Olivia smiled and kissed him deeply, slipping her tongue between his lips. “Don’t forget my hopelessly handsome husband. He’s what makes this weekend truly amazing.” She downed the rest of her glass, showing him a glint in her eye. “Shall we get this show on the road?”
Brian settled himself in the chair, which had a remarkably comfortable feather cushion, and watched as Olivia began to undress. She stood before a full-length mirror, her back to him, their gazes connecting. Her rich brown eyes smoldered as she tilted her head and began unbuttoning her blouse. Her movements were hypnotic as she drew him in further with every inch of skin revealed. Roomier pants might have been a better choice for their shopping excursion.
Once she’d disrobed, she tried on a series of teddies and short nightgowns in a tantalizing mix of lace and straps and a rainbow of muted colors. She looked incredible in each one although he was frankly just as happy with her completely naked. Olivia set aside several that she’d ruled out and had two in her “maybe” pile.
“Bras and panties next, I guess,” she said. “Although I have tons of underwear, honey. Do I really need all of this?” She held up a lavender lace bra and held it against her pert breasts.
He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. “I think you need something for tomorrow night. And there’s a special pair of panties at the bottom of that pile. I was hoping you’d wear those tonight to dinner.”
Her forehead crinkled with curiosity and she turned to flip through the stack of thongs, leaving the mind-boggling curves of her ass on display. A giggle bubbled out of her when she found what he’d requested from the shop manager.
“This?” she asked, turning with wide eyes. A wide black-lace waistband with nothing more than a string of pearls connecting the front and back draped between her hands. “Brian Saunders, you naughty, naughty boy,” she purred, slinking closer to him. “Is this what I think it is?”
He poured himself another glass of champagne, feigning nonchalance when the truth was the thought of her wearing it sent expectation racing through his veins. “You tell me.”
She rocked her hip to the side and looked down her nose with a disapproving look that was disturbingly hot. “I wear this and the little strand of pearls rubs back and forth against, uh…” she bit her lower lip, “my most delicate places. The more I move, the more rubbing.”
Delicate places. She has such a frustrating way with words. “Exactly. And that’s what I want you to wear to dinner tonight. We’ll pick out a bra to go with it.” He took a long sip and sat back in the chair. “You’ll be so turned-on by the time we get back to the hotel, you’ll let me do virtually anything to you.”
“You know I’ll let you do anything to me, Bri.” She dropped to her knees and took his hand. “Just being with you like this turns me on. You know, this means so much to me, to feel wanted and desired. Every woman wants that.” A tear collected in the corner of her eye. “It’s easy to be wife and mom. It’s the sex kitten role that I’m not always sure of.”
“You’re always my sex kitten. I just need to do a better job of reminding you.” He watched a smile crop up on her face. She grasped his fingers and pressed them against her cheek. “I love you, Liv. You’re my everything. You know that, don’t you?”
She nodded and the tear trailed across her flushed, pink cheek. “I do. Deep down, I do. I don’t know why I need the affirmations. I don’t know why I need things to be more exciting between us. I only know that I felt closer to you when we were pushing the limits a little. Together.”
Her eyes became an impossibly richer shade. Memories swirled in his head, of youth and new love and the unquestioning trust he and Olivia had shared from the beginning. There was no denying he’d been taken aback the first time she’d asked him to tie her to the bedpost with a silk tie, but as they learned to let go and enjoy each other, each new fantasy fulfilled had brought them closer. She’d taught him not to fear the parts of him that wanted things that might be considered outside the norm. She’d taught him to embrace even the fleeting thoughts.
“So you’re ready to push the limits a little more? The way we used to?” he asked.
“I want to, even if it’s only a weekend away every now and then. I never want us to lose that part of us.”
I don’t want to lose that either. “And you trust me, implicitly.”
“Of course. No question.”
“Okay, here goes.” He let out a slow breath, his stomach wobbling. “I’m hoping you’ll help me fulfill the fantasy that the Spice Rack brought up. I’ve had it for a long time but never shared it with anyone.”
Her lower lip jutted out. “Okay. Tell me.”
“I mean it. Every time it cropped up in my head, I told myself it was too much.”
“Tell me. I can’t stand the suspense.”
“I want to share you with another man.”
The flutter from her lashes came rapid-fire. For an instant, he wondered if she was having a stroke. “You mean like a three-way?”
He shook his head and laughed with relief. At least she hadn’t shown any signs of recanting her promise to trust and love him always. “No. I have no interest in being in bed with another man. I want to watch another man please you sexually. And watch you please him.”
Olivia knew Brian was dead serious, but her gut reaction was unbalanced at best. Part of her wanted to squeal as if she’d just won the lottery, part of her grappled with the idea of doing anything physical with another man, let alone in front of her husband. “You do? Seriously?”
His brow furrowed. “Yes. Is that too weird?”
“No.” She wished she could hide the look of pure surprise that she knew still painted her face, but on the list of possible fantasies, this was kind of a whopper. “It’s just that I never would have guessed that was your big fantasy. I figured all men wanted a three-way with another woman.”
“Nope. Not me.”
She nodded, still coming to terms with the concept. “Interesting. What exactly is the appeal of this scenario?”
“I want to be able to watch another man make you come, to watch the look on your face and to see in his eyes how much he wants you.” He emptied his glass and took a deep breath. “It’s an ego thing, really. I can admit that. I want to watch, knowing that you are mine.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “All mine.”
Her mind was still struggling to picture the scenario. “Are we talking full-on sex?”
“A lot of men are into that, but I don’t know if I can handle taking it that far. I want to share you but actual penetration is too much, if that’s okay with you.”
Strains of Brian’s ringtone sounded. He held up his finger and fished the phone from his pocket. “Sorry,” he muttered as he eyed the screen.
“Really? Your phone? We’re kind of in the middle of something.”
“Shit. Okay. I gotta get this.”
“Work?”
“No. Tomorrow.” He pressed the screen with his finger. “Hey. Thanks for getting back to me.” Brian avoided her eyes, picking at something on the leg of his pants. “Wow. Okay. Great. That’s really good news.” His face flushed a deep shade of crimson. “I mean, thank you.”
Still on her knees at Brian’s feet, Olivia slumped back on her haunches. Tomorrow? Her eyes narrowed as he finally looked at her and cracked a very odd smile.
“Will nine work for you?” His head bobbed up and down. “Yes. Good idea. Our hotel. Neutral location.”
Oh. Wow.
“Yes,” he continued. “She and I actually just talked about it and she is definitely onboard. Do you want to talk to her beforehand? You’ll have to tell me how this works.”
Beforehand? Okay then. He’s talking to the guy. Oh my God. We never even talked about the other person. Panic took hold but she sucked in a deep breath, reminding herself how much she trusted Brian with everything—her life, her love, her body.
“Sure. I understand. You two can talk tomorrow. After she’s had a chance to t
hink everything over. Okay, man. Thanks. Bye.”
Brian tapped his screen and twisted his lips.
“Well?” Olivia blurted. “Who were you talking to? Was it, you know…” Her eyes bugged and her voice trailed off as she wasn’t exactly sure what she was supposed to call this person. Our partner? My date? The other man?
Brian nodded. “You mean our guest? For tomorrow night?”
She straightened her posture and folded her hands in her lap. “Okay, yes. Our guest.” That’s as good a label as any.
He laughed softly and bent forward, drawing her chin up with his finger. “You’re nervous, aren’t you?”
Moisture had certainly gathered on her palms. “I guess. A little.” A deep breath left her lips. “But no, I’m good. I’ll be fine.” She again focused on his face, the square cut of his jaw lined with sexy scruff. “So, how does one find a man to pleasure his wife? Yellow pages? Classifieds? Please don’t tell me Craigslist.”
“No, silly. I wasn’t going to invite some stranger to touch you. It had to be someone I trust and who knows what they’re doing.”
“You know someone who does this for a living?”
“Will you slow down for two seconds? No, I don’t. It’s Michael.”
“Michael, as in Michael? From college?” It felt as if she was two steps behind him and couldn’t catch up. Michael?
“Yep. He has personal experience with this scenario. He’s done this before.”
“Wow. Okay.” Now it not only felt as though she’d caught up with what he was saying, she’d run headlong into his words. “And he was up for this even though he knows us?”
Brian chuckled. “He’s had the hots for you for years. It didn’t take much convincing.”
* * * * *
The click-clack of Olivia’s stilettos on the marble lobby floor only made it more apparent how odd her gait had become while wearing her new underpinnings. There was no question the pearls were doing exactly the task they were meant to perform. With each step, every shift of body weight, even the slightest wiggle, the pearls rolled against her tender skin and sent waves of electricity ribboning through her body.
Brian was almost always impeccably dressed but tonight, in a dark-gray Italian suit, he made her chest flutter and ache. She’d convinced him not to shave and the five-o’clock shadow had filled in, giving him an indescribable edge befitting their weekend getaway.
The doorman opened the door just as Carson, the bellboy, was wheeling in a luggage cart. This time she was quite aware of his eyes on her, but he quickly shied away, cheeks blazing red again.
Brian wrapped his arm around her possessively. “Beware of Carson, Mrs. Saunders. Bellboy has a thing for you.”
“Oh, stop it.”
He cocked an eyebrow at her as the doorman showed them to the car he’d reserved for the evening. Driving in the city was something he’d never enjoyed.
She couldn’t help but giggle as she scooted across the seat and the pearls gave her yet another new sensation. This whole exercise was funny and exhilarating on several different levels.
“How’s it going with the new, uh, clothes?”
“I’ve had three orgasms since we stepped on the elevator,” she whispered into his ear.
“Really?” he asked, his eyes wide in astonishment.
“No.” She shook her head. “But it’s definitely getting the juices flowing if you know what I mean.”
He patted her hand as the driver sped away from the curb. “Excellent. Then they’re worth every penny.”
She pulled him closer and rested her head on his shoulder, taking in his masculine scent—sandalwood, citrus and unadulterated man. “I love you, Bri,” she whispered.
“And I love you, Liv. With all my heart.”
They arrived at the restaurant a few minutes late for their eight-o’clock reservations, but the maître d’ made no mention of it and escorted them to their table, a circular booth in a private corner. The clatter of fine stemware and china along with a low hum of conversation and music filled the room, soft lighting and the flicker of candles setting the stage for their romantic dinner.
After looking over the menu, Olivia decided on a pear and Gorgonzola salad and a New York strip. She waited until the waiter served the wine Brian had ordered before broaching the subject she’d wondered about since their shopping excursion.
“Bri, honey, I have to ask you. How did you decide on Michael?”
Brian traced his fingers around the base of the wineglass. “A number of factors, really. First off, it had to be someone nearby. I hadn’t exactly planned this out ahead of time.”
“Ah, okay.” She nodded. “Hence our trip to the city.”
“Well, to be fair, I also just thought it would be fun to come into Manhattan for our getaway.”
“Absolutely. Excellent choice. What else?”
“He had to be someone we both could trust, but someone who also has an adventurous spirit. He had to be single.” He cleared his throat and smoothed the napkin in his lap. “Remember the last time I came into the city for work? I had dinner with Michael and we went out drinking? Well, I asked about his love life that night and after a few bourbons, he told me all about it. He has a regular arrangement with a couple that’s into this. He knows what he’s doing.”
“Huh. Now that I think about it, I can totally see him doing that.”
“Adventurous spirit” certainly fit Michael when they were in school, although she’d have thought he would’ve mellowed after years on Wall Street. She’d eyed Michael several times in college after a few too many refills from the keg, but her devotion to Brian never wavered. Michael had always been ridiculously handsome with a charm that no woman could resist. It was hard as hell not to look. It was probably why he’d never been able to find the right woman to hold on to. There was likely always someone new waiting in the wings, vying for his attention.
She nodded. “Makes sense. But you also said he had the hots for me. Michael and I were never more than friends. You know that, right?”
Brian smirked and leaned over to peck her on the forehead. “Honestly, Liv, sometimes you don’t have a clue how gorgeous and sexy you are. There were plenty of guys dying to get with you. Michael was just annoyingly vocal about it.”
“Vocal?”
“He said he was waiting for the day you’d dump me so he could dry your tears and seduce you once your heart was no longer broken. He even used to ask me what you looked like naked.”
“No way.”
“He’s not exactly a shy guy.”
She blew out a deep exhalation. “True. Not exactly shy.”
“You’re okay with my choice, right?”
She’d had plenty of time to think about it in the shower before they left for dinner. The idea was both intriguing and exhilarating, but her biggest doubt was Brian’s ability to handle this scenario. Fear of his reaction had her questioning her own ability to relax and let go.
“I want to make sure you aren’t going to get jealous.”
“I wonder the same thing, believe me. But I figure there’s a reason this fantasy has stuck with me for so long. I can’t shake it. I find the idea about as hot as anything I can think of.”
“Okay.” She nodded and smiled. “Good. Because I think it’s pretty hot too.”
Chapter Four
It had been threatening to rain all day, but now that Brian and Olivia were on their way back to the hotel, it was coming down in torrential sheets.
“I’m glad I booked a car for tonight,” Brian said. “We never would have been able to find a cab in this mess.”
Olivia snuggled closer and he cupped her shoulder. “Clearly my husband is a genius.”
“Yeah, right.” Genius. I hope you still think so after tomorrow night.
He’d had plenty of time to think about his fantasy coming true, about his reasons for it, but the very core of that desire was still indecipherable. The idea was so primal, to watch a man driving his wife crazy, doi
ng things to her only he had true permission to do, knowing all along that she was his.
Olivia’s feelings had been of paramount importance. If she’d shown any trace of unwillingness, he would have accepted that it wouldn’t happen. It wasn’t his place to convince her, only to explain what he wanted and why. Everything else was up to her. But now that she’d said yes, he hoped that she would come away from the experience having received the message loud and clear—she was his wife, she was his and he never wanted anything about that to change.
He looked up to see a wide sweep of red taillights blurred by raindrops pelting the windows. New York drivers, notorious for their short fuses, were at their stereotypical best as car horn after car horn blared.
“How long have we been sitting here?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Ten minutes.” Olivia fidgeted in her seat.
“Working the pearls?” He trailed a finger along her knee, swathed in sheer black stockings.
“Not exactly. I really have to pee. It’s making this little experiment of yours much more interesting.”
He snickered. “I can imagine.”
“I’m serious. I don’t think I can last much longer.”
Brian glanced out the window again and leaned forward to talk to the driver. “What do you think? Are we stuck here for a while?”
“Hard to tell, Mr. Saunders. There must be an accident up ahead or we’ve got gridlock. You know how it is in the rain. Everyone drives like a real asshole. Excuse my French.”
“How far is the hotel?”
“Just a few blocks. I’m sure I’ll have you there in another ten or fifteen minutes.”
Olivia’s eyes pleaded with him. “I don’t think I’ll make it,” she mumbled sheepishly.
He peered through the window again before removing his suit coat and handing it to Olivia. “Hope you can run in those shoes.”
“What?”
He leaned forward to speak to the driver again. “We’re square on the fare from this evening, right?”
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