He coughed. “You seriously want to fuck out here?”
“Or I could jerk you off.”
“Sex in the water is not easy. Have you ever done it?”
“No, but I’d like to try.”
“Let’s save it for the pool at home.”
“Afraid to get caught?”
Austin’s chest rumbled as he groaned. “What happened to my introvert? The one who used to stay in all the time?”
“She came out of her shell. Please? I’m horny. We should’ve had sex in the shower this morning.”
Austin groaned again as I rubbed my pussy against his erection. “You’re pushing me to no choice.” He reached in between us and slipped his hand in my bikini bottoms. “Shit, you’re fucking wet.”
“We could fuck right here,” I prodded.
“Why don’t I just get you off?”
I held onto him and buried my head in his shoulder as he rubbed me in fast circles. When I began to come, I bit into his muscled flesh to stop myself from crying out. Austin held me in his arms and moved toward the shore as I clung to him.
“What about you?” I whispered.
“You can pay me back later.”
“I want to suck you.”
“Are you sure?”
It wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but maybe with him, it would be different. When I did it for Ivan, he was rough, and I often gagged. Austin was larger, but I thought I could handle him if he let me do what I wanted. We’d discussed it before, and I told him I had misgivings, but now I would try for him.
“I want to.”
“We can talk about it later.”
He put me down when I got to the depth of water where I could stand comfortably, and we stayed there talking until his erection subsided. A couple of hours later, we were back on the road and looking for a place to eat. We stopped at a small roadside restaurant that advertised fish tacos. I hadn’t eaten them since vacation, and my mouth watered when I remembered how tasty they were.
Austin played with my fingers while we waited for our meal to be served. He seemed fascinated with them. “You have such small delicate hands. Do you wear rings? I bet you need to have one special ordered.”
“I wear a five and a half, but I don’t wear jewelry much.”
“I noticed. Why not?”
“You know why. I want to be subdued. Being flashy doesn’t help.”
“I think you need to get over it. People are either going to approach you with respect, or they’re not.” Austin took my index finger into his mouth, nibbling the pad.
“I want to remain in the background,” I said as I popped my finger free.
“As long as it’s my background.”
By the time the waitress brought our meal, I was thoroughly heated. I never had this feeling before with anyone. I calmed while we ate and talked about our upcoming week. Austin had tests to grade if he wanted to give them back on Monday. I needed to go through emails and do some paperwork when I got home. If we weren’t together, I would’ve spent all weekend on it.
“Thank you for a lovely day,” he said.
“I should be thanking you, especially for what you did in the water.”
“You liked that, did you?”
“I want to return the favor when we get home.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
Austin stroked his knuckles against my cheek before he popped the last of his fish taco in his mouth. After we finished, we got in the Audi to drive home. I was daydreaming and looking at the pretty landscape when Austin pulled off to a small stand with a dirt driveway.
“Why are we stopping here?”
“The best soft serve I ever had.”
“I don’t need ice cream; I plan on licking something else.”
Austin groaned, and I gave him a wicked smile.
“We won’t be up here for a while, so indulge me, please. You can get something small.”
For such a tiny stand, the line was long. The menu board had plenty of flavors, and I ordered lemon while Austin got black cherry in small waffle cones. We leaned against the car eating, and I seductively licked at my cone with the tip of my tongue. He shifted his feet and pulled at the legs of his shorts.
Austin leaned in to whisper in my ear. “You need to stop that, you tease.”
I flicked my eyes to his. “You know what I say about teasing.”
“Yes, I do, but I have to wait, and that’s no fun.”
“Do you want me to relieve you on the drive?”
A rumble erupted from his throat. “The answer to that is no unless you want to end up down the cliff.”
I laughed as I bit into the crunchy cone. We finished and were on our way back to Los Angeles a few minutes later.
“So, what do you think of the soft serve?” he asked.
“It was delicious.”
We were interrupted when my phone vibrated in my purse. I fished it out to check who was calling. “Hassan, what’s up?”
“You were right.”
“About what?”
“JJ Wentworth. The son of a bitch had three women he paid off.”
“How did you find that out?”
“We did a little more digging. Probably not entirely legal, but that’s not my issue. We hired a private investigator.”
“Only three? I’m surprised.”
“I’m sure there’s more. I need to speak to the board about how we handle this.”
I glanced at Austin. “Like I said, I don’t want to work with JJ Wentworth.”
“If we still consider purchasing Sunny Sky, he won’t be part of the package. He’s a liability. I’m sorry I doubted you, and I’m sorry you had to put up with his improper behavior.”
“Thank you. Please let me know the outcome.”
“Absolutely. I set up the meeting for Monday. You can sit in if you like.”
“Is it necessary?”
“No, but I have a feeling Spotlight will be passing on the purchase.”
“I’m sorry. I know you were looking forward to branch out.”
“We’ll continue to look for a prospect. I’ll speak with you next week.”
I hung up with Hassan, and an overwhelming feeling of relief washed over me.
“What’s up?” Austin asked.
“Mr. JJ Wentworth had three women he paid off for his misdeeds.”
“Spotlight isn’t going through with the sale?”
“More than likely, not. The board doesn’t like companies who have dirt under their fingernails. The financials are clean, and Sunny Sky is stable, but this stains their reputation even if it was hidden.”
Austin braked as we rounded a curve. “Lucky Spotlight found out before the deal proceeded.”
“It makes me sick to think that if I didn’t attend that dinner, I could’ve been subjected to that predator.”
“I would’ve kicked his ass,” Austin growled.
“I don’t want to discuss it. This has been a perfect day.”
“I agree.”
The board decided to pass on Sunny Sky and told Jameson Wentworth they decided to put any purchase on hold. The search continued, and I wondered what Wentworth would say once Spotlight purchased another company. Would he guess we found out his son’s dirty little secret? It didn’t matter to me; I just wanted to wash my hands of the entire affair and put it out of my mind.
I’ve been dating Austin for five months, and my entire attitude has changed. I did some renovations in my home, making it more cheerful with colors other than black and white. My bedroom is now painted a soft yellow with a colorful duvet cover. I changed the area rugs in all the rooms and went bold with a red couch in my living room. Needless to say, Austin is the reason.
My employees have noticed a change in me, too. I canceled the policy of not allowing personal items on the desks. Of course, it’s within reason, but they all seem happier now that I let them keep pictures and small mementos of loved ones on display.
I began wearing mor
e cheery clothing. The frumpy suits now sit at the back of my closet in exchange for soft, colorful silk, florals, and better fitting skirts and dresses. Austin made me see it’s not what’s on the outside, but how tall I stand and command a room. I can and should be respected no matter what I wear or look like.
Austin continues to buy me small gifts even though I told him to stop. The bracelet which started as one small charm of our vacation in the Maldives has grown to many. I wear it with pride. Two can play the game, and I’ve purchased several gifts for him.
His most prized is a gold pocket watch I found in an antique store. Austin showed me a picture of his grandfather’s, and from then on, I started taking trips all through Los Angeles and San Diego looking for something similar. I finally found one and presented it to him on our four-month anniversary. I can still remember the look on his face; it was priceless with him grinning ear to ear.
Unfortunately, he’s had to fly to New York twice over the past couple of months to check on his grandmother. Edith insists on living in her apartment alone, even though Austin’s brother Roman asked her to come live with him. I know Austin worries about her since she brought him up after his parents died. I hate when he’s away, but I know it’s important to him to check on her. My cell rings as I’m hanging up with a director.
I’m excited to see it’s him. “Austin! I thought you forgot me.”
“How can you say that? I’ve been busy with my grandmother. I have no idea where she gets her energy.”
“Is she open to getting a live-in maid at least?”
“Unfortunately, not. She’s so stubborn.”
“I miss you. My bed is cold without you.”
“I miss you, too. I should be home in a couple of days. Grandmother wants me the hell out of here. She said she doesn’t need a babysitter.”
“Have you visited Gavin and Kat?”
“Yes. You should see their children absolutely gorgeous.”
“How’s the weather?”
“It’s a little chilly, but it’s only mid-May. I love New York in the spring.”
“I’m not sure I could get used to all the seasons. I hate the cold.”
Austin cleared his throat. “Gavin told me about an opening in the English department at NYU.”
“Why would he mention it? You’re not thinking of moving, are you?”
“Of course not. I would never without discussing it with you.”
“I’m not sure I could handle a long-distance relationship.”
“Stop it, Samantha. I have no plans to move out here.”
“Just checking.”
He sighed heavily, and I knew he was annoyed. “I need to go. My grandmother wants me to hang a few pictures in her hallway.”
“Have fun. I’ll talk to you tonight. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I was unsettled with what he said so much, that when Marina buzzed me, I snapped at her.
“What is it?”
“Uh, you have a delivery.”
“Sign for it and bring it in please.”
I let the intercom go and leaned back in my chair. I know Austin worried about his grandmother, but I wouldn’t survive if he decided to move to New York. It had taken me months to come out of my shell and start to enjoy my life. It was all because of him. If he left, it wouldn’t take long for me to close back up and return to my introverted life of solitude. I needed him with me.
Marina knocked on my door, and when she came in, she had a delivery man with her holding a giant vase with yellow, white, and red roses. It was even larger than the first bouquet Austin had ever sent me. I smiled and gave the man a twenty-dollar tip. The fragrance of the roses hit my nose the minute he placed the vase on the corner of my desk.
I looked straight at my assistant. “Marina, I’m sorry I snapped at you.”
“It’s alright. I know you miss Austin.”
Out of character, I had a conversation with Marina a few months ago about Austin. It felt good to talk to another woman. The only other woman I could talk to was my mother, and she and my father were somewhere in Africa doing charity work.
“He mentioned a job at NYU.”
“Is he applying?”
“He said no, but I know he worries about his grandmother.”
“He wouldn’t leave you,” she assured me.
“That’s what I keep telling myself.”
Marina plucked the envelope off the cellophane and handed it to me, then removed the clear covering. After she left the office, I read the card. In Austin’s generous script was a message which made me want to cry. Since the beach, he always referred to me as Sammy unless he was upset. He wrote it on the salutation. I assumed that he had done this with a local florist before he left since the card was in his handwriting.
* * *
My Darling Sammy,
* * *
Red is how deep my love is for you, white is how pure my love is for you, and yellow is because you’re my best friend. I love you with all my heart. I can’t wait to come home to you.
* * *
All My Love,
* * *
Austin
* * *
I felt tears brimming in my eyes, and I wiped them away before they caused my mascara to run. I read the card over and over. I missed him so much that my heart hurt. I texted him.
* * *
The roses are lovely, but the card is even lovelier. Thank you.
* * *
I love you, Sammy. I can’t wait to come home to you.
* * *
I can’t wait, either!
* * *
Only two more days and he would be back with me. I couldn’t wait.
9
Austin came back a day early and surprised me with his grandmother. I was sitting in front of my pool when he opened the slider, scaring the shit out of me. I had given him a key to my home several weeks earlier as he had given one to me for his house. I didn’t want to meet one of the most important women in his life wearing a bikini, but I did. I just thanked God; it wasn’t the bright orange one.
“Samantha Stone, I want to introduce you to my grandmother, Edith Doyle.”
I shook her hand and was surprised that a woman who was almost eighty had such a strong grip. Her face was almost wrinkle free, and her steel-gray hair was curled up into a tight bun at the top of her head. She was a bit shorter than my height of five four and had soft blue eyes.
“My, you are a beautiful girl. Much prettier than Austin’s last girlfriend, and what a body on you.”
I could feel my face heat with embarrassment. I scowled at Austin, a bit annoyed he hadn’t alerted me he was coming by with his grandmother.
“If I had known I would have dressed for your visit.”
“Nonsense, young lady. Don’t be ashamed of your figure.”
Austin hugged me tightly, his hand slipping to cup my ass before he backed away.
“I missed you. Grandmother wanted to visit, and she said no time like the present. Sorry I didn’t contact you first.”
I got over my annoyance quickly because Austin was finally home. It had been almost a week, and I was dying for him to share my bed. But I wasn’t sure if he would be able to with his grandmother visiting.
“I’m happy you’re home early. Can I offer you a drink?”
“This is some house you have. Do you live alone?” Edith asked.
“Grandmother, I told you Sammy lived on her own.”
“I was just wondering how one person could live in such a big place. Maybe you two should move in together. Your home is too big for just you.”
Now it was Austin’s turn to blush, and I wondered if he talked to her about asking me to move in with him. I loved spending time with him, but I was still at that point where I needed my own space. It might be something to consider for the future.
“I’ve lived here for a couple of years. I spend a lot of time at the office.”
“A home this large needs to be filled wi
th family, especially children.”
I rose from the chaise, grabbed my long t-shirt, and slipped it over me.
“Would you like a tour?”
“Absolutely. Austin, be a dear and get me some water while I talk with Samantha.”
“Oh, boy, that can’t be good,” he said.
“Don’t be silly, grandson.”
Edith linked her arm with mine, and I took her through my home while Austin got bottles of water from the refrigerator. When we came back to the kitchen, he was sitting at the center island and gave me a sympathetic look. Edith yawned as she accepted the water from him and took a few dainty sips.
“So what are you plans with my grandson?”
I almost choked on the gulp of water I had taken, and Austin pounded my back while I coughed.
“I enjoy spending time with him.”
“Do you think he’s marriage material? I think he would make a great husband.”
Austin intervened. “Grandmother, we’re not at that point yet. I told you that.”
“You’re almost thirty-five. It’s time to settle down like Roman did. He’s your younger brother and has three children already. I want more great-grandchildren before I die.”
“We can discuss this later. Wouldn’t you like to go home and get ready for bed?”
“It’s only seven. I’m not sleepy.”
“But it’s ten in New York, past your bedtime.”
She frowned at him. “Are you trying to shut me up?”
He chuckled. “That’s impossible.”
Edith stayed until the following Saturday, making me crazy with lust for Austin. I liked the woman, but my sex life was suffering because of her visit. We had dinner with her each night, and during the day, Austin took her to see the sights of California.
She left on Sunday morning, and after Austin dropped her off at LAX for her 8:12 AM flight back to New York, he immediately came by. It was only 7:00 AM when he undressed and slipped into my bed naked. I hadn’t slept well the night before and was dozing when his hand caressed my breast.
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 174
