“Did Charles come over last night?”
I nodded and watched her frown in annoyance. She poured the coffee into her mug as I grabbed a cup from the cabinet and placed it in line for mine. After she filled it, she put the pot back to its place in the coffee maker.
“You’re working out with me this morning,” she announced flatly.
I shook my head in defiance. “Nope. Quit trying to make me workout. I hate it. It’s annoying and….sweaty,” I grimaced.
“Come on. We finally have a place with a gym in it. It’s just an elevator ride down and no one ever uses it.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head again. “Please?”
I sighed. “After my coffee.” Her face lit up with excitement. It’s Aubrey’s dream to turn me into her perfect workout partner. She’s always dragged me to the latest cardio classes, spinning classes or any new trends at the gym. I go unwillingly, just shy of kicking and screaming, but I go. For Aubrey. I usually do wind up feeling really great after, but I’d never admit it to her.
“Did you ask Charles about the wedding?” Aubrey asked after taking a sip of her coffee.
I frowned. “I came so close – both sexually and asking him.” I joked.
“He left you hanging? Again?” I knew she was really talking about sex. Aubrey’s hatred for Charles started with me telling her about our sex life. He’s obviously a little bit selfish in that respect not to mention old-fashioned.
I nodded as I took a sip of my coffee.
Aubrey pointed her finger at me and sternly told me, “Next time, you need to whip out that vibrator I gave you and just start using it. Show him how it’s supposed to be done.”
I almost choked on my coffee and snorted. “He doesn’t know I have one. I think he’d die if he knew.”
“Why? It’s better than having to schedule a visit. B.O.B. will make you come any time you need it,” she teased with a wink.
Aubrey and I went to one of her co-worker’s sex toy party about a year ago. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard nor was embarrassed so much in my entire life. Well, embarrassment was part of the reason we were really there. I never really understood how to give a guy a blow job. Charles made fun of me one time. Well, sort of. He didn’t really make fun of me. He kind of chuckled and pulled me up saying I was “sloshing around down there” and it wasn’t working for him. I’ve never been so mortified in my life. I’ve tried to do it before with a guy in college, but when he pulled my hair too hard I bit down – on him. Yeah, it wasn’t a good night for him.
Anyway, when I told Aubrey how embarrassed I was with Charles, she was determined to help me out with my “problem.” We tried with a banana at a friend’s bachelorette party when we were supposed to shape it into a guy’s penis, but we wound up laughing too hard. Not to mention I felt silly in front of our friends and I didn’t want them to know my problem.
So, when Aubrey’s friend was hosting a sex toy party, she made me come with her. When we got home she gave me my “present” and attempted to free it from its home. I grabbed it and walked away, uncomfortable, and probably not enough alcohol in me to attempt to learn. It’s in my nightstand drawer and I haven’t touched it. I’ve thought about using it the way it’s supposed to be used, but I felt like a sex-starved weirdo.
“Where is it?” Aubrey asked after I made a face to her that I never wanted to use that thing.
“I’m not telling you.” I know her too well. She would make me use it. She slammed her coffee mug down and started sprinting to my bedroom. Oh shit. My coffee almost spilled as I did the same and took off running after her, laughing. “Oh no you don’t!” I called after her.
I reached my bedroom door and she was sifting through the opposite nightstand drawer. I ran over to the other side to get it and Aubrey dove over the bed, scrambling to get to the drawer before me. We almost knocked over my lamp as I pulled the drawer open hastily to find it before she did. I grabbed the box and pulled it to my chest. Aubrey grabbed it from my hands and shrieked, “You never even took him out of his box?” She glared at me and pressed her lips together. “For shame!” She jeered as we stood there staring at each other, laughing like idiots.
She grabbed the box from my death grip and started ripping the box open to free “him” of his box. “I can’t believe you haven’t even taken him out. Poor guy.” She teased with a pout. She held the vibrator up in her hand and started gesturing with it, pointing the dildo in my direction. “He wants to be used, Vanessa. Unlike Charles, he wants it!”
I grabbed the vibrator from her hand and threw it back into my drawer, shaking my head and still laughing. “Fine. I’ll let you know if I ever decide to give him a shot.”
“I bought you the best one. That thing is top of the line. You better promise to practice!” Aubrey chuckled and shook her head.
“Fine,” I replied just to get her off my back.
“Good. Now change into workout clothes. We’re going downstairs to work out all this frustration. All this talk of sex makes me horny,” she informed me.
Trying to dissuade her from another grueling workout I suggested, “You can always call our new neighbor you had last night.”
“No double dipping, remember?” She tossed over her shoulder as she walked out of my room.
After a grueling workout on the StairMaster, followed by some ab-killing workout that Aubrey copied down from a magazine, my day was filled with catching up on some work. I decided to have a relaxing evening and catch up on my reality shows. Aubrey was out on a date, so I had quiet time to myself. I poured some red wine, grabbed the box of chocolates that Aubrey received from some admirer and flopped on our couch.
I had already called my Mom earlier to confirm brunch at the club with Charles and his parents. She was more than thrilled and I was happy to give her something to keep her a little at bay about the wedding.
I started watching my show. One of the women was trying to seduce her boyfriend by giving him a strip tease. It reminded me of Kara Leonard and her previous job. The way the woman on the show was doing it seemed tasteful, almost sweet since it was just for her boyfriend. I started to reconsider my stance on stripping, but just for the bedroom. And just between two people in love. Then I started thinking about sex and contemplated a night with B.O.B.
I walked into my bedroom and pulled it out. I glared at the thing wondering how this could bring me pleasure when it seemed like nothing more than a piece of rubbery plastic. I started thumping it against my palm, giggling to myself that it kind of felt like a heavy cock, but nothing like the real thing. I could never use this. I brought it to my lips wondering if I should practice trying to give a guy head. The taste of the rubber on my tongue was horrid. I giggled again to myself knowing Aubrey would think this was funny.
I decided to just see how far back I could stick it in my mouth. I shoved it to the back and gagged immediately. Then I remembered Aubrey telling me to tilt my head back, so I tried it again. Hmm. Works better. I covered my lips over my teeth so I wouldn’t bite B.O.B. like I did what’s his name. I hallowed out my cheeks and realized I was doing it and I wasn’t making the slurping sounds that Charles complained about. Feeling good about myself, I began to do my happy dance. A song came on from the living room from a commercial on TV and I began to sing into B.O.B., using him like a microphone. I never even heard Aubrey enter my room until I heard her giggling and start clapping her hands.
I spun around as she ran over to me, grabbing B.O.B. and began singing into it with me. The song ended and Aubrey hugged me while we continued to laugh like idiots. “I see you had some useful alone time with B.O.B.”
Smirking, I shrugged. “Yeah, we go way back.”
“You tilted your head back and you get it now, don’t you?” Aubrey pointed out and laughed. I nodded.
“Yep. I’m a master now,” I joked with confidence as I swayed my shoulders.
We walked out to the living room and Aubrey went to the kitchen, coming back to the couch with some ice cream an
d two spoons.
“Why are you back so soon?” Not to mention, looking like you didn’t get any action. I wanted to say to her.
“He was a loser. Speed dating doesn’t always work out. Five minutes isn’t enough time, but a dragging, boring hour was too much time.”
I nodded. “See, and you think I’m crazy for not wanting to break up with Charles.”
“I still think you’re crazy. I’d rather go on a boring date than deal with perfectly boring.” She looked at my disappointed face and knocked into me with her shoulder. “You know I didn’t say that to hurt you, but you need to face the truth soon.”
I shrugged and took another scoop of ice cream. She’s right. I just don’t want her to be.
******
I pulled my hair back into a soft gathering at the nape of my neck and wore my silk blue wrap dress for brunch at the country club. I arrived on time and was escorted over to our table by the maître de, noticing as I walked over that Charles was not here yet. I had the sinking feeling he was going to miss another brunch and leave me with them.
I exchanged pleasantries with everyone and listened to both mothers discuss my wedding while both dads discussed some golf event. The boring conversations, not to mention the snooty ambiance, left me feeling depressed and wanting nothing more than to just eat. I kept quiet, realizing why I hate meeting them and coming here. I excused myself to the restroom.
As I was washing my hands, Ashley walked in. We’ve been friends practically since birth, since our parents have always been members at the club. She’s an attorney now and her parents are so proud of her. I love them even more for that. My mom and her friends think it’s appalling that she has a career and suggested that she was unable to hold onto a man since she isn’t engaged yet.
Ashley’s surprised smiling face warmed my heart as she pulled me in for a hug.
“How are you?” I squeezed her tightly and asked. She was the only person here who actually spoke to me during my teenage years and one of the few who didn’t tease me about my weight.
She pulled back and told me she was doing great. She held out my arms and eyed me, smiling. “Wow! You look fabulous! And I heard you’re in human resources now. I’m so excited for you!”
The warmth from her heart could always be shown through her facial expressions. I wish she hadn’t attended boarding school or we probably would have been closer friends.
“Actually, I’m a HR Director now,” I told her proudly; happy I could share my success with an old friend.
“That’s fantastic. Has your mom finally accepted your career?” She scrunched up her nose as she asked that.
I nodded, remembering Ashley was at the country club when I first told my mom about my career choice. The entire country club heard her slam her fist down on the table and storm out of the club. She didn’t speak to me for a couple of weeks. Dad told me she would get over it, but I wasn’t sure. She came back after those two weeks and shoved marriage options in front of my face. Charles was one of them.
“How are things at the law firm?” I asked.
She smiled brightly. “It’s fantastic! I’m working with corporate law, so if you ever need any advice, feel free to call me,” she explained as she handed me her card. She leaned in, still smiling and told me, “I’m also dating someone very special.”
My eyes lit up, excited for Ashley. She had been like me, mostly a wallflower, off to the side while everyone else was always dancing at our country club gatherings. “Who? Anyone I might now?”
She shook her head and glanced to the side. “I actually met her at my boarding school and we’ve kept in touch over the years. We recently connected and she just moved to New York City.” I think my mouth popped open hearing that, as I had no idea that my old friend was interested in women. She smiled. “You had no idea, did you?” I shook my head, but still smiled, so happy for my friend.
My eyes got wide as I laughed. “I had no idea!”
“I didn’t think you did, but since I was sent away I didn’t really have a chance to tell you.”
“What did your parents say?” Then I realized how easygoing her parents could be. I shook my head and said, “Let me guess, they were very happy for you.” She nodded her head.
“Mom was a little taken aback at first, but came around quickly.” I smiled, but then thought of my mom, knowing she wouldn’t be even remotely accepting.
Ashley noticed my expression and put her hand on my arm. “Your mom hasn’t changed at all, has she?”
I shook my head. “No, and I never expect her to. She is who she is.” I shrugged my shoulder.
Ashley glanced at her watch then told me, “I need to get going. Call me so we can catch up. I’d love to chat with you.”
We hugged and I told her the same as we walked back out of the restroom.
“What took you so long, dear?” My mom leaned over and asked as I sat back down.
“I ran into Ashley in the bathroom. We were catching up,” I told her with a smile still happy to have seen Ashley.
She scoffed, “and has she found a husband yet?” She glanced over at Charles’ mom and they shared a laugh.
“She doesn’t need one Mom. She’s doing very well at the law firm.”
“She does need a husband. Speaking of which, Charles is finally arriving.” I exhaled my breath, thankful he actually arrived and glad I wouldn’t have to finish the conversation with mom about Ashley. He kissed his Mom and shook his Dad’s and both my parents’ hands. Then he leaned in and gave me a kiss on my cheek making both our moms sigh happily.
“So, now that you’re both here, we want to pin you down for a date.” My mom started in not wanting to waste any time.
Charles and I exchanged a glance at each other and I nodded for him to tell them. “We’re going to wait another two years, so plan the date according to that,” he instructed them. Thankfully, his voice was stern so that might help convince our mothers.
“Two years?” Both moms exclaimed angrily.
“I already told you Mom, but you didn’t want to believe me.” I gave Charles a thankful smile as our food was placed in front of each of us. I pulled the napkin and placed it on my lap, not glancing at my Mom. I knew she was glaring at me. I could feel it.
Charles’ mom started in. “Well, we’ll just have to work around that little glitch.” She patted my mom’s hand and pulled out her phone. “Two years from now. Spring or fall wedding?”
I said “spring” at the same time as Charles said “fall.” We both chuckled at each other for saying the opposite season. He patted my leg, “Spring, if that’s what you want, hon.” I smiled at him as both moms swooned.
“Okay, now that’s settled, we can look at reserving the club for an April or May date.” They continued their planning as Charles and I listened. Then our dads caught his attention to discuss medicine and golf and I was pulled back into the wedding planning discussion.
Finally, the torturous brunch was over and we said our goodbyes to our parents. I kissed Charles and wrapped my arms around his neck as he slipped his around my waist. “Mind if I come over?” I whispered in his ear, feeling a little lascivious.
Unfortunately, Charles seemed to have to think about it. He gave me a brief smile and pecked my lips. “Nope. Why don’t you follow me to my place.” Relief warmed me that he didn’t turn me down this time.
The entire drive over I continually thought about the reality show; the one where she stripped for her boyfriend. By the time we arrived at his apartment, I had decided I would seduce Charles by stripping, like I saw on my show last night. Sexy. I tried to tell myself. I can do this. My heart was pounding and my palms started sweating as I thought about what I’m going to do.
Charles walked to the kitchen and I heard him opening the cabinets, clinking a glass against something. I glanced down at my outfit quickly, my heart coursed with excitement as I adjusted my wrap dress to show more cleavage. I sauntered towards the kitchen and leaned against the wall in a s
ensual pose as I pouted my lips.
Charles looked at me with disgust. “What the hell’s wrong with you?” He chuckled. “You feeling okay?”
My heart dropped, but I still felt determined that I could do this. I can seduce Charles. He’s going to be my husband for God’s sake. I took a deep breath, giving him a seductive smile, and then I placed my hand on his chest. I watched his eyes spark with knowing what I was about to do and his mouth curled into a grin.
“What are you doing?” He asked with a lowered teasing voice. His facial expression told me he already knew as I watched him grin at me.
I took his hand and led him over to the couch, grabbing the remote and turning off the TV. I swung around slowly and gently pushed him onto the couch.
I realized at that point I forgot to turn on some music. I grabbed my phone from my purse and quickly searched for a song, my heart in my throat and nerves fluttering angrily in my stomach. I couldn’t find a song quick enough so I just pressed the first one I could find. “Bubbly” came on. Not exactly stripping music, but I decided to go with it.
I shimmied my shoulders back and forth as I started to try to undo the knot on my belt, but faltered untying it. I couldn’t get the knot undone. When I finally managed, it was nowhere near sexy.
Charles started laughing and pulled me into his lap. “You’re so cute sometimes. You’re just not stripper material, baby,” he teased me.
I tried to laugh it off even though I was a bit hurt inside. I guess I can’t pull it off. He kissed me softly as he grabbed my phone and turned off the music. Maybe it was the music? I gave him a small pout as he took my cheeks in his hands and pulled me in, his lips meeting mine. I parted my lips, taking his mouth into mine letting him kiss me with the passion that swept me off my feet when we first kissed. I sat up a little and straddled him, hiking up my skirt slightly and wrapped my arms around his neck for more of his sweet lips. I started to grind my hips onto his hardness I could feel through his jeans.
He pulled back, chuckling. “Whoa. What’s gotten into you?”
Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) Page 7
