Covet

by Karen Erickson

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  Amber Quill Press

  www.amberquill.com

  Copyright ©2007 by Karen Erickson

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

  * * *

  COVET

  By

  KAREN ERICKSON

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  ISBN 978-1-60272-065-7

  Amber Quill Press, LLC

  www.amberquill.com

  Also By Karen Erickson

  Hard To Resist

  CHAPTER 1

  She was hot, so hot. Always for him. He had no idea what he did to her, how he made her feel, what thoughts raced through her mind at night. Images of him, his mouth all over her body, his fingers deep in her cunt, making her come over and over. His cock pulsing inside of her hot pussy, fucking her, fucking her so hard her entire body would shatter, fall apart, all for him.

  Tyrone Holt didn't even know Jenny existed. Why would he? She was just a lowly receptionist at the giant law firm where they both worked. He, on the other hand, was a partner with the firm, worked in a different office entirely. She only caught fleeting glimpses of him when he entered the building in the morning, when he left for lunch, an appointment or for court and then when he returned. She never saw him leave the building at the end of the day. He kept such long hours, he worked well into the evening, every evening. Rumor had it he even worked weekends.

  Jenny sat at her desk, staring unseeingly at the phone, her thoughts filled with Ty. It was a Friday, the Friday before a holiday weekend and the phones were quiet. The entire office was quiet. Many people had taken the day off, not many clients were scheduled. She watched a trickle of employees leave early throughout the morning and she wished she could sneak out early, too.

  Not that she had anyone to sneak out with. Or sneak home to. Her cat certainly didn't count, and she didn't have a boyfriend. No man measured up when compared with Ty Holt. She hadn't been on a date since she moved to the city. Hadn't had sex for longer. Her love life had been in a sad state before she left home, and was even worse now. If she couldn't have the man she wanted, though, then she didn't want to settle for anyone else.

  She wished she could tell Ty how she felt. The things he made her think, the way he made her feel. Delicious, wonderful, sensual, horny. She'd coveted many things in her life, had been able to attain most of them, but not the thing she coveted most.

  She wanted Tyrone Holt, naked in her bed. His giant body wrapped around hers, his thick cock sliding into her. Fucking her until she couldn't see straight, filling her until she didn't know where she ended and he began. That's what she wanted more than anything in the world.

  "Jenny, are you all right?"

  She snapped out of her Ty-induced haze to find Helen, her supervisor, watching her with concern. Jenny adjusted her headset and smiled.

  "I'm fine. The phones are awfully quiet. I guess I just zoned out."

  Helen smiled at her and patted the top of Jenny's desk with a bejeweled hand. Helen not only supervised much of the office staff, but she was also the kept mistress of one of the original partners of the firm. Hence the beautiful jewelry, the designer clothes, the air of authority.

  Jenny didn't need the glamour or prestige that would most likely come from being with Ty. She just wanted his body. She wanted to hear his deep, velvety voice whisper sexy nothings in her ear. She wanted to know what it felt like to have his large hands stroke her to ecstasy.

  What she needed was to get a grip on her fantasies. They clouded her brain, made her dizzy with need. Caused her to be non-functional at work, which wasn't a good thing.

  "Only a few more hours and then it's a three day weekend.” Helen kept on smiling at her and the sight of it unnerved Jenny for some unknown reason. Maybe because it was just so damn phony? “Have any special plans?"

  "No, just going to relax.” How she wished she had special plans. But she'd only lived in the city for nine months, and didn't have any close friends. Her family lived hours away and they occasionally begged her to come back home. She refused to do so. Home was boring, home was a crutch. She needed adventure, craved a change.

  She wanted to be her own person, separate from her wealthy family. She'd disentangled herself from her overbearing mother, her judgmental sisters, and her drunken father. She even snuck off in the middle of the night and didn't tell a soul she'd left until after the fact. When they couldn't do anything about it. They knew what city she lived in, but they didn't know exactly where. They didn't have her address, didn't even have her home phone number. Just the way she liked it. For now.

  "Well, if I don't see you before you leave, have a nice weekend."

  Jenny watched Helen leave, her spindly heels clickity-clacking on the tile floor, echoing in the wide hallway. The woman loved to make a scene. Jenny had once lived that life, had loved to make a scene herself. Just like her sisters and her mother, she wanted people to pay attention to her, to want what she had.

  Not anymore. Now she preferred to lurk in the shadows, unnoticed, and watch everything unfold around her. She realized when you were quiet, when you listened instead of blabbed your mouth, you learned a lot more. She preferred to keep to herself. It was easier that way. She didn't have to explain to anyone. She only answered to herself.

  * * * *

  With an hour left in the workday, the miracle of all miracles occurred right in front of her. Ty Holt himself stood directly before her wide desk, pausing to speak with a fellow lawyer.

  "You're actually leaving early today?” The other lawyer, she believed his name was Steve, slapped Ty on the back, making Ty grimace.

  "I have plans,” Ty said, the rumble of his voice making Jenny's panties wet.

  She allowed herself to examine him—his cocoa-colored skin, his close-cropped black hair, his dark as sin eyes. His six-foot-three frame was broad yet lean, muscular but not overtly. His custom tailored suits fit him like a glove, emphasizing his beautiful body, making her want to see more, all of him. A little sigh escaped from her before she could stop it and she touched her fingers to her lips. Hoping the men didn't notice it.

  "Going somewhere this weekend?” Steve asked, sounding rather nosy.

  "My sister is coming home to visit after a long absence. I'm taking her to her favorite jazz club tonight."

  "Oh, yeah? I love jazz. What club are you talking about?"

  Jenny figured Steve had never listened to jazz before in his life and from the look on Ty's face, he thought the same thing.

  "Simpatico's Jazz Café. I'm sure you've never heard of it, it's small. Been around forever in the downtown district.” Ty smiled, looking ready to run, but Steve kept on talking.

  "My wife loves jazz. I should take her there one night. Maybe we'll even go tonight. Anyone good playing?"

  She'd never seen someone so ready to bolt in all her life. Ty looked like he wanted to be anywhere but where he stood. He glanced toward Jenny, his brown eyes seeming to plead for a rescue.

  "Um, Mr. Holt, don't you have an appointment you need to be at?"

  He smiled in relief, the sight of it making her clench her thighs together. It was so, so hard to covet a man so badly when she couldn't have him. All her life she'd been able to have whatever she wanted, whomever she wanted. The ache inside her, the overwhelming urge to throw herself at this man's feet nearly undid her. She could only smile at him and pretend he didn't matter.

  "Actually, I do. Thank you for reminding me.” He looked like he wanted
to say her name, but he probably didn't remember it. She didn't feel like supplying it for him either.

  "You're welcome.” She resumed her position at the computer and pretended to be working when she'd really Googled the name “Simpatico's Jazz Café."

  "You heard the lady. I have an appointment to get to. Have a great weekend, Steve."

  "Who makes an appointment on the Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend?” Steve shook his head, walking away from them, still muttering under his breath.

  "Thank you,” Ty said, lowering his voice, the sound of it warm and intimate, like a lover's. “You saved me."

  "You're welcome.” Jenny's voice came out breathless; she knew it, could hear it. She didn't care, couldn't help herself. It was one thing to admire him from far away, another thing entirely to have him so close she could see every detail of his handsome face, could smell his deliciously masculine scent.

  "I never leave early. I just now realize it's because I want to avoid conversations like that one.” He smiled at her, as if they shared a private joke, and she could only smile back.

  "He was rather obnoxious, wasn't he?"

  "Very.” He stood there, hands in his pockets, looking very comfortable yet authoritative. Jenny wondered idly if he liked to dominate, if he might enjoy giving a good spanking. Maybe he liked being tied up, or wearing a blindfold. She'd never done any of those things, had never even thought about doing those things with any of the men she'd been with.

  Funny how she could see herself sprawled naked on a bed adorned with black satin sheets. Her arms and legs spread wide, tied to each corner. A black blindfold covered her eyes and Ty stood over her, watching her.

  "Well, have a good weekend,” Ty finally said, his firm lips curving into a sensual smile, causing her stomach to turn somersaults.

  "You, too."

  Jenny watched him walk away, admiring his long, sure strides. She glanced at her monitor, noted the address to the jazz club and wrote it on a piece of notepaper. Her weekend plans were looking up. She had somewhere to go tonight.

  CHAPTER 2

  A strong case of nerves seized Jenny at the front door of Simpatico's, but she chose to ignore it. She smiled at the giant man who guarded the door, menacing in his black T-shirt, black jeans, and black wrap-around sunglasses. He didn't smile, didn't say hello, just asked for ten dollars. She handed it over, and he opened the door for her.

  "Have a wonderful night,” he said when she walked through the door.

  The place was crowded, smoky. A jazz quartet played on a small stage in the far corner of the room. Tiny round tables were scattered throughout, people crowded around them, laughing and talking. Some listened to the music playing, but most were there to enjoy the social scene.

  Jenny glanced about the club, hoping she could spot Ty in a room full of so many attractive people. She felt conspicuous, as if she stood out, which she probably did. With her pale blond shoulder length hair and fair skin, she was probably one of the few white people in the place. She was definitely the only single white female in the café. After spending the past nine months hiding away from people, she felt like a spotlight followed her through the room as she walked. It unnerved her.

  "Baby, are you here alone?” A hand wrapped around her upper arm, yanking her close. The man was short but broad and stank of liquor and cigars.

  She pulled herself away from his grip. “I'm meeting someone."

  His eyes drank her in, from the top of her head to the tips of her red velvet heels. “Lucky someone."

  "Excuse me.” She stalked away from him, disgusted. She wondered if she should've come to this place to look for Ty. She knew nothing about his private life. She'd asked discreetly, listened covertly to the gossip around the office, but no one ever talked about Ty. The only thing her fellow female employees said was that if you took the L out of his last name he would be Tyrone Hot. And then they'd all dissolve into a fit of giggles. Silly, but the truth. He was hot.

  Women looked at her with disdain as she passed their tables, but Jenny held her head high, her eyes constantly scanning the room. She had to find him, she must find him. The night was not going to end without her at least spotting him just once. That's all she could ask for.

  Jenny had made her rounds once and she still hadn't found Ty. Too determined to give up, she continued her walk, dipping her head to look in the shadows, desperate for a glimpse of her dream man.

  "Well, well, where's your someone?"

  She rolled her eyes. How unfortunate to run into the rude man yet again. At least he didn't grab her this time. “None of your business."

  "Why don't you sit with me at the bar, have a drink while you wait?” He waved toward the crowded bar, a creepy smile on his too broad face.

  She smiled, wanting to be polite, wanting to be anywhere but talking with the pushy man. “Thank you, but no."

  "What, I'm not good enough for you? You got something against black men, little girl? Because if you do, you're definitely in the wrong place."

  Jenny stepped back, not expecting his verbal attack. She bumped into a tall, solid form and large hands came out to clasp around her waist to keep her from falling.

  "I don't want any trouble,” she stuttered, her skin tingling beneath the fabric of her slinky red dress where the anonymous man's hands rested.

  "Leave the lady alone."

  She closed her eyes, the unmistakable sound of Ty's baritone voice washing over her. It all felt like a dream; him finding her couldn't have happened at a better time. His hands released her as the creepy man slunk off, and she turned around, a smile on her face.

  "Fancy running into you here,” Ty said with a smile.

  Oh my, he looked even better than he did in his everyday business suit attire. Black button up shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms, and jeans that hugged his muscular thighs ... Jenny shivered at the sight of him.

  "Thank you for rescuing me,” she said. Her nipples pebbled beneath her dress and she wondered if he noticed.

  "I'm just returning the favor from earlier today.” His gaze dropped to her chest and lingered there for a moment before it lifted to look at her face.

  "Yes, of course.” No mistaking it, he noticed her hardened nipples.

  "I'm beginning to think you're following me."

  She cocked a brow at him, feeling brave outside of the office atmosphere. “Maybe I am."

  His dark eyes narrowed and he took a step closer to her. “I'm flattered."

  "Isn't your sister with you?"

  He flicked his head to the left. “She's over there at a table with her boyfriend."

  "And is anyone else with you?"

  Ty shook his head slowly, his gaze never leaving her face. “No."

  She smiled, her entire body relaxing. “Good."

  "Can I buy you a drink?"

  "Please."

  He escorted her to the bar, his hand splayed across her lower back. Her dress dipped low and his fingers pressed against bare flesh, making her tingle. Crackling energy sparked between them as they stood close at the bar, waiting for their drinks.

  "So you like jazz?"

  Jenny nodded. “I like all kinds of music."

  "Have you ever been to a jazz club before?"

  "Actually I have. But it's been a long time."

  He was silent for a moment, his dark eyes warming, then flaring with heat. “I hate to say this, but I don't remember your name."

  "That's all right.” She paused, licked her lips to moisten them and noticed he watched every movement of her tongue. “My name's Jennifer, but everyone calls me Jenny."

  "Nice to meet you, Jenny.” He grasped her hand in his, brought it up to his mouth and pressed a damp kiss to the back of it, his lips lingering.

  Her knees went weak at the contact, and she gripped his hand tighter, squeezing it. He lowered her hand, but didn't release it. Instead, he pulled her closer to him.

  "So what's a beautiful woman like you doing in a club like thi
s all alone on a Friday night?” Ty dipped his head to speak to her, his mouth perilously close to her ear. Goose flesh pricked her skin everywhere, and she tilted her head back to look at him.

  "Looking for you.” Her old boldness was coming back. In her previous life, she'd always been outspoken and almost brash, asking for what she wanted. Demanding it sometimes, and almost always getting it in the end.

  His sensuous mouth quirked; his eyes widened and he dropped her hand. Did she shock him? She hoped she did.

  "Now that you've found me, what do you plan on doing with me?"

  She stood on tiptoe, rested her hands on his broad shoulders and whispered in his ear, “Whatever you want me to."

  His expression changed, became hungry, charged. His jaw tightened and he glanced about the bar for a moment. “What if I told you that what I want from you might be more than you're willing to give?"

  "I say try me first and see what I say."

  Their drinks appeared then and while Ty paid the bartender, Jenny busied herself with collecting her drink, sipping from the cold glass. The vodka slithered down her throat with ease, the heat of the liquor warming her belly. She gulped the drink down fast, hoping for some liquid courage, dying to know what Ty referred to.

  "I guess you were thirsty."

  She smiled at him when he turned to face her, hearing the amusement in his voice, and she set her glass on the bar next to her. He reached out, pushed a stray tendril of blond hair away from her face, and tucked it behind her ear. She inhaled sharply at his touch.

  "Let's get out of here."

  No preamble, no trying to get to know her. Just a simple “let's get out of here.” She knew where that would lead. “What about your sister?"

  He tipped back his head, drained the drink in one long swallow, then set the glass on the counter. “She's with her boyfriend; she'll be all right."

  "Where are you taking me?"

  "Where do you want to go?"

  "Wherever I can get my hands on you quickest."

  Ty smiled. “You don't mince words, do you?"