By the time we got up to my suite she was digging in her purse, then she presented me with the key to her apartment — also in Chelsea — hmmm. I took them, set them on the table in the foyer, and walked her to the living room. “You can shower if you want. I’ll find you a t-shirt to wear if you like?”
She grinned at me, “That actually sounds heavenly. Thank you, Bryce.”
I escorted her to the bathroom and headed to my room to find her a t-shirt. Sure, she probably would have been fine at her place, but I needed to know she was safe. Something wasn't right about that guy Trevor, and until I found out, I wasn't going to risk her life. Especially, now that I was just getting attached to her.
By the time she got out of the shower, and I had one of my own, it was late, and we were both exhausted. I offered to sleep on the couch so Ava could have my bed to herself but she refused. She said, “If I’m here so you can protect me you need to be right by my side.” There was no arguing that logic. She slept curled up in my arms all night. I, on the other hand, woke up to every odd noise, something completely out of the ordinary for me since I’d come home from Iraq and adjusted to civilian life.
Chapter Eleven
Ava
When I woke up, my eyes flew wide open. I couldn't believe I had let him have sex with me in a taxi! That was a first, and an experience I wouldn't likely forget. Phew, my head was spinning. I had concluded my sexual appetite was insatiable, especially when it came to Bryce. He also fulfilled my need for sincere affection. He had held me all night. I loved the feel of his strong arms around my body when I woke up — safe and secure.
Trevor, on the other hand, made me nervous and it was hard to fall asleep when I was with him. I felt like his sex toy. Sure the sex was good. But after I had a chance to think about it, our sex was all about him. Bryce was in an entirely different category.
Moments later Bryce woke up and began caressing every inch of me. Then he crawled down between my legs and stayed until I was writhing with pleasure. He had made fast work of bringing me to an orgasm. After I had covered his face with my juices, he climbed on top of me and stroked me hard until we both were spent and running late for work.
When I finally pressed the button on the elevator to take me up to my office, I sighed. I could have stayed in bed with Bryce all day. He played my body like a professional pianist caressing the keys — making sweet music. I carved more of him and hoped I’d see him again soon.
“Good morning, sunshine,” Sarah said when she saw me. “Rough night? It’s not like you to be late. I’ll get you some coffee and lunch. I doubt you’ve eaten.”
My assistant knew me well, and I was thankful for her kindness. I went to my office and set about catching up on my work. Before I knew it, Sarah was opening a container of hot tomato soup and a salad from the deli. By the time I had scarfed down half of it I had heard a ruckus down the hall.
“Sarah, what’s going on out there?” I asked over the intercom.
She rushed into my office. “Ava, there are cops everywhere! Apparently, they are looking for Trevor.”
The blood drained from my face. Bryce must have found a connection and solid proof of Trevor being the stalker. Should I call him, I wondered. Then all of a sudden there was a knock on my door. Before I could reply, it swung open. Sarah was wide-eyed when she said, “Ava the agent here wants to speak with you about Trevor.”
“Speak to me,” I asked rather bewildered. But before I could say more an FBI agent stepped through the door. “I…okay. How can I help you?”
Agent Maxwell informed me they had received information regarding an alleged stalker and had evidence they needed to confirm with me. As it turned out there was sufficient evidence to press charges against Trevor. Based on some other work-related questions I concluded he violated several major rules with regard to the Securities and Exchange Commission. I admitted we had once had a romantic relationship and explained I knew nothing about his off-shore bank accounts. I felt angry and disgusted, even dirty. After listening to the agent, I wanted to take a shower and wash the memories of Trevor down the drain. It was more evident than ever I had been nothing more than a pawn to Trevor.
My phone buzzed. “Are we done here,” I asked the detective.
“Don’t leave town, we may need to speak to you again,” the detective said as he stood up and picked up his black folder.
I stood and leaned over my desk, extending my palm to him. "Yes, sir. I will stay put here in NYC until you notify me the investigation is over.”
After he walked out, Sarah walked in and stood with her hand on her hip waiting for my reaction. "He told me not to leave town," I said, blowing a lock of hair out of my face. Then I shook my head, and continued, "Seriously? Why would I leave? Granted after all of this, I need another vacation." Sarah pulled an ice cold bottle of Perrier from my private mini fridge and handed it to me then turned and walked out heading toward her desk.
I tried to concentrate on my work when my phone buzzed again. I froze — please God don't let this be a message from Trevor! When I pulled my phone out of my purse, I smiled and giggled.
Free tonight? Dinner? Just U and me and a SEAL buddy of mine!
I flushed then snickered, not another freaking sexy SEAL!
Sounds positively wonderful after the day I’ve had.
See you at 7! I’ll cheer you up!
Can't wait!!!
I read the hidden message within his text. I knew what he meant. He had sex in mind but just being with him would be enough to boost my spirits.
Then crossing my legs, I shifted in my seat. My pussy was already getting sopping wet in anticipation of another evening with Bryce. Between the situation with Trevor and Bryce's text, it took everything I have to focus on my work for the next two hours.
I made it home in record time and tossed my purse on the kitchen counter. A glass of wine would soothe my nerves. I had no reason to be anxious about meeting Bryce but who was this friend? They served together. Could I contend with two hot SEALs over dinner? I felt my cheeks flush as I grinned — oh yes I could! I took a hot shower and started to get ready when my phone rang. I pushed answer without reading the caller ID. “So eager to see me you had to call and rush me?” I giggled.
The voice on the other end wasn’t Bryce. Uncontrollable sobbing was all I heard. Confused I glanced at my phone. “Renee, take a deep breath, talk to me!” My heart raced wondering what had happened.
“Ava, I need you here, now! I’m so upset.” Renee took a deep breath. Pleading, she whispered, “Please.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can, Renee. Hang in there! What’s the matter?”
“Trey..,” Renee screeched.
I knew something serious had happened — too serious to mention on the phone. So I ended the call, slipped on jeans and a loose sweater. Then left for Renee's place in Brooklyn.
Chapter Twelve
Bryce
After reading Ava’s text saying she had to cancel, I plopped down in my recliner and popped open a beer. I hoped all was okay with Renee, but damn I really wanted to see Ava. I couldn’t deny that our sex was amazing. I had hoped to have fun with her and a few adult toys later in the evening. "Oh, well, it is what it is," I mused out loud.
After flipping on the TV I tried to watch the news, but my mind kept returning to Ava. The time spent with her had become something I enjoyed, regardless of what we were doing. Her kind smile made me giddy, and her intelligence blew my mind. And since we had both grown up on a ranch we shared similar values — free and open like the planes of Texas covered with bluebells blowing in the breeze and the valleys between the mountains in Wyoming where aspens shimmered golden at the end of summer.
I stepped in the shower and felt my desire on the rise. So I soaped up my rod and wrapped one hand around it. With my eyes closed, I leaned back against the cool marble walls and imagined how Ava had ridden my cock when we were in the cab. She’d been so wet, so tight, and so horny for me. I stroked slowly, ima
gining the feel of her wrapped around me in place of my hand. I remembered how it felt to lick and suck her hard nipples. I stroked harder and faster, thinking of sweet, sexy Ava and those dark curly pubes that covered her mound until I shot my load.
A bit more relaxed I got dressed and waited for John downstairs in the garage. He and I were the only two members of our team who lived in the building located in Harlem the other employees of the agency lived elsewhere. He wanted to drive, of course, he had a security pass to park in any place in the city. There was no need to worry about a parking ticket, the NYC mayor, a client, saw to that. When we pulled up at Sammy's Bar and Grill we got out and headed inside.
I explained that Ava had to cancel, but we would reschedule, hopefully before he left town to scope out a site where our candidate was having a rally. John was disappointed but understood life happened. We filled our evening reminiscing about our good and bad times in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also recalled several of our sexual escapades and laughed together. We concluded we had seen or tried just about every sexual activity imaginable. So, there wasn't much that surprised us.
By the end of the evening, we decided we were just lucky to be alive and blessed that the government had provided us with the knowledge and training to run the agency. The truth was, John was the man with the money, but I had the most experience in private security. So even though I wasn't formally a partner, I was paid very well and worked hard to do John and the others on our team proud.
John glanced down at his watch, and said, "It's getting late, it's eleven thirty. Tomorrow our candidate is planning a rally in Madison Square Garden. I told the others you would brief them at six thirty in the morning." I nodded and swallowed my last gulp of beer. John handed the waiter a few bills and I followed him outside to the car. As we sped away, I couldn't help but wonder what Ava was doing and decided to give her a call when we got by to our abode.
Chapter Thirteen
Ava
Dirty, stinky, overcrowded subways, I despised them. I had no option, though, I had to get to Renee, and waiting for a cab would take too long. I was breathless when I reached her brownstone in Park Slope. I ran up the steps and tried the knob. She had left it unlocked, so I pushed it open and turned the deadbolt behind me.
“Renee, where are you, it’s me, Ava?”
The living room was empty, as was the kitchen. But I could hear her wails and ran upstairs to her bedroom. Renee was on her bed, her eyes red, and mascara smudged. I rushed to her side and cradled her in my arms. “I’m here now, Renee. Tell me, what’s going on? What’s wrong and where is Trey?” I searched her face and saw nothing but pain.
“Trey…he…we…” Renee started sobbing again.
I took her hand in mine to calm her. “Take a deep breath and try again. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I…ugh…I’ve told you about Tom haven’t I? Trey’s friend, he helped us with the wedding plans.”
“I recall the name,” I said patting her hand.
“Tom came over yesterday just a few hours after we arrived home from our honeymoon and I thought he was acting strangely toward Trey. Then just an hour or so ago he came back again." Renee's voice started to quiver. "I found out they weren't just friends." Tears streamed down her face.
“What? What are you talking about?”
“They’ve been fucking each other for five years!” She stood up and paced the room. “Five damn years, Ava! Our entire relationship was a lie! When I confronted Trey, he didn’t deny it. He wants an annulment. I can keep the house and all the furnishings! He said he doesn’t need it since Tom had everything covered." Then Renee walked over to their massive closet and yanked open the door. Pointing inside, she continued, "Yes, before you ask, he took his clothes some other odds and ends, and moved in with Tom!"
I sat on the bed and watched my friend go from tears of anger to tears of embarrassment. Renee was a proud person, and Trey had made her look like a fool. Who could be as close as they were and Renee not realize Trey was bisexual, I wondered? I had suspicioned it long ago. But I figured he had put that lifestyle behind him — like Renee, and I had.
Renee walked over and plopped on the bed next to me, her face in her hands. I wrapped one arm around her, lifted her chin, and pushed the hair in her face behind her ear. I attempted to smile when I said, "Renee, you know as well as I do you will get over this. It just takes time.”
Renee looked up at me through her wet lashes. "What about Mom and Dad, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ben....what will they think of me?"
"Tell them the truth. They will understand and probably say 'good riddance.'"
"If he had just talked it over with me maybe we could have worked things out — but noooo. Tom made sure that was never going to happen." Renee wiped her nose on her sleeve. Then all of the sudden she looked up at me and pressed her lips on mine. I tried to push her away, but Renee had wrapped her arms around me and was trying to slip her tongue in my mouth. When I managed to break the embrace, Renee looked into my eyes, and explained, "You are the only one who can make me feel better."
I kissed her forehead, and tried to soothe her, "Renee, I know you're hurt and upset, but we can't do this right now, okay?" I got up and walked across the room then turned to her, and said, “Take a shower then we’ll go out to that place you like a few blocks over and have a good dinner. How long has it been since you ate something?”
"Maybe this morning. I don't remember." She gave me a weak smile but kept her distance and headed off to the master bathroom. Just before closing the door she turned, and said, “Thanks for coming over. You are the only one who really knows me."
I grinned and gave her a quick wink. Wine, Renee needed wine. I walked to the kitchen and poured two glasses. I took a couple of sips of her’s too as I carried them back to the bedroom. Just after I sat down and picked up a magazine, I heard Renee holler, “Ava, can you get me some shampoo out of the linen closet… please?”
I set my wine glass next to Renee’s and went into the steamy bathroom. Locating the shampoo, I opened the glass shower door. Renee was sitting on the built-in shower seat. She had her back against the wall with one leg propped up next to her. Her other leg was stretched out — foot resting on the floor.
Renee’s hands were busy pleasuring herself. I couldn't help but peek at her shaved pussy. The last time I had seen it she had a curly bush trimmed into the shape of a heart. She had two fingers sliding in and out of her tight pussy while her other hand was working her clit.
I couldn’t help but stand there and stare at her horny glistening pussy lips. I heard Renee moan as she started to work her fingers faster while she jiggled her clit. Her nipples were rock hard, and she was biting her lower lip as the water cascaded over her. I wanted to rip off my clothes and join her, but I knew I shouldn’t.
Renee looked up, just as I started to place the shampoo on the shower floor. She gave her a dirty grin that told me plenty. I took a deep breath, and said, “I’ll be waiting for you in the living room.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to join me and finish what I started,” Renee asked, in a breathy voice. “I can take care of that wet pussy of yours too, Ava. I know you've been watching me, so I guarantee you are sopping wet!”
I shook my head and inhaled deeply, closed the door and said over my shoulder, “I’ll see you in the living room.” As I walked out of the room, I heard Renee cry out with pleasure. Renee had gotten off knowing how horny she had made me. I grabbed my wine and gulped it down while I waited.
An hour later the two of us were sitting across from each other enjoying a nice meal. Neither of us mentioned the shower incident over dinner. Instead, we discussed her plans going forward. Renee decided her first priority was to forget about Trey by putting their relationship in her rearview mirror.
After it was evident, Renee was getting a grip. I suggested she come and stay with me in my guest room for a few days while she adjusted. At first, Renee objected to the idea until the subject of Bryce came up
. I informed Renee that we had spent some time together and he was an interesting guy. Renee laughed out loud, then said, “What you meant to say is you are sleeping together, and he knows how to make your pussy wet and your toes tingle.”
My cheeks turned pink at the statement. “I…Renee good grief, we are in public!”
Renee wiped a smidgeon of chicken Parmesan from her lips, and said, “Since when does that bother you? We’ve been friends too long I know how you enjoy being an exhibitionist. The idea of getting caught with your panties down gets you off.”
I couldn’t deny it. Even before the Porsche experience, I liked fucking or engaging in foreplay where people might see me, but when it came to Bryce, I was a bit shy — for some reason. I took a bite of my salad and steered the conversation back to my original question.
“So, you are staying with me, right?” I sat back and looked at my best friend. “Since I didn’t get to meet Bryce and his friend tonight, how about the four of us do lunch tomorrow? Of course, I will have to ask if they’re available, but if you’re at my place, it’ll be easier to coordinate.”
A Distant Heart: A Contemporary Western Page 31
