by King, Thayer
“Let’s see, I’m twenty-seven, so five years.”
Five years! “And you haven’t missed it? Craved it?”
“No.” She moved string beans around on her plate with the tines of her fork.
Keith was speechless. How could such a sensual creature not want to be loved, cherished, or fucked? “How many…lovers have you had?”
Her deep amber eyes narrowed. “I suppose I should let you get all these questions out, but I want you to know that that is not a question you ever ask a lady. And I will answer you, but after tonight, this is a dead subject. I’ve been with two men. I tolerated them when they wanted sex, but I don’t intend to ever get myself into that sort of relationship again, where I’m doing things that I’m not comfortable with merely to please someone else.”
He was hesitant to ask more questions, because he really didn’t want to picture her with other men. However, as this was his one opportunity, he continued. “Were your previous lovers inexperienced?”
“The first one was. The second one wasn’t. Believe me, I thought of that. It wasn’t them. It was me. I simply don’t care for the process. I don’t mind kissing, hugging, cuddling, but that’s as far as it’s going to go with me. Can you handle that?”
“I want to be with you,” he said slowly. He didn’t consider himself a prurient person, but he wasn’t a holy man. He didn’t want to lie to Imani, but he didn’t think that committing to a life of celibacy was possible for him. “What about children? Do you want them?”
“Yes. But that’s what in vitro fertilization is for.”
Keith shifted in his seat. “Are you interested in marriage?”
“Would you really want to marry me, knowing that we’d never have sex?”
“I’d be proud to call you mine.” He didn’t mention that he’d felt like she was his since the first second he’d seen her.
“You seem like a sweet guy, Keith, and I don’t want to hurt you. But if you think I’m going to change my mind or that if you propose it will make a difference, you’re wrong.”
He laughed. “You just called me sweet and insinuated that I’m manipulative in the same breath. Since ‘sweet’ isn’t an adjective a man aspires to, I’m not sure which is worse.”
She smiled. “Sweet is good. It’s gotten you this far, hasn’t it?” She stood and cleared their dishes. He followed her to the kitchen and helped her clean up. When they were done, she leaned back against the counter. “So, what have you decided? Do you want to keep seeing me?”
There was only one answer he could give. “Yes.”
Chapter Four
They strolled hand in hand down the cobblestone path. “This is beautiful, Keith.” Imani was impressed with his gardening skills. “You’ve put those books on botany to good use.” He had the healthiest plants blooming in his back yard. Solar lights lit their way as the sky darkened. His dog, aptly named Bear, followed them. The dog reminded her of a stuffed teddy. She’d petted him, but Keith had warned that Bear probably wouldn’t allow her to touch him when he wasn’t around. Bear didn’t bite but he was standoffish. It was the nature of the breed.
He shrugged. “It’s nothing.”
“You’re so modest,” she said and meant it. They’d discussed his books. Not once had he seemed arrogant about his achievements at a relatively young age. He’d just turned thirty. They made their way back to the porch and sat on the bench there. The night was cool and she didn’t object when Keith wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
This was their second date. She’d come over right after work. Keith had prepared grilled salmon for dinner before suggesting a walk outside. She took a deep breath, thinking she would smell the flowers. She didn’t. Her lungs filled with the clean scent of soap and Keith.
Imani stiffened and bit her lip. She couldn’t deny that she found Keith attractive, but it was a dangerous attraction. One slip and this could be over. Nothing would end their relationship faster than the mistake of taking things too far. She would hate it. Then she’d grow to hate him. And he would want to keep trying until she liked it, at least until he realized that would never happen. Then he would hate her and call her awful names. Like icy and frigid. She inched away from him.
Keith dropped his arm. “I’m sorry. I thought you said you were fine with cuddling.”
“Maybe it’s too early for cuddling.”
He studied her, his head tilted slightly to the side. Then he nodded. He took her hand in his again, enveloping her smaller hand in the solid warmth of his. The contrast of their skin tones, hers a rich brown and his, a golden tan, drew her gaze. “What made you decide to move to Montesano?”
He smiled. “I liked the views and the people.”
Something in his expression told her that he was talking about her. She couldn’t help but be flattered. “Your Web site still says you live in Seattle.”
“I haven’t gotten around to updating it.”
It began to rain. Bear, who was digging around the base of a plant, shook himself off and galloped up to the porch. “He’s going to make a mess inside your house,” Imani said just before Bear charged through his dog door. “This is why I have a cat. He doesn’t kill your flowers?”
“They survive.”
When the wind shifted and rain started to blow onto the porch, they went inside. Bear’s dirty tracks were clearly discernible on the light wood floors. They led directly to Bear himself, lounging on one of Keith’s cream-colored couches in the den. Rain and soil had mixed to make smudges of mud on the arms and seat. Imani’s mouth dropped open. And then she laughed. “I didn’t think he had that much dirt on him. Would you like some help cleaning up? If we attack the couch right now, we might stand a chance of saving it.”
“Thank you, but no. I’ve got this special cleaner that will take that right out.”
Imani eyed the stains doubtfully. “Don’t say I didn’t offer.” She shrugged. “I should go. Work in the morning.” They stood in awkward silence at the door. She stepped forward and gave him a quick hug. “Um, I guess I’ll call you.” He watched her as she walked out to her car. She waved at him before driving off.
It was one of those days that seemed to drag on forever. There wasn’t much foot traffic in the library. This was fortunate, as Imani was manning the library on her own. Steph had told her she wasn’t interested in work today as she was closing herself off in her office. Imani knew from experience that this meant she would spend the morning on the phone gabbing with friends while painting her nails.
She was pleasantly surprised to see Thea come in before lunch. Smiling, she asked, “Hey, girl. What brings you this way?”
“I’ve got a doctor’s appointment. I stopped by to see how your date went last night. I was going to call, but I fell asleep waiting for you to get home.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Something you want to tell me, you hussy?”
Imani laughed. “Yes. You’re going to bed too early. I was home by ten.”
“Oh. Well, what do you expect? I’m growing a baby here. I’m exhausted.”
“Is Dwayne going with you?”
“He’s meeting me at the doctor’s office. I’ll tell you about it later. Now, spill. How was your date?”
“Date?” Steph asked. “Imani, you’ve been on a date? With whom? You haven’t had a date since I met you.”
Imani turned with dismay to see Steph exciting her office, her nails a glossy fire red, the only color she ever used. Keith had offered to pick her up yesterday for their date, but she’d refused. She hadn’t wanted Steph to know that they were dating. Before she could come up with a plausible lie, Thea was answering for her. “She had a date with that hunky writer. You know, Keith Savage. Imani tells me he comes in here all the time.”
Steph stiffened. “Really?” She smiled, but the effort put a strain on her otherwise unyielding cheeks. Her eyes glittered with malice. “Why don’t you tell us about your date? What did the two of you do?”
“Um, not much. He fixed me dinner at his p
lace.”
“What’s his house like?” Thea asked. “He’s rich, right? It must be really ritzy.”
Imani shook her head as she recalled Keith’s home. It wasn’t much larger than her house. The décor was minimalist, with little adorning the walls and no knickknacks in sight. The few furnishings were quality, but there was nothing extravagant. His flower garden was a nice addition, but he’d done it himself instead of hiring a professional landscaper. It gave the garden a cozy, loved atmosphere. “It’s really modest. You’d never know he was rich.”
Steph smirked. “His place, huh?”
“What is that supposed to mean?
“I just find it odd…” She studied her nails and let her words trail off.
“How so?”
“Well, it was obvious whenever he was here that he was interested in me.” She shrugged.
“Are you implying that he’s using me in an attempt to get to you?”
Steph’s blue eyes widened but her ploy to appear innocent fell short. “Only if you allowed yourself to be used.”
Imani took a deep breath as she prepared to enlighten Steph, in no uncertain terms, of the facts as she saw them. Keith had never been interested in Steph. Before she could say something she would regret, Thea placed a soothing hand on her arm. Steph was her employer and she couldn’t afford to be a jobless librarian in this economy.
“I don’t want to see you get hurt, Imani, but think of all those times he came in here asking for my help when he’s clearly familiar with the workings of the Dewey Decimal System. Try not to get too wrapped up in him, because it won’t last. Take it from someone who knows.” She fluffed her mane of red hair. “I’m going out for lunch. I’ll be back in an hour.” She ducked into her office.
Imani rolled her eyes and waited for Steph to come back out. She didn’t have long to wait before the older woman returned, her large hobo bag flung over her shoulder. When she was gone, Thea groaned. “The imagination on that woman! She really believes every man wants her, doesn’t she?”
“A fair number do,” Imani admitted grudgingly. “She’s very attractive for forty-five and she’s not lacking in confidence.”
Thea shook her head. “I don’t see the allure. She could afford to tone down the perfume and the clown makeup.”
Imani laughed. Nothing about Steph would ever be described as subtle. She liked bright colors, red of course being her favorite. Every few years she purchased a new sports car. They were either bought red or painted so soon after. She was a big fan of heavy metal and had toured with some band in the eighties as a dancer. Steph hinted that they were famous, but she’d never say which band it was.
“Anyway, now that she’s gone, how was your date?”
“It was good. We had a nice quiet evening at his place.”
Thea wrinkled her nose. “Sounds like what my grandparents do. So did you give him some?”
Imani choked on her laughter. “It was only our second date. I’m more of a three-month kind of girl.” More like never, she amended silently.
“So nothing? Not even a kiss? Surely, you kissed him?”
Imani pursed her lips and began straightening up her area. “Nope. We’re taking it slow.”
“That’s cool. Boring, but responsible. So like you.”
“Are you calling me boring?”
“No, I’m calling you responsible. But sometimes, the two are difficult to differentiate.” She glanced down at her watch. “Gotta go, or I’ll be late for my appointment.”
It had been three days since she had given in to the temptation. It was better that way. The thrill, the rush was so much greater if she took time away from her habit. Imani rushed through her dinner while still simmering about Steph’s behavior today. After being gone for an hour and a half, she’d called the library to say that she wasn’t going to make it back. Then for some reason, there had been a sudden influx of patrons at fifteen minutes to closing. She’d felt guilty asking them to leave, but she had to close on her own. Even then, she was late closing as they’d wanted to check out books.
She washed and refilled Asha’s bowls and then replaced her kitty litter. Expecting no interruptions, she settled before her computer with a sigh.
It was a wicked addiction, and one not many understood. She propped Keith’s book on the keyboard open to the last page she’d read and then clicked on the icon that would open Sims 2. The book was for moments when her “Simmies” would not need her strict attention. She allowed them to have free will, which made keeping them in line more difficult. Yet it made them more life-like. Without free will, all they did was stand there, awaiting her orders.
Her Sims Olive and Gregory had just given birth to twins when her phone rang. She picked up her cell and answered while she contemplated names for the girls. Maybe Olivia and Georgina? She liked that and typed it in.
“Hello?”
“Hi, it’s Keith.”
“Oh, hi.” She had the proud new parents cuddle and feed their babies. Going into buy mode, she purchased top of the line cribs for the newborns and a changing table for each of them. Later, she would have to go into build mode and add on another bedroom and bathroom to keep the family of four happy.
“You sound distracted. Am I interrupting something?”
“Well, no.” She placed a book-mark in her book and paused her game. “I was playing Sims 2. I usually can play for about three to four hours nonstop.”
He chuckled. “Ah, you’re addicted. I used to be that way with Call of Duty. I had to go cold turkey or I was never going to meet my deadlines.”
“I’ve gotten better over the course of the years. I used to spend hours online downloading clothing for my Sims. Since Sims 3 came out though, the pickings are slim.”
“You really do have it bad.”
“Hey, I held out for three days. That’s a record for me.”
“I don’t want to keep you. I called to ask you out for Saturday. I thought maybe we could take Bear for a walk in the park and then grab some dinner out.”
She smiled. “That sounds good. What time should I be ready?”
“Is five okay? That should give us time for a walk and time to bring Bear back before heading out again.”
“Five it is.”
“Cool. See you then. Goodnight.”
Imani hung up. She smiled and turned her attention back to her game.
At midnight, she stood and stretched. There was still much to accomplish in her Sims’ lives, but it was time for bed. She brushed her teeth and thought back on her conversation with Keith. A third date in one week.
She really liked him. As she exited the bathroom, Asha ran past her and settled onto the pillow opposite her own. Before the night was over, Imani knew the cat would be curled around her head. It was a habit she’d been unable to break the feline of. “You’re lucky I love you,” she grumbled as she slid into bed. Asha licked her paws and ignored her comments.
An hour later, she woke abruptly, her heart pounding, her nipples tight, and her pussy flooded with cream. The dreams about Keith were unrelenting. She wished they would stop. It was so confusing, and scary. In the past, she’d had dreams that predicted the future. Sex wasn’t in the cards for her and Keith.
She didn’t want to go there with him. It would only ruin their relationship. Her previous lovers had convinced her of that. She’d broken up with her boyfriend in high school because she was sick of his constant groping. Whenever they did have sex, Andre could barely contain himself long enough to put on a condom. It was a wonder that she’d lost her virginity to him at all. One or two strokes and he was done. It didn’t matter how many times they did it. The result was always the same.
In college, she’d dated an older man thinking that if she picked someone with more experience that he would know how to please her better. Only he hadn’t been able to do it. He spent more time at it and conversely, she’d begun to wish it were over sooner. Colin, at thirty, seemed to know what he was doing. She simply wasn’t
able to derive any pleasure from it. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it was nothing she desired to do. He’d asked her to move in with him, but she couldn’t stand the thought of having to sleep with him more often. Her refusal had precipitated an argument that had led to the end of their relationship.
Her friends had expected her to be crushed. She had expected a bit of despair, too. But she hadn’t shed a tear or wasted a second regretting the break up. All she’d felt was relief. Relief at not having to pretend to like his kisses, his hands on her, or his thrusting. The man sweated more than any person she had ever known. It would rain down on her as he covered her. Imani shuddered at the memory. It quelled some of the heat of the passion evoked by her dreams of Keith.
It gave her enough self-control that she was able to climb out of bed and take a cold shower instead of burying her fingers in her panties and stroking herself while imagining that she was making love with Keith, which was her usual modus operandi. It was a habit she really needed to quit. Keith was desirable enough without her fantasizing about having sex with him.
Chapter Five
Imani studied the contents of her closet as she debated what to wear for her date with Keith. Definitely, comfortable shoes. She grabbed a black and pink pair of Nikes and continued to glare at her clothes. The stuff she wore to work was comfortable and it was what she’d worn on their previous dates. Imani nodded. It would do. She picked out a loose brown blouse and a pair of khaki pants and placed them on her bed.
The doorbell rang and she glanced at her watch. Keith wasn’t due to arrive for another hour. She opened the door to Thea. “Hey, come in. How are mommy and baby?”
Thea grinned. “I’m being pampered. Dwayne and I are about to head out to the movies. I thought I’d drop by to see if you want to come along.”
“I can’t. I agreed to go with Keith to the park to walk his dog.”
“Oooooh. Another date, so soon? Sounds like he really likes you.”
“Yeah…I guess so.” Instead of making her feel good, the idea that he liked her so much so soon had her worried. How long could it last? How long before he lost patience with her and wanted more? Imani crushed that line of thinking. It was only their third date. Keith had been a perfect gentleman and she’d been in his house, for goodness sake.
