NeedMe

by Cari Quinn

  Chapter Eight

  Leigh’s mouth dropped open. “Umm, what?”

  “You heard me. Women. Have sex with one. Or more than one.” If Leigh had already experimented with girls, this conversation would validate her lifestyle choice. Perhaps Leigh was bi-curious. If so, Marcia would be helping her embrace her sexuality. “I experimented with women,” Marcia added, crossing her legs.

  “You did?”

  “In college. They helped me learn my own body. Another woman can show you exactly what feels good.” With effort she refrained from bringing up the title of Leigh’s book since she didn’t seem too eager to show it off. “Of course you can teach that to yourself but an extra couple of hands and a mouth never hurts.”

  “They don’t?”

  “Okay, enough with the parroting, kid. Men fumble about a lot. Women know how to get right to the goal. Have you explored yourself?”

  “Kinda.” If Leigh got any redder, passersby would start asking questions. “I’ve tried.”

  Marcia scooted closer. This was definitely a trial by fire for her in the advice business. “You’ve never masturbated?”

  Leigh shot away from her, pressing against the other side of the bench as if Marcia had developed a communicable disease. “I have but haven’t been successful.”

  “So you have problems with orgasm.” Marcia nodded. “That’s very common. A lot of women come easiest from oral sex, if they aren’t able to climax from their own fingers or with a toy. Have you tried oral?”

  “With who? I’m single.”

  Marcia frowned. “No possible friends with benefits?”

  Leigh shook her head.

  “Well, you could try to find one. Just someone you could be open with your body with. A casual thing’s fine. It doesn’t need to be anything heavy.”

  “You’re telling me I should have random sex? Before I’m in a relationship?”

  Marcia’s frown deepened. Wasn’t that how most people did it? She certainly had. Every time. “What do you want? Orgasms or lifetime fidelity?”

  “Can’t I have both?”

  “Not in this therapy session.”

  Glimpsing Leigh’s stricken expression, Marcia sighed. “All right, maybe I’m moving too fast. I’ve been having sex since I was twelve. I don’t really remember what it was like being pure.”

  “I didn’t say I was pure.”

  “Muddy then.” Marcia shook her head. “Look, Leigh, I’m almost forty. How old are you again?”

  “Twenty-three.”

  Twenty-three and couldn’t come. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, what she’d give for that girl’s body and here Leigh didn’t even know how to use it properly.

  Leigh inched a little closer on the bench. “You’ve really been doing it since you were twelve?”

  “Yep. Took a few years off when I became a born again virgin, and again during the dry period of my marriage. But even so, I used toys. A lot of toys. I pleasured myself often. Regular orgasms give you benefits way beyond just enjoyment. They benefit your skin, your overall health, your peace of mind.”

  Leigh pursed her lips. “You sound like an expert.”

  “At sex?” A grin exploded across her face. “Thank you so much!”

  “Well, not at chastity.”

  Marcia laughed. “Leigh, this new sense of humor of yours is very attractive.”

  “Thanks.” Leigh fiddled with her hair. Marcia knew she wanted to tuck it out of the way but she resisted. Probably to avoid a lecture. “Say I wanted to meet someone to connect with sexually. Where should I start?”

  “I usually hit the bars but you don’t seem like the bar type.” She also didn’t seem like the Kink type. “Hmm. I’m not really sure where people meet other people. How about at work? Anyone you like there?”

  “Other than Spencer, no. He’s gone now, but he was totally out of my league anyway.”

  “Because he was your boss?”

  “Well, yeah, but also because I’ve heard rumors that he’s dominant all the time. With women. Kelly’s such a control freak. How do you think that works, between them?”

  “I have no idea nor do I want to. Spence’s sexual practices equal no Marcia land, capiche?”

  Leigh surprised her by laughing. “Sorry. I keep forgetting who I’m talking to.”

  “That’s okay. But I’ll let you in on a secret. There’s nothing weak about a strong woman submitting to a man. You’d be surprised how powerful it makes you feel.”

  “Really? That doesn’t make sense.”

  “Give it a try. Test your boundaries. If you don’t like it, don’t do it again. Sex is like cotton candy. Some flavors are more tasty than others. If one kind doesn’t do it for you, try another one next time.”

  Leigh twisted her fingers together. “But I still have that problem of meeting someone. I’d prefer he be good in bed so I don’t have to spend forever vetting him.”

  “That is a time-consuming part of the process,” Marcia agreed, mulling over the possibilities.

  Her cell went off in her purse and she flipped it out to check the Caller ID. Adam. Her perennially single, oft-chased-by-the-fairer-sex younger brother.

  Galvins weren’t duds in the sack. It was almost a genetic mandate. Pains in the ass out of bed, sure. Craptastic lovers? Not bloody likely.

  Instead of answering the call, she let it go to voicemail and glanced at Leigh. Dual lights of hope and concern shone in her green eyes.

  “There is someone I could refer you to. He’d be happy to have sex with you. I’m reasonably certain you’re exactly his type.” Marcia’s gaze dropped to Leigh’s bountiful breasts. “Make that I’m sure you’re his type.”

  Leigh’s lower lip dropped to around her knees. “I don’t want a gigolo.”

  Marcia chuckled. “He doesn’t get paid for sex. And of course, whether or not you decide to have sex with him would be your choice. I just know he’s safe and most women consider him attractive. He’ll probably get you off. Though the details of that don’t need to be shared with me. Please.”

  “Who is this guy?” Leigh asked, her tone suspicious.

  A minor sticking point, since Leigh had previously called him annoying. But no matter. Marcia didn’t consider a man being annoying a deterrent to sleeping with him. One could only pick from the available pool of guys, right? “Adam.”

  “Adam who?” Then Leigh’s eyes bugged out. “Your brother?”

  “One and the same. He’s in town for a while. Knowing him he’ll be looking to score. You game?”

  “I can’t have sex with Spencer’s brother.”

  “Why not? Close your eyes and pretend if you have to. Women have been doing it since the beginning of time.”

  Leigh clapped a hand over her mouth. “I couldn’t.”

  “Sure you could. And he wouldn’t mind. It’s not like you’re going to fall in love and get married. Just enjoy a nice little fuckfest while he’s here from Florida then you both go your merry way. No harm, no foul. So what do you say? Should I call him and set up a date?”

  “I don’t know, Marcia. If it’s just dinner, I guess I can stand him that long. But I don’t know about doing it with him.”

  Marcia nodded somberly. If she knew Adam—and she did—Leigh’s panties would be swinging from the chandelier before dessert was served. “That’ll be up to you.”

  “You won’t tell him what I’m looking for?”

  “Sex? No. I’ll just say you’re getting back into the social scene. He’ll say yes. You’ll probably have to listen to an hour of football stats but that’s the price all women have to pay for orgasms.”

  Leigh nodded as if she already knew that little tidbit. “Okay. I’ll go. But tell him I don’t eat seafood. I don’t like Thai or Mexican either. Actually, anything too spicy is out. And he can pick me up here tonight. I’ll be working.”

  “I don’t know if he’ll be available—”

  “Eight would be good. No, eight thirty. If that won’t work, he can call me.”r />
  “So another night would be good for you too?”

  Leigh frowned. “What’s wrong with tonight?”

  Apparently it would be tonight whether Adam liked it or not. “I’m sure tonight will be fine. I’ll have him get in contact with you. What’s your number?”

  Leigh withdrew a pad from her purse and started to scribble. “Eight thirty,” she repeated. “Sharp.”

  “Gotcha.” Whether Adam and Leigh would both still be alive afterward was anyone’s guess, but her work here was done. She’d officially doled out sex-related advice, complete with arranging a possible booty call. If that didn’t help her earn her stripes in the guru business, she didn’t know what would.

  Leigh handed over the piece of paper. “Here. Tell him not to be late.”

  “Perfect.” Marcia grinned. “I’ll make the call right now.”

  * * * * *

  “You set up Leigh with Adam for sex?”

  Staring into the mirror, Marcia edged her eyebrow pencil along her lower lash line. “Saying it that way makes it sound so crude.” When she held out her hand, Tony gave her the small black case that held her eye shadow. “I suggested they get together for a possible meeting of the intimate minds.”

  Tony laughed. “Oh, I see. That sounds so much better.”

  “Doesn’t it? And I didn’t tell you about any of this.”

  “Of course not.”

  “As an advice guru, I really shouldn’t. There’s patient confidentiality and all that. Even if I’m not operating in a professional capacity, I need to exhibit ethics.”

  “They do come in handy.”

  Marcia smirked at him as she set aside her makeup tools. “Which do you think says sex club? Smoky gray or teal?”

  “What color’s teal? Sort of purply?” He looked over her shoulder at the array of eyeshadow colors, giving her a strong dose of amp 10 testosterone cologne.

  Her panties dampened at once. “Shit.” She grabbed hold of the counter with her free hand and shot him a grin. “Your cologne just gave me a mini-orgasm.”

  “Bend over that sink and I’ll give you a couple of mega ones.”

  “Nuh uh. You’re helping me pick out makeup so we can go fuck in public. We have an agenda.”

  “Such a bossy little thing,” he murmured against her neck, pinching her hip. “I still owe you a spanking for you thinking you can’t write.”

  “You hardly ever spank me.”

  He rubbed his hand in a wide circle on her butt. She currently wore a stretchy purple dress that drew ample attention to her curves. “I’d rather kiss your ass than strike it.”

  “Wise man.” She smiled and selected her smoky gray shadow. “Oh, and bring some condoms tonight, would you? I know they’re all over but just in case.”

  “We had condoms last night. Or you did. I just didn’t want to use one.”

  “Why?”

  “Feels better without.”

  “Well, duh. But things happen when people don’t use them.” Their gazes collided in the glass. “You know?”

  When he shrugged, she set her teeth. “Whatever happens, happens,” he said evenly. “It’s no big deal.”

  Clearly they weren’t on the same page. Or else his ten years younger was showing. “I’m referring to an unplanned pregnancy, just in case that wasn’t evident.”

  “I’m aware of how the process works.” His tone never rose. “Cale will always be wearing a condom though. That we’ll make sure of.”

  “We will?”

  “Sharing you only goes so far.” He brushed a kiss over her shoulder and a thrum of need shook her straight to her toes. “You don’t ever have to worry about me and the consequences, Marsh. You know that, right?”

  “Yeah.” She took a shaky breath. “But if we take care of protection, it won’t be an issue anyway.”

  Another jerk of his shoulder. “Your call. I’m gonna catch some TV. Let me know when you’re ready to go.”

  He left before she could respond.

  Throughout the ride to Cale’s place, their condom conversation dampened her mood. She didn’t understand how Tony could be so unconcerned about a possible pregnancy. They hadn’t discussed the chances they’d taken in the past, but now that they had, she felt even more confused.

  Did it just not matter to him if they had kids? Either way, cool beans?

  When Tony pulled into Cale’s parking lot and shut off the engine, she grabbed his wrist. “Hang on a sec.”

  His jaw tensed. “Hanging.”

  “Do you want me to get pregnant?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it.” He looked at her for a long moment then glanced away. “But if you did, it wouldn’t bother me. I want kids someday. You’re the one who’s against them.”

  “I’m not against kids.” Was she? Hell, lately she didn’t know what she was against. “I’m just not sure if I’m ready to—”

  “Grow up?” he asked, a smile tipping up one corner of his mouth. “It does have its downsides.”

  She reeled back as if he’d slapped her across the face. Censure from Tony was both rare and exceedingly painful. “You think I’m immature?”

  “No. I think you’re afraid. Which is fine. I have plenty of time to wait you out.” He leaned in and swept a kiss over her trembling mouth. “Bet Cale’s watching us from his window,” he added.

  “Let him.” The tremor that started in her lips had now traveled throughout her body. “I’m not immature. I just like having fun. And I’m not scared. Of what? If I want something, I go out and get it.”

  “What do you want most right now? Not tonight, I mean, but in general. When you see your life, where are you and what are you doing?”

  “Up until last year I saw myself in a bookstore. With you.”

  “And Cale?” She didn’t miss the edge in his voice.

  “No, just you. You’re the one who made me want to try the whole couple thing again.”

  He nodded. “Exactly why I’m not worried about protection. We’re in the same place. Whatever happens will just be one more step toward where we’re meant to be.”

  “But I’m not twenty-five and newly married. Everything in my life is so tenuous right now. Playing fast and loose like that is only being irresponsible. That’s immature.”

  “Way you see it,” he said easily. “Me? I see it as nature taking its course. And maybe giving us a shove along with it.”

  “Come on,” he said when she stared at him, dumbfounded. “Close your mouth and let’s go inside.”

  She still didn’t move.

  Tony tugged out his wallet, then held it open so she could see the foil packages inside. “Okay? Problem solved. I’m going in.”

  He got out of the car, leaving her alone with her thoughts. And her fears, just as he’d said.

  Dammit.

  Marcia took a deep breath and reached for the door handle. Though what she needed to face was a lot bigger than gearing up for her second threesome, she’d start there and take the rest as it came.

  Less than an hour later, she and Cale climbed the stairs to Kink’s upstairs lounge. Tony still wasn’t talking much and had decided to visit the bar before joining them.

  Not that she was concerned. It wasn’t a big deal that Tony wanted liquid reinforcements before having more threesome sex. Because everything was fine. Spanktacular.

  Worries? She had none.

  “You got a preference, Blondie?” Cale asked, shifting toward Marcia once they’d reached the top of the stairs.

  She reached up to toy with her earring. “Anal’s fine with me.”

  His laughter clued her in to her mistake. A rare blush crept onto her cheeks. Get your head in the game, Marsh.

  “Glad to know. I meant seating-wise.” He waved his hand at the half-occupied lounge. “Where would you like to sit?”

  “How about that couch over there?” She pointed and he nodded, dragging her with him into the center of the room.

  He sat down and spread his lo
ng legs, motioning for her to sit on his lap. Normally she would’ve given her newly enhanced shape a thought but right now she couldn’t be bothered.

  So she was a little worried. Just a smidge. Should she go talk to Tony alone? Maybe this second threesome was a huge mistake. She liked sex as much as the next chick but nothing was worth the possibility of losing Tony.

  Nothing.

  “He’ll be fine,” Cale murmured, caressing her thigh. “Whatever’s going on between you two tonight, you’ll work it out.”

  She craned her neck to stare into Cale’s entirely too perceptive gaze. “How do you know that?”

  “When it matters, you find a way to meet in the middle.”

  The tingle of nerves between her shoulder blades made her let out an awkward laugh. “Like you know anything about relationships.”

  “You might be surprised.” Though he waggled his brows, his intent expression never changed. “I know that it can be easier sometimes to look for distractions rather than face what you can’t control. Including yourself.”

  She forced out another laugh. “I’ve never been prone to wild emotions. Except desire,” she added, hating the constriction in Cale’s jaw almost as much as her growing sense of anxiety.

  This was supposed to be fun, dammit. Just a rockin’ good time had by all. So why couldn’t she forget the way Tony had looked at her earlier? As if he was disappointed.

  He’d expected more from her and she hadn’t delivered. Surprise, surprise.

  Cale brushed his thumb over her lower lip, shifting her so that her hip rode against his semihard cock. “As much as I want you, there’s something I want for you more. For you and Tony both.”

  “Oh yeah? What’s—” Her cell rang in her purse and she cursed, wishing she’d remembered to turn it off. Now she had to look. “Excuse me,” she muttered, jerking the phone to her ear.

  Before she’d even said hello, a hiss of air exploded over the line followed by a high-pitched whine. “How could you do this to me?”

  She covered her opposite ear to try to hear better. Though it was much quieter up here, there were still way too many people talking and laughing. And moaning. “Leigh?”

  “Who else?”

  Marcia frowned and checked the time. A quarter to ten. “What’s wrong? And how did you get my number?”