Nodding, Keanie replied, “Did I not tell you?” As the women ate, they continued to chat. Keanie told stories of her new nanny job while Rita talked about work and her sister’s family. “Ok, so what about HIM?” prodded Keanie.
As Rita filled her friend in on the most, recent exploits at Jared’s home and then in the office trailer, Keanie’s eyes grew wide. “Wow, you’ve been busy. He sounds as controlling as Tu…er, your ex. Should I be worried about the pattern?”
As Rita chewed, she shook her head. Swallowing, “While, I’ll admit that they have similarities. Both have dominant personalities and they like to control things, that’s where it ends. Jared isn’t anything like Tuck.”
“What do you mean? If he likes to control, doesn’t that mean he wants to control you?”
Shaking her head again, “Only in the bedroom, so to speak,” replied Rita as she blushed. “He doesn’t have any of that, must control every aspect of my life, personality. And you should see him with the volunteers. Despite some HUGE blunders made by a couple of them, he’s never yelled at anyone or gotten into any arguments. In fact, he’s really patient and calm. I’ve never seen him lose his temper and I’ve been around him every day for a few weeks now. Tuck would throw a fit if he dropped his keys. Honestly, I don’t see Jared ever hitting anyone in anger. I simply don’t.”
“Tuck HIT you? When?”
“Keanie, it was a long time ago. I’d really rather NOT discuss it. Can we please move on to something more pleasant? Please?”
Nodding slowly, “Agreed, but we WILL have this chat. Soon.” Rapidly changing the subject, Keanie asked, “So is it anything like that book?”
“What book?”
“That one everyone was talking about. About that college student and her boss or something. I think it was called.”
“Don’t say it!”
“What? Why not? My boss has all three on her nightstand. The covers are all cracked. It must be good if she reads them that much.”
“No. They aren’t,” said Rita evenly. “They’re complete rubbish.”
Laughing, “So tell me, sista, how do you REALLY feel about them?”
“Oh, don’t get me started,” replied Rita. They are poorly written trite about broken people who engage in maybe not so safe activities. I am forever flummoxed when people latch on to books like that. I mean, seriously! Not everyone who likes a little spice in his or her life is broken. Some of us are simply more adventuresome than others are. It doesn’t make us bad, wrong, evil OR BROKEN,” griped Rita. “And that third one, as I read it, I kept imagining the author panicking over some insane need to wrap everything up in a neat little package so all the loose ends were tied up. What a waste of time AND trees.”
“So, uh, you’ve read all three?”
“Yessss,” sighed Rita. “I guess, deep down, I really am a masochist. What about you? Did you read the first one?”
“I tried,” replied Keanie. “But you know my reading comprehension is terrible. Chad offered to get me the audio version, but I was too embarrassed. Could you imagine, listening to that book in my car on my way to work? I’d probably get in a car accident.” Stabbing at her food, Keanie pointed her fork at her friend, “Did I ever tell you about my honeymoon?” As Rita shook her head, no, she continued. “We were staying at Harrah’s in Vegas. We had gotten back to our room, we were in bed together and things were getting all hot and heavy. Not like the stuff you do, but you know, hot. Then Chad asked me, ‘Who’s your daddy?’”
Snorting, Rita put down her fork. “And?”
“And nothing, that sorry sort found himself off the bed and on his ass on the floor.”
“No, you didn’t.”
Nodding, “Oh, yes, I did. I knocked him off the bed and flat out told him that he was NOT my daddy, my daddy was dead.”
“You know that’s not what he meant, right?”
“Well, I do now, but then, no.” Laughing, “I remember standing over him while he’s looking at me in shock and telling him that I did NOT have daddy issues and I NEVER wanted to hear that again. And then I climbed into bed, turned out the lights and went to sleep.”
Pausing, Rita looked at her friend before she started roaring with laughter. “You didn’t say that.”
“I did. In fact, we didn’t even have sex until we got back to LA.”
Laughing, “So, um, did you at least let him sleep in the bed?”
Crossing her arms and looking at her friend, “Nope. Found him stretched out on the couch the next morning. We’ve been together for almost 10 years now and he has NEVER said it to me again.”
Rita laughed until she cried, as she sat there hugging her stomach. “Oh no you didn’t. I can’t believe you said that. That’s hilarious. I’m dying here. Thank you, thank you. You totally made my evening.” As Rita continued to laugh, Keanie happily started eating.
“Glad I could help.”
“Oh, you did. That’s great.”
Chapter 5
Rita was excited about the meeting on Friday. She had received the report that there were negative findings for lead and the asbestos turned out to be a non-issue. The city planning and permit office had approved the foundation repairs and with the exception of the reporter on Monday, everything was back to normal and work would resume as planned. And she was looking forward to seeing Jared. She found that the more she spent time with him, the more she thought about him. Or rather, couldn’t stop thinking about him. He wound his way into her dreams and he was there in person during the day.
As she got out of her car, she whistled for Casey. Since there weren’t any workers on the job site while they were waiting for test results, Casey came to work with her. The black lab had been her constant companion since she rescued her five years ago. Badly mangled in a dogfight, Casey had been rescued by Animal Control, but her sorry state and timid demeanor had made her unadoptable and she had been red tagged. When Rita found her, she fell in love instantly with her big brown eyes and adopted her immediately. Her recovery had been long and she still had some nerve damage as well as joint problems, and battled with a constant fear of loud noises and open spaces. With the workers offsite, Rita took the opportunity to add to Casey’s training as she was able to explore the site safely and without fear of other humans.
When Rita wasn’t working, the two were relatively inseparable and Rita was thankful for every day she had with her. Her ex, Tuck, was against getting Casey because he didn’t want to deal with all the work that it would take to rehabilitate her, but Rita had assured him that she would handle all of it. And she did. But that didn’t stop Tuck from causing problems. His sadistic side found that he enjoyed terrorizing the dog to the point that Rita didn’t trust him around her when she was out of the house so she would leave her with her friend, Keanie, even if she was stepping out for a few minutes. When Tuck made the comment, ‘Wouldn’t it be a shame if the relationship broke up over an animal,’ Rita decided that it was a great idea and started making plans to move out. When Tuck became ill and had to spend two weeks in the hospital, Rita had to put her plans to leave on hold because of the sudden financial constraints. After Tuck was released, he was kinder and Rita had hoped that maybe this health scare did him some good, but no such luck. As soon as he was well, he was back to his old tricks, and in some cases, with a vengeance. Rita stayed with him another year when a small financial windfall came their way. Taking her half of the money, she packed what she could fit into her car, loaded up Casey and headed for San Diego, leaving everything else to Tucker. Their divorce was finalized in six months and Rita chalked up the last 10 years to one long lesson learned.
As Rita walked toward her office, she saw that Jared and Brian were already there. Walking toward them, Brian broke from their conversation to give Casey some attention. Barking joyfully, Casey raced around, as Brian would rub her sides. While Brian claimed to be a cat person, he went out of his way to give Casey the attention she loved. A true soft-heart, Brian couldn’t stand to see
anyone or anything in pain and his calm demeanor was a big help to Rita as she worked on Casey’s fears. Spying Jared, Casey halted. Dropping her head, she looked at him with suspicion and made a low growl. Recognizing her fear, Jared dropped to the ground and held out his hand. Slowly, Casey walked toward him to sniff at his hand. Brian was known for carrying dog treats with him and Rita didn’t realize that he had given one to Jared. As Casey walked closer to Jared, she recognized the scent. Taking the treat, she allowed Jared to pet her while she munched on the crunchy dog biscuit. Before long, her hackles had dropped and her tail was back up in her happy curve. Relieved, Rita bent down to hug her dog.
“Good girl, Casey,” Rita crooned to her best friend. “Not all humans are bad.” Wagging her tail, Casey licked Rita’s nose before sitting down. Straightening up, Rita smiled at the two men. “Shall we get started?”
###
After the meeting, Rita was gathering her things together to leave when Casey began wagging her tail. Smiling, Rita leaned back as Jared came up behind her to hug her.
“Hungry?”
Rubbing her back against his growing hard-on, “Mmmmm, yes.”
Nipping at her ear, “I meant for food, woman.”
Chuckling, “Oh, I guess I could eat. What did you have in mind?”
“Well, something entirely different now,” said Jared, as he kissed her neck. “How about if we pick up something to go and the three of us head over to my place?”
Looking down at Casey, Rita smiled. “Yes, I think that’s a great idea.”
Agreeing to meet at his place in an hour, Rita finished what she needed to do at the office and locked up. Jared offered to pick up dinner and since Rita always kept extra food in the car for Casey, she didn’t have to stop anywhere. Driving over, she complimented Casey on how well she did with Jared. Casey had limited experience around males and what little she did have tended to include fear and pain. When Rita moved back to San Diego, it took several weeks before Casey was comfortable around Rita’s nephews and brother-in-law. Despite being warm, pet-loving humans, Casey was easily upset when things got too loud around the TV, especially when it involved football. Rubbing Casey’s head, Rita couldn’t believe how quickly she took to Jared.
“Looks, like we both like him, don’t we girl,” asked Rita. As Casey thumped her tail in response, Rita continued to talk aloud. “He is very sexy. And smart. Kind, too. He listens.” As Rita ticked off Jared’s different positive points, Casey continued to thump her tail as if to say she agreed. “I don’t know about you girl, but I think he’s a keeper, but let’s not tell him, yet, ok? He can be a bit arrogant at times.” Laughing to herself, Rita pulled up at Jared’s home to find that he was already there. As she got out of the car, she reached for Casey’s leash and doggy bag as Jared came out to meet her.
Kissing Rita deeply, he said, “I hope you’re hungry. I bought a lot of food.” Reaching down to rub Casey’s head, he took the bag from Rita. “And I’m hoping you’re up for a game.”
“A game? Will that be before or after dinner?”
“Hmmm…YES! I was thinking of making you part of the dinner.”
As they walked inside, Rita couldn’t help chuckling, “So, should I take a shower first?”
“Nah, I like you salty.”
Inside, Casey was quick to begin exploring, but she didn’t make it far. Tail wagging; she trotted over to a nest of blankets and pillows on the floor with a giant rawhide sitting on top. Plopping down, she happily began to chew.
“Hope you don’t mind,” said Jared. “I want both my girls to feel at home here,”
Smiling, Rita hugged Jared. “I don’t mind at all.”
“Good,” said Jared as he kissed her, “Because I’m hungry.” Reaching in his back pocket, he pulled out a bandana and held it in front of her face. “You game?”
Blushing, Rita nodded, “Yea, I’m game but do it quick before I chicken out.” Smiling, Jared tilted Rita’s head up as he captured her lips in a slow, sensual kiss.
“Not interested in quick.” As he kissed Rita, he folded the bandana before he stepped back. Turning her around, he pulled her up tight against him. Moving her hair, he kissed her neck as he began a slow exploration of her body. As Rita sighed, he placed the bandana over her eyes and tied it in the back. “Comfortable?” At Rita’s nod, Jared continued. Still holding her up against his chest, he reached for the buttons on her shirt. As he undid each button, he would expose a bit more skin on her shoulders. And with each exposure, came gentle kisses that sent tingles down her spine. Shivering, Rita tilted her head to give Jared more room. Leaving her shirt tucked in her waistband, he pulled it off her shoulders, pinning her arms to her sides. Sliding the straps of her bra down, he released her breasts. Cupping them, he held them in his hands as he played with her nipples. Nestling her head against his shoulder, Rita arched her back, pushing her breasts into his hands. As Jared continued stroking and kissing her, Rita reached around behind her. Finding Jared’s erection, she cupped him through his jeans allowing the heat of her hands to permeate. A nip from him let her know that she had his attention. Continuing her own exploration, she made a satisfied snort as Jared hissed. Stepping forward, Jared closed off any space between them, effectively pinning her hands between them.
“If you don’t mind your hands, little one, I might have to restrain you.” At Rita’s answering moan, Jared chuckled. “Somehow, I think you’ll like that.” Taking a step forward, Jared steered Rita toward the living room where he had created a much larger nest for the two of them. Reaching for the front of her shorts, he released the clasp and dropped her shorts to the floor where they pooled around her feet as her panties quickly followed. He knelt to remove her shorts, panties, boots and socks before he finished removing her shirt and bra. “Bend your knees; we’re going to sit on the floor.” As Jared guided her to the floor, he couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked sitting there naked and blindfolded. Giving her a quick kiss, he couldn’t resist teasing, “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.”
As Jared walked away to gather together whatever he planned to do, Rita strained to hear what he was doing. This wasn’t her first time being blindfolded, but she didn’t remember it being this exciting before. In fact, she had been uncomfortable. This time was different. She knew that the difference had to do with Jared and she was looking forward to whatever he had planned. The blindfold seemed to heighten Rita’s other senses as she strained to hear what he was up to. The clink of glasses and the rustling of wrappers had Rita assuming he was gathering food together. She didn’t even know what he had picked up for dinner. As Jared returned, she could hear him set things down around her. Her nose picked up on spices. She thought she smelled habanero and basil. Mmmmm, Thai food? Was that peanut sauce? As Rita’s mouth began to water, she wasn’t sure which she was more of, hungry or turned on.
As Jared knelt beside her, Rita turned her head. “Hungry?”
“Officially starving now, is that Thai food I smell?”
Kissing the tip of her nose, Jared chuckled. “You do have an excellent sense of smell.”
“Getting hungrier by the minute, Jared.” Laughing, Jared started opening containers. As he opened each one, the sweet and spicy smells assaulted Rita as she groaned. “Jared, you’re killing me.”
“Open your mouth,” was his only reply. As Rita dutifully opened her mouth, Jared placed a piece of satay chicken in her mouth. Dipped in peanut sauce, Rita moaned as she chewed the savory bite. Jared spent the next few minutes feeding her from the various containers he had brought with him. As Rita happily munched on curry beef, spicy shrimp and veggie dumplings, she swore that the food tasted better than it ever had before. As Jared set aside the food, he reached for a glass, pressing it lightly to her lips. As Rita’s lips parted to drink, she enjoyed the refreshing taste of a Riesling. Not a huge fan of wine, Rita did enjoy the sweet, crisp taste that always reminded her of a fresh fall apple. As Jared pulled the glass away, some of the
wine dripped on her. Jumping, Rita felt the cool liquid run down between her breasts and pool around her navel.
Feeling self-conscious all of a sudden, Rita couldn’t help but exclaim, “I must be a real mess. Napkin?”
“Not to worry,” replied Jared. “I haven’t eaten yet.” At Rita’s gasp, Jared pushed against Rita’s shoulders as he positioned her in a reclining position on her back. “Now, while I realize that the sensible side of you will bristle at lying down so soon after eating, I can assure you that you will have little trouble working off your meal.” As Rita lay back, Jared kissed her lightly. Shifting, he began kissing down her body, following the path the wine took. Careful not to touch her with his hands, Jared’s lips and tongue made short work of the wine where it pooled on her body. Rita jumped when she felt something warm and sticky land on her chest. “Don’t move, Rita, I’m laying my dinner out.” As Rita did her best not to move, she couldn’t help trembling in anticipation. This was an entirely new experience for her. While she loved that Jared took control, being blindfolded and used as a dinner plate made her nervous. Squealing, she jumped when she felt food land along her pubic bone. “Lie still, please.”
Taken By The Navy Seal (Part 2) (Owned By The Navy Seal) Page 4
