by Sam Cheever
Garrett made helpless little sounds in his throat, his hands tangling in her hair. His muscles tightened, his fingers twitched helplessly, and his hips rose off the bed, his heels digging hard into the mattress. He cried out and slammed into release.
Felicia tightened her lips around his jumping cock and swallowed as he gave up his thick, sensual offering. When he began to soften again between her lips, she allowed him to slide out and sat up, licking her lips. “Yum. I think I just gained five pounds.”
Garrett reached down and pulled her up his body, laughing as he saw her face.
Felicia smiled too. “What?”
“You have a little chocolate just…here.” He touched her face. “And here, and there, and…” He swiped his finger across her cheek and licked it.
Felicia swiped the back of her hand over her face and laughed with him. “What’s a little chocolate mustache…and beard…between lovers?”
“It was nice of you to save some for me.” He threw her over onto her back and covered her with his hot body, licking her face like an exuberant puppy as she giggled hysterically.
Chapter Five
Felicia walked into Children’s Hospital through the emergency room doors as she always did. She smiled at an EMT on his way out and waved to an admin she knew behind the reception desk.
She headed toward the cafeteria, as was her practice before starting her shift, to get a cup of coffee. She was standing in line to pay when she spotted someone who looked a lot like Dave Foust walking down the corridor toward the exit doors. She briefly considered following the man to make sure it wasn’t Dave.
What would Dave Foust be doing in the emergency room of Children’s Hospital?
“You gonna pay for that or become one with it?”
Felicia jumped and turned to the woman sitting at the checkout queue. She smiled and handed the woman two one-dollar bills. “Sorry. I thought I saw someone I knew.”
The woman had already dismissed her and was glaring at the man behind her in line.
All righty then.
Felicia headed toward the gift shop to pick up the morning’s allotment of goodies for the kids in Intensive Care. She didn’t make it that far.
Ben Miller, the hospital administrator, met her outside the gift shop.
He wasn’t smiling.
“Good morning, Ben.”
He inclined his head by way of a greeting. “Felicia. Can you come to my office with me please?”
Her smile died on her lips. She’d known Ben Miller for twenty years. He’d never failed to greet her warmly when they passed. Whatever he wanted to talk to her about, Felicia knew in her gut it wasn’t good. “Sure.”
When they were seated in Ben’s large, cluttered office he looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry to say, Felicia, that I need to let you go.”
“What are you talking about, Ben? I’m a volunteer. You’re firing a volunteer? Why?”
His expressive, brown eyes darted around the room, refusing to look her in the face. The hands he’d placed on his desk in front of him twitched and fluttered, showing his discomfort. “I’m under pressure from one of the board members to get rid of you. He says you’re indulging in decadent behavior that, if discovered, will reflect badly on the hospital.”
She flew to her feet, nearly toppling the chair over. “What! Are you crazy? What decadent behavior?”
He shook his head, finally meeting her eyes. “I’ve known you for years, Felicia. I would no more believe that you were involved in anything seedy than I would of myself.”
The starch went out of her knees and she dropped back into her chair. “Then why are you firing me, Ben? I love working with the kids. I’ve been doing it for ten years. I don’t want to leave.”
His face turned red. He walked over to the room’s only window, his back to her. “I have to do what I’m told, Felicia. Surely you understand that. Competition for patients is stiff and protecting the hospital’s reputation is very important. The pressure to fire you has been…intense.”
She stood up again, really angry now. “It was Dave Foust, wasn’t it?”
Ben didn’t turn but his shoulders jerked in surprise.
“I saw him leaving a few minutes ago. I should have known…” Her voice trailed off.
Ben turned. “Dave’s a powerful and respected member of the board, Felicia. If I went against him…” He walked back to his desk but didn’t sit down. He leaned on his desk, fixing his sad eyes on her again. “Why would Dave say such a thing about you, Felicia?”
She sighed. “I think he was in love with me.”
“Was?”
“I can’t return his feelings. And a couple of days ago…” She glanced up, feeling guilt coloring her face as the words choked in her throat. Then she realized she was doing it again, worrying about breaking a double standard, an unfair prejudice, and she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “I recently started seeing a younger man…”
Ben’s eyebrows lifted before she could finish the sentence.
“He’s twenty-seven, Ben!”
Unfortunately Ben didn’t look any less shocked. She might as well have told him Garrett was ten years old. “Oh Felicia.” He shook his head and dropped into his chair, looking for all the world like someone had punched him in the gut. “No wonder.”
She placed both hands flat on Ben’s desk and leaned over it with fire in her eye. “Now you listen to me, Ben Miller. Men have been dating younger women since the dawn of time. Sometimes much younger women. Nobody seems to have a problem with that.”
“That’s different.”
“Oh, it is? Why is that, Ben? Because men make the rules and men enjoy that particular rule? That’s a horrible double standard and you know it.”
“I don’t make the rules, Felicia.”
“Yes you do, Ben. Don’t you see? Every time you frown upon a healthy, vibrant woman dating someone who happens to be younger than she is and finds her attractive, you’re bolstering that stupid rule. And by supporting it you’re helping it live. You don’t have the right to judge me, Ben. For God’s sake, how old is Katie?”
His entire body stiffened in shock and anger. He stood up. “My private life is none of your business!”
She straightened too so she could reach across the desk and poke him on the chest. “But mine is up for judgment by you and any other hypocrite who cares to judge it?” She headed toward the door to his office. I don’t think so, Ben!” She turned at the door. “Why don’t you ask your ex-wife how she feels about that double standard? I’m sure she’s just thrilled with it. After all, it allowed you to drop her when she got a few years on her so you could take up with someone who’s barely older than your daughter.” Felicia stepped into the busy hallway. “You make me sick!”
She slammed the door on his shocked face and headed out of the hospital. Adrenaline carried her home and anger got her into the house. But then shock and sadness overwhelmed her and she climbed into bed, suddenly so depressed that all she wanted to do was sleep.
* * * * *
Bruno met him at the door when he entered the club. They clasped hands and slapped shoulders like they always did. Garrett had known Bruno since college. They’d terrorized bars and wooed women together.
“You’ve made a powerful enemy, man.”
“Let me guess, you got a call from a lawyer demanding that you fire me?”
Bruno jerked his head toward the bar. “Join me?”
Garrett nodded.
Bruno went behind the bar and poured them each a shot of bourbon. They clinked glasses and downed it.
Garrett shuddered as the fiery liquid slid down his throat and exploded in his chest. “I’m getting a strong sense of déjà vu,” he muttered. Then he looked at his friend, prepared for the worst. “So,” he narrowed his eyes at Bruno. “Am I fired?”
Bruno laughed. “Not a chance. My business would never recover if I let you go. But I don’t think this guy’s gonna go away. I got a surprise visit from the heal
th inspector this morning. He’s determined to ruin you and anyone who sides with you.” Bruno poured them each another shot. “You must have really stomped on this guy’s dick.”
“I’d have to find it first.”
Bruno’s laugh was hearty and infectious. Garrett laughed with him, swallowed his drink, and then leaned over the bar. “He’s in love with my girl.”
“Ahhh.” Bruno’s face filled with understanding. Despite his strong features and heavy brow, he was an intuitive and intelligent man, who ran the finest women’s club in the country. “The pretty little cougar whose friends dragged her in here on her birthday?”
Garrett frowned. “Don’t call her that.”
“It’s not a derogative term unless you mean it that way, man.” Bruno’s wide face split in a grin. “And I surely don’t.”
Garrett couldn’t help chuckling.
“She’s a woman who knows what she wants and she takes it. Society and its outdated mores be damned. I respect that in a woman.”
Garrett laughed outright. “Outdated mores? What are you some kind of flippin’ psychiatrist?”
“I’m just sayin’.”
Garrett slid off the stool and headed for his dressing room. “I’ll catch ya later, buddy.”
“If she has a friend I’d definitely be interested!” Bruno called after him.
Garrett lifted a hand in response and kept walking.
* * * * *
The phone rang again and Felicia pulled the covers over her head. She didn’t feel like talking to anybody at the moment, particularly Garrett. Despite her bravado in Ben’s office, Felicia was far from confident she was doing the right thing. It was hard to buck the system. And Felicia had never been known for a willingness to do it.
Maybe Dave and Ben were right.
Maybe she was a pervert.
But a little voice screamed at her from inside her head. It told her, if she was a pervert then Ben was a pervert for dating then marrying Katie. And, for that matter, Dave was a pervert for wanting to date her.
She sighed. Life was so confusing.
The phone rang again and Felicia jumped as someone pounded on the door. Hard.
“I know you’re in there, Felicia! Open this damn door before I create a disturbance and unnerve every last one of your neighbors.”
Felicia jumped out of bed and hurried to the door, unlocking the chain and the deadbolt and pulling it open quickly. Bliss was standing there with her cell phone at her ear. She slapped it closed as Felicia opened the door.
Felicia grabbed Bliss’ hand and pulled her into the house. “Are you crazy? You’re creating a scene!”
Bliss grinned, totally unrepentant. “I knew you were in here pouting. I’m not going to let you get away with that.”
Felicia put her hands on her hips. “Oh yeah? How are you gonna stop me?”
Bliss held a bag out in front of her. Inside was a large, rectangular box.
“What’s that?”
“Take it. I got them for you.”
Felicia took the bag from her friend and looked at the box inside. Her eyes widened and she gasped. “Jimmy Choos?”
“Jimmy Choos fuck-me shoes.”
Felicia giggled, pulling the box out of the bag and yanking off the lid. “Oh my god, Bliss! They’re outrageous!”
Bliss nodded. “Yes they are and they’re too good to waste. Get yourself prettied up and let’s go to the club. I know a certain gorgeous stripper who’s probably dying to see you.”
Felicia’s face fell. She put the shoes back into the box. “I can’t.”
Bliss grabbed her hand to stop her. “You didn’t just say those words. I didn’t even hear you say you couldn’t.”
“I think you did.”
Bliss gave Felicia the eye. Bliss had grown up in New Orleans and she insisted she had a voodoo priestess in the family tree. Whether there was magic in Bliss’ family or not, she certainly had the evil eye down pat. “I’m not going to take no for an answer. If you don’t go with me I’ll get my Auntie Mina to hex you.”
“I just can’t, Bliss.”
Bliss cocked a hip and crossed her arms over her abundant chest. “Why can’t you, sugar? If you can give me a good reason why you can’t I’ll walk out this door and never bother you again.” She grinned. “Until tomorrow.”
Felicia went to the couch and sat down, pulling the sexy black shoes out of the box and slipping them on. They felt like heaven on her feet. “How do they look?”
Bliss sat down next to her. “Like they belong in a club, where they can entice a sexy man to ravage you.”
Felicia leaned over and kissed her friend on the cheek. “Thank you for the thought, Bliss, but I…”
“Don’t…say it again. Tell me why you can’t and I’ll leave.”
Felicia’s mouth opened and words tumbled through her brain, but none of them seemed important enough to voice. Why should she stop seeing Garrett?
They liked spending time together. She didn’t give a rat’s patootie what men like Dave and Ben thought of her. She grinned as she realized that was true. And her family? Well, her daughters were grown up and had their own lives.
She turned to Bliss and grinned. “You’re right. There’s absolutely no reason why I can’t go to the club with you tonight.” She stood up. “I’m in. Just give me a half-hour to get beautiful.”
Bliss nodded, watching her friend disappear into the bedroom. She murmured, “It’s about time you started thinking about yourself, sugar.” Then she wandered into the kitchen in search of alcohol and munchies.
* * * * *
Garrett was just finishing up his “I love America” set when he saw the two women walk into the room with a tall man wearing wire-rimmed glasses. He frowned, hoping the man wasn’t there with Felicia.
Garrett pulled a well-padded brunette off his leg and headed toward the bar to greet Felicia. “Sorry, darlin’, this cowboy’s got a wild mustang to tame.”
The woman whimpered as if he’d physically harmed her and sat back in her seat, pouting like an adolescent. He tipped his white cowboy hat toward her and turned away, giving her a parting jerk of his butt to make her feel better.
Women all along the stage squealed with delight.
* * * * *
Felicia turned toward the stage when the women started screaming. She spotted Garrett ambling toward her, wearing only cowboy boots, a flag-colored thong and a white cowboy hat. He had a gun belt around his waist with one pistol in it.
He jumped down off the stage and swaggered toward them, tipping his hat. “Ma’am. You look like you might need to ride a cowboy.”
“Save a horse?” Felicia offered.
Garrett tipped his hat to her. “Exactly what I was thinking.” He offered his hand to the tall man with them. “Hey! Garrett Holcomb.”
The man shook his hand, showing no inclination to be competitive. Bliss leaned toward him and he put his arm around her waist possessively. “This is my honey, Brad Hoffman.”
Relief flooded Garrett. “Nice to meetcha.” He turned to Felicia. “I’m glad you came.” He touched her chin with a finger. “I’ve missed you.”
“Let’s get drinks.” Bliss took off toward the bar.
They followed her swaying backside to the bar and Brad ordered the women white zinfandel and himself a beer. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked Garrett.
“No. Thanks. I’m on again in a few minutes.”
Brad’s eyebrows lifted behind his glasses but he simply nodded.
Garrett gave the man points just for walking into the club.
Felicia leaned on the bar, giving Garrett a smoldering look. “I love cowboys. You look downright edible.”
Garrett fondled the gun, which Felicia hoped was just a toy, and frowned. “Ma’am, I expect you to misbehave while you’re in these here parts.”
Feeling playful, Felicia leered. “If you let me get into them thar parts I’d be happy to misbehave.”
Garrett threw back his head
and laughed. Felicia licked her lips, her body warming with expectation.
“Garrett, buddy. Are you gonna introduce us?”
Garrett slapped the man on the back. “Bruno Hench, my name is Garrett Holcomb. Nice to meetcha.”
The women giggled and Bruno shook his head. “Very funny, man.”
“This very ugly dude is Bruno. My oldest friend and a true reprobate. I’d advise against letting him corner you near the ladies’ room.”
“Or the men’s room,” Bruno added.
Hoffman shook hands with the bartender and Bliss touched his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Bruno. You have a great place here.”
Bruno winked at her. “Coming from one of my best customers that’s a high compliment.”
Brad cocked an eyebrow at her. “Best customer?”
Bliss laughed, not at all worried. “You keep going out of town. I get bored.”
Brad snaked an arm around her waist and tugged her close, “Then I guess I’ll have to take you with me next time.” He captured her lips in a smoldering kiss.
Garrett reached across the bar and enfolded one of Felicia’s hands, pulling it to his lips. “Why don’t you come to my dressing room with me? I might need some help changing out of this outfit.”
Felicia fixed him with an assessing look. “Yeah, I can see that. The thong looks especially complex.”
“You have no idea. I have a mail-order engineering degree and I still can’t get the thing off without help.”
Felicia licked her lips, feeling decadent and happy about it. “Well, I’ve never been one to refuse help to those in need.”
“Oh, I need,” he told her as he gave her hand a tug and pulled her across to the bar. “I need lots of help from you, beautiful lady.”
She shivered with sensual delight and her knees suddenly felt like butter. It was all she could do to put one Jimmy Choo in front of the other and follow him to the back of the bar.
