by Diane Thorne
“I may have time this week to drop by. If you’re okay with—”
“Absolutely,” she said. “I’ll take whatever time with you that I can get before you have to rush off again. My lips will be ready for you.”
“Both sets of lips?”
“Both sets.”
“Excellent. I can’t wait. I’ll see them and you soon.”
“Sounds delightful.” Although she sounded calm, her pulse raced. Excitement churned within her. The charming billionaire she’d had sex with on a plane and in London was going to stop by her house.
“I have a feeling it will be more than that,” he said. “Bye, Gwen.”
“Have a good night.”
She lowered the phone to her lap and took a deep breath. The news seemed almost too good to be true. Phillip was coming to visit her. In her home. Her modest suburban home.
Worry crept into her mind as she looked around her room. She didn’t have lavish furnishings or even cable television. Would he expect the luxuries of five star hotels?
She shook the thought from her head. Phillip had treated her with kindness while they’d been together. She’d shared many details about her life with him and he hadn’t treated her any differently. There was no reason for her to think he would now. The man had an interest in her. Even if it was purely sexual, she’d take it. And enjoy every minute.
Gwen stood with exhilaration pumping within her veins. His visit would be a wild one between the sheets. She had no doubt about it. Now, if only she knew when he was going to arrive.
Chapter Two
“Two men?” Melanie asked. The tone of her voice was elevated. Although shades covered her eyes, her arched eyebrows hinted at her surprise. “You had sex with two men at the same time.”
Gwen looked from side to side, checking to see if anyone had heard her friend. They were sitting outside with lunch on the table in front of them. A glimpse at the darkened window revealed the crowded restaurant had a long line of customers inside. Within the sectioned off area where Gwen and Melanie sat, patrons occupied most tables but a few were vacant. People chatted as they walked by on the sidewalk. Everyone appeared lost in conversations.
“They were young Italian men with a yacht. How could I say no?” Gwen lifted her turkey club wrap and bit into it.
Melanie grinned widely. “I am so proud of you, Gwen. You took advantage of perfect opportunity. Kudos to you, girlfriend.” She picked up a quarter of her quesadilla and bit into it.
Gwen sipped her iced tea then set the glass down. “After Rome, I stopped in Vienna.”
“Mm…” Melanie swallowed. “You wanted to go to the Opera House.”
“Yes. I went to buy a ticket and they were sold out.”
“Oh no. What did you do?” Melanie ate another piece of her food.
“Luck was with me because I ran into the manager and a business friend of his who had a ticket to the show. We went to dinner and one thing led to another.” Gwen couldn’t help but smile as the memory of riding Nikolaus during the performance popped into her mind. “He gave me his extra ticket and I got to see the Opera.”
“You had sex with him. Didn’t you?”
Gwen bit into her wrap and lifted a shoulder.
“Holy fuck.” Melanie set her lunch on her plate and grabbed a napkin. She wiped her fingers. “That’s the fifth man you slept with.”
Chewing, Gwen nodded.
Melanie counted with her fingers. “Phillip in London. Pierre in Paris. Paolo and Leo in Rome. And now this guy in Vienna. Holy shit, you were burning up between the sheets.”
“What can I say? The timing was right.”
“Was he as hot as the others?”
“Nikolaus was older than me.”
“You’re kidding. You had sex with an older man?”
“He was sexy and very good in the sack. He looked like Daniel Craig but with a beard.”
“Oh. My. God. That is incredible. I’m stunned and in awe. You really did have one incredible vacation.”
Melanie continued eating while Gwen did the same. Gwen couldn’t agree with her friend more. Every man she’d met had treated her with kindness and showed her passion unlike she’d ever felt before. And she couldn’t forget about Susan. Meeting her and her husband Jonathan had been a delightful experience as well. Gwen’s trip had been better than anything she could have dreamed. And that’s why she’d noted all the details in her journal, Diary of a Free Woman. She wanted to remember those rare and once in a lifetime adventures.
“So, after Vienna, where did you stop?” Melanie sipped her drink.
“Amsterdam.”
Melanie shot her eyebrows up. “Let me guess, you went to the Red Light District and met a hot stud.”
“Well, I was curious. It’s an interesting area and the sex shops are nothing like the ones here.”
“You went to a toy shop?”
“Yes, and it had real floggers and whips for sale. Among other things.”
“Wow. Did you buy anything?”
“No. But I did meet a hot stud with a tattoo who works at a fetish club.”
Melanie leaned forward over the table and stared at Gwen. “You’re fucking kidding me. You met a man with a tattoo who worked at a BDSM club?”
Gwen moved closer to her friend, placing her face less than a foot away. “The man was intense. He let me have my way the first night, then he took control the next.”
“You are my goddess. Did he tie you up? Did you enjoy it?”
“He tied me up, blindfolded and spanked me. I most certainly enjoyed it.”
Melanie sat upright and smacked her hand on the table. “That’s it. I’m booking my next trip to Amsterdam. Do you have his number?”
Gwen burst out laughing. Since her friend leaned toward the promiscuous side of life, Gwen had little doubt Melanie would actually venture to the Red Light District and find a way into a fetish club.
“Seriously, that’s naughty and you know I’m all for it,” Melanie said. “I am proud of you.”
“It’s like you said, I had opportunities. So I took them.”
Melanie lifted her cup. “Cheers to you.”
Gwen picked up her drink and tapped it to Melanie’s. “Cheers.”
They took a sip then finished the last of their food. The sun continued to beat on Gwen’s exposed arms and legs. Her black dress with the light blue floral design soaked in the rays and trapped the heat. She started to perspire.
“I’m ready to go if you are,” Melanie said as she wiped her fingers on a white napkin.
“Yeah, I’m getting a bit hot.”
Melanie chuckled. “I’m hot from listening about your trip. It’s like living a fantasy. I want to do it.”
Gwen rose with her tray. “You have vacation time saved. Why not book a trip somewhere?”
“I might look into it,” Melanie said as she stood.
Gwen headed to the nearest trashcan. Melanie followed, carrying her tray. After Gwen had dumped her garbage and left the clean tray on the countertop, she waited for her friend on the sidewalk.
“Didn’t you make a stop in Ireland?” Melanie asked as she came to Gwen’s side.
Gwen began walking toward the end of the block. “Yes. I flew from Amsterdam to Ireland and stayed at a castle.”
“Did you meet a man there too?”
“Well, yes. But he was there with his wife. They were a lovely couple.”
They walked in silence until they reached the crosswalk at the corner. Then, Melanie touched Gwen’s arm. “Did you have sex with both of them?”
“It was Susan’s idea. She said they like to keep their marriage spicy.” Gwen curled her lips in one corner. “It wasn’t bad.”
The light signaled to them to cross. Gwen stepped down from the curb.
“I had sex with another woman when I was in college,” Melanie said, walking beside Gwen. “It was one of those experimental situations. It wasn’t bad, but having a choice of pussy or cock, I’m going to ch
oose the penis.”
“I agree. My preference is for a man.”
“A strong one with a healthy appetite for sex. And doesn’t lounge around all the time. A man who is financially stable and likes to stay active. One who doesn’t mind a little kinkiness, too.”
Gwen instantly thought of Phillip. He matched her friend’s description. Thinking of him made her heart flutter. She hadn’t told Melanie he was going to show up at her house sometime during the week.
She strolled onto the sidewalk before Melanie. “Are you putting an ad in the paper? I’m sure you’ll get plenty of responses with that last bit.”
“You know, that’s not a bad idea. Maybe I will.”
“Let me know how it works out for you.” Gwen paused at the entrance to their building and opened the door.
“It’s worth a shot.”
Melanie passed her and headed for the elevators in the center of the building. The gray interior, solid floors and fake plants were typical of many high-rise buildings. Businessmen and women strode by, carrying briefcases or pulling a small piece of luggage. The aroma of coffee lingered from the shop in the lobby.
“Did you meet the new attorney?” Melanie asked as Gwen came to a stop next to her.
“No. James told me he was in court. I’ve been busy trying to get through my email messages.”
The ding of an elevator gathered their attention. After two men and three women exited, Gwen and Melanie entered. Gwen pressed the button for the twelfth floor.
“Are you missing any of those lovers yet?” Melanie asked with a playful smile.
“I am. They all were wonderful to spend time with. I sent them messages over the weekend. I’d like to keep in touch. Maybe one day I’ll get to meet them again. Who knows?”
The elevator delivered them to their destination and the doors parted.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Melanie said as they walked onto the floor. “And if they ever come to visit the Midwest, maybe they’ll stop by your place. You definitely need to keep in touch with that guy who works at the club.” They stopped at the entrance to the law firm. Melanie opened the door. “I still want his information if you don’t mind sharing.”
Gwen entered the firm. She passed the receptionist, then paused in the middle of the walkway. Rows of cubicles stretched the length of the floor. Sunlight spilled in from the windows along the back wall. Melanie came to a halt next to her.
“I’ll send it to you. Let’s go out for lunch later in the week,” Gwen said.
“Thursday is good for me. I’ll stop by this afternoon sometime.”
“Sounds good. See ya then.”
Gwen headed down the walkway in the opposite direction from Melanie. They worked with different teams with attorneys, paralegals and other staff. Since they’d been with the company for such a long time, they’d acquired a long list of skills and abilities that made them perfect managers for the large firm. But they still didn’t have their own offices. The detail didn’t bother Gwen since she enjoyed working with everyone and helping them.
She rounded the corner and entered her wide cubicle. The one photo on her desk showed a happy moment with her daughters when they’d visited the fair. A stack of papers filled a basket. Files filled a box on the floor. Sighing, she sat in her chair. She had a lot of work to do to get caught up from her trip.
Time passed quickly as she read the last of her emails and listened to voice messages. Mid-afternoon, she emptied the box of files onto her desk. She opened the first one and started reading the notes.
“Gwen,” James said.
She twisted in her rolling seat and found the paralegal standing at the end of her cubicle wall. He was lanky with short brown hair and glasses. As usual, he wore a white button down and beige trousers.
“Hi, James. What can I do for you?”
“Travis is in his office. Do you want to meet him now?”
She stood. “Sure. I’d love to.”
She followed James toward the row of offices. Each side of the floor had a conference and copier room for employees. The copying machine made a swishing sound as they passed by. When they reached the once vacant office, James stopped and knocked on the open door.
The man behind the desk stood. Melanie had described him well. Broad shoulders and a flat torso hinted at a muscular frame. He had dark trimmed hair and a clean-shaven face. He’d dressed similar to most attorneys, a pressed white shirt, tie and black pants. His jacket hung on a rack in the corner. A briefcase lay on the credenza behind his desk.
“I’d like you to meet Gwen. She’s our go-to manager,” James said as he entered the room.
Gwen followed James to the desk. She extended her arm. “Gwenevere Stratten. Welcome to the company. Call me Gwen.”
He shook her hand. “Travis Gunderson. A pleasure to meet you finally. I heard you were on a long vacation.”
“Yes. I hadn’t taken one and with my daughters living on their own, I decided to travel in Europe. I was surprised to hear management had filled this position. It had been vacant for nearly six months.”
“If you don’t need me for anything, I’m going to get back to work. I’m sure you two have a lot to discuss,” James said as he looked from Gwen to Travis.
“I’m fine,” Travis said.
“I’m good. Thanks, James,” Gwen said.
The young man left, leaving her alone with Travis.
“Please, have a seat.” Travis gestured to one of the two chairs facing his desk.
“I heard you started four weeks ago,” Gwen said as she sat. “Have you settled in? I hope the paralegals have been keeping you up to speed and sharing information on the processes with you.”
Travis reclaimed his seat behind the desk. “I haven’t spoken to them much because I’ve been reading up on all the procedures. James has been very helpful while you were out. He said you were a good manager, one of the best in the company.”
“Well, I like to help and make sure everyone can do their job so the attorneys can do theirs. You need to win cases. Therefore, the staff need to have all the ducks lined up properly, so to say. If you look good, then we all do.”
“I appreciate that. I’m sure we’ll get along fine.” He threaded his fingers together on his desk and smiled. “So you have two grown daughters. If you don’t mind me saying this, you don’t look old enough.”
A touch of heat rose to her cheeks. “I was one of those people who married and started a family right after college. I also divorced early, so I’ve been a single mom for a long time. Now that my girls are in college and out of the house, I’m more free to do things.”
“Like travel,” he said.
“It was a dream of mine.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
She smiled. “It was wonderful. I had the best time ever.” She glanced to the one photo sitting on his desk near his monitor. The photo showed Travis with a young boy and girl. “Are those your children in the photo?”
He turned his head to look at it. “Oh, no. No. They belong to my brother. I’m not married. I love his kids and they’re great, but I enjoy my independence.”
“I can certainly relate to that. I value my freedom and if opportunities come up… Well, it’s good to take them.”
“Absolutely.” He gave her a crooked grin. “Maybe we could have lunch sometime and talk more.”
“Sure. I’m free except for Thursday.”
“Is tomorrow too soon?”
“No. Tomorrow is fine. Let me know what time works best for you. I’m flexible with my schedule.” She stood. “If you don’t mind, I need to get back to work.”
He stood. “I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on.”
“You wouldn’t believe all the emails I had to scan through. It was crazy.” She moved around the chair. “If you need anything or have questions, let me know. I’ll send you my phone number in case you need it off hours or an emergency arises. Management likes for staff to communicate any absences to the team manage
r.”
“No problem. I’ll send you my number, too, in case you ever need to reach me.”
“Great. Nice meeting you, Travis. I’ll see you around.”
“Pleasure was mine.”
She headed for the exit and had an odd feeling he was watching her. When she reached the door, she paused and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, his gaze was on her—well, the lower part of her body. He shifted his attention to his monitor.
“Are you sure you don’t need anything?” Gwen asked.
He slowly lifted his head. “Would you happen to know of an inexpensive gym around here?”
“A gym?”
“Yeah, I like to work out. I actually relocated here six weeks ago from Arizona. I’ve been jogging but I really need to join a gym. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you have shapely legs. The kind a runner would have. I thought you might know of a decent place.”
“Oh. Yes. I jog. Did jog. It’s been a while. The trip.” Damn it, what was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she talk normally? So he stared at her legs. Why would that bother her?
“Do you work out?” he asked.
“I mostly jog. I hate running in the heat and cold.”
“I see.”
“I go to the fitness center a block from here. It’s on the seventeenth floor. It’s about thirty-five dollars a month. I can send you the details in an email.”
“I’d like that.” He gave her a warm smile.
“I’ve been thinking of talking to one of the trainers there. I could tone a few areas. I’d hate to become flabby at my age.” For the love of god, what was wrong with her? One minute she couldn’t get a good sentence out. Now, she was blabbering about fatty tissue.
“If it’s any consolation, you look nice and healthy.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you. I’ll send you the information.”
She turned and walked out of his office with her pulse beating faster than normal. The compliment surprised her. Maybe she was wrong but it seemed as if he wanted to use some other adjective instead of healthy. Was he trying to flirt with her?
