Romance with a Bite

by Tamsin Baker

  “I’m sure you’re right. I spend so much time in front of a screen, conjuring up other realities that it probably doesn’t matter where I am. I’ve always found a quality shiraz and some tasty local cheese to be good for my soul, but I’m open to being convinced otherwise.”

  Cassie acted on impulse, not giving herself time to think. “All right, then. Come with me.” She set down her wine and stood up. Removing the glass from Daniel’s hand, she put that on the table as well and held out her hand to him. “I’ll show you.”

  He looked astonished, but stood up. His hand in hers was warm. She could have sworn there was a slight tingle at the touch, but pushed the thought aside. Before he could object, she dragged him outside onto the back deck. Night had fallen while they had been inside. It was a clear night, surprisingly so for that time of year.

  “Look up,” she instructed. “Tell me what you see.”

  Daniel looked about him. “Not much. It’s night for a start. There’s some moonlight, but it’s in the waning phase. There are some stars, and on a more earthly level, the shadows and shapes of the garden and the bush beyond.” He looked back at her. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”

  “You’re looking in the right direction, but you need to interpret what you’re seeing.” She gestured towards the moon. “The waning moon indicates you’re approaching a time of retrospection. It’s time to recharge and evaluate your recent actions and their strategic relevance to your life goals. Do you follow that?”

  He nodded. “I think so. I hadn’t thought of it in that light before.”

  “You always will now. Then there are the stars. They have their own story to tell.”

  “They’re certainly brighter here away from city lights.”

  “The Milky Way stretches above us like a celestial river, carrying important messages on its path as the seasons change. The ancient ones relied on this information, and it’s just as relevant today. The challenge is knowing how to interpret it.”

  “Hmm.” He peered skywards again. “Well, I know how to locate the northern compass point with reference to the stars in the Southern Cross.”

  “Exactly. That’s a well-known practical use. The position of the stars and planets also changes with the seasons. By keeping track of that celestial guide, you’ll know what’s happening on the earth below. You’ll plant crops at the right time, and understand the coming seasonal changes.”

  She didn’t want to sound as though she was giving a lecture and moderated her voice. “The people in Harrow observe and live their life by those changes. That’s just a synopsis, of course. There’s a lot more to interpreting those messages.”

  As he looked towards the heavens, his face was illuminated by moonlight. Cassie knew some societies regarded the moon as masculine, a celestial partner to the feminine sun. To her though, as with the rest of the local women, the moon and her powers were overwhelmingly female.

  Those wispy fingers of light were now caressing his face, and her fingers itched to do the same. She was close enough to discern a faint woody scent, and there was nothing musky about it. She wanted to trail her fingers down the side of his face, following the moon-lit contours. Why this almost irresistible urge to kiss him? She hadn’t even used the Muscal. What would have happened if she had?

  He turned back towards her and as he did, the light bathing his face dissolved into shadow and his expression with it. She was totally taken by surprise when he took a step towards her, blocking the moonlight from view and then in a deliberate action, claimed her lips with his. She closed her eyes and after a millisecond’s hesitation, surrendered herself to the sweet sensation.

  ☐

  The moon, the stars… how did she know these things? There was much about Cassie Craven that both intrigued and bemused. Turning back to the woman by his side, her upturned face was softly illuminated by the moon, her lips parted invitingly as she looked up at him.

  There was a sweet, musky smell. It reminded him of something, but he couldn’t remember what. All he knew was he wanted to taste those lips turned enticingly towards him. There was a message in her eyes, but was he reading it correctly? He wanted to unclip the barrette in her hair and run his fingers through her loosened tresses. In a startling flashback, he saw the woman bathed in moonlight in that strange scene by the stone, and his arousal mimicked his initial response.

  He reached out and seized her by the shoulders, drawing her close before claiming her lips with his. For a millisecond, there was no response. As a flush of embarrassment hit his ears, Cassie gave a soft moan, and opened her mouth in response to his probing. That was all the invitation necessary. Sliding his arms around her, he pulled her body closer, feeling her breasts pressing against his chest. Dammit. That wasn’t the only firm connection point. He didn’t want to frighten her off.

  She placed her hands on his upper chest, whether to push him away or seeking further touch, he wasn’t sure. He broke contact, pulling back without releasing his hands, so he could look her in the eyes.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I never meant to accost you.”

  “Accost me? I didn’t interpret it that way.” Her voice was barely audible. She didn’t make any effort to extricate herself. “The moonlight has another effect. I should have warned you about that.”

  “You mean, as long as the moon is waning, I can bring you out here and have my wicked way with you?”

  She coloured appealingly. “Just when the moon is shining is fine, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be out here.”

  “But if I kiss you when we’re inside, how will we know the moon is shining?”

  “Ah,” she said. “That’s part of the moon’s magic. It has far-reaching effects, even when you’re not fully aware of it.”

  He contemplated her for a moment. Was she taking the mickey? “So long as there’s a moon shining somewhere, I can kiss you?”

  She gave him a low-lidded look, quite out of character with his perception of how a librarian should behave. “Not necessarily, but it helps.”

  “You never cease to amaze me, not since that first night.” His arms tightened briefly before he dropped a kiss on her lips. “Come on. We might as well go back inside. This is a conversation that can take place anywhere.”

  Before he dropped his hands from her shoulders, he could have sworn he felt a slight vibration. Perhaps Cassie was feeling the cold. Their wine glasses sat where they’d left them, the ruby liquid signalling promise.

  Reaching into her bag, which sat where she’d left it, Cassie pulled out what looked to be a small bottle. “I also study the therapeutic properties of flowers, hence my interest in the orchids.” She unscrewed the tiny cap, and dispensed a single drop of liquid into each glass of wine. “I distilled this one from the Musky Calandenia orchid. That’s the one you found. You might like to try it.”

  She handed him his wine. He sniffed cautiously before taking a sip. “What’s the benefit?”

  Maintaining eye contact, she sipped her own wine. “It’s still in the developmental stage... not everyone will experience the same sensation.” She dropped her eyes briefly before looking up again. Those lips of hers seemed to be conveying their own secret message. When she spoke, her words were curiously hesitant.

  “Muscal is an emotional enhancer. It allows you to feel and experience emotions with greater intensity.”

  That was all he absorbed before this amazing sensation swept over his body. There was that smell again—a sweet, musky, embracing smell. He looked at Cassie. She glowed, or so it seemed. Colours were more intense, had greater depth and purity. Why hadn’t he noticed her eyes before? They were the most mesmerising shade of green he’d ever seen. The air was vibrating. That was weird. It shimmered between them and he could have sworn there was a faint hum with it.

  He took another sip of that amazing wine before putting his glass down again. Grasping Cassie by the shoulders, he turned her around so her back faced him. He pulled the barrette from her hair and c
ast it aside. Now loosened, her hair tumbled around her shoulders. He ran his fingers through the silky locks, marvelling at how soft and smooth it felt.

  He turned her around again. Any semblance of the professional librarian disappeared, and the woman standing before him, with a look of wonderment in her eyes, resembled the woman from the stone in the clearing.

  “You’ve no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that.” His voice caught in his throat. Forming the words was an effort.

  “Perhaps you should have asked,” she whispered.

  They stood for a moment, their eyes inviting the other to speak, or perhaps take the first step. Daniel struggled to comprehend the sensations surging over his body, starting in the pit of his belly and radiating upwards, downwards and outwards in a rolling motion.

  I don’t understand what I’m feeling. Without her even touching me, she’s doing incredible things to my body.

  “What have you done to me, you witch of a woman? Whatever it is, I think I want more of it.”

  Her slow, sensual smile delivered more promise than any words might have done. She reached out and touched his face, sliding a finger lightly over his skin. The sensory vibrations sang their own song. “Don’t waste time thinking when there’s so much else you could be doing.”

  Holding his gaze, she undid the top button of her shirt, then the next, and then the button after that. With a simple movement, she shucked off the garment, exposing her breasts in their lacy casing. She reached out and undid the first of the buttons on Daniel’s shirt. He seized her hand before she went any further.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” She didn’t drop her gaze, issuing a challenge instead.

  With a moan that was half a sigh, he abruptly pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. Not the tender exploratory kiss they’d shared on the deck, but one that threw down the gauntlet and demanded more.

  Breaking away from the embrace, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her towards his bedroom. “I think I get the message.”

  Chapter 6

  The intensity of her desire was overwhelming. Cassie’s body was shaken by a slight tremor. The physical lure of the man was magnetic. Her body responded to him from the curling of her toes to the tingling on her scalp.

  Taking his hand, she placed it on her breast. Reaching up, she wrapped her other hand around the back of his neck and drew his head down. There was an expression of wonderment on his face as he followed her lead and sought her lips with a greedy hunger.

  When she grasped his butt and pulled him closer to where the heat pulsated strongest, she was rewarded with the clear evidence he was as excited as she was. There was even less doubt when he pulled his half-opened shirt over his head, popping a button in the process. Cassie ran her hands over his chest, relishing the firm muscles beneath her touch. She inhaled deeply, with the musky man-scent mingling with the sweeter scent she had released.

  In a fluid moment, Daniel slipped off his jeans and reached for the fastening on hers, trailing kisses down the side of her neck as he did. Cassie gasped and jumped at the tickling sensation. Her knees threatened to buckle beneath her.

  Daniel paused, his face flushed and eyes bright. “I’m not assuming—?”

  “No.”

  “But I didn’t intend—”

  “No. Just shut up.” She placed her hands against his chest, pushing him back far enough that she could look him in the eyes.” You’re not doing anything I didn’t want you to.”

  She reached behind her back and deftly unclipped and flung off her bra, releasing her breasts. She cupped them briefly and the nipples responded, morphing from dusty pink disks to tight buttons of desire. Daniel’s response was a cross between a low moan and the strangled gasp of someone who has forgotten how to breathe. The pupils in his eyes were dilated, emphasizing his wide-eyed look.

  By the blessed Goddess, what am I doing to this man? Maybe this is wrong.

  “Daniel, perhaps I’m the one who should be asking the question. If you don’t want this to go any further, I’ll understand. Liar. I don’t want this to stop at all.

  “How can you say that?” he asked in a strained voice. “There’s nothing I want more than to get your jeans off and ravish you and your gorgeous body.”

  She laughed with delight. He’d called her gorgeous. No one had ever said that before. It made her feel incredibly desirable. As she shucked off her jeans and underwear, Daniel rolled off the bed and removing the last item of clothing, revealed his obvious state of arousal.

  “I don’t want to rush this,” he said. “I want to savor every moment.”

  He drew her to him, and she took pleasure in the sensation of skin against skin before as of one mind, they sank onto the bed. Daniel reached into the toiletry bag sitting on the bedside table and withdrew a small foil packet.

  “Allow me.” Cassie tore it open and slowly and tantalizingly slid the condom over his straining cock. He moaned softly at her touch, and all thoughts of taking it slow evaporated. Pushing her down by the shoulders, he slid a knee between her legs, prizing them apart. She didn’t need any prompting. She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone. Now. Deep inside. She wanted every inch of him.

  She wrapped her legs around him, trapping him against her body and drawing him close. Come to me. Join with me. Make love to me. She opened herself to him, raising her hips to meet him as he plunged into her moist, warm body. It was a heady, uncontrolled coupling, driven by intense desire and an overwhelming need for release. She thought she would explode, and then she did, clinging to him in paroxysms of passion, followed seconds later by his own shuddering climax.

  They lay in close embrace, hearts still racing, breath ragged. Cautiously, she opened her eyes. The misty purple haze in the room slowly cleared as her eyes focused again. She turned her head to look at Daniel. The grin on his face said it all.

  “I’ve said it before,” he stated as he dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose, “but you’re a sorceress.”

  “No, you didn’t.”

  “Okay, I said you were a witch of a woman. Close enough. That was amazing.”

  It sure was. I think I can safely say the Muscal is a potent blend. She gave her most enigmatic smile. “You’re not without some magical attributes yourself.”

  Daniel rolled over on his back to lie beside her. “I feel as though I just ran the Boston Marathon, and I’ve never even been to Boston. I need a drink of water. Can I get you one as well?”

  “I’d love one.”

  It might have been the recent exertion, but it might also be a side-effect of the tincture. Whatever. Her mouth was incredibly dry. Daniel slid out of bed, and headed for the door, giving her a view of his tight, well-formed butt as he did. She heard light switches flicking on and from the flushing noise, realised he’d detoured via the bathroom. In a belated act of modesty, she pulled up the bedsheet, covering herself before his return.

  He was back a couple of minutes later bearing two beakers of water, handing one to her before perching on the side of the bed.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to rush things like that.” He took a mouthful of water. “To be honest, I didn’t intend rushing you into bed at all.”

  She raised her eyebrows at him in mock surprise.

  “Not that any man wouldn’t want to, of course. I’d hate you to think though, that I invited you back here with nefarious intentions.” He started to shake his head, but with a gasp, stopped and raised a hand to his brow. “I don’t know why I feel so foggy.” He took another mouthful of water.

  “Perhaps you should lie down again.” Cassie patted the bed beside her. “Maybe you’ve been working too hard today.”

  “Not really, but it’s a good suggestion.” Placing the glass down on the bedside table, he slid under the sheet and lay down beside her, trailing a hand up the inside of her leg as he did. With a smile, she half-rolled to meet him. Now that she’d caught her breath, she was more inclined t
o embark on a more leisurely exploration of the body beside her. His response was no less than she hoped, but this time, their lovemaking was a gentle ride—teasing and responding and truly delighting in each other’s bodies.

  Later, when Daniel slipped into the deep sleep of the truly exhausted, Cassie eased herself out of bed. She couldn’t stay the night. Some aspects of her life needed to stay private and she wasn’t ready for this episode to be known around the town. Dressing quickly, she collected the orchids from the back deck, turned out the lights and pulled the front door shut behind her. Sweet dreams, Daniel Burton.

  The Muscal worked. She had no doubt about that now. But had it only been the tincture, or was he genuinely attracted to her? The question hovered on her thoughts on the drive home.

  ☐

  It was fully daylight when Daniel awoke. He’d had the most amazing dreams, sensual and graphic. He’d even dreamt he was making love to the woman at the stone, ridiculous as that was. He rubbed his eyes, still hazy from sleep, and wandered over to the bedroom window. The sky was cloudy overhead, but with a bit of luck would clear as the morning progressed.

  Unusual to sleep so late. No morning walk today… a shower, that’s what I need and then a strong coffee.

  Washed and dressed, he wandered into the living area. A plate holding the remnants of cheese and crackers sat on the coffee table, along with two glasses, partially full of wine. One bore a lipstick imprint. He stopped, perplexed. The librarian… she was supposed to come after work. Obviously she did, or someone did. Why couldn’t he remember? There were hazy images of a body next to his… kissing… the sex—my God, the mind-blowing sex! Was that part of the dream? It must have been.

  He carried the plate of cheese to the kitchen and came back for the wine glasses. There was a lingering smell about the wine. It was familiar, but what was it? He sniffed deeply. Sweeter than he expected. Musky. The open bottle sat on the kitchen bench. He picked it up and read the label. …smooth on the palate, with undertones of chocolate, with underlying blueberry flavors. Who writes these descriptions? He took a tentative sip from the non-lipsticked glass. No chocolate there. If anything, after its overnight airing, it was slightly acidic.