Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 1

by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

  "Is she okay with your boyfriend?"

  Theresa gave a watery laugh. “There isn't a boyfriend. And anyway, it's only aggressive men she reacts negatively to. If she is introduced to a man calmly, she's okay. I don't think she was running to attack; I think she was running to protect the girl."

  "I'm surprised the shelter found anyone to take her. Usually they end up putting down dogs that have been traumatized like that."

  "They were going to, but I was a regular volunteer, and was able to work with her before taking her home. The only saving grace was that she has never attacked anyone. Even when she got to the shelter, her aim always seemed to be to protect the innocent, not harm the aggressor. Honestly, she has never had any problems like this, even with strange men. I think it was the combination of the raised voices and the girl falling. She isn't a danger to anyone, I promise."

  The thought that he might try to report Sasha as dangerous scared Theresa all of a sudden. What would I do without my Sasha?

  The vet smiled up at her before assuring her, “No, I believe you. The shelter never would have let you take her home if she was a danger. And I believe that she is in no danger tonight, either."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Definitely. I wasn't going that fast. There's a stop sign at the end of that block, you know, so I was already slowing down. I am sure Sasha probably just received a strong enough bump to knock her unconscious for a while. There's no evidence of swelling or broken bones or anything else that will cause damage.

  "She'll probably be in pain for a day or two, but I will give you something for that, and I promise, soon she'll be as good as new."

  "Thank you. Can I take her home tonight?"

  "I don't see why not. I've given her something to keep her calm, so she shouldn't want to run around much for the next few hours. Let me clean up this mess, and I'll take you both home."

  "Is there anything I can do to help?"

  He smiled at her again. This time she felt it straight down to her core. Damn, he had a killer smile; it was capable of instantly melting her insides. She felt an awareness start to grow that hadn't been there before. Or maybe it had been, just overshadowed by her worry for Sasha.

  Damn, the man was gorgeous. His dark hair, worn shoulder-length, was wavy and full, perfect for running her hands through. His eyes were a deep ocean blue framed by long thick eyelashes.

  Her eyes raked over his body. Too shocked to notice before, her gaze settled on his broad chest. He had carried Sasha both to the car and then into the building and hadn't even been breathing hard.

  She acknowledged he was probably used to lifting large animals, but still thought it impressive. She could see those arms wrapped around her, holding tightly as they made love.

  "I'll be fine. The staff bathroom is through there,” he pointed, “if you want to clean up some."

  Theresa looked down. She was covered in dirt and dog hair, and she imagined her face was streaked from all the crying.

  When she got into the bathroom, she realized it was worse than she'd expected. Her makeup was streaked all down her face, mascara smudged and blush all blotchy.

  And I fantasized about the man while I was in the examination room? He was probably eager to get rid of her and her dog.

  Cleaning herself up, she scrubbed all trace of her makeup off. She preferred little to no makeup, but since they'd had the meeting with the new owners today, she'd listened to her mother's voice in the back of her head telling her to “pretty up” for it. Every little bit helped, right?

  "That's better."

  Her head snapped to him as she walked into the room. For a minute Theresa wasn't sure if he was referring to her or Sasha, and then realized he didn't even notice her enter, as he was stroking Sasha's nose with care.

  "I'm sorry, I don't even know your name. I'm Theresa Deas.” Theresa approached him once he looked up.

  "Jay, Jay Shephard."

  "Well, Doctor Shephard, I don't know how to thank you enough. I don't know what I would have done without you."

  "It was nothing."

  "I don't have my checkbook with me, but if you have somewhere I can leave my information, I will pay the bill later, as soon as you figure out how much I owe you."

  "Whoa, there. Pay me later?"

  Theresa was a bit taken aback. “Well if you want to wait when you drop me off, I'll write you a check then."

  "Don't be ridiculous."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Theresa, I'm the one who hit Sasha. I could help, so I did."

  "Yes, but if she hadn't gotten away from me, it never would have happened."

  He walked around the examination table and put his hands on her shoulders. “Theresa, it was an accident. I hit Sasha. I made sure she was okay. You owe me nothing at all. Stop worrying."

  "But—"

  Surprising her, he placed his fingers against her lips. “Shh.” His voice had gone soft and gentle like when he had been soothing Sasha, only this time it was huskier, and sent a tingle straight down to her pussy, moisture flooding it in an instant. She had a compelling urge to purse her lips and kiss the fingers touching her.

  "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. Do you like Chinese food?"

  It took her a moment to follow his change in subject, but she nodded, his fingers still against her lips.

  "Good. I ordered from The Palace while you were in the bathroom. We can pick it up on the way back to your place."

  Once again, Jay carried Sasha to his car, placing her gently in the back seat. Theresa sat in the front seat this time, but spent most of the ride to the restaurant with her attention on her dog.

  When Jay jumped out of the car to get the food, Theresa spoke for the first time, talking to Sasha like she always did. “Well, baby, if you had to get hit, at least you got hit by a veterinarian. A cute, sexy one at that, too. I wonder if that man is taken, ‘cause I didn't notice a ring on his hand. Oh God, knowing my luck he's gay.

  "But damn, what I wouldn't do to get that man in bed, even if just for the night. If I didn't know better, I would swear you knew he was coming, and ran in front of him on purpose. You trying to get me laid?"

  Sasha lifted up her head a bit and gave a small yip, before lying it down again and falling asleep.

  "Silly dog. I'm just glad he was going slow, and was able to check you out. You scared me to death."

  Theresa started as Jay jumped back into the car, handing her the bag of food. “Everything okay?"

  "Yeah, I was just talking to Sasha."

  "Yeah, sometimes I feel like only my pets understand me."

  "Do you have many?"

  "Right now, only a pair of cats. My dog of the last fifteen years died a couple months ago, and I just don't have the heart for another one yet."

  Theresa nodded in sympathy. “Yeah, I can understand that. The advice to run out and get a new furbaby to replace one we lost isn't always the best."

  By the time they arrived at Theresa's house, Sasha was stirring once again. She allowed herself to be carried into the house, but as soon as they got through the front door, she struggled to be let down.

  Immediately, she walked to Theresa for a little bit of loving before walking to her bed beside the couch to lie down.

  Theresa stood up to find Jay had walked into the kitchen, and was already getting out silverware and plates.

  "Sorry.” She joined him in the kitchen and reached for the napkins. “Would you be okay if we ate in the living room? I want to keep an eye on Sasha."

  He smiled understandingly. “Not a problem at all."

  "What do you want to drink? I have soda, water, beer and wine."

  "Soda is fine for me."

  "Okay, let me pour and I'll be out in a jif."

  By the time she had gotten the drinks ready and brought them to the living room, he had the food spread out on the coffee table.

  "I wasn't sure what you like, so I got a little bit of everything."

  Theresa smiled. “I can
see that. This looks perfect."

  For the next hour they talked and laughed together, sharing stories of past pets, present jobs, and friends and family. Theresa learned that he had been living on the other side of the state for the last few years, and was just now relocating to be closer to his parents as they got older.

  The more he talked, the more attractive he became to her. The tension she noticed earlier never went away, in fact, it seemed to build every time they accidentally touched hands while reaching for the same food, or bumped while adjusting on the sofa.

  Every time his hand brushed hers, she felt a spark run through her body. She didn't know what to say to him, but she knew what she wanted to do. But would he think me too forward?

  When he reached his hand to grasp hold of hers, she was ready to pop off of the couch in anticipation.

  "Theresa, I—"

  It was her turn to cut him off. Only instead of using her fingers, she used her lips.

  If she had thought the touch of his hands was electric, she was mistaken.

  The feel of his lips sent her entire body into overdrive. Senses tingling, her body ached for more than just the touch of his lips. No sooner had the thought formed in her brain than his arms reached around and pulled her close into him.

  His tongue invaded her mouth and she tasted the sweet and sour sauce from dinner. It hadn't tasted that good on the chicken, that was for sure.

  Her hands crept around to the back of his neck, and she held him tightly, rubbing her body against his.

  The kiss seemed to go on forever before he pulled away from her, breathing heavily.

  "Oh God, I'm sorry, Theresa. Now is not the time. You're upset about Sasha, and you're feeling thankful. This would be taking advantage of the situation."

  "Trust me, Jay, grateful is not what I am feeling toward you right now.” She shook her head in denial of her statement. “Well, yeah, I am, but that's not at the top of my mind. I have much more carnal thoughts running through my head than gratitude."

  "Are you sure?"

  Theresa took one of his hands and laid it on her pussy. Even through the jeans he had to be able to feel the heat and moisture he brought forth from her body. “Does that answer your question?"

  "Oh, yeah."

  "But is this what you want?"

  He grabbed her hand in turn and placed it on the ridge of his cock that she could feel through his jeans. Oh, yeah, he wanted this too.

  "I have been fantasizing about this since the first time I saw you walking Sasha. I would see you and her strolling down the street, and wanted nothing more than to introduce myself to you."

  "What kept you?” She was still breathing hard. Conversation was getting more difficult as his hand returned to her body and massaged her through the heavy denim.

  "Fear. And your neighbor, Mrs. Rebitz."

  "What does she have to do with it?"

  "She brings her Fluffy in to see me once a week, and tells me everything that goes on. I didn't want to ruin your reputation."

  "Well, damn. If that's the only reason, ruin away. She could deal with a bit of real excitement in her life."

  "Theresa, I would love to continue this conversation, but not right now. Right now I want nothing more than to take you back to bed and make love to you all night.” His voice was husky and dry sounding from his excitement.

  "Yes."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yes. Yes. And again, yes. I'm a big girl, and I know what I want. And if you ask me once more, I'll throw you out just for pissing me off."

  He didn't need any more encouragement than that. Without a word Jay scooped her up and waited for her to point the way to the bedroom, casting one last glance toward Sasha, asleep on the floor.

  When they got to the bedroom, Jay set her on the floor beside the bed. He held her hips for a moment before bringing his hand up to stroke her cheek.

  "You are beautiful."

  Theresa blushed. She didn't feel beautiful, but now wasn't the time to think about that.

  "Before we go any further, though, do you have any protection?"

  Protection? She was on the pill, but still. “Yes!” She was so excited that she actually had some that she blurted it out. “My brother visited last month. He had delusions of getting lucky in the big city."

  Jay smiled.

  "They're in the guest bathroom."

  Jay offered to go get them after she told him where to find them. While he was gone, she pulled the sheets down and turned off all the lights but the small one on the opposite side of the room. She debated taking her clothes off, but suddenly got very nervous.

  "Nice."

  She turned to see him at the doorway to the bedroom, leaning on the jamb.

  "I—"

  He smiled at her, and walked slowly forward as she stood there by the bed uncertain what to do. He cupped her cheek in his hand again and brought his lips down to hers.

  All her fears and trepidation disappeared instantly at the touch of his lips. Warmth spread through her body as she grew eager for more.

  His arms wrapped around her body and pulled her tight against him. Their kiss grew in intensity as he tasted her lips and she opened to allow him access.

  Heat built quickly, her eagerness to have him inside her, pumping at her, drove her to tug at his shirt. She heard a button snap as she pulled it out of his pants.

  "Oops.” She giggled against his mouth as she continued to unbutton his shirt, not letting it stop her.

  He tore his mouth away to blaze a trail down her neck. “Don't worry, the dry cleaners will fix it."

  "Well then, in that case.” Theresa did something she had never done before, but suddenly needed to, as she pulled at his shirt, ripping it open as buttons went flying.

  He nipped at her neck. “Little tease, aren't you?” Jay tugged at her sweatshirt, moving back only long enough to pull it over her head before zooming in right back where he had left off.

  Theresa yelped at the sharper bite he gave her, and she heard Sasha whimper in the other room.

  "Shh.” That was the last thing she wanted, Sasha coming in because she was worried about her mistress.

  "I've never had to be quiet because of a dog before.” Theresa heard the humor in his voice as he reached around to unsnap her bra, cupping her breasts as they fell free. His mouth, still working its way over her shoulders, down to her chest, left wet trails of heat where he touched.

  He took a breast in his mouth as he wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her in closer to him. Theresa felt his erection hard and thick through both their pants, and was eager to get her body on it.

  She reached for his belt, unbuckling it quickly to unsnap his pants and reach her hand in.

  "Mmm."

  She wasn't sure who moaned as she grabbed and stroked him. He was thick and smooth, and she stroked him, squeezing tightly.

  "Theresa, you had better stop that, or I may just come in my pants. And I have something much better planned.” He pulled back from her hand and she let him go regretfully.

  In turn, he reached for her pants and had them unzipped and down before she even realized what he was doing. Turning her, he pushed her back on the bed so he could remove her clothing completely, followed quickly by his own.

  Her pussy clenched at the sight of him ripping off his torn shirt. His chest was large and well defined, just as she had thought it would be. She wanted to run her tongue down his shaped abs, to taste him, he looked so yummy.

  He climbed on the bed beside her to give her one more searing kiss before working his way down her body. She grabbed at his shoulders as he laved attention to her breasts, kneading them and licking them, playing her with hardened nipples.

  "How do you like it, Theresa? Do you want it soft and slow? Or hard and fast?"

  "Yes, please.” Theresa was beyond reasonable thought. She knew she wanted him any way she could get him. She tugged at his shoulders, trying to get him up to her lips, so she could taste him, too, but he looked up
at her with a grin and a small shake of his head.

  She growled out her frustration as he kissed his way down her stomach, to her navel and out to her hips before moving further down.

  Her legs opened willingly as his hand reached her mons, caressing her as a finger dipped into her wetness. He stroked her, spreading her juices around as his mouth reached the junction of her legs and latched onto her clit.

  Theresa arched off the bed as he took the nub in his mouth and sucked hard. Simultaneously, he thrust two fingers into her vagina and crooked them.

  Her fingers fisted in his hair as he pleasured her, driving her to the edge again and again, shivers shooting through her body as she bit back screams of satisfaction.

  "Enough, Jay. Enough.” She wanted more of him. She wanted his hard cock inside her, thrusting them both to completion.

  With one last lick, he pulled back. His face was wet with her juices as he looked up at her. He took a corner of the sheet and wiped his face off before giving her a long, deep kiss.

  He reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the condom he had placed there. She hadn't even seen him do it, but there it was. Hell, he must have been feeling ambitious because there was a small pile there.

  Jay grinned at her raised eyebrows and ripped open the package.

  "Let me do it.” She reached for the package.

  "Oh, babe, I'd love you to, but I don't think I will last if you touch me again."

  With a saucy grin, she pumped her hips against his, and he growled before moving back to place the rubber on his dick.

  It was as large as she thought, and pulsed eagerly. Theresa reached, but he moved before she could get her hands on it. He positioned himself at her entrance and slowly pushed his way in.

  It had been a while since she had been with anyone, and he felt gloriously thick inside her. Finally he was completely seated within her. She wrapped her legs around him and held him tight for a moment as they both enjoyed the sensations.

  Eventually he started moving, easing back slowly, and in just as slow. With a thrust of her hips, Theresa told him, “Faster, dammit. Harder."

  He sped up, giving her what she asked for as he thrust into her hard and fast, the tension quickly expanding throughout her entire body once again.