Night Owl (The Complete Serial)

by M. C. Cerny

  I pull her chin close to mine and kiss her lips, lingering to lick them before whispering in her ear, “Babe, I’d be careful, the last time you looked at me like that, I ripped those leggings off and sank myself deep inside your sweet pussy. Now tell me, yes or no, so I can take you home and celebrate.”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Perfect.” This time standing up, I pull her off the bench, throwing out our trash and half dragging her to the car… so I can rip off her clothes and celebrate properly in a very private way. The first part of my plan is finally set in motion.

  V

  Wicked Games

  The tangled webs we weave…

  These wicked games we play…

  35

  Casey

  “Mmm… what is that delicious smell?” Rolling over in bed, I paw through down pillows and a fluffy comforter. I watch James break apart a cinnamon chip scone from the bakery we frequent down the street. The hot pink box from Pauline’s Praline House is out of my reach. He continues to tease me as I’m straining to grab his arm. Waving it up in the air the cinnamon sugary smell in the bedroom permeates the space before he pops a bite in his mouth.

  Greedy bastard.

  The one I love more than bakery treats if possible.

  Part of me wants to jump his ass and eat the whole thing, but patience tells me I will get something better if I wait. After all, I had been waiting on tender hooks the last six weeks to start working again now that the doctor gave me the clearance on my voice. So far, the only work out James approves is the one between the sheets, and I can live with that for maybe another week at most. Sex is never boring with James but I crave adult conversation and something to look at besides the walls of this penthouse. This is the longest I’ve taken off of work, and the boredom is stretching my sanity thin.

  “Well this one is mine, but I might just happen to have a second one with your name on it.” I knew he was saving one for me, especially if he knows what’s good for him. James Austin is a good man, but he’s a better man when he ponies up the sweet pastries.

  Purring, I wiggle closer to James and let the sheet slip from my shoulder to uncover a naked breast as he’s putting another mouthful of the buttery sugary scone between his lips. His eyes open wide and dilate as I arch my back playfully swinging my hair from my shoulders. “I’m really in the mood for something sweet, perhaps after my shower.” Getting up from the bed, I let the rest of the sheets fall giving my hips a little sashay toward the bathroom, my only cover, a thong panty and my long hair.

  It’s an exercise in temptation and the workout is my patience. I don’t have long to wait before James joins me in the bathroom closing the door behind him with a soft click. The sound sends shivers down my spine.

  “Sweet, did you say?” He makes me laugh standing behind me as I move to step into the glass shower. “I was hoping for something a little dirty.” His body grazes mine and I can feel the heat radiating off his skin. He’s hotter than the water and leaves me breathless.

  “Mmm hmm.” Mumbling I manage to fix the water. James traces a path from the center of my back down each of my vertebrae. He stops at the top of my ass cupping both cheeks in his calloused palms squeezing them hard, branding me with fingerprints. I love when James borders on being rough with me as if he’s overcome with a wanting that he can’t help himself. I love that I have that effect on him. A moan escapes from between my lips and all the fantasies I want to act out with him become a slow torturous reality.

  Nuzzling my neck with his nose, he kisses me under my ear grazing the lobe with his sharp teeth. “You need a pair of earrings for these gorgeous ears.” If I don’t stop James, an entire jewelry store will find its way to this apartment before noon. I don’t know if it’s guilt he feels or something else, but it feels impossible trying to convince him that all I need, all I will ever want is him.

  Giggling, “No I don’t need expensive earrings, I just need you.” His lips smile against my neck and he crowds me into the corner of the steaming shower, water pulsing down on us. His hand reaches around me resting on my soft middle, the tips of his fingers playing around my belly button. I feel shy in that moment, not a hundred percent confident in my body which he keeps stroking in slow methodical pets. He seems to get off on my imperfections, my curves and bumps; letting decades of low self-esteem evaporate under his touch.

  “How did I ever get so lucky?” Rubbing my neck, damp kisses smack against my skin in the tender spot he fixates on. I let my body issues go for the moment. If James doesn’t mind my body, I shouldn’t either though convincing me is sometimes hard to do.

  “Just give me that scone later, I don’t need much.”

  “No? Just a little sugar and some love?” His fingers dip down parting my legs to press easily against my slippery wet core.

  “Sugar is the only sparkle I need.” My legs wobble almost giving out from his slow strokes.

  His mouth hovers in the space of my collarbone hot and heady. “But it’s not everything I want to give you.”

  “You give me everything and more.” Shuddering, James uses his fingers to circle my clit and a flash of heat fevers through my body hungrily following a wetness that has nothing to do with the shower or my mouth watering for bakery treats.

  “I want all of you.” James plays his fingers in the front, while his hand on my ass methodically squeezes, palming the curvy flesh suggesting a venture to new territory, at least for me. A finger runs between my ass from behind and I step back to get closer to him. Part me wants to dissuade him, conflicted I might want this. He makes me desire everything he’s wickedly offering and more, maybe a chance at happiness too.

  “You have me.” The words come out on a panting exhale and I lean back into him wondering how I got so lucky with James.

  “Do I?” He pushes forward and his cock rises hard and long between our bodies resting at the apex of my spine. If I had a tattoo, his cock would have kissed my tramp stamp. A finger plays around the tight bud, both of us eager though I’m tentative with each initial stroke where he puts more pressure against my knot. He kisses my shoulder, and I know unfailingly that this man is everything to me. I would give him everything and more.

  “Yes, James.” He probes again gently, the round head of his shaft pushes against me, almost fighting to break in. I’m unsure of how this will feel, some things I’ve kept sacred, but James keeps up his loving assault kissing the skin at my neck with sharp bites, and licks. My mind bends around the idea from the onslaught of desire heating me up and loosening my inhibitions.

  Behind me, his chest heaving and his hand in the front comes back around to grasp my hip directing me where to go. “Lean forward a bit.” James moves behind me and I let my cheek rest against the tiles of the shower, cool even with the hot water. Ever so gently, he positions my complacent limbs where he wants me not stopping his encouraging touches or tender caresses. I push my ass out toward him waiting for the slight burn that rings my star as he uses his finger first to ease inside. He pushes past the first knuckle teasing me. He adds a second finger opening me up.

  I’m biting my lip now because the pain is unlike anything I’ve felt before. It’s exquisite and yet not pain at all, merely a constant pressure of the pleasure in store for us both mixed with the taboo. I picture roses at first bud, tightly furled petals until the spring makes them burst open into wide fragrant blooms. His arms circle me and his hands seem to be everywhere at once working his fingers in and out from behind while slowly adding my desire from his fingers in the front playing my clit like a slow violin. The water cascades over us as James finally eases the head of his cock inside my tight star. Both hands grip my hips with bruising precision keeping me steady. My hips will bear his mark and I feel giddy from the rush of endorphins coursing through my veins.

  “My girl likes it doesn’t she?” His teeth bite my shoulder marking me. Shallow thrusts follow a burning stretch the first few pumps and I reach for the wall to balance my shaking legs.


  I rest my forehead against cool tiles and hot sprays of water fill my open panting mouth letting James pound harder because it feels too good to slow down. “I love it. Don’t hold back.” Part of me needs this, to feel less than fragile after the last few weeks.

  “Casey, oh sweet fuck!” James is grunting with each thrust. I can barely hear him over my own moans of pleasure.

  “Deeper, go deeper.” Reassuring him gets me more of what I want and I lean into the shower tiles cold against my breasts.

  “Touch yourself Casey.” I steady myself and use one hand to squeeze my breast, rubbing the nipple before heading south and between my lips, slick with dew and soap. The burn follows the sweet pinch I give my clit making the tightly sprung coil threaten to unravel within.

  He holds my hips steady for one last pump before spilling inside me. Both of us, hearts pounding take a minute to collect ourselves and James’ cock gives a final pulse before he gently pulls out of me.

  “Holy shit, James.” I slowly straighten up standing as he holds me in the shower, both of us out of breath and red cheeked in the haze of the steamy bathroom. Turning, my hand grazes the glass shower door pulling the condensation down making the outside room visible to us. This space has become our little haven. In here we are protected and safe from the crap that wants to separate us outside the apartment.

  “Amazing.” Laughing, we both turn to wash each other, our strokes tender and lost in the moment of lustful abandon. James eases his hands between my legs and I try swatting him away because it’s sensitive far too much for him to keep pleasuring me.

  “Mine,” he growls. Ignoring me, he takes his time with swirling strokes building the heat and before I know it I want him all over again with a fevered need.

  “We’re going to prune in here.” Turning, I bite his neck in a sucking kiss to match the love bites he has given me only to have James resume his attention to my body.

  “That’s why I have the biggest water heater in this building.” Sometimes, I swear his ego is entirely too much.

  I reach my hand back to run it through his hair and tug him closer. “That’s not environmentally friendly.”

  “I’m not concerned with the planet, just my girl.” He jokes.

  “Spoken like a true CEO, one who will make a large donation to Green Peace.” I say cupping his sac in a firm grip.

  “God, I love you so fucking much.” Trailing hands down my body I shudder in his embrace arms holding me. Against my ear the whispered words are nearly drowned by the pulsating water. My heart feels stretched and full, and I know I feel the same love for him.

  Finally the words leave my lips, “I love you more.” My words leave his smile pressed against my cheek as I view us in the bathroom mirror through foggy shower doors. Hands touch me flipping the switch again. Kissing me, we turn toward each other and fuck against the wall slipping and grasping for each other overcome with reciprocation.

  “Ready, babe?” James winks at me as we sit in the car. My nerves are rattled, I’m not sure I’m ready for anything, but as they say, the show must go on. Entering the office building from the lower parking garage we are buffered from the crazy photographers and security guys walking the deck. It’s only private because James has made sure to block them out. The newspapers have been hounding him since the incident on air. He’s kind of a big deal, and I’m a bit of scandal. I didn’t grasp how much he was Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelor until now. Yes, I knew he owned a large company that netted millions, I just wasn’t aware of all the details of that part involved. I wasn’t interested in James for his money. If anything I tried to not be with him, but the heart wants what it wants.

  Now that our cat is out of the bag, the paper headlines haven’t exactly been kind wondering who I am. I don’t have a scandalous past; just family I’m not overly close with. Nobody will make anything off my story as there isn’t an interesting one to tell. No past boyfriends who care to share details and no close girlfriends with secrets from the high school hallways. I led a perfectly average life struggling paycheck to paycheck until James waltzed in.

  However, all kinds of names and innuendoes within legal parameters have been printed. They have been saying that James is slumming it with me, his ex-employee and radio DJ. The story is a goldmine of gossip for these journalists who have more time on their hands than should be respectable. It’s been a social media nightmare I have tried to avoid. On the occasions they follow us outside, we answer with a teamwork response of “no comment”. James threatens to sick his team of lawyers on them, but I find the idea too exhausting and beg him to let it go.

  We haven’t had a break since I started staying at his apartment. James doesn’t want me to see what my old place looks like since the fire and I agree, for now. Everything I own has been brought to the apartment, there wasn’t much left that was salvageable, but at some point I will need to face reality and the phone calls from my renter’s insurance.

  Stepping inside the elevator for a station meeting, I’m going back on air with an established morning show who needs a new current events anchor. It’s ironic they want to call it Casey’s Newsflash, but work is work and this job is a big change having me waking early and napping late in the day. I almost feel like a superhero with this new identity.

  I’m fidgeting inside the elevator riding up to the offices when James backs me against the wall.

  “You look worried, why do you look worried, Casey?” His fingers rub the crease in my brow and I grab his hand to kiss his fingertips. “I told you to not worry.”

  “I am worried. I should be worried.” Intense anxiety fills me. This whole thing has the potential to blow up in my face. Second guessing, I shouldn’t be here and the anticipation that things will get worse makes my stomach churn more painfully. Reaching for my purse, I look for something to suck on to get the taste of bile from my mouth.

  James grabs my hands pulling them out of my oversized bag. “What are you looking for?”

  “Something to suck on. I can’t stand this taste in my mouth.” He stops me and I turn my head up into his smirking gaze. I shake my head letting my lips crinkle in a forced smile. “Stop it, James.” He’s thinking something sexual. It’s written on his face plain as day.

  He reaches into his pocket and takes out a strawberry candy handing it to me. I turn it over examining my favorite hard candy in the red and green wrapper.

  “Go on.” He urges me with a smile. “I’ve got a whole bag up in my office for you.”

  I unwrap it, the sound of crinkles filling the space and pop it into my mouth. “Thank you.” I say between sucks of sweet melting candy in my mouth calming me.

  “Hey, you’re going to be great and the team already loves you.” I believe him, I don’t have a reason not to, but I can’t help the uncertainty. James is nudging me as the elevator makes its ascent.

  Agreeing, I know he’s right. I can do this. We can do it together. The doors open and air sucks out of the room leaving us in a silent vacuum. Familiar faces stare back and I acknowledge them moving on autopilot with James’ hand on the small of my back propelling me forward into the meeting room. Starting over happens now, ready or not.

  “Casey!” Tucker jumps ahead of everyone to give me a hug. “It’s so awesome to have you back.”

  “It’s good to be back.”

  “Thanks to you, I got a promotion too.” Tucker winks and I look back at James wearing a sly grin, hands in his pockets, and shrugging like he had no part of this. I’ll thank him later, much later.

  Interrupting my reunion with Tucker, the door opens and a man wearing a bright turquoise dress shirt and shocking white blonde hair steps out. Tucker passes me off and the familiar face I can’t place immediately pulls me into a quick embrace before pulling back to look me over. “So this is the darling Night Owl causing a ruckus?”

  He shakes my hand chuckling as he introduces himself. “I’m Benny Masterson on the morning show. Welcome to the team.” He’s cheeky, his sexua
l preference is obvious in the way he looks over James winking and giving me nod. He isn’t rude but I know he’s appreciating my boyfriend the same way I do and it makes me laugh breaking the tension I felt before walking in here.

  Reeling from the warmth in the room which is unexpected I breathe in and out, James’ hand rubbing my back and propelling me forward into the meeting room. My stunt, as the legal team refers to the incident on air has caused people to lose their jobs and the company to pay substantial fines to the FCC.

  “Natalie.” She nods and tells me she is the gossip girl, Natalie Chu. I recognize her from the billboard on Interstate 95. She is as rail thin on the advertisement as she is in person. All smiles, she tweaks her short black pixie cut hair linking her arm with Benny. They look unified as the welcoming committee and I’m hopeful this will all work out.

  Another addition to the meeting, a stiff man with buzz cut short hair and smelling like an Armani advertisement invites us to sit down. He introduces himself as George Lake, the other morning producer and we join him to discuss how my addition will transition the morning show.

  The meeting goes well and we plan out my introduction and how the show is organized. My self-confidence has been my biggest hurdle, but James might actually be right about things working out after all.

  36

  James

  The conference room buzzes with energy matching the buzzing phone firing in my pocket. I slip it out and look over the screen, Eli is telling me to call him back. Dread fills me contemplating what he might have information wise.