“Oh.” Was that all she could say? Julia was suddenly very aware she was totally naked. She reached up and pulled the sheet up to her chest.
“I watched you for most of the night,” Travis admitted. “I went out for a drink and was… well… floored when you came in. I’m not going to lie Julia; I’ve had a lot of women… I’m the kind of person everyone thinks won’t settle down ever, and maybe that’s true. But I saw you and I thought that you were one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. And you were beautiful because you didn’t seem to know it. I wondered what you would be like, awakened to your own passions… under my hands. Maybe I shouldn’t have done it, maybe I should have let you go back to your hotel and sleep it off and forever walk through life completely unaware of your own spirit, but I couldn’t do it.”
“Yes, you’re right. I had no idea that anything like… what happened last night was possible.”
“It wasn’t all altruistic,” Travis chuckled. “Not in the least.”
“Yes, I noticed that.”
He nodded. His huge smile was back. When he smiled it lit up his eyes. Eyes that, in the daylight, were kind. Pushing back the covers, he stood. “Well Julia, before I drop you off, we have time for a quick shower.”
Julia’s heart did a flip flop. He stood totally naked and very unashamed before her.
“Are you going to join me?”
“Yes…” she stammered. Then, taking a deep breath, she said, “yes,” much more firmly.
By the time she reached the bathroom, Travis was already inside the steamy water. His shower was just that, a stand up shower with the tub beside it. Julia opened the glass door. It was barely big enough for the two of them.
If Travis was gorgeous at night he was even more stunning in the shower, the pounding water running in wet rivulets over his muscled form. She was surprised and relieved to see that he had already put on protection.
He reached out and helped Julia inside. She stood under the warm spray and smiled up at him. He titled her chin and kissed her firmly. His tongue snaked into her mouth, stroked her own in long, languorous strokes. Quick as a flash he placed his hands under her bottom and lifted her onto his hips.
Julia cried out in shock but then melted against him as he leaned her up against the shower glass. Hot water ran over them both making their skin slick. A flush of heat spread through Julia, the same heat of red hot desire as the night before.
She opened herself to Travis, took every inch of him inside her body. Her arms were around his neck. She buried her hands into the muscles of his back and bit his shoulder playfully. He grunted, his mouth moving to claim hers again.
It was erotic, his kiss, the hot water spurting over her body, the feel of him, hard and hot and pulsing inside of her. It was a completely different experience from the one the night before.
Julia dug her legs into Travis’s side, moving herself up and taking him deeper. He stroked her with hot, languid strokes that built a fire within her in a few short moments. Julia cried out, raking his back with her nails. He groaned, continuing to pump against her for a few moments longer until he too, found his release.
Julia held herself against, kissed him more gently, before he set her carefully down.
“I’ll let you finish up,” he told her. He stepped form the shower and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around his hips he disappeared from the bathroom.
Julia should have been embarrassed by what had just happened, by everything that had just happened, but she wasn’t. She was a little shy to think back on it maybe but mostly her racing thoughts just filled her body with a warm pleasure. It felt as though she had awakened after a long sleep. She marveled that she had led her life up this point, not knowing that she was missing this.
Because she was already soaked, Julia grabbed shampoo then conditioner and washed her hair. She rubbed the bar of soap that was in the shower over her arms and legs, aware of the growing tenderness that was coming into her skin. Her legs ached but the soreness was delicious.
Stepping from the shower, Julia found an extra towel and wrapped the soft black terrycloth around her form. She dried herself and her hair as best she could, then twisting the towel into place she went back to the bedroom.
Travis was there, sitting on the bed. He was already dressed. His jeans were faded with rips and tears throughout but comfortable looking. They fit him perfectly in all the right places. Julia felt desire creep up and nestle like a hot coal in the bottom of her stomach. She wondered if her craving for him would ever have been fully satisfied. It made her a little sad to think this was obviously the last time she was going to see him.
“You know… people should pack a backpack or something… for the walk of shame, I mean,” she said. “It’s kind of humiliating going home in the same clothing as the night before.”
Travis laughed and his whole face lit up with a smile. “Yes, but this is Vegas. Everyone dresses like they’re doing the walk of shame as is, so no need to worry.”
Julia picked up her black dress from the night before. She glanced at Travis, who was staring openly at her. She dropped her towel then slipped the dress over her head.
“Let me do it up for you.” Travis stood, walked over to her. His fingers grazed her skin gently as he pulled the zipper closed. They lingered there for a moment, as if he were reluctant to let her go. Julia realized that he would be a tender lover. Just as she hadn’t known about her own latent passion, so he wasn’t aware that he had a depth of hidden intimacy, maybe even love, that he could give to someone.
“Travis,” Julia whispered, turning. “I’ll miss you. I mean… I’ll remember this, for a very long time.”
“I’m honored Julia. I’m happy I could be your best one night stand.”
“You’re my only one night stand,” she laughed.
“Yes… well…I’m honored.” He was silent for a moment, then stepped aside. “I suppose I have to get going.”
“I thought you said you would drop me off at my hotel,” Julia said, half accusingly.
“And so I shall. Grab your shoes, and follow me.”
Julia did as he asked. She went out the front door of his condo after him. He had donned boots and thrown on a black leather jacket. She watched as he locked the door. She followed him down the hall and down a flight of stairs to an underground parking garage. He walked past fancy sports cars and family vans, a truck, until he came to a stop beside a gorgeous, sleek black motorcycle.
“I thought you said you didn’t drive a bike,” Julia announced wryly, raising an eyebrow.
“I said I wasn’t all stereotype… but some things can’t be helped. I love this girl.” Travis ran his hand adoringly over the bike. Julia blinked. In that moment she would have given anything to become that motorcycle.
Travis handed her his helmet. “Put that on. Your hotel’s not far. I’ll be fine until then.”
Julia did as he asked. The helmet was big but she tightened the chin strap. She swung her leg over the bike, thinking what a ridiculous thing it was to be in a mini dress and four inch heels and jump on the back of the bike, but Travis looked like he appreciated her efforts. He smiled, almost reluctantly, turned his back and started the bike with a quick kick.
They took off after they were out in the sunlight, roaring down the street. Julia could only close her eyes and hold on for dear life. She knew in reality they probably were not going very fast but it seemed like the speed of light to her.
Though she was frightened of the huge motorcycle, she felt like the ride ended all too soon. Travis pulled up to the lobby of her huge hotel. He jumped off, holding the bike while she worked her way over the seat and managed to stand.
“Not too terrifying, was it?”
Julia undid the helmet and handed it back to him. She had the distinct impression he wasn’t speaking about the bike ride at all.
“No. I found… an unexpected freedom.”
Travis’s lips turned up in a wry smile. “Yes. Oddly enough, I did too
.”
He made to leave but then hesitated and turned back around. He reached in the leather jacket and pulled out a white envelope. “Here, this is for you. Open it only if you’re at a cross roads. It will only do you good then.”
“What is it?”
“Well I wouldn’t tell you now, would I?”
Julia laughed. “You’re right. No. That wouldn’t make sense.”
“Thanks for taking a risk Julia. You’re braver than you know. Than either of us.”
She thought that was a strange thing to say so she just shrugged and nodded. She hated that her eyes were tearing up and wished he would leave before she cried.
“Goodbye Travis,” she whispered.
“I’ll see you around.” He jumped on his bike and in a moment zipped back down the way he had come.
Julia stood and watched him go. Her heart pounded and there was an ache deep in her chest. She walked inside, wondering if the past twenty four hours had even been real. She shook her head. Yes. It was all real. Surreal maybe, but it had happened.
As she slipped into her hotel room, Julia marveled at the fact that she felt like a completely different person. Like a butterfly who had finally emerged from its chrysalis. She saw herself in a new light but she also viewed the world differently. She smiled as she slipped the mysterious envelope into her purse.
Chapter 5
Barb’s wedding turned out to be a beautiful, touching event. Perhaps it was because of Julia’s experience the night before that she was more sensitive but perhaps all her previous judgements were falling away, her view of herself and her life shaken. There was so much more to life than what she had been living.
If Julia were honest with herself she was working at a job she didn’t love. She filled her empty hours with hobbies because she was too afraid to go out and make friends or take a chance on a relationship. All her previous relationships had failed, not because they were with the wrong people, but because she hadn’t been ready to open herself up and take a chance. She had been afraid of getting hurt and it had prevented her from experiencing life to the fullest. Well no more. Today was going to be the start of a new life.
Back home in Chicago, Julia made an effort to change. She had come out of her shell. She was done hiding. She moved out of her modern, expensive apartment and found a bachelor suite located in a beautiful, historic brick building that was over a hundred years old. It was much more suited to her style and budget. She quit her job at the law firm and surprised herself by landing a position as a tutor in an inner city school. She loved her work. Really loved it. It gave her life a meaning and a purpose that had been missing before.
Julia had always loved painting and she had spent countless dollars on lessons over the years. She now committed herself to doing a piece a month at least and was surprised, when she brought one in to the local gallery in her new neighborhood, that they offered to display some of her work. She was now a proud local artist. Her apartment was not stark and modern; it was comfy and homey and decorated with paintings, bright colours, and things she actually liked.
She stopped eating on the run and started taking cooking classes. She found she really enjoyed making up meals for herself.
Julia had thought, in Vegas, when she got home she would make an effort to date but she was surprised she felt satisfied without having to look for a man. She had met several friends at her cooking classes and at her new job and they kept her busy. For the first time in a long time she was happy. She even reconnected with her parents, who lived in Pittsburgh. She now called and emailed her mother regularly. She hadn’t ever seemed to have time before and was surprised at how delighted her mom was with their new relationship.
Julia had a week of holidays coming up to mark her six month term at her job and she was going to enjoy them back home. It had been almost a year since she had made the effort to go.
One evening, after cooking herself a meal and putting the finishing touches on her painting, Julia finally stretched out on her bed and grabbed a book. With a start she realized it was one she had packed to read in Vegas. She smiled at the thought. Who had time to read in Vegas?
Thinking back on her time there made her smile. There was not a single day that went by that she didn’t think of Travis. She wondered how he was. She was surprised that sometimes she still missed him.
Julia leaned over and pulled open the drawer on her night stand. She still had the envelope Travis had given her tucked away. For a crossroads he had said. Perhaps he had known she was going to go home and make changes in her life. She remembered how odd it had been, him giving it to her.
She pulled the envelope out and touched its smooth white surface with her index finger. Closing her eyes, Julia tore open the top of it. She shook it upside down and a single, folded piece of paper fell out onto her quilt.
Julia’s hands trembled as she reached over and picked it up. She unfolded it.
Here’s to risks and changes of heart.
Below was written ten digits. Travis’s phone number. Julia’s heart began to hammer out a vicious pace in her chest. Her breath caught and her eyes filled with tears. She had taken a risk that night, going home with him and it had changed her life for the better. Could it be that he too was willing to take a risk with her?
With shaking hands, Julia picked up her phone off her night stand and dialed the number.
Chapter 6
The airport was busy. People bustled about in every direction, coming and going with bags and suitcases, backpacks, and even boxes. Julia glanced around her, a little overwhelmed by it all.
She checked the TV that displayed all the arrival and departure times for flights. Yes. Right on time.
Her stomach was filled with butterflies as she found her way to the right area of the airport. She was going to take a chance, a chance that was long overdue. A chance that had started all those months ago, in a dark club filled with pounding music.
She had been a different person then. Reserved, unhappy, not as cheerful or vivacious. In a way she had been waiting to be rescued from the rut she had fallen into. A rut that was so deep she couldn’t see her way out.
Closing her eyes, Julia could remember exactly how Travis had looked in that moment. Neither of them expected that night to change their lives so completely. Yes, here’s to risks.
All of a sudden a horde of people came down the stairs. Julia searched the crowd, looking for a familiar face. She saw him then. He had a backpack on his broad shoulders and carried a duffel as well. He was as she remembered; handsome, raw male, kind eyes. He wore a t-shirt and jeans, his staple, and he was clean shaven.
Julia stepped forward. He saw her and crossed quickly to her. Setting down the duffel bag, he opened his arms and she went to him. His arms were the promise of a new beginning. He had come to Chicago to spend a week with her. To see if maybe, just maybe, his life was at a crossroads as well. He was taking a risk on her because he was ready for something meaningful. Because he hadn’t spent a single moment of the past six months that wasn’t filled with dread that she wouldn’t ever call him, that he wouldn’t see her again.
“Hello Travis,” Julia whispered, a huge smile blooming across her face.
“Julia,” he whispered. He could say nothing else, but bent his head and kissed her thoroughly.
“I have so much to show you,” Julia promised, pulling away. Her eyes shone, her face beamed. For the first time in her life, she was truly happy.
“I can’t wait Julia. I can’t wait.” His words too, were full of promise.
Blushing, Julia took Travis’s hand and led him out of the airport. They walked hand in hand together to her car, where she would take him to her apartment, and introduce him to her world. They had met each other six months ago but this was their true beginning.
The Blind Date
A Billionaire Romance
Introduction:
Newly divorced, new-to-town Dana Miller goes on a date with a guy she meets on the internet. She is
not looking for love. She is looking for a playmate who will play the male role of every fantasy she’s had for the length of her loveless marriage.
So when she meets Jeff Edgarian, a boyishly good-looking man with a wicked sense of humor she isn’t expecting anything more. As they sit down to a casual lunch in the wealthy part of town, they learn that they both have secrets that could change their game plans in ways that are not easy to absorb. She needs physical attention in the hottest possible way, and he has a place on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest people in the world.
Despite their personal truths, Dana and Jeff know for certain that they have a rare and addictive physical chemistry. And when they’re together, they are two people setting their bed ablaze with once-in-a-life time heat. They have something that his money can’t buy and her broken heart can’t deny. Will they keep telling themselves that’s all they ever want?
Chapter One
Dana placed her foot on the parking lot in her way too-high heels. Pulling into the lot, she hadn’t paid attention to the fact that the lot was not paved. But in her spiky heels, she would be hard pressed to find stable footing on the crushed gravel.
She wobbled into the restaurant, a casual place, dressed all wrong. She gave up caring about whether there was dog hair on her skirt, which was way too tight, too cocktail for a middle of the day meeting at a burger place in the rich part of town. She crossed the lot with a heavy heart.
She had some time off from work to get settled in a new place but hesitantly gave up some time to meet someone via an internet website. She started to regret her choice. She was so nervous.
Woodmont Grill was in the one percenter part of the town. Bethesda-ites were among the countries richest. She kept telling herself she didn’t belong there and everyone was going to know it. That was a feeling that didn’t bode well for a good first date, though it wasn’t exactly dating Dana had on her mind.
MC Romance: Gravel A Motorcycle Bad Boy Obsession (Untamed Rider Forbidden Temptation Book 1) Page 16
