Seduced By The Candidate (The Candidate, #1)

by Beth Klein

  “What is this wine?” asked Charlotte, her voice sounding thick and slurred.

  “Sancerre,” replied Goulding. “It’s a wonderful French wine and I’m not surprised that you like it. The ninety-eight is a wonderful vintage.”

  “Sincere?” noted Charlotte. “I guess I look for the same thing in my men as I do in my wine!”

  As she giggled and Goulding smiled at her misinterpretation of the name. Charlotte leaned forward to grip her third glass of wine and completely misjudged the distance, slipped forward and threatening to spill out of her chair completely. With reactions that were completely at odds with his drunken state, Goulding shot out his arms and caught her in a half slump - half embrace. For a second they sat in a state of frozen anticipation and then Goulding’s chair folded beneath him and they were both pitched to the floor in a heap of arms and legs, giggling uncontrollably like a bunch of school kids.

  When Goulding managed to quiet his laughter, open his eyes and look up, he saw that Charlotte lay across his chest and she was looking deep into his eyes, all humor forgotten. A lock of her hair had fallen loose of the ponytail and she looked impossibly pretty and scared at the same time. Without thinking, he reached up, tucked the hair back behind her ear and cupped the back of her head with his hand. Finding no resistance, he drew her gently forward until their lips were practically touching and he could feel her warm rapid breath on his skin.

  She was shaking beneath his touch and although her lips were parted slightly in anticipation of his kiss. He was reluctant to take it further and yet again run the gauntlet of political disgrace. Realizing that Goulding was no longer intent on kissing her, Charlotte raised herself to meet him. Her desire was impromptu and so unlike her, but she wanted his kiss more than anything right now.

  When their lips met, it was gentle and exquisite. He had never felt lips as soft and inviting as hers and she had never before felt such intoxicating emotions as she did in that instant. She had been kissed before, but never like this and never with the pent up desire to explore every aspect of the man that lay beneath her. She savored every minute of their embrace and when his tongue flicked out to explore her mouth, she met it with her own.

  His hands were in her hair, tracing the line of her ear, then stroking her neck and gently cupping the swell of her breasts through the material of her suit jacket.

  Pleasure like she had not known welled up inside the dim recesses of her body. A part of her mind screamed at her for being unprofessional with her employer, but a bigger part wanted it. Her virgin doubts lingered, unsure of how to proceed further. She did not know what to do, or how to do it, but she knew that she craved it. Her mind buried those feelings of doubt and instinct took over.

  “God that feels good,” she thought and moaned out loud. Even through the jacket, she could feel the warmth of his hand and wanted nothing more than to feel his hands on her naked skin. To delight in the capable touch of a man who’s every move excited and aroused her. Part of her mind was screaming at her to stop, that she was moving too fast. Did she really want to give away her virginity on the floor of a hall? The other, drunk part of her mind encouraged her to give in and enjoy the moment.

  As if he was reading her mind, Goulding moved his hands between them to the buttons that fastened her jacket, his eagerness making him fumble at first, before he managed to pop open the first one. Suddenly, she braced one hand on the floor to lever herself up. Her other hand was on his wrist and he panicked, thinking that somehow he had misread the situation.

  “What is it Charlotte? Do you want me to stop?”

  “Oh God, please don’t let him stop,” she thought. This was all new to her and she didn’t want to disappoint him in any way. Yet she couldn’t help but hesitate. Her sudden desires frightened her and the wine she’d drunk did not help her screaming libido.

  “No. No, I want this more than anything in the world, it’s just that I’ve never...I haven’t...”

  Charlotte flushed with embarrassment and suddenly Goulding realized what she was saying.

  “Charlotte, are you a...virgin? How? How on earth is that possible? You’re... you’re beautiful, stunning, gorgeous!”

  She silenced his incredulity with another kiss. She slid off him and sat next to him as she undid the last two buttons, shrugging off the jacket. She was very nervous and her hands trembled as she placed them on his chest as she leaned against him.

  “You would be my first Bill. I have dated a bit but never felt anything like this. They were young and tried to rush through things. I never let them get far because I didn’t feel for them as they hoped. No one else ever came close until you...just...just be gentle.”

  It was almost a plea and again Goulding found himself considering whether it was really fair to expose this innocent young girl to a man such as himself. “Are you sure about this? We can stop if you want”. He slid out from under her hands, sitting close to her. Her hands fell to her lap.

  “I…I really don’t know”, she stammered. “I always wanted my first time to be with someone that was special to me. I, I find that I think about you more than I should”.

  Charlotte couldn’t believe what she was saying. Did she really just admit that? She had barely admitted it to herself. Perhaps she had drunk too much wine? That must be why she was acting so out of character.

  “I can’t seem to help myself though. It is totally not like me to be this way ”, she kept her eyes on her hands, her fingers knotted together. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him at all as she spoke, afraid of the disapproval she thought she would see in his eyes.

  “Am I special to you”? His voice sounded hopeful, as though he wanted someone to see him as something other than a paycheck or a politician. He seemed to know that this was not her normal mode of operation, but wanted to know if it was just the wine talking. He needed to know if, perhaps, he’d been wrong to think no one could love him.

  Charlotte looked up at him in shock. She found just as much uncertainty in his eyes as she felt though there was no denying the fact that he wanted her. Desire still shone in his gaze and she could still see the bulge that softly pressed against his trousers. Was she going to be another conquest to add to his lengthy list or did he feel something for her too? She found she had to know. She found that it mattered to her that he feel something more than lust for her.

  “I find that I care about you in more than an employer/employee fashion. So, I guess that makes you special. But what about me? Am I also special to you? Or is this just another fling for you?”

  Goulding supposed he should have expected the question, but it still surprised him that she would ask. He had tried to think as little as possible about the woman sitting so close, but had failed miserably. His fantasy of her had only made his desire stronger. But what did he want from her?

  She was beautiful, charming in a shy way, and very intelligent. She had been his lifeline during the last week, but especially today. She had enabled his to keep going and finish his obligations. But what did he feel?

  He looked into her conflicted eyes and saw how important his answer was to her. He knew that she deserved the truth from him. He just wasn’t quite sure what that was. He raised a hand and traced her face with his fingertips.

  “This is not just another fling.” Bill decided to speak from his heart, though his feelings were muddled at best. “I’m not quite sure how I feel, but this is not casual for me. You are special. Without you, I would not have made it through the day. I am coming to believe that without you I will not make it through the final weeks of this election. You give me hope for a dream I thought dead. I’m not sure what else to say”. He smiled ruefully. “I don’t want to lie to you but I’m not sure that my answer is what you’re looking for”.

  Charlotte could not believe the words tumbling from his delicious mouth. He cared but didn’t quite know how to say it. It was more than she had hoped for from him. It was enough to know that she would not just be another fling.


  She leaned toward him, her decision made. She was still nervous but wanted Bill Goulding more than anything now. She raised a hand to his face, gently cupping his jaw. She brushed her lips across his, tempting him, telling him her choice through action rather than words.

  “Tell me that I’m beautiful, Bill,” purred Charlotte in a voice completely alien to her previous nervousness and slightly unnerving to herself. “Tell me how much you want me.”

  She returned Goulding’s hand to the curve of her full breast and held it there expectantly, her hand was trembling. He could feel the warmth of her soft skin beneath her blouse. All of Goulding’s reservations left him at her silent surrender and he cupped her firmly, exploring her firm softness with his fingers until he found the hardening nub of her nipple and teased it mercilessly until it stood out through the material, making her gasp out loud.

  “I want you Charlotte. I’ve wanted you ever since you first came into my office. I’ll be gentle and I’ll take it slow. I’ll worship every inch of your beautiful body and make sure that this is a night you’ll remember fondly for as long as you live.”

  He kissed her again and was pleased as she kissed him back without restraint. She was willing to give her all despite her inexperience and her nervousness. He allowed her to be the aggressor for the moment as he struggled briefly to shrug out of his suit coat.

  Then turned his attention to Charlotte’s blouse. The tiny buttons threatened to defeat him but he remained patient and coaxed each button from its home. His entire being was focused on making this experience the best he could for Charlotte. He eased the blouse from her body and tossed onto her jacket, exposing her creamy white skin. He looked at her chest and almost forgot how to breathe.

  She wore a lacy white bra that held her breasts lovingly. Who would have guessed that his demure Personal Assistant had a penchant for lacy under garments. Goulding bent his head and delicately kissed the exposed skin above the lace, making her gasp again at the sensation. Just as gently, he used his tongue to trace the meeting of skin and material, leaving a wet trail that glistened and gleamed in the subdued lamplight.

  Without removing his lips, he snapped open the clasp of her bra and as the material sagged forward. He carefully pushed his fingers up under the twin cups and found her aroused nipples with his fingers. His touch was more exquisite than she had ever imagined. As his fingers teased, circled and finally pinched her sensitive skin she cried out. She had never believed that something could feel this good and they had barely even begun. Desire overcoming her restraint, she unbuttoned Goulding’s shirt and he quickly removed it, adding it to the growing pile of clothing.

  His body was finely honed and sheathed in sculpted muscle. It felt both hard and malleable beneath her questing fingers. Charlotte concentrated on the texture of his skin to help her keep her resolve, the softness at odds with the muscles that twitched under her touch. When her explorations uncovered the hard cords of scar tissue, he stiffened for a minute before letting her continue.

  This man had clearly suffered a great deal and as she explored the patchwork of ragged pink-grey lines and puckered bullet holes reminders, she thought that few men who suffered these kinds of injuries would have made it at all. Goulding stiffened again at her lingering touch and she realized that while the physical scars might have healed, the emotional ones clearly remained.

  It helped her forget about all the reasons she shouldn’t be doing this with her boss. This was a man who needed someone to love him without reservation. Where had that thought come from? Could she seriously be considering loving him? She barely knew him as a person and here she was learning about him as a man.

  She studied the scar that had captured her attention. This was evidence of a loyal and giving nature. It showed unwavering dedication to the beliefs and people he held dear. He had been hurt saving someone else with no thought to himself.

  Without any revulsion, she bent her head and kissed one of the circular depressions. He sat rigid and uncertain as she continued to explore his wounds with her lips, tongue and fingertips. Eventually, he relaxed and began to delight in her intimate caress.

  When she paused and looked up into his eyes, her longing was clear and he knew she was ready for the next step. She was still uncertain about how to proceed and he was more than happy to lead her forward. He guided her with his hands as he nipped at her lips, raising her desire even more. She whimpered against his lips as he gently unzipped her skirt and eased it down her thighs until the stocking tops were revealed.

  He smiled at how accurate his own imaginings had been as his fingers brushed the silken straps that led to the lacy tops of her thigh highs. The skirt was soon added to the pile and Charlotte’s bra and his suit pants quickly followed. When she started to undo the clasp of her left shoe he gently pushed her hand away.

  “Leave them,” he said and without a word she did as she was told.

  Again they embraced, exploring each other intimately with their hands and mouths and Charlotte gasped as she felt his erection pressing against her belly. How would it feel? Would she be able to take it all inside her? Would it hurt? Staving the doubts away, she regained focus on that which she wanted so desperately.

  Tentatively she ran her fingers down his taut, rippling stomach until they snagged at the waist band of his boxer shorts. Swallowing hard, she pushed on and felt the course curls of his pubic hair graze her fingers before the sensation gave way to warm, smooth skin and he gasped out loud. She encircled him with her questing fingers and felt a pang of fear. He was so big, would she be able to fit all of that inside her?

  Sensing her fear, Goulding added his hand to hers and slowly guided her in stroking her hand up and down the smooth, hard shaft. While he moved carefully showing her how to please him and enhance his erection, he kissed along her sensitive neck and nibbled on her earlobes. He trailed his fingers across her smooth thighs, teasing them apart gently, helping her enjoy every moment and every touch. Slowly his fingers moved closer to her center, getting her used to his touch. Only when he had cupped her sex through the thin material of her panties did he pull back to look at her. She was driving him crazy as she started to stroke his shaft with more confidence, her finger tips teasing the hardened flesh and circling around the tip in experimental movements.

  She paused for a minute, nervous to let him continue. He tilted her face up to look at him and kissed her lips softly over and over again. He waited for her to feel comfortable with his hand resting against her most private area. She relaxed as his kisses became the center of her world, distracting her from where he had placed his hand.

  The needs of her body took over and she rocked her hips instinctively against his hand. The friction shocked her for a moment, she tried the movement again. He silently noted the way his hand became drenched in her juices. His kiss deepened and his fingers started to move in an enticing rhythm. Her body felt like it never had before and she wouldn’t have had him stop for all the money in the world.

  Her exploration of his body was forgotten as sensations that she had never dared to think she might actually experience for real coursed through her, causing the skin of her chest and neck to blossom into flushed and irregular patches of scarlet, her skin broke out in goose bumps. It was exquisite and yet it still wasn’t enough. She wanted to feel him inside her even as the thought scared her. Again, as if he had read her thoughts, he gently shifted his fingers under the soaked lace that covered her. His fingers caressed her wet, eager skin, leaving trails that were reminiscent of his tongue and making his fingers moist with her excitement. When he finally eased a finger into her, she thought she would explode with pleasure and clasped his hand with her own in an attempt to slow down momentarily and make sense of her body’s response to all that was happening.

  Goulding pushed through the folds of skin carefully with his thumb until he found what he was looking for and gently began to trace small circles around the hard lump that was contained within. To Charlotte the sensation was so i
ntense that it bordered on painful.

  There were no thoughts of stopping, however and she moaned her encouragement for him to continue. If this was what sex felt like, she liked it, she liked it a lot and she wanted a lot more of it. Her moan of pleasure turned to one of disappointment when Goulding finally removed his hand, but she soon realized that the best was yet to come when he slipped her panties down her long, luscious legs and removed his own underwear.

  When she saw his erection, completely unrestrained or hidden, her virgin fear returned, but this time it was tempered. She was beginning to trust him and her body yearned for things she knew only he could fulfill. She was damned if she would let her girlish concerns come in the way of their connection—she had come too far.

  As he reached into his pants pocket, she watched him retrieve his wallet and extract a condom from its hidden depths. He tore away the restraining foil and with practiced ease rolled the rubber down the full length of his shaft before carefully positioning himself between her legs. He kissed the inside of her thighs and ran his tongue higher and higher until it trailed along paths previously opened up by his fingers.

  Charlotte cried out again and arched her back to force herself into his mouth, but he had already moved on. He kissed a line up her belly, trailed his tongue in ever-decreasing circles around each breast, until he ended up sucking on her nipples. He then nibbled and caressed his way up her neck until he was kissing her passionately.

  Charlotte gripped him hard and when he eased himself to the very entrance of her hidden delights, it was her that begged him to take the final plunge. With a gentle push of his hips, Goulding sank himself deeply into her and as she cried out, feeling her virginity tear, his voice joined hers as her nails dug deeply into his shoulders and back. After waiting for a few seconds, he slowly began to move his hips and ease himself in and out of her, building up the pace and the rhythm with infinite care and patience.