“Yes, Roger has mentioned you too. It’s nice to meet you,” Rose said.
“Thanks. I was going to make myself some green tea. Would you like to come in and have a cup?” Kate asked. Talking with Rose for a little while until Charlie got home from work sounded soothing.
“Tea sounds perfect.” Rose turned toward Roger’s apartment and yelled to him, “Roger, I’m going to Kate’s apartment to have tea. I’ll be back in a little while.” The two women entered Kate’s apartment and shut the door.
***
Roger
Roger paced the floor while Rose was gone. It wasn’t part of his plan for her to get cozy with Kate. When he and Rose broke up, he wanted Kate on his side, so Kate would console him, make him feel better. It would be the perfect way to get her into his bed. That wouldn’t happen if she thought he was a jerk for breaking up with Rose. Their meeting complicated everything. But it was inevitable they were going to meet at some point. Rose practically lived with him. How was he going to get Kate’s sympathies? Women always stuck together. Things would have to end in a way so that Kate wasn’t able to talk to Rose again. Then he could tell Kate Rose dumped him, perhaps leaving him for someone else. Rose would have to be somehow silenced or completely unavailable to Kate. He was going to have to run interference between them so they weren’t alone together again.
When Rose returned to Roger’s apartment, he pelted her with questions.
“So what did you two talk about?”
Rose wrapped her arms around Roger’s waist. “I told Kate all about how we met. The whole romantic story of being set up on a blind date by your best friend, Rick.”
“Yeah, that’s a great story,” he said. “So did Kate have any stories to share?”
“It’s really exciting. Kate hasn’t had a boyfriend for a long time. Years, I think. But she’s recently met two new guys who both seem interested in her.”
“Really? That’s exciting. She’s an attractive girl, so I am sure she doesn’t have any trouble getting men to notice her.”
“Well, I think she’s a nice young woman. If neither of her two new beaus work out, I think we should find someone for her.”
“I like that idea. Do you have anyone in mind you think would be well suited for her?”
“Not yet, but I’m going to work on it.” Rose looked at Roger with a gleam in her eyes. She loved being a matchmaker.
“I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “I need to get cleaned up and then we can get some dinner before we go to the club.” He gave Rose a kiss on the lips and let go of her.
Roger needed a shower to reflect. As the hot water glided over his muscular body, his mind worked overtime. How had Kate gone from no boyfriend to two possibilities in such a short time? Well, he knew how. She was incredibly gorgeous and every guy she encountered probably wanted to get in her pants. The only reason she didn’t have a boyfriend up until now was she didn’t want one. He was going to have to act fast if he didn’t want any competition. But getting rid of someone took careful preparation. He had to devise a “to do” list and get prepared. He needed to keep his face in front of her, so he’d be on her mind.
Suddenly, the shower door opened, startling him a little. Rose stood there before him, wearing only a smile. She stepped into the shower and began kissing his chiseled chest. She slipped her hand around his shaft and began stroking. Roger closed his eyes as sensations flooded his body. He had visions of Kate. He wanted her hands around him, her mouth devouring his, her juicy breasts pressed against him. Images of Kate quickly aroused him. He lifted Rose up and she wrapped her legs around him. Pushing her against the shower wall, he began slipping his hard cock in and out of her. He kept invading her mouth with his because he didn’t want to look at her. In his mind, he was fucking Kate. He increased his speed and force. She let out a moan and came all around him. He could feel her pulsing and squeezing him. Within seconds, he was unloading into her and making a guttural sound. He opened his eyes to find Rose wrapped around him. Disappointment struck his heart. Soon, Kate would be riding him. He felt it deep in his bones.
“That was great,” she whispered in his ear.
“It’s always great with you, Rose,” he said, forcing a grin. He now knew what he had to do. He gently placed Rose’s feet on the shower floor.
CHAPTER NINE
Kate
It was six when Charlie walked through the door, her shoulders slumped forward and eyelids heavy. She took her heels off as soon as she closed the door. The aroma of Kate’s famous chicken stir-fry and brown rice, one of the few things she knew how to cook, wafted through the air, drawing Charlie toward the kitchen. After placing her purse and keys on the table behind the sofa, she joined her roommate. Kate smiled, excitement causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach. She needed to talk about Mark and Neil.
“Hey, how was your day?” Kate asked, knowing it couldn’t be anywhere near as exciting as hers had been.
Charlie opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of Moscato. She groaned. “It was long and tedious.” She took out two wine glasses and held them up to Kate.
Kate nodded.
“Our meeting this morning was three hours,” Charlie continued. “I thought at one point I was going to nod off, it was so boring. But, being in HR, I need to stay upbeat and keep the troops rallied.”
Charlie poured the wine and handed a glass to Kate. “It looks like we’re going to be doing some layoffs,” she added after taking a long drink. “Mm.” Her eyes closed in bliss. “This is just what I needed.”
“That’s too bad. Is your job in jeopardy?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but you never know. I hate to see hard-working people lose their jobs, but the company isn’t making as much money as it used to.”
“Seems to be most companies nowadays,” Kate murmured, adding some salt to the stir-fry.
Charlie nodded. “Enough about the doom and gloom of my day. How was your lunch date with Neil?”
“It was so amazing,” Kate gushed. “We had a wonderful time together at lunch. He held my hand and was very attentive. We talked for a long time and went for a walk along the bay and he even came to Sinfulicous with me to buy bath products. I really like him, Charlie. He’s undoubtedly the sexiest guy I’ve ever gone out with, and I can’t wait to see him tomorrow night.” She grinned. “But he wasn’t the only interesting part of my day.”
“What do you mean?” Charlie tilted her head.
“Well, Mark, that super-hot guy at school, bought me coffee and walked me to my car after class. He came right out and said he wants to get to know me. I gave him my phone number. He even tried to kiss me, but I gave him my cheek like with Neil last night.”
“Wow, you’ve gone from no guys to two guys in, like, a nanosecond! You’re smoking hot,” Charlie said. She touched Kate with one finger and made a sizzling sound. Both women giggled like schoolgirls.
“Well, right now Neil’s in the lead. He’s smart, successful, confident—a real man. Mark still has a fan club following him around. Part of me feels like he’s a player, and I’m the next piece in his game, but it was exciting to realize he’s attracted to me.”
“Take your time,” Charlie said, a loving smile on her face. “It’s not like you have to be exclusive with either of them. You know in your heart what’s right for you. But I think Neil sounds like just what the doctor ordered. I’m so happy you’re interested in men again. I was really worried about you, but I didn’t want to push you too hard. I know everyone heals in their own time. It looks like you’re ready to get your life back.”
Kate’s eyes filled with tears. But they weren’t tears from pain and sorrow, for a refreshing change. They were tears of happiness. “Charlie, I am so happy. It’s been so long since I felt hopeful…and with a sense of direction. Thank you so much for all of your support over the last couple of years. I don’t know what I’d have done without you,” she choked out, hugging her best friend. She held Charlie tight. Charlie ha
d been her lifeline when everything seemed to go dark and jagged. She was a ray of light Kate had held onto. Charlie kept her sane when everything else seemed to be crazy.
Charlie hugged Kate back. “I’ll always be here for you. You’re my best friend. I want you to be happy.”
“After we eat, we’re going to have to pick out an enticing outfit for your date with Neil tomorrow night,” Charlie said, raising her eyebrows up and down suggestively.
“Oh, Charlie, I’m going on a third date with Neil. I didn’t say I was ready to have sex with him. You know I’ve only been with one person,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. She’d been madly in love with him and thought they’d be together forever.
“I know,” Charlie said, resting her hand on Kate’s arm. “But you’re going to have sex eventually. You’ve made it pretty clear you’re attracted to both Neil and Mark. I’m not saying you should sleep with Neil on your third date, but chances are if you go out with him for any length of time, you’re going to.”
Charlie had a good point. When Neil fed her the cheesecake last night, it wasn’t only the cheesecake that was creamy. The memory of it made her insides a gooey mess. There was something so tantalizing about him that stirred her libido.
“You’re right, Charlie. When he looks at me with such intensity and longing, I want to rip his clothes off. He may prove to be irresistible.”
“I know what you mean. Mitch has the same effect on me.”
“You and Mitch are such a great fit. I love watching you two together.”
They each dished up their food and sat down at the table. Charlie refilled their wine glasses and raised her glass to make a toast. “Here’s to great friends, great food, and great sex. May you have some of the latter very soon.”
They clinked their glasses together and each took a sip.
“Since I’ve been out of the dating world for a while, what’s the acceptable time to wait? Do guys really expect sex within the first couple of dates?” Kate asked, her nose wrinkling.
“Well, it’s going to depend on you. You shouldn’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. There’s no rush. Sometimes it’s good to make the guy wait.”
“Sounds like good advice, but I’m so incredibly attracted to Neil I’m afraid if I start kissing him, I won’t be able to stop. I had a dream about him last night.”
“A sex dream?”
“Yes, it was sexy and it had quite an effect on me.”
Charlie laughed. “I’m thinking you might want to dive in head first and have some earth-shattering sex with that man. I know you waited a long time to do it with David, but you were kids. Now you’re a woman.”
“Well, we’ll see what happens tomorrow night.”
CHAPTER TEN
Friday morning came quickly. Kate knew she’d see Mark at school. Why did thinking about him give her such a tingling sensation? It was crazy to have such an attraction for two men. She got into the shower and carefully shaved her legs. She and Charlie had chosen her black pencil skirt with a halter top for her to wear on her date with Neil. The skirt was on the shorter side and the top was bright pink, showing the right amount of cleavage. It was Charlie’s top. It fit very snuggly, highlighting her curves. Charlie guaranteed it’d have Neil eating out of the palm of her hand, and when she’d tried on the outfit the night before, she felt very sexy in it. She added a short black sweater to the ensemble in case she got cold. Her black strappy heels completed the look. But for now, she needed to dress in her work clothes and get to school.
Kate walked into class expecting to see Mark, but he wasn’t there yet. The classroom was abuzz with students talking about their plans for the weekend. One of the graduate students was throwing what was promised to be a legendary party.
Mark ended up being a no-show. He didn’t attend their second class together either. She wondered if something was wrong, but had no way to contact him. She might have to wait until Monday to find out if he didn’t call her before then.
***
Mark
Mark woke up feeling groggy. He turned over and saw the form of a woman next to him in bed. His first thought was of Kate, but he knew it wasn’t her lying next to him. Last night came crashing back. He’d met up with Missy, or Michelle, or Melanie—who the hell could remember? He saw her at the gym and they got talking. They had Rhetorical Theory together. She kept touching his arm and she laughed at everything he said, even if it wasn’t funny, giving him the impression she wanted him. So he went home with her, had a few drinks, and took her to bed. She wasn’t a bad lay. He did enjoy himself, but she wasn’t the one he wanted. She was easy. Now it occurred to him Kate might find out, and he didn’t want to risk proving to her that he was a ladies’ man. He was going to have to keep the two of them apart even though he and Kate weren’t in a committed relationship. Why did he always make his life so complicated?
He saw the time on the clock and realized he’d missed both of his classes this morning, and was pissed with himself. He was going to have to come up with a good excuse before he talked to Kate. Maybe something that would get her sympathy—like the stomach flu.
What’s-her-name began stirring. She turned over and greeted Mark with a big smile. He’d already missed his classes, and it seemed by the way her body was curling toward him she was eager for round two, so, being male…
***
Kate
Walking out of class, Kate overheard a conversation between two of her classmates.
“Oh my god, Trish, you’re never going to guess who Melanie hooked up with last night!” Jennifer said.
“Is it that gorgeous guy, Mark, who everyone drools over?” Trish asked.
“Yeah, can you believe it? I saw them leaving the gym together and Melanie texted me on her way home that he was following her. She was planning on doing it with him.”
“Lucky her,” Trish grumbled.
Kate had her answer. He was a player. She was disappointed, but glad to know the truth. She hurried away from the two girls so they wouldn’t notice she was eavesdropping. Their conversation had just solved her dilemma.
***
When Kate walked into the children’s department at work, the other women were waiting to quiz her about her coffee date with Neil. Natalie had informed them about it yesterday. Their questions came at her like rapid fire.
“So how was coffee?”
“Do you like him?”
“Did he kiss you?”
“Did anything else happen?”
“Have you talked to him since?”
“Did he ask you out on a date?”
It was like twenty questions. They were all talking over each other. It was good things were slow and no customers were around. It usually didn’t pick up until the afternoon.
“Hmm…coffee was wonderful. I was practically swooning as he fed me cheesecake from his fork. As much as I wanted to kiss him, I offered him my cheek, but when he whispered in my ear…well…let’s say, my knees weakened,” she said, shaking her head. “We had lunch yesterday, and when I finish work tonight, we’re going to dinner. I can’t wait.” Kate smiled and laughed at their inquisitiveness. She was so fortunate to have people in her life who cared so much about her.
“Where’s he taking you?”
“Is that what you’re wearing?”
“Please tell me you brought clothes to change into. We should do some shopping at lunch.”
Kate had to chuckle again. How she loved her co-workers. They were so great.
“We’re going to PF Chang’s. No, I’m not wearing this outfit. I brought something to change into. But shopping at lunch still sounds good anyway. I might need a few more outfits,” she said, bubbling with enthusiasm.
The rest of the day went by quickly. Fridays were usually busy and, before she knew it, it was time to leave. She punched out, collected her clothes, and headed to the employee bathroom to change and add some makeup. Looking at herself in the mirror, the thought of possibly having sex with Neil sen
t a jolt of warmth throughout her body. It was seven when she stood back and took a good look at herself. Showing a little more cleavage than she was used to gave her a sense of sexiness; something she hadn’t felt in years. She was glad to have her sweater to “cover up” if needed.
As she walked in the door to PF Chang’s, she saw Neil waiting for her. His eyes lit up like the Fourth of July as she approached. She could tell by the expression on his striking face he appreciated her outfit. When he got up quickly and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, she breathed in his intoxicating scent—Obsession, her favorite cologne. She loved the scent and wanted to drink more of him in.
He took her hand, a devilish grin on his face. “I’m so glad to see you. You look stunning. You’re going to turn every head in this place.” Holding his hand made her heart pound. She could feel the warmth spreading throughout her body and was having a hard time fathoming the powerful effect he had on her. But she decided to open herself up to whatever the evening presented. She was going to try not to shy away from this experience with an extraordinary man.
“Thank you. You’re looking rather handsome yourself.” Neil was wearing jeans, showing off his firm backside, and a fitted black button-down shirt. His muscular frame filled out his shirt very well, and she couldn’t deny she was looking forward to having his muscular body pressed against her at some point in the evening.
Neil had called ahead so his name was next on the list. As they followed the hostess to their table, Kate took in the beautiful ambiance of the restaurant. The tiles on the floor shimmered with a golden hue. Elegant lanterns hung from the ceiling, giving off a luminous glow. The artwork reflected the restaurant’s Asian theme. A dull roar filled the restaurant, with every table occupied with patrons enjoying their meals.
Fallen For You (Killer Next Door #1) Page 8
