by Jo Willow
It wasn’t that she liked him, she didn’t. She thought he was so far beneath her it would take a finishing school with infinite patience to bring him up to her level of acceptability on the boyfriend scale. When she examined the situation from every angle, she realized she didn’t like that he seemed to be in control.
He’d completely controlled her on Saturday evening and brought things out in her that amazed her. She’d always been a very physical woman, but she’d reached levels that still confounded her. He’d left without fanfare or apologies and never promised to call. Now she sat with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, wondering why in the hell he hadn’t.
Marla looked at the clock and saw a little after ten o’clock. He’d be at work and she had no legitimate reason to contact him. That didn’t stop the curiosity from driving her mad. She’d be able to tell by the tone of his voice if he’d planned on speaking to her again. She squared her shoulders and dialed his number.
Brian was sitting in the office of his construction trailer, pouring over the timeline and the list of things that still needed doing. When his cell phone rang, he looked at the caller I.D. and a sly grin stole across his face. He’d wondered how long it would take.
“Hi Marla. What’s up baby?”
Marla didn’t want to smile at the term of endearment, but she found herself doing it anyway.
“Are you busy?”
“I’m at work, but I’ve got a few minutes. What do you need sweetheart?”
He did it again. The endearment paired with “need” made her squirm and clear her throat. He smiled on the other end and waited.
“I was wondering if you were free for lunch.”
“I’ve got a business lunch today, but I’m free for dinner. Can it wait until tonight?”
Marla felt her pulse speed up and she wondered what in the hell was wrong with this picture. He was no Tanner and never would be. They had precious little in common and he had zero respect for her. This was doomed for failure and rightfully so. It didn’t change her course of action.
“Yes of course. Do you have a preference?”
“Meet me at Vic’s at seven. I’ll call and make the reservation. Marla, wear something short and wear heels. I like you in short skirts and heels.”
She ignored the obvious reference, even though she found herself grinning.
“I’ll see you at seven Brian. Enjoy your day.”
She hung up the phone and sat back in the chair. She was out of excuses to be in his company. He hadn’t given her a yes or no on fighting Beth for the children, but she was pretty sure it was dead in the water. He expressed no interest at all in his children. He had expressed interest in Beth and that annoyed her. She wondered if that interest was still as strong now that he’d spent a night with her.
Marla began to tell herself that their dinner date was a mission to disclose whether or not he might be interested in trying to come between Beth and Mitch. With that idea firmly fixed, she strategically decided on her outfit and sat down to do her nails.
Brian Stone looked at his watch. It was already a quarter to four and he still had to drive home, shower and change. He toyed with the idea of bringing a change of clothes for the morning, because her place was closer to the job site than his was. He knew how the evening was going to end and he assumed that’s why she called. Dinner was just a formality.
Their chemistry was hot and addictive and he liked that she wasn’t on the fast track to the altar. She’d reached for him as often as he’d reached for her Saturday night and they’d both faced Sunday exhausted and satisfied. He thought it was interesting that she couldn’t even hold out a week before calling him for an encore.
Brian’s shift foreman, Sam, sat in front of him. They were wrapping up the details of the plan for tomorrow, just as they did every afternoon from three to five. Brian wasn’t as focused as he usually was and he decided to call him on it. They’d been friends for a few years and trusted one another.
“Where’s your head at?”
Brian looked startled before he blushed.
“I’ve got a hot date tonight. I’m debating on whether or not to take clothes with me for tomorrow.”
“Is it that much of a foregone conclusion?”
“It is with this one. She’s beautiful, smart and grabby. She called me for the date. I haven’t talked to her since we hooked up Saturday night.”
“Is it serious?”
“Serious as in long term? Doubtful. She’s dated Tanners and artists. That’s her thing. She’s after money and notoriety.”
“You do alright on the money end of it. Does she have a clue?”
“I don’t think so and I want her to stay that way. She thinks I’m rough around the edges and a bit of a bad boy. I think that’s why she’s interested.”
“You? A bad boy? Why would she think that Brian?”
“Because I used to be exactly that when I was married. I was a beer guzzling serial cheater. I left Beth because she was pregnant.”
“That’s lousy. I can’t even come close to picturing you like that. Not even a little bit.”
“That’s because I wouldn’t do that now. I’m not that person. I went to see Beth to try and explain that to her, but she’d already landed the Tanner Marla’s after.”
“Is Marla the one you’re with now?”
“That’s her. Even walking back into Beth’s house made me slip back. It was odd. I thought I wanted her back until I saw the kids. Scott looks just like me and I have to admit I’m curious about him. I’d never met Patty and she looks like her mother. Tanner has his hooks in her pretty deep and I guess it’s just as well. Girls are different than boys. I just know I can’t go back or I’d end up hurting her again.”
“So start over with this Marla.”
“She’d be like trying to keep track of one grain of sand. I imagine we’ll keep doing what we’re doing until one of us calls it quits. She thinks she can wrap me around her finger and I let her think that. It’s fun.”
“You have to teach me your secrets sometime.”
“We’ll see. I gotta go for now though. I still have to shower, change, pack a bag and get back to Vic’s in Savannah by seven.”
“Take the Jag. It’s faster.”
“Believe it or not, I drive the truck.”
“The truck? Your work truck? Why in the hell wouldn’t you show off the Jag?”
“I’m biding my time. She’s tricky and I don’t want her to leak to Beth that I’ve got money. I also don’t want her interested in me strictly for my financial statement. I walk an interesting line.”
“You’re building a house of cards is what you’re doing. Good luck pal.”
Sam stood and picked up his hard hat. He waved over his shoulder as he left the office, headed for the parking lot.
Brian stood and looked out the window. He didn’t know when he’d ever be free to be himself, but he grew restless at the thought. He’d reveal a little more tonight, just like he’d revealed the wine connoisseur facet on Saturday. She’d been impressed, he’d seen it. Tonight, he’d dress for the occasion.
He left for his condo, a man with a plan. Vic’s was upscale seafood on the river, so he decided on the black Armani with a gray dress shirt and a black silk tie. He’d wear his onyx cufflinks and ring and the look would be complete. He’d discovered that the trick to Marla was keeping her off balance.
Brian thought about what Sam had said about the house of cards and then he thought about showing up in his pickup, wearing an Armani suit. He pulled into his driveway and took out his cell phone. He scrolled to her number and hit the button.
“Marla, it’s Brian. I’m picking you up at six-thirty, be ready.”
“I’d rather take my car Brian, but thank-you.”
“Not tonight you won’t. I’m not driving my truck, I’m driving my car. I’ll see you at six-thirty.”
“I’m not sure why it matters exactly.”
“It’ll be easier to drop my overnight b
ag at your place when I pick you up and we can avoid the whole, me following you back home.”
“You’re assuming an awful lot Brian. I told you Saturday that it was a one-off and it was. That won’t happen again.”
Brian chuckled and it went through her.
“That’s going to happen again and again and you know it. That’s why you called. You don’t give two flips about dinner and we have very little to talk about. You crave me like a drug and it confounds the hell out of you. Our bodies fit together like pieces of a puzzle and we’re both demanding in bed. We’re perfect together. Let’s get something to eat and drop the pretenses.”
“Is that all?”
“Like I said. I’ll be there at six-thirty, be ready.”
Brian hung up, tapped his phone twice against the steering wheel and hit the garage door opener. The Jag F-Type sat waiting. The beautiful gray metallic two-seater with it’s black leather interior had cost him half of what his condo cost, but he’d wanted one forever. He backed it out of the garage and pulled the truck in to take it’s place. He put the top down on the Jag and knew Marla would look stunning in it.
He showered methodically, then took time with his hair and cleaning his nails. He shaved for the second time that day and applied after shave. This date was different. The wine bar was a ruse. He’d worn jeans and a dress shirt to throw her off the scent. He couldn’t resist ordering the Barolo because he adored the wine and they’d listed it on the menu. He wasn’t ready for her to see the condo yet, but the Jag would keep her guessing.
The jet black Armani would look hot sliding out of the gray Jag and it made his eyes look electric. Everything tonight was calculated for effect. When he looked in the mirror, he saw the epitome of urbane sophistication. He’d rival any Tanner, any day, and it was time she understood that. He packed his overnight bag and hoped he wasn’t revealing too much too soon.
Marla was taking hot curlers from her her long dark hair. She ran her fingers through, electing to shun the brush. She went with her natural eye color and applied dark brown liner. A dab of blush and pale mauve lipstick finished her off. She dabbed on her “Jar” perfume and the light scent enveloped her. Brian didn’t stand a chance.
Her dress was silver with capped sleeves and a plunging neckline. The tight bodice ended at the waist and it flared at the hip but stayed close to the body. It ended three inches above her knee and moved seductively against her body when she walked. She wore Jimmy Choo heels in black with tiny black bows and peek-a-boo toes. Her lingerie was a black lace thong with a matching lace bra and her stockings were thigh high and trimmed in lace. She wore diamond stud earrings and a diamond tennis bracelet. Marla studied the effect and then glanced at the clock. It was six-fifteen.
She heard the purr of a loud, expensive engine in the driveway. She wondered who it was, but refrained from looking through the blinds. A solid knock on the door made her smooth her dress and hair before she opened it to greet the visitor.
Brian stood on her porch with a duffle bag in his hand. The duffle bag was the only thing that resembled the Brian that she was familiar with. The man holding it made her palms itch and her mouth water. Armani never looked so good.
He studied her and approved of everything from the curl in her hair to the bows on her toes. He suddenly wanted to see what underwear she was wearing. He walked in past her without being invited, and tossed his bag on the sofa. When he turned back to her, Marla’s hand was on the side of her throat and it drew his attention to the neckline of the dress.
“Give me a twirl baby. Let me see the rest of the dress.”
Marla twirled in a tight circle and the dress flared, revealing the tops of her stockings. She heard him growl seconds before she felt his hands slide around her waist.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for the kiss. They consumed one another for a few moments and his hands inched up her dress until he felt hot skin. He squeezed and kneaded and Marla made soft mewling noises, then began sucking his tongue. He pulled back and his hands went to her hips.
“You missed me didn’t you sweetheart?”
“It’s only been two days Brian, what’s to miss?”
He clamped one arm tightly around her waist and slid the other hand over her body, lingering over her breast and inside her thong. Her pupils dilated and she pushed against him. He watched her breathing speed up and he continued tormenting her; giving her what she craved, before he stopped.
Brian pulled her in close again and trailed his lips up her neck. When he whispered against her ear, she closed her eyes and leaned into him.
“You missed me and you couldn’t take it anymore. I missed you too. I’ll be spending every other night here for awhile Marla. I’ll expect dinner and sex. I’ll bring the wine. The first time you say no to either one, it’s over and I don’t come back. Do you understand?”
“I don’t recall inviting you and since when do you make the rules?”
He moved her hand to the front of his trousers and watched her blink rapidly. She’d forgotten the edge of pain and the feeling of being unable to take anymore. She squeezed him and watched as he felt the frustration he’d put her through only moments before.
She left the button done, but unzipped him and slipped her hand inside his fly to stroke and squeeze. She licked her lips and he grunted his approval. His reply was raspy but absolute.
“If you want it, you get it attached to my rules.”
He ran his thumb across her bottom lip and she flicked her tongue across the pad. He paused just long enough for her to slide her lips around it and pull it into her mouth. She moved her lips up and down his thumb and she felt him grow in her hand.
Just as he’d done to her, she stroked until his breathing sped up and the veins stood out on his neck. His eyes were closed and he was leaning into her hand, when she suddenly stopped and stepped away from him. His body screamed and his eyes flew open.
She was smiling smugly with her arms crossed under her breasts.
“Your rules Brian?”
Marla forgot who she was dealing with. Her sofa was on the right against the wall, facing the room. Her loveseat was in the middle of the floor facing the sofa, a coffee table between the two.
He grabbed her and turned her to face the back of the loveseat. She could feel his body pressed against her back and his breathing was still erratic. When she felt him raise her skirt, it dawned on her what was coming.
“Brian stop, we don’t have time. We’ll lose our reservation.”
“You started it and this won’t take long. Trust me.”
He pushed her forward at the waist until she was folded over the back of the loveseat, clutching at the cushions for balance. He pushed her thong aside and shoved himself inside her.
Marla gasped at the rough invasion and struggled to pull away from him enough to give her comfort. He stepped into her making tight circles with his hips, impaling himself deeper within her. She whimpered and tried to stand, he kept his hand firmly on her back. He withdrew slowly and felt her struggles ease. Then he shoved once more, hard and fast. She cried out so he did it again. And again. Each time, she clenched up tight, trying to fight the massive intruder that was stretching her almost beyond her limits.
“Brian, it’s too deep. Please ease up, I’m sorry I teased you. I’m sorry.”
Brian smiled and shoved in again, faster. He was so close, but he wanted her acquiescence first. He stayed tightly within her, reveling at the heat and the fit. Her body was made for him and he knew she felt the same way.
He bent his knees and pulled her body upright until he had her almost suspended in mid air, his arms around her waist. She was panting and every time she moved, he seemed to swell, causing her greater discomfort. Her head fell back against his shoulder.
He breathed against her ear and felt her shiver. He slipped one hand into the front of her thong and her moan made him twitch. He held her body in his strong arms, his hand busy and his body moving.
/> “My rules Marla, say it.”
“Your rules. Your rules, your way.”
“Tell me the rules. Now.”
“Dinner and me. All night, every other night. Please Brian, please.”
He started moving faster and she raised her hands up to his neck. She was his in that moment and her total surrender did him in.
His hand moved faster and he felt her start to shake as her grip tightened. He sank his teeth into her shoulder and shoved in deeper than he’d ever gone, pulling her tight and pushing her forward against the love seat. The abrupt jarring made her fall forward and her eyes flew open. He pushed past some sort of soft barrier that gripped him even tighter and he began to empty himself. He moved in millimeters, not wanted to break the seal of whatever had him in such a tight grip.
She felt his hips bouncing minutely against her backside and she was in a whole new world of hurt. If he was as far into her body as she believed him to be, permanent damage and or pregnancy could be realistic issues she’d find herself dealing with in short order.
She knew she had to approach him the right way or they’d never leave the house.
“Brian we really need to go now baby.”
His eyes were still closed and he was lost in the sensations of her gripping him and wringing him out. He kept moving against her, the friction stoking his lust and making him crazy. He put both hands on her hips and increased the speed, pulling almost all the way out, then pushing back in deeply.
She was still bent over the sofa, the position growing increasingly uncomfortable. When she realized he was going for another round, she grew frightened. Her body needed a rest and she needed to assess the damage. She had to get away temporarily.
