by Jamie Hill
No, not ‘perfect'. His mother chided him for being too particular, and in that respect she was right. It hadn't taken him long to realise the ‘perfect’ woman didn't exist, and now Vince searched for the woman who'd be right for him.
Cate. He knew dating the mysterious and elusive woman from the restaurant was a long shot. He loved to watch her and smell the fragrant scent of her hair as he brushed past. He especially enjoyed fantasising about making love to her. But he was realistic. She was so far out of his league, he couldn't even see the admission gate. Or so he thought. After tonight, he wasn't sure he knew the real Cate Reynolds.
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Chapter Two
Cate woke with a splitting headache and a nasty taste in her mouth. She looked at herself, sprawled across her bed on top of the covers, fully dressed. Groaning, she buried her face in the crook of her elbow.
The previous night was a blur. She remembered the afternoon, arguing with her mother on the telephone. Neither of them was happy that Cate had to work Saturday evening at the last minute, ruining their family plans. Cate's boss had been insistent she meet some new clients, and it had to be last night.
She'd tried to explain that it was her niece's fourth birthday, but her employer wasn't much for family and didn't seem to care. Business was his priority, and he wanted it to be of utmost importance to his staff as well. Cate sighed.
Her mother had been so unhappy. Not angry, more disappointed that Cate chose work over family again. She was a homemaker who'd raised three daughters without ever working outside the house. Her husband had died when the girls were all in college. His estate left the family comfortable enough to take care of their education. Cate's sisters both followed in their mother's footsteps, marrying and settling down right out of school. Each of her sisters had a child, a minivan and a well-to-do husband. The perfect lives.
Cate was the family rebel who wanted more from her life. She'd never been anxious to marry. When her long-time boyfriend proposed to her in college and she turned him down, she thought her family might disown her and hang on to him. They were not pleased.
Deep in her heart, Cate knew it was the right decision for her. Sure, she'd like to be in a relationship. Kids might even be okay someday. She just didn't want to rush it. Her life was good for now.
She rolled onto her side and her head throbbed. Her stomach rumbled and Cate wondered if there was anything left to throw up. Her life sucked! She felt miserable as she tried to steady her rioting nerves.
The clients who were so important never showed up. Not even a phone call. Cate remembered being extremely unhappy about that, especially given how she and her mom had argued. She remembered ordering a vodka martini—or two.
"Oh God!” She raised her hands to her face. She had talked to a couple of men. Why couldn't she recall what happened after that?
Sitting up, she glanced over her clothes and knew they hadn't left her body. She'd be able to tell if anything had happened, and Cate was positive it hadn't. But how did she get home?
She wandered into the kitchen and spotted a note on her table.
Cate,
We left your car at the restaurant so I could make sure you got home safely. I don't work Sundays, call me if you'd like a ride back to pick it up (and pay your tab!)
Vince
She read the note twice, trying to remember. Vince? Who was Vince? She vaguely remembered somebody named Tony.
Her stomach lurched and she raced to the bathroom. She was right—there was nothing left to throw up. She rarely had more than one drink, and last night she'd drunk God-knows-how-much on an empty stomach. How foolish! Things could have turned out so much worse for her.
She stood under the shower spray until the hot water was gone. She dried her hair and slipped into sweat pants and thick, warm socks. The sweatshirt she wore was old and worn but comfortable. She wasn't going anywhere and wanted to curl up on the sofa with a few aspirin and some hot tea.
The aspirin worked wonders. Her headache was almost gone in the late afternoon when her phone rang, jarring her from a nap.
"Hello?” she barked into the phone receiver.
"Miss—uh—Cate?” a hesitant male voice asked.
"Yes,” she answered, a little more softly.
"Hello. It's me, Vince."
She was groggy from the nap and the name meant nothing to her. “Who?"
"Vince Mason, from the restaurant. I—uh—brought you home last night."
Vince. It slowly came back to her. “Oh, yes. I vaguely remember. I guess I should thank you.” Her comment sounded rude, but she was mortifyingly embarrassed and didn't really want to see the guy again.
"No problem,” he replied, again sounding hesitant. “I wondered if you wanted a ride back to get your car?"
She'd forgotten all about her car. He'd left her a note, but after getting sick the last time it completely slipped her mind. The last thing she wanted to do was go out. But tomorrow was Monday and she'd need her car for work. Recalling the note, she added, “You mentioned something about a tab?"
Vince chuckled lightly. “Yeah. I'm not sure how much it is. You were getting your drinks straight from Tony by the end of the night."
"Another thing I vaguely remember. Tony, the bartender. He wanted to bring me home."
"Yeah, he did. Sorry if I messed up your plans. I just thought in your condition—"
She cut him off. “You thought right, Vince. I acted foolishly last night and could have gotten myself in trouble. I really do want to thank you for bringing me home.” What the hell, she decided. “I could use a ride to my car. It was very kind of you to call."
"Shall we go now? I can be there in about fifteen minutes."
"Fine. Thank you.” Cate hung up the phone and stood to go to her room. She was tired and lacked the energy to even change her clothes. Standing in front of the mirror, she muttered aloud this time, “What the hell.” She ran a brush through her hair and decided to call it good. The thought of applying make-up was daunting, so this Vince guy would get her just as she was.
She didn't want to face him at all, but he hadn't poured the drinks down her throat. She was a big girl and could own up to her mistakes. Cate thought she might look for another restaurant to entertain business clients after she'd paid the tab. Getting sloppy drunk and having to be taken home was not the wisest career move.
When the doorbell rang, she took a deep breath and exhaled before opening it. Her usual waiter from the restaurant stood on the landing, smiling at her. “You!” She was surprised.
Now he appeared surprised as well, and nodded. “I'm Vince."
Vince! That's why the name sounded familiar. He was the kid who almost always waited on her table. God, he looked about twelve. Cate felt about seventy. “I'm sorry, of course you are. I'm just having trouble remembering last night."
He smiled. “Guess it'll be interesting to see how big your tab is."
"Oh yeah.” She rolled her eyes, grabbing a jacket and her purse. After pulling out her keys, Cate locked the door behind them and followed him to his car.
"Sorry.” He opened the paint-peeled door of the old car for her. “It runs well."
She grinned and slid into the seat. “That's all that matters, isn't it?"
He went around to the driver's side and got in. “Not to a lot of people. But to me, yeah. I'm saving my money for more important things."
"Good for you.” She nodded in agreement and fastened her seatbelt as he headed to the restaurant. “I really want to thank you again for last night. That's not something I usually do...” she trailed off, unsure if she should continue.
"I'm glad.” He glanced sideways at her. “I'd hate to see you fall into the wrong hands."
She chuckled and watched him clench his hands around the steering wheel. They were large and strong looking, with long, slender fingers. A jolt ran through her and Cate realised she found his hands arousing. What an absurd thought! He was just a kid. “I guess you co
uld say I had a bad night. I argued with my mother about having to work and missing my niece's birthday party. Then my clients, who I was informed were so important they couldn't be put off, never showed up. It all just hit me, I suppose. I'm sorry I acted like such an idiot."
Vince smiled over at her. “You didn't. I was worried about you, is all.” He parked in front of the restaurant and they both got out.
"There's my car,” she nodded to a newer-model sedan a few vehicles down. “I'll just go in and take care of my bill."
"Okay.” He stood in front of her, looking as if he wanted to say something.
She felt awkward, so she leaned in quickly and kissed his cheek. “Thanks again.” She pulled back.
They stared at each other. Cate resisted the urge to press her lips against his and kiss him properly. She didn't know what it was about this guy, but standing next to him had her stomach doing flip-flops that weren't drinking-related. He was just a kid ... wasn't he?
Her mind raced quickly with the possibilities. He served drinks at the restaurant, so he had to be at least twenty-one. Twenty-one? She was thirty-two. Old enough to be his—aunt.
"What is it?” he asked softly, his face inches from hers.
"I don't know,” Cate replied honestly. But it was something. “Would you like to get some coffee or a bite to eat?” She wasn't ready to let him go.
His face erupted in a huge grin. “I'd love that. I wasn't sure you felt up to it."
Cate smiled. “I'm feeling better all the time.” She glanced down at her clothes. “But I didn't dress to go out. I look sort of ratty."
"You look beautiful,” he corrected, and touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers.
She felt the heat of her blush spread up her neck and onto her face. He thought she looked beautiful today? Biting back a chuckle, she shook her head. “How much did you have to drink last night?"
"Not a drop.” His brown eyes pierced her.
Cate felt surprising dampness between her legs.
He continued, “I always think you look beautiful."
"You do?” She was amazed. He'd actually noticed me before? She'd seen him dozens of times, but had to admit she'd never given him more than a passing glance—until now.
"Always.” He nodded and closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, he said, “We could order some take-out and go back to your place if you'd be more comfortable."
"That sounds good,” she agreed, and they entered the restaurant.
Vince ordered grilled chicken salads to go, and she went to the bar to settle her tab.
"How much?” she squealed when the waitress announced her total.
"Thirty-seven fifty,” the woman repeated.
Vince laughed and pretended to do some calculations in the air. “Wow, that's about—"
"Never mind!” she insisted. He didn't need to figure up how many drinks she'd bought. Cate grabbed his arm and squeezed. Another jolt of electricity sparked between them. She looked at him to see if it was just her.
His dark eyes looked glazed and glassy. It wasn't just her. They stared at each other and Cate licked her lips.
"Did you want to pay this now?” The woman interrupted the moment.
"Oh!” Cate handed over her credit card and tapped her fingers on the bar nervously.
The waitress returned and handed her the receipt to sign. Cate looked at it, wondering how much of a tip to add on.
"No need to tip me,” Vince said softly over her shoulder. “I'll, uh, catch you later."
His words sent another tingle down her spine. She was beginning to realise how much she wanted him to catch her. She added ten dollars to the tab and told the other woman, “Would you see that Tony gets the tip, please?"
"Sure, thank you.” She removed the slip and walked away.
"Nice tip,” Vince said softly.
"I like to reward good service.” Cate batted her eyelashes at him.
"I think we should go back to your place and discuss this.” He nodded solemnly.
"Let's go.” She grabbed her purse while Vince paid for their take-out, and then they headed out to their cars.
She sensed things had changed between them. There was an electric anticipation in the air as she followed him back to her apartment. Cate wondered when he might make a move, and imagined her response to it.
In the apartment, she never expected him to pounce on her immediately. But just as she closed the door, there he was, pressing her body against it.
"Oh!” she exclaimed, then his mouth was on hers and she couldn't say anything else. She didn't need to speak. They were apparently in total agreement about what would happen next.
Vince set the bag of food down and shoved it away with his foot. He reached for her hands and pressed them into the door above her head. His tongue dipped into her mouth and Cate opened wider, enjoying his aggressiveness.
Before all hope for clear thought vanished from her mind, she pressed him away and murmured, “You are over twenty-one, I hope."
His mouth moved to her neck and he nipped her playfully. “Eighteen's the age of consent, but yeah, I'm twenty-three."
"Twenty-three?” She mentally figured their nine year age difference. “Jesus."
"Call me Vince,” he teased, and released her hands so he could raise her sweatshirt. “Jesus,” he repeated in a breathy voice.
Cate wasn't wearing a bra, and her breasts were exposed to him. She knew they weren't large, but her tits were round and firm and she always thought they were pretty enough.
The hungry look on his face seemed to imply he agreed. Her nipples puckered in the cool air before his mouth covered first one, then the other. He licked and sucked the little nubs, teasing them until they were taut and Cate was wild. She moaned and bucked her hips with pleasure.
"Mm,” he groaned, letting his mouth wander lower. With one swoop of his hands, her pants and panties were down and she was stepping from them. Vince knelt before her, running his fingers over her thighs and sighing. “Damn, you're gorgeous. You don't know what I've fantasised—"
"Show me.” She fisted her hands in his curly hair and dragged his head to her body.
"Gladly.” Vince lifted one of her legs and set it over his shoulder.
She was exposed to him, and Cate felt his warm breath on her most sensitive area. “Yes,” she whispered, trying not to beg. She wanted his mouth between her legs, more than anything.
His fingers parted her folds and his tongue slid through, laving up one side and down the other. Cate gasped at the exquisite sensation and clutched the door for support when he found her clit and flicked it rapidly.
"Oh God, yes!” she cried as the first waves of an orgasm neared.
"You taste so good,” he murmured, his mouth pressed against her flesh. “I want to taste you as you come. Come on, baby, come for me now."
His words threw her over the edge and Cate shuddered with her release. Vince kept up his ministrations, lapping at her pussy until the last quiver subsided. She tugged at his arms and he released her leg, then stood.
Wiping his face across the back of his arm, he grinned. “That was fucking incredible. Damn, you're beautiful when you come."
Cate draped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. She kissed him deeply, tasting her own musky juice on his tongue. His wonderful, talented tongue. She'd show him beautiful. She was nowhere near sated.
Releasing his mouth, she said, “I want to see how you look when you come. We need to get rid of these clothes, though.” She tugged at his shirt.
"Oh, yes we do. And maybe find a bed?” He reached for the button on his jeans and unfastened it.
"Right this way.” Cate walked backward, unbuttoning his shirt as he kicked out of his jeans and briefs. When they reached her room and the edge of the bed, he was gloriously naked. His cock jutted up toward his belly button, and Cate thought he had the longest erection she'd ever seen. “Oh yeah, baby!” She licked her lips and shoved him back on the bed. “My turn for a t
reat."
She climbed between his legs, running her hands over his muscular thighs and cupping his balls lightly. “You've got a huge cock. I'll never get it all in my mouth, but I'll sure have fun trying."
Vince groaned as she licked the tip of his rod before swallowing as much as she could. She forced herself to take more with each downward stroke and was eventually able to deep throat his length. He writhed beneath her and moaned his pleasure. It thrilled her to elicit such a response and she prepared herself to swallow what came next.
To her surprise, Vince reached down and pulled her off him. “What?” She looked at him, confused.
"That was amazing. But fucking you is going to feel even better.” He opened his fist and she saw the shiny foil wrapper of a condom. “Magic.” He ripped it open with his teeth and began to roll the rubber on his erection.
"Allow me.” Cate sat between his legs and slowly eased the latex down his shaft.
"Ah, you're killing me!” he groaned.
She gave a little snap to the edge of the rubber and climbed over his body, straddling him. “I'm going to try."
Cate saw him watch as she impaled her pussy on his rigid cock. She lowered herself slowly, allowing her body time to adapt to his length. He'd been right—this feels fucking amazing! She shivered as an orgasmic tingle zipped through her.
"Ah, hell yeah,” Vince muttered through gritted teeth. “Damn, you're hot and tight. I'm not going to last long watching your tits bob in the air like that."
Cate smiled mischievously and grabbed one breast in each hand, squeezing their fullness and pinching the nipples.
He groaned and reached for her, pressing their bodies together. He clasped her ass tightly and told her, “Hang on.” With one swift motion, Vince flipped them so he was on top and she was at his mercy. “Now we'll see who does the teasing.” He plunged into her hard and pulled back out, then did it again.
She laughed when he tickled her ribs and moaned when his hands found her nipples. He tugged and twisted them, and Cate gasped, “Oh, I'm close."
