They talked about everything and nothing as they strolled along, sharing observations about the world they inhabited, and their dreams for the future.
“Did you always have a plan in mind as to where you wanted to be?” Alana asked.
“Not when I was twenty. Back then I thought everything would just be handed to me. My father was a hard man. He began and owned a ceramic tile company. He tried to make me hard too, but I resisted and spent my nights partying, figuring that I'd have enough money to live on without having to do much. But then he died, unexpectedly, and he'd left me everything. At his funeral everyone said wonderful things about him and I realized that I'd barely known my own father at all. I went into work – I worked at his company - and realized that nobody had any respect for me. And they were right! Suddenly I knew I had to change. I wanted to become like my father.” He snickered, his eyes boring into Alana’s. “I wanted people to respect me and say kind words about me, I guess.” He laughed. “It took a lot of time and energy but eventually I managed to change their minds. I just wish that my father had been around to see it.”
Alana squeezed his hand and felt a swell of fondness and admiration for him. “Good for you!” she said. She meant it.
“What about you?” he asked. “Did you have an idea of what you wanted out of life or were you just propelled along by your parents too?”
Alana gazed out towards the river, coincidentally towards the area where she had grown up. She’d lived just past the river, a few blocks over. When she turned eighteen she’d left, never looking back. Her parents were probably still there, probably as dysfunctional and disastrous as ever; their addictions ruling their pathetic lives. They probably didn’t even wonder what had happened to their little girl.
“Alana?” Jack asked after a few moments.
“Sorry, I just got lost in how beautiful the river looks tonight. I did have a plan actually. From a young age I knew where I wanted to be and exactly how I was going to get there. It's just taken a little longer than I thought it would. But I left my old life behind a long time ago.”
“Ever thought about revisiting it?”
“Not even once.” She clamped her mouth firmly shut.
They walked along in silence, occasionally talking about something or other that crossed their minds, but it was an entirely comfortable evening and Alana felt safe and secure in his presence. The hours dwindled away into the night and by the time they reached her car she was yawning in spite of herself.
“I don't want this night to end,” she said, stopping and standing in front of him.
Jack placed his hands around her shoulders, looking deeply into her eyes. “It doesn't have to,” he said.
Alana laughed softly. “I'm sorry Jack, I have a strict rule I never sleep with anyone on the first date.”
“Maybe this will change your mind,” he said, and leaned in for a kiss, pressing his soft lips against hers, his arms falling down to her sides, moving around to the small of her back, pulling her into him, the heat rising between them.
Alana murmured with delight.
“Well?” Jack asked.
Alana stroked his cheek and kissed him again. “I said I don't sleep with anyone on the first date. I didn't say anything about the second. . .” she said, leaving him standing there with an amazed look on his face.
Chapter 4
The following morning Alana awoke to a text message from Jack. How about a drink this evening? She smiled and stretched her arms. He was eager. She loved that. It showed that she had the right effect on him. She thought back to their stroll the previous night and decided that she was going to pursue this. Jack was everything she wanted in a man. They looked right together; and fit well with each other. They would complement each others' lives. She knew she’d be sleeping with him that night. Quickly, she called Marie to tell her the good news.
“So, I think I've finally found someone!” she exclaimed with delight.
“Oh, that's great! The guy from the other night?!” Marie sounded excited.
“Yeah!”
“Dylan mentioned you had someone,” Marie said. Dylan was talking about her?
She brought her mind back to the topic at hand. “We went for dinner last night and we're going out again tonight. I think this might be the real deal. He's not divorced, he owns a Fortune 500 company, he's funny and intelligent and we just fit so well together!”
“I'm so happy for you. I told you it would happen!” Marie giggled with delight.
“How are you? Anything happening with the guy you met?” Alana was truly curious.
“Nah, I think that was just a fling of a thing. I'm good, just adjusting to having Dylan around.” Marie sniggered.
“How is that?” Alana said, feeling her chest tighten at the thought of that bearded giant, hating the way her skin flushed and her heart fluttered.
“Oh, he's fine. He’s a little weird. He has no inkling about life. But that’s Dylan. There's a lot of work to do here on the house. I've finally gotten around to getting new shelves and things so that's his project for the next few weeks. You need to come round for drinks or something. Come tell me all about life in the fast lane.”
“I'll be sure to,” Alana said, although she felt a kind of dread at the prospect of seeing Dylan again. She didn't like the effect he had on her; didn't understand it at all.
That night, she caught a cab to Jack's place, a penthouse apartment high up in one of the most prestigious buildings in the city. The view was incredible and, thankfully, it didn't point to the area she’d once lived in. She didn't have to think about where she came from, only where she was going. Jack poured her a Manhattan from his minibar. Alana stood a little awkwardly, willing herself to look casual, folding her hands in front of her, then behind her back. Shoulders back, boobs out, look casually comfortable. She looked around. His place was neat and tidy, with only the bare essentials. Very modern. Expensive. The carpet was thick and cream colored, the couch leather, the kitchen black marble. Not like Dylan, who didn't even have a place of his own to live. And if he had it wouldn’t be like this. . .but why was she thinking of Dylan?
“Is everything alright?” Jack asked, handing her a drink.
“Just fine,” she said, lifting her chin to give him a kiss, letting it linger, then moving towards the couch upon which she descended and breathed slowly, her chest rising and falling. She noticed his eyes dropping down her body. She liked the way he looked at her, with hunger and desire. He joined her on the couch and slid his body next to hers. She felt the heat emanating from him, his searching eyes, then his lips upon her, burning with passion. His shirt was open at the collar and she placed a hand upon his neck, feeling the heat of his skin as her hand descended, deftly unclasping the buttons while their tongues danced together. His hand slid through her hair, down her body, along her curves, pulling her closer until she straddled him, her long dark hair falling over his face. She ripped the shirt away and kissed down his body, enjoying the rumbling moans of pleasure that poured forth from him. Already she could feel his arousal swelling at his groin, stretching his pants. Long and hard, she ran her hand over it and rested her head against his thigh while she played with his belt, slowly unclasping it, feeling the tension rise within his body.
Jack's fingers ran through her hair and pushed her head closer and closer, guiding her to his sex. She yanked down his pants and boxers and began to kiss his erection, feeling the hard flesh in her mouth, soaking it with her saliva. When she looked up Jack's head was arched backward, his mouth stretched into a wide grin. Her hair fell across his thighs and she buried herself in his masculinity before rising up, taking him by the hand, and leading him into what she felt must be the the bedroom. Whew! It was. The room was dark and sparsely decorated. A king-sized bed stood in its center. She pushed him down to sit on the bed and kissed him, her hair falling over his face again. Then she pushed away the straps of her dress and let it fall away. Sitting on his lap she curled her arms around him, kis
sing him, letting him unclasp her bra, and although he fumbled with it for a few moments it did not spoil the mood. He kissed down her throat, playing with her breasts, catching her hard nipples in his mouth, sucking them, sending tingling pleasure throughout her body. A long, languid moan escaped her lips as his hands traveled down her body, touching every curve, caressing her thigh. He tugged at her little panties and soon they were dragged down to her ankles.
“You feel amazing,” he grunted as he moved his fingers to her wetness, slipping them in. Alana felt the pleasure intensify. She clutched onto him, her hands grasping his hair tightly as his finger curled back and forth, beckoning the orgasm. Blood flowed through her body and sweat prickled on her skin as she shuddered. She gasped into his ear and took it in between her teeth, biting down.
“I taste good too,” she breathed as she twisted away from him and lay on the bed with her legs spread open. He fell upon her, his arms on either side, kissing her neck, her throat, down between the valley of her breasts. All the while his fingers danced inside her. Alana’s body writhed to his rhythm. His lips reached her stomach and then her thighs. Just thinking about his face on her femininity put her on the cusp of another orgasm. But then he moved back up.
“I'm sorry, I don't do that,” he said, kissing her before she had a chance to respond. Then he took his cock and plunged it inside her, starting to pound away like a jackhammer, holding her body down so that she couldn't move. His face twisted in agony and she closed her eyes, letting the sensations wash over her, feeling the pleasure rise and fall again and then the jerking, violent motion of his body against hers as a loud groan escaped his mouth and he released himself, exploding, and collapsing upon her as the fire of his passion turned into dying embers.
“That was amazing,” he breathed, and Alana kissed him softly as he moved up the bed and lay beside her. “I can't wait for more of that,” he said, kissing her on the head.
Alana smiled up at him. “Me either,” she purred.
OVER THE COURSE OF the following weeks Jack and Alana spent time together; going for dinner, long walks, drinks at his penthouse, and pleasuring one another in bed. The fact that she didn’t always climax bothered her a little, but he’d learn, she told herself. And sex was still enjoyable. After all, she’d spent many a night satisfying herself before this. It was clear that there was something special happening between them. Jack was wonderful. He was funny and kind and lived the kind of lifestyle she wanted.
One evening as they lay in bed, Jack announced that he had to leave the following Monday on business.”
“I have holidays coming. I could come with you and keep you company,” Alana suggested.
Jack shook his head. “There’ll be a lot of boring meetings, and it might last a couple of weeks.” He looked lovingly at her, and kissed her forehead. “This time with you has meant so much to me. I can't remember when I’ve been this happy. You're very special to me, Alana.”
She smiled up at him. “And you to me.”
“I'm sorry that I have to go on this trip but I’ll make up for it when I get back. I'm have something very special planned for us, something that we'll remember for the rest of our lives.”
Alana closed her eyes, breathing deeply. They hadn't spoken of marriage yet, at least not directly, but the fact that he mentioned the rest of their lives sounded promising. He was thinking of being together for a long time . . . Finally, she’d have the success that she wanted.
Chapter 5
“Come on over and tell me all about it!” Marie was her usual exuberant self. And with Jack away Alana was at loose ends. She’d hardly seen Marie since Jack had overtaken her life, and went to visit with happy anticipation. Her reservations about seeing Dylan had disappeared. Whatever she’d felt for him had been just a momentary physical attraction at a time when she’d been without for a while. It was nothing meaningful. She was falling in love with Jack, and he would provide her with everything she wanted.
Saturday afternoon they sat at the kitchen table drinking the lattes Alana had picked up. It was good to be back. Cheerful as ever, Marie was delighted for Alana. They laughed and gossiped and philosophized; having as thoroughly enjoyable a visit as they’d always had. In the background Alana could hear a hammer and drills. Dylan was clearly at work on another project.
“So, you think this guy is going to turn out to be something really good then?” Marie asked.
“Yeah, he's gone away on a business trip to Europe but when he comes back he said he's got something special planned. We haven't talked about it yet but he did mention something about the rest of our lives . . . maybe a ring? Do you think?”
“That's so exciting!” Marie hugged her. “I’m so happy for you!”
“You ladies are looking joyful. What’s up?” Dylan sauntered into the kitchen, wiping the sweat on his forehead. He was shirtless. His rippling abs and muscles stood out tightly on his body. Tattoos snaked around his flesh; a dragon circling his waist and foreign symbols upon his shoulder, wrapping his back. A slight band of of black hair extended down his torso and stomach, thinning into a line that descended to his pants, leading to dark and tantalizing places. Alana hated that she stared but she couldn't take her eyes off him. God, he’s sexy.
She turned her eyes away as he drew closer, ashamed of her overwhelming desire.
At the sink Dylan poured himself a glass of water, drinking it hungrily, letting the liquid fall over his chin, trickling down his skin.
“Alana was just telling me all about this guy she's seeing. Looks like it's going to be something serious. He's a billionaire, a man who has made something of himself. You could learn a lot from someone like that.” Marie adopted her big-sister stance.
“I'm sure I could.” He turned, smiled and winked. “You know there's more to life than just having a big bank balance, right? I'd rather look back at the end of the day and think about how meaningful my life has been.”
“I'll never understand you,” Marie said, shaking her head.
“Love you too Sis,” he replied, grinning.
“I'd better go and check on your work, make sure you haven't broken anything again.” Marie scuttled out into the hallway, without a backward glance.
“That was an accident,” he called out to her. “It’s all good now.”
Alana felt a jolt of panic rising within her. Don’t leave us alone! She sat, looking down at the table, sipping her coffee, pretending he wasn’t there. But she could feel his presence behind her. He moved closer and prickles coursed throughout her body. She looked up at him. Her breath caught in her throat. He smelled of the earth, and his skin glistened with sweat. His muscles bulged. He looked like he’d been sculpted from dark marble.
“So, that guy you mentioned is working out well then,” he said, standing over her. She turned to face him and her eyes were right in front of his chest. Breathing in his musky scent, she tilted her head to glance up at his face. My god, he’s tall!
“Yes,” she said in a small voice. He reached around her to grab a banana from the fruit bowl sitting on the table, brushing her shoulder with his bicep. She took a deep breath. Peeling it slowly, his his fingers tore the skin and pulled it down.
“Would you like some?” he said, offering her the banana. She found herself nodding, not sure why, only that she wanted to do what he asked. He pushed the fruit into her mouth and her lips curled around it, then the softness broke away and he pulled it out, taking a bite of his own, grinning. “That's good, it's good when you find someone you can be happy with,” he said. Then he leaned in, so close to her ear, his breath hot and heavy. “But before you make any firm decisions you should know that I've always...” and then he snapped his head back as Marie returned. “Okay you've done a pretty good job there I have to admit,” she said.
Alana felt herself flushing. She felt a little light-headed. “Well, I should get going,” she said, struggling to maintain normalcy. “I’ll call you later. See you, Dylan.”
Closing the
door behind her, she breathed in and out a few moments, her chest heaving. What’s wrong with me? He hadn't even touched her.
She drove home in a daze, hating the way she felt. Hating the desire coursing through her. She loved Jack. Oh, if only Jack were here. She needed to go to him now. She needed to reaffirm that love.
Hours later, there was a knock at the door.
Chapter 6
Hands trembling, she opened the door. Her worst fear was answered. She stood there, numb. Dylan didn't even wait for her to give him permission to enter.
“What are you doing?” she squeaked, feeling a fluttering in her stomach.
“I didn’t get to finish what I was saying earlier.”
“I don't care what you were saying. You can't just walk in here!” she cried. But Dylan didn't seem to care. He turned and walked towards her, making her back into a wall. She shuddered. What’s he going to do to me? Dylan stood before her, a titan. He dwarfed everything else.
“But there's something I need to tell you Alana,” he said, and when he spoke her name his voice was thick with emotion. She gulped. “I’ve had a crush on you since I was a kid. Alana, I just have to try.” He looked at her entreatingly. She stared up at him, too stunned to speak. “I know that you're not like Marie. I love her to bits, but she's shallow.” He shrugged his shoulders, his face twisted “To her money and comfort are the most important things in life. But you’re different! I still remember when you stood up to the popular, rich kids at school because they were bullying a nerdy kid. You didn’t care what they thought of you. You cared about what’s right. “
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