Hard Cover

by Jamie K. Schmidt

  I groaned. Did she have bring up Cammy? I should go and see her tomorrow. “No.” Maybe.

  “Because you’re making an assumption that they were here in the first place. When your father sent that ringer in to sting me, he got a big surprise when the investigation proved I wasn’t selling drugs. No one you bought out was a dealer.”

  “Are you sure about Mrs. O’Toole?” I joked, sliding my hand down to her ass.

  “Yarn is a drug, but that’s not what we’re talking about.” She leaned in so her breasts brushed against my chest. “Are you ready to see the truth?”

  “Does it involve you naked?” I couldn’t resist a kiss. She tasted like champagne and I wanted to lick every inch of her.

  “That comes later. Follow me.”

  I’d pretty much follow her in front of a train at that point. I was suddenly all right with a quickie in the back room. She led me to the rear of the gallery and opened the door that was marked Employees Only.

  “You sure about this?” I asked, and then did a double take at the miniparty in the back room. The smell of pot slapped me in the face.

  “I found them when I went to the bathroom before.” Dawn leaned up against the wall and crossed her arms in front of her.

  I recognized a few people from around town, all of them sufficiently wealthy enough not to do recreational drugs in public. If it was only pot, I think I could have just walked away and forgotten what I had seen. But then I saw the cocaine and pills.

  Bursting out of the back room, I pulled out my phone and called the police. Dawn followed on my heels and I pushed my way out of the gallery.

  “Yeah, I’d like to report that there’s some serious drug usage going on at Landscapes on the town green. There was an after-hours party. And in the back room, the party is continuing. I saw marijuana and cocaine.” I ended the call and pocketed my phone. “Let’s wait in the car.”

  Dawn didn’t say a word as we watched for the police to show up. They took their time, but they let themselves in. People fled out the door after backup arrived. We wound up seeing most of the back-room partiers being led off in handcuffs. Hans was one of them.

  “So much for Landscapes,” Dawn said, breaking the silence.

  “I’ve got a waiting list,” I told her, putting the car in gear and backing out of the parking spot.

  “Can I make a recommendation?”

  “Sure.”

  “Get local artists.”

  I snorted. “Like they can afford the rent.”

  “Lower the rent, then.”

  “Larry would never go for that.”

  “You’re obscuring all of the local charm. It’s the reason people come here instead of any other seaside town.”

  She had a point. “I’ll see if I can compromise.”

  “I’d appreciate it. It would mean a lot to me if you could bring in someone who has a cultural tie with Connecticut. You can still sell high-priced paintings, but maybe take consignments from locals?”

  I nodded.

  “And can I point out that the drug dealer was the guy you brought in, and the people doing the drugs were your peers and not mine?”

  “I was trying to avoid thinking about that.”

  “Just remember it when you try and stereotype people into convenient little molds. Redoing the shops isn’t going to stop the drugs. And kicking me out of my store isn’t going to make Cammy better.”

  “I know.” I laced my fingers through hers. I didn’t want to talk about this now. “Are you hungry?”

  “Are you? You ate your weight in crab puffs.”

  “I have surf and turf on board.”

  “Oh, and speaking of food . . .” Dawn slugged me in the arm.

  “Ow, what the hell was that for?”

  “Cauliflower crust pizza? Are you out of your fucking mind?”

  “How did you . . . ?” I gave an inward groan. Jeannine. I had to remember to keep my father’s doors closed when I was in there. “It’s healthy.”

  “Stop fucking around with the pizza!” she yelled.

  “The last two stores, aside from yours, that I need to convert are restaurants. We want to expand them and offer a wide arrange of menu items so there’s something for everyone.”

  She narrowed her eyes at me. “So you’re not getting rid of the fresh tomato slices, garlic, and basil pie?”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it. Tell Jeannine to stop eavesdropping, because she’s not getting the full story.”

  “I didn’t hear this from Jeannine.” Dawn folded her arms in front of her and looked away.

  “Uh-huh. Anyway, the pizza place is expanding. Same owners. The other one is going to be a fancy sit down place with a Michelin-rated chef, once I get the current owner of the Greasy Spoon to give up his spot and operate a few food trucks instead.”

  She opened her mouth to argue and then said, “What type of food trucks?”

  “We’re talking about a taco truck, a gourmet grilled cheese truck, and the usual hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken patties one.”

  “You need a dessert truck.”

  That was a really good idea. “What type of desserts? We’ve already got an ice cream parlor and chocolatier.”

  “Yeah, that’s the only new store I like.” Dawn patted her stomach. “If my jeans don’t fit in the fall, though, I’m sending you a bill for a new wardrobe.”

  “I’ll make sure you get enough exercise over the summer.” I slid my hand up her silky thigh. I would have gone higher, but I wanted to do this right.

  “Cheesecake on a stick,” she said suddenly.

  “What?”

  “Like at the Renaissance Faire. You want portable things so they can walk around.”

  My mind was still grappling with how they got the cheesecake on the stick without it falling off.

  “Frozen treats like Italian ice, and the cheesecake.”

  Now I got it.

  “I’ve had that dipped in chocolate and it was fabulous,” she said, her pretty eyes lustful.

  “I was thinking Italian pastries, but that sounds pretty good too.”

  “Both,” she said.

  “All right.” I shrugged. “I’ll see what I can do. I’ve got dessert on the boat too, you know.”

  “I think I’ll have to work up an appetite first.” She leaned in and nibbled on my ear.

  “Works for me.”

  Chapter 14

  Dawn

  There wasn't any valet parking at this hour at the Clinton yacht club. In fact, there wasn't anyone around aside from the security guard, who barely looked up from his comic book when we pulled in. I could totally sneak into this place. Of course, I’d have to find a way to get here. Looks like the only way I could stay overnight was with Rory, who was making it worth my while to give up sleeping on my crappy futon. We took our time walking to the boat. My head was still spinning from everything that happened tonight. I was surprised it had worked out as well as it did.

  I was still trying to understand that my perfect sister, Stephanie, had an open marriage. I thought I was the black sheep of the family, but it turned out that Stephanie had a little more gray in her fleece than I thought. She was dating a hunky firefighter half her age and told me to mind my own fucking business.

  All righty then.

  The waves made soft lapping sounds against the boat. There was enough of a moon that I managed not to twist my ankle walking over the uneven ground from the parking lot to the docks.

  "Careful," Rory said, his arm going around my waist to steady me.

  A few hours ago I would have gladly thrown him into Long Island Sound, but now I was glad I saw a different side of him. Sure, he was still a pretty rich boy. But he had some depth and a backbone of steel I hadn't expected. All that meant was I had to watch my heart. It was one thing to keep him at arm’s length when he was being a douche and just use him for sex. However, it was hard to remember he was a douche when he dropped a dime on his cronies.

  Once we were on board,
our clothes vanished and we were back in his glorious shower kissing and rubbing all over each other. It was my turn with the soap and I lathered up his muscled chest and abs while the hot water pummeled both of us.

  "How does a paper pusher like you get jacked like this?" I asked, soaping up his obliques. I was so tempted to grab on to his jutting cock, but I wanted this to go slow. I wanted to savor the shower, the sex, and sleeping in a real bed satiated from too many orgasms. "Did you buy these muscles?"

  Rory grinned, cupped my breasts, and then thumbed my nipples. "I work out."

  "Mmm." I couldn't help myself. I gave him a few soapy strokes.

  "Yeah." His head thumped back on the wall.

  Dropping down, I rubbed my breasts over his stomach and then caught his cock between them. The soap made it slick and we both enjoyed the feel of it when I rubbed up and down. Rory yanked me back up and pressed me against the shower stall. He returned the favor by sliding his dick between my ass cheeks.

  "Are you done teasing, wild girl?"

  I nodded. It was nice to play in the shower, but now it was time to get serious. I barely had time to wrap a towel around me before he was dragging me into the bedroom.

  "I've been dying to taste you again."

  Tossing me down onto the bed, he spread my legs. I gasped at the first touch of his tongue. Closing my eyes, I tried to catalog everything so I could remember this night forever. The yacht swayed a bit in the heavy wind and the slap of the waves against the side of the boat added to the exotic feel. His tongue danced inside of me as he lapped around my clit. I moaned as he spread my legs wider, my hands clutching the thick, soft sheets. Rory groaned in pleasure and tickled his fingers around my wet folds.

  "Fuck," I panted, twisting and lifting my hips for more.

  The room was dark, but I could make out the fine details of luxury around me. Brass glinted as the moonlight streamed through a window and I stared at the ceiling listening to Rory enjoy himself by making me come. My thighs shook. I didn't recognize the sounds coming out of my mouth. It was wild and desperate. Pleasure buzzed through me as I pumped my hips up into his mouth for more. He buried his face deeper, grunting and growling. I lay my thighs over his shoulder and fucked his face. So good.

  "Rory," I screamed as the orgasm crashed over me. My whole body jittered. I couldn't think. Couldn't breathe. Just rode the waves of pleasure over and over again. I was dimly aware that he was kissing up my body.

  Wrapping my legs around his waist, I tried to get his cock in me.

  "Not yet," he said raggedly, and sucked hard on my nipple.

  "Yes, now." I groaned and thrashed. My fingernails dug into his shoulders.

  He took his time worshipping my breasts. Normally I'd let him spend all the time in the world on them, but I needed him inside me. Now.

  "Please," I moaned. "Fuck me. Rory. Fuck me hard."

  He lunged forward, but caught himself at the last minute. "Not yet," he whispered in my ear, and then ravaged my neck with his tongue and teeth. I jerked and gasped as little jolts of desire thrummed through my veins. Pushing with all my strength, I flipped him.

  "Now you're in trouble," I said, straddling him. "Where are the condoms?"

  "In the drawer." He pointed to the bedside table.

  I was able to reach them, and in a few seconds had one on his wide cock, which I guided inside me. I sank down on him, and when he was fully inside, I began to rock. Rory reached up for me, but I grabbed his wrists and slammed them over his head. Of course, that left my breasts dangling in his face. He took full advantage, licking, sucking, and gently biting.

  "Yeah, that's it," he encouraged as my bouncing took on a frenzied pace.

  I wasn't sure what it was about him that drove me crazy like this, but he was all I wanted right now. How could another man compare? I stifled a sob. I couldn't get involved. I couldn't lose my heart. This was a summer fling. I rode him like a Harley down a bumpy road. I used his hardness and the friction to get myself off. His fingers dug into my ass. I knew I was leaving half-moons in his shoulders.

  "Fuck," I gritted out between my teeth as I came, shaking and gasping. He took up the pace, thrusting up into me. "More." I slumped to kiss him deeply.

  This time he flipped me and bent me in half. Looming over me, he got impossibly deeper. His thrusts banged into me and I loved it. "Harder," I dared him, then screamed when he obliged.

  Stretched open, vulnerable, I watched his face lose any trace of civility. I clamped around him and met him stroke for stroke. His eyes glazed, his hips ramming into me with wild abandon. I saw the very moment his own orgasm hit him. Surprise, joy, and deep satisfaction passed through his eyes. He grunted and jerked against me.

  "Dawn. Fuck. Babe." Rolling off me, he tossed the condom into the trash and pulled me on top of him.

  I nibbled on his ear. "I hope you don't think you're done."

  Rory coughed and laughed. "I need a minute."

  Tracings my fingernails over his arms, I entwined my legs with his. "Kiss me," I ordered.

  The kisses started out fierce and demanding, but eased off into soft, sliding caresses. Dwindling off into short, sweet brushes of our lips, I fell asleep sprawled on top of him.

  Chapter 15

  Dawn

  Rory dropped me off at the store the next morning after the most decadent breakfast I ever ate. I had a bit of the lobster tail with me as a peace offering to the cat. She forgave me for leaving her all alone last night, and after her own special breakfast, she left for the day.

  While I was sore in the right places and in a damn good mood, the fact that my sales were down for this month and I had to find some way to attract customers for the Fourth of July gala was harshing my afterglow. By the time Jeannine came in on her lunch hour to hear all the details of my date night, I was considering doing shots of antacid.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” I grunted out, putting down the couch. “Help me move this to the romance section.

  Jeannine rolled her eyes, but tossed her purse onto the cushions and lifted up her end. “Do I want to know why you want it back here?”

  “I need to make room in the front of the store, and it’s easier to redo the front window display when this is out of the way.” We staggered with it to the back of the store and plunked it down so it wasn’t blocking any shelves.

  “What are you going to do?” Jeannine asked, dusting off her hands.

  “I don’t know.” I sank down into the cushions. “I’m cutting it really close for any order deadlines. I don’t want to pay for rush shipping to get things here in time. I’m just out of ideas.”

  “So you want something that will attract kids so their parents will come into the store?” She looked around the store with a frown. “There’s not a lot of kid-friendly things in here.”

  “I know. But I figure I can distract the kids up front while their parents shop.”

  “Maybe a clown?” Jeannine tapped her lip in thought.

  “Too creepy,” I said with a shudder. “Plus, it’s an added expense I can’t afford right now.”

  “Okay, how about flipping the script? Give the parents something they want so much they’ll drag their kids in, or better yet leave them with the au pair in order to come in here.”

  I straightened up in my seat. “That sounds more my style.”

  “So all we have to figure out is what is cat nip to rich chicks?”

  “Rich men?”

  “You can have Rory stand in the doorway and be charming.”

  I smirked. “Shirtless.”

  “I’d come in the see that.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think he’ll go for it.”

  “Shame.” Jeannine paced. “Jewelry.” She snapped her fingers

  “That’s good.” I nodded. “But I can’t afford anything high end like diamonds or rubies or any shit like that. Besides, I think there’s a new jewelry shop coming in.”

  “No, that’s not your brand anyway. Local artisans. Handcrafted.
Something with sea glass!” Jeannine was practically vibrating with excitement. “Let me check with my craft vendor friends and see what I can come up with.”

  “Okay, I could spin that.” That made me feel a little better. I could go to the beach later and get some driftwood and sand. Maybe find some blue scarves to drape so it looked like the ocean. I could put some of the fertility statues and mermaid books around, hang some of the sun catchers to look like fish swimming. Yeah, that could work. “You’re the best.”

  “I am,” she said, sitting next to me and giving me a hug. “And there hasn’t been any plotting going on in the selectmens’ offices, so hopefully they’ve given up trying to sabotage you. Or they’re letting Rory seduce you out of your store.” Jeannine leaned in eagerly. “How’s that going anyway?”

  “It has its ups and downs. He’s pushy and arrogant, but I’m starting to care for him, and that’s probably a bad fucking idea.”

  “I don’t know,” Jeannine said. “There are worse boyfriends to have. Jack is a prime example.”

  “Rory is no Jack. Speaking of boyfriends, did you know Stephanie and Drew have an open marriage?”

  Her eyes grew wide. “Shut the fuck up.”

  In between customers, I told her everything that happened last night.

  “I can’t even,” she said, handing me a cup of tea as we stood behind the counter. “Look, I’ve got to get back to work, but I just had a brainstorm about how you can attract more customers here.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “Don’t concentrate so much on the daytime. Sure, we’ve got the jewelry thing to catch their eye, but there are too many new stores and too many family activities competing for attention.”

  “I was just starting to feel better about all this.”

  “Hear me out.” Jeannine held up her palm. “You’ve got this nice open space in the front of the store now.” She twirled around to make her point. “And after 6 p.m., this entire town shuts down. You can have a poetry reading, or a lecturer, or even a party. You could be the queen of the night or something. If those assholes at Landscapes could do it, so could you.”

  It wasn’t a bad idea. “I couldn’t serve booze or food, and I’d have to watch out for noise complaints.” It would be just like the selectmen to call the cops on me. They’d be on me like white on rice trying to catch me in a violation they could add to my growing pile of infractions.