“Hi,” she said.
“Hello,” I replied. “So sorry for knocking that out of your hands, again. Let me pay for what you’re getting.”
“No problem, really,” she said, and we both got up. She tucked a strand of reddish hair behind her ear, and I found myself staring, mesmerized. “I’m just getting some cookies.”
“Those?” I pointed to my own basket, and she giggled.
“Yes, they’re amazing.” She gave me a shy smile and after a short consideration, she handed me her own box of the chocolate chip goodness. “Okay, you can buy me these. Just because you got me all sticky.”
God fucking damnit…
We walked to the till and she waited behind me demurely while I paid for the goods. The shopkeeper kept glancing between us so obviously I almost felt embarrassed. I paid the amount in cash and walked the girl outside, handing her the box of cookies.
“I’m sorry again,” I said, and she smiled sweetly.
“It’s okay. I’ll think of you while I eat these,” she giggled.
“I hope you do,” I winked at her.
She lingered, as if she wanted to say something else, but then just shook her head and gave me a little smile.
“Okay, have a great evening,” she told me softly, and turned to leave.
I grabbed her hand and pulled her back, and she let out a little gasp, looking up at me through thick black lashes.
“Your name?” I asked her roughly.
“Cleo,” she whispered, and I nodded, letting her go.
I walked away with the image of her nipples straining against that sinful dress fresh in my mind. I was good and done for, even if she didn’t know it yet.
CHAPTER 5
Cleo
4 days later
I hadn’t heard from him in what felt like ages, and as much as I didn’t want to admit it, the truth was, it was making me really upset.
We’d only been talking for a little while but the connection I felt to my online guy was real. I couldn’t get my mind off him. Couldn’t bring myself to think about anything else.
My days at work passed uneventfully and slowly as hell, and apart from the fear of seeing that creepy dude again, there was nothing to keep me occupied. And even he didn’t show up, which was really a blessing, but it made my days bleaker and more boring.
Every so often, I found my mind wandering. I thought about the guy I’d seen in the store a few days back, the way my skin felt electric when he gently brushed my fingers, handing me my cookies. It was the only physical contact we’d had, but for some reason, I couldn’t get my mind off it. I kept thinking about him, how I’d never seen him in the store before, wondering if he was new to town, wondering if I’d ever see him again. I was actually upset about the way things ended… He’d pulled me back and asked my name, but I never got his. It felt so anti-climactic, but at the same time, him leaving after he found out what he wanted made me wet just thinking about it.
I went home that night with my mind filled with worry. I kept thinking about my online guy and feeling a little guilty about getting wet when I remembered the guy at the store. I was sure Mr. Mysterious wouldn’t have approved of me getting horny for someone who wasn’t him. He seemed pretty possessive the last time we’d talked.
I pulled up in front of my little house, and my heart kicked into panic mode the second I saw a car parked in my driveway.
I wasn’t expecting any visitors. I hadn’t really made many friends in town, apart from a few ex boyfriends which I really had no interest in seeing anymore. And I doubted any of them wanted to pay me a visit… The rest of my girlfriends lived farther away from me, and usually complained about making a trip that long to come see me, so I just saw them in the city.
My stomach fell as I got out of my car, and saw a figure standing on my doorstep. I’d worked the evening shift that night, and it was now almost dark outside. It was a long summer day, and the last rays of sunshine colored the sky in a menacing bloody red. I turned around the corner and walked up to the person standing before my door. The sun was setting behind his back, and apart from being able to tell it was a male figure, I couldn’t see anything else. It was too bright, the setting sun making me squint against the stranger at my doorstep.
“Hello?” I asked, shielding my eyes from the sun. “Can I help you?”
“I hope you can,” he replied in a low growl, and my heart tightened as I realized whom the voice belonged to.
The man who’d wanted my help at work. The guy who got my number from my coworkers and did his very best to try and go out on a date with me.
He hadn’t called me since a couple of days ago, but he was definitely overstepping the line now. Showing up on my doorstep… It wasn’t sexy or hot. It was downright creepy. I got such a weird vibe from the guy, too, and not in a good way. He scared me, and I felt uncomfortable knowing he was now aware where I lived.
“Hi,” I replied icily. “How did you find my address?”
I stepped in front of the door, blocking the entrance from his eyes. Hopefully he hadn’t seen my last name yet, so he couldn’t stalk me further… Although that was a pathetic wish, given that he’d already somehow found out my address. It was making me increasingly uncomfortable, and I really, really wanted him to leave.
“Your co-worker,” he replied with a smile, running a hand through his hair. “She was very cooperative.”
I felt chills down my spine. I looked him over again and tried to calm down.
He was definitely a handsome guy. Expensive clothes, a car that cost more than my yearly salary. I had no doubt any other would’ve fallen at his feet, but as for me… There was something about the guy that felt so unnerving, almost dangerous. When I met a guy I liked, I always fantasized about him hurting me, making me do things I’d only confessed online. With my last boyfriend, I kept hoping he would find my internet history and finally gave me what I so badly craved.
And it was the same when I saw a handsome guy on the street. But not in this case.
This man, who had made every possible effort to see me, gave me the creeps.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “This is making me very uncomfortable. I don’t like that you showed up here.”
“Oh?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “I thought we could go out for a late dinner or something.”
He eyed my summer dress, and I felt self-conscious.
“After you change,” he grinned. “I want to take you someplace nice, so dress up for me a little.”
I furrowed my brows, saying, “I’m sorry, but this isn’t okay. I don’t want you showing up at my house. I don’t even know you.”
“You could,” he smiled at me, winking. “That’s why I’m here.”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t want to,” I said, hardening my tone. I didn’t give a shit about softening the blow anymore. I just wanted to get rid of him. “I want you to leave now or I’ll have to call the police. I’m sorry, this isn’t okay.”
“Excuse me?” he growled at me. He caged my body beneath his, slamming a hand against my front door. My heart pounded with fear and I let out a small squeak. “Do you even know who I am?”
“I…” I whispered. “Please, leave.”
I felt tears welling in my eyes, but I’d be damned if I’d let him see the effect he was having on me.
“Leave,” I snarled. “Now.”
His hand formed a fist next to my head, and for a short, terrifying moment, I was absolutely sure he was going to hit me.
But then he moved back, taking a few steps towards his car. I was finally able to breathe again, and my chest felt lighter, as if he’d had me in a chokehold before. He shot me one last look before he got into his car, and his eyes looked so angry it made me feel even more uncomfortable. He was glaring at me, stripping me with his look at the same time, and it felt so awful I thought I really was going to cry.
“You’re going to regret turning me down, doll,” he told me coldly, and my heart sped up.<
br />
He got into his car and drove away so fast he showered me in dust and gravel from my driveway. I nearly choked on it, letting myself into the house and locking it from the inside.
I kept thinking about it as my cat rubbed against my ankles, trying to dissipate the tension.
He’d called me doll… Just like my online guy. The fear that this was him set in, and I shivered at the thought. I prayed it wasn’t. I prayed my guy was the kind of crazy I craved.
But the thought wouldn’t go away, and I spent the night tossing and turning, unable to stop thinking about the menacing glare in the stranger’s eyes.
* * *
I worked the early shift the next day, and I was thankful for it. I hated the thought of going back home in the evening and what I could possibly find on my doorstep, and I did my best to avoid thinking about it. The day at work was slow, and I’d just come back from my lunch break when I saw a familiar face in the bookstore.
A smile lit up my face as I approached the customer. He was looking at a cookery book when I came up to talk to him.
“If you need help, please let me know,” I said, and he turned around to face me.
He looked even more handsome that day, if that was even possible. The last time I saw him and he bought me my favorite cookies, he’d already made me go weak at the knees.
“Hello,” he said slowly. His voice sounded like dripping honey. I felt my pussy clench just at the sound of him. God, what was this man doing to me?
“I couldn’t help but notice you,” I said shyly. “We met at the market a few days ago, not sure you remember…”
“How could I forget?” He winked at me and I nearly melted. “You look lovely as ever, Miss Cleo.”
“Thank you,” I laughed. “So, on the market for some cookbooks?”
“Trying to fend for myself,” he sighed. “No one tells you how hard single life is.”
My skin prickled at his admission. So there was no wife or girlfriend in sight…
“I’ll show you some of my favorites, if you like?” I suggested, and he agreed. I led him over to my favorite section of the cookbooks, something Jacqueline and Grace called the ‘sad corner’, because all the books were meals for one. But I loved it. I always enjoyed cooking, and I loved making homemade meals, even if it was just for myself.
“How about this one?” he asked me, picking up a book off the shelf.
“Microwave for one?” I couldn’t help but giggle, and he let out an embarrassed laugh.
“I’m not much of a cook,” he admitted, setting the book down and giving me a lingering look. “Which is a shame, because it means I can’t invite you to a homecooked dinner.”
I stared at him, unable to say a word.
I felt someone approaching us, the scent of sweet, cloying perfume filling the air. Grace.
“Hello,” she purred, stepping in front of me. “Couldn’t help but notice you needed some help. Cleo, they need you in the back.”
My blood boiled at her blatant lie, but I nodded and averted my eyes as she chatted up the customer.
“Wait,” he said, calling after me, then turning back to Grace. “I was actually being helped already. If you don’t mind.”
“Oh,” Grace giggled. “Cleo’s just starting out here. She’ll be no good for what you need. I’m happy to assist.”
I looked at the ground, wishing it would just open up and swallow me whole. She totally undermined me. I’d had the job for years, and she still couldn’t let me have this one small victory. Bitch.
“Actually,” the man piped up. “I’d prefer to stay with Cleo, if you don’t mind. Seems to me like we have the same… tastes.”
He smiled pleasantly at Grace, and she glared at me in response.
“Fine,” she replied in a clipped tone. “But anything you need, come find me. Remember I’m Cleo’s superior…” She giggled. “In more ways than one.”
She half-whispered it in his ear, and waltzed away. I felt mortified and sick to my stomach.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“For what?” I gave him a weird look.
“She seems like a nightmare,” he grinned at me, holding up the microwave book. “I’m getting this.”
“I’m sure you’ll regret it soon,” I said with a smile, walking to the till so I could ring it up. “That’ll be twelve ninety-nine, please.”
He paid with a card, and I looked at his name because I couldn’t help myself.
Flynn Masters… such a sexy name.
“So, are we on?” he asked when I handed him his bag and card.
“What do you mean?” My eyes widened as I looked up at him. God, he was almost painfully handsome. His jaw was so chiseled you could cut glass with it.
“Dinner. You and me,” he grinned at me, and my heart sped up. “Restaurant, not homecooked, I promise. Not sure how these Microwave for One recipes work out for two.”
I giggled and gave him a long look. I wanted him.
“Okay,” I said, and he smiled at me, handing me the receipt.
“Write down your number, lovely Cleo,” he said, and I followed his orders like I was born to do just that.
He took the piece of paper and winked at me.
“I’ll be in touch.”
With those words, he left me standing there and wanting so much more.
The rest of the workday passed painfully slowly, with me checking my phone every few minutes for a message from Mr. Mysterious, or my new crush. But there was no sign of either. I felt annoyed and grumpy, and I went home in a terrible mood.
After my daily trip to the supermarket in town, I decided to taunt Mr. Mysterious with a recording just for him.
I lay down on my bed with my cat, Casper, lying at my feet. I turned on the recorder and I made myself come for him only. I let it all out, and never admitted once that my crush from the store made it into my mind several times. I stopped the recording once I was on the verge of tears, the nasty, dirty little words I’d spoken still fresh on my tongue, and I sent it to him before I could change my mind.
I waited for a reply for hours.
It was the most excruciating afternoon of my life, and I spent several long hours trying to distract myself to no avail. Finally, I just tucked my phone away and ignored it for a while, until I finally heard it ping with a message.
Dinner. Saturday, 7 p.m. I’ll pick you up. Wear something red, it will look good on you. - Flynn
I smiled to myself, blushing the color of the dress I knew I’d wear for him. I loved getting orders like that.
Because I couldn’t help myself, I checked my messages on the site as well, and my heartbeat quickened when I saw he’d replied. Just one message. Short. Simple. To the point.
Come online. I’m going to watch you touch yourself for me.
My fingers shook as I sat down at my desk and logged on.
CHAPTER 6
Flynn
I was starting to love playing games with my little doll.
I couldn’t wait until that Saturday night, and when it finally came, I knew just what I was going to make her do.
I’d made reservations at one of my favorite restaurants close to her, and I tried to pretend it wasn’t the first time I was taking a girl there. I didn’t want to admit to myself how special this girl was, and how badly I wanted her to be mine. The longer I pretended it wasn’t real, the longer I could go without burying my cock in that tight little cunt of hers. That didn’t mean I wasn’t fucking craving it, though.
Especially after seeing her in person. She was delightful, an enchanting little doll that threatened to uproot everything I’d worked her, because I wanted to let her in so badly. I wanted to give her everything she craved so badly, everything she’d begged me to do online the last time we’d talked. I’d watched her come all over her fingers, and lick the sticky juices clean. I watched her cat stretch lazily in the background as she begged me for more, to hurt her, to let her come again. Just one more, sir, just one more, she’d b
egged. She was fucking perfection, and I knew the longer I denied myself the pleasure of her pussy, the harder I would take it when I finally got my hands on her.
I drove up to the address she’d given me, and admired her little house when I pulled up in front of it.
It was completely different to my lavish, outlandish home. I decked my place with expensive, meaningless art, and furniture that cost an arm and a leg. I had an aquarium full of fish so expensive it felt ridiculous to even buy them, and she had a tabby cat she’d probably found wandering around her garden. She was so different, such a fucking refreshing breath of air. She was perfect. Perfect for what I needed, perfect for what my body craved.
I rang her doorbell and leaned against the wall, waiting for my little doll to come outside. I was going to play with her that night, I’d already decided.
I needed a taste, a feel. I’d denied myself the pleasure long enough. Now it was time to touch her. Kiss her. Fuck her… if she was brave enough to let me.
She answered the door in a flurry of red lace and soft, angelic curls.
She was beautiful. Heart-stoppingly beautiful.
She wore a dress with a red lace bustier and a flowing skirt that reached halfway down her thighs. On her feet, she wore a pair of black pumps that matched the clutch in her hands.
They weren’t expensive clothes. Not like the designer shit the girls I always dated wore. But she looked better than all of my previous combined in a dress that probably cost less than fifty dollars. She was perfect.
“Hello, Cleo,” I said. “You look as luscious as ever.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled shyly and tucked her hair behind her ear. It was fluffy and curled, beautiful, soft waves falling down her back. She looked fucking exquisite like that, her pale skin almost translucent in the light. I could see some veins on her wrists as she locked the door, and for some reason it turned me the fuck on.
Her cat jammed its head between the doorway, and she leaned down to pet it.
Drawn to Him: A Romance Collection Page 34
