Trading Places

by Anita Cox

  “I hear you. I really need to give it up. I’m just lucky it hasn’t made me sick yet.” Ah, the self-loathing of a smoker. Society really kicked us in the pants, but not in my house. In my house, anything goes. So I decided to enjoy my smoke as much as I wanted.

  “Let me know when you’re ready to quit. I am certified in acupuncture. I do them Wednesday nights at my clinic. It truly works. I have to go through it every time I smoke.” He snuffed out his cigarette and took a big swig of his drink.

  “Is there anything you can’t do?” I joked.

  “Golf. I can’t golf worth a shit.” He laughed. “I think my arms interfere with my swing or something.”

  His was not the face of someone who got hit a lot. I began to wonder if the MMA thing was a façade.

  “Care to join me in the hot tub?” He nodded and gave me a grin I couldn’t refuse.

  That and I couldn’t wait to climb Mount Chaz.

  He allowed me to lead, or maybe it was just to watch my naked ass as I walked toward the hot tub. I set my martini on the edge and eased myself into the warm, soothing water.

  Chaz sat down next to me, not showing any signs of shyness. This could be fun.

  “So, is it only girls you like to fool around with, or do you take on men too?” His left eyebrow shot toward the ceiling as he gave me a sideways glance.

  “Nope, I like them both.” I picked up my martini glass and sipped for a much-needed distraction.

  “And are you a vigorous-sex kind of girl all the time, or did Blondie do something to deserve a good punishment?”

  I nearly spit my drink laughing.

  “It was a mood thing and for the record, she liked it rough.” I cleared my throat, “but to answer your question, I do like both. Depends on my mood. I can do vigorous more than rough, I guess.

  Chaz angled himself slightly toward me and ran his hand up my thigh. “You have a great body.” His voice was low and his eyes wandered around my breasts.

  “That’s quite a compliment coming from a personal trainer. Thank you.” My face burned red hot.

  “I can tell you work on it.”

  Or I’m blessed to have a great metabolism since I eat like a Marine.

  “Do you have any rules?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

  “None. You?”

  “No kissing on the mouth and no back door action. Protection, of course, is required.”

  Poor Beth, I didn’t even ask. I just took her. I’d broken my own rules.

  “And sex in the hot tub is never a good idea, for…uh…health reasons,” I added since he looked like he was about to pounce.

  “How about foreplay?” he asked as he slid his fingers up my leg.

  I could already feel myself swelling with excitement.

  “That’s not a problem.”

  As soon as the words came out of my mouth, he took my hand and wrapped it around his erection. I felt it pulse hard in my hand.

  He ran a hand up my thigh, continuing up my side and ending as he squeezed my left breast. My heart raced as his lips and tongue taunted my right nipple.

  I let my hands wander over his muscular body, feeling his strong shoulders and back. He was a true specimen and I was about to have a nice sampling.

  While I was distracted by his physique, he scooped me up and carried me out of the hot tub. He set me down gently and handed me a towel. Before I could get myself completely dry, he pulled my hand, leading me to the large bed, settling me on the edge.

  He bent down and threw my legs on his shoulders, planted his face between my legs and stood, lifting me up in the air.

  My only option was to hold on for the ride, or so I thought. Within seconds, he turned me upside down. I was now being held in the air, completely upside down, while he continued orally pleasing me.

  I tried to ignore the blood rushing to my head. Imaging how ridiculous we looked made it hard to ignore the audience that was starting to gather.

  Thankfully, he eased me on the bed. To my surprise, he didn’t enter me immediately. Instead, he gently teased my nipple while sliding a finger slowly inside.

  My breath hitched as my body instantly welcomed his attention. I didn’t just want him inside me, part of me needed him above me, dominating, impaling…taking me. Feeling his hot breath now hovering over my lips, I puckered, almost instinctually, to kiss his hot lips before pulling back. I closed my eyes and turned away to avoid another near miss. God, what was I thinking?

  I opened my eyes for a moment and to my shock and awe, John was behind him opening a condom.

  Sudden guilt washed over me, invading the space my previous need and wanting had resided. In an unexpected turn, John smiled and winked at me as he held the condom just over Chaz’s shoulder.

  My body relaxed, knowing I had John’s approval. He hadn’t seen me almost kiss another man. It washed away the feelings of guilt—almost.

  The Adonis sat up and rolled the condom over his massive erection before easing himself down on me.

  I thought I would scream waiting for each second to pass until he finally entered. My head tilted back as I gasped, feeling myself stretching to accommodate him until he filled me completely.

  Once inside, he slid a hand under my butt, cupping it and holding me just where he wanted me. I melted around him. Chaz was surprisingly gentle—at least at first. He started kissing my neck and collarbone, gently caressing my breasts.

  “Damn, you feel so good wrapped around my cock,” he groaned in my ear.

  Words escaped me as I felt the pressure building into what was sure to be a massive orgasm.

  “Open your eyes.”

  “Huh?” My lids popped open.

  “Look at me,” he urged.

  Sex was one thing, but looking someone in the eye while they fuck you is another. I immediately felt bashful.

  I turned my head away and let my lids relax, determined to focus on my own body, the sensations and warmth.

  “Look at me,” he said a little more loudly.

  Attempting to deflect, I continued to enjoy the haze I felt. That is, until his hand fisted in my hair and turned me to face him. He lifted me as he moved into a sitting position.

  I was now face to face, eye to eye with him. Chaz picked up the pace, easily moving me up and down on his hard cock.

  My heart raced as I looked him in the eyes while he fucked me.

  “Good girl,” he complimented through clenched teeth. He let go of my hair, and slid his hand down so he was gripping my hips with both hands. He had absolute control of the situation—it was clear I was just to enjoy the ride.

  I thought I would lose my mind. My heart could barely keep the pace Chaz had set. It was thundering right out of my chest as I huffed and puffed as he continued his assault.

  Quite suddenly, he stopped moving and sat still for a moment.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” I said as I gasped for air.

  A smile spread across his face that looked slightly crazy before he gently laid me on my back then quickly pulled me by my ankles to the end of the bed. As soon as my ankles were slung over his shoulders, he thrust himself inside me.

  His firm hands gripped my thighs as he slammed into me. I gripped the bed to try to keep my ass cheeks from slapping his thighs quite so hard. All I could do was hold on.

  “Look at him go,” a random guest yelled.

  My toes started to numb as all the blood pooled to my lady bits. I screamed in ecstasy, unable to maintain my composure any longer. I couldn’t feel my hands, or my legs. I could only feel Chaz inside me—everything else was numb. My heartbeat thudded in my ears.

  Chaz finally closed his eyes, jerked his head back and yelled out with his release. He wobbled to the side, letting my legs fall hard to the floor.

  I could not stand. I could not scoot up. All I could do was lay in the position I was in, hoping the blood flow would return to my lower extremities so I could adjust myself.

  John plopped on the be
d next to me, sandwiching me between him and Chaz.

  “Please, please move me. I, I can’t…”

  He laughed and kissed me hard on the lips.

  My confusion over the whole situation would have overwhelmed me if it weren’t for the post orgasmic bliss and the embarrassment of being sprawled out on the bed like road kill.

  A slight giggle of euphoria escaped me lips…”John, please, pull me up. This is embarrassing.”

  “No, I love seeing you like this. You’re totally spent.” He was teasing me. How could he tease me right now?

  “John!” I barked as I struggled to roll over.

  “Okay, okay.” He laughed as he pulled me upright into a seated position. “Put your arms around my neck. We need to get some blood back to your toes.”

  I felt the pins and needles stabbing me in the feet as he pulled me vertical. I winced a little as he walked me to the bar.

  “Did you have fun?” he asked.

  An unsure sideways glance was all I could muster. “I need a drink.”

  Chapter 11

  I was happy to see all the partygoers begin to leave. Partied-out was an understatement. John had mixed up a couple of martinis and we sat on the edge of the hot tub, wrapped in towels with our bare legs hanging in the warm water.

  “So, you never answered me.”

  “I didn’t?” I looked at John, unsure to what he was referring.

  “Did you have fun?” His deep eyes cut through me, searching for something.

  “I did, but…”

  “But what?”

  What? What is wrong with me? “I felt really uncomfortable with you being right there when I was, uh, partying with the MMA guy.”

  John snickered. “I made you uncomfortable? How?”

  I bit my lip, searching for words. “I honestly think I felt guilty or something.”

  John slung his arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “You don’t have any reason to feel guilty. You were enjoying yourself and that’s exactly what I wanted.”

  “No, that’s not it. I…” I took a deep breath, “I got caught up in the moment and nearly kissed him on the mouth. Next thing I knew, you were standing there and…I began to wonder if…” I looked at my feet.

  “Baby, you didn’t kiss him. That’s all that matters. I want you to have a good time. I want you to peak over and over again. It’s not something that bothers me. We’re in this thing together. I could take or leave the swinging, but I couldn’t live without you.” His head tilted as he leaned in, kissing my neck.

  “I would have just died had I kissed him.” I whispered.

  “So would I, but you need to ease up on yourself. I love you, Candy.” He kissed my temple.

  “I love you, John.”

  “Come on, baby. Let’s go take a nice hot shower and go to bed.” He stood, helping me to my feet.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  I followed John upstairs to the shower, stepping in and letting the hot water wash away the sweat and stench of the evening. He gently washed and conditioned my hair, massaging my scalp and taking great care not to pull it.

  I washed his back, squeezing his strong shoulders as I did so, wondering if I had one more round in me. The night’s activities had taken their toll but I had John standing naked in front of me, soft, gentle and loving.

  I always had it for John. There was just something about him. Even if I was sore tomorrow, I was going to make love to John tonight.

  His soapy body gave my hands all the lubrication they needed to glide over his beautiful body. He let out soft groans of approval at my caressing.

  At that moment, nothing consumed my mind but John, every naked inch of him. I was a fool to ever question moving in with him. He was mine and I was his.

  After a rushed rinse, John scooped me up and carried me to the bed. As soon as he was certain I was safely on the bed he jumped on top of me and kissed me with such rushed fervor, I could hardly catch my breath.

  I felt his excitement, already pushing into my belly as he laid on me, kissing me as if it were our last kiss…forever.

  “John?” I asked pushing him away.

  “Yeah?”

  “I need to breathe.” I hoped the apologetic tone in my voice prevented any hurt feelings.

  “I need you,” he rasped out.

  “Dear God,” I cried out. My nails bit into his shoulders as he pushed hard into me.

  John groaned as he held himself steady for a moment. “I just can’t get enough of you,” he growled as he thrust into me again.

  Stretching, burning, aching around him, I held on tight.

  John kissed me again, sweet and tender. Soft, wet kisses brushed my lips as he moved to a more gentle thrusting. I felt every inch of him moving in and out.

  I had little interest in achieving an orgasm. I just wanted him there forever, with arms surrounding me, warmth all around and the comfort of his love.

  Chapter 12

  The next morning my lower parts ached and burned, as I had expected. There was no way I could escape a night like that without a bit of discomfort.

  Nevertheless, I made my way to the coffeepot and got to my day straightaway. I texted Olivia, who had agreed to meet at my place to start packing last week.

  “Where are you off to already this morning?” John asked as his shoulder slumped. He looked at me, standing in my yoga pants, shoes and tank. I already had my hair tightly wound atop my head and my purse slung over my shoulder.

  “Packing, silly. You asked me to move in, remember?” I skipped over to him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  “Really? Today?”

  I scrunched my face. “I told you I was packing today. Remember?”

  “I guess I just can’t believe it’s Sunday already. I really expected a longer weekend.” John continued to sulk. It was the only time his features weren’t entirely handsome.

  “You, uh, still want me to move in. Right?” I asked, knowing the thought of me making a step in that direction would lift his spirits.

  “No, you’re right. Go. Call me if you need any help.” He waved me on.

  When I got back to my place, I was startled to see Olivia there already, with dozens of boxes packed and stacked along the far wall of my living room.

  “What the hell?”

  “Good morning to you too, sunshine.” She smiled and smacked my behind. “Now grab a box and get to work.”

  I rubbed my stinging butt cheek. As if that general region wasn’t already sore enough.

  “How long have you been here?” I asked.

  “I got here around four.”

  Four! “Are you serious? Why?” I tossed my purse on the couch and made my way to the kitchen. There was no way I was doing anything without more coffee in my system.

  “We work together. Remember? I’m very well acquainted with the hours you keep. This will never get done an hour at a time.” Olivia shook her head.

  All I could do was succumb and shrug. Stacy wanted my place and Olivia helped out of obligation. Where the hell was Stacy, anyway?

  “Was anyone here when you got here?” I asked as I stirred my cup.

  “Yeah, your friend left. I scared the living shit out of her. She greeted me with a giant dildo. I wondered if she planned on beating me to death with the thing, or bending me over the couch and having her way with me. I think she was embarrassed and she took off.” Olivia laughed. “Not that I would have minded being bent over the couch, mind you.”

  I rolled my eyes. Knowing Stacy, she grabbed the first big item she could find…being single meant her dildo wasn’t far from reach, but giant?

  Instead of pushing the issue and learning something I may not have wanted to know, I grabbed a box and a stack of tissue paper and started packing up the nonessentials of my kitchen.

  “So did you have a good weekend?” Olivia asked.

  “I need a bag of frozen peas to sit on, if that answers your question.” I joked.

  “Outstanding!”

&n
bsp; “How was your weekend?” I asked as I taped the bottom of a box.

  “Boring but nice. We sat in our PJs and watched movies. Not that I mind, because my bitch looks hot in nothing but a t-shirt, but still.”

  Her bitch? Was that a loving term of endearment for her mate? True, I wasn’t a full-blown lesbian, but I couldn’t see calling John “my asshole”.

  “It sounds like a nice weekend in,” I continued the conversation, steering it a bit.

  “Not as interesting as yours, I’m sure, but yeah. So,” she said with her hands on her hips, “the living room and bedroom are done. I would pack your breakables and let the movers do the rest on Wednesday.”

  “Wednesday!” I barked. “What do you mean, Wednesday?”

  “Candy? I told you I would help. Your place is almost all done. It’s not like you have any real sentimental items around. You don’t even have photo albums to pack. So yeah, Wednesday the movers are going to move you. Don’t worry about your calendar. It’s clear. And I have the day off approved by management. So Wednesday, you’ll be out.”

  My jaw hung slack as I stared blankly at Olivia. Wednesday, my life would change. Wednesday, I would have no more sanctuary, no place of my own. What was I going to do?

  “Hello? Earth to Candy? Are you there?” She waved her hand in front of my face.

  My heart fell. I slid down the cabinets until I was sitting on the floor. It may have just been an apartment, but it was also my security blanket. I was giving up my haven for the unknown. What had I done?

  Olivia knelt down next to me. “Holy shit, are you okay?”

  “It’s just…my life…packed up in a few hours. Really?” A tear streaked down my face. “This was the first and only place I’ve had since my divorce. It just feels…sudden.”

  Olivia sat down next to me and put her arm around my shoulder. “It’s gonna be okay. Just wait and see. An empty apartment is still, well, empty. A building doesn’t make a home. It’s the people in it and you’ve spent way too many hours alone here ordering take-out.”

  “You’re teasing me now? Really?” I sniffed.

  “Candy, you found love. That really makes this apartment meaningless.” She looked around my place and waved at it with her hands. “It’s just brick and mortar, nothing to get attached to. There’s no soul, no heartbeat, just materials.”