Sweeter Than Chocolate: Valentine's Day Anthology

by Gina Kincade

  "Sure, it’s not," I replied sarcastically with a chuckle.

  Kelsey huffed. "I'm serious, Charlie. Just hear me out."

  Chuckling, I shook my head. "I'm sorry. Go ahead."

  Her peppy demeanor and bright smile returned. "It's called a lock and key party. All the men get keys, and the women get locks. The men have to find the woman with the lock that his key fits."

  I arched a brow. "Sounds like we're talking about more than a date here."

  Kelsey smacked my arm. "You are such a perv. It's a unique, romantic gesture."

  I laughed. It did sound more interesting than a normal blind date scenario.

  My best friend continued, "And the theme for this one is a masquerade, so there's some mystery involved, as well. And I know how much you love mysteries."

  I had to admit, the event was sounding more and more appealing as Kelsey gave me more info. "Guess that means we have to go shopping."

  Kelsey clapped her hands. "I have a good feeling about this."

  I was actually excited about the party. I loved to dress up and get all dolled up, especially when most of my life was all about business and professionalism. I guessed that part was the debutante in me.

  The next day, Kelsey and I went to the mall to find dresses and masks for the lock and key date. I didn’t get to go shopping much, so the impromptu trip was a nice treat for me.

  We went to a bridal shop in the mall since they typically had a variety of cocktail dresses and ballgowns all in one place. We browsed the racks of bridesmaids dresses, but I couldn’t really find anything that stuck out to me.

  I pursed my lips as I pushed aside dress after dress. I didn’t want to go to another store, but I was coming to the end of the rack, and I hadn’t found a dress that I liked.

  Kelsey was looking through dresses a few aisles away. “Hey, I found something.”

  Abandoning my rack, I joined Kelsey at hers. She had a dress the color of an emerald draped over her arm. “That’s a gorgeous color, Kels.”

  She grinned down at her find. “I figured most women are going to wear red or black, so I think I’ll stand out in this.”

  “Definitely. It’ll look great with your skin tone.”

  “I hope it fits.”

  We both browsed some more, and I finally found a couple of options that I liked. Kelsey and I headed to the dressing rooms with our picks.

  After trying everything on, I fell in love with a deep purple one-shoulder mermaid dress. I turned around in front of the mirror, taking in every angle, then nodded. “Yep. This is it.”

  Kelsey ended up going with the green dress, and I was glad it fit her since she had her heart set on it.

  We checked out, then went to a party supply store to pick out our masks. Kelsey was bursting with excitement as she talked about her hopes for the lock and key party, and I couldn’t help but smile. I really wanted everything to work out for her. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her.

  We found some masquerade masks that matched our dresses, and I hated to admit that I was also looking forward to the event.

  I wondered if Logan would be there. He’d been to several dating events, and if he was serious about finding someone, he might go to the lock and key party. It seemed like an upscale, unique event that would interest him.

  The thought of seeing him both excited and scared me. I wasn’t sure I could face him after walking out on him, but I still thought about him all the time and what could have been.

  If he happened to be at the masquerade, it would seem like fate was trying to tell me something.

  I laughed a little at the thought. I wasn’t going to get my hopes up, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see Logan again.

  By the time Thursday came around, my stomach was so jumbled with nerves at the thought of possibly seeing Logan. I knew it was silly to actually think that he might be at the event, but I couldn’t help but hope.

  As I got ready at Kelsey’s place, I couldn’t help but feel like Cinderella getting ready to meet Prince Charming at the ball. If Logan was there, it would be like a proverbial glass slipper bringing us together.

  The lock and key party was taking place at The Ivy Room, which was an upscale venue with several different options for various events.

  The main ballroom was teeming with activity; people mingling, music playing, food and drinks circulating. As an event coordinator, I was instinctively drawn to the decor and setup of the party.

  Small banquet tables were set up with floating candles in a glass bowl atop a mirror as centerpieces. Everything was accented in silver and gold, including chair covers, curtains, and table runners.

  “This is fancy,” Kelsey commented as we approached the bar.

  I nodded. “Whoever organized this did a great job. Everything looks amazing.”

  Just like the last dating event, we were early. Given the number of people present, either everyone was early, or there was going to be a lot more people in attendance.

  “How many people are going to be at this thing, Kels?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. I think around fifty.”

  Definitely more than the last event.

  Kelsey had been right about me enjoying the mysteriousness of the event. Wearing a mask and seeing everyone else in their own masks made the event a little whimsical and fun. I could see why someone would want to attend since some of the nerves and anxiety about meeting prospective dates were alleviated with the playfulness of the masquerade theme.

  After Kelsey and I ordered our drinks, we stayed by the bar and scoped out the attendees. Everyone was dressed to impress, and several handsome men were in attendance.

  I nudged Kelsey with my elbow. “You have a great selection here, Kels.”

  Taking a sip of her drink, she looked around the room. “I can see that.”

  “Welcome, everyone,” the host from our previous speed date greeted over a microphone. “We hope you enjoy your evening with us tonight. Our event tonight is a little different than our usual date nights. Each woman will get a lock, and each man will get a key. Then you will mingle until you find the person who has your corresponding match, and that person is your date for this evening. After tonight, it is up to you to decide whether you would like a second date with your match.”

  The host had us form two lines again like we had at the speed date to get our locks and keys. Once Kelsey and I got ours, we went out on the dance floor where most of the other daters were so that we could mingle.

  Two men approached us with nervous smiles on their faces. Both were good-looking, but I felt no attraction to either of them.

  The taller one held up his key, speaking to Kelsey, “May I?”

  Holding out her lock, she giggled. “Sure.”

  Both men tried each of our locks but were unable to unlock either of them. The taller one gave Kelsey a sad smile. “Damn, I was really hoping we would match up.”

  After the two men left, a few minutes passed before another man approached us. “Two for one,” he joked.

  Oh, God. Creep alert.

  Thankfully, he didn’t match with Kelsey or me. Several other men tried our locks over the next half hour, but none opened Kelsey’s or my lock. Their hopeful expressions falling made me feel bad, but I told myself it was part of the experience.

  Kelsey sighed. “What if I don’t have a match?”

  “The whole point of this is for you to have a match, Kels,” I reassured her.

  “But what if there was some kind of mix-up?”

  I chuckled. “Kelsey, stop. Just be patient, okay.” A waiter was passing by with some champagne on a tray, and I quickly grabbed one. “Here, drink this and stop working yourself up.”

  Kelsey took the glass from me and took a sip, then slowly blew out a breath. “Stay positive, Kels. You can do this.”

  Three men came up to us, and Kelsey perked up a bit. The second one that tried her lock opened it, and a huge smile spread over her face. The others didn’t matc
h with me, but I couldn’t care less. I was just happy that Kelsey finally found the guy who had her key.

  The two other men left as Kelsey and her match started chatting. I silently motioned to her that I was going to get another drink and gave her a thumbs-up. Then I made my way back to the bar.

  I sat down and ordered another martini. Setting my lock down on the bar, I sighed. I kinda felt bad for the guy who ended up with me tonight.

  "I thought you didn't want to date."

  The familiar, sexy voice made me tense. I whipped around in my seat, coming face to face, or mask to mask, with the man who'd been filling my dreams ever since the moment I met him. "What are you doing here?"

  Logan gave me his trademark smirk. He was dressed in a sleek navy blue suit and had a matching blue mask. And he looked even more handsome than I remembered. "Looking for the woman of my dreams. Have you seen her?"

  His comment stung a little. I knew I'd hurt him, and the guilt was in full force. Not to mention, I hadn't stopped thinking about him and how good he was at making me orgasm. "I doubt you'll find her at something like this."

  His eyes ran up and down my body. "You look beautiful, Charlie."

  My cheeks heated. "Thank you."

  He stepped closer to me, the corners of his lips tipping up. "Do you think it's a coincidence that you and I were brought together again even though you insist you don't want a relationship?"

  I was a strong believer in fate, but I also felt that we made our own destiny. Shrugging, I took a sip of my martini. "Maybe."

  Logan chuckled. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

  "I like to call it strong-willed."

  He snorted. "Let's make a deal, Bama." He held up his key. "If my key fits your lock, you give us a real shot this time."

  I arched a brow. "And if it doesn't?"

  He shrugged. "We have one last night of amazing sex, and I'll never bother you again."

  A lump formed in my throat. Not seeing Logan again made me sadder than I wanted to admit. But I wouldn't tell him that. I extended my hand to him. "Deal."

  Taking my hand in his, he smiled. "Deal."

  Rising out of my seat, I grabbed my lock off the bar and held it up, keeping my eyes on his. Without missing a beat, he held my gaze as he brought his key up to the lock. Using just his hands, he maneuvered the key into the lock and turned.

  We both glanced down as the lock clicked open.

  Holy shit.

  We both stared at the joined lock and key for a few seconds in shock. Maybe fate was trying to tell me something.

  "Well, would you look at that," Logan observed, giving me a smug smile.

  "Oh, shut up and kiss me," I ordered, grabbing him by the lapels of his suit and pulling him to me.

  He cupped my face in both hands and grinned. "Yes, ma'am."

  As he pressed his lips to mine, the rest of the world faded away. My body hummed with pleasure, and my stomach fluttered as the kiss deepened.

  Why did I even think about letting him get away?

  When Logan finally pulled away, my lips tingled, and I was slightly winded. He smiled softly at me. "You know what this means?"

  I shook my head. "No night of amazing sex?"

  He chuckled, running his knuckles down my cheek. "No, we're going to have plenty of nights of amazing sex."

  "Then, what?"

  He released a sigh of content. "I get to prove to you that not all men are cheating assholes like your ex. I get to show you how an amazing woman like you deserves to be treated." He tugged on a loose curl, grinning happily. "And I get to be the luckiest guy in every room we ever walk in."

  My chest tightened, and my stomach flip-flopped. Logan had a way with words, but I hoped every one he'd spoken was true. "Is that all?" I teased, giving him a coy smirk.

  Tapping his chin, he looked to the side, as if in thought. "And I get to eat that fabulous pussy every day for as long as you'll let me."

  I glanced around, seeing if anyone heard his lewd comment. I couldn't help but laugh as I smacked him. "You perv."

  Logan laughed, pulling me closer. "You know you love it."

  I did. We were two pervs in a pod. I shook my head. "You want to get out of here?"

  He arched a brow. "You going to leave me naked and alone in your apartment again with only a goodbye note?"

  “No.” I rolled my eyes. "This time, I'll text you."

  We both chuckled. Logan tucked a stray hair behind my ear and grinned. “C’mon, Bama, let’s get out of here.”

  The End

  For more information about Nikki

  www.facebook.com/NikkiSparxxAuthor

  www.nikkisparxx.wordpress.com

  www.amazon.com/author/nikkisparxx

  Nikki's Book List

  The Scars Series

  The Scars of Us

  Mending Scars

  The Scars Series Duet

  The Scars of Him

  The Platinum Hotel Series

  Meet Me in Room 108

  The Elemental Prophecy Series

  Envisioned

  Emblazed

  Empowered

  Standalones:

  What We Left Behind

  About the Author

  Lover of angst, drama, and happily ever afters, Nikki Sparxx is the bestselling author of The Scars Series. When she's not writing, Nikki enjoys reading, binging Netflix, and spending time with her diva chihuahua and two crazy Frenchies.

  Old Flame Burns Again

  Angelica Dawson

  4 Flames

  Skip To Next Story

  Second Edition

  ISBN: 978-1-77357-014-3

  Copyright ©2017 Angelica Dawson

  Published by: Naughty Nights Press, LLC

  http://naughtynightspress.com/

  All rights reserved. This book is copyrighted and protected by law.

  About Old Flame Burns Again

  This Valentine’s Day is nothing any of them expected.

  Ben has been in love with Diane since he met her. At the time, he didn’t know about her previous lover, her college roommate, Lisa. When the curvy brunette turns up on Valentine’s Day, old thoughts and fantasies resurface.

  Is Diane interested in rekindling her lesbian love affair? Would Lisa consider including Ben? Is Ben destined to be taking cold showers until Lisa leaves town?

  Chapter One – Valentine’s Surprise

  “Ben? Can you come here?”

  I looked up from my game and tucked my phone in my jacket pocket. We stood in the bathroom, Diane both in my field of vision and reflected in the mirror. She held her hair up and a chain out to me.

  Dutifully, I took the gold thread and wrapped it around her neck. The tear-shaped diamond on the pendant rested against her cleavage. The red dress she wore cut low, snugging under her breasts to emphasize their modest curve.

  Diane’s height prevented me from peering over her head, even before she donned her heels. Once those were on, she would look down at me. No, only a sliver of my face peeked around the side of hers. The face I enjoyed seeing most. Her brown eyes, lined in black, shone with the smile that turned up the corners of her full, red lips. Her nose, like the rest of her, was slender and graceful, a lovely line between her rose-tinted cheeks.

  It never ceased to amaze me how this woman, who was so beautiful in the early morning, with no makeup and her hair a tangled mess, could improve on it. She did, using light smatterings to draw out the shapes that made her a natural beauty. She would argue against that fact, but I refused to give in. Even if I conceded she were awkward in high school and college—which I didn’t—when I met her, any rough edges had been smoothed away to reveal the woman she was today.

  I kissed her neck as I fastened the chain on her Valentine’s gift. We’d put off celebrating my recent promotion, allowing me to both surprise her and celebrate the holiday in style.

  My kiss didn’t stop there. The wide neck exposed part of her shoulder too, and I nibbled my way along it, hands sliding down
around her hips and pulling them flush against me. My cock throbbed in my dress pants and her shifting against it made me ache.

  “Mm, Di.”

  She nudged me with her hip instead, bumping my erection just hard enough to make me wince. “We’ll be late.”

  “Not if you lean on the vanity.” Grinning, I squatted and drew my hands up the outside of her legs, lifting her skirt to rub myself against her panties.

  Craning her neck to look over her shoulder, she smirked. “You really can’t wait?”

  “Nope.” I unfastened myself, but didn’t draw down her underwear. “I mean, I’d have to wait through all of dinner.” I reached around to slide my hand over her pelvis and between her legs. “And dessert.” I rubbed her. “And the wine.”

  The more I teased her, the brighter her cheeks became. Her hips moved against my hand and she cussed. “Damn, Ben.”

  “Yes? You like?” Pushing my fingers under her panties, I stretched them toward her intimate skin.

  “Yes, take me.”

  Growling into her shoulder, I yanked the panties down. Using my hand for guidance, I rubbed my wet tip against the crack of her ass, burying myself between her cheeks.

  “Not there,” she complained as I prodded her ass.

  “Not my plan,” I assured her, pushing myself down and forward. “Lean over more.”

  She did as I asked, the mirror giving me a lovely view right down the front of her dress. Her black bra cupped her perfectly, just as I wished to do with my hands. Her ass coming up allowed my cock to go down, snagging on her pussy. With a quick thrust, I pushed through her wet channel.

  “Yeah,” she moaned, leaning back and driving me deeper.

  “Yeah,” I agreed. Slowly at first, I pulled out and thrust back in, never completely withdrawing. After a dozen strokes, I used more speed, more force, watching the pendant swing through the air as I pounded her.

  “Oh, God, yes.” It drove me mad to see how much she enjoyed my cock, how close she was getting to a climax. I would burst any minute, but I wanted to give her all I had. Releasing one hip, I sank my fingers between her pussy lips, rubbing and grinding on her clit.