressed a palm up her bare leg. His hand moved slowly up her leg to her hip as he bent his head to kiss her again. His lips captured hers in a soft kiss that quickly deepened, his tongue slowly invading her entire mouth. Anna moaned, and yielded to his oral invasion as her heart quickened, her sex growing moist under his erotic stimulation. His palm was warm as it moved over her skin. He moved his mouth over hers. Anna relished the sweetness of his kiss. A tightness coiled in her body as her hand rubbed over the impression of his cock inside of his pants. Her senses were overloading with sheer pleasure. Abruptly, Anna pulled back and laid a hand on his chest. "Wait." "What's wrong?" Anna sat up, turning her back to him, and slid her hair over the front of her shoulder, revealing the zipper in the back of her dress. She gazed over her shoulder at him and smiled. She heard relief in his sigh as he grasped the tiny metal tongue with his fingers. Ever so slowly, he slid the zipper down her back. Anna wore no bra, and with fluid movements, he peeled the sundress from her body.

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Clad in only her panties and sandals, Anna reclined back onto the bed and gazed up at him with a giggle. "Your turn." She gripped the edge of his shirt and tugged the material upward. Lance quickly obliged, pulling the shirt off, and sent it sailing off somewhere into the room. She smiled, admiring his bare chest. "You look yummy!" She grinned, pulled him back down to the bed, and quickly rolled her semi-naked body over on top of him. Lance let out a gasp as she leaned forward and braced her hands on the hard muscles of his chest. She licked her lips, then slowly placed soft, butterfly kissed over the expanse of his bare torso. He closed his eyes and groaned under her sensual assault. Anna felt the light pressure of his fingertips as he grasped her shoulder and squeezed gently. She heard the sounds of his ragged breathing as she marked his hot, hard flesh with her lips. "I want more," she murmured between kisses, her eager hands sliding down his chest to the buckle of his jeans. "More? Ah, yes, more," Lance moaned and opened his eyes. Anna grinned as he drew another strangled breath, and reached down to assist her with his pants. Their combined efforts freed him from the tight confines of his jeans. She smiled as she took in the sight of his fully erect member. The male anatomy had a unique beauty all its own, she happily mused, and her own body couldn't have agreed more. Beneath the soft silk of her panties, her feminine sex was lush with liquid heat. Anna felt him tremble under her gentle kisses. The heat coursed through her veins as she gazed down at his cock and ached for fulfillment. He caught her around her waist and rolled her over on her back. She smiled up at Lance with amusement. Anna wanted him so badly. He lowered his lips to hers. His hot kisses blazed a sensual fire down her neck, then his hands cupped her breasts. She let out a throaty moan as he took a nipple into his mouth and suckled, then flicked his tongue over her areola. "Lance," Anna groaned. Her body squirmed beneath his, and the sweet sensation of arousal filling her senses. 46

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Take it slow and easy. Anna remembered what he had said, but her body boiled with carnal lust. Lance hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and drew the thin material down her legs, exposing her hot wet sex. Anna parted her legs further, mutely inviting him to delve between her thighs. His fingers stroked over her moist lips. Anna moaned and arched her hips upward with wild abandonment meeting his touch. "I want you," she gasped, her dark eyes glazed over with heat and desire. She lightly placed her palms against his face, and drew his gaze to her own. His eyes reflected the passion Anna felt stirring wildly within her own body…in her soul. "Are you sure?" he asked. She slowly nodded, a smile curling over the corners of her lips. Lance nestled the length of his body between her open legs. Gently, she lowered a hand to the small of his back, and coaxed him closer to the entrance of her body. His rigid erection slowly slid into her, inch by inch. Lance groaned. She saw moisture beading across his brow and sensed his inward struggle for control. "Oh, Lance!" she gasped, as his wonderfully hard cock filled her tight sex. Her body trembled with delight as she wrapped her legs around him. Their hips began to move together in unison, and Lance's cock slid into her until it all became a delicious blur. Each stroke tightened the coil of delightful pleasure within her body. The rush of her orgasm rippled through her. She cried out in pleasure as the wave of ecstasy washed over her and flowed throughout her body. Her climax triggered Lance's, and she felt his come deep inside her as an animalistic groan of release escaped from his between his lips. Lance clung to her as she savored the moment. Her breathing gradually returned to a normal, steady rhythm. He rolled off her naked body and brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. She gazed at him and her heart skipped a beat. "That was--" "Incredible!" She finished his sentence with a giggle. Lance chuckled, drew her into his arms, and lowered his lips to hers once more. 47

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A loud crash, followed by the shattering of glass, made them jolt apart. A car alarm wailed, the high-pitched beeping filling the air. "What the hell?" Lance leaped from the bed, wrapping a sheet around his waist. Quickly, he drew apart the curtains at the window. "My car!" Anna gasped. Through the open drapes, she could see the flashing lights of her car and the windshield, which was now a cobweb of shattered glass. Nauseated, Anna turned from the window and reached for her scattered clothing with trembling hands. **** "Sorry, Anna. We don't seem to have any witnesses." Frank Porter shook his head, a solemn frown etched on his face. "No witnesses?" Anna glanced around the parking lot as a small group of bystanders gathered on the far corner of the asphalt. "Frank, it's the middle of the afternoon. I find that hard to believe." "Believe what you will, Anna, but I'm just gonna have to write this up as a case of vandalism." She folded her arms over her chest and stared at the young police officer in quiet dismay. The blue lights of the patrol car reflected in Frank's sunglasses while he scratched notes into his little notebook. A warm, comforting arm gently draped itself around her shoulder. Lance stood silently beside her, and glanced past the officer to Anna's damaged Honda. "So…" Frank glanced up at the couple. "What were you two doing in a hotel room during the middle of the day, anyway?" Anna started to say something about small town busy-bodies, but Lance spoke first. "Business, Officer. Ms. Holmes and I are business associates." "Uh, sure. Business associates." Officer Porter nodded and scribbled again in his little notebook with a twisted smile. "Anna!" Sam Meadows' voice came from behind them. Anna and Lance turned to see her sister's boyfriend walk around the Honda as he approached them. "I've called 48

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the garage. They'll send out a tow-truck, so don't you worry about your car. Looks like the windshield will need replacing. The brick's still lying in the front seat," Sam observed with a shake of his head. "Sam…" Anna leaned in closer to her friend and lowered her voice. "I have a funny feeling that Billy's behind this." "Billy, you say?" Sam raised an inquisitive eyebrow, his face void of any emotion. "That may be, but unfortunately, no one saw a thing, Anna, and I warned you to be careful." A familiar Volvo station wagon swung quickly into the parking lot and pulled to a stop. Lucy leaped out, and strode briskly toward the scene, "Anna! Thank goodness you're okay. Sam called me as soon as he got the call. What's going on?" Anna drew a deep breath to calm her nerves, and managed to introduce Lance to her sister and Sam before giving them an abbreviated version of the story. Minus the amatory interlude, of course. "So, you saw Billy earlier today?" Sam inquired. "Yes, but it was only for a moment. I swear, I didn't think he'd do something like this. Sure, he was mad, but--" "But, from what you've told me about your ex, it's more than likely he did," Lance finally spoke up. "Anna, this guy's more dangerous than you realize." "Billy's just a wild buck, Mr. Arden. I'll try to find him and see if he knows anything. All I can suggest to the two of you is that y'all keep your eyes open and stay out of trouble," Sam said with a nod of his head, then turned on his heel and followed his partner back to where the damaged Honda was parked. The officers jotted down more notes and spoke quietly between themselves. "A lot of help Sam is!" Anna huffed with frustration. Lance put a hand on her shoulder. "Under the circumstances, Officer Meadows is only doing what he can, Anna. I'm more concerned about you." Anna turned to look up at him. "Me? I'm fine…really, I am." Lucy shot her sister a knowing look. "Fine, huh? Is that why you're trembling?" 49

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Lance turned Anna into his arms to face him. A dark shadow of concern clouded over his eyes. His mouth was drawn in a thin line as he gazed down at her. "Your sister's right, Anna. We've had an eventful afternoon. Why don't you go back home and take a shower, maybe even a nap?" Anna lowered her eyes away from his. "But--" "Shh," he hushed her. "Go home, get some rest, and we'll meet this evening over at J.D.'s to talk about what we're going to do from here. Okay?" His voice was soft, but strong as steel. He curled his fingers under her chin and brought her gaze up to his again. "Okay?" "Oh, all right. Tonight at seven, J.D.'s," she agreed. "I'll meet you there." Lucy took Anna by the hand and led her away from Lance. They stopped for a moment for Anna to get a copy of the police report from Sam, then climbed into Lucy's Volvo station wagon. Anna watched Lance from the passenger window. His hands were shoved into his pockets, and he cocked his head to one side as he watched the Volvo pull out of the lot. With a deep sigh, Anna slumped back into the seat and felt the tension of the afternoon ripple through her body. She would never admit it to anyone, especially Lance, but she was looking forward to a shower and a rest. "He seems very worried about you, you know." Lu's voice was soft, but grave. "Sam?" "No, your columnist friend. Lance." "I know." Anna sighed, her mind in a far-off daze from the day's turn of events. "And I'm worried about you, too," Lucy continued without looking over at her sister. "Me? I'll be careful where Billy's concerned, Sis. I don't think he'll--" "No, that's not what bothers me, Anna." Lucy stopped the car at a red light. She turned to face her sister, a thin smile on her lips. "I'm just worried that my little sister might be rushing into something she can't control." **** 50

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Back in his hotel room, Lance paced back and forth across the carpet like a restless tiger, the phone receiver pressed to his ear. "I tell you, Carl, I'm worried about Anna. If I don't help her, there's no telling what her ex might do." "Calm down, Arden. It's not your problem her ex is a loon. Besides, no one knows why you're really there, right? Her business associate story seems to be working like a charm." "Well, yes. Sort of," Lance grumbled, remembering the snide looks from the police officers as they'd asked him questions about his working relationship with Anna. "I was thinking about asking her to come back to Charlotte with me. She's a bright gal, Carl, and you did say you could use an assistant in the copy room." "Uh-oh…Lance, just what are you getting at? You want me to give her a job?" "That's it, Roberts! What do ya say?" A heavy sigh filled Lance's ear. "I'll think about it, okay? No promises, though." There was a long pause. "Lance…" Carl continued warily, "…when are you going to tell her?" "I'll fill her in tonight. We're meeting for dinner and--" "Lance," Carl interrupted. "Admit it. You like her, don't you?" A wave of dizzying emotion washed over Lance as he sank down on the edge of the rumpled bed, the scent of Anna Holmes still clinging to the damp sheets. "Like her? Sure I do, Carl. She's unlike any woman I've ever meet before. In fact, if I'm not careful, I could--" His old friend and editor chuckled from the other end of the phone. "That is the real reason you're asking her to come back with you, isn't it?" Lance closed his eyes and felt the seductive longing for Anna flood every fiber of his being. "You might be right, Carl." He could barely speak, overwhelmed by the startling realization that he could easily fall in love with Anna Holmes. **** The hot steam of the shower felt absolutely delicious. Anna inhaled the moist air, filling her lungs and letting the steam melt away the tension. She rolled the lavender51

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scented soap between her palms, and remembered how Lance's skin had felt against her own. The sensation had left her breathless and bemused. It had been such a wonderful afternoon, before… She sighed deeply, pushed the negative thoughts aside and glided the scented foam over her body. Secretly, she wished she didn't have to wash Lance's scent from her skin. She hungered for more tender touches and caresses from the blue-eyed columnist. What had happened this afternoon had happened for a reason. Was it love, or just lust? Either way, she knew she had to see Lance again. She closed her eyes and turned her face upward to the showerhead, letting the rambling thoughts flow over her like the warm water. **** "Aunt Anna, I'm sorry to hear 'bout your car." Ryan met her in the living room doorway with a big, hardy hug. The boy was so sweet. "It's okay, honey. Nobody was hurt, and my car will be fixed next week," she gently assured him, giving him a small peck on his freckled cheek. Anna had brushed her hair down over her shoulders and wore a strapless green sundress and matching heels. After her afternoon with Lance, she felt like a new woman. "Are you going on a date again?" The little boy stared up at her with wide, inquisitive eyes. "Something like that, if your Mom lets me borrow her car." She gave him a playful wink. "She's on the phone with Sam right now." Ryan tilted his head in the direction of the kitchen. Anna tiptoed into the room. Her older sister sat at the kitchen table, the telephone to her ear. "Uh-huh, I see," Lucy said into the phone. "Okay. Yes, yes, she'll be careful. I'll call you if I can think of anywhere else he might be hiding. Thanks, Sam. Bye." Lucy sighed, got up, and hung up the phone.

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"Any news, Lu?" Anna folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the kitchen counter. "None." Lucy sighed again. "Sam's looked all over town, but Billy seems to have disappeared…for the time being. Sam thought it best to let you and Lance know to be careful." "We're having dinner at J.D.'s. It's a public place. Billy won't try anything there," Anna said, unsure whether she was trying to reassure her sister or herself. "Maybe I'm overreacting, but I think you two ought to be extra cautious until your columnist friend leaves town. Don't you?" Anna nodded in agreement, although, the words leaves town stuck in her head. Lance would be leaving. As in not coming back. Her stomach knotted as she realized that they didn't have much more time together. "Here are my keys. Don't stay out too late. Under the circumstances, you know." Lucy dropped her key ring into Anna's palm. Kissing her sister on the cheek, Anna headed out the door, climbed into the borrowed car and drove down the street toward J.D.'s…and her evening rendezvous with Lance Arden. **** Billy Thorn cracked his knuckles and frowned. He'd parked his truck just down the street from Annie's house, turned off the lights, and waited. She'd be going out with him again tonight, he just knew it. His fingers tightened on the wheel as he watched the Volvo station wagon pullout of the driveway. He waited until her taillights disappeared around the corner, and then started the engine. Stubborn gal. Didn't she know he was onto her and her new boyfriend? He knew he had to be careful. Frank and his cousin, Sam, were looking for him. He chuckled, and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He would bide his time…more time to watch and wait before he made his next move. **** Anna glanced down at the steak burger platter growing cold on the table in front of Lance. She took a sip of her Diet Coke and looked around the room. "The place is 53

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packed, but that's usual for a Saturday night," she observed casually, trying to break the uneasy silence that had descended on them. He merely nodded, his gaze holding hers as she reached out and fingered a French fry on his platter. She lifted the fry to her mouth and smiled, noting that he'd dressed down for their dinner date. A beard shadowed his jaw line, as if he hadn't bothered to shave. She had to admit, Lance wore a soccer jersey and jeans as well as he did his coat and tie, and she decided she found both of his looks appealing, in their own sexy way. "What's wrong, Lance? You seem preoccupied tonight." "Oh, it's nothing. I just got off the phone with my editor," he replied, with a small shrug of his lean shoulders. "Oh. I see." Her own mood suddenly grew more somber. "Is he pressuring you to come back to Charlotte?" "Well, no. Not really. It's nothing too important." He glanced around the crowded, noisy room and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "You look so damn beautiful tonight that it's hard to focus on dinner," he added, in a low, husky tone that oozed sex appeal. Anna drew a sharp inhale, studying him steadily, trying to read the man's enigmatic expression. He leaned over the table, and then gave her a look of carnal hunger that sliced through her body like a hot knife through butter. "Do you mind if we go? It's way too crowded in here," he asked, and reached for the check. Anna reached across table and placed her hand on top of his. Anticipation rippled through her body at the heated exchange. "Not at all. Let's find someplace a little quieter." The seductress deep in her psyche fluttered to life, yearning to be set free once more…and Lance was just the man who could do it. She flashed him a smile and rose gracefully from the booth, ready to go.

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Chapter 5 A moist breeze stirred in the evening sky, hinting at an oncoming rain shower. But, for now, the air gave off an aura of sweet seduction. Lance and Anna stepped out the side door and walked slowly past the line of patrons waiting for a table inside the over-populated restaurant and bar. She hooked her arm in Lance's and guided him around the brick building to a quiet alleyway, lit only by the glow of the neon signs of the building behind it. He stared at her, awestruck by her sensuous appearance. Yellow and red glowed around her, accenting the lovely curves of her body in the form-fitting strapless dress, surrounding her with a neon halo. "Did I tell you that you look wonderful tonight?" He would have sworn he saw her blush, but he couldn't be sure in the dim light. She smiled, and licked her lips. The innocent, yet wanton, gesture sent a jolt of lust barreling through his lower extremities. "No one can see us back here," she whispered in a low tone. It was the voice he'd heard over a dozen times, the fantasy voice of his Velvet. And here she stood before him, in the flesh, a radiant, neon angel. This was Anna, the woman he could easily fall in love with. But, could he summon the courage to tell her? He was still unsure, feeling like an awkward schoolboy. He drew a deep breath and glanced around the narrow alleyway.

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She was right. No one was here. She held his gaze with a twinkle of reassurance in her dark eyes. Or was it lust? He wasn't quite sure. At this moment, he quickly concluded, they were one in the same. Desire overcame him and, not wasting a precious moment more, Lance encircled her waist in his arms and drew her close. Anna leaned her body into his, draping her silky, bare arms around his shoulders. With an upward tilt of her chin, she brushed her lips over his jaw line, covering his face with soft, feathery kisses. The heady aroma of lavender and musk filled the sliver of space between their pressed bodies. Lance gave a low moan and yielded to her seductive advances until he bent down, capturing her lips with his in an ever-deepening kiss of pure pleasure. Anna gave a soft moan, deep in her throat. The reverberation coursed through his body, stirring the embers of his lusty fire. His hands glided swiftly down from her waist, caressing the soft, rounded curves of her derrière through the thin material of her dress. He gave her bottom a playful squeeze, causing her to gasp with surprise, her lips parting from his as she let out another sensuous moan. "You're a handful, Anna Holmes," he growled beguilingly as he continued to caress her. "I am?" She flashed him a sly-looking smile in the dim light. "And just what are you going to do about it?" Her velvety utterance set off sparks of gentle challenge through his body, mind and soul. He wanted her so badly; it made his entire being ache for more. He arched an eyebrow. Anna was in for it. He felt her body shiver in his arms. He was filled with anticipation. She gasped again as he kissed the soft flesh of her neck. Her breathing grew deep and heavy as she seemed to melted into his arms. Anna sighed his name as his hands wandered, slipping up underneath her skirt. Without breaking his trail of kisses, which now moved over the curves of her breasts, he knelt and slipped her silk panties down around her ankles in a swift motion.

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The combination of the cool evening air and the scent of her heated moisture made his senses reel. Anna released a soft groan and closed her eyes as he eased her back against the brick wall, letting it support her body. "Lance," she panted. Lance sensed her hands seeking out the zipper to his denim jeans. With a quick motion of her hand, she tugged down the metal tab, releasing his excited erection to the evening air. He pulled away and gave a low, carnal growl. He was very aroused, his body taut and eager. Lance felt Anna's hand encircle his cock. She drew him closer. "Here?" he asked in a dazed, raw whisper. "Oh yes, lover…" She smiled up into his face. Anna gave a soft whimper as Lance's body pressed against hers. With her hand to guide him, he sank his cock into her heated sex. Lance was on fire, the desire pumping madly through his veins as he slipped between the apex of Anna's thighs. Lusty emotions enveloped him as their bodies began to move together in the primal, heated dance of lovemaking. His body was taut, and sweat trickled down the side of his face as he struggled for control, striving to make this moment last. The odds, however, were not in his favor tonight. Anna came first, her joyful outcry triggering his own orgasm seconds later. The heated lust waned into a peaceful bliss. He held her tightly in his arms as the afterglow of their lovemaking cooled down in the evening breeze. **** Thunder rumbled through the sky above the alleyway. Lance leaned against the brick wall and stared up at the darkened sky, silently hoping the rain wouldn't start anytime soon. Anna had wanted to freshen up after their impromptu encounter, and had returned to J.D.'s to use the ladies room. He opted to wait outside. Just what was he going to tell her? "A penny for your thoughts." Her lilting, soft voice brought his attention back to the present. 58

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"A penny, huh? Is that all my thoughts are worth?" He grinned, taking hold of her hand and drawing her close once more. Anna giggled and shrugged. "You just looked somewhat perplexed, that's all. Is something bothering you?" Her dark eyes gazed into his with a hint of concern. "Not really." He sighed. "I just don't know what to say." "About what?" "Well, I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon." "I know." She frowned. "I was hoping you'd decided to stay a bit longer." "I can't, Anna. I need to get back to the office before my deadline." The look on her face made his heart suddenly feel both heavy and sore at the same time. "Will we see each other again?" "Well, that's what I'm trying to--well, to ask you." He took a deep breath. "Carl Roberts, my editor, needs an assistant copy editor in Charlotte. I was thinking…maybe, if you wanted, you could come back to Charlotte with me and look into the job." Silence filled the space between them. He held his breath, searching her face for an answer, but Anna's face went blank. Lance couldn't read her expression. He sincerely hoped she was considering his offer. Anna could feel her heart thumping against her ribcage. Was this what he had been brooding over the entire evening? A job offer? A spark of anger and a little hurt coiled through her body, but, outwardly she struggled to keep her composure. "So, let me get this straight," she began, measuring each word with care. "You want me to come to Charlotte tomorrow with you for a job interview?" Lance ran a hand through his hair and nodded. "Uh…yeah. If you get the job, then we can see each other every day. I…I really want you to come back with me." "I don't know, Lance…" She pulled her hand away from his and folded her arms over her chest. "In case you've forgotten, I already have a job with the phone service. Here." She turned on her heel and briskly began to walk through the adjoining lot towards her sister's Volvo.

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Lance followed quickly, keeping pace with her hurried stride. "Anna? What's wrong? It's a wonderful job and--" She stopped and turned to face him. "Lance, I don't want a job." I want you. She pressed her lips together to keep herself from saying it out loud. A wave of emotion flooded up from the very depths of her being, but she couldn't bring herself to utter the words. Her heart felt as if it had sunk down to her toes, and she fought to hold back tears of disbelief. "Anna." Lance said her name softly, and reached out, tenderly taking her by the shoulders as he leaned in close. "The past few days have been incredible. I want you to come back with me. Just think about the job offer, okay?" Anna sighed heavily, turned from his hold, and slid the keys into the car door. "Yeah. I'll think about it," she muttered as she unlocked the door, slid into the driver's seat and rolled down the window. "It's getting late." He stood beside the car and nodded. "Do you need a ride back?" she offered, hoping they would continue their discussion on the drive to the inn. Lance glanced up. The darkened sky rumbled once more, but the rain had yet to start. "No, thanks. I think I'll walk." He leaned into the open window and gave Anna a delicate kiss on the lips. "I'll be at the inn if you change your mind. Think on it and let me know, okay?" "Okay," she numbly replied, and turned the ignition key. "Good night, Lance." "'Night, Anna." He backed away from the car, giving a small saluting gesture as she pulled out of the parking lot and headed down the street. Glancing back in her rearview mirror, Anna saw him turn and walk down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. This was not how the evening was supposed to end! Warm, salty tears of frustration slowly glided down her cheeks as she drove down the main street of town. Lance Arden was the right man, absolutely. Why hadn't she had the guts to tell him what she was feeling? The sensations that had stirred during their intimate encounters were more powerful than she had imagined. She wondered if he felt the same way, because she was falling for him…head over heels. 60

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"I should have told him," she said with a sigh as she slowed the car to a stop at a red light. But would her confession have made a difference? Her hands tightened around the steering wheel as she formulated a plan. She'd go back, pick him up and tell him exactly how she felt. Yes, she concluded, the plan had merit. The light turned green. Before she could find a place to make a U-turn, she saw a familiar white pick-up truck zip past her going the other direction. Billy. Her stomach flipped nervously. The pick-up sped down the street, oblivious to the Volvo waiting at the light. Just where was he going? She decided she'd call Sam from her cell phone once she found out where Billy was heading. She felt the need for justice since she was ninety-nine percent sure he was the vandal who'd smashed her windshield. Anger swiftly replaced her melancholy mood. She swung the car around, pressed the accelerator and followed at a safe distance behind the truck. **** Striding down the main street of town, Lance wondered if walking back to the inn was a good idea. He glanced up, and frowned bitterly as the first droplets of rain fell on his shoulders. It hadn't begun to rain hard, but the dreary atmosphere only added to his disheartened mood. Arden, you're nuts. The voice inside his head gave him hell as he made his way over the ever-dampening sidewalk. You find the sexiest gal you've ever met and you offer her a job instead of your heart. What were you thinking? With a deep sigh, Lance stopped on the street corner, shielding his eyes with the back of his hand from the steadily increasing rain. He looked to the crossing light for guidance. From behind him came the sound of a car swishing up the road, its headlights flooding brightly over the curb before it slowed to a stop. His heart raced wildly in his chest as he spun around on his heel. "Anna?" A big, burly man leaped out of the driver's side of a blue Chevy Nova, his hands curled into fists by his side. "Hey, city-boy, I got a bone to pick with you!"

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Lance's brain signaled alarm. Although he'd never seen the man before, he knew that the stranger could only be one person: Billy Thorn. **** Where is he going? Anna turned on her windshield wipers to swipe away the rain which had begun to fall. She trailed behind the white pick-up, keeping a good length behind the truck as it sped along the well-lit streets before leaving town and turning down onto a narrow, country back road. Anxiety coiled in the pit of her stomach as she silently wondered if this would be more than she could handle. Following Billy could be dangerous, but her anger spurred her on. A faint ringing noise broke through her thoughts. Steering cautiously with one hand, she reached for the glove box where her cell phone was nestled and lifted the phone to her ear as she drove. "Hello?" "Hi’ya, honey!" It was Queenie. "Did I catch you at a bad time?" "Well, sort of--" "How're things with you and Mr. Arden? You haven't checked back with me." Anna sighed heavily. "It's complicated." "What? Are things not going well?" "Oh, no, Queenie. Quite the opposite." "Oh, I see. I spoke with his editor this afternoon. Seems Mr. Arden wanted to stay another day. Is that right?" Queenie chuckled over the cell phone. "Yeah, something like that," Anna replied in a somber tone. "Queenie, there's something else I need to tell you." "Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of this--" "Now, Queenie, please just listen to me," Anna said, drawing a deep breath for courage. "I need to go on hiatus from the phone fantasy lines for a while." "A hiatus? A break? What's come over you, girl? You're one of our most popular actresses and--" "Queenie, I just want some time to think about things, that's all." 62

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Her employer gave a heavy sigh. "Oh, all right. Use the time as you need, then give me a call. I'll take care of the rest around here." Anna's bleak spirits rose a small notch. "Thanks, Queenie, you're a doll!" The white pick-up ahead of her slowed, and turned into a driveway along the country road. "I have to go. Thanks for your help. I'll talk to you soon, I promise." Anna added a hasty good-bye and depressed the call button on the cell phone. Shutting off the headlights of the Volvo, she turned the station wagon slowly into the drive and shut off the engine. The white pick-up had stopped in the driveway of an old farmhouse. A porch light flicked on as light illuminated the front yard and a woman in an apron stepped out onto the wooden deck that surrounded the house. Anna recognized the woman as Billy's sister, Lisa. Lisa looked mad as she wiped her hands on her apron, shaking her head as she spoke. Anna rolled down the driver's window, listening to the woman address the shadowy figure emerging from the driver's side of the parked pick-up truck. "Ed, I told you not to take Billy's truck to town! He's got Sam on his case 'bout something and wanted to leave the truck here tonight. Now come inside!" Anna's mind raced as her heart leaped into her throat. Billy wasn't in the truck! It was his brother-in-law, Ed. That meant Billy was back in town and driving his sister's Chevy Nova. No one would know it was him! She franticly pressed her cell phone call button. A sickly beep made her heart sink. The battery was dead. Damn it! She'd have to find a payphone in town. She had to warn Sam and Frank that they'd been duped. There was no telling what Billy was up to. She started the car, quickly backed out of the driveway and headed back toward town. A terrible feeling swirled in her gut as another realization dawned on her. What if Billy had gone after Lance? She had to warn him, too! **** The rain began to fall harder as the man stepped up onto the curb. Lance took a couple of steps back, putting a little distance between himself and the stranger. "Sorry, man. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just visit--" 63

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"Bullshit! You're the one running around with Annie! The one holding hands with her at J.D.'s! Don't lie to me, city-boy. I've seen ya!" The man closed the distance between them and angrily jabbed a finger into Lance's chest. Lance held up his palms. "Look here. I don't want to cause any trouble…" "Ya already caused it," Billy growled. Before Lance could react, Billy slammed a fist into his stomach. Lance let out a loud groan, and bent over in pain as another blow caught him in the eye. A mixture of heat and pain raced through his body as he stumbled backwards, dizzily trying to avoid the assaulting man. Rain blurred Lance's vision, but he swung his own fists in the direction of the madman. Billy was big, but not too swift, and Lance landed a couple of good blows of his own. Billy staggered backward with a look of shock on his face. "Not bad for a city-boy, huh?" Lance quipped, despite the sharp pain in his knuckles. Billy growled, low and primitive, as a thin trickle of blood streamed from his nose. He barreled forward and laid another hard punch to Lance's jaw. Nausea rippled through Lance as he fell backward onto the wet sidewalk. Billy reached out, grabbed a fistful of Lance's jersey, and attempted to jerk him to his feet. Lance swung a foot upward and caught the man in his crotch, hard. Billy let go of his shirt and doubled over with a growl of pain and anger. Lance scrambled backward, trying to regain his footing, but Billy spun around and drew back his fist. "Hold it right there, Billy!" A male voice called out from the outer realm of the commotion. Only then did the Lance notice the blue flashing lights around them. "Back away, Billy!" Sam Meadows commanded, laying a firm hand on the man's shoulder. Billy froze, holding his stance, as Lance shakily stood and leaned back against the brick wall for support. He took a few deep breaths and tried to clear his fuzzy vision. "Are you okay, Mr. Arden?" The officer Lance recognized as Frank Porter came to his side, holding an umbrella over Lance's already soaked body.

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"Yeah, I think so." Lance drew a hand up to wipe a trickle of blood from his lower lip. "Looks like Billy's done some damage," Frank called over to Sam who, by now, had Billy's hands cuffed firmly behind his back. "Looks like you've done it this time." Sam shot his cousin a stern look. "You should've damn well known better, than pull this stunt on my shift, boy." "The city boy had it comin'," Billy grumbled. "He's been messing around with Annie." "I told you to leave her alone, Billy. Looks like you'll be spending the night in jail for disturbing the peace, and you'll be lucky if he doesn't press assault charges against you." "Assault? He's the one who blooded my nose and kicked me in the--" "That's enough, Billy! You're in deep now," Sam warned in a low growl as he solemnly shook his head. "I suggest you cool down and keep your big mouth shut." Billy muttered something under his breath, but Sam paid him no more attention as he watched his partner question the injured man. **** The rain had stopped, much to Anna's relief, but the blue lights flashing down the main street of town were not a good sign. She pulled the Volvo to the side of the road, jumped out of the car and jogged quickly towards the scene, her heart racing in her chest. Ahead, she saw Sam wrangling a hobbling and handcuffed Billy to his patrol car. "Sam, what's going on here?" Both men halted. Billy glared at her, stopping her dead in her tracks a few paces from the two men. "Billy! I should have known you were behind this!" she hissed angrily. "Anna, calm down." Sam's tone was firm, but steady. "Why don't you go help Frank with your business associate?" He nodded his head over to the other two men standing near the brick wall of an office building.

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Her anger melted into alarm as she turned and briskly moved in the direction Sam had indicated. "Lance!" Anna called out as she rushed toward the figure leaning against the brick wall. Lance glanced over, gave her a half-smile, and then groaned. She rushed to him, and threw her arms around him. Lance encircled her into his embrace. Pain or no pain, Lance's heart soared with joy at the mere sight of her. "I-I was so worried." There was a quiver of emotion in her voice as she pulled away and gazed up into his face. She ran a palm up to his chin, and tenderly tilted his face into the light. "Oh, my God! You're hurt!" "Anna, sweetheart, I'm okay." Lance assured her in a soft tone. "It's nothing that won't heal." "I can't believe Billy--" "Shh, it's okay. Everything's alright," he murmured, drawing her once again to his chest. Anna pressed tight against him. He sensed her fear as a light tremor shook her body. All he wanted was a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and Anna by his side. Frank Porter looked up from his little notebook and tilted back his cap, eyeing the couple. A small smile curled over the officer's lips as he turned to Lance. "I have all I need for my report tonight, Mr. Arden. Remember to come by the station before you leave and fill out the remainder of the paperwork." "I'll come by in the morning," Lance promised. He reached out, extending his hand to the young officer. "Thanks, Frank, for all your help tonight." "Sure thing, Mr. Arden." Frank grinned at Anna. "Why don't you take your business associate back to the inn and help get him cleaned up? I'll call Lucy and tell her not to worry." Anna nodded and walked Lance in the direction of the parked Volvo. "Good idea. Let's get you back to the inn and get something on these cuts…and even get a nice, hot shower." Her dark eyes met his. Although he could see the concern in her eyes, she smiled up at him. 66

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"You don't have to stay with me tonight, Anna," he argued. "I'm a big boy, and I can take care of--" His words were cut off with a grunt of pain. The adrenaline rush had quickly dissolved into a steady ache. His body felt like he'd been used as a punching bag, weary and sore. "On second thought," he groaned, "if you don't mind--" "I don't mind." She grinned. "I don't mind at all."

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Chapter 6 The hot shower felt good. Lance let the water flow over his body, washing away at least some of his aches and pains. The warm mist wrapped around him like a blanket, and the solitude of the shower gave him time to think about the events of the evening. And about Anna, who was waiting for him in the next room. Before the fight, he'd been kicking himself for not telling her the real reason he wanted her to go back to Charlotte with him. Fate, it seemed, had granted him another chance. Lance sighed heavily, sending a rippling, dull ache, through his body. It was not an ache from Billy's punches, but from the thought of losing Anna. He turned the situation over and over in his head. Why had she come back? Had she thought Billy would come after him, or was it to finish their last conversation? He cut off the water and grabbed a clean towel from the rack. He draped it around his waist, and wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror with another towel. His reflection stared back at him, black eye, split lip and all. Lance carefully lathered his face and swiped away the remains of his five o'clock shadow with his razor as he pondered what Fate had in store for him and Anna. **** "Yes, Lu, I'm fine," Anna reassured her sister in a low voice. She cradled the phone on her shoulder and cast a look toward the bathroom door. "Lance is a bit bruised up, but he'll be fine, too." "So, are you staying with him tonight?" Lucy asked.

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Anna smiled to herself, curling the phone cord around her finger as she spoke. "Yes. And I think I've come to a decision." "Decision? About what? You and Lance?" "Well, sort of…." "What do you mean, 'sort of', Anna?" The hint of irritation quivered in her sister's tone. "Lance offered to take me back to Charlotte--" "Anna, are you sure about this?" "Well, it's for a job interview with his magazine," Anna finished with a sigh. "A job interview?" There was a long pause. Anna held her breath, giving her sister a moment to think. "So, does he know how you feel about him?" Anna bit her lip. "No, I don't think so." Lucy's voice was firm. "Well, you need to tell him…the sooner the better." That was one thing Anna liked about her sister; Lu never beat around the bush. From behind the bathroom door, the sound of rushing water came to an abrupt halt. Lance would be opening the bathroom door any minute now. "Hey, Sis, I've got to go," she said into the receiver. "Well?" "Well, what?" "Are you going to tell him tonight?" Anna sighed. The weight of the world felt like it had been dropped upon her shoulders. "Just do me a favor. Leave my suitcase on my bed and I'll be back early tomorrow morning." "So, you are going to Charlotte?" Lucy asked, sounding a little perplexed by her sister's request. "I'll fill you in tomorrow morning. Give Ryan a goodnight kiss for me, and I'll see you then." The click of the bathroom door drew her attention to the doorway. There stood Lance, a white towel wrapped around his waist, his skin still damp from the shower. 69

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The smile on his face made her heart flutter in her chest. Her body trembled with unbridled thoughts of loving desire. Before Lu had time to reply, Anna whispered a soft "Good night," and returned the phone to its cradle. Lance's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is everything alright?" "I was just calling Lucy to let her know we're fine." Anna smiled shyly. "Fine? Speak for yourself," he groaned dramatically, and raised a hand to his bruised, puffy eye. "Come over here in the light, and let me look at that," she said soothingly, and held up a small, white box marked First Aid. "Are you always this prepared?" Lance grumbled as he sank down on the side of the bed and looked up at her with a wide grin. "Having an active ten-year old nephew made me this way. Besides, Lucy always carries a kit in the car." She gave him a sardonic smile. "Boys will be boys, you know." Lance chuckled, his lean shoulders shaking with amusement. "You've got a point there." Anna flipped open the kit, dug around inside, and pulled out a small tube of antiseptic and a cotton ball. "First, we'll work on that cut lip. Then I'll put some ice on that eye of yours. You just lay back." "Yes ma'am," Lance replied with a slow grin and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes as he stretched out onto the bed. Anna sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned over him. She gently began to dab the medicine from the cotton ball onto his lower lip. He winced. "Ow! Shit! That hurts!" "Hold still," she scolded, and shook her head impatiently. "You're acting like a baby." He frowned. "Am not." "Are too," she countered. "You don't want it to look like I've been beating you when we see your boss, do you?"

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Lance quickly rose up on his elbows, staring at Anna in disbelief. "My boss? Are you coming with me tomorrow?" His eyes widened with surprise. "I might." She nodded, still concentrating on the task at hand. "One more dab, and I'll be done with your lip. Now, hold still." Anna leaned in close. The scent of fresh soap couldn't hide the undertone of the Lance's musky scent. Her head swooned, but she tried desperately to focus on tending his wound. Her fingers trembled slightly as she traced the tiny cotton ball over the roughened contour of his lip. "There." She leaned back and eyed her handiwork. "And now for that eye--" "It'll be fine." He reached over, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down to him. "Lance Arden, what are you doing?" Anna squealed. He chuckled as she squirmed futilely in his embrace. "Lance?" Her voice quivered. Anna stopped struggling. Her heart was racing in her chest. Once again, a heated longing coursed through her entire body. He stared up into her dark eyes, smiling. He lifted a hand to her back, feeling around until he found the zipper to her dress. Ever so slowly, he tugged the tab down her back to her waist, revealing her soft flesh to his caress. Anna bit her lip and moaned. A wave of heat shimmered between them once more, that undeniable chemistry that drew them together like a magnet. She leaned into him, her lips inches from his. Lance tenderly placed his lips upon hers. Anna groaned in approval as she shimmied her way out of the sundress, and let it fall into a soft heap by the bed. Only her bra and matching panties remained. "Oh, Lance," Anna sighed, and broke their kiss to lay her dark head upon his chest. He stoked her hair, reeling in her sweet scent. "So, are you going with me to Charlotte tomorrow?" he asked gently, breaking the quietness of the moment. Anna lifted her head and smiled. "Maybe," she repeated. "Maybe, huh?" He raised an eyebrow, a cocky smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Anna, I hope you decide to go with me. I…." 71

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His voice trailed off, his heart thumping wildly in his chest as she nodded, waiting for him to continue. He cleared his throat. "I…uh…really want you to come back with me, job or no job. All right?" "We'll see." She returned his smile. "But, for now…." She slid from his embrace, and glided her body down his torso to the terrycloth still bound around his waist. "I have something else in mind." She tugged gently, and the ends of the towel slipped undone. Lance groaned softly, lifting his hips slightly as she pulled the terrycloth away and dropped it to the carpet beside her dress. His lusty feelings were mirrored in the physical manifestation of his erection, pointed upward in full arousal. He flashed her a smile. "See what you do to me?" Anna chuckled softly and grazed a finger down the length of his erection. "God, Anna…" The tender plea in his voice affected her like an aphrodisiac, stirring her own feelings for the man who laid under her, waiting for her next move. His naked body quivered slightly as he exhaled a ragged breath. Slowly, she lowered her head, and took his cock into her mouth. His whole body shuddered in reaction to her oral caress. She could hear his ragged breathing. "Oh, baby…yes." His voice was low and husky. Anna teased his cock mercilessly with her tongue and fingers. His groans and gasps of delight filled her ears as he entangled his fingers in her hair, and guided her action with his hands. She could sense the pressure rising in his cock, and she didn't want things to end quite so soon. Drawing away, she saw a pearl droplet trickle from the narrow slit on the tip of his member. Her own body pulsed as she reached behind her and unhooked the strapless bra. She let it drop away, revealing her breasts. Lance stared at Anna, dazed by his own overpowering lust. She wiggled her way up his body and drew her legs over his strong hips. He could feel the moisture in the 72

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center of her panties against him and the heady scent that radiated from her body. He hooked his fingers into the elastic and drew her panties from her hips. She rose slightly as he peeled the material from her heated sex. He gazed into her face, the face he had grown close to in the past few days. This was a woman he had fallen in love with, not the fantasy alter-ego called Velvet. If only she could read his mind…and heart. He pulled her down to him and captured her lips in a soul-seeking kiss. His tongue tangled with hers as he pressed his erection against the moist lips of her sex. With a moan, Anna lifted her hips, then lowered her body, accepting the full length of his hard cock. He tried to roll over, but she laid a hot hand on his chest, stopping his movement. Her dark eyes met his with a lusty glint. "Oh, no, Lance," she whispered. "Let me take care of you." Her hips began to move up and down in swift, fluid motions. Lance surrendered to the sweet sensation of Anna as she rode him. He struggled, trying to maintain an ounce of control as the waves of heat rushed through his body. "Anna," he panted. "I'm coming. I'm com--," He squeezed his eyes shut, letting the tight sensation snap free as his climax roared from his body. His loud shout filled the room as his hips jolted upward, plunging into her hot, moist body. His fevered body shook with release. Within seconds Anna's sex gripped his penis. She let out a heated whimper of abandonment as her own orgasm shuddered through his cock like a tiny earthquake. **** It was early morning when Anna awoke with Lance's arm lovingly encircled around her waist. She gently slid from his embrace, careful not to wake him, and stared down into his face. Quietly, she rose and slid back into her rumpled clothing. A pang of anxiety flooded her gut. She had to make a decision. A decision that could greatly affect her life…and the handsome man who lay before her, sleeping so peacefully.

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Was this man worth leaving Mount Hill for? A warm feeling enveloped her heart. Yes, she concluded. Most definitely. First, though, she had to return to her sister's and take care of a few details. She reached for the Volvo keys beside the bed. The jangling of the keys made Lance stir, his body still wrapped in the sheets. Anna's heart pounded wildly in her chest. She held her breath, but thankfully, he didn't wake. With a deep sigh of relief, she leaned over his slumbering body and planted a soft kiss on his bruised brow. "I love you, Lance," she whispered, close to his ear. Soundlessly, she exited the inn room, closing the door behind her. **** A loud rap on the door woke Lance from his sound sleep. He quickly glanced to the other side of the bed. There were only rumpled, empty sheets. No Anna. Still dazed, he pulled on his robe, shuffled to the door, and cracked it open to the sun's early morning rays. "Good morning, Mr. Arden." Officer Frank Porter nodded. Lance frowned. Frank's bright smile was way too cheerful for the early wake-up call. "Sam asked me to bring you back down to the station and finish the paperwork on last night's, uh, incident." Lance ran a hand through his hair and scowled. "I'll have to pack first. My train leaves at noon. Could you come back in an hour?" he replied groggily, and stifled a yawn. Officer Porter nodded in agreement, backing away from the door. Lance closed it, then turned to the vacant room. He stared at the empty bed, shaking his head in confusion. A dull ache filled his heart. Anna's answer to returning to Charlotte with him had simply been "Maybe." Did this mean that she really wanted to be with him, or was she going just for the job interview? In all honesty, he wasn't sure.

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Still half-asleep, he remembered their passionate evening together. Somewhere in the back of his mind was a vague recollection of a velvety voice whispering close to his ear…I love you, Lance. Or had it been a dream? He sighed wearily and headed for the shower. Perhaps a blast of water would clear his fuzzy head. As he showered, he wondered why Anna had slipped out sometime in the night…without giving him an answer to his question. **** "So, you don't mind, Lu? What about Ryan? Have you told him yet?" Lucy smiled over the kitchen table at her sister. "I've told you, Ryan and I will be fine. You don't have to worry about us. Besides, Sam is a big help with Ryan." Anna sighed in relief and lifted the coffee cup to her lips. The dark, bittersweet brew stimulated every fiber of her being with its comforting taste. "So, what did Lance say when you told him you'd be going with him?" Anna regarded her sister over the rim of her coffee cup. "I haven't told him yet." Lucy's eyes widened. "Anna Louise Holmes!" Anna cringed at her sister's outcry. "That poor man!" Lucy shook her head. "For Pete's sake, you need to give him an answer! Call him…now!" Anna knew better than to argue with her sister, especially since Lucy was right. Coffee cup still in hand, Anna rose, picked up the receiver on the wall phone and dialed the inn's number. **** Hot water cascaded down his aching body. Lance knew he should have told Anna how he felt, that he was falling in love with her. But the words failed to roll off of his tongue. Maybe it was too soon, he concluded. Over the sound of the rushing water, he heard the muffled sound of the telephone ringing relentlessly from the next room. "Aw, shit!" Lance grumbled, up to his knuckles in shampoo, as he lathered his hair. Maybe it was Anna! The thought shot through him

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like a bolt of red hot lightening. He stuck his head under the shower head and let the suds wash down the tiny drain. **** Anna gripped the coffee cup in her hand and hung up the phone with a disheartened sigh. "No answer," she said, turning to face her sister. Lucy glanced up at the clock on the kitchen wall. "Well, it's ten thirty-five and his train leaves at noon. Maybe you can reach him later." "Lu, do you believe in love at first sight?" Anna asked softly. Lucy sighed. "Oh, Heavens! You've fallen in love, haven't you?" Anna flashed her sister a big smile and nodded. "Yes. Job interview or not…I just want to be with Lance." Lucy smiled to Anna's relief. "Yeah, I believe in love at first sight. It's rare, but, if you're lucky enough to find it…go for it! Now, there's no time to waste if you're going to catch the train to Charlotte at noon. Hurry upstairs and pack your bag. I'll wake up Ryan. He and I will take you to the train station." Anna's stomach fluttered with joy as she placed the coffee cup on the table, reached out, and hugged her sister close, grateful for the loving support. "Thanks, Lucy." She beamed. "I knew I could count on you." **** The Mount Hill Police Station was smaller than Lance had visualized it. He sat across from Officer Porter's cluttered desk, impatiently watching the younger man slowly peck the keys of his computer. He glanced up at the large clock across the room-eleven twenty-two--then cleared his throat. "I'm sorry I'm taking so long, Mr. Arden. I'm not a quick typist, but Sam insisted I get your side of the incident before you go back to Charlotte," Frank quickly apologized. "My train leaves at noon," Lance replied, cool and even. "Yes, sir," Frank nodded without looking up, fingers still clicking slowly over the keys. "Just a few more things and we're done."

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Lance sighed and shifted in his chair, but his mind was elsewhere. He wondered where Anna was at that moment. Suddenly, he had an idea. He sat upright, leaned over the desk and laid a hand on the stack of papers. "Do you mind if I use the phone?" "No, sir. Be my guest." Frank gave a nonchalant nod to the telephone, semi-buried by folders. "What's Anna's phone number?" Lance asked as he raised the phone receiver to his ear, his finger poised on the touch pad. "I…I don't know, sir." Lance felt a ripple of frustration surge though his body. "What do you mean you don't--?" "It's 555-7849," a gravelly voice came from the doorway. Lance twisted in his chair and nodded in appreciation as Officer Sam Meadows entered the small office, his large presence filling the narrow confines of the space. He nodded his thanks and dialed, then drew a deep breath to calm his nerves. He just had to know. Anticipation knotted his gut tighter with each ring, but there was no answer. With a deep sigh, he replaced the receiver and sat back in the chair, his mind spinning. "That's odd." Sam shook his head. "Lucy's usually up by now. Surely she or Ryan would answer." "It's okay, I guess." Lance shrugged, then glanced at the clock again. "But I really must go if I'm going to catch my train." "Go ahead, Mr. Arden. Frank and I have what we need for our report." Sam nodded at his partner. "I'll give ya a lift to the station." **** "Step on it, Sis!" Anna coaxed as the Volvo station wagon made its way down the main street of town. "I'm going as fast as I can," her sister muttered, hands gripping the wheel as another traffic light changed to red. "Damn!" Anna cursed under her breath.

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"Aunt Anna, you shouldn't say bad words," Ryan's voice piped up from the backseat. Lucy shot her sister a cross look. Anna smiled over the seat at Ryan. "I'm sorry. I'm just nervous, that's all." "Don't worry. The train never leaves on time," Ryan said with a giggle. "I hope you're right, munchkin." Anna sighed and flashed a smile back to her nephew. "I sure hope you're right." **** Lance lifted his duffel bag and placed it in the carrier compartment over his head, then looked out the window of the train. Officer Meadows gave him a nod from the platform, then turned to walk away. Why hadn't Anna at least come to the station to see him off? The dark, worrisome thought crossed Lance's mind as he sank into his seat and gazed out the window. His stomach clutched with nerves. Well, the interview was over, he silently concluded, and his story for Chitter-Chat was done. He was back on the train to Charlotte before his deadline, just like he had promised Carl. Damn it! If it wasn't for his professional obligation, he would be off the train and looking all over Mount Hill for Anna. The train whistle sounded, muted by the thick-glassed window. Lance glanced down at his watch--five minutes after twelve. He sighed wearily, and reached for the newspaper he had brought onboard. As he opened it, the train lurched forward, slowly rolling out of the station. "I'm sorry I'm late," a feminine voice panted. Lance lowered the newspaper. "Anna?" She stood beside his seat, smiling, her cheeks flushed with color. His heart skipped a beat. "You wouldn't want to leave without me, would you?" she asked. He noticed a twinkle in her dark eyes. Relief flooded his body as he leaped up and drew her into his embrace. Anna pressed against him. He could feel the thumping of her heart against his chest. They reluctantly parted and sank back into their seats. He placed his hand over 78

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hers as he gazed into her eyes. "Anna, honey, there's something I've been meaning to say, but haven't had the nerve…." All of his thoughts melted away as Anna leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon his lips. Lance moaned and deepened their kiss, drawing her as close as he could, despite the armrest that separated the seats. Anna pulled back and looked into his eyes. "Lance…I really don't care if I get that job at your office or not. I want to come with you because I've fallen in love with you." The stunning revelation coursed through him. It hadn't been a dream! A wide grin spread over his face. "Anna," Lance cleared his throat. "I'm in love with you, too." Lance's heart filled with happiness. He pulled her back into his arms for another long, deep, kiss as the train picked up speed, rolling down the tracks toward Charlotte…and their future. Together.

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