As Sonny approached the entrance of the restaurant where she was meeting her friend, a man in a pristine white shirt, black pants and vest opened the door for her.
“Good evening. Welcome to Mandela’s,” he greeted.
She bristled a little, but realized he worked at the place and nodded, then continued through the door.
“I’m meeting a friend here,” Sonny said to the hostess who stepped up to greet her. “Her name’s Leandra. We have a reservation for six thirty.”
Sonny had been looking forward to this evening. She’d been under heavy deadlines lately, which meant she’d hardly gotten out of the apartment over the past two weeks, since she worked from home. She’d only gone out once to grab groceries.
The hostess glanced at her clipboard, then smiled brightly.
“Yes, of course. Follow me.” As she started to walk, she glanced at Sonny. “The other three people in your party are already here.”
“Wait, are you sure you’re taking me to the right table?”
This evening was supposed to be just her and Leandra.
The hostess glanced at her clipboard again as she continued to lead Sonny through the elegant restaurant, which was far more upscale than Sonny had expected for their girls’ night out.
“Is your name Sonny?” she asked.
“Yes.”
The hostess nodded. “That’s right then. Leandra and I know each other—we go to the same gym—and when they got here she told me she’d set up this blind date for her best friend, Sonny. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was a surprise, but don’t worry, hon, he’s absolutely gorgeous. I wish my best friend would set me up with someone so sexy.”
Oh, God. Sonny’s stomach churned. Why would Leandra do this? She knew how Sonny felt about this kind of thing. Sonny never would have come if she’d known Leandra was setting her up on a date.
She should just turn around right now and march out the front door, but before she could act, the hostess led her around a corner and Leandra spotted her. Leandra’s face lit up as she smiled and waved.
Sonny gritted her teeth and kept walking. She was sure her piercing stare made it clear to Leandra exactly how she felt about this surprise, but Leandra kept on smiling.
The two men sitting at the table were both very good-looking. They were both clean-shaven and wearing well-cut suits. One man had dark blond hair swept back off his face, blue eyes and thin lips. The other man’s hair was dark brown, very thick and wavy and he had dark brown eyes than his companion.
She stiffened as those eyes glinted in approval as she approached the table.
Sonny sat down in the empty chair across from Leandra.
“Hi, Sonny. This is Tom and Bryan.” Leandra gestured first to the blond man, then the dark haired one.
Sonny nodded to the men.
“I thought it was just going to be the two of us,” Sonny said.
“Yes, I know, but I was telling Bryan about you and he wanted to meet you. I know you’ve been holed up in that apartment of yours for the past two weeks working on your deadline and I thought you’d like to get out and enjoy dinner and a movie with some good company.”
Sonny’s jaw clenched.
Leandra had tried to set her up on dates before and Sonny had always refused. Leandra knew about Sonny’s nervousness around men. They’d never talked about why. Leandra had tried to draw her out, but Sonny wasn’t comfortable with sharing it with anyone, even her best friend. Of course, Leandra had her theories. She insisted that all Sonny needed was to meet the right man… one who would be patient and willing to take it slow.
But it was way more complicated than that.
Still, in her heart, she knew that Leandra was trying to help.
“Bryan is a veterinarian. He’s a cat person, too. He has two of his own.”
“Leandra tells me you have a tortoiseshell,” Bryan said.
“Yes, her name’s Mia. I found her abandoned under the shopping carts at the Costco store,” Sonny said, trying to relax. “She was just a kitten and she was frightened and hiding under the long row of shopping carts. I saw her there and had to get one of their staff to help me get her out. She was weak and her tail looked like it had been crushed by the wheels.”
“That’s terrible,” Tom said.
“Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens a lot,” Bryan said. “What happened then? Did your vet have to amputate the tail?”
He looked at her with such kind eyes and genuine concern for Mia that she found herself relaxing a little.
“No. She thought she’d have to, but it wasn’t as bad as we first thought. I’d never meant to have a cat—we’re not supposed to have them in my building—but I couldn’t just turn her over to a shelter, especially while she was so sick. I was going to try and find a good home for her, but she was just so sweet, I couldn’t part with her.”
The fact that the poor little thing had been abused and abandoned had torn at her heart. There’s no way Sonny would abandon her, too.
Bryan smiled. “I’m so glad there are people out there like you.”
She glanced at him and the warmth in his eyes unsettled her.
“Thanks.” She picked up the menu sitting in front of her and started reading it, needing some distance so she could settle her nerves. She did not want to be attracted to this guy.
As dinner progressed, the conversation was lively, though Sonny didn’t participate much. Bryan was very charming and tried to draw her out. He was also very attentive to her, which made her uncomfortable.
The waitress brought the dessert menus and told them about the evening’s special, which was a rich chocolate cake soaked in an orange liqueur with whipped cream and topped with chocolate shavings. Sonny loved orange chocolate but declined. The others all ordered it.
When dessert arrived, Sonny sipped her coffee as the others dug in.
“Oh, Sonny,” Leandra said, her expression one of rapture, “you really should get one of these. It’s pure heaven.”
“No, thanks. I couldn’t possibly eat all of that.”
Bryan smiled and picked up his coffee spoon, which he hadn’t used, and scooped off a small bite for her. “I don’t mind sharing.”
His voice was as velvety as the chocolate cake on the spoon. He offered it for her to take a bite.
She hesitated, but the cake was too tempting to resist. She opened her mouth and he slid the cake inside. She closed her lips around it and he drew the spoon away.
Even though he hadn’t touched her, the whole thing felt so… intimate.
The cake melted in her mouth, the divine flavor delighting her. She swallowed as he watched her, his eyes lighting up.
“I think you like that.” He dipped the spoon into the cake again and offered her another bite.
She did want another bite, but she didn’t like the intimacy of him feeding her. She wouldn’t take the spoon from him, though, because their hands might brush, and she didn’t know how she’d react if he actually touched her.
She hadn’t let a man touch her ever since…
Her gut clenched and she felt herself start to tremble.
“Are you all right?” Bryan asked, concern washing through his brown eyes.
“Yeah, of course.” Then she nipped the cake from the spoon he still held in front of her and swallowed, barely tasting it. “It’s very nice. Thank you.”
He offered her the spoon. “I’m happy to share.”
She stared at his fingers, strong and thick, holding the spoon. As a vet, he would probably have a gentle touch, and she had already seen that he was compassionate. He would probably be good for her.
But she wasn’t ready.
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ve had enough.”
* * *
Sonny had tried to bail from the movie portion of the evening, but Leandra had talked her out of it. So now, here she sat, in a dark movie theater between Bryan and Leandra, Tom on Leandra’s other side.
The movie was a poignant romance that Sonny was sure Leandra had chosen hoping it would put Sonny in a more receptive mood toward Bryan. Instead, it made her extremely uncomfortable. Sitting beside this man, no matter how charming and safe he seemed, made her stomach churn.
At one point, she lost herself in the scene on the screen and reached into the bag of popcorn they were sharing. Their fingers brushed and she snatched her hand away so fast, she sent the popcorn in her hand flying. She had to stop herself from lurching from her seat and rushing from the theater.
He leaned in and whispered, “Are you okay?”
His breath on her ear nearly sent her into panic.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Sorry.” She sucked in air, trying to calm herself.
During the rest of the film, she sat tensely in her seat, just wishing the movie would end. Finally, the credits rolled up the screen and people started getting up and leaving the theater. She stood up and followed Leandra to the aisle, then down the stairs, conscious of Bryan behind her. Once in the lobby, the four of them gathered to one side out of the way of the swell of the crowd.
“So should we all go for out for a drink?” Leandra asked.
“No, I’m going to head home. I have an early day,” Sonny said, anxious to get away.
“But it’s Friday night,” Leandra pointed out.
“Sure, but I’m self-employed and I just got a new contract. It’s a small bakery that’s opening in a couple of weeks and they need the website in a rush.”
“Don’t they always?” Leandra said wryly.
It was true, but Sonny just shrugged. “They’re willing to pay a rush fee, so I’m not going to argue.”
Leandra frowned.
“You and I can still go out,” Tom said to Leandra, his arm around her.
“Why don’t I drive Sonny back to the restaurant to get her car?” Bryan offered.
Sonny’s heart pounded. She did not want to be alone with the man. Damn, why had she broken her rule of going in someone else’s car? She’d driven to the restaurant herself, but when they’d gone to the movie, Leandra had offered her a ride, the intent being that she’d drive her back afterward to pick up her own car. Now that had backfired on Sonny.
She wanted to insist that Leandra drive her, but she’d just look—and feel—like a bitch cutting Leandra’s night short.
“Thank you,” Sonny said stiffly.
The evening had turned cool, so she pulled her sweater from her bag. Bryan took it and held it out for her so she could slip it on. She slid her arms in, then stepped forward, away from his touch. They stepped outside into the summer night and walked toward the cars.
Leandra gave Sonny a big hug. “I’ll call you later.” Then she got into the car with Tom.
Bryan opened the passenger door of his red Prius and she got inside. She liked the fact he drove a hybrid. That meant he cared about the environment.
“Did you enjoy the movie?” he asked as he started the vehicle.
“It was okay. I’m not really big on romances.”
His eyebrow rose. “Really? What kind of movie do you like?”
“All kinds of things. Comedies, science fiction, action movies.”
He smiled. “Me, too.”
For the rest of the ten-minute drive, he talked about various movies he liked and a few that were coming up that he thought she might be interested in.
She knew where this was leading.
They reached the street where her car was parked and she directed him to where it was. She pulled her keys from her purse and shoved them in her pocket so they’d be handy. He pulled into the spot behind her car then got out. She didn’t wait for him to open her door. She got out and pulled her keys from her pocket. He walked with her to the door of her car.
“Thanks for the ride. And for dinner and the movie.”
The men had picked up the dinner bill despite her protests and they’d already bought the tickets for the movie ahead of time. Sonny had insisted she pay for their popcorn and drinks, though.
“I’m hoping we can see each other again. Dinner and a movie? You can pick any movie you’d like.”
He looked at her with such warmth in his warm, brown eyes that it threw her off balance.
Wouldn’t it be nice if she could just accept his invitation and go out on a normal date? Maybe hold hands and… even a kiss goodnight.
She longed to enjoy that kind of intimacy, but a sense of panic rushed through her at the very thought of him touching her, let alone doing anything more.
She frowned. “Look, Bryan, I want to be honest with you. You’re a really nice guy, but I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
“I could tell that Leandra seemed to have sprung me on you and I can understand why that would put you off the idea of seeing me again, but I really think we hit it off.” He smiled. “We don’t have to go into it with a relationship in mind. We can keep it casual. Just see a movie together. See how we feel then.”
She shifted on her feet. She hated being in this position.
“No, I’m sorry.”
He moved a little closer and her heart lurched. A part of her wanted him to touch her. To kiss her. But the rest of her was absolutely terrified.
“Are you sure you won’t change your mind?” he asked. Then he stroked her cheek.
She froze. He leaned in close and his lips brushed hers.
She gasped, jerking back.
“I have to go.” She pressed the button on her keychain to unlock the door then scrambled inside. She drove away, leaving Bryan stunned.
All she could think about was escaping. Not only his touch, but her wild mix of reactions to it.
* * *
Tal glanced around the garden and grounds of the apartment building as he walked across the parking lot with his friend to the entrance. When they opened the door, he stepped into a marble entryway, then another glass door that Steve unlocked. On the other side was a carpeted waiting area with a view of the garden out front.
He could see himself living here.
“It’s a great building,” Steve said as the door closed behind them. “As you know, I moved in here after college and I love it. You can’t see from here, but it’s right near the canal and from my balcony I’ve got a great view of the Mooney’s Bay falls. The apartment that’s available is on the same side of the building, so you will too, if you decide to move in. And there’s an indoor pool on the roof, but with lots of glass so it still feels outdoorsy. There’s a weight room, too. I know you’ll be using that a lot.”
Tal chuckled. “Do you get a commission if I move in?”
Steve smiled. “No, I’m just really glad you’re moving to Ottawa and I think it’ll be great if you live here so we can hang out like we used to.”
Tal stared at his friend. Steve no longer wore glasses with the geeky rims like he had back then, having finally opted for contacts. He had a more up-to-date hairstyle, too, his sandy-blond hair cut short on the sides and the longer waves on top swept back from his face. And instead of jeans and a superhero T-shirt, he wore dress pants and a stylish light blue, striped shirt.
Yet somehow he still had that nerd vibe. Quiet and reserved. A little awkward around the ladies. Or as a lot of women would describe him: harmless.
Tal followed Steve into the elevator and Steve pushed the button for floor eighteen.
Steve pulled out his phone. “The super told me to text him when you arrive and he’ll meet us there.”
Tal nodded, then caught sight of the two of them in the mirrored walls of the elevator. To look at them, anyone would have thought he and Steve were total opposites; Tal with his huge frame, bulging muscles and heavily inked torso and arms.
Unlike Steve, Tal had barely changed since college. Not that there was much he could do to change the overall impression people got when they saw him. Big, tough, dangerous-looking. He had a huge frame, and the ink wasn’t going anywhere. Add in the several metal studs pierced through his left ear and the large spacer stretching his earlobe and he looked like a guy who didn’t care what anyone thought of him.
But he did care. At least, he cared that they believed he was the type of man who would hurt people.
Especially women. Some were attracted to the bad-boy persona, but his heart ached at the reaction many women had when looking at him. One of trepidation. And often downright fear.
Like Steve, Tal wanted so much to meet a nice woman and start a close, loving relationship.
And it hurt him that people judged him the way they did.
As Steve pushed his phone into his pocket again, Tal realized that deep down inside they were more alike than anyone would ever guess.
* * *
After seeing the apartment, Tal decided immediately to take it. Steve was right about the stunning view of the falls below, in the midst of a lush green park, and a beach off the residential area surrounding it.
After signing the lease, they went up to Steve’s apartment and Tal settled in. He’d taken the train from Toronto and was staying with Steve for a couple of days while he looked for an apartment, but now he could kick back and relax and spend some time with his friend.
They decided to go for a swim, so Tal pulled on his trunks, threw the beach towel Steve handed him over his arm and they headed for the elevator. Five minutes later, they stepped onto the concrete deck around the pool. There were floor to ceiling windows and a large sunny deck all the way around the outside.
“Sun or water?” Steve asked.
Tal answered by dropping his towel on one of the lounge chairs, then striding to the diving board and diving in. The water was a nice temperature. Warm but refreshing.
He swam a few laps, then tread water for a bit. He loved the feel of water around him. While Steve continued doing laps, Tal sat on the steps in the water, enjoying the sunlight streaming in through the glass and glittering on the surface of the pool. He was ready to go outside and enjoy some of that warm sunshine directly.
He glanced outside, enjoying the view of the greenery and flowers adorning the deck.
Then he caught sight of an even more incredible view. A woman, stretched out on her stomach on one of the deck chairs, her delectable, curvy body covered by a small bikini bottom and—God help him—a bikini top that was unfastened, showing her completely bare back.
Fuck, if she sat up right now…
His cock lurched to attention.
* * *
Sonny sighed, enjoying the heat of the sunshine on her back. Warm and relaxing. Soothing her tension.
Last night had been difficult for her. To others, it seemed like she easily walked away from any man, totally unaffected. But the truth was, her date with Bryan had been hard on her. As much as she would never consider going out with him, it wasn’t really because she didn’t want to. She just… couldn’t.
Deep down inside, though, she longed for a loving relationship with a man. To meet someone, go out on a date. To build a loving connection.
To be touched by a man.
Oh, God, she wanted that so much. But she was too afraid.
Anytime her natural urges bubbled to the surface, like they had last night with Bryan, it wasn’t long before she started having dreams. Those dreams started off sweet and loving, then turned hot and steamy, searing her senses. Inevitably, however, they turned dark and terrifying and she’d wake up shaking, her whole body sweating.
If only she could just have nice, steamy sex dreams that helped her relieve her ache.
Her skin prickled and a heated awareness washed through her body, but it wasn’t from thoughts of having a nice sexual fantasy.
Someone was watching her.
She suddenly became very conscious of her situation. Wearing just a bikini. Her top undone.
Alone on the roof of the building.
She drew in a deep breath.
It was the middle of a sunny summer afternoon on a Thursday. Usually no one came up to the pool this time of day. Anyone who wanted to enjoy the warm afternoon and go in the water normally went to the beach a few blocks away.
But someone was definitely watching her and it must be from inside, because she would have heard the sliding glass doors open.
She sucked in a breath of air, calming herself. It had taken her a long time to build up her courage to make these outings to the pool and she wasn’t going to let herself slide back to the blinding fear. There were security cameras on the deck and she was in view of one right now. She always let Leandra know when she was going to sun herself on the deck, just with a casual message, as part of letting her know how her day was going.
If anything happened, it would be on the security film. Not that she’d let it get that far if she could help it. She wasn’t powerless. She had pepper spray in her bag, her cell phone handy so she could quickly dial 911, and she’d taken self-defense classes.
She reached around and fastened her bikini top, then slowly sat up. Casually, she reached for her silky, black floral cover up and pulled it on, carefully not looking toward the windows. She wanted to be covered and feeling a little more settled when she faced the intruder.
Before she had a chance, though, the sliding doors opened. She glanced up to see a man step onto the deck.
She sighed in relief when she saw it was Steve from the tenth floor. They had mutual friends in the building and had gotten to know each other and become friends of sorts.
He was a really nice guy. And good looking, with his broad shoulders, well-defined torso, and dark blond hair swept back from his handsome face.
Steve glanced over his shoulder at the open door. It seemed he was waiting for someone to join him.
When his gaze swept outside again, he saw her for the first time.
His face beamed with his warm, friendly smile. “Hi, Sonny. Nice afternoon.”
“Yes, it is.”
She wouldn’t mind chatting with him. She’d found she was always pretty comfortable around Steve which was nice for a change, but she didn’t know how to give out an inviting vibe.
She pulled her bag closer, and routed through it, just for something to distract herself.
Then another man stepped outside.
She glanced up and her heart thumped to life.
The man was…breathtaking.
His body was big and powerful. His arms and chest bulged with muscles and he had tattoos covering his body. She couldn’t tell what they all were since they were so dense, but she did make out a thorny rose vine coiling along one arm and around his torso, tendrils even coiling up his neck.
His hair was dark brown, shaved close to his head, and his ear glinted with piercings.
He glanced at her and smiled. Immediately, she dropped her gaze to her bag and she started sorting through it again, as if looking for something.
They started to walk and she was afraid they’d come over, but instead they headed toward some chairs closer to the edge of the deck.
Oh, God, the man was so heart-stoppingly masculine. Her body tingled as her hormones sparked to life.
Which she didn’t understand. She should be afraid, but the sensation pulsing through her was pure, unadulterated lust.
Unnerved, she grabbed her book and suntan lotion and shoved them into her bag, then pushed her towel in, too. She slipped on her sandals and surged to her feet, then hurried to the door. As she slid it open, she glanced over her shoulder and saw that the big man was watching her, a frown on his face.
Did he think she was running away from him?
She didn’t want any man to think she was afraid of him—showing strength was important—but right now, the threat she faced was her own unbridled libido. She didn’t understand her reaction to him and that unsettled her so much she had to escape.
She closed the door behind her and hurried away.
* * *
Tal watched the woman practically run off, his stomach clenching. All he’d done was smile at her. He hadn’t said a word. Hadn’t made a move toward her. Yet she’d up and fled.
He would have liked to have talked to her. Gotten to know her a little. There was something about her.
She was a beautiful woman, with her long, blonde hair cascading in waves over her shoulders. A pretty face with kissable heart-shaped lips. And he’d caught more than a glimpse of her curvy body through the glass when she’d sat up to pull on her cover up.
But what attracted him was more than that.
There was an aura of vulnerability around her. And a sadness in her eyes.
He sensed a need in her to have someone or something more in her life.
Or maybe he was just reflecting his own feelings onto her.
It caused him real pain that she would take one look at him and run away, as if he were some kind of threat.
“She’s pretty, right?” Steve said.
“Yes, she is.” He glanced at his friend. “Are you interested in her?”
“Well, yeah, what man wouldn’t be? But I don’t think we’d work out. We’ve talked a few times—she’s friends with my friend Meghan—but we seem to be developing more of a casual rapport rather than a romantic relationship. If you want to pursue her, don’t worry about me.”
“I might if she didn’t seem so terrified of me.”
“Hey, if you’re interested, don’t give up on her too fast. I think she’s been through something. She has these haunted eyes, you know? But I’m sure she’s trying to work through it. She’d need someone who’s willing to be patient and slow.” He shrugged. “But I think she’d be worth it.”
Tal glanced at the door she’d escaped through.
“Yeah, I think maybe you’re right.”
* * *
Sonny closed the door to her apartment and leaned against it, drawing in deep breaths.
What was that?
Her heart was pounding and her body tingled. The man was so dangerous looking, yet he didn’t make her feel afraid.
And he was so intensely, gut-wrenchingly sexy. She was almost dizzy thinking about it.
She wandered into her bedroom and stripped off her cover up, letting the floral silk garment fall to the bed. As she started to unfasten her bathing suit top, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Suddenly, she imagined the big man standing behind her, unfastening the top for her. His fingers brushing lightly against her skin, sending tingles dancing down her spine.
She finished unhooking the garment, then drew it away, exposing her round breasts and taut nipples. They were hard and distended, and it wasn’t because she was cold. All she could think about was the stranger, standing behind her, his hands gliding around her body and cupping her breasts. They would be completely covered by his big hands. Her heart stammered as she thought of him stroking his fingertips over her hard buds, then teasing them lightly. They ached with the need for his touch.
Oh, God, what’s wrong with me?
She pushed down her bikini bottoms and when she stood up, froze, mesmerized by the sight of her body in the mirror, imagining him gazing at her naked flesh with heated masculine awareness.
Her heart pounded and her insides tightened.
What would it feel like to have him touch her? To feel him stroke her skin?
Shock pummeled her as she felt wetness pool between her legs.
She ran her hand down her stomach, then slid her fingers over her private folds.
Oh, God, she was drenched. She had a longing she didn’t know how to decipher. Could it be that…? The thought, barely formed, shook her.
Could it be that she longed to feel the big man slide inside her? His thick, hard cock invading her body?
Startled by the thought, she snatched her hand away and strode to the shower. She washed her hair and scrubbed every inch of her body thoroughly to get rid of the chlorine from the pool. But more, she wanted to wash away any residual evidence of her lust for the tattooed man.
After her shower, she threw herself into her work, intent on forgetting him.
But that proved an impossible task.
* * *
Sonny closed up her browser and pushed herself away from the computer, then went into the kitchen to make dinner. It was almost seven thirty, but she wasn’t getting much done on her new client’s website, so she might as well call it a day. Damn her libido, which seemed intent on scattering her thoughts with images of the tattooed man spiraling through her head.
She made herself some salmon and a salad, then sat down to eat. She put on a movie and tried to lose herself in the story, but her mind kept wandering.
She considered just climbing into bed and going to sleep, but she knew what would happen. She would have dreams of the man who’d been filling her with longing all afternoon, and they would start off wonderful and loving, then progress to delightful sexual encounters. But every time she had dreams like that, no matter how delightful they were when they started, everything spun out of control and whatever fantasy she was caught up in turned into a devastating nightmare.
All the worse because it had really happened.
She bit her lip. If she relieved the sexual tension before she slept, then she’d be able to stave off the dreams entirely.
And she knew exactly how to do that. She’d call on her special lover. The one who was always there for her whenever she needed him. The one she felt safe with.
The one who would never… could never… hurt her.
Her body ached at the thought.
She’d missed him. Why she stayed away she wasn’t really sure. It was like she felt guilty.
She walked into her bedroom and changed her shirt, then grabbed her tablet and earphones and went into the living room. She never did this in bed. Only on the couch.
She turned off the lights except for one lamp behind her which she dimmed to a very low level, then settled on the couch, pulling a fleecy blanket around her.
She opened the browser and pulled up the bookmarked audio. She’d found it on a website called Blissful Surrender one day, a site that specialized in erotic literature. She’d been surprised to find that there were audios as well as stories. When she’d stumbled across this one, she’d been totally blown away. The narrator had a few stories and one audio. Since she’d found it, she’d returned to it again and again.
She relaxed, stretching her legs out in front of her on the ottoman, and started it playing.
Hello, baby.
With the earphones on and the darkness around her, as soon as his rich, deep voice started, it felt like it was playing inside her head. Her insides quivered. The whole thing was so intimate and sexy.
I love the thought of you sitting on your couch waiting for me.
Ready for the pleasure I’m going to bring you.
I love imagining you with your legs stretched out in front of you, a soft blanket covering you.
Her toes wiggled and she stretched her legs a little more, anticipation tingling through her.
I love knowing I’m your dirty little secret.
Your sinful pleasure.
Oh, God, he was. This secret lover of hers.
I’ve been looking forward to this.
Looking forward to seeing you again. Touching you again.
The intimacy of his words sent heat washing through her. She sighed as she leaned her head back on the couch.
I want you to listen to my voice.
Imagine me in the chair across from you. Watching you.
Mmm. Just relax while I look at you.
Her insides quivered at the thought of him sitting there, watching her.
You’re so sexy.
My cock is hard just thinking of all the things I want to do to you.
The first time she’d listened to this, thinking of him there, talking about being turned on, had pushed all her buttons, but she knew he wasn’t really there, so it gave her enough distance to relax. To keep listening. And his patient and attentive words… the way he said he was excited by her… made her want him to be there. Made her want a man to desire her like that.
But first, I want you to be naked. I want you to uncover every inch of that beautiful body of yours.
She trembled. The thought of getting naked in front of any man still terrified her, but she’d listened to her secret lover so many times… been taken to ecstasy so many times by his voice… that she trusted him.
First, unbutton your top. You did remember to wear a shirt for me, didn’t you?
Yes, she had changed into a button down shirt. She did everything she could to make this as real as possible. She started unfastening the buttons. Goosebumps danced across her flesh.
Do it slowly. Think of me watching you. My cock getting harder as you release each button.
Oh, God, she could imagine her phantom lover, a shadowy shape sitting across from her in the dark, his erection spearing up from his jeans as he stroked it. Watching her. Her vagina clenched with need.
That’s right, now slip it off your shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Mmm.
She did as he said, feeling her skin quivering at the coolness of the air on her shoulders. She ached inside at his soft murmur of approval.
I know you’re covering yourself with the blanket, but I can see your bare shoulders. See the goose bumps shimmering across your skin.
Unfasten your bra now, baby. Toss it aside.
She reached behind her and unhooked the garment, then slipped it away and dropped it to the floor. Her nipples hardened in anticipation. She pulled the blanket tighter around her.
It’s okay if you want to stay hidden under your blanket.
For now.
But I want you to touch your nipples. Just stroke your fingers over them lightly. Teasing. Feel the surge of heat rushing straight to your pussy.
She touched her hard buds. Pleasure blossomed inside her. Just as he said, her vagina ached with need and she could feel it getting slick.
Mmm. I bet you’re getting nice and wet. I’m so hot just thinking about it.
Yeah. Now open the button of your jeans and slide the zipper down. Slowly. Mmm.
I can hear the soft raspy sound and it’s driving me wild. I wish I could see you.
She slid down the zipper, the sound seeming to fill the room.
Slide those jeans down and push them past your panties, which I hope are getting wet. Keep sliding them down your legs and let them drop to the floor.
Mmm. Nice. Now all you’re wearing are your panties…beneath that soft blanket that caresses your skin. Brushing against your sensitive nipples.
Her jeans fell to the floor as he talked. As she held the blanket close, she was very conscious of it against her nipples. They swelled, aching for his touch. She stroked them lightly, almost gasping at the contact.
As you’ve been undressing, I’ve been here in the chair slowly caressing my cock. Stroking my shaft as I watched you. Mmm. Getting more and more turned on.
He sighed.
I’m so hard, knowing you’re almost naked under that blanket. Mmm.
Oh, God, she wished she could see him. Sitting in front of her, stroking his cock. Watching her with appreciation in his deep, blue eyes.
I want you to use one hand to gently stroke your hard nipple… toying with it… making it harder… while you slowly drag your other hand down your ribs… past your hips…then over your panties.
She stroked one nipple, delightful sensations humming through her, as she ran her other hand down her body, over the warm, smooth skin, to her panties.
Mmm. I bet they’re soaking wet. Now stroke the fabric stretched over your pussy…lightly…Yeah, just like that.
As she ran her fingertips over the crotch, she sighed at the butterfly-soft sensation against her intimate place.
God, I’m so turned on thinking of how wet you are. Of how much I want to touch you there.
Now drag your finger along your wet panties. From your opening… slowly over the damp fabric… to your clit.
Her breath caught as her fingertip glided over her clit.
Oh, baby, I’m so fucking hard watching you. Mmm. Yeah.
An image flickered through her mind of her hot phantom lover with his cock in his hand… hard and long… as he stroked it in his big hand. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
While your other hand is stroking your nipple, I want you to lightly tease your clit through the fabric. Back and forth. That’s it. A little faster now. But keep it light.
She stroked her nipple faster, feeling it tighten even harder until it ached. She ran her fingertip over her clit. Stroking it. Light but fast, just as he instructed. Incredible delight fluttered through her.
“Ohhh,” she moaned softly.
Fuck, those soft moans of yours are driving me wild. My cock is throbbing in my hand.
She arched her hips up to her fingers, moaning softly at the pleasure vibrating from her aching bud.
Baby, I want you to take off your panties for me. Nice and slow.
She sucked in a calming breath as she did what he said.
God, I can see the blanket moving as you slide them down. Let me see them drop from under the blanket.
Oh, yeah.
His words were almost a groan.
Open your legs and touch those soaked folds of flesh. Oh, yeah.
She dropped her panties and opened her thighs. Her vagina clenched, aching with need.
Now stroke… just very lightly.
As soon as her fingers brushed over her intimate flesh, she began to tremble. A small moan escaped her throat. The folds were so slick and wet against her fingers.
Fuck. Does it feel good, baby? Touching yourself like that? God, I wish I could see it. Your fingers gliding over your slick flesh.
Pinch your nipple a little harder. Look at me in the chair as you stroke yourself. As you finger your clit.
Oh, God, it did feel good. She found herself nodding as she kept stroking the wetness. As she pinched her nipple, she imagined him sitting in the chair, staring at her with heat in his eyes.
Watch my hand glide up and down my swollen dick. So hard for you.
She saw his cock, thick and hard. Pulsing. His masculine hand traveling up, then down, stroking it over and over.
As I slowly pump my cock… gently squeezing the shaft as I glide to the swollen tip… then back down to the base… shivers race through my body. You can see the excitement in my eyes as I watch you.
Oh, yes. He wanted her. The thought sent shivers through her.
Now I want you to slowly lower the blanket. I want to see your beautiful, naked body.
She sucked in a deep breath and drew the blanket down slowly. As she revealed her breasts, she kept teasing her nipple, squeezing it between her fingertips.
That’s right, baby. Let me see those hard nipples of yours.
Oh, fuck yeah. That’s right. Tease them with your fingers. Pull on them and make them harder.
She brought her other hand to her second nipple and stroked it, then tugged it. Hard. Shards of pleasure spiked through her.
Oh, yeah. Oh fuck you’re turning me on so much. My cock is aching it’s so hard.
I’m stroking a little faster now. Rocking my hips in the chair.
She arched her hips, aching for him.
Play with those hard nipples now. Roll them between your fingertips.
She squeezed her hard buds, and rolled them, just like he instructed, moaning softly. Her insides were on fire.
Ohhh, fuck…. That’s so beautiful. I’m so fucking hard with need.
Now push the blanket the rest of the way off.
She shoved the blanket aside, letting it fall to the ground.
Oh, fuck, yeah, you’re so beautiful. My cock is throbbing at the sight of your naked body. Your breasts arching forward. The delicate lips of your pussy exposed.
Mmm. But I want to see more of your beautiful pussy. Open your legs for me. Dig your heels into the ottoman and spread your thighs wide. Fuck, yeah, that’s right.
She felt the leather of the ottoman against her feet as she opened for him. Her internal muscles quivered at the thought of him seeing her intimate flesh. She wanted him to see.
Mmm. I love the sight of that dripping pussy of yours. Keep stroking your nipples. Squeeze them for me.
She tightened her internal muscles again. Heat throbbed through her body. Her nipples were hard and tight, the aureoles pebbled.
Yes, just like that, baby. Ahh, I love your sweet little murmurs as you stroke those tight buds.
You like that, don’t you? Ah, fuck, baby, you are so sexy.
Mmm. So beautiful.
Ahh, my cock is incredibly hard. I need you so badly, baby. Mmm. I want to touch your breasts. Take your throbbing nipple in my mouth. Ah, yeah. So sweet.
At the thought of his hot mouth closing over her hard bud, she gasped, then moaned.
Fuck, the sound of your soft whimpers is driving me wild. My cock is aching for you.
What was that? You wish you could touch me?
He laughed softly.
Another time, sweetheart. I promise.
Oh, God, she did want to touch him. So badly. To feel his hard male flesh—throbbing and thick—in her hand.
He made that promise every time, building up a deep yearning inside her. To touch him. To stroke him.
But right now I’m squeezing my rock-hard cock harder… gliding up and down the throbbing shaft faster…
He groaned softly. Her breath caught at the sound. God, he was as turned on as she was. His cock was hard with desire as he thought about turning her on.
I’m pretending it’s you touching me. Stroking me.
Oh, God, yes. She imagined that, too. Her hand gliding up and down his cock. The hard flesh pulsing in her hand.
Mmm. Yeah. Faster. That’s right. It feels so good. Squeeze me tighter. Ahh.
He was speaking a little faster now, his voice more urgent. Her fingers teased her nipples faster, pleasure quivering through her. When she heard his groan, her whole body quaked.
Can you feel me throbbing in your hand?
She imagined it. His hard flesh in her tight grip. Pulsing in her hand like she had a direct hold on his heart.
Mmm. Yeah. Your fist is tight around my cock as you pump it faster.
Oh, that’s right. It feels so good.
He groaned, sending tingles through her. She cupped her breasts and squeezed, the nipples boring into her palms.
Do you like hearing me get off for you, baby?
Oh, God, yes, she did. She loved it.
Ohhh, fuck! Oh, yeah!
His voice rumbled through her, then he groaned.
She whimpered, her fingers squeezing her nipples hard, longing to hear his release. She desperately wanted to hear him experience that pleasure.
Fuck, I could come right now.
But then he took a deep breath and released it slowly.
When he spoke again, his velvety voice was slow and deliberate. Controlled.
But I need to slow it down now, baby. I’m too close… and there’s so much more I want to do to you.
He laughed softly, the incredible sound rumbling through her.
Fuck, I can’t take my eyes off your glistening pussy. I keep imagining my hard cock sliding into you.
She moaned at the thought. She could just imagine his hot, hard cockhead brushing against her. Slowly pushing inside.
He sucked in a deep breath.
I love your legs open for me like that. I love you letting me see your sweet pussy.
Mmm. Touch yourself there for me. Slide your fingers over your slippery folds.
She glided her hand down her stomach, then over the slick flesh.
Yeah. That’s right. Then dip inside your velvety opening. Just a little.
She pushed her fingertip inside. God, she was so wet. So desperately turned on.
Fuck, I love that you’re wet because of me. It’s hard not to get too turned on. Thinking of pressing my hard cock against your soft flesh…
She imagined his cockhead pressing against her, then easing into her opening.
Of thrusting inside you…
She gasped softly as she imagined his thick shaft thrusting deep inside.
He drew in a deep breath.
Mmm. I’d love to taste that pussy of yours. Run my tongue along your slick flesh.
“Ohhh, yes,” she whimpered, sweeping her fingertip over her folds as if it were his tongue.
I think you’d like that. I’d look up at your beautiful face as I use my fingers to open your folds and find your clit. Swollen and hard.
Then I’d lick it. Mmm. Imagine my breath on you. Brushing over your sensitive pussy.
“Ahhhh.” Pleasure rippled through her as she imagined his hot tongue gliding over her. His breath a light wisp against her quivering flesh.
Oh, baby, keep touching yourself there. I love to watch.
She stroked herself, trembling now.
Ah, fuck. I’m stroking my cock faster again. It’s so hard. So ready.
I really want to come for you. I want you to know how fucking turned on you make me.
Yeah, stroke yourself. Slide your fingertips over that clit. Tease it.
As she brushed her clit, a small gasp escaped her lips.
Mmm. Stroke it faster. Your fingers quivering over it.
Are you getting close, baby?
She quivered her fingertip over the throbbing bud.
“Oh, yeah,” she whimpered softly.
Do you feel that pleasure pulsing inside you?
Her head bobbed up and down.
Fuck, I am so fucking close I don’t know if I can hold back. Mmmm.
Baby, push your fingers inside that wet pussy for me. Keep stroking your clit with your other hand while you push those fingers deep.
She pushed her fingers inside her silky wet opening. The depth of need in his voice burrowed deep inside her, sending quivers of delight through her.
Fuck, I can just imagine how slick and warm it is inside. Silky. Ohhh.
Yeah, just like that, baby. Drive those fingers inside your pussy. Finger fuck yourself for me. I love that. I can barely hold back now.
She pumped her fingers inside, her pleasure rising, totally captivated by his needy words.
He groaned.
Fuck, baby. Fuck!
Ah, goddamn, I love the sounds you make. So feminine. So needy.
His voice quivered with urgency.
She whimpered, blissful sensations rising within her.
What’s that?
You want me to come for you?
“Oh, God, please,” she begged on a breathy whisper.
Whatever you want, baby. Anything to make you happy.
The sounds of his groans and sighs of pleasure almost drove her over the edge. But she held back. Wanting to come at just the right time.
Fuck, I’m so hard. So close. Because of you, baby.
Ohh… yeah, baby, I’m jacking off for you. Stroking my hard, aching cock. Wishing I was inside you right now.
She drove her fingers faster inside herself.
God, the thought of him inside her sent her flying to the edge. Hovering on the precipice.
Oh, yeah, baby. Stroke yourself, too. I want you to come with me.
Let me see those fingers moving on your sweet pussy.
Her fingers rippled over her sensitive flesh, then her fingertips vibrated on her clit. Pleasure coiled tightly inside her, ready to burst at any moment.
Are you close?
His soft moan vibrated through her.
I’m so close I… fuck… I’m going to… come… any… minute.
“Yes, so close,” she whispered, her voice hoarse with need.
Come for me, too, baby.
His soft groan drove her close to the edge.
Please.
Ohhh! Yeah! Yeah! I’m so close… Ahhh…
Intense need flooded through her at the knowledge he was going to come. Her fingers fluttered over her clit… pushing her pleasure higher and higher… She sucked in a breath, then joy blossomed inside her, expanding in waves of sheer bliss. She moaned her release.
Yeah, baby. Oh, that’s right. Come for me. I love hearing you moan. Knowing you’re coming because of me.
Fuck, I can’t hold it. Yeah. Oh, God.
His groans of pleasure drove her orgasm to incredible heights, her moans filling the room. She gasped and moaned again as his deep, rumbling moans filled her ears.
Finally, she slumped back on the couch, spent, the sound of his deep breathing washing over her.
He sighed deeply.
Fuck, baby, that was incredible. I love what you do to me.
Ah, baby, I can’t wait ‘til we’re together again. I’ll be looking forward to it.
Thank you, baby.
The echo of his last words swirled through her. It always amazed her that he thanked her after he’d given her so much.
But then, that’s why she loved this man. This phantom lover. He made her feel so… special.
Sonny lay there, sucking in deep breaths, wishing just like dozens of times before, that her secret lover was real and that she was lying in his arms right now. His strong embrace making her feel cherished.
But he was gone. Her phantom lover.
She sighed and pushed herself up, then gathered her clothes and headed to the bedroom.
Of course, it would be easier if she listened to the audio in bed. Then she could just let herself fall asleep still basking in the glow of her orgasm.
But she liked to stay as close to the word picture that he painted as possible. It made it feel more real to her. Like he really was sitting across from her. Watching her.
She pulled on her pajamas and climbed into bed.
As she stared into the darkness, she wondered what she’d do if she ever actually met the man. But she already knew the answer. She’d run away. As far and as fast as her legs would carry her.
It was one thing to listen to his velvety voice anonymously. To relax and allow him to take her to heaven while she sat alone on her couch. But to meet the man behind the voice…
That would be total disaster.
* * *
Tal sat back and took a sip of his beer.
“Want another slice?” Steve asked as he helped himself to another piece of pizza.
“Nope. I’m done. Thanks for the help moving in.”
“Yeah, of course.” Steve clinked his beer bottle against Tal’s. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Steve finished his pizza, then carried the box into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay and help you with the rest of the unpacking.”
“No problem,” Tal said. “You’ve done enough helping me move all the furniture and boxes.”
“And getting the bed set up so you can get a good night’s sleep. At least you can just collapse without worrying about it.”
Tal chuckled. “Yeah, if you hadn’t done that, I’d probably just crash right here on the couch.”
It had been a long day. Loading the truck in Toronto, making the five-hour drive to Ottawa, then unloading again.
“So I’m out tonight, but if you find you need a cup of milk or whatever,” Steve grinned, “you can always ask your new neighbor. Sonny, that woman you were taken with, lives next door in 1810.”
“Yes, you have mentioned that several times. I’m not going to go knocking on her door, after the way she ran off at the pool. I will take you up on your offer to introduce us, though.”
“No problem there. I’m hosting a party on Saturday to welcome you to the building and I’m going to invite Sonny and her friend Leandra. I’ll introduce you then.”
* * *
Sonny walked with Leandra to the fifteenth floor apartment and Sonny stared at the door, hearing the low level noise of voices and music inside.
“Don’t look so nervous,” Leandra said. “This is a party. It’ll be fun.”
Leandra knocked on the door.
That was easy for Leandra to say. She was comfortable around people.
Around men.
Sonny was the opposite. Being in a gathering of people, having to be on the whole time, made her nervous. And meeting men… talking to them… Her stomach tightened at the thought.
The door opened and the murmuring of sound from inside turned to a loud rumble.
Steve smiled at her. “Hey, Sonny. Nice to see you.” He turned to Leandra. “I’m glad you could make it, Leandra.”
“Yeah, thanks for inviting me,” Leandra said.
“Well, come on in,” he said. “Let me get you both a drink.
Sonny stepped inside the apartment with Leandra. There were lots of people standing around in small groups, drinks in their hand. The place was so full she couldn’t see past the people in the dining room as she followed Leandra and Steve into the kitchen. He offered them a selection of drinks.
“I’ll just have some punch,” Sonny said,
Ice cubes tinkled against the glass as Steve ladled the pink liquid into it. He handed it to her, then fixed a vodka and orange for Leandra. The smiles Steve and Leandra exchanged made Sonny think there might be a spark there.
Steve turned to Sonny. “I want you to meet someone. He’s a good friend of mine from Toronto but he’s just moved to town. I’m having this party so he can get to know some people, especially others in the building.”
“Okay,” she said, but he seemed to sense her nervousness.
“He’s a really nice guy. And he’s seen you around the building. He’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“Oh.” Sonny’s stomach tightened, but Leandra placed her hand on Sonny’s back and guided her forward to follow Steve.
Steve led her through the crowd. Several people from the building said hi as they walked past.
She followed Steve down the steps into the sunken living room.
Steve glanced around. “I don’t see him.” He turned to one of the other guests. “Hey, Jenn, have you seen Tal?”
“Oh, yeah,” the pretty brunette said with a smile. “I think he’s out on the balcony.”
Steve headed toward the door beside the big windows.
“I’m going to mingle,” Leandra said.
Sonny sent her a sharp glance. “But—”
“You’ll be fine,” Leandra murmured close to her ear. “And I’ll be right in here.”
Steve opened the door. The evening was a little cool, but not unpleasant. She sipped her punch, then stepped outside with him.
The balcony was large, just like hers, and he had several planters with flowers and a sitting area with several outdoor chairs and small wooden side tables to set drinks on.
“There you are, buddy,” Steve said.
Her chest tightened when she saw it was the tattooed man from the other day. Immediately, her pulse quickened and she drew in a deep breath.
Suddenly, the balcony felt too small. Filled up by this huge man with bulging muscles. His t-shirt strained across his chest and tattoos flowed from under the white fabric, down his arms and along his neck. The moonlight glinted off the metal of his earrings, and his short cropped hair and dense stubble made her itch to stroke her fingers along his cheek, then over his scalp.
God, he oozed masculine appeal.
As soon as he saw her, he smiled.
“Tal, this is Sonny,” Steve said.
Tal held out his hand, a warm smile curling his lips and she felt herself relax a little. His fingers curled around hers and she felt heat wash through her.
God, she never reacted to men this way. Where was the fear that usually heralded her first meeting with any man?
“It’s nice to meet you, Sonny.”
She froze. Every part of her turned to stone. Then she began to tremble.
That voice!
It was the voice of her phantom lover.