The One Real Regret

by Janet Nissenson

  Shoshana had stared at her as though she’d suddenly sprouted a horn in the middle of her forehead. “Are you insane? Why in hell would you even ask a question like that, Jill? I mean, have you gotten a good look at that gorgeous specimen of prime manhood sitting in our living room at this very moment? I swear if you don’t go back with him, and spend every possible minute you can with that - that freaking Greek god, then I think maybe you are going a little nuts.”

  Jill had chewed her bottom lip uncertainly. “I mean, I know I can trust him. And he’s the farthest thing from a creep or a pervert that I could imagine, so I know he’s not just in this for, well, the sex. And you’re right - look at him. He’s so handsome and smart and sophisticated that he could get any woman he wanted. I mean, I still have zero idea why he’s interested in me, and I know this is all just very temporary while he’s in Seattle, but - but you were right the other day, Sho. It’s way past time for me to really rebel and grow up. And there’s no way I would have ever met anyone better than Max to, um, pop my cherry.”

  Shoshana had laughed in delight, and given her a fierce hug. “No kidding! As for why Mr. Dark and Dreamy is interested in you - come on, Jill. You might still give off that sweet little Southern girl image at times, but you’re every bit as gorgeous as he is - in a feminine way, of course - and just as sexy. The two of you together are like - wow! And the way he looks at you, girl - like he’s counting down the minutes until he can get you back into bed. Lucky doesn’t begin to describe what your life is like right now.”

  Jill had hugged her friend back. “You have no idea, Sho. You should see the suite he’s staying in! I feel like a rock star or royalty. And to think he wants me to stay there with him for the rest of his assignment.”

  “And how much longer is that going to be exactly?”

  “I’m not sure,” Jill had hedged. “At least two more weeks, though. I told you and Casey a month ago what a mess I thought things were with the company’s finances, so if Max finds that it’s an even bigger problem he might have to lengthen his stay. But I’m guessing it will be about two weeks until he can wrap everything up.”

  Shoshana had nudged her slyly in the ribs. “Well, you can learn a whole lot in two weeks, sweetie. And that man sure looks like he’s ready, willing, and eager to teach you everything he knows about sex. You sure you don’t want to pack a few handfuls of condoms with your stuff? God knows I haven’t needed to hand out any of them lately, given the duds I’ve been dating.”

  “Thanks, but no. Um, I think Max stocked up on supplies yesterday. Besides, how weird would it be for me to just hand over a bunch of little packets to him? Now, you’re really, really sure you and Casey will be okay if I ditch you guys for a couple of weeks?” Jill had asked worriedly.

  Shoshana had given her a look of disbelief. “Are you really hesitating about going off on the sexual adventure of your life because you think Case and I are going to be lonely? Yes, Mom, we will be just fine without you. Jealous as hell, of course, because you’re off having amazing sex every night in a luxury hotel suite with a hot older man with tons of money, but happy for you just the same. And don’t even mention Tam, okay? I swear the only time we know if she’s dead or alive is when we hear the toilet flush every couple of hours. Otherwise, she’s either at school or holed up in her room studying and trying not to have a nervous breakdown in the process. So you finish packing up everything you need, head back to the love nest with your gorgeous guy, and fuck the hell out of him for as long as it lasts. Promise?”

  Jill had nodded obediently. “Promise. Thanks for being so supportive, Sho. You and Casey both.”

  Shoshana’s dark eyes had gleamed mischievously. “Though I’ll warn you now, sweetie. Once Prince Charming has left town and you’re back here with us, you’re going to tell us everything we want to know. Lots and lots of details, so start taking notes, will you?”

  Jill had only laughed in response, but had already known that there was only so much she would ever consent to tell her friends about Max. Whatever happened between them was private, intimate, and not something she intended to gossip about with her roommates, no matter how close she might be to them. Especially since she strongly suspected she’d already fallen head over heels in love with a man who didn’t do relationships.

  She chuckled as she finished putting away the groceries, recalling the look of relief on Max’s face when she had walked back into the living room with her bags and rescued him from Casey’s steady barrage of questions. It was the first time since she’d met him that Max had actually looked uncomfortable, and she could only imagine the sort of nosy, very personal things Casey must have been asking him.

  But Max had merely bid both of her roommates a polite good-bye, and assured them that Jill would be very well taken care of. And if both Casey and Shoshana had snickered suggestively at this last comment, Max had been too mannerly to respond.

  She still had over an hour until she had to be at work so she changed clothes and heated up a bowl of soup for her lunch, even though she wasn’t especially hungry. Max had woken her early this morning, urging her to accompany him to the hotel’s fitness center even though she had begged for another hour’s sleep. He had put himself through a grueling routine of lifting weights, doing pull-ups and sit-ups, and running sprints on the treadmill in between sets, while she had sleepily and reluctantly used the Stairmaster and elliptical trainer, grumbling under her breath the entire time.

  But he’d made the early wake-up call worth her while during their shower back at the suite, kissing and caressing her wet, naked body, and using those very skilled fingers of his to make her come. But when she had breathlessly offered to return the favor, asking him once again to teach her how to please him, he had gently refused.

  “Trust me, sweet, we’ll need a whole lot more time than what we have right now for me to teach you properly,” he’d murmured. “Because I already know that once I feel that pretty mouth of yours on my cock for the first time, I’m going to want to keep it there for a good long while.”

  Jill had quivered in response at his words, the imagery it had evoked arousing her all over again. But she already knew Max well enough to realize that once he’d made his mind up about something he was far too stubborn and set in his ways to change, so she had given up the argument for the moment and joined him for breakfast.

  He had also insisted that she eat what he termed a proper breakfast every morning, and not settle for a packaged protein bar that reminded him of chocolate flavored cardboard. The Belgian waffle and fruit she had consumed earlier today was the reason she wasn’t all that hungry at the moment. Plus, she reasoned, she wanted to make sure she saved plenty of room for the special dinner she was going to prepare tonight.

  She hadn’t told Max about her plans, wanting it to be a surprise. After all, he’d been so good to her these past few days, so generous, that this was the only way she could think of to pay him back just a little. In addition to paying for all of their meals, whether it was eating out or ordering room service, he had also bought her what he termed “just a few small trinkets”. But Jill was well aware of the expensive tastes he had, and knew that the little gifts he had purchased had all been very pricey.

  She had adamantly refused to let him take her shopping, insisting that she really didn’t need any clothes and could afford to buy whatever she needed. But that hadn’t stopped Max from selecting a skimpy blue and white floral bikini, a sumptuous kimono robe of mint green silk, a pair of trendy athletic shoes (since hers were admittedly on the well-worn side), a gorgeous silk scarf, and a bra and thong set of blush pink lace that was so scantily cut Jill’s cheeks had flushed the same color as the very sexy lingerie when she’d tried it on.

  And even though she had set her foot down after each and every little gift he’d presented her with, Max had cheerfully ignored her and merely continued to buy whatever caught his fancy. She knew it was probably no use arguing with him, given how stubborn and ra
ther domineering he often was, particularly since giving her these things seemed to afford him a great deal of pleasure. Knowing his admitted avoidance of relationships, Jill had to wonder if this was really the first time in his life he’d bought things for one of the women he had dated.

  “Is that what we’re doing, though - dating?” mused Jill out loud as she finished her soup. “I mean, this is just a hotel suite and not his own private residence, but you’re basically living with the man right now. At least for as long as it lasts, that is.”

  She hadn’t dared to think beyond the next week to ten days, had forced herself to quite literally take one day at a time in whatever sort of relationship she had formed with the enigmatic Max Wainwright. She didn’t want to permit herself to fantasize about what might happen once his assignment here in Seattle was finished and he left for his home in San Francisco. It would be all too easy for someone as romantic and sunny and optimistic as Jill to envision Max falling for her, and wanting to continue a long-distance relationship. Only, of course, until she graduated in June and could move to San Francisco fulltime. She could move in with him, and maybe even start working alongside him. Oh, she knew he’d said something about preferring to work alone, but he also continued to praise her financial aptitude and was impressed by the quality of the assignments she was completing for her classes. Maybe, she thought impulsively, just maybe it would be enough for Max to change his mind - both about having a business partner as well as a romantic one.

  “No,” she scolded herself firmly as she put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. “Do not start having those sort of daydreams or wishful thinking or fantasies, Jill Parrish. Max has been pretty outspoken about this stuff with you, right from the beginning, so what on earth makes you think you’re the one woman in the entire world who could possibly change his mind? So, enjoy the time you have remaining with him, cherish every single minute and every single memory, and don’t you dare let yourself start hoping for anything more. Because you’re only going to wind up with a broken heart if you do.”

  ***

  “This is delicious, love. Another of your hidden talents. Not only are you brilliant at finance, but you swim like a fish, have managed to charm nearly every single staff member here at the hotel, and you’re an excellent cook. Ah, and let’s not forget your newly acquired talent, shall we?” Max leaned over the table to brush his lips against hers before adding in a seductive whisper, “You’re also proving to be a very, very willing pupil in your sexual education.”

  “Mmm.” She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the feel of his mouth against hers. “That’s because I have a very, very good teacher. And I’m really hoping, Mr. Wainwright, that you might be willing to teach your student a brand new lesson after dinner tonight.”

  He grinned. “Oh? Did you have any particular lesson in mind that you’d like to learn this evening, Ms. Parrish?”

  Jill took a sip of her wine to help summon up the nerve for what she was about to do. Setting her glass down she walked around the table to where Max sat, knelt down beside him, and then boldly stroked her palm along his hard, muscular thigh.

  “I’d like you to teach me,” she told him breathily, “how to suck your cock. You keep telling me I’m not quite ready for that, but I say differently.”

  The shock he felt at her words was evident in the widening of his eyes, the arch of his brows, and the sharp intake of breath he made. Stilling her hand before it could reach its intended target, Max gave a short, husky laugh

  “My God, what’s happened to that shy, innocent little Southern girl I invited out to dinner less than a week ago?” he asked teasingly. “Have I really managed to turn you into a temptress in such a short amount of time? Or have your roommates been egging you on, daring you perhaps to make a move?”

  Jill’s cheeks flushed hotly and she dropped her gaze to where he now held her hand clasped firmly in his. “I wouldn’t accept that type of a dare from them. Or let them have any sort of influence over what happens between you and me. Oh, not that the pair of them haven’t been sending me suggestive little texts several times a day, but they know darned well this is none of their business. As for getting, well – bolder - I suppose that’s just because I feel more comfortable around you now, Max. And a little less naïve. Not, of course, that I’m anywhere near to being what I would call experienced at this, but I have managed to learn quite a bit over the last several days, and - ”

  “Shh.” He shushed her by placing his forefinger over her lips. “I have noticed, you know, that when you get nervous or flustered you tend to chatter a bit. And I didn’t mean to tease you, or make you feel uncomfortable, sweet. I suppose you just took me by surprise, is all. And as for your request.”

  She gasped as he slid that same forefinger inside her mouth, and the unmistakable look of arousal in his dark eyes made her quiver in reaction.

  “I’ve revised my previous opinion,” he replied sensually. He continued to slide his finger in and out of her mouth, making a low growling sound when she playfully sucked on it. “I believe you’re more than ready for that lesson, Ms. Parrish. And I just might have another surprise lesson in mind for you as well. So, first we’ll finish this delicious meal you’ve prepared. Then I unfortunately need to spend an hour or so on work-related matters, and I’m assuming you need to study. After that, it will be time for your other lessons. Ones that I hope will be much more interesting than studying about derivative securities or employee pension plans.”

  Jill returned to her side of the table reluctantly, all too aware of the effect Max’s seductive words had had on her. Beneath her white cotton shirt she could feel the heaviness of her breasts, knew that her nipples were erect and pushing against the suddenly too-tight fabric of her bra. When she took her seat, she resisted the urge to squirm when she realized how damp her panties had become. She kept her eyes downcast, afraid she’d blush an even deeper shade of pink if Max were to notice her discomfort. But she should have known better, for very little escaped his eagle eyed attention for very long.

  “More wine, love?” he inquired lazily. “It might help to distract you a bit from - well, the anticipation.”

  Her gaze flew up to his, and she scowled when she realized his dark eyes were filled with mirth, a knowing expression on that sinfully handsome face.

  “Maybe just half a glass,” she muttered sullenly. “And you did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

  Max arched a brow in mock innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, sweet. Are you all right, though? You look a bit - flustered. Perhaps more wine isn’t a good idea after all, given how red your cheeks are right now.”

  Jill stuck her tongue out at him, then re-filled her wine glass herself. “You’re evil, Max Wainwright,” she told him accusingly. “Pure evil. To get me all - well, hot and bothered, to borrow one of my grandmother’s old figures of speech - and then make me wait for a couple of hours until you’re prepared to take care of the situation.”

  He took a slow, deliberate sip of his wine. “I often find that anticipation makes the end result that much more satisfying,” he replied calmly. “So, speaking of these old-fashioned figures of speech you learned from your grandmother. I noticed that you never swear or curse or use bad language. I assume that’s a holdover from your very strict upbringing?”

  “Yes.” She was well aware that he had intentionally changed the subject but was actually grateful for the distraction. “Needless to say, using any sort of bad language was totally forbidden, and I guess I’ve just never outgrown the habit. That’s not to say I haven’t said the words in my head, but as for saying them out loud - well, maybe I’m afraid my grandmother will overhear me from heaven and look down on me with disapproval.”

  Max laughed. “Maybe. But I actually think it’s very admirable that you never swear. And you shouldn’t ever feel pressured to do so. Or to do anything you aren’t comfortable with, Jill. I don’t agree at all with many of the rules and restrict
ions your grandmother imposed on you, but there’s no denying that she raised you well. You’re a beautiful, accomplished young woman, and have a great deal to be proud of. Including this wonderful meal.”

  She beamed at him gratefully. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I knew you’d never in a million years let me buy you a meal at an actual restaurant, so this was the only way I could think of to repay you a little for all the nice things you’ve given to me. And - and done for me.”

  “Jill.” He squeezed her hand, the look in his eyes filled with tenderness. “First of all, you’re quite right. There’s no way I would have ever permitted you to try and pick up the check. I’m old-fashioned myself, as you’ve probably surmised, and I’m not sure I’d ever be modern enough to allow a woman to pay for a meal. Unless it was a business lunch or something along those lines. As far as repaying me - the pleasure of your company these past few days has been all I could have asked for. It’s - well, quite nice to know you’re waiting here for me at the end of the day. It’s made what’s turned out to be a very difficult assignment bearable, knowing I can just forget it all when I leave that damnable mess of an office. Now, I don’t want to waste even a single bite of this meal. Where did you learn to cook like this anyway?”

  She’d prepared a simple but tasty dinner of baked salmon filet with a lemon dill sauce, herbed risotto, sautéed spinach, and buttery rolls. She had taken the advice of the wine steward at the upscale grocery store and bought a rather shockingly expensive bottle of Chardonnay. For dessert, she’d concocted a parfait of banana pudding, fresh bananas, shortbread cookie crumbs, and whipped cream.

  The grocery bill had been more than she spent on food for herself in an entire month, and she had shuddered to imagine what her grandmother’s reaction would have been at seeing the receipt. But after all the expensive meals Max had treated her to, she had refused to pinch pennies or cut corners. And given the way he was relishing his meal, it had been well worth the money.