The Cover Model

by Cheyenne Meadows

  "I can vouch for that." Her hazel eyes sparkled as she sipped her soda.

  He soaked up the compliment.

  "I bet you were an athlete in school."

  "Yep. Water polo in college. Actually, that's when I started modeling. A buddy's girlfriend invited us to give it a try. The photographer liked my shots and called me back. Next thing I knew, I started appearing on the covers of books and all kinds of agents found my phone number." He sank his teeth in for another bite.

  "Wow. I'm sure it pays well, especially if you're a hot item."

  "I'm not complaining. It put me through law school." Right now, he set aside the generous pay for an early retirement. Working as a lawyer proved interesting and a solid occupation, but he didn't want to live at the office or die in his desk chair still working at the age of seventy-five.

  "Do you like your job?" She ladled more soup into her spoon.

  "Yeah. For the most part. I specialize in contracts, realty, wills, mostly paperwork issues. Less drama and more stability than dealing with criminals or warring spouses in the middle of divorces." He grabbed a potato chip and dropped it in his mouth. "How about you?"

  "I love genetics. All I ever wanted to do since discovering the field was to advance the science along. Find something new, isolate a disease-causing gene, in order for other scientists to use the information to come up with a cure." She wiped her fingers on the napkin. "I always thought work was my life." Her gaze met his. "Then I attended this convention…"

  He arched an eyebrow. "And?"

  "Thanks to this hunky cover model, I learned I'd been missing a huge chunk of fun." She smiled wide enough to show even, white teeth.

  His heart stuttered. Every time she looked at him like the sun rose and set with him, his ego grew, his cock followed suit, and he couldn't wait to take her in his arms once again.

  "Speaking of fun, do you have any plans Friday evening?"

  She shook her head. "Nope."

  "Good. Write me in."

  "What did you want to do?"

  "Oh, lots of things." He lowered his voice to a near purr.

  Judging by Fancy's sharp intake of breath and splotch of color on her cheeks, she wanted the very same thing.

  Chapter 26

  Mitch stared out his office window, saw the large flakes of snow drifting down, and cursed. Friday had arrived with a weather forecast of heavy snow and outright blizzard conditions after dark. If the predictions came true, the city would grind to a halt until the road crews could dig everyone out once more. Most of the time, he actually enjoyed the white powdery precipitation, today was the exception. He had a date with Fancy tonight and didn't want to miss spending time with her for anything. Yet no way would he risk both their lives trying to navigate through this mess for a nice dinner out. Food deliveries would soon cease, and they'd be stuck.

  A sudden inspiration hit. If they had to be homebound, better together than apart. He plucked his cell phone from the desk and punched in her number. She answered on the second ring.

  "Fancy?"

  "Mitch!"

  "It's snowing to beat all. Is your lab closing shop early?"

  "Yeah. In fact, I'm getting ready to leave right now." She sounded disappointed. "The roads will soon be too treacherous to travel." A sigh carried to his ears. "We should probably just reschedule."

  "Actually, that's why I'm calling. How would you like to hang out with me at my house all weekend?"

  "That would be wonderful." Her tone picked right up with excitement.

  "Great. Go home and pack a bag." He checked the clock on the wall. Three pm. They could make it to his house before dark and the storm intensified, but they had to get a move on. Luckily, she lived about a mile from her work, making the trip to her house fairly quick. From there, his four wheel drive might come in handy, but he thought they could arrive in plenty of time. "I'll be there soon to pick you up."

  "Okay. Be careful."

  "You, too. Give me thirty minutes."

  "Will do. Bye."

  He clicked off, grabbed his coat from the hanger on the back of his door, double checked that everything was put away, his computer turned off. Then, without further ado, he headed out of the office and to the parking garage below.

  Twenty-five minutes later, he pressed her doorbell, pulling his coat tighter around him against the frigid wind. The streets weren't bad yet, but at the rate of the snowfall, the highway department wouldn't be able to stay ahead of the game, especially with temperatures dropping by the minute.

  Fancy opened the door, gestured him in, then shut the wooden barrier behind them. "It's coming down hard."

  "Yep. Don't worry. We'll make it just fine."

  She grinned, hugged him, then shivered. "Brrrrr."

  He chuckled and kissed her in welcome. "You won't be cold for long." He waggled his eyebrows for emphasis.

  Her cheeks pinkened.

  "You ready?"

  "Almost. I just have to zip my suitcase and grab my purse." She strode across the room and down the hall to presumably do just that. Mitch glanced around, found the flowers he sent her Monday starting to fade. Yet she hadn't tossed out a single one. Right next to them stood a small stack of paperbacks. He walked over and picked up a couple, grinning when he found himself on the cover.

  They'd read to each another one night in the hotel room. He recalled her soft voice, the inflections, the cadence. Impulsively, he flipped both books over, read the back, then replaced one of the table. The other he slipped into his coat pocket as Fancy emerged, carrying her suitcase.

  "Why are you bringing that?" She nodded toward the book he'd just slipped away for protection from the dampness outside.

  He noticed how Fancy moved, lithe and graceful, her jeans and sweater pulling snug now and again, just enough to give him a glimpse of her curves hidden underneath. He couldn't wait to strip her down, reacquaint himself with each and every inch of her delectable body with his hands and mouth. Sink balls deep into her savory core. Send her straight to rapture calling out his name.

  "Mitch?"

  He pushed away the image. For now. "I thought we could read together like before." This time nude, cuddling together in bed. She sitting in front of him as he wrapped his body around hers, nibbled on her ears, and played with her delicious tidbits.

  "I'd like that." She smiled, and her eyes danced.

  Me, too. He didn't know if her words pertained to reading or his fondling of her while she read. Either way, he'd make it happen. "Then bundle up, and let's hit the road."

  He took the suitcase from her hand, led the way out the front door, stowed her travel bag behind the passenger's seat in his truck. By the time he climbed in, she'd already settled in the seat, pulled her seat belt on, and watched him with interest.

  "I hope you've stockpiled some food. While I don't mind cooking, I draw the line at tromping through the woods to hunt my own food."

  Fancy's persnickety side came through. He grinned in welcome and started the engine, getting them on their way.

  "Where are we going exactly?"

  "To my house."

  She snorted. "I knew that already. Where is your house?"

  "Cherry Creek North."

  Her eyes widened. "Oh my. Ritzy."

  He shrugged and turned onto the highway leading north. "Less ritzy, more natural comfort with a few amenities." He hoped she liked his version of a house. Personally, he loved the place and never intended to move.

  They sat in silence for a few minutes.

  "How many woman have you brought home?" Fancy asked almost sheepishly, as if she hated to voice the thought but simply couldn't help herself.

  Reaching over, he took her hand in his, then squeezed. "You're it, Fancy girl. You'll be the first." And only.

  She smiled.

  "How thick does moss grow?"

  "I don't know. Why?" Puzzlement crossed Fancy's face.

  "Because I intend to grow on you for a long time to come." He lifted their joined hand
s to kiss hers.

  "I'd like that. A lot."

  Chapter 27

  "Wow. This is amazing." Fancy gaped at the large living area on the second floor. A stone fireplace occupied most of the front wall, while to the right a double picture window encouraged visitors to peek outside, watch the outdoors from the vantage point of a tree house. Right then, the storm raged, not allowing her to see much of anything past the first couple of treetops closest to the house.

  Every corner she turned at Mitch's home, she became more impressed. While not a mansion, the house could easily make twice of her small cottage, not to mention the full workout room in the walkout basement directly below them and the lavish expansive areas. Though the solid brick house boasted only three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a walkout basement, and an office, the sheer square footage impressed her the most. Ample room existed for whatever furniture, decoration, or activity a person wanted to pursue.

  "I like it." Mitch turned, his back to the gas fireplace. The heat poured out, quickly toasting the room to cozy levels. "The first time I saw this place, I had to have it. Can't imagine ever wanting to sell, either."

  She could understand that. Heck, if she lived there, she wouldn't want to move either. Why bother when everything you could ever want lay right before your eyes?

  At first, she hesitated, somewhat overwhelmed with the vast size of Mitch's house, but she soon came to realize a couple of facts. Sure, the dwelling had to cost a pretty penny, but Mitch never once criticized her homely cottage. He wasn't that kind of man. Instead, he showed off his home with certain pride. Fancy found him genuine and sincere. He didn't flaunt his money, nor did he put others down. He seemed to simply appreciate a little something in everything.

  "It's beautiful." She ran her hand over a soft leather couch, amazed at the texture.

  "Yes, you are."

  She glanced up, found Mitch staring at her with a come-hither grin and a twinkle in his deep blue eyes. Her libido jumped in response. Spend half an hour with the man and she could barely contain the lustful urges that had showed up out of the blue a few days back. In truth, the man himself snared her attention much more than his lovely home. His sculpted rear, which begged for a pinch, his twinkling eyes, broad shoulders, thick muscles on his powerfully built frame. The gorgeous six pack abs, which led to something big and downright tasty.

  Good grief. In a little over a week's time, she turned from prim and proper researcher to a horny chick that couldn't wait to get inside her boyfriend's pants. She grinned at the thought and realized she had absolutely no regrets. Mitch was worth each and every lump along the way.

  "What are you smiling so wickedly about?" He approached her slowly, stalking her until she stepped willingly into his outstretched arms.

  She trailed her fingers across his lips. "Oh, just how we met and how much has changed in such a short time."

  He kissed her fingertip as the corners of his mouth hitched up. "It's been quite a trip."

  "Oh, yeah."

  "Would you change anything?" he asked.

  She tilted her head. "Oh, I don't know. Crazy stalker woman could have been left out, although I guess she did add an element of excitement along with a few boulders along the way."

  "Um, yeah. I could've lived happily forever without being tied down by that lunatic." He leaned forward and nuzzled her cheek. "Although this ravishing lady rescued me. That part I'd certainly keep."

  "You liked her, huh?"

  "She was my favorite part. Kicked the evil bitch's ass, rescued me, then slipped right back into her serious, scientific persona. Pretty damn good, if you ask me." He licked her bottom lip. "I hope she makes a return appearance."

  Fancy giggled. "You need your ass kicked?"

  He shook his head with a chuckle. "Not really. But I did want to treat her to a night of new discoveries, hot sex, and mind-blowing orgasms."

  "Wow. That's a hefty promise."

  "I always keep my promises, Fancy. Always." He sealed their lips together.

  * * * *

  "You've got too many clothes on." Mitch reached for Fancy, tugging her sweater off, then unbuttoning her slacks and pushing both panties and pants downward. As soon as she stepped out of the garments, he unclasped her bra, pulled the device from her body and tossed it aside. "Beautiful. Simply breathtaking." The soft words expressed his true thoughts. Fancy might not be a model, but she certainly beat any and all female models he'd seen over the years, hands down. With curves in all the right places, long blonde hair, which presently cascaded down her back, and twinkling hazel eyes, she snared and retained his full attention.

  His cock jumped at the sight of Fancy nude. Something he'd never tire of. Hell, he could stand there all day and stare at the woman, except for the fact she had him so hot and bothered he couldn't keep his hands to himself if he tried.

  "Why are you still dressed?" She arched an eyebrow at him.

  He grinned. "Ask and you shall receive." With practiced ease, he shucked clothes at a frantic pace, kicking loose of his pants, as he watched Fancy's face the entire time.

  She sucked in a breath, the action lifting her breasts, making his mouth water for a taste of her delicious strawberry nipples. Her eyes raked him from head to toe, before returning to the evidence of his desire. His cock grew all the more under her rapt attention.

  "You're gorgeous. Perfect. No wonder all the authors want you on their covers. Any woman who sees you is bound to want you." She licked her lips.

  He nearly groaned at her words. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and dipped his head. "They can have the books, but the only woman I want is you." Meshing their lips together, he shoved his tongue inside her mouth, seeking another taste of Fancy.

  She responded in kind, aggressively counted his teeth with her tongue, giving him everything back in spades.

  Mitch caressed her body, cupped her breasts, and tweaked her nipples. For the longest time, he simply stood there in front of the toasty fire, relearning Fancy's body, kissing her senseless, and building her banked fire.

  Unable to resist, he stepped back, then lowered his head in order to take a nipple in his mouth. Sucking gently, he laved the taut button, grinning to himself when Fancy gasped, grabbed his head, and tugged him closer.

  He stood back up to peer down into her face. Half-lidded eyes met his. Pleasure washed across her features mixed with a healthy dose of need.

  The time had come. He dug through his jeans, found his wallet, and plucked the foil wrapper out. Dropping the items back on the floor, he quickly applied the condom, then returned to Fancy's side with a brief brush of his lips.

  "Come here, baby." He led her toward the couch. Sitting down, he reached for her hips, bracketing them between his strong hands. All morning long, he'd thought about this particular scenario. Now, he set his back teeth, determined not to rush, and stifled his need. "Sit on my lap."

  She didn't hesitate but lowered her body to straddle his lap. Instead of taking his aching member inside his body, she sat toward his knees, took his cock in hand, and began long, soft strokes, which nearly took his breath away.

  "Damn, that feels good."

  She grinned. "Then I'm doing something right." Leaning forward, she latched onto his nipple with her teeth and bit down with exquisite tenderness.

  Mitch jumped at the dual heady sensations. "More than right, Fancy. Just perfect." He sucked in a breath at her fondling, then met her lips in a fiery kiss born of hunger, want, and giving. Using one hand, he cupped the back of her head, holding her close as he plundered every recess of her mouth. His heart sped as his respirations escalated.

  Fancy brushed her thumb over his slit, the sensation somewhat muted through the rubber, still jolted his arousal levels. He moaned low. "I need to be inside you. Now."

  She scooted closer. He assisted by guiding her with a hand on her hip. Trailing his fingers between her legs, he parted her folds, then carefully slipped his finger inside. Heat and ample amounts of slick dew met him. Sinking d
eep, he retreated, then added a second digit, her splayed stance aiding in spreading her for his taking.

  "So wet. So hot." He found her breast once more and kissed the tip. "Sink down on me, Fancy."

  He placed his erection at her entrance and waited.

  With the speed of a caterpillar crossing the road, Fancy lowered her body over his. Millimeter by excruciating millimeter. Her snug walls gripped him, massaged him, and nearly proved his undoing. He threw his head back, grasped her tightly, and savored the delicious torture.

  Finally, she settled all the way down, wrapped her arms around his neck, and panted. For a long moment, she simply remained still, before nibbling on his earlobe.

  Mitch held her, running his hands up and down her back, giving her body plenty of time to adjust. After all, she was just a couple of rounds of sex away after losing her virginity.

  Vowing to be easy and shower her with pleasure, Mitch encouraged her to sit back, allowing him full access to her body. "Let me touch you."

  "I'm not sure…"

  He kissed her hesitation away. "Just lift up when you're ready. At your own pace and depth. Whatever feels good."

  She lifted a couple of inches, then slid back down. Her face lit up as a knowing smile appeared. "Ohhhh."

  "Like that?"

  "Uh-huh." She rocked back and forth, grinding their bodies together, and gasped.

  He set his back teeth and molded her breasts. "That's it, baby. Take what you need. Ride me."

  Fancy lifted, came back down, then gyrated. Each motion became a bit more intense, demanding, and stimulating. His arousal jumped tenfold as he soared toward the summit.

  Tunneling to the place where their bodies met, Mitch located her tight nub and strummed.

  Her body tightened as she mewed.

  "Right there?"

  "Ohhh, yes. Mitch. Yes!" She steadied herself by hanging onto his shoulders and bounced with more enthusiasm.

  He watched her breasts jiggle, heard the slapping of their bodies, and felt the generous moisture wetting his crotch. A sharp tingling began at the base of his spine. Determinedly, he fought to hold off the inevitable.