WidowsWalk

by Genevieve Ash

  The pleasure surged through him and he let go of his control. Moving faster, he knew she was close and he let his body take over. His gaze focused on hers as he watched the pleasure in her eyes. No hiding in the dark with Lindy—she made him want to experience more than just sex.

  Her body tensed as she pulled him closer and pressed her breasts into his chest. Lifting her body into his embrace, she screamed as she fell over the edge. Howling along with her, Tom exploded, shooting his seed into her warm, wet core.

  Lindy pulled Tom down on top of her body, letting his weight cover her like a favorite blanket. She wasn’t ready to look at him or speak yet. Holding him close, she let the aftershocks flow through her as her release dribbled down her thighs.

  She had not been with a lot of men but she was reasonably sure Tom would still be at the head of the list when it came to sexual talent. Her mind tried to tell her it more than the act with Tom but she pushed the thoughts aside and basked in the afterglow.

  His breath was soft against her neck as his heartbeat slowed against her chest. She didn’t want emotions to creep in and steal her peace. Why couldn’t she just enjoy her time with him and not worry about where their relationship was headed? The intimacy that they shared was pure when they shared it. It was good enough for now.

  Tom pulled up from her arms and searched her gaze. “A penny for your thoughts, Lindy?”

  “Can’t think. Brain is dead. La-la land.” Her voice trailed off to a whisper.

  “La-la land, huh? Very eloquent.”

  Lindy took a swipe at his arm but missed. Her hand fell to the mattress with a heavy thud.

  “Sorry. I am enjoying the bliss. We can’t all speak the Queen’s English like you!”

  “Well I shall endeavor to teach you. About many things.” Lindy shivered with the thought of Tom awakening her long-dormant sex life. That would be one class she would not want to miss.

  “And you, what are you thinking about besides grammar, Professor?”

  “That you are remarkably beautiful and I want to do that again.” Tom flipped over onto his back, dragging Lindy along with him. She lifted her head and searched his eyes, looking for sincerity.

  “What are you unsure of, Lindy?”

  “Nothing. Why?” Lindy tried to keep her voice light.

  “Because I can see you searching for something in my eyes.”

  “Nope, just looking at your handsome face. I like the view from up here.” Lindy sat up and straddled his hips. Wriggling against him, she slid her very wet cunt against Tom’s balls.

  “Handsome, huh? Well I like being here with you. A lot.” As if agreeing, his cock began to stir. “I’m not planning on going anywhere. Rest easy.”

  “No one ever really plans on it, do they?” Lindy bit at her top lip, regretting her sarcastic reply. Shut up, girl! That’s the last thing he wants to discuss after an orgasm.

  “Perhaps not but…” Lindy couldn’t help but notice the faraway look in his eyes before he pulled her back down into his embrace.

  “I have no idea what goes on in that head of yours. You are a bit of a contradiction. I don’t know what your story is but I am guessing someone must have done a number on you.”

  “Why would you say that, Tom?”

  “I don’t know. Little things really. Random comments about men, the way you grip my hand and squeeze every now and then as if you’re checking to see if I’m still there. When you hug me you always try to pull me just a little closer.”

  “Why can’t you just roll over and go to sleep like other men?” Lindy heard the bitterness in her laugh and hoped that Tom did not. “You seem to know a lot about me in a short period of time.”

  “Your emails are very telling. It is not so much what you say as what you don’t. For a romance writer you are a bit of a cynic.”

  “Well, fiction is fiction—anyway, didn’t you mention something about ‘doing that again’?” Lindy yawned softly as the afterglow settled into peace.

  “My greedy Lindy. Yes, but I think you need a nap first.”

  “Nap, schmap. I’ll sleep when I’m alone.” She shifted again, her nipples growing hard as they scraped across Tom’s chest. “I am feeling a little deprived.” Her words were running together as she started to drift.

  “I don’t think you would make it. I don’t plan on leaving you alone for quite a while.” Tom stroked down over her back and cupped her bottom, pulling her closer to him. “Take a little nap, you are going to need it. After today no rest for the wicked.”

  “Tom—” Lindy snuggled closer and buried her face into his neck. Tom’s fingers gently stroked her hair and she was content. She felt safe. She knew it was crazy to think he was a good choice for a relationship but she wanted so much for it to be true. It was scary but she decided to take the chance that maybe… Lindy heard his soft sigh just before she dozed off.

  * * * * *

  When she woke, the bed and the room were empty. She found a note scratched on a scrap of paper. Be back soon was all it said.

  Lindy shook off her insecurities and decided to unpack. She opened the closet and sighed. Two bent metal hangers, one of Tom’s suits and a dress shirt and there wasn’t much room left.

  With no iron in sight she panicked, wondering how she would manage to look chic and stylish in wrinkled clothes. She put her toiletries in the bathroom next to Tom’s—at least there was a double sink.

  Catching her refection in the mirror, she gasped. Her wet hair was now partially dried and plastered to her head in misshapen waves. Remnants of her mascara lingered beneath her eyes and her right breast carried a bruise shaped like a perfect thumbprint.

  She smiled in spite of her garish image. Her eyes were bright and her complexion rosy. She looked well-fucked and in Lindy’s book nothing made a woman more attractive. She heard the key in the lock and quickly swiped at the black under her eyes. Grabbing her hairbrush, she tried to make some sense of her unruly mane but when Tom poked his head in and smiled, she just laughed and gave up.

  “Hi, you, where did you run off to?” She was trying to sound casual but in her mind it just sounded possessive.

  “I’ve brought you a present.” He held something behind his back. Lindy felt like a schoolgirl and her enthusiasm bubbled up from inside her.

  “Oh Tom, you shouldn’t have—but I am glad you did.”

  Tom brought his arm around and in his hand he held a stack of plastic hangers.

  “How wonderful,” she said with delight and she kissed him soundly on the mouth.

  “I bought twenty-four. I hope it’s enough.”

  “Jeez. I hope so too.”

  Lindy hung her clothes, squishing them into the cramped closet. There were two hangers left.

  “You know I could just get an adjoining room for your luggage and clothes.”

  “Very funny.”

  “And then we would have a dry bed to sleep in. Might be a good idea?”

  “About that—I guess I should have warned you, I do get rather wet.” Lindy stared at the floor, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

  “Rather wet? You gushed like a geyser.” He laughed. “But I love it.”

  “Good thing, since I don’t seem to be able to control it.”

  “Have you always been like that?”

  “Well, I-I—” she said, blushing. “I mean very wet yes, gushing—not so much until you.”

  “I wasn’t fishing, Lindy. I find it fascinating.” Tom pushed the hair off her cheek, exposing more than just her face.

  “How about you?”

  “I always gush. Well, sometimes I just squirt.” His rich chuckle made Lindy smile.

  “Tom, you’re killing me. I mean you have been with a lot of women, are there others like me?”

  Lindy tried to hide her insecurity but Stephen’s infidelity had left a scar that had obviously not healed. She thought knowing what she had to deal with, it would be better than being surprised when another woman showed up. She was fishing and she f
igured Tom probably knew. Lindy turned and stared out the shuttered window, hoping he wouldn’t call her bluff.

  “There is no one like you, Lindy.” He kissed her cheek. “How about we go out to dinner?” He deftly changed the subject.

  “Kind of late for dinner.”

  “Late! Dinner doesn’t start before nine here. Take your shower and put on something that makes you feel sensuous.”

  “You make me feel sensuous.” She pressed her body against him. His hand cupped her bare bottom and squeezed.

  “I am glad you are comfortable being nude in front of me but if you don’t get in that shower, dinner will be canceled.” Lindy’s belly took the perfect opportunity to rumble.

  “Okay.” She kissed him again and headed for the shower.

  Chapter Eight

  They dined al fresco, sharing a couple of bottles of wine at a table for two on a cobbled side street in the shadow of the cathedral. The conversation was easy and Lindy told him of the latest developments between Benjamin and Emmaline.

  “Do you think she went to India?”

  “I don’t know. I am afraid to read any more.”

  “Afraid? Why?”

  “Because I don’t think she did.”

  “Well that may be so but there may be a good reason. Maybe Benjamin came back to England. Besides, it is just the past. I know it will make you sad but it cannot be changed now.”

  Lindy stared out at the inky-black water, ship lights sparkling on the waves. She had grown up reading stories that always ended in happily ever after but she knew from experience that it wasn’t true. But she still believed in the fairy tale.

  As her thoughts turned melancholy, she wondered how her story would end with Tom.

  “Lindy, where are you?” Tom laid his hand on top of hers.

  “I’m right here in this gorgeous place with a gorgeous man.”

  “I am flattered, love, but you seem to be lost in thought.”

  “No. Just enjoying the evening.” Lindy didn’t want to spoil such a lovely night.

  “I guess you will tell me when you’re ready then.”

  “Tell you what?”

  “Why you are so distrustful of men?” Lindy panicked. She didn’t want to talk about Stephen—ever. She didn’t want Tom to know that she had been such a fool. Why did he have to be so in tune with her emotions anyway?

  “I will, darling, as soon as you tell me why you have commitment issues with women.” She regretted her nasty tone immediately but it was too late.

  She saw the look of sadness in his eyes before he laughed softly. This time his mirth did not quite reach his eyes.

  “Come on, I want to take you somewhere special. Broaden your horizons.”

  Tom took her hand and they walked for a while down the twisted alleys and narrow backstreets before stopping near a huge cast-iron gate.

  A line of people waiting for entry snaked along the street. A large man dressed all in black stood out front, arms akimbo, biceps threatening to burst the sleeves of his t-shirt. When he saw Tom he smiled and waved them forward, glaring at the line to silence a few muttered protests.

  “Tom, nice to see you,” he said in a voice softer than Lindy expected.” I see you’ve brought a special guest.”

  “Yes, Baron, this is my friend Lindy. Is Sheila working tonight?”

  “Of course. She’ll be glad to see you,” Baron said, glancing at Lindy.

  Lindy thought she saw Tom roll his eyes but she couldn’t be sure.

  Baron opened the heavy gate and motioned them toward the steps. The stairway was dark, lit only by a few yellow bulbs.

  Lindy cursed silently—once again her choice of footwear did not fit with Tom’s plans. Well he told me sensuous, she thought, looking down at the stilettos. Thin strips of black leather crossed behind her ankles and a single strap bridged her brightly painted toenails. Carefully she navigated the last five worn stone steps into the darkness of the dungeon-like cellar.

  Once inside Lindy took a breath. The place was chaotic, people shouting to be heard over the loud music bouncing from the vaulted stone ceiling. The lights had a violet glow and Lindy stepped carefully, unable to get her bearings in the noisy, dim space.

  The female cocktail servers wore the tiniest black skirts Lindy had ever seen. The flashes of their white panties and their tight white tank tops and fluorescent lip gloss glowed in the ultraviolet light. A few young male staff wore just as tight black shorts and t-shirts.

  Many of them greeted Tom by name and Lindy was glad she had chosen the fitted black dress that rode high on her thighs. So far she could match the best of them and she smiled, proud to be on his arm.

  She turned around, taking it all in. It was dark and intimate, candles flickering in red globes on the tables. A golden glow drew her attention to a large, round stage sitting in the center of the cavernous room. Several gleaming poles sparkled in the dimness. Spotlights were poised to capture every angle and direct everyone’s attention on the women dancing within their glow.

  Lindy was mesmerized by one in particular. She had never seen a woman more beautiful—ever. Her coffee-colored skin looked warm and inviting and she had an ethereal glow about her as she twirled and sinuously moved in the golden light. She was completely nude and Lindy could not find one flaw that marred her perfect flesh.

  Looking quickly around the club, Lindy could see glittering eyes of men and women fixed on the writhing body on the stage. Licking her lips, Lindy swallowed hard as her nipples tightened. To be the focus of all that naked lust would be such a turn-on. Turning to Tom, she saw him watching the dancer with recognition in his eyes. He looked at Lindy and squeezed her hand.

  “Sheila?” she asked, knowing the answer.

  “Yes, she is an old friend.”

  “She is stunning.”

  Lindy wished she had put on her big-girl panties but the dress was too clinging and she had worn none. It wasn’t like they had an exclusive relationship—they were barely a couple—but she had to wonder why he would purposely bring her somewhere one of his paramours worked. Is one woman not enough for any man?

  “Would you like to go somewhere else?” he asked softly.

  “No! I mean, this is fine,” she added with more conviction than she felt.

  “Why don’t you grab the table in the corner? I’ll get us a couple of mojitos.”

  “Okay.” Lindy headed to the dark corner, wondering if he was trying to hide her from Sheila. No one puts Lindy in the corner. She laughed to herself.

  The song ended and Sheila disappeared from the stage amid loud applause. Lindy did not see Tom at the bar and she assumed a little bitterly that he had gone to say hello to the dancer. Fishing her phone from her purse, she checked for emails and messages so she didn’t appear to be quite so alone.

  Tom appeared seemingly from nowhere with Sheila by his side.

  “Lindy, I’d like you to meet Sheila. Sheila—my girlfriend Lindy.”

  Girlfriend? Lindy extended her hand. Sheila took it gently and bending at the waist, kissed Lindy on both cheeks. Lindy could smell the heat coming off Sheila, a musky cinnamon scent that oddly made her want to put out her tongue and taste the woman’s skin. The lights made the simple cotton-mesh slip she wore blaze brightly but her dark nipples were exciting shadows through the filmy cloth.

  Lindy squeezed her thighs together.

  Whispering in her ear, the dancer said, “He’s all yours, Lindy.” Lindy thought she felt the tip of Sheila’s tongue touch her ear and it made her shiver and press her legs together more tightly.

  Lindy had to admit she liked Sheila. The gorgeous woman was exciting and dangerous somehow. That she didn’t pull any punches just made her more attractive and her kindness seemed genuine. Lindy thought in another lifetime they could have been friends. Tom sat close with his arm possessively around Lindy’s shoulder and the conversation was easy.

  A new dancer took the stage and Lindy watched her lithe gymnastics on the poles and floor with aw
e. She didn’t bother to wonder why Tom would take her to a strip club on their first real date. She wasn’t uncomfortable unless you counted the fact that her thighs were sticking together with desire as she watched the perfect bodies bump and grind.

  Tom’s arm felt good on her shoulder, his fingers stroking hers. She was also very aware of the hot skin of Sheila’s naked thigh against her own and the feel of the dancer’s hard body through the thin cloth against her side.

  “Lindy, are you enjoying the show?” Tom squeezed her shoulder, snapping her out of her reverie.

  “Yes, they are very talented, aren’t they?”

  “Yup. The cream of the crop.” He was seemingly unaffected by the beautiful bodies swaying onstage.

  Lindy noticed Sheila was waving to a woman who had just entered the club. Then she felt a hand squeeze high on her thigh and Sheila breathing into her ear as she spoke. “Please excuse me, I have to see someone.”

  The dancer’s fingers slipped higher to the apex between Lindy’s thighs and slowly stroked her already wet heat. “We will get together again soon, yes?”

  Lindy was conflicted. The urge to spread her thighs and allow Sheila greater access warred with a reflex to clamp her legs together. Instead she froze as a long fingertip slid gently between her labia and dipped into her warmth, making her gasp softly into the woman’s fragrant hair against her face.

  Sheila left and Lindy felt lost. The touch of Tom’s hand on her skin and then Sheila’s slender fingers intimately exploring her was making her feel a little lightheaded. It must be the wine…

  Lindy was on fire as she watched the willowy woman slink away, the lights silhouetting her naked body through the insubstantial dress. Then Sheila looked back over her shoulder at her and Lindy and saw the dancer had a finger between her lips, tasting…

  Lindy spoke to cover her confusion.

  “I—I have never been to a strip club before. “

  “That somehow doesn’t surprise me but I figured if you hadn’t, it was time.”

  “Why tonight? Afraid I’m not enough for you?” She poked him in the ribs with her elbow, trying to make light of her fears. Why am I so stupid? If you don’t stop with these comments, he will eventually agree with you.