“He’s not coming.”

Emily’s words have been swirling in my mind since last night. In her mind, the “puppy” we met at the harbor is too broken to consider even meeting with me. The baggage he’s got will hold him back. To be honest, I can’t blame her for calling him that. The poor guy looked like he had been through hell. Instead of making eye contact with me, he preferred to gaze upon the sea or the harbor lights. And that’s why I want him to come. No man has ever treated me like that. I’m not mad at him for ignoring me, but I believe I can dazzle him, just as I did with Michael.

Ah, Michael… The text I got from him yesterday morning effectively destroyed my mood, along with any plans of another, hot night with him. Our passionate encounter had left me craving for more, but his lame excuse made me roll my eyes.

“My buddy wants to go on a road trip to Chania. It’s about a hundred miles west. Sorry, I can’t make it today.”

Well, don’t let me hold you up. Go discover a new place. Go act like a boy. Isn’t that what most grown men do? Disregard everything to satisfy their whims, once they’ve taken what they wanted? Now, I regret coming on to him like that. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so forward. Still, I had my reasons for doing so. I have baggage as well, and because of that, I hadn’t been with a man in almost a year. This dry spell had been driving me crazy. It was one of the key factors that shaped my decision to go on a vacation in Europe and not the States. I meant to go wild, and I couldn’t do that in my own country. Okay, the odds of someone finding out were very small, but I didn’t want to take that chance.

I opt for a tight mini dress that accentuates my curves and matching heels. Pressed cleavage has helped me out in the past. I’m confident it will do it again. Impressing this handsome man is my number one priority. I have to deal with Emily’s mockery while I’m getting ready, but she is just being her usual, charming self. I’m not going to let anything she says discourage me from trying to look phenomenal.

Just after sundown, I’m strolling up the pavement that separates the harbor from the coastal road. Some cars are honking as they go by, sending my confidence sky-high. I can’t understand what the locals are saying, but it doesn’t matter. The cars horns’ honking, and the fact that the men are slowing down and talking to me, is enough. I smile to myself and keep my silence. I’m glad that I’ve drawn their attention, but there’s only one man I’m interested in tonight. With my gaze fixed on the Venetian castle, I strut past the iron gate outside the breakwater.

Please be here, mystery man. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but you shouldn’t live in the past.

With the wonderful scent of the sea storming into my nostrils, I’m heading closer to the bench where I left him last night. But, almost immediately I discover that I have made a mistake. The people that are passing me by are casually dressed. Most of them are in shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Some even stare at me, surprise written all over their faces.

God, I’ve been such an idiot. I’m in a clubbing outfit, and I don’t even know if the guy I’ve dressed up for will show up; bad mistake, Stacy.

I lengthen my strides and leave the castle behind me. I want to get this over with as fast as possible. Moments afterwards, I see a tall, athletic man, standing close to the edge of the breakwater, hands in his pockets as he gazes out over the sea. His short, light-brown hair and the same, sad look in his eyes leave me no doubt. He is here. A wave of relief washes over me as I halt near him.

“Hi there,” I murmur, struggling to hide my smile. “My friend didn’t think you’d make it.”

“I’m not here to talk about my past,” he states, stealing a glance down at me. “I don’t like to discuss the things I’ve done with strangers. No offense.”

“None taken,” I assure, shaking my head. “I’m Stacy, by the way.”

“Ray Carlton,” he introduces himself, turning to face me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” I utter, tipping my head down in a polite gesture. “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“Why did you come here?” I pose my question, looking deep up into his dark-green eyes. “You don’t want to talk about your past. I respect that, but…”

“I’m just looking for a distraction,” Ray interrupts, his baritone coming out slower. “Do you think you can help me with that?”

“I can try,” I reply, my lips curling into a polite smile. “I saw a club about half a mile west of here on my way over. What do you say?”

“After you,” he urges, gesturing forward.

“So…” I suck in a deep breath. “What do you do back home? I’m an interior designer.”

“I’m a realtor,” Ray croaks. “It’s not as lucrative as people think. It pays the bills, though, not to mention I get to meet new people almost every day.”

“I like that part about my job, too,” I confess. “But, it’s not always pleasant if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, I do,” he says, giving a quick chuckle. “I’ve been doing this job for more than ten years. Sometimes I wonder if people enjoy getting me to jump through hoops, or if they’re just idiots who like to waste my time. Three years ago, somebody wanted to buy a house up in North Haven, a fancy New York suburb. We agreed on the price and he even gave me an advance. Two days later, I drove him and his wife to the property. She loved it, but on our way out of the front yard, a neighbor told her not to buy it. There was a rumor about there being an Indian burial ground underneath it. I tried to explain to her that it was impossible, because Indian burial grounds were just too massive, but she freaked out. She suggested we dug up the front lawn. Of course, the owner said ‘no,’ and the deal went south.”

“Talk about stupid,” I giggle. “Well, I’ve had to deal with a few, weird clients, too. Once, this lady wanted to decorate her living room with Chinese porcelain. This type of porcelain is sold in sets and it’s pretty expensive. Anyway, I showed her a couple of brochures, but then, she wanted me to order three separate sets so she could try them out. I told her I couldn’t do that without billing her for all of them. She got mad at me for such a requirement…” I laugh as the horn of a boat rises above my voice. “I never saw her again.”

“Yeah, people tend to think everything’s easy when it comes to their own convenience,” Ray speaks, the rising nerve in his voice indicating that he likes our little conversation.

“Does Mr. Carlton know how to dance?” I wonder, my tone playful as I gaze up at him.

“Look at me,” he smiles, thrusting his arms out to the side. “Does this look like the body of someone who knows how to dance?”

No, it’s the body of an athletic stud, not a skinny dancer.

That’s what I wish to tell him, but I can’t. It’s not the public place we’re in that worries me. I can sense his vulnerability, and vulnerable people can be very unpredictable.

“Nope,” I chirp. “You’ve got nice, broad shoulders. You’re too masculine to be a dancer.”

“Thanks,” he nods as we walk past the gate of the breakwater. “I’m sure you’ve heard this a hundred times before, but you look fantastic.”

Does he like me? Check.

The main question has been answered, and I love that answer. It had been on my mind for almost a day, but now that we have established that, the pup and I can finally take this to a whole new level. As I cast him a warm glance, I discover that the sadness that drew me to him last night has disappeared. In its stead is a peace that makes my heart flutter. I already have an effect on him. It’s up to me to make that effect even bigger.

We turn right and onto the sidewalk, not speaking any further. Cars are going by, rolling past the large tavern on the right. A mix of scents flows into my nostrils: grilled meat, french fries, tomatoes and olive oil. Roaring laughter rises above the noise of the traffic.

“Man, look at that,” Ray utters, a happy smile bursting upon his lips, his gaze roaming across the tables. “That’s what I call ‘relaxation.’ I’d kill to have some of this atmosphere back home.”

“It’s a tourist resort,” I remind him. “Did you expect anything else?”

“No, but…” he pauses. “The locals’ attitude is pretty much the same, even when they’re swamped. I stopped by a bar last night. The place was packed out. The owner himself was the bartender. I talked to him for about ten minutes, asked him a few questions. He was polite; he kept smiling the whole time. I doubt I’d get the same treatment in New York.”

“Yeah, he’d probably say something like: ‘Are you going to order somethin’?” I tell him, tucking tendrils of my hair behind my ear.

“That sense of urgency is probably the only thing I don’t like about my city,” Ray admits, locking his gaze with mine. “I just hate seeing people running around like chickens with their heads cut off. You don’t get that around here.”

“You sound like you’re falling in love with this place,” I conclude, my tone playful.

“I don’t know, maybe I am,” his response comes fast, perhaps faster than I anticipated. After all, I had asked something personal, but he had no problem confessing it. “But I’m coming back here next year, that’s for sure.”

You are and you just don’t know it yet. You’re forward; I like that.

Just when I’ve finished my thought, the blue, neon sign on top of a building to the right grabs my attention. It reads “Ecstatico,” Waves are splashing onto the cliff it’s located on. Another building blocks my view, not allowing me to see anything more.

“Slow down,” Ray urges as I brush past him.

“Sorry, I’m just curious about that club,” I say, glancing up at him over my shoulder. A few steps later however, my curiosity turns into sheer disappointment. Traffic is at a standstill. There is a large queue of cars on the right side of the road, waiting to turn right and into the parking lot of the club. Things are not better in the front courtyard. The line of people is stretching out near the road, and more of them are coming from the opposite direction.

“Bummer,” I groan, pursing my lips. “It’s going to take hours to get in there.”

“Keep walking,” he encourages, leaving me looking at his back. “Just stay behind me this time, okay?”

“Ray, where are you going?” I wonder, shuffling off after him. He doesn’t dignify my question with an answer. Instead, he continues onward, puzzling me. I may like his laid back attitude, but if he dares suggest waiting in line, I’m going to have to say “no.” I never liked lines, no matter who I had as my company. I don’t like packed spaces, either. I need some room to dance around with him, and it does not look like we’re going to find it in there. Still, once I bypass the gathering crowd, I discover where he’s taking me. There’s a narrow, downhill alley, just past the club’s front patio.

“I guess these are the perks of being tall,” I tease, strolling alongside Ray.

“I’d understand if that came from someone short, but you can’t complain about that,” he declares. “You must be – what – 5’7”? 5’8”?”

“Five feet seven is a lot less than your 6’2”,” I say with a smile, settling my gaze on the thousands of flickering city lights on the coastline. A huge boat is making its way out of the harbor, its blue, red, and green lights taking my breath away. “So, what’s the plan? The view’s pretty amazing, but…”

“We’re going somewhere else later,” he interrupts. “There are decent clubs in and around the city. I just don’t want to go back right away,” he goes on, slowing his pace as we reach the end of the alley.

“You’re quite the romantic,” I point out, shifting my gaze back to him.

“Nah,” Ray disagrees, waving his hand in front of his face. “I made the mistake of parking my car almost a mile away, so, I’m a little tired,” He adds, leaning his back against the rocky wall. His words bring me a feeling of relief. I don’t want him to start rambling on about the beauty of the moon and the stars. An idea springs into my mind, the moment I notice a large, wide, and deep archway going into the wall just beside him. I throw a quick glance right and then up. The alley is empty, just like the ledge above us. Reaching forward, I curl my fingers around his wrist and pull as I trot off toward the archway.

“Stacy, what are you doing?” He asks as I spin around to face him.

“You wanted a distraction,” I utter, my voice lowering to a soft, sexy whisper. “Let me give you one.”

At that, I cup his face in both of my hands, and tilt my head up. My lips smash into his, the feel of his clean-shaven cheeks in my grasp sending waves of wetness slipping down my thighs. Stunned by my move, the poor guy doesn’t move a muscle. But, in a mere moment, he yanks me close, and then curls his arm around my waist. Using his weight, he pushes my body forward, until I feel the hard surface of the wall on my upper back. His fiery kiss sweeps me off my feet. I love the warm thickness that surrounds my mouth; yet, I don’t mean to stop. I want him: all of him. Not in a hotel room, but right here. I release his cheek, and choose to run my hand down his chest. Chiseled muscles flex beneath my hand. I squeeze hard, whimpering as I press myself into him.

“You must be crazy,” he grunts into my mouth as I grab and hold onto his balls through his pants.

“I want you,” I whisper, pulling his zipper down. I succeed in hooking my leg around his hip, his deep groan screaming to me that he has just agreed to play along. I don’t feel his strong fingers on my waist anymore. Instead, I feel them on my outer thigh, starting to make their way up. I undo the button of his boxers, dragging my nails down his cheek. Delicious hardness fills my hand, making my pussy throb with anticipation. The tip of his tongue brushes my teeth, just when his fingertips make contact with the lace of my thong. I put my leg down on the ground, running my hand down his shaft. Ray mumbles something inaudible, hooking his fingers around the waistband of my panties. He rolls them down my thighs as I pull down his foreskin. Free of my underwear, I move my hand back up. Pre-cum moistens my thumb when it brushes the head. He rocks his hips, enjoying the friction, but in a split second, his hands are under my thighs, pushing them upward. I can take a hint, and this is as clear as it gets. I curl my legs around his waist, tipping my head back, his inches rubbing against my stomach.

“You dirty little seductress,” he growls lowly into my mouth, his eyes burning into mine. “You like to fuck in public?”

“No,” I hiss, pulling his shirt out of his pants, my dress bunched around my waist. “I just want to fuck you in public.”

“You want to know what I thought when I saw you?” Ray whispers, kissing his way down the side of my neck.

“What was that?” I breathe, throwing my arms around his upper back.

“She’d feel great wrapped around my cock,” he says, reaching down to grab his shaft. “What did you think?”

“Me on all fours, with you pounding me hard from behind,” I reply, beginning to like his game. It’s definitely different from what I’ve been used to so far in my experience. My lovers haven’t liked to talk much, if they’ve talked at all. Ray strokes himself once, guiding his length to my entrance. I bite my lower lip, feeling his thick inches sliding into me. Leaning forward, I stare deep into his eyes as a long moan escapes me. But, he doesn’t let me take another breath. Reaching up, he puts his fingers over my mouth, and leans in.

“Careful,” he grunts. “I don’t want to become a spectacle, do you?”

I shake my head sideways in refusal.

“Good,” Ray whispers, his lips less than an inch away from mine. Dropping his hand, he locks them with mine, shoving his cock all the way in. He swallows my moan, rolling the strap of my dress down my arm. Starting to rock against me, he releases my breast from the cup of my bra. A good, firm squeeze adds to my arousal. He traps my nipple between his thumb and index finger, our tongues swirling against each other. “It’s so fucking soft,” He grunts, his other hand mapping out the skin of my thigh.

“Kiss it,” I command, my hair spilling all over his chest.

“Yeah,” He groans, bending his head towards my breast. Easing me away from the wall, he grips my thighs with both hands. I throw my head back, feeling his hot mouth on my flesh. He lays a passionate kiss on my nipple, his hands sliding down to my ass. Splaying his fingers over my cheeks, he takes my nipple into his mouth, forcing more and louder moans from me. I glide my hands up his back and stop them at his shoulders, wishing I had yanked his shirt off so that I could feel him better. Even so, I love being there with him, trapped in his embrace, subject to his whims. I am the one who lured him into that deep crevice, but now, he is controlling me. With each and every one of his thrusts, my head gently bumps against the wall. Clamping my legs around his waist, I open my eyes to slits. Everything around me has become a blur: his large figure; the reflection of the moonlight on the sea; and his short, brown hair; have merged into an image of ecstasy – the ecstasy he is offering me so freely. I can feel his fingertips digging into my flesh, half an inch away from my ass crack. Most of all, however, what really turns me on is the fear of getting caught. Just thinking about it turns my desire into a fire that consumes everything in its wake. It makes me want to devour him, have him pound me faster and harder than I have ever been pounded before.

“Harder!” I growl, tilting my head all the way back. At my command, he pumps away into me, running his tongue up my chest. I lean forward, eager to taste his scrumptious mouth. Once again, Ray finds my lips and growls into them as he pumps away into me.

“Come for me,” he urges, the sound of his body smashing up against me audible over the sound of the waves. I can’t utter another word. Cries of pleasure are falling from my lips, my dripping wet pussy clinging to his rock-hard shaft. Ray swallows more of my moans as a powerful orgasm sends every nerve in my body into overdrive. Pulling out, he continues to hold me tight, just before his juices spurt of out his cock. I collapse onto him, rewarding him with a kiss on the neck, just below his earlobe.

“Well…” I gasp out. “Was that enough to distract you?”

“Distract me?” Ray snorts in amusement, easing me down on trembling legs. “Girl, what the hell are you talking about? You just blew my mind.”

“Not yet, but that can be arranged,” I purr like a contented cat. A broad smile forms on his face. Just when he’s about to speak however, his phone buzzes with an incoming call.

“Hey, man,” Ray says on an exhale. I bend down to pick up my panties, maintaining eye contact with him. “What?” All of a sudden, his baritone turns into a high-pitched squeal. “Where’s the hospital? Right; I’ll use the navigator to find it. I’ll be right there.”

“What happened?” I ask him, my breath still a little quicker than usual.

“Sorry, Stacy,” he sighs, blinking slowly as he tucks his shirt back in his pants. “A friend of mine’s been in an accident. I’ve got to go. Thanks a lot for this.”

“Thank…” I don’t even have time to express my confusion. Ray turns around and strides out of the crevice and out of the alley without bothering to say “goodnight,” or anything. And, if that is not enough, I don’t have his number, and he doesn’t have mine. All I have from him is the feel of his arms around me, the taste of his demanding kiss, and the memory of the insanity that was just “us.” It’s by far the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my whole life.