by Tara Rose
Sean leaned closer and she sucked in a deep breath. Did this man have any idea how many of her sexual fantasies he’d starred in? He and Maddox both… She cut that thought off before it could fully take shape. Her pulse quickened, and she wiped her suddenly damp palms on the paper napkin. “Yes, it is. You didn’t buy it for yourself.”
She had to avert her gaze. “I really don’t think it’s any of your business, Sean.”
“You’re right. It's not. But I am jealous.”
She lifted her gaze. “Jealous? Why would you be jealous? I’ve lived here all my life. We’ve known each other since we were five years old, and this is the longest conversation we’ve ever had.”
There was that shadow of pain again. “I know. I’m sorry. I was an ass in high school.”
“Sean, I’m not talking about high school. If you had wanted to ask me out, you’ve had seventeen years since high school to do it.”
He chuckled softly and took another bite of his burger. She picked at her salad and wished she’d never come out with him tonight. This was beyond awkward. After he finished chewing, he looked into her eyes again. “Julie, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I started down this line of conversation. I’ve insulted you and I never meant to. Please forgive me.”
Well, that took the wind out of her sails.
“It’s just that you haven’t exactly given off an aura that you were…how do I put this? That you were interested in any kind of a relationship. Not a dating one, not a sexual one, not anything. You’ve kept to yourself and are a top-notch shrink. The best one in this town. Ask anyone in here. But as far as a social life, you aren't approachable. At least, you weren’t before today.”
“And you think because I bought lingerie all that’s changed?”
He shook his head. “No. I think something changed and then you bought the lingerie.”
Chapter Six
Sean knew he was being a nosy asshole, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. He had no one to blame but himself for not pursuing a relationship with Julie. He’d been so damn worried about his silly reputation in high school—the same way Maddox and Ellis had both been—to consider asking her out for no longer than a nanosecond. Instead he’d wasted his time on “popular” girls because that’s who he’d been expected to date.
Not even Maddox or Ellis, his two best friends in school, knew that he’d have preferred a girl like Julie. But she wasn’t a girl any longer, and there was simply no excuse for him not trying to get to know her before now. But it was too late. Whoever had changed Julie so much that she’d walked into Tye Me Up and bought lingerie had done so recently, and in a big way.
“Something did change, but I’m not going to discuss it with you.”
“Fair enough. Let’s change the subject. Do you see anyone else from school much?” He wasn’t going to dwell on it. It was enough that she’d agreed to have dinner with him. The last thing he wanted to do was piss her off and ruin any possible future chance with her.
“I think just about everyone stayed in town. Surely you see them more often than I do. Or, did you mean do I see them as clients?” She was teasing him, but he didn’t mind. It was nice to see a smile on her face again.
He glanced around then leaned closer, inhaling her flowery perfume. Something musky would suit her better. “You couldn’t tell me about that any more than I could tell you who in this room was recently in court on a DUI charge, or which person was caught shoplifting at Busler’s Department Store last weekend.”
“No kidding?” Her eyes lit up and she turned around, as if simply by looking at them she could see into their hearts and know all their dirty little secrets.
“You tell me your secrets, Julie, and I’ll tell you mine.”
She turned around and gave him a look of surprise for a second or two, until she realized he was teasing her. “Sean, you’re a smart-ass. I never knew that about you.”
“Secret number one is out. You caught me. Now it’s your turn. You have to tell me something about you that I never knew.”
“You already know one thing. I buy myself sexy lingerie.”
He made a loud noise like a buzzer going off. “Nope. Sorry. Wrong answer. Try again. We both already know you didn’t buy that for yourself.”
She picked up her cheeseburger and ate the rest of it, slowly. He did the same, watching her the entire time, until it was clear that his staring embarrassed her. But this time instead of bristling she began to laugh. “Stop that.”
“Stop what? I’m just eating.”
“Stop trying to read my mind.”
“You should have worn your tinfoil hat. It blocks the mind-reading waves. Now that’s two secrets of mine you’ve uncovered. Ever think about going into police work? You’d make one hell of a detective.”
More giggles. He liked that. “You’re a nut.”
“And that’s three. You’d better start spilling secrets, Carruthers, or I’ll have to slap handcuffs on you and run you in.”
The change that came over her face was so palpable that Sean could have reached out and plucked it from the air. A quick flash of raw lust passed through her eyes, followed by a softening of her features. She wiped her hands on the napkin and leaned closer. Was she even aware that she’d done so? The gesture didn’t have that conscious appearance to it, much the same way guilty people often glanced to their left when they were about to tell a big fat lie.
“Handcuffs, eh? Do you carry them around with you all the time? I don’t see them on you.”
“I hide them. And now we’re up to four secrets you owe me. One more and I’ll be forced to take you somewhere private and interrogate you for hours.”
Bingo. He’d taken a chance and gone for the big guns and it paid off in spades. If she wasn’t turned on right now, he’d eat one of these plastic menus. How the hell had he missed this about her for all these years? Not only was she a beautiful woman with a surprisingly witty sense of humor, but fire and passion lurked underneath that prim and proper exterior.
“I don’t have any secrets.”
“Really, Julie? That’s the best you can do? Everyone has secrets. I could tell you things about the people in this town that would put hair on your chest.”
She laughed, loudly and without restraint. It was wonderful to see, and Sean’s dick grew hard to the point of pain. How he’d love to make her laugh like that in bed. Shit. What the fuck was going on here?
“Why would I want hair on my chest?”
“Good point. Okay then. The things I could tell you would make you blush even more than you’re doing now.”
“I am not blushing.”
She hadn’t been, but as soon as he said that, a fierce flush crept up her neck and face. He had to bite back a smile. “Julie, I’m still waiting for those secrets.”
She finished her water and pushed her salad away. “They should stick to onion rings and fries for their sides.”
“I agree, but that’s not a secret.”
She picked at a spot of dried mustard on the table. “I have all five seasons of Moonlighting on DVD. And I watch them religiously.”
“There. That wasn’t so painful, was it? You still owe me three more.”
Their server brought their check, and Sean asked for coffee. “Would you like some, too?”
Julie shook her head. “Not this late. I’ll be up all night.”
He glanced at his watch. “It’s not even seven.”
“I’m up at six every morning.”
“Yeah, I guess with my weird hours I forget most people work a nine to five. Why so early for you? Do you see clients that early?”
“I work out every morning.”
“At The Fit Bod?” He used to work out in Racy’s only gym every day before he built his own setup at home, and didn’t remember ever seeing her there.
“No, I’d be too intimidated to go there. I work out at home.”
“It’s not so bad. Evan and Thayer are good guys.” Evan Rydell and Thayer Dennin
g owned the gym, were personal trainers there, and were regulars at Maddox’s club. Both were about five years younger than Sean, and they were decent guys and treated their subs right.
“Not intimidating for you. You’re in shape.”
Sean made a show out of craning his head around the table to look up and down her body. “Oh, I don’t know. You look pretty damn good from where I’m sitting.”
She laughed again, clearly embarrassed, and Sean’s dick jumped. “Stop that.”
“Nope. Not until you tell me one more secret.”
“But I’ve only told you two.”
“Getting up that early counts as one.”
“You’re letting me off too easily, Detective.”
“I’m being lenient since this is your first offense.”
“Oh, I see. But how do you know it’s my first offense?”
He grinned. “Aha. Caught you red-handed. It’s not, is it? Now, instead of the fourth secret, I hereby sentence you to do something with me you’ve never done before.”
“Oh, really? And what might that be?”
Sean practically squirmed in his seat. He could think of all sorts of things he’d bet Julie had never done before. He leaned forward and stroked the back of her left hand. Her skin was soft and warm. “Let’s see…where in this town is someplace so unlikely that Julie Carruthers has been before—” He snapped his fingers. “I have it. Although it’s someplace you have been, but I’m betting that was your first time.”
He didn’t miss her quick intake of breath or the way her eyes narrowed slightly.
“Still,” he said, “that was just for a party. But no. I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Yes, you can.”
All righty then. Nothing ventured, and all that jazz. “In that case, come with me to Maddox’s club again on Saturday night. Just to see it. I mean really see it.” It was a long shot, and one that might backfire on him. He knew better than to push the lifestyle on someone who wasn’t already in it, but he couldn’t get a handle on her. She was sending mixed signals, and Sean wasn’t used to that. He didn’t think she was doing it on purpose either. Julie was conflicted about what she wanted in a sexual relationship, and that intrigued the hell out of him. He’d love to help her figure it out.
She let out a long sigh and averted her gaze. “Um…Sean, I’m not quite sure how to say this, but I’m already going to be there Saturday night.”
“Excuse me?” He hadn’t meant for his voice to come out so hard. Talk about a shock.
“Maddox asked me to come back this Saturday.”
Holy shit. It all fit suddenly. The look on her face earlier when she’d told him she’d gone to Alexa’s party at the club, the evasive behavior about why she’d bought the lingerie, and the way she’d lit up like a Christmas tree when he’d dropped sexual innuendoes about handcuffs and keeping her locked up for hours. Holy fuck. How the hell had Maddox pulled that off? And why was Sean suddenly so filled with jealous rage that he wanted to punch his fist into the wall next to him?
“Oh, I see. Well, at least now I know who the lingerie is for.”
She looked very uncomfortable, and not in a teasing sort of way. Julie was a very private person, and Sean had just crossed a line. He picked up the check and rose. “I’m going to take care of this.”
* * * *
Julie put on her coat and glanced around, fairly certain that no one had heard their conversation, but still…it wasn’t like her to sit in such a public place and discuss her private life with a man she’d barely spoken to before. That was twice in one week she’d done something completely out character, and the world hadn’t ended. She hadn’t felt this free in…in forever.
When Sean walked back over to where she waited, his face was a mask. Gone was the obvious shock at finding out she’d been with Maddox on Friday. It made Julie sad to see he’d gone so neutral, because except for that part of their conversation, she’d had a very enjoyable time with Sean Brennan. He was funny and easy to talk to—neither of which she’d expected to discover about him.
He walked her to her car and she mentally searched for some way to keep this evening from ending. “Sean, I’m sorry.”
“For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You’re upset about me and Maddox.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but then his entire expression changed. “I’m not upset. It’s none of my business, and I manipulated you into telling me. It’s my own fault.”
Julie studied his face, unwilling to believe what she saw there, but she knew she wasn’t wrong. She also hadn’t been wrong earlier when he’d admitted to being jealous and she’d asked him why. He hadn’t given her a straight answer, but she was going to get one now. Taking a deep breath, she just let the words come out. “You’re jealous. Why? I don't understand.”
She watched the emotions cross his face as they both shivered in the cold. The frosty air smelled like snow, and as if right on cue, fat flakes began to spit from the sky. Julie turned her face up toward the streetlight and smiled. It was a pain in the ass to drive in, but she still loved snow. To be able to share this moment next to a man she thought was sexy as hell was magical. Now if only she could figure out a way to salvage this evening.
Sean cupped her face, and even though he wore gloves, his skin was so hot she felt the warmth through the leather. He gazed at her with such intensity that her breath caught in her throat and her pulse quickened. He didn’t say a word. He simply bent his head and kissed her.
Chapter Seven
Julie wrapped her arms around him and pushed closer, opening her mouth to let his tongue inside. The snow fell around them and the wind picked up, and still Sean kissed her. She became aware of conversation around her, as if people were walking past them on the sidewalk, but Sean didn’t stop teasing her with his tongue and lips.
His body was warm through the coat, and it couldn’t hide his erection. Would making love to him be as erotic and decadent as it had been with Maddox? He’d asked her to come to the club. Julie suddenly realized what that meant and realized she’d already suspected it. Sean was a regular as well. He was a Dom, just like Maddox.
She moaned and pushed closer to him, deepening the kiss as images flashed through her mind. Nearly every sexual fantasy she’d ever had included Sean or Maddox. What would those fantasies be like for real with both of them?
Someone twittering snapped her back to the present. When a teenage voice yelled, “Get a room,” Sean released her mouth. His gaze held no hint of embarrassment, however. It held the promise of a sleepless night filled with passion and lush, slow fucking. It spoke of paddles and handcuffs and blindfolds, of whispered moans and cries in the dark, and of orgasms that would blow her mind and rock her world. The temptation was so great that Julie actually became dizzy and had to look away from those piercing turquoise eyes.
“Julie…” His voice was gruff and soaked with emotion. “I don’t know why I did that.”
“I’m glad you did,” she whispered.
“You are?”
“Yeah, Sean. You may not have noticed but I kissed you back.”
He pulled her close and hugged her tightly. “I noticed.” They stood that way for a few moments while the snow continued to fall. Julie suddenly wasn’t cold anymore. How could she be? She’d just kissed Sean Brennan. And by kissed she meant kissed, as in tongue to tongue and bodies pressed up against each other so that there was no room for misinterpretation. “Julie, I know you won’t, but I have to ask. Will you spend the night with me? I know that sounds terrible, given the fact that you were with Maddox on Friday, and given the fact I’ve barely spoken to you for…well…for most of our lives. But I have to ask.”
She lifted her gaze and stared into his eyes, watching the desperation and confusion in them, but not wanting to believe either emotion came from his desire for her.
“Unless you and Maddox have…some sort of agreement. Then please forget I asked.”
She
shook her head. “We don’t. At least, not that I’m aware of. Sean, this has nothing to do with Maddox. I’m as shocked as you are that he wants me to come back. I thought it was just a one-night sort of thing, okay? I don’t even know how I ended up in his room.”
“I do. He seduced you.” He smiled, and Julie breathed a sigh of relief. “Just like I’m trying to do now but failing miserably.”
“You’re not failing. Not at all. I’m just so damn confused right now.”
His grin widened. “Sounds like there’s hope for me then.”
“Sean, I swear to you, the temptation to say ‘yes’ is huge.”
There was that flash of pain again. “But Maddox is stopping you.”
“No. Maddox isn’t here, and I meant it when I said we don’t have any agreement at all as far as I know.”
“Julie, you must have something or you wouldn’t have bought the lingerie.”
She sighed in frustration. How could she help others figure out the messes in their heads when she couldn’t even untangle the one in her own?
He pulled away and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Look, let’s leave it at this, okay? I had a wonderful time tonight. Maybe we can do something else later in the week? I’d really like the chance to get to know you again. For real this time. What do you say?”
Relief washed over her. He’d taken the decision out of her hands and made sense of the whole mess in a way she hadn’t been able to do. “I’d like that, Sean. Thank you.”
“Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll plan something.” He kissed her again, briefly, then waited until she’d unlocked her car and slid inside. As she backed out of the parking space, he waved and smiled.
* * * *
Julie woke Wednesday morning feeling like she had a hangover, except she hadn’t had any alcohol the night before. What she’d had were the most erotic and vivid dreams of her entire life, starring both Sean and Maddox, alone and together at various times. She could still feel Sean’s mouth on hers, and when she closed her eyes she saw his—turquoise and bright—shining with lust and admiration for her. How had this happened?
