by Milly Taiden
Then my mind flashes to Derrick’s body. I’m going to see that man naked. My core flexes at the mental image. I shake my head and walk back to my bar. I’ve got to stop this train of thought or I’ll do him in the car on the way to his house. Great. Now my thoughts are there, and the idea has me oozing.
I grab the brass polish and a rag to shine up the bar taps and bar rails. A little physical exertion might relieve some of this sexual tension. White, pasty liquid floats on top of the rag for a moment before it sinks in, and I rub the rail with a vengeance.
Two more cups of coffee and a lot of shiny brass later, it’s four o’clock. Right on the nose Derrick strolls into the restaurant.
I can’t help the smile that comes, and I say, “Hey. Tom just went to the safe and I’m cashed out. We’re just waiting until he returns.” I had run down to my locker earlier, and I hoist my backpack on my shoulder as I walk out from behind the bar.
Derrick’s green polo shirt is damp on his chest from playing golf. I move a little closer to inhale his musk. He asks, “Good day?”
“Not bad. Good round?”
“Not really. It was one of those days that make me wonder why I play this game.” His eyes twinkle to let me know he’s teasing.
“Yeah, games can be tough.” I tease back, and he chuckles as if surprised by me.
Tom approaches us, and I begin to walk. “Have a good night.”
“Thanks, Gretchen. You too.”
I wave and wink at Rick as he watches me walk out with Derrick. The grin on his face makes me think he knows what I might be doing tomorrow morning, and he seals it with a thumbs-up.
Pushing through the door, I ask, “So the plan is I run with the dogs while you slave away at an amazing dinner for me?”
The sound of golfer’s cleats on pavement carries over to us as we head toward the parking lot. “No. I’m going to run with you.”
“You run?” I’m not sure why this surprises me.
“I do. And those mutts are kind of crazy; I wouldn’t make you deal with them all on your own.”
Interesting, he didn’t really need me to run the dogs. We’re at his black vehicle, and I move toward my door. “Those mutts are cute, and I think you secretly like them.” I grin at him as he opens my door. So polite. I slide onto the hot leather.
“I don’t hate them. I’m just not a dog person.” He shuts the door for me.
Derrick gets behind the wheel and puts on sunglasses. His dark hair does the swoop thing, and I feel like I’m with a movie star. The muscles in his arm flex as he reaches behind my seat to turn his head and look out the back to pull out of the parking spot. I glance longingly at his neck and ache to taste the salty flavor of him.
The car is hot from being in the sun for hours, and I’m wondering why Derrick doesn’t turn on the AC. When he stops at the main road, he unbuckles his seat belt and whips off his shirt with one hand. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. That was incredibly sexy. He throws it casually in the back, and I can’t help but smile. Here I thought he might want to fold it. He is definitely not vanilla.
While I ogle his pecs, he rebuckles his seat belt and rolls the window down a bit. He places his hand on my thigh over the fabric of my Bermuda work shorts. “These are all wrong for you. You should take them off.”
Okay, way to take me from flustered to wet in a heartbeat. Not sure if he’s serious, I answer, “I will soon enough. My running shorts should make you happy.”
“What would make me happy is if you took those off, now.” It sounds a little bit like an order, and I feel my anger simmer. He pulls out onto the road and speeds up quickly.
“Zero to sixty just like that?”
A smile slowly forms on his face. He pulls his sunglasses down so I can see his eyes as he glances at me. “Just like that.”
His meaning isn’t lost on me this time. I slide my feet out of my sneakers and socks and then wiggle out of the shorts. With a quick flick of my wrist, I throw them in the back. “Shall I take off my shirt too?”
“Yes, please.” He licks his lips as he lowers the windows further to let a breeze flow briskly through the car.
We must be going way over the speed limit, and it sends shivers throughout me as I lift the shirt over my head. Sitting in just a thong and my sheer stretch-lace bra I feel sexy.
Derrick asks, “Better?”
“Much. You should probably take your shorts off too.” I put my feet on the dash and lift my arms above my head, drinking in the wind on my body.
“Perhaps you could help me with that in a few minutes.” His tone is even, and it leaves me wondering what he has planned.
We fly by the dirt road to Derrick’s house. I ask, “Wasn’t that your turn?”
He flashes his killer smile as he steals a glance at me. “It was, but we aren’t going to my house.”
The road narrows and turns to dirt. “Where you taking me?”
He taunts me. “You’ll see.”
A colder breeze snakes though the car, as we get deeper into wooded land. Suddenly water appears as the dirt road becomes a small parking lot for public boat access. Although not for motorboats, according to the sign.
The area is void of cars, and my mind goes to dangerous places. My nipples harden as desire spreads through my loins. The gears clunk into park, and our seat belts zing back as we both release ourselves at the same time.
He asks, “A little dip?” The idea of a swim tempts me almost as much as knowing Derrick is about to shed his clothes.
I’m out of the car before he can come around to my side, and I meet him at the back. He lifts the hatch and reveals two beach towels.
He kicks off his boat shoes and lets his eyes land on my breasts. “Nice bra.”
I’m not a modest person, but I feel a bit exposed. My work bra is revealing with a lacy, floral pattern. In an effort to level the playing field, I say, “I believe you need my assistance?” I step closer and grab the soft cotton waistband of his shorts.
His voice drops into a rumble as he says, “I do.” He puts his hands on my shoulders, and the metal of his button is hot when I unbutton it. His zipper seems to growl as I pull it down. My hand grazes his hard length through his boxer briefs, and he moans.
Derrick’s shorts drop, and he steps out of them. Grabbing my hand, he says, “C’mon.” Stones poke at our feet as we pick out our way quickly along the rocky ramp toward the water.
“It’s cold, so you’re going to want to do this fast.” He drops my hand and runs a few steps before diving in.
I follow, and the icy temperature takes my breath away. I go under and swim a few strokes before breaking the surface. A gasp escapes my mouth. “That’s freezing!”
Derrick chuckles and swims away from me. He has the stroke of a competitor and it’s a pleasure to watch. Not a bad swimmer either, I race to catch up. We continue long enough that my heart is beating fast when he stops.
“Refreshed?” Droplets glisten on his tan shoulders as he treads water.
“Very. You?”
He looks down as if he can see through the dark water. “Definitely more relaxed.”
I snort and say, “I bet I could fix that for you.”
He tilts his head at me and gazes long enough that I’m about to say something to break the uncomfortable silence. Damn it, he unnerves me.
His voice is husky when he says, “I plan on it.” He dives under and swims back toward the shore.
An involuntary shudder shakes my shoulders. Holy hell, that man knows how to get me hot. I follow and let the chilly lake help me regain control.
CHAPTER 12
Derrick reaches the shore well before I do, and I think it’s on purpose. He manages to wade into the water with a towel for me by the time I’m ready to stand and walk out. How sweet.
Is he concerned about my modesty? Somehow I doubt it, but the air on my wet body causes goose bumps, and I welcome the fluffy cotton. “Thanks.”
I wrap the oversized towel around my body and use
the end to squeeze water out of my ponytail. “Do you ever bring the dogs here?”
“Yeah. It’s an ordeal getting them all back home, but they love it. They were bred to be fishermen. They get very concerned about people in the water and can’t help but try to herd you back to shore.”
I climb through the car door he opened for me. “That’s cute.”
“Kind of.” He walks to his side and gets in. “I prefer to throw things for them to retrieve instead. But Nika is a fish and can’t resist a good swim.”
The engine rolls over to a hum, and I ask, “Really? Was she a swimmer?”
“She was.” His mouth gets tight as if he’s angry. Huh.
“And now she’s a famous model. I suppose swimming helps with long, lean muscles.”
Derrick snorts with disgust. “Not eating is how she stays thin. That’s why she got so drunk the other night. Before a shoot she starves herself. She’s convinced she’s one pound away from being fired.”
I’m tempted to defend Nika, but I’m sure it wouldn’t go over well, so I keep quiet.
“She doesn’t need to model. We have plenty of money, and I hate how it makes her feel.”
He’s angry, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m not afraid, but I’m not stupid enough to fuel it either. I sit in silence with my thoughts.
Truth is I’m a bit anal about my body too. I work hard to stay lean and in top physical condition. But I don’t let a couple extra pounds keep me from flaunting what I’ve got. As far as I can tell, confidence in your appearance is the key to turning on almost any guy.
I’ve returned my feet to the dash and lazily let my hand surf the air outside my open window as we bounce along the dirt road. Derrick lets out a big sigh that makes me wonder what he’s thinking. “Sorry. I worry about my sister and just wish she would listen to reason.”
I decide to try to lighten the mood and joke. “I hate it when people don’t take my great advice too. Darn free will and all that. Idiots.”
His face warms up in a grin. “Exactly.” He turns onto his road, and I hear the hum of a band saw. Jason’s truck is ahead at a construction site. This is a new development, and there are a few houses still being built.
I point at it. “That’s Jason’s truck. He works construction in the summer.”
“He’s a funny guy. Instructor, right?”
“Yup. So were the other guys you met at the club. I know a couple patrollers if you want to meet them. But no rush. There will be a big party at the end of the summer I can take you to.”
The odor of cut pine threads through the air blowing into the car. Derrick says, “Well aren’t you just the welcome wagon?” He chuckles.
It makes me smile. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
We pull into his driveway, and he says, “It is. Most girls I date are looking for what they can get from me, but you seem to search for things you can do for me. It’s nice, that’s all.”
“Well, then you’ll understand what I’m about to say. I’m a little uncomfortable with the big tips you leave me. I don’t want your money.”
The muscles along his jaw flex, and I’m afraid I’ve insulted him. I quickly add. “I appreciate it, really. But it feels awkward.”
He puts the car in park and turns to me. He takes off his sunglasses and traps me in his intense stare.
“What?” I’m tempted to squirm like a bug under a magnifying glass but keep still.
Derrick shakes his head. “Got it. No more excessive tips.”
Damn it, I wish he would say what he thinks. I’m not used to the secretive type. Feeling uncomfortable, once again I pull out some humor. “However, I expect no less than twenty percent.” I flip my wet ponytail dramatically, and it slaps against my back as I step out of the car.
The sound of his laugh follows me as I open the passenger door to retrieve my things.
He takes the backpack from my hand while I gather my stripped-off clothing. The scent of beer drifts up, and I remember the keg that sprayed on me when I tapped it this morning. Derrick says, “Prepare yourself for the beasts. They’ll be excited to see you.”
The moment he opens the door, a blur of bodies propel themselves through. Wiggling, they churn around us with too much energy. I squat down to pet them all. “Hi, guys. Are you excited to run?”
Derrick slips in the house, leaving the door open. I guess he’s happy to avoid the commotion, but I don’t mind. I revel in doggy love until they calm down.
Still wrapped in a towel, I enter the house, and Derrick is arranging a snack in the kitchen. Walking over, I say, “You read my mind. I’m hungry.” I reach for a piece of cheese. It’s cheddar, and the sharp taste is delicious.
A big smile covers Derrick’s face, and it makes me think he was testing me to see if I would eat. Snitching a grape, I grab my backpack. Juice explodes in my mouth when I bite it. “I’d like to change. Is the bathroom I used before good?”
“That’s fine. Want anything to drink?”
“Water would be nice, thanks. I’ll be quick.”
Curious about where I’m going, a clatter of nails on wood follows me. I realize I won’t be alone in the bathroom. A memory from my childhood warms my heart. I grew up with two labs that loved attention. Stepping onto the smooth tile, I say, “C’mon guys.”
Jake and Ollie follow me, but the brown dog, Cleo, waits at the top of the stairs. Derrick walks by and toward the other end of the hall with her behind him. Uh-huh, she’s claimed him. Smart girl.
CHAPTER 13
When I return to the kitchen, Derrick has a glass of ice water waiting for me next to the food. Condensation is wet on my fingers, and I grip the cup hard so it won’t slip. I nibble on another piece of cheese, and the sharp taste of cheddar is on my tongue when I wander into the living room. Curious, I pick up a coffee table book. It’s about Colorado hiking trails, and I thumb through the pages to look at the pictures.
A thunk of bones hits the floor as one of the dogs lies down with a sigh. Jake is sniffing my shoes, and I suspect he’s hoping for a romp in the woods. “Soon, little buddy, soon.”
Derrick’s footsteps distract me. “It’s their dinner time, so I’m going to feed them, and we can go in about a half hour. Sound good?”
“Sure.” I set my glass of water down and pick up a few crackers. I crunch them and slide onto a stool as I watch Derrick move with grace. He commands the dog’s attention and makes them wait until all bowls are on the floor before he says, “Eat.”
He comes around the counter and his gaze moves to my lap. An evil smile turns up the corners of his mouth. “I remember those shorts.”
It’s as if a switch has been flipped, my insides twinge and a flush heats my cheeks. My fingers threaten to touch him as he invades my personal space. The dank smell of lake water mixed with Derrick’s musk makes its way to my nose. I croak out, “Do you?”
He smiles and runs a finger along my lower lip. “Would you like to ask for something?”
What? Ballsy. I twist it around. “Would you like to ask me for something instead?” My mind quickly goes to thoughts of giving him a blow job, and I’m suddenly afraid of what he might want.
“Oh, Gretchen, careful what you say.” His voice is deep, and the sound strokes me like a gentle caress.
He traces the curve of my breast with his finger and stops at my hardened peak. A small sound comes from the back of my throat, and my body trembles. He removes his hand and leans down to whisper in my ear. “What do you want?”
I want him to touch every inch of my body and then to slam inside me and make me scream. I want to come around him while he calls out my name in ecstasy. But I can’t seem to ask for it because it feels like giving in. I say, “Kiss me, please.”
He takes my face in his hands, and his lips nip me softly. Gently his tongue slips into my mouth, and he pulls my body against his. I begin to melt into him when Jake barks. A wet nose nudges its way between us, and it makes me giggle.
Steppi
ng away, Derrick smiles and says, “I should have known the boys would get jealous.” He walks over to the door and lets the dogs out.
I take a deep breath and reach for my water. My hand shakes as I lift it to my mouth. Oh hell, what am I waiting for?
I walk to Derrick standing at the door watching the dogs. Placing my hand on his back, I move it slowly down toward his ass. “I want to taste you, to drink you in.” My fingers slide under the waistband of his shorts. “I want you to do the same to me until I can barely stand it.” Cupping his round ass cheek I say, “And then I want you to fuck me, hard.” I cradle his balls in my palm. “You should come inside me as I shatter, and we’ll both scream.” I squeeze him. “Rinse and repeat.”
Twisting around, so we’re pressed against each other and my hand has to pull away, Derrick grabs my hips and grinds his groin into my pelvis. His voice comes out as a low growl. “I’ll do all that and more. I’m going to blow your fucking mind.”
He steps back and I’m afraid my knees will buckle. He says, “But first, we run, shower, and eat.” A sliver of a smile forms on his face. “You’re definitely not like other girls.”
Don’t I know it? I open the door and let the dogs in.
***
Jogging across the lawn, the smell of cut grass tickles my nose and I assume they must have a landscape service. Noting the plush green carpet under my feet, I suspect they have irrigation too. I wonder how it is that twin twentysomethings can afford such luxuries.
Derrick leads the way but not for long. The dogs know where to go, and they take off in a full-out sprint. A small animal rustles in the underbrush, and they veer off the trail after it. Having seen this behavior when I ran with Nika, I don’t worry.
My breathing is loud and steady as we move swiftly. Derrick is a faster runner than I’m used to, but damn if I’m going say anything. Besides, I have a little pent-up emotion to release. I focus on lengthening my strides where I can while avoiding the roots and rocks in our path. The distraction helps keep me from staring at Derrick’s ass in his running shorts.
