The Touch Series Box Set

by t. h. snyder

  “Your roommate is female?”

  That’s all she got out of what I just said to her, ugh. The expression on her face is difficult to read. I can’t tell if she is upset by this or surprised that I live with a girl.

  In a nervous gesture, I run my fingers through my hair and look back at her.

  “Yeah, I do. It’s a long story, but she is the sister of one of my best friends Riley. She is having some marital issues and he asked that she stay with me for awhile. I’ve got the extra room, so I figured why not.”

  Her features begin to change and her prior expression changes into a smile.

  “That is awfully sweet of you Derrick.” She says placing her hand on mine and giving it a gentle squeeze.

  I smile back at her and take my hand to pull out a few more things from my desk.

  “Well now that all that is settled, let’s get to work so there’s less to do later tonight.”

  She repositions herself on the chair and clears her throat.

  “Sounds like a plan to me.” She says with a wink.

  Trisha and I work side by side through the rest of day not even breaking for lunch. This is another huge case that involves a local school district and the busing company. Sometimes it amazes me the lengths people will do to save a buck. In my opinion, no dollar saved is worth the life of a student…or someone’s child.

  By the time six o’clock rolls around our stomachs are louder than our voices chatting amongst one another. A few times we look up and each other and laugh it off, but as of right now I think it’s time to close up here and take the rest home.

  “Are you about ready to get some dinner?” I ask.

  “Hell yes, I’m starving. I thought you’d never stop working here.” Trisha replies.

  “Once you get me going it’s hard to make me stop.” I say with a smile.

  I hear her mumble something under her breath, but it’s hard to make it out…I think she just said, wouldn’t I like to know. Damn is this girl flirting with me now? This should make for an interesting night at my place and even more awkward at work tomorrow. I can’t let that happen. I have worked too hard to get where I am in this firm to mess it up now. We need to keep our relationship strictly professional…no matter what.

  The two of us pack up the case documents and make our way out of the office and into the parking garage. Trisha says that she’ll follow close behind me and promises to keep up knowing very well that I’m a speed demon and a starving one at that.

  We reach my house in less than twenty minutes and Emma just about has dinner ready to go. I introduce the two ladies and they begin to chat about some of the upcoming events going on in Boston the next few weekends. While they are getting to know one another I run back out to my car and grab the two boxes of shit we’ll need to work with. Once back inside I set the stuff down in the living room and make my way upstairs to change into something more comfortable.

  When I come back down both ladies have a glass of wine in hand and a bottle of beer is waiting for me on the kitchen counter.

  “Dinner should be ready in five minutes.” Emma says.

  “Sweet, thanks.” I respond.

  “So Emma here just told me about the story of her brother and your best friend meeting. How crazy was that?”

  I laugh out loud remembering the first time they officially met in this very kitchen…Charlie was the mini-mart bitch and Riley was the loon.

  “Yeah they’re something else, but I can’t imagine anyone else with Charlie. Riley is perfect for her and he makes her happy. That’s all that really matters.” I tell her.

  Emma walks over to the stove, stirs up something in a pot and grabs down three bowls from the cabinet.

  “I made chicken chili for dinner, I hope you like things hot.”

  I look over to Trisha and she smiles as her cheeks turn a deep shade of red. How cute, she’s blushing.

  The rest of the night goes off with no further sexual comments and Emma and Trisha seems to be getting along well. So well before I know it the clock reads eleven o’clock and we didn’t even open the box of documents I drug home.

  Oh well at least it was a nice relaxing night in the house. Lucky for me I had the company of two beautiful women, sucks that neither of them is the one that still holds my heart.

  I flop down onto my soft black leather couch and let out a huge sigh. The past few weeks have been so tiring and I have to travel out of town in a couple days. I kick off my heels and lift my legs onto the couch.

  Ever since I did the Super Bowl, I’ve been working directly with the players and coaches at the games as opposed to in the studio with ESPN Live. I know that Trent is missing me and totally hates his new partner, but I still meet up with him every chance I get.

  Right now we’re in the midst of college basketball with March Madness and getting closer and closer to the Final Four. This is the first time in my career that I’ve been able to attend a college basketball game. I had no idea how intense these guys are about their sport this time of year.

  I’ve learned a lot in the past few months and excited about a new opportunity that is presenting itself to me. Luckily I’ve been a part of a major football event, basketball event and soon to be dabbling in a bit of my favorite sport, baseball.

  After the conversation with my bosses, Tom, Traci and Mark, I took them up on the offer to look into a potential full time position working for a team as a permanent analyst. I like the idea of being in the middle of the action, watching the players doing what they do best and to be honest I would love to be closer to home. I haven’t spoken a word to my parents or Char about this possible job offer yet. Having them know I could be working for the Red Sox and moving back home is just not something I’m ready to discuss.

  I’m anxious for the job, it’s something I would love to do, but at the same time I’m scared to death to live close to Derrick again. We haven’t spoken a word to one another since he left, yet I still think about him every day.

  I’ve been seeing more of Andrew the last few weeks, but nothing to concern myself with. I know he wants more, in more ways than one, but my heart still belongs to Derrick. I don’t know why…I wish I could change how I feel…I just feel like he’ll always be the one and I let him get away.

  Andrew has been so patient with me and little by little I know I’m letting down my wall. I just do my best to keep my distance from his roaming hands and his lips away from my ears. There have been moments where I wanted to strip him of his clothes and lick every inch of him. Especially when he looks at me with those bright green eyes and smiles; however I have the willpower of a mule and refuse to give in to my sexual need.

  He loves the idea that I may be moving back to the east coast. In fact he thinks it’s a sign that we’re meant to be together. I just laugh at his crazy thoughts and continue to tell him I’m not looking to get into any type of relationship…emotionally or sexually.

  My phone starts to ring and I pry my sleepy ass from the couch and head out to the kitchen. I see it’s Char and quickly hit the green accept button.

  “Hi Char!” I sing with excitement.

  I really do miss her, it’s been a few months since we’ve been together and I need some time with her.

  “Hey Chloe, how are you?” She asks.

  “I’m doing pretty good. How are you and Riley?” I ask.

  “Actually that is why I’m calling.” She says.

  “Why? What’s wrong? Are you two okay?” I start to ramble off in question mode worried that something has happened.

  “No silly, Riley and I are great. I just wanted to let you know some stuff that is going on here and it involves Riley’s sister Emma and Derrick.

  My heart starts beating out of my chest and I have to sit down. Emma and Derrick, what could she possibly mean?

  “Chloe, you still there?” She asks.

  “Umm, yeah I’m here. What’s going on with them? Are they dating?”

  Char starts to laugh on the other line. I
t gets to the point she is now laughing so hard that she puts the phone down and I hear it hit the table. What the fuck is going on?

  “Chloe, hey it’s Riley. What the hell did you do to make her laugh like that? I think she ran off to the bathroom before she pissed herself. Damn it woman.”

  “I have no clue. All I know is she wanted to tell me about Emma and Derrick. What’s going on Riley?” I ask getting more pissed off the longer I wait for someone to answer me.

  I know I have no right to get angry if Derrick is seeing someone else, but shit it hurts like hell.

  “Oh, is that it? Why the hell is she laughing like a fucking hyena?” He asks with a chuckle.

  “I don’t know. I asked her if they were seeing each other.”

  Riley starts to laugh as well, but not nearly as bad as Char

  “Sorry Chloe, but that’s some funny shit. Hell no they are not seeing each other, that’s my big sister were talking about. Plus that douche bag is still all hung up on you.”

  A smile spreads across my face and then I hear Char taking the phone back and yelling at him to shut his mouth.

  “Sorry about that. I just fell into a fit of laughter and couldn’t stop. That was pretty funny though. Now to clear things up, no Emma is not seeing Derrick…eww that is kind of gross. Besides she has enough shit on her plate to deal with. That being said there was some issues down in North Carolina with her husband and Riley asked her to come and stay up here. Since Derrick has the extra room we asked if she could stay there. I just wanted you to know.”

  “Oh, so she just moved in?” I ask.

  “Umm, well not exactly. She actually moved in a few weeks ago, like the beginning of February.”

  “WHAT!” I scream. “She moved in months ago and you’re just telling me now?”

  “Relax Chloe, she’s just living there. It’s not like they are screwing each other. Not like it’s any of your business.”

  I take in a deep breath and let it all out.

  “I know I have no right to be freaking out like I am but it really sucks that a part of my life no longer exists. It still bothers me that we’re not together. I’ve been doing really good about not mentioning him to anyone and trying to forget. It’s just really hard Char.”

  Tears start to flood my vision and I can barely see the wall in front of me. I miss him so damn much.

  “Well since you’re already upset and crying I think I should mention one more detail.”

  “Oh god, now what?” I say.

  “Please don’t yell or scream in my ear again. I know for a fact that Derrick hasn’t started a serious relationship with anyone since you broke up, but he has been spending a lot of time with the one junior partner from the firm. I know it’s mainly for case purposes, but I thought you should know.”

  My throat has completely closed up at this point and I can’t even utter a sound. I hit the end button on my phone and quick type a text to Char so she doesn’t go into panic mode and fly out here.

  Chloe – Sorry, I’m fine…just can’t talk right now. I need some time to digest the fact that maybe he is moving on without me.

  I toss the phone onto the couch and run into the bathroom. Spilling out my guts I cry into my toilet. This can’t be happening. I thought he was my forever. This is all my fault and I’ll never find my way back to him…no matter if I’m here in LA or back in Boston.

  Fuck my life.

  “I think we should celebrate!” Trisha shouts down the hallway as I come out of my office.

  “Oh yeah, why is that?” I ask walking toward her.

  “Well only because we have won the past five cases we worked on together.” She says with a wink.

  “Okay then. I completely agree with your point. What do you have in mind?” I ask wanting her to decide what we do.

  The past few weeks we’ve been working together here at the firm or at my house after hours. Together we’re a hard core team that seems to be quite invincible, but honestly that’s all it is for me. I can tell her feelings are getting more intense and at times things may have gotten a little heated for us. I also know that there’s no way I want to jeopardize my position at this firm for one night of sex.

  “Why don’t you come to my place tonight? You and Emma have been such great hosts to me over the past few weeks. I think it’s only fair that I repay the favor.” Trisha inches her body closer to where I stand so that she can reach out and touch my tie. She runs the fine silk through her fingers tips and with her closeness I can smell her perfume. Trisha is an exceptionally attractive woman, but I have to draw the line with her advances.

  “Look I would like to celebrate our winning streak with you, but going back to your place isn’t such a good idea.” I try to tell her taking her hand from my tie and placing it back to her side.

  “Come on Derrick. I promise I’ll behave and we can make dinner together. No inappropriate actions on my part, I swear.” She says as she makes a cross against her right breast.

  She watches me as she trails her finger over her body and I have to blink ten times to regain my train of thought. I’m horny as hell and in need of a good fuck, but not with her.

  “Fine. As long as you keep your hands to yourself.”

  She holds up her pinky and moves it closer to me. “Pinky swear.” She says.

  I accept the gesture knowing very well she is standing in front of me with her ankles crossed. I laugh at her deceit and figure what the hell. Damn this woman is sly.

  “Let me go get my things and I’ll meet you back out here in a few minutes.”

  Walking toward my office, I shake my head at her actions. There’s no doubt in my mind that she is willing to take this relationship to a sexual level.

  The image I now have in my mind is making it difficult to walk and I need to shut my door to adjust myself in my pants. My body is starving for the attention of a woman, but my heart is screaming at me to stop. I don’t know how long I can let this go on. I think about Chloe every day. There are so many times I want to pick up the phone and call her, tell her I love her and beg her to quit her career and come back to me. But I know none of that will ever happen. Maybe I need to move on…has she?

  This whole situation sucks. Part of me wants to wait forever for the one girl I love and can never have again and the rest of me wants to fuck my partner into next year. I look out the window at my view from my office. Everything I have worked so hard for up to this point has been to make me and Chloe happy. Now that she’s gone I’m miserable. I know I’ll never get her back because she is not coming back here to live.

  Does that mean that I need to cut the apron strings and bite the bullet with Trisha? Damn it to hell, I say fuck it I’ll see what happens. I’m a man in need of a good lay and I have a woman right here that is willing to give me just that.

  That’s it decision made. I’m throwing all discretions out the window and letting this night take me where I should go…here’s to a night of celebration.

  I pick up my stuff from my desk, shove it into my briefcase and walk out of my office closing the door behind me.

  Trisha is standing by the elevators waiting for me with a grin on her face.

  “Ready to go?” I ask.

  “I was born ready to go.” She replies and gives me a wink.

  Damn it, I’m in for trouble tonight.

  I follow Trisha to her house going through all the reasons why I shouldn’t sleep with her and why I should. As a guy I feel like handing in my man card because as much as I need this as a release I also have two things that matter more than that…my job and my love.

  We turn into a gated community and I see that she is telling the guy at the booth to allow me through as well. Driving past I give him a nod and follow her Mercedes around a bend and into a covered garage.

  This place looks nice and it’s not that far from the city.

  I take in a deep breath and tell myself I can do this, even though I have no clue what I’m about to do. Trisha walks over to the door
of my BMW and I get out following her to her condo.

  Her place is nice, from what I can see. She keeps things neat and in order which is just how I am too.

  For dinner we decide to grill out some chicken and vegetables. While I get the grill and food ready, Trisha pours herself a glass of wine and opens me a beer. Once again we work in sync with one another and barely have to utter a word.

  A few times I can feel her hand graze my arm, my back and even at one point I could swear her hand was on my ass. With all of her touching I don’t feel a spark, not a bolt of electricity or a hint of warmth when our bodies are close.

  The weather is perfect outside so we choose to eat dinner out on her deck. After we’re finished we decide to clean up and have another drink inside.

  Trisha excuses herself for a minute and I take a seat on her white leather couch, beer in hand. Closing my eyes I play back my thoughts from earlier today. The need I have to be with a woman again, the love I have in my heart for a girl I’ll never give it to and the concern that when I’m with Trisha I don’t feel the vibe I always did with Chloe.

  I hear her coming back out to the living room and feel the dip of the couch as she sits next to me. I open my eyes and see her sitting next to me holding her glass of wine.

  “You look beat.” She says in a soft voice.

  “To tell you the truth I am. The past few weeks…no really months have been draining. I need a vacation from life for a bit.”

  “Well I can’t help you with a real vacation, but I can help you relax.” She purrs.

  I scoot myself back into the couch to a taller seated position and she brings herself into my lap. Watching my reaction she brings her hands up to cup my face and slowly kisses my lips. My heart is pounding, my palms are sweating and the bulge in my pants is growing.

  There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m attracted to this girl. I deepen the kiss and pull her face closer to mine. She lets out a moan and grinds down on my growing erection. I can feel her hot pussy through my dress pants and I want so badly to flip her on her back and fuck her senseless.